bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the pylorus with concurrent intraluminal pressure and EndoFLIP in patients with nausea and vomiting
Authors: Snape W. J. , Lin M. S. , Agarwal N. , Shaw R. E.
Published: January 2016

Background

Nausea and vomiting occurs in gastroparesis due to diabetes mellitus or unknown causes. The aim of this study was to compare (i) pyloric distensibility to pyloric manometric pressure in patients with nausea and vomiting and (ii) to correlate distensibility with delays in gastric emptying.

Methods

Sleeve manometry and EndoFLIP were performed sequentially during the same endoscopy on 114 patients with nausea and vomiting (47 with diabetes mellitus and 67 with idiopathic cause) after a standardized gastric emptying study. The sleeve manometer was positioned fluoroscopically, and the EndoFLIP was placed endoscopically. Manometric pressure using a water‐perfused catheter and distensibility using an EndoFLIP filled with 40 cc of saline were measured from the pylorus.

Key Results

The basal pyloric pressure was elevated (>10 mmHg) in 34 patients and was normal in 80 patients. The basal and peak pressures were similar in patient with normal and delayed gastric emptying (p > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in distensibility (8.0 ± 1.0 mm2/mmHg) in patients with gastric retention (>20% at 4 h) compared with patients (12.4 ± 1.4 mm2/mmHg) (p < 0.01) with normal gastric retention (<10%). Pressure measurements from the sleeve manometer and the EndoFLIP correlated (r = 0.29) (p < 0.002), and increased EndoFLIP balloon pressure (19.4 ± 1.4 mmHg) (p < 0.01) was associated with a severe delay in gastric emptying.

Conclusions & Inferences

Elevated basal pyloric pressure occurs in 42% of patients with nausea and vomiting and delayed emptying. Decreased pyloric distensibility occurs with nausea, vomiting, and delayed gastric emptying. The EndoFLIP is a useful tool in the evaluation of pyloric function in symptomatic patients.
Longitudinal imaging of microvascular remodelling in proliferative diabetic retinopathy using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Chui Toco Yuen Ping , Pinhas Alexander , Gan Alexander , Razeen Moataz , Shah Nishit , Cheang Eric , Liu Chun L. , Dubra Alfredo , Rosen Richard B.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To characterise longitudinal changes in the retinal microvasculature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as exemplified in a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) using an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO).

Methods

A 35‐year‐old T2DM patient with PDR treated with scatter pan‐retinal photocoagulation at the inferior retina 1 day prior to initial AOSLO imaging along with a 24‐year‐old healthy control were imaged in this study. AOSLO vascular structural and perfusion maps were acquired at four visits over a 20‐week period. Capillary diameter and microaneurysm area changes were measured on the AOSLO structural maps. Imaging repeatability was established using longitudinal imaging of microvasculature in the healthy control.

Results

Capillary occlusion and recanalisation, capillary dilatation, resolution of local retinal haemorrhage, capillary hairpin formation, capillary bend formation, microaneurysm formation, progression and regression were documented over time in a region 2° superior to the fovea in the PDR patient. An identical microvascular network with same capillary diameter was observed in the control subject over time.

Conclusions

High‐resolution serial AOSLO imaging enables in vivo observation of vasculopathic changes seen in diabetes mellitus. The implications of this methodology are significant, providing the opportunity for studying the dynamics of the pathological process, as well as the possibility of identifying highly sensitive and non‐invasive biomarkers of end organ damage and response to treatment.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine: an effective sedative agent for electroencephalogram and auditory brain response testing
Authors: Baier Nicole M. , Mendez Suzanne S. , Kimm Danielle , Velazquez Amanda E. , Schroeder Alan R.
Published: January 2016

Objective

Dexmedetomidine is an α2 agonist with sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. The intranasal (IN) route avoids the pain of intravenous (i.v.) catheter placement but limited literature exists on the use of IN dexmedetomidine. This study examines the effectiveness and safety of IN dexmedetomidine for sedation of patients undergoing electroencephalogram (EEG) and auditory brain response (ABR) testing.

Study design

This was a review of all outpatients sedated with IN dexmedetomidine for EEG or ABR between October 1, 2012 and October 1, 2014. An initial dose of 2.5–3 μg·kg−1 IN dexmedetomidine was given with a repeat dose of 1–1.5 μg·kg−1 IN if needed 30 min later. Prospectively entered patient information was extracted from a quality assurance database and additional information gathered via retrospective chart review.

Results

Intranasal dexmedetomidine was used in 169 patients (EEG = 117, ABR = 52). First‐dose success rates were 90.4% for ABR and 87.2% for EEG. Total success rates (with one or two doses of IN dexmedetomidine) were 100% for ABR and 99.1% for EEG. The median time to onset of sleep was 25 min (IQR, 20–32 min). The median duration of sedation was 107 min (IQR, 90–131 min). Adverse events included: 18 patients (10.7%) with hypotension which resolved without intervention, six patients with oxygen desaturation <90%, two of whom received supplemental oxygen, and one patient with an underlying upper airway abnormality who was treated with continuous positive airway pressure.

Conclusions

IN dexmedetomidine is an effective and noninvasive method of sedating children for EEG and ABR.
Counseling Immigrant Parents about Food and Feeding Practices: Public Health Nurses' Experiences
Authors: Holmberg Fagerlund Bettina , Pettersen Kjell Sverre , Terragni Laura , Glavin Kari
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To describe the experiences of public health nurses (PHNs) in counseling immigrant parents on food and feeding practices at child health centers (CHCs).

Design and Sample

In this study employing a qualitative description (QD) approach, the participants (n = 26) were PHNs from five CHCs in the greater Oslo region of Norway.

Measures

Data were collected through five focus group interviews and examined using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Counseling on food and feeding practices was an important topic in most consultations with immigrant parents. The PHNs were concerned that the child should eat ordinary, healthy food regularly. Immigrant families were often experienced as a “generic group” and the PHNs disclosed that they rarely adjusted their counseling strategy based on enquiries about families' food culture or parents' level of education or knowledge. Time constraints and language and cultural barriers were common challenges. The PHNs suggested that culturally adapted information materials and visual aids from health authorities could improve communication.

Conclusions

Counseling immigrant parents on food and feeding at CHCs is often challenging for PHNs. The study findings could be used in the development of guidelines to assist PHNs in delivering culturally competent counseling about food and feeding practices.
Intravital Imaging Study on Photodamage Produced by Femtosecond Near‐infrared Laser Pulses In Vivo
Authors: Arkhipov Sergey N. , Saytashev Ilyas , Dantus Marcos
Published: January 2016

Ultrashort femtosecond pulsed lasers may provide indispensable benefits for medical bioimaging and diagnosis, particularly for noninvasive biopsy. However, the ability of femtosecond laser irradiation to produce biodamage in the living body is still a concern. To solve this biosafety issue, results of theoretical estimations as well as the in vitro and in situ experiments on femtosecond biodamage should be verified by experimental studies conducted in vivo. Here, we analyzed photodamage produced by femtosecond (19, 42 and 100 fs) near‐infrared (NIR; ~800 nm) laser pulses with an average power of 5 and 15 mW in living undissected Drosophila larvae (in vivo). These experimental data on photodamage in vivo agree with the results of theoretical modeling of other groups. Femtosecond NIR laser pulses may affect the concentration of fluorescent biomolecules localized in mitochondria of the cells of living undissected Drosophila larva. Our findings confirm that the results of the mathematical models of femtosecond laser ionization process in living tissues may have a practical value for development of noninvasive biopsy based on the use of femtosecond pulses.
Tumour Necrosis Factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and its soluble receptor type 1 (sTNFR I) in human active and healed leishmaniases
Authors: Nateghi Rostami M. , Seyyedan Jasbi E. , Khamesipour A. , Mohammadi A. M.
Published: January 2016

The role of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is not fully understood in human leishmaniasis. We analysed the alterations in the levels of TNF‐α, soluble TNF receptor type 1 (sTNFR I), IL‐17 and IL‐22 productions in active and healed leishmaniases. Blood samples were collected from volunteers with active cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), the same subjects after lesion healing (healed CL = HCL), volunteers with active visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), healed VL (HVL) and healthy controls. Levels of cytokines were titrated on Leishmania Ag‐stimulated PBMC culture. The mean level of TNF‐α production from stimulated cells was significantly higher in ACL than controls (P < 0·001) and significantly reduced after treatment in HCL volunteers (P < 0·05). The mean level of sTNFR I production was significantly higher in ACL than controls (P < 0·001) and significantly reduced after treatment in HCL volunteers (P < 0·05). The mean level of IL‐22 production in AVL was significantly higher than controls (P < 0·05) and was significantly lower in HVL compared with AVL (P < 0·001) and controls (P < 0·05). The levels of TNF‐α (P = 0·0025) and sTNFR I (P < 0·01) productions from PBMCs showed significant decreasing trend after treatment in each CL volunteer. Reduction in TNF‐α is associated with clinical response to treatment and healing of CL lesions due to L. major.
Cluster biodiversity as a multidimensional structure evolution strategy: checkerspot butterflies of the group Euphydryas aurinia (Rottemburg, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: KORB STANISLAV K. , BOLSHAKOV LAVR V. , FRIC ZDENEK F. , BARTONOVA ALENA
Published: January 2016

In the present paper, we explore the evolution of cluster structure in closely related species in the Euphydryas aurinia complex based on morphological (wing pattern, genital armatures) and molecular (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) characters. Male genitalia differ in the length and shape of the uncus, harpe and juxta branches, by the shape of some parts of the phallus, and by the amount of spikes on the ventral section of the valva. The main trends in the vertical distribution of the E. aurinia group are dwarfism with increasing altitude, coupled with enlargement of paler and darker‐coloured elements of the wing pattern, increasing the overall contrast. Unlike the Euphydryas maturna, the E. aurinia complex forms many local populations specialized under different ecological conditions, probably affected by different evolutionary scenarios. The phylogenetic analysis of the group reveals two ecologically distinct subgroups: one associated with the boreal forest‐mesophyllic meadow biome and one associated with the xeromesophyllic steppe biome. Within each group, two major ecological strategies have evolved in parallel: montane and lowland. Based on the results of the analyses, we revise the nomenclature as follows: E. aurinia pyrenesdebilis (Verity, 1928), stat. rev. (= debilis Oberthür, 1909, syn.n., nomen nudum), E. aurinia bulgarica (Fruhstorfer, 1916), stat. rev., E. aurinia provincialis (Boisduval, 1828), stat. rev. and E. beckeri (Lederer, 1853), stat. rev. The following name‐bearing types are designated: neotype of Papilio aurinia Rottemburg, 1775, neotype of Papilio merope de Prunner, 1798, lectotype of Melitaea beckeri Lederer, 1853, and lectotype of Melitaea aurinia banghaasi Seitz, 1908. All name‐bearing types are figured. A new subspecies, Euphydryas laeta ostracon Korb, Bolshakov, Fric, ssp.n., is described (type locality by holotype data: Kazakhstan, Vostochno‐Kazakhstanskaya Oblast, Shemonaikha).
Antimony deposits in the Variscan Armorican belt, a link with mafic intrusives?
Authors: Pochon Anthony , Gapais Denis , Gloaguen Eric , Gumiaux Charles , Branquet Yannick , Cagnard Florence , Martelet Guillaume
Published: January 2016

The Variscan Armorican belt was the World leading producer of antimony at the beginning of the twentieth century. However, geological controls on the deposits remain unconstrained. Here, we illustrate the field setting of mineralisations and perform a statistical analysis using Geographical Information System software, geophysical and geological data. The analysis shows that Sb deposits are spatially correlated with high‐density and magnetic zones. This may reflect the presence of mafic/ultramafic bodies at depth – a suggestion that is further supported by numerous occurrences of doleritic dykes throughout the region. Future antimony prospecting should focus on the high‐density and high‐magnetic zones which comprise about 18% of the Armorican massif. Links between Sb deposits and mafic intrusions are recognised elsewhere in the West European Variscan belt, emphasising that these may be key for antimony prospecting in deformation belts.
Transfusion practice in dogs and cats: an Internet‐based survey
Authors: Jagodich Tiffany A. , Holowaychuk Marie K.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To characterize and compare current canine and feline transfusion practices at private referral hospitals (PRH) and veterinary teaching hospitals (VTH), including information regarding blood donor screening; blood product collection, storage, and administration; recipient screening; and monitoring during transfusions.

Design

Internet‐based survey.

Subjects

Sixty‐five board‐certified specialist veterinarians, 3 veterinarians, and 5 veterinary technicians from 53 PRH and 20 VTH.

Methods

A survey was disseminated via email LIST‐SERVs; 1 survey response per hospital was included.

Main Results

Survey results revealed that PRH more commonly obtained canine and feline blood products solely from blood banks (P< 0.05) and VTH more commonly used hospital‐run donor programs (P< 0.05). Canine cryo‐poor plasma was more likely to be stored by VTH compared to PRH (P= 0.018) and VTH were more likely to store canine fresh platelet products for >72 hours (P= 0.046). The use of client‐owned canine donors (P= 0.043), administration of precollection 1‐deamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin to canine donors (P= 0.041), and storage of blood products in a dedicated refrigerator (P= 0.003) and −20°C or −80°C freezer (P= 0.044) were more common in VTH than PRH. However, the use of a refrigerator freezer (P= 0.001), single bag canine collection systems (P= 0.021), and agglutination cards for feline blood typing (P= 0.032), as well as warming of blood products prior to administration (P= 0.021) were more commonly reported by PRH compared to VTH.

Conclusions

Although some transfusion practices including the method and length of storage of blood products, use and screening of blood donors, and administration methods varied between VTH and PRH, most transfusion practices were similar. The information reported from this survey could aid the development of future veterinary transfusion consensus statements.
Experimental-Based Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kanai R. A. , Desavale R. G. , Chavan S. P.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, an innovative system for condition-based monitoring (CBM) using model-based estimation (MBE) and artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed. Fault diagnosis of deep groove ball bearings (DGBB) is a key machine element for stability of rotating machinery. MBE model is proposed to demonstrate and estimate the vibration characteristics of bearings. It is realized that it may be worth mentioning that the vibration analysis of damaged bearings at all the positions of a structure is difficult to obtain. For this purpose, methods have been discussed to get the utmost information to notify bearing faults. The ANN approach enables us to determine the effects of various parameters of the vibrations by conducting the experiments. The results point out that defect size, speed, load, unbalance, and clearance influence the vibrations significantly. Experimental simulated data using the MBE and ANN models of rotor–bearing are used to identify the damage diagnosis at a reasonable level of accuracy. The results of the experiments consist in constantly evaluating the performance of the bearing and thereby detecting the faults and vibration characteristics successfully. The effects of faults and vibration characteristics obtained using the experimental MBE and ANN are studied.
An Explicit Finite-Element Model to Investigate the Effects of Elastomeric Bushing on Bearing Dynamics
Authors: Cao Lijun , Sadeghi Farshid , Stacke Lars-Erik
Published: January 2016

This work presents a numerical simulation which studies the effect of elastomeric bushing on the dynamics of a deep-groove ball bearing. To achieve the objective, a three-dimensional (3D) explicit finite element method (EFEM) was developed to model a cylindrical elastomeric bushing, which was then coupled with an existing dynamic bearing model (DBM). Constitutive relationship for the elastomer is based on the Arruda–Boyce model combined with a generalized Maxwell-element model to capture both hyperelastic and viscoelastic behaviors of the material. Comparisons between the bushing model developed for this investigation and the existing experimental elastomeric bushing study showed that the results are in good agreement. Parametric studies were conducted to show the effects of various elastomeric material properties on bushing behavior. It was also shown that a desired bushing support performance can be achieved by varying bushing geometry. Simulations using the combined EFEM bushing and DBM model demonstrated that the elastomeric bushing provides better compliance to bearing misalignment as compared to a commonly used rigid support model. As a result, less ball slip and spin are generated. Modeling with a bearing surface dent showed that vibrations due to surface abnormalities can be significantly reduced using elastomeric bushing support. It has also been shown that choosing a proper bushing is an efficient way to tuning bushing vibration frequencies.
Wear and Failure Mechanism of PTFE/SiO2/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Shen J. T. , Pei Y. T. , De Hosson J. Th. M.
Published: January 2016

In this work, the wear and failure mechanism of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/SiO2/epoxy composites with a high concentration of SiO2 particles under dry sliding is examined. In the composite with 12.5 wt.% PTFE, a significant rise of the coefficient of friction (COF) appears after sliding over several kilometers and under a load of 60 N against balls made out of Al2O3 and steel. It is attributed to an accumulation of back-transferred Al2O3/steel and fractured SiO2 on the worn composite surfaces as well as a reduction of PTFE on worn SiO2 surfaces. The TiC/a-C:H coated ball yields the most stable COF. It is also observed that the loading capacity of the composite decreases with increasing PTFE concentration. Massive wear of the composites is seen after few kilometers sliding when the normal load rises above the loading capacity. The increased wear is due to a high concentration of PTFE which lowers the hardness as well as the compressive strength of the composites.
The Behavior of Intrinsic Randomness and Dynamic Abrupt Changes of Friction Force Signal During the Friction Process
Authors: Zhou Yuankai , Zhu Hua , Zuo Xue
Published: January 2016

Experiments were performed on a ring-on-disk tribometer under lubricated conditions. Friction force was measured throughout the friction process. The parameter predictability was used to provide a quantitative description of the intrinsic randomness of the friction force. The parameter dynamic difference was used to detect the dynamic abrupt changes. The results show that, from the perspective of dynamics, the friction process can be divided into the abrupt changing process through which the intrinsic randomness is enhanced, the dynamic stable process through which the system maintains the strong intrinsic randomness, and the abrupt changing process through which the intrinsic randomness is weakened.
Single-Interface Richtmyer–Meshkov Turbulent Mixing at the Los Alamos Vertical Shock Tube
Authors: Wilson B. M. , Mejia-Alvarez R. , Prestridge K. P.
Published: January 2016

Mach number and initial conditions effects on Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) mixing are studied by the vertical shock tube (VST) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). At the VST, a perturbed stable light-to-heavy (air–SF6, A = 0.64) interface is impulsively accelerated with a shock wave to induce RM mixing. We investigate changes to both large and small scales of mixing caused by changing the incident Mach number (Ma = 1.3 and 1.45) and the three-dimensional (3D) perturbations on the interface. Simultaneous density (quantitative planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF)) and velocity (particle image velocimetry (PIV)) measurements are used to characterize preshock initial conditions and the dynamic shocked interface. Initial conditions and fluid properties are characterized before shock. Using two types of dynamic measurements, time series (N = 5 realizations at ten locations) and statistics (N = 100 realizations at a single location) of the density and velocity fields, we calculate several mixing quantities. Mix width, density-specific volume correlations, density–vorticity correlations, vorticity, enstrophy, strain, and instantaneous dissipation rate are examined at one downstream location. Results indicate that large-scale mixing, such as the mix width, is strongly dependent on Mach number, whereas small scales are strongly influenced by initial conditions. The enstrophy and strain show focused mixing activity in the spike regions.
The Effect of a Dominant Initial Single Mode on the Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability Evolution: New Insights on Previous Experimental Results
Authors: Shimony Assaf , Shvarts Dov , Malamud Guy , Di Stefano Carlos A. , Kuranz Carolyn C. , Drake R. P.
Published: January 2016

This paper brings new insights on an experiment, measuring the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability evolution, performed on the OMEGA-60 laser facility. Experimental radiographs show that the initial seed perturbations in the experiment are of multimode spectrum with a dominant single-mode of 16 μm wavelength. In single-mode-dominated KH instability flows, the mixing zone (MZ) width saturates to a constant value comparable to the wavelength. However, the experimental MZ width at late times has exceeded 100 μm, an order of magnitude larger. In this work, we use numerical simulations and a statistical model in order to investigate the vortex dynamics of the KH instability for the experimental initial spectrum. We conclude that the KH instability evolution in the experiment is dominated by multimode, vortex-merger dynamics, overcoming the dominant initial mode.
Electrothermal Characterization of Doped-Si Heated Microcantilevers Under Periodic Heating Operation
Authors: Hamian Sina , Gauffreau Andrew M. , Walsh Timothy , Lee Jungchul , Park Keunhan
Published: January 2016

This paper reports the frequency-dependent electrothermal behaviors of a freestanding doped-silicon heated microcantilever probe operating under periodic (ac) Joule heating. We conducted a frequency-domain finite-element analysis (FEA) and compared the steady periodic solution with 3ω experiment results. The computed thermal transfer function of the cantilever accurately predicts the ac electrothermal behaviors over a full spectrum of operational frequencies, which could not be accomplished with the 1D approximation. In addition, the thermal transfer functions of the cantilever in vacuum and in air were compared, through which the frequency-dependent heat transfer coefficient of the air was quantified. With the developed FEA model, design parameters of the cantilever (i.e., the size and the constriction width of the cantilever heater) and their effects on the ac electrothermal behaviors were carefully investigated. Although this work focused on doped-Si heated microcantilever probes, the developed FEA model can be applied for the ac electrothermal analysis of general microelectromechanical systems.
A Comparison of Three Approaches to Compute the Effective Reynolds Number of the Implicit Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Zhou Ye , Thornber Ben
Published: January 2016

The implicit large-eddy simulation (ILES) has been utilized as an effective approach for calculating many complex flows at high Reynolds number flows. Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) induced flow can be viewed as a homogeneous decaying turbulence (HDT) after the passage of the shock. In this article, a critical evaluation of three methods for estimating the effective Reynolds number and the effective kinematic viscosity is undertaken utilizing high-resolution ILES data. Effective Reynolds numbers based on the vorticity and dissipation rate, or the integral and inner-viscous length scales, are found to be the most self-consistent when compared to the expected phenomenology and wind tunnel experiments.
Challenging Mix Models on Transients to Self-Similarity of Unstably Stratified Homogeneous Turbulence
Authors: Gréa Benoît-Joseph , Burlot Alan , Griffond Jérôme , Llor Antoine
Published: January 2016

The present work aims at expanding the set of buoyancy-driven unstable reference flows—a critical ingredient in the development of turbulence models—by considering the recently introduced “Unstably Stratified Homogeneous Turbulence” (USHT) in both its self-similar and transient regimes. The previously established accuracy of an anisotropic Eddy-Damped Quasi-Normal Markovian Model (EDQNM) on the USHT has allowed us to: (i) build a data set of well defined transient flows from Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence (HIT) to late-time self-similar USHT and (ii) on this basis, calibrate, validate, and compare three common Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) mixing models (two-equation, Reynolds stress, and two-fluid). The model calibrations were performed on the self-similar flows constrained by predefined long range correlations (Saffman or Batchelor type). Then, with fixed constants, validations were carried out over the various transients defined by the initial Froude number and mixing intensity. Significant differences between the models are observed, but none of them can accurately capture all of the transient regimes at once. Closer inspection of the various model responses hints at possible routes for their improvement.
Derivation and Validation of a Figure of Merit for Loop Heat Pipes With Medium Temperature Working Fluids
Authors: Joung Wukchul , Lee Jinho , Lee Sanghyun , Lee Joohyun
Published: January 2016

The working fluids of loop heat pipes (LHPs) play an important role in the operation of the LHPs by influencing the operating temperatures and the heat transfer limits. Therefore, the proper selection of a working fluid is a key practice in LHP fabrication, and there has been a high demand for an appropriate index that enables the quantitative comparison of the steady-state thermal performance of the working fluids. In this work, a figure of merit for LHPs was theoretically derived and experimentally verified. In particular, the pressure losses in the LHP operation were balanced with the saturation pressure difference between the evaporator and the compensation chamber to derive the figure of merit. This derived figure of merit for LHPs successfully predicted the steady-state thermal performance of the tested working fluids within the variable conductance regime. In the constant conductance regime, the differences in the condenser cooling capacity and in the liquid subcooling for different working fluids determined the thermal performance of each working fluid. The limitations and prospects of the proposed figure of merit were discussed in detail.
Frost Layer Growth Based on High-Resolution Image Analysis
Authors: Janssen D. , Mohs W. F. , Kulacki F. A.
Published: January 2016

We report the results of experiments using high-resolution imaging and digital analysis of transient frost growth to obtain quantitative information on frost thickness. The measurement technique provides faster data acquisition and much higher accuracy than traditional approaches. An empirical model of frost growth that captures the fast and slow growth periods is developed based on this data. The key physical and correlating parameter is the ratio of sensible heat transfer-to-total heat transfer, and the growth rate varies inversely with this ratio. The resulting correlation faithfully captures measured growth rates across a wide spectrum of frosting conditions and gives better predictive capability than that of existing correlations. The present model eliminates the need for specifics of the experimental apparatus and test surface as factors in prediction, as well as the necessity of measuring the frost–air interface temperature.
Design Method for the Volute Profile of a Squirrel Cage Fan With Space Limitation
Authors: Wen Xuanfeng , Mao Yijun , Yang Xin , Qi Datong
Published: January 2016

The uncontinuous volute profile (UVP) is widely used in the squirrel cage fan to meet the space limitation in the air conditioning system. However, it usually causes an obvious performance drop due to the unreasonable impeller–volute interaction. This paper employs two improved design methods, i.e., downsized volute profile (DVP) and partial flow volute profile (PVP), to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the fan installed in a limited space. Experimental results validate the positive effects of these two design methods on the aerodynamic performance. The results obtained by the flow simulation reveal that the pressure field inside the fan with the improved volute profiles is much more uniform than that with the UVP; thus, the improved volute profiles are beneficial for the increase of the fan pressure rise and the reduction of the flow loss. For the investigated fan, it is suggested that the design method of the DVP is more suitable for slight space limitation, while the design method of the PVP is more suitable for significant space limitation.
Manufacturing Process for a Face Gear Drive With Local Bearing Contact and Controllable Unloaded Meshing Performance Based on Ease-Off Surface Modification
Authors: Peng Xian-long , Zhang Le , Fang Zong-de
Published: January 2016

A manufacturing process for fabricating ease-off surfaces of a face gear drive that is provided with controllable unloaded meshing performance and local bearing contact is proposed. In order to control the unloaded meshing performance, a predesigned transmission error, a predesigned contact path, and the length of contact ellipse are applied in the redesign of the ease-off surfaces of the pinion and face gear. A method of point contact between the grinding disk and the manufactured pinion is proposed to generate the pinion's ease-off surface, the grinding disk is driven by a series of parabolic motions. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the application of the proposed method, the proposed method is proven to be feasible, and the redesigned face gear is proven to be able reproduce the predesigned unloaded meshing performance simulated by tooth contact analysis (TCA). The influence of misalignment on unloaded meshing performance is also analyzed.
Leakage Loss Study of a Synchronal Rotary Multiphase Pump With a Full Range of Inlet Gas Volume Fractions
Authors: Yang Xu , Qin Yao , Qu Zongchang
Published: January 2016

The working performance of the synchronal rotary multiphase pump (SRMP), alike other types of positive-displacement multiphase pumps, is strongly affected by leakage loss. In this paper, the leakage loss in the SRMP with a full range of inlet gas volume fractions (GVFs) was theoretically and experimentally investigated. The leakage flows in the SRMP were modeled as the one-dimensional gas–liquid flows through narrow gaps. Two types of leakage flow models, homogeneous leakage flow model (HLFM) and separated leakage flow model (SLFM), were developed. The experimental work was conducted to measure the volumetric flow rate of the SRMP using the mixtures of air and N32 oil as working fluids under various inlet GVFs and differential pressures. Comparisons between the simulated and experimental pump flow rates showed that both the accuracies of the HLFM and SLFM related to the inlet GVF. In addition to the differential pressure, the leakage loss of the SRMP was affected by the inlet GVF. The leakage flow rate increased with the inlet GVF due to the changes in physical properties of the gas–liquid leakage flow. Parametric analysis showed that leakage loss in the SRMP can be effectively reduced by reducing the rotor radial clearance without much effect on its mechanical efficiency, whereas the optimum geometric parameters of the rotor and cylinder must be calculated by means of the optimization study with consideration of both the leakage loss and friction loss.
Tracking Morning Fatigue Status Across In-Season Training Weeks in Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Thorpe Robin T. , Strudwick Anthony J. , Buchheit Martin , Atkinson Greg , Drust Barry , Gregson Warren
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To quantify the mean daily changes in training and match load and any parallel changes in indicators of morningmeasured fatigue across in-season training weeks in elite soccer players.

Methods:

After each training session and match (TL), session ratings of perceived exertion (s-RPE) were recorded to calculate overall session load (RPE-TL) in 29 English Premier League players from the same team. Morning ratings of fatigue, sleep quality, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), as well as submaximal exercise heart rate (HRex), postexercise heart-rate recovery (HRR%), and heart-rate variability (HRV) were recorded before match day and 1, 2, and 4 d postmatch. Data were collected for a median duration of 3 wk (range 1–13) and reduced to a typical weekly cycle including no midweek match and a weekend match day. Data were analyzed using withinsubject linear mixed models.

Results:

RPE-TL was approximately 600 arbitrary units (AU) (95% confidence interval 546–644) higher on match day than following day (P < .001). RPE-TL progressively decreased by »60 AU per day over the 3 days before a match (P < .05). Morning-measured fatigue, sleep quality, and DOMS tracked the changes in RPE-TL, being 35–40% worse on postmatch day vs prematch day (P < .001). Perceived fatigue, sleep quality, and DOMS improved by 17–26% from postmatch day to 3 d postmatch, with further smaller (7%–14%) improvements occurring between 4 d postmatch and prematch day (P < .01). There were no substantial or statistically significant changes in HRex, HRR%, or HRV over the weekly cycle (P > .05).

Conclusions:

Morning-measured ratings of fatigue, sleep quality, and DOMS are clearly more sensitive than HR-derived indices to the daily fluctuations in session load experienced by elite soccer players in a standard in-season week.
Monitoring Physical and Cognitive Overload During a Training Camp in Professional Female Cyclists
Authors: Decroix Lieselot , Piacentini Maria Francesca , Rietjens Gerard , Meeusen Romain
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

High training loads combined with other stressors can lead to performance decrements. The time needed to recover determines the diagnosis of (non)-functional overreaching or the overtraining syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of an 8-day (intensified) training camp of professional female cyclists on physical and cognitive performance.

Methods:

Nine subjects performed a 30-min time trial (TT), cognitive test, and Profile of Mood States questionnaire before, during, and after a training camp (49% increased training volume). On data collection, cyclists were classified as “overreached” (OR) or “adapted” (A) based on TT performance. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to detect changes in physical and cognitive parameters.

Results:

Five cyclists were described as OR based on decreased mean power output (MPO) (–7.03%) on day 8. Four cyclists were classified as A (increased MPO: +1.72%). MPO and maximal heart rate were significantly different between A and OR groups. A significant slower reaction time (RT) (+3.35%) was found in OR subjects, whereas RT decreased (–4.59%) in A subjects. The change in MPO was negatively correlated with change in RT in the cognitive test (R2 = .52).

Conclusions:

This study showed that the use of objective, inexpensive, and easy-to-interpret physical and cognitive tests can facilitate the monitoring of training adaptations in professional female athletes.
USF1 deficiency activates brown adipose tissue and improves cardiometabolic health
Authors: Laurila Pirkka-Pekka , Soronen Jarkko , Kooijman Sander , Forsström Saara , Boon Mariëtte R. , Surakka Ida , Kaiharju Essi , Coomans Claudia P. , Van Den Berg Sjoerd A. A. , Autio Anu , Sarin Antti-Pekka , Kettunen Johannes , Tikkanen Emmi , Manninen Tuula , Metso Jari , Silvennoinen Reija , Merikanto Krista , Ruuth Maija , Perttilä Julia , Mäkelä Anne , Isomi Ayaka , Tuomainen Anita M. , Tikka Anna , Ramadan Usama Abo , Seppälä Ilkka , Lehtimäki Terho , Eriksson Johan , Havulinna Aki , Jula Antti , Karhunen Pekka J. , Salomaa Veikko , Perola Markus , Ehnholm Christian , Lee-Rueckert Miriam , Van Eck Miranda , Roivainen Anne , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Peltonen Leena , Mervaala Eero , Jalanko Anu , Hohtola Esa , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Ripatti Samuli , Kovanen Petri T. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Suomalainen Anu , Jauhiainen Matti
Published: January 2016

Deficiency of USF1 protects against obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease in mice and humans, and induces brown adipose tissue to burn triglycerides and glucose.
Hyaluronan in adipose tissue: Beyond dermal filler and therapeutic carrier
Authors: Zhu Yi , Crewe Clair , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: January 2016

Adipose hyaluronan may be a therapeutic target for adipose tissue dysfunction during nutrient oversupply.
Effects of obesity on hormonally driven cancer in women
Authors: Moley Kelle H. , Colditz Graham A.
Published: January 2016

Studies are starting to reveal the mechanisms for cancer risk resulting from obesity in women and their offspring.
Seeking population-level solutions to obesity
Authors: Elbel Brian
Published: January 2016

A combination of traditional research approaches and new policy solutions is needed to combat obesity.
Helicobacter pylori Diversity and Gastric Cancer Risk
Authors: Cover Timothy L.
Published: January 2016

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.
Helicobacter pylori
infection is the strongest known risk factor for this malignancy. An important goal is to identify
H. pylori
-infected persons at high risk for gastric cancer, so that these individuals can be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
H. pylori
exhibits a high level of intraspecies genetic diversity, and over the past two decades, many studies have endeavored to identify strain-specific features of
H. pylori
that are linked to development of gastric cancer. One of the most prominent differences among
H. pylori
strains is the presence or absence of a 40-kb chromosomal region known as the
cag
pathogenicity island (PAI). Current evidence suggests that the risk of gastric cancer is very low among persons harboring
H. pylori
strains that lack the
cag
PAI. Among persons harboring strains that contain the
cag
PAI, the risk of gastric cancer is shaped by a complex interplay among multiple strain-specific bacterial factors as well as host factors. This review discusses the strain-specific properties of
H. pylori
that correlate with increased gastric cancer risk, focusing in particular on secreted proteins and surface-exposed proteins, and describes evidence from cell culture and animal models linking these factors to gastric cancer pathogenesis. Strain-specific features of
H. pylori
that may account for geographic variation in gastric cancer incidence are also discussed.
Escherichia coli Quorum-Sensing EDF, A Peptide Generated by Novel Multiple Distinct Mechanisms and Regulated by
trans
-Translation
Authors: Kumar Sathish , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana , Vesper Oliver , Alam Nawsad , Schueler-Furman Ora , Moll Isabella , Engelberg-Kulka Hanna
Published: January 2016

Eshcerichia coli mazEF
is a stress-induced toxin-antitoxin module mediating cell death and requiring a quorum-sensing (QS)
e
xtracellular
d
eath
f
actor (EDF), the pentapeptide NNWNN. Here we uncovered several distinct molecular mechanisms involved in its generation from the
zwf
mRNA encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In particular, we show that, under stress conditions, the endoribonuclease MazF cleaves specific ACA sites, thereby generating a leaderless
zwf
mRNA which is truncated 30 codons after the EDF-encoding region. Since the nascent ribosome peptide exit tunnel can accommodate up to 40 amino acids, this arrangement allows the localization of the EDF residues inside the tunnel when the ribosome is stalled at the truncation site. Moreover, ribosome stalling activates the
trans
-translation system, which provides a means for the involvement of ClpPX in EDF generation. Furthermore, the
trans
-translation is described as a regulatory system that attenuated the generation of EDF, leading to low levels of EDF in the single cell. Therefore, the threshold EDF molecule concentration required is achieved only by the whole population, as expected for QS.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria communicate with one another via quorum-sensing (QS) signal molecules. QS provides a mechanism for bacteria to monitor each other’s presence and to modulate gene expression in response to population density. Previously, we added
E. coli
pentapeptide EDF to this list of QS molecules. We showed that, under stress conditions, the induced MazF, an endoribonuclease cleaving at ACA sites, generates EDF from
zwf.
Here we studied the mechanism of EDF generation and asked whether it is related to EDF density dependency. We illustrated that, under stress conditions, multiple distinct complex mechanisms are involved in EDF generation. This includes formation of leaderless truncated
zwf
mRNA by MazF, configuration of a length corresponding to the nascent ribosome peptide exit tunnel, rescue performed by the
trans
-translation system, and cleavage by ClpPX protease.
trans
-Translation is described as a regulatory system attenuating EDF generation and leading to low levels of EDF in the single cell, as expected for QS.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in neonates
Authors: Pauwels Steven , Allegaert Karel
Published: January 2016

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) aims to integrate drug measurement results into clinical decision making. The basic rules apply when using TDM in neonates (aminoglycosides, vancomycin, phenobarbital, digoxin), but additional factors should also be taken into account. First, due to both pharmacokinetic variability and non-pharmacokinetic factors, the correlation between dosage and concentration is poor in neonates, but can be overcome with the use of more complex, validated dosing regimens. Second, the time to reach steady state is prolonged, especially when no loading dose is used. Consequently, the timing of TDM sampling is important in this population. Third, the target concentration may be uncertain (vancomycin) or depend on specific factors (phenobarbital during whole body cooling). Finally, because of differences in matrix composition (eg, protein, bilirubin), assay-related inaccuracies may be different in neonates. We anticipate that complex validated dosing regimens, with subsequent TDM sampling and Bayesian forecasting, are the next step in tailoring pharmacotherapy to individual neonates.
Aberrant cervical vasculature anastomosis as cause of neck pain and successful treatment with embolization technique
Authors: He Lucy , Ladner Travis R , Cobb Mark , Mocco J
Published: January 2016

We report a patient with non-dermatomal radiating neck pain without focal neurologic deficit. Traditional workup could not identify an anatomic or biomechanical cause. Imaging showed a deep cervical vessel centered in the region of pain. Angiography later identified an aberrant anastomosis of this vessel with the occipital artery. Subsequent endovascular embolization of this arterial trunk resulted in complete pain relief.
Is constipation a trivial matter?
Authors: Starnes David Samuel , Lawrence Hannah , Navaratnam Ragavan
Published: January 2016

Constipation is a common symptom of patients presenting to the emergency department. If poorly managed, it can have significant consequences. A 50-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department following cardiac arrest. His medical history included a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and multiple admissions to hospital with constipation. Clinical examination revealed a grossly distended and tense abdomen. Circulatory supply to the lower limbs was acutely impaired. CT scan revealed massive dilation of the large bowel due to faecal loading with compromised circulation to the lower limbs. Despite aggressive attempts at resuscitation, the patient continued to deteriorate and passed away. On reflection, a diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to severe constipation was made. This case highlights the vigilance required when managing what is often felt to be a trivial complaint and the considerable consequences when there is a failure to do so.
Difficult case of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,Clostridium difficileinfection and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Traussnigg Stefan , Dolak Werner , Trauner Michael , Kazemi-Shirazi Lili
Published: January 2016

A 64-year-old woman presented with heavy diarrhoea, nausea and weight loss accompanied by alopecia and dystrophic fingernails and toenails. The preceding diagnosis of an inflammatory bowel disease, a common pitfall, was excluded by endoscopic work up. Instead, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS), a rare polyposis condition, was identified as the reason for this almost pathognomonic combination of diagnostic findings including various polyps throughout the entire intestine and ectodermal abnormalities. This case exemplifies common risks and complications in terms of gastrointestinal malabsorption, infections and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), including its treatment as well as a hereto unreported association with polymyalgia rheumatica. In CCS, long-term immunosuppressive therapy and close endoscopic cancer screening of the patient is essential. The treatment of vitamin deficiency and recurring SIBO helps to reduce symptoms.