bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Conductivity of ZnO Materails Induced by X Ray
Authors: Yang Xiaoning , Liu Yuming , Wang Zhihao , Li Yu , Wang Jinghu , Zhang Yongtai
Published: January 2020

Due to high energy electron radiation in space, Spacecraft internal charging will occur, which will cause deep dielectric electrostatic discharge and cause the most serious anomalies, that is, those that have resulted in the loss of mission. Because spacecraft internal charging is accompanied with X-ray bremsstrahlung, it is possible to mitigate inner dielectric electrostatic discharge by using nonlinear conductivity material induced by X-ray radiation. It shows that the conductivity of ZnO materials increases with the increase of X-ray radiation dose rate. At low X-ray radiation dose rate, the conductivity of ZnO increases linearly with the increase of X-ray dose rate. At high X-ray radiation dose rate, the conductivity of ZnO is saturated gradually. The conductivity of ZnO with high original resistivity varies more widely with the dose rate of X-ray, which is more suitable for spacecraft internal charging protection.
Bearing mechanism and bearing capacity analysis of bidirectional crimping uplift pile
Authors: Wang Haichao , Zhang Qiuyue , Fang Zhou , Zhang Zhuang
Published: January 2020

Through the analysis of the design, mechanism of action and mechanics principle of bidirectional crimping uplift pile, the scientificalness and feasibility of method are further expounded. The basic concept, basic principle and method of the secondary structure function design are given, Emphasis is placed on the research and application of structural functions in the later stages of deformation to optimize structural design and the potential for structural play. The research shows that the compressive and pull-up bearing capacity of the bidirectional crimping uplift pile is not lower than that of the muti-plate-pile. Compared with the same volume of concrete square pile, the uplift capacity is increased by 170%; the construction process is more reasonable and extensive. Applicability, in the context of industrial building products, has significant economic benefits.
Creep rupture strength of F12 steel welded joint after long-term service
Authors: Zhang Zhongwen , Li Xinmei , Zhang Duqing , Du Baoshuai
Published: January 2020

Creep rupture strength of F12 steel welded joint which was used as the main steam pipe and serviced 165000 hours was investigated by using high temperature creep rupture testing. Microstructure analysis results show that the microstructure of F12 steel welded joint became embrittlement significantly after long-term service. The precipitates mainly consist of M23C6 carbide and Laves phase, and the amount of M23C6 phase is more, which precipitated along the grain boundaries in bulk or chainlike with larger size. At the same time, there are larger inclusions with directional distribution, in which these inclusions have poor bonding with substrate and easily become crack source during the process of high temperature creep. The high temperature enduring strength of welded joint of F12 steel decreased significantly, it is necessary to enhance the examination of the microstructure and life assessment of pipeline in the next overhaul period.
Analysis of Vehicle Dynamic Performance under MCAT Excitation
Authors: Huo Wenbiao , Yang Sheng , Wu Pingbo
Published: January 2020

In order to validate the running safety on track of railway vehicle, a numerical analysis is performed with a multi-body vehicle dynamics model built. Follow the vehicle-track interaction (VTI) evaluation declared in north America standard declared by Federal Railway Association (FRA), a Minimally Compliant Analytical Track (MCAT) worthiness analysis is employed. In this investigation, the analytical track geometry irregularities which consist of surface, vertical and short warp are defined. Then the running performances concerning the derailment safety of the vehicle is discussed by evaluating the wheel unloading and derailment coefficients. Vibration acceleration of the carbody is also monitored to evaluate the ride comfort. By changing the track irregularities MCAT, the impact of track wavelength, gauge and cant deficiency on the dynamic performance of the vehicle can be assed.
Performance Study on Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Modified with Metakaolin
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Zheng Xuntian , Ma Quanzhi
Published: January 2020

This paper takes butyl acrylate(BA) and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate(2-EHA) as the soft monomers, vinyl acetate(VAC) as the hard monomer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and acrylamide(AM) and acrylic acid(AA) as the raw materials of modified monomer to synthesize pressure-sensitive adhesive to carry out Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)characterization. In order to satisfy some special requirements and improve its adhesive property, this paper uses metakaolin and metakaolin modified with silane couling agent KH570 to carry out mechanical blending with pressure-sensitive adhesive respectively and prepare composite acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. This paper tests the viscosity of composite pressure-sensitive adhesive with metakaolin and modified metakaolin. It is found that with the increase of doping content, the viscosity will be increased accordingly and the viscosity of composite pressure-sensitive adhesive with modified metakaolin has a larger growth. The adhesive property indicates that composite pressure-sensitive adhesive with KH570 modified metakaolin has an obviously better adhesive property than that with unmodified metakaolin, and when 0.8wt% of modified metakaolin is added, inorganic/organic composite acrylic pressuresensitive adhesive has the best comprehensive adhesive property.
Study on the Outburst Scheme of a Shallow Buried Bias Tunnel in Yunnan
Authors: Wang Jiaxian , Li Ke , Guo Hongyan , Cui Xiangyang
Published: January 2020

Improper construction of the tunnel entrance is likely to cause collapse and affect construction safety and damage the ecological environment. Aiming at the poor stability of surrounding rock at the exit position of Xiaoguanzhuang tunnel, on the basis of investigating the geology and driving scheme near the tunnel, the asymmetric distribution of axial force of cross-section structure under shallow eccentric pressure is obtained through numerical simulation, and the maximum axial force is applied at the left arch waist and right arch foot. According to the analysis results, the surrounding rock should be reinforced in time, and the import section should be dealt with in the design stage to ensure construction safety and efficiency, and provide reference for future construction.
Study on Key Construction Procedures of CRD Method for Re Shuitang No.3 Tunnel
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Yang Ruihuai , Guo Hongyan , Li Ke
Published: January 2020

Controlling the critical construction steps of the CRD method plays an important role in ensuring construction and ensuring construction safety. When using the CRD method for the construction of the Re Shuitang No. 3 tunnel, through the numerical simulation of the initial support structure and the temporary support structure during the tunnel construction process, it is concluded that the left upper step, the upper right step and the temporary support structure are obviously stressed. Construction steps. According to the analysis results, the surrounding rock of the vault should be strengthened in advance, and the second lining structure should be applied after the surrounding rock is stabilized.
Influence of annealing temperature on photoelectronic properties and wettability of TiO2nanotube arrays
Authors: Yang Lei , Bao Yu , Li Chaoqian , Zhang Yajuan , Zhao luyao , Wang Zixiu , Sun Yiwen , Lin Minghuang
Published: January 2020

TiO2nanotube arrays (TNs) were prepared by anodization of titanium foil and then annealed at different temperatures (300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 800°C). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Effect of annealing temperature on crystalline structures, morphology, photoelectronic properties, and wettability has been investigated. The results indicate that low temperature (below 500°C) has no obvious influence on surface morphology, while amorphous phase changes into anatase phase and rutile phase. The ultraviolet absorbance decreases while the visible light absorbance slightly increases with the increase of annealing temperature. At 500°C, the TNs show the highest photocurrent and maximum light-induced contact angle change, which are ascribed to their good crystallization, mixed crystal structure, and nanotubular structure.
New Method for Eliminating Background Noise in Characteristic Spectral Imaging
Authors: Xie Xiaoli , Wang Zheng , Wu Wuming , Zhao Chujun , Chang Shengli
Published: January 2020

We proposed a method to eliminate the background noise, which is based on subtraction of two different central wavelength filters according to the characteristic spectral imaging. In the experiment, the sodium yellow light with 589 nm wavelength is selected as the characteristic wavelength of spectral imaging experiment, and the visible light industrial camera was used to collect diffuse reflective wall images. Firstly, two narrow-band filters with a center wavelength of 589 nm and 579 nm are placed in front of the camera separately, and two images of the signal light containing the narrowband characteristic wavelength are acquired. Then, the surf algorithm is used to find the feature points of the two images, and the two images are matched, geometrically transformed and cropped to obtain images of the same size and the same angle. After the histogram matching, the background gray values in the two images are close, and the two images are subtracted, which can obtain an image with removed background noise. The experimental results show that this method can provide a simple, high-speed method to effectively eliminate the background noise of the characteristic spectrum.
Simultaneous Analysis on Phenolic Substance in Cloudy Apple Juice by HPLC
Authors: Zhu Danshi , Fu Hao , Shen Yusi , Cao Xuehui , Liu He
Published: January 2020

Phenolic substances are important bioactive substances in apple juice. The phenolic substance extraction methods in ‘Ralls’ cloudy apple juice and the simultaneously detected conditions using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were investigated. The results showed that the extraction method for mixed phenolic substance by ethyl acetate was better than that extraction for neutral phenols and acidic phenols respectively. Most phenolic substances in apple cloudy juice could be detected at 280 nm, and which was the primary detection wavelength for simultaneous analysis on phenolic substance by HPLC. Chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and gallic acid were the main phenolic substance in ‘Ralls’ apple juice. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of chlorogenic acid was the highest, and it was the characteristic phenolic substance in ‘Ralls’ apple juice.
Detection Performance of Single Pulse Photon Accumulation with Typical Emission Waveform
Authors: Hou A-Hui , Hu Yi-Hua , Zhao Nan-Xiang
Published: January 2020

Based on the theory of photon statistics, the cumulative detection probability model of mono-pulse echo is established. The influences of rectangular, Gaussian and triangular pulses on the photon detection performance are simulated, and it is analyzed the detection performances of three waveforms with different pulse widths. The results showed that the detection performance of rectangular pulse was slightly better than that of triangular pulse, and the detection performance of the Gaussian pulse was the worst. The variation of the pulse width of the three waveforms within a certain range had no effect on the detection performance.
Numerical Simulation of Flows Field Characteristics of High Altitude Liquid Rocket Exhaust Plume
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Zunyang , Li Jie , Su Rongyuan
Published: January 2020

The simulation of flow field structures of high altitude liquid rocket exhaust plume is of great significance for infrared radiation caclution. Considering the flow field’s symmetry construction, half of the 2-D zone was chosen as the calculation zone. In order to reduce the amount of calculation, we had made an equivalent reduction of the calculation zone. By using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, a solver was constructed to simulate the flow field structure of the 120km altitude liquid rocket exhaust plume. The simulation results show that the flow field of the high altitude liquid rocket exhaust plume has the following three characteristics: a. the whole flow field indeed contains continuous flow and rarefied flow; b. rarefied gas effect plays a significant role to form a recirculation zones that surpass the nozzle; c. Non-equilibrium effect is remarkable in shock wave region and the boundary layers.
Hot-wire Anemometer Based on Frosted Fiber Bragg Grating Coated with Silver Film
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Xuke , Dong Xinyong
Published: January 2020

Hot-wire anemometer is proposed based on a frosted fiber Bragg grating (FBG) coated with silver film assisted by a coupler of lumbar-enlarged optical fiber taper. The silver film adhered to the surface of frosted FBG absorbs pumping light, which is coupled into the fiber cladding by the lumbar-enlarged taper to generate heat. A strong diffuse reflection occurs on the surface of frosted FBG, which increases absorption of light by silver film. Center wavelength of frosted FBG changes with velocity of airflow according to a relationship. Experimental results reveal that sensitivity is 5.3 pm/mW and the measurement range from 0 to 20.36 m/s.
The NOx of Grate-Fired Furnaces Reduction strategy
Authors: Yang Baibing , zhang Songsong
Published: January 2020

According to the operating characteristics of Coal Grate-Fired Furnaces, the causes of nitrogen oxides formation in Coal Grate-Fired Furnaces were analyzed, the measures to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions were introduced in principle, and according to the actual situation, the engineering measures for reducing nitrogen oxides in Coal Grate-Fired Furnaces were proposed.
Study on dynamic measurement of fouling thermal resistance in a boiler
Authors: Zou Kairan , Qiao Ning , Wang jiaoling , Si Rong
Published: January 2020

A fouling thermal resistance method is introduced, for evaluating water quality in real time through measuring fouling thermal resistance on heat transfer surface. A simple device as a boiler heat transfer model was designed for measuring the deposition of dirt by the fouling thermal resistance method. The change in the thermal resistance of the fouling was measured with regard to samples with different water quality. The temperature-time curves were plotted with respect to the measured data of various temperatures over the whole process of temperature rise and fall to examine the feasibility of the method in evaluating the thermal resistance of the fouling contributed by the hardness of the water, finding that the fitted curve can characterize the fouling deposition of high hardness water. It has been shown that this experimental device can be improved further in the hope of being applied in practical use.
Selection of typical wet desulfurization system and economic analysis of variable load operation for industrial coal-fired boilers
Authors: Li Ximei , Gao Jianmin , Liu Yinuo , Du Qian , Liu Xuemin , Qi Guoli
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the operation costs of wet flue gas desulfurization based on MgO, CaO and CaCO3 under basic, special and ultra-low emission limits are analyzed from the unit price of desulfurizer and electricity price. Guidance about desulfurizer selection in Liaoning Province under different electricity prices and different loads is given. The results show that the desulfurization cost of MgO is greatly affected by the desulfurizer price, while the CaCO3 is more sensitive to the fluctuation of electricity price, and the CaO is between the two. In Liaoning Province, the overall economy of CaCO3 is relatively poor in the whole range of electricity price, while CaO and MgO perform better. The former has obvious advantages at low electricity price, while the latter is preferred at high. With the emission standard becoming stricter, the dominant range of CaO is expanded. When the boiler load changes, the power consumption cost and desulfurizer cost also change accordingly under different emission requirements. When the electricity price of Liaoning Province is 0.8 RMB/kWh, no matter under which emission limit, the operation cost of MgO is always the lowest under the considered loads, followed by CaO, and the economy of CaCO3 is the worst.
Operation Performance and Economic Efficiency Analysis of Power Plant Boilers Ultra-low Emission Facilities
Authors: Wang Hai
Published: January 2020

In this paper, four units of a power plant are taken as the research object, and the air pollutant emission performance standards, equipment installed economic efficiency, operational economic efficiency and energy saving potential of four units using different technical methods for ultra-low emission transformation are analyzed. Take unit 4 as an example, the ultra-low emission operation cost is discussed. The results show that the operation performance, stability and reliability of some units of low-temperature economizer need to be improved; the K values of different ultra-low emission technology methods were between 7.6∼12kW/MW. The installation of a low temperature economizer allows the wet desulfurization facility to have a greater water saving capacity.
Numerical Study of Enhanced Heat Transfer of MicroChannel Heat Sink with Nanofluids
Authors: Hou Yan , Yang Jialin , Zhang Wenqi
Published: January 2020

The electronic devices on the circuit board of the navigation device have the defects of high power and difficulty in heat dissipation, thereby restricting their performance. In view of the above defects, this paper proposes a miniature water-cooled radiator with a trapezoidal cross-section spoiler arranged at equal intervals. The numerical simulation of the three-dimensional laminar flow and heat transfer is carried out to study the performance of the micro water-cooled heat sink. The effects of Reynolds numbers and the types of nanofluids on the heat transfer performance of microchannel heat sink are also investigated. The results show that when the Reynolds number ranges from 100 to 500, the existence of the spoiler column makes the heat dissipation effect of the microchannel heat sink significantly improved, and the friction coefficient decreases with the increment of the Reynolds number. With the increasing of the volume fraction in the nano-particles, the heat transfer performance of microchannel heat sink is also improved. The heat transfer performance of SiC nanofluids is better than that of TiO2 nanofluids under the same flow rate.
Study on combustion and nitrogen oxide emissions of gas boiler
Authors: Ji Yanyan , Zhang Songsong , Wang Kejian , Qi Guoli
Published: January 2020

In order to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides in gas-fired boilers, the effects of excess air ratio and flue gas recirculation on nitrogen oxide emissions during natural gas combustion are studied by numerical calculation. By adding flue gas recirculation, the generation of nitrogen oxides is significantly reduced. When the flue gas recycling rate is 20%, the emission of nitrogen oxides is minimized to about 40 mg/m3.
Analysis of influence of peak regulation on life of once-through boiler
Authors: Liu En Ren , Zhao Yu Lan , Yan Qing , Li Yuan Yuan , Han Ying Kun , Meng Xiang Rong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a 670 MW once-through boiler of a power plant is taken as the analysis object. The method of ANSYS numerical analysis is used to calculate the stress of the once-through boiler in different starting modes and different peaking depths. We calculate the life loss of different operating conditions according to the stress value, which provides reasonable suggestions for the life management of the once-through boiler during peak shaving, which can reduce the impact of peak shaving on boiler life.
Transient Evaporation Simulation of the Forced Circulation Hot Water Boiler
Authors: Bao Junjie , Wang Di , Liu Feng , Qu Zhiguo , Xu Hongtao
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the water vaporization in a hot water boiler system. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology was adopted to simulate the transient water evaporation in the boiler termed as DZL14-1.25/115/70-AⅡ under the assumption of extreme conditions such as the water pump failure. The results indicated that the average pressure in the pipeline increased from 0.57Mpa to 0.66Mpa (the setting pressure of the safety valve) within 1050s. The pressure increased rapidly with the time increase. The average temperature of hot water changed linearly with time, and the internal thermal deviation of the hot water pipeline in the boiler decreased with time. The internal vaporization phenomenon of the hot water boiler became significant under the extreme condition. The steam flowed upward and accumulated in the upper part of the boiler shell. At 1050s, the vapor volume fraction in the hot boiler was 1.05%, which indicated that the safety valve above the stream shell need to be opened in time after 1050s to ensure the safety of the boiler.
Numerical Study of High Performance Ablative Thermal Protect System by Adding Phase Change Material
Authors: Qiao Lei , Ji Ri-tian , Bai Jun-qiang , Wang Hui
Published: January 2020

Under extreme thermal environment, ablation process of thermal protection system is a key issue in atmospheric re-entry and hypersonic flight vehicles; it displays a strong coupling between ablation mass, velocity and heat transfer. This article presents a method for combining the ablating and melting process, building a right triangle carbon-carbon model for ablation mixed with octadecane phase change material to absorb the heat of combustion delaying the movement of burning interface. For the moving of boundary, it is treated by the modified Stefan model coupled with chemical reaction and thermal radiation at the front leading boundary. The governing equation of heat transfer considering the melting process of phase change material is given by referring the enthalpy method. The effect of volume ratio and aerodynamic heating on the ablation interface and net heat flux on the interface are investigated. Result shows that high volume ratio of the phase change material delays the movement of the interface, and decreases the net heat flux of the interface; on the other hand, high aerodynamic heat accelerates the movement of the interface and increases the interface net heat flux at a given time point. This study can give a rule on how the volume ratio of phase change material influence the ablative process quantitatively.
Numerical modelling of a counter-flow regenerative evaporative cooler based on modified effectiveness-NTU method
Authors: Duan Zhiyin , Wen Sikai , Wang Minghui , Li Junjun
Published: January 2020

This study develops a numerical model for a counter-flow regenerative evaporative cooler in Engineering Equation Solver environment by using modified effectiveness-NTU method. The overall performance of the counter-flow heat exchanger was predicted by varying inlet air temperature and humidity.
Experimental Analysis of Thermal Efficiency of Biomass-burning Hot Blast Furnace
Authors: Jin Bing , Wang Lin , Liu Chen
Published: January 2020

This paper analyzes the main factors affecting the thermal efficiency of biomass hot blast furnaces, and compares the theoretical factors with the experimental ones that influence the thermal efficiency so as to provide suggestions for the improvement of the biomass hot blast furnace.
The Study of Metallographic Testing of Welding Joint of Welding in High Alloy Steel Installation of Power Station Boiler
Authors: Zhang Bing , He Peng , Wang Jinqing , Jin Zhangmin , Pan Xinmin
Published: January 2020

Two disputes about the metallographic testing of welding joints of the high alloy steel on-site installation welding of the current power plant boiler are discussed. This thesis analyzes the reasons for the two dispute. On this basis, the accordance for the detection, detection method, qualification assessment standard and the ratio of detected parts to quantity are defined. This paper can provide reference for strengthening the quality of welding joints for high alloy steel installation welding of power station boilers.
Parametric Analysis and Optimization of Rotary Ultrasonic Machining of Zirconia (ZrO2) Ceramics
Authors: Abdo Basem M. A. , El-Tamimi Abdulaziz , Alkhalefah Hisham
Published: January 2020

Micro-channels are considered as the essential part of several medical applications such as microfluidics devices, lab on a chip, microbiology, etc. In most applications, fluid flow is required to pass through certain microchannels. The fluid flow characteristics such as flow rate and fluid dynamics are mainly accomplished based on the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the microchannels. In this study, the microchannels are fabricated on zirconium oxide (ZrO2) using rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM). A full factorial design of experiments is employed in order to detect the influences of key input parameters of RUM including cutting speed (S), feed rate (FR), depth of cut (DOC), frequency (F) and amplitude (A) on surface roughness (Ra), edge chipping (EC), depth error (DE) and width error (WE) of the milled microchannels. Multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was employed to determine the optimal parametric conditions for minimizing the values of Ra, EC, DE, and WE of the fabricated microchannels. Results revealed that the minimum value of Ra = 0.26 μm, EC = 10.1 μm, DE = 4.2% and WE = 7.2% can be accomplished through the multi-objective optimization at higher levels of frequency and amplitude and lower levels of feed rate, depth of cut and cutting speed.
Effects of lateral and vertical ultrasonic vibrations on the microstructure and microhardness of Stellite-6 coating deposited on Inconel 718 superalloy through laser metal deposition
Authors: Hosseini-Tayeb Hossein , Rafiaei Seyed Mahdi
Published: January 2020

In this research work, Stellite-6 was deposited on an Inconel 718 substrate via laser metal deposition (LMD) process. Lateral and vertical ultrasonic vibrations were applied during the LMD process at 150 W and 250 W to achieve improved properties. The resultant coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyzer and optical microscopy. Also, the microhardness values of two samples (without vibration and with vertical vibration) were measured. The results showed that applying ultrasonic vertical vibrations led to significant changes in the microstructure of the coatings and the coating/substrate interface i.e. a better distribution of alloying elements of the coating was achieved, the number of the secondary arms increased, and the porosity percentage decreased significantly. Moreover, the microhardness value in the sample synthesized at 150 W and under vertical vibrations were higher than that in the sample produced without vibrations.
Theoretical calculation of the optical absorption property of nanoparticles composed of an Au Core and Si shell embedded in silica
Authors: Chaiyachate Panuwat , Dasri Thananchai , Chingsungnoen Artit
Published: January 2020

Combining multiple materials in a single nanoparticle has gained much attention in recent years. In this work, the optical absorption property of gold-silicon (Au@Si) core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a silica matrix were are theoretically demonstrated in the wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm, based on a discrete-dipole approximation method. For a single core–shell nanoparticle, the study revealed the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) showed a regular redshift with an increase in its Si shell thickness. The observed redshifts in the LSPR peaks were in agreement with the experimental results. The optical absorption property was also observed for two Au@Si core–shell NPs separated, on average, by a distance as small as a few nanometers. The results suggest that the shifts in spectral peak position depend on both the interparticle distance and geometric configuration of the nanoparticles. The obtained results also suggest that this nanomaterial, with a strong wavelength-tuneable absorption property, could be an attractive candidate for applications in biomedicine, nanocatalysis, optical devices, and future functional devices.
Effect of Betanin, a Beetroot Component, on Vascular Tone in Isolated Porcine Arteries
Authors: Tawa Masashi , Masuoka Takayoshi , Yamashita Yuka , Nakano Katsuya , Ishibashi Takaharu
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Beetroot has attracted much attention because of its blood pressure-lowering properties. Although beetroot contains various nutritional compounds, including inorganic nitrate, some of their physiological properties are not fully understood. In this study, we examined whether betanin, a beetroot component, has a regulatory effect on vascular tone.

METHODS

Mechanical responses of isolated porcine coronary, mesenteric, and pulmonary arteries were assessed by organ chamber technique. In some cases, the vascular reactivity was observed in the presence of a physiological concentration of betanin (10 µM).

RESULTS

Betanin did not induce vasorelaxation at physiological concentrations both in endothelium-intact and -denuded coronary, mesenteric, and pulmonary arteries. The endothelium-dependent agonists, bradykinin and A23187 induced vasorelaxation of endothelium-intact coronary arteries, both of which were not affected by exposure to betanin. Likewise, endothelium-independent vasorelaxation induced by sodium nitrite and sodium nitroprusside was also not affected by the presence of betanin. In addition, exposure of endothelium-intact coronary arteries to betanin did not attenuate prostaglandin F2α- and endothelin-1-induced vasocontraction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that betanin does not have a vasorelaxant activity. It is unlikely that betanin is a component directly responsible for the beetroot-induced acute blood pressure-lowering effect in a nitrate-independent manner.
Accuracy of and prescriber perceptions related to documenting antibiotic indications during order entry at an academic medical center
Authors: Beardsley James , Vestal Mark , Rosario Norbert , Meosky Kalyn , Johnson James , Luther Vera , Ohl Christopher , Williamson John
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of antibiotic indication documentation provided during order entry and prescriber perceptions of the requirement to specify indications.

Methods

Patients who received 1 of 6 selected antibiotics from May 1 through June 30, 2017, were identified. Records of 30 randomly selected patients who received each study antibiotic were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was indication accuracy, defined as agreement of the indication entered during order entry with that documented in progress notes at the time of order entry. Secondary endpoints included correlation of entered indication and final diagnosis for empiric antibiotics. A brief survey was emailed to prescribers to assess the burden and perceptions of requiring an indication during order entry.

Results

Four thousand five hundred twenty-four patients received 1 or more doses of a study antibiotic. For the 180 patients selected for evaluation, 89.4% of indications were accurate. Indications for antibiotics ordered for prophylaxis were more likely to be inaccurate than those for empiric or definitive antibiotics (accuracy rates of 46%, 94%, and 92%, respectively, p < 0.05). For empiric antibiotics, 78.5% of indications documented at order entry matched the final diagnosis. Two hundred fifty-four of 863 prescribers (29%) responded to the survey request. Most respondents felt that documenting the indication took no more than 20 seconds, was a “minor nuisance” or “occasionally burdensome,” and had no impact on their consideration of antibiotic appropriateness.

Conclusion

With the exception of prophylaxis, the indications documented during order entry were sufficiently accurate to assist antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Although indication documentation was perceived as a minor burden, surveyed prescribers indicated it had only a minimal beneficial effect on antibiotic prescribing.
Neuron-autonomous susceptibility to induced synuclein aggregation is exacerbated by endogenous Lrrk2 mutations and ameliorated by Lrrk2 genetic knock-out
Authors: MacIsaac Sarah , Quevedo Melo Thaiany , Zhang Yuting , Volta Mattia , Farrer Matthew J , Milnerwood Austen J
Published: January 2020

Neuronal aggregates containing α-synuclein are a pathological hallmark of several degenerative diseases; including Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s disease with dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the process of α-synuclein aggregation, and discovering means of preventing it, may help guide therapeutic strategy and drug design. Recent advances provide tools to induce α-synuclein aggregation in neuronal cultures. Application of exogenous pre-formed fibrillar α-synuclein induces pathological phosphorylation and accumulation of endogenous α-synuclein, typical of that seen in disease. Genomic variability and mutations in α-synuclein and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 proteins are the major genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. Reports demonstrate fibril-induced α-synuclein aggregation is increased in cells from leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 pathogenic mutant (G2019S) overexpressing mice, and variously decreased by leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 inhibitors. Elsewhere in vivo antisense knock-down of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 protein has been shown to protect mice from fibril-induced α-synuclein aggregation, whereas kinase inhibition did not. To help bring clarity to this issue, we took a purely genetic approach in a standardized neuron-enriched culture, lacking glia. We compared fibril treatment of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 germ-line knock-out, and G2019S germ-line knock-in, mouse cortical neuron cultures with those from littermates. We found leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 knock-out neurons are resistant to α-synuclein aggregation, which predominantly forms within axons, and may cause axonal fragmentation. Conversely, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 knock-in neurons are more vulnerable to fibril-induced α-synuclein accumulation. Protection and resistance correlated with basal increases in a lysosome marker in knock-out, and an autophagy marker in knock-in cultures. The data add to a growing number of studies that argue leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 silencing, and potentially kinase inhibition, may be a useful therapeutic strategy against synucleinopathy.
Characterization of Five Oxidative Degradation Impurities and One Process Impurity of Suvorexant Drug Substance by LC-MS/MS, HR-MS and 1D, 2D NMR: Validation of Suvorexant Drug Substance and Process Impurities by HPLC and UPLC
Authors: Rajana Nagaraju , Devi Dharamasoth Rama , Kumar Reddy Dinne Naresh , Babu J Moses , Basavaiah K , Balakumaran K
Published: January 2020

During the oxidative (10% H2O2) degradation of suvorexant drug substance, around 1.0% of one impurity and less than 1.0% four impurities were found by a new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay and related substance method. The mass numbers of 1.0% impurity was 469 [M + H]+, remaining four impurities were 172 [M + H]+, 467 [M + H]+, 483 [M + H]+ and 485 [M + H]+. The 469 [M + H]+, 485[M + H] and 172 [M + H]+ impurities were characterized by using the LC-MS/MS, HR-MS and 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The 172 [M + H]+ impurity was prepared synthetically and co-injected in HPLC. The retention time of synthesized 172 [M + H]+ impurity was matching with the unknown degradation impurity in HPLC. The developed mass compatible HPLC and ultra performance liquid chromatography methods were validated for drug substance and process impurities by following ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines.
Evidence-Based Assessment Tools for Common Mental Health Problems: A Practical Guide for School Settings
Authors: Andrews Jack H , Cho Evelyn , Tugendrajch Siena K , Marriott Brigid R , Hawley Kristin M
Published: January 2020

Evidence-based assessment, which requires the use of reliable and valid measurement tools, is an essential component of many services that school social workers provide to promote the social, emotional, and behavioral health of students. A wide variety of psychometrically sound assessment tools exist to choose from, but it can be difficult for school personnel to identify and access the tools best suited to meet their needs. In an effort to reduce these barriers, the authors of this article provide a concise guide to free, validated measurement tools that are feasible for routine use in school settings for the most common youth mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, and disruptive behavior). The psychometric properties and other practical characteristics of 37 measurement tools are reviewed, accompanied by links to access each tool and suggestions to help social workers identify which may best fit any particular combination of the diverse goals, school settings, and student populations they serve.
GXD’s RNA-Seq and Microarray Experiment Search: using curated metadata to reliably find mouse expression studies of interest
Authors: Smith Constance M , Kadin James A , Baldarelli Richard M , Beal Jonathan S , Blodgett Olin , Giannatto Sharon C , Richardson Joel E , Ringwald Martin
Published: January 2020

The Gene Expression Database (GXD), an extensive community resource of curated expression information for the mouse, has developed an RNA-Seq and Microarray Experiment Search (http://www.informatics.jax.org/gxd/htexp_index). This tool allows users to quickly and reliably find specific experiments in ArrayExpress and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) that study endogenous gene expression in wild-type and mutant mice. Standardized metadata annotations, curated by GXD, allow users to specify the anatomical structure, developmental stage, mutated gene, strain and sex of samples of interest, as well as the study type and key parameters of the experiment. These searches, powered by controlled vocabularies and ontologies, can be combined with free text searching of experiment titles and descriptions. Search result summaries include link-outs to ArrayExpress and GEO, providing easy access to the expression data itself. Links to the PubMed entries for accompanying publications are also included. More information about this tool and GXD can be found at the GXD home page (http://www.informatics.jax.org/expression.shtml).

Database URL: http://www.informatics.jax.org/expression.shtml
Development of Deaf Adults with Intellectual Disability in a Therapeutic Living Community
Authors: Fellinger Johannes , Linzner Doris , Holzinger Daniel , Dall Magdalena , Fellinger Maria , Fogler Jason
Published: January 2020

People with intellectual disabilities who are deaf face obstacles participating in social environments that do not take into account their need for accessible visual communication. In the present case series, we describe the development of the adaptive skills profiles of eight participants in a fully inclusive therapeutic living community, designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities who are deaf and focused on supporting communication, social relationships, conflict resolution, and work satisfaction. Adaptive skills ratings collected at enrollment and twelve years later suggest increases in social awareness and community living, whereas personal care and homemaking showed relatively little change.
Classification of Injurious Fall Severity in Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Burns Zoe , Khasnabish Srijesa , Hurley Ann C , Lindros Mary Ellen , Carroll Diane L , Kurian Susan , Alfieri Lois , Ryan Virginia , Adelman Jason , Bogaisky Michael , Adkison Lesley , Ping Yu Shao , Scanlan Maureen , Herlihy Lisa , Jackson Emily , Lipsitz Stuart R , Christiansen Taylor , Bates David W , Dykes Patricia C
Published: January 2020

Background

Many hospital systems in the United States report injurious inpatient falls using the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators categories: None, Minor, Moderate, Major, and Death. The Major category is imprecise, including injuries ranging from a wrist fracture to potentially fatal subdural hematoma. The purpose of this project was to refine the Major injury classification to derive a valid and reliable categorization of the types and severities of Major inpatient fall-related injuries.

Methods

Based on published literature and ranking of injurious fall incident reports (n = 85) from a large Academic Medical Center, we divided the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators Major category into three subcategories: Major A—injuries that caused temporary functional impairment (eg, wrist fracture), major facial injury without internal injury (eg, nasal bone fracture), or disruption of a surgical wound; Major B—injuries that caused long-term functional impairment or had the potential risk of increased mortality (eg, multiple rib fractures); and Major C—injuries that had a well-established risk of mortality (eg, hip fracture). Based on the literature and expert opinion, our research team reached consensus on an administration manual to promote accurate classification of Major injuries into one of the three subcategories.

Results

The team tested and validated each of the categories which resulted in excellent interrater reliability (kappa = .96). Of the Major injuries, the distribution of Major A, B, and C was 40.3%, 16.1%, and 43.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

These subcategories enhance the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators categorization. Using the administration manual, trained personnel can classify injurious fall severity with excellent reliability.
An Integrated Hospital Protocol for Persons With Injection-Related Infections May Increase Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Use but Challenges Remain
Authors: Eaton Ellen F , Lee Rachael A , Westfall Andrew O , Mathews R E , McCleskey Brandi , Paddock Cayce S , Lane Peter S , Cropsey Karen L
Published: January 2020

Background

Hospital-based strategies that link persons with infectious complications of opioid use disorder (OUD) to medications for OUD (MOUD) are of great interest. The objective of this study is to determine whether a hospital-based protocol would increase the use of MOUD and to identify barriers to MOUD during admission and at the time of discharge.

Methods

This study included participants with a documented or suspected history of injection drug usage receiving care for an infection at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital from 2015 to 2018. The protocol, the intravenous antibiotic and addiction team (IVAT), included Addiction Medicine and Infectious Diseases consultation and a 9-item risk assessment. We quantified MOUD use before and after IVAT and used logistic regression to determine factors associated with MOUD. We explored barriers to MOUD uptake using chart review.

Results

A total of 37 and 98 patients met criteria in the pre- and post-IVAT periods, respectively. With IVAT, the percentage with OUD receiving MOUD significantly increased (29% pre-IVAT and 37% post-IVAT; P = .026) and MOUD use was higher in “high risk” participants (62%). Clinical and sociodemographic factors were not associated with MOUD receipt.

Conclusions

A hospital-based protocol may increase the use of MOUD; however, the uptake of MOUD remains suboptimal (<50%).
Whither Whiteness and Religion?: Implications for Theology and the Study of Religion
Authors: Schneider Rachel C , Bjork-James Sophie
Published: January 2020

Within the broad interdisciplinary domain of religious studies, explicit attention to whiteness remains limited. Not only does this situation reinforce an analytic division between race and religion, it also works to obscure the racial dimensions of dominant Western forms of religion, particularly Protestant Christianity in the United States, as well as the religious dimensions of white supremacy. Tracing the contours of a body of scholarship on whiteness and religion that has been scattered across a number of fields and disciplinary boundaries, this article explores the role that the racial category of whiteness has played in US religious life and what is gained analytically by exploring the co-imbrication of whiteness and religion. Given persisting racial inequality and white extremism, we argue that whiteness itself needs to be theorized and discussed within the study of religion in ways that do not shy away from explicit discussions of power and racism.
AACC Guidance Document on Biotin Interference in Laboratory Tests
Authors: Li Danni , Ferguson Angela , Cervinski Mark A , Lynch Kara L , Kyle Patrick B
Published: January 2020

Background

Laboratory tests that use streptavidin–biotin binding mechanisms have the potential to be affected by high circulating biotin concentrations, which would produce positive and negative interference in biotinylated competitive and noncompetitive (sandwich) immunoassays, respectively. Consumption of high-dose biotin supplements for cosmetic or health-related reasons has drawn attention to biotin interference in clinical laboratory tests. Case reports and in vivo studies show that ingestion of supplemental biotin can cause clinically significant errors in select biotinylated immunoassays.

Content

This AACC Academy document is intended to provide guidance to laboratorians and clinicians for preventing, identifying, and dealing with biotin interference. In vivo and in vitro spiking studies have demonstrated that biotin concentrations required to cause interference vary by test and by manufacturer. This document includes discussion of biotin’s mechanisms for interference in immunoassays, pharmacokinetics, and results of in vitro and in vivo studies and cites examples of assays known to be affected by high biotin concentrations. This document also provides guidance recommendations intended to assist laboratories and clinicians in identifying and addressing biotin interference in laboratory testing.

The recent increase in the use of high-dose biotin supplements requires laboratorians and clinicians to be mindful of the potential for biotin interference in biotinylated immunoassay-based laboratory tests. Laboratories, clinicians, regulators, and patients should work together to ensure accurate laboratory results. Laboratories have several options for identifying suspected biotin interference in specimens. Alternatively, the relatively fast elimination of biotin allows the potential for rapid follow-up specimen analysis if necessary.