bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Pipeline Location Specific Cyclic Pressure Determination
Authors: Semiga Vlado , Dinovitzer Aaron , Tiku Sanjay , Vignal Geoff
Published: November 2018

In the majority of liquid pipelines, the pump station discharge pressure ranges are much greater than the pressure ranges experienced at the suction end of the downstream pump station. Consequently, the cyclic pressure induced fatigue damage accumulation rate is greater at the discharge end than at the suction end of a given pipeline segment. In completing an integrity assessment of a fatigue susceptible feature, assuming that the pump station discharge cyclic pressure profile applies to all features in the line segment is conservative. This conservative assumption can lead to un-necessary repairs, unintentional damage from over-prescribed maintenance, or inefficient decisions regarding maintenance action prioritization.

The following paper presents the results of a Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) initiative to develop a simple approach to define the cyclic pressure history at any point in a liquid pipeline segment based on the bounding discharge and suction pump station Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) pressure time history data. The approach was developed based on collected operating pipeline SCADA pressure time history data for line segments with intermediate measurement points which could be used to validate the developed model. The pressure time histories for all the locations were analyzed using a Rainflow cycle counting technique to develop pressure range spectra (i.e. histograms of pressure range events) and the cyclic pressure severity of each of the time histories was characterized by the Spectrum Severity Indicator (SSI). The SSI represents the number of annual 90MPa hoop stress cycles required to accumulate the same fatigue damage as the actual pressure spectrums.

The technique presented in this paper illustrates how to infer the pressure range spectra or SSI at intermediate locations. The technique is shown to be a significant improvement (i.e. higher location specific accuracy) than either applying the discharge pressure spectrum or applying a linear interpolation between discharge and suction conditions in fatigue life assessments.

The liquid pipeline cyclic pressure characterization technique presented in this paper will permit integrity assessment or severity ranking of features along a pipeline to be based on an accurate local pressure profile rather than an upper bound. This understanding will help to improve the accuracy of defect loading, one of the three main pillars in integrity assessment (i.e., loading, geometry, materials) for defects susceptible to cyclic loading (e.g., cracking, mechanical damage).
Column Separation in a Shut-In Liquid Hydrocarbon Transmission Pipeline
Authors: Jahromi Hamed Ghasvari , Roxas Michael , Mokamati Satya
Published: November 2018

Crude oil transportation pipelines depend on Computational Pipeline Monitoring (CPM) systems for leak detection. Accurate prediction of the volume of vapor phase in the pipeline is very challenging when crude oil goes though phase change (column separation) in the pipeline. It is also challenging to accurately predict the vapor phase volume when the pipeline is started from extended shut-in period during which thermal cooling or heating can occur depending on the season of the year. Pipeline operators rely on the accuracy of CPMs to make decisions on column separation and to avoid the masking of a leak during column separation. The column separation can happen due to heating and/or cooling during extended pipeline shut-in, or due to elevation changes or due to flow transients.

New methods of approach to address the hydraulics are necessary when dealing with a pipeline during shut-in period. Particularly a shut-in pipeline has no longitudinal motion of fluid, however phase change occurrence attempts to set the stationary fluid inside a pipe into motion and overcoming this difficulty was not available in the literature perhaps due to lack of encumberment with similar problems. This paper explains mechanism of column separation and its transients in pipelines during extended shut-in period. The results for a 90 Km long-pipeline shut-in over a 78-hour period will be presented to show the evolution of flow field and column separation (vapor phase change) prediction and hydrodynamic pressure in the whole pipeline over the shut-in period. This paper will also critically review the current approaches available in the literature to predict the column separation.
Development of Heavy Gauge X70 Helical Line Pipe
Authors: Collins L. E. , Dunnett K. , Hylton T. , Ray A.
Published: November 2018

A decade ago, the pipeline industry was actively exploring the use of high strength steels (X80 and greater) for long distance, large diameter pipelines operating at high pressures. However in recent years the industry has adopted a more conservative approach preferring to utilize well established X70 grade pipe in heavier wall thicknesses to accommodate the demand for increased operating pressures.

In order to meet this demand, EVRAZ has undertaken a substantial upgrade of both its steelmaking and helical pipemaking facilities. The EVRAZ process is relatively unique employing electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking to melt scrap, coupled with Steckel mill rolling for the production of coil which is fed into helical DSAW pipe mills for the production of large diameter line pipe in lengths up to 80 feet. Prior to the upgrade production had been limited to a maximum finished wall thickness of ∼17 mm. The upgrades have included installation of vacuum de-gassing to reduce hydrogen and nitrogen levels, upgrading the caster to improve cast steel quality and allow production of thicker (250 mm) slabs, upgrades to the power trains on the mill stands to achieve greater rolling reductions, replacement of the laminar flow cooling system after rolling and installation of a downcoiler capable of coiling 25.4 mm X70 material. As well a new helical DSAW mill has been installed which is capable of producing large diameter pipe in thicknesses up to 25.4 mm.

The installation of the equipment has provided both opportunities and challenges. Specific initiatives have sought to produce X70 line pipe in thicknesses up to 25.4 mm, improve low temperature toughness and expand the range of sour service grades available. This paper will focus on alloy design and rolling strategies to achieve high strength coupled with low temperature toughness. The role of improved centerline segregation control will be examined. The use of scrap as a feedstock to the EAF process results in relatively high nitrogen contents compared to blast furnace (BOF) operations. While nitrogen can be reduced to some extent by vacuum de-gassing, rolling practices must be designed to accommodate nitrogen levels of 60 ppm. Greater slab thickness allows greater total reduction, but heat removal considerations must be addressed in optimization of rolling schedules to achieve suitable microstructures to achieve both strength and toughness. This optimization requires definition of the reductions to be accomplished during roughing (recrystallization rolling to achieve a fine uniform austenite grain size) and finishing (pancaking to produce heavily deformed austenite) and specification of cooling rates and coiling temperatures subsequent to rolling to obtain suitable transformation microstructures. The successful process development will be discussed.
CSA Z663: Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Pipelines
Authors: Plant Ed , Capper Sue
Published: November 2018

There are few standards or regulations to help stakeholders consider land use and development in the vicinity of existing pipeline systems. Land use planning that considers the existence of pipeline systems can support the planning for and provision of emergency services and pipeline integrity. This approach can also promote public safety and awareness through consistent and collaborative stakeholder engagement early in the land use planning process.

In 2016, a CSA workshop was held with a variety of stakeholders impacted by land use planning around pipeline systems. The workshop identified that there was a need for consistency across the jurisdictions in the form of a national standard.

The main goal of the new CSA Z663 standard is to provide guidance and best practices for land use planning and development. It also addresses roles, responsibilities and engagement of all stakeholders to help establish a consistent approach to land use planning.

A review of CSA Z663 will illustrate how this document provides information, guidance and tools that are inclusive to all stakeholders. This paper will also highlight the history and key drivers behind the new CSA Z663 standard and provide an overview of the current scope and content. Finally, the paper will describe future considerations and additions to the standard.
Attributes of Modern Linepipes and Their Implications on Girth Weld Strain Capacity
Authors: Wang Yong-Yi , Rapp Steve , Horsley David , Warman David , Gianetto Jim
Published: November 2018

There has been a number of unexpected girth weld failures in newly constructed pipelines. Girth weld failures have also been observed in pre-service hydrostatic testing. Post-incident investigations indicated that the pipes met the requirements of industry standards, such as API 5L. The welds were qualified per accepted industry standards, such as API 1104. The field girth welding was performed, inspected, and accepted per industry standards, such as API 1104. Some of the traditional causes of girth weld failures, such as hydrogen cracks and high-low misalignment, were not a factor in these incidents.

This paper starts with a review of the recent girth weld incidents. A few key features of a failed weld and their implications are examined. The characteristics of the recent failures is summarized, and the major contributing factors known to date are given.

Some of the options to prevent future failures include (1) changes to the tensile properties of the pipes and enhanced hardenability, (2) welding options aimed at increasing the weld strength and minimizing heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening, and (3) reduction of stresses on girth welds. This paper focuses on the first two options.

The trends of chemical composition and tensile properties of linepipe are reviewed. The potential contribution of these trends to the girth weld incidents is examined. Possible changes to the linepipe properties and necessary updates in the testing and qualification requirements of the linepipes are provided.

Welding options beneficial to enhanced girth weld strain capacity are discussed. Possible revisions to welding procedure qualification requirements, aimed at achieving a minimum level of strain tolerance/capacity, are proposed. The application of previously developed tools in estimating the propensity of HAZ softening is reviewed.
Elastography in prostate gland imaging and prostate cancer detection
Authors: Tyloch Dominik Janusz , Tyloch Janusz Ferdynand , Adamowicz Jan , Juszczak Kajetan , Ostrowski Adam , Warsiński Patryk , Wilamowski Jacek , Ludwikowska Joanna , Drewa Tomasz
Published: November 2018

Transrectal prostate biopsies under ultrasonography guidance remain the gold standard for the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), however, has a limited sensitivity in PCa detection. Prostate elastography (TRES) increases the sensitivity of a TRUS examination. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the usefulness of TRES in prostate gland imaging for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer based on published literature. The advantages of transrectal elastography were analysed in the context of better diagnostic performance provided by this method. TRES provides additional information for the detection and biopsy guidance concerning prostate cancer, enabling a significant reduction in the number of biopsies.
FlbA-Regulated Gene
rpnR
Is Involved in Stress Resistance and Impacts Protein Secretion when
Aspergillus niger
Is Grown on Xylose
Authors: Aerts David , van den Bergh Stijn G. , Post Harm , Altelaar Maarten A. F. , Arentshorst Mark , Ram Arthur F. J. , Ohm Robin A. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: November 2018

Aspergillus niger
secretes a large amount and diversity of industrially relevant enzymes into the culture medium. This makes the fungus a widely used industrial cell factory. For instance, carbohydrate-active enzymes of
A. niger
are used in biofuel production from lignocellulosic feedstock. These enzymes represent a major cost factor in this process. Higher production yields could substantially reduce these costs and therefore contribute to a more sustainable economy and less dependence on fossil fuels. Enzyme secretion is inhibited in
A. niger
by asexual reproduction. The sporulation protein FlbA is involved in this process by impacting the expression of 36 predicted transcription factor genes. Here, we show that one of these predicted transcriptional regulators, RpnR, regulates protein secretion and proteotoxic stress resistance. The gene is thus an interesting target to improve enzyme production in
A. niger
.
Human Bacterial Repertoire of the Urinary Tract: a Potential Paradigm Shift
Authors: Morand Aurélie , Cornu Florent , Dufour Jean-Charles , Tsimaratos Michel , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Raoult Didier
Published: November 2018

The aim of this article is to review the human repertoire of bacteria in urine already described by culture and metagenomic techniques and published in the literature. Our study led us to compare this repertoire with other available human repertoires.
The Cellular NMD Pathway Restricts Zika Virus Infection and Is Targeted by the Viral Capsid Protein
Authors: Fontaine Krystal A. , Leon Kristoffer E. , Khalid Mir M. , Tomar Sakshi , Jimenez-Morales David , Dunlap Mariah , Kaye Julia A. , Shah Priya S. , Finkbeiner Steve , Krogan Nevan J. , Ott Melanie
Published: November 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant global health threat, as infection has been linked to serious neurological complications, including microcephaly. Using a human stem cell-derived neural progenitor model system, we find that a critical cellular quality control process called the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is disrupted during ZIKV infection. Importantly, disruption of the NMD pathway is a known cause of microcephaly and other neurological disorders. We further identify an interaction between the capsid protein of ZIKV and up-frameshift protein 1 (UPF1), the master regulator of NMD, and show that ZIKV capsid targets UPF1 for degradation. Together, these results offer a new mechanism for how ZIKV infection can cause neuropathology in the developing brain.
Mixed Chlamydia trachomatis Peptide Antigens Provide a Specific and Sensitive Single-Well Colorimetric Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Human Anti-C. trachomatis Antibodies
Authors: Rahman K. Shamsur , Darville Toni , Wiesenfeld Harold C. , Hillier Sharon L. , Kaltenboeck Bernhard
Published: November 2018

For detection of anti-C. trachomatisantibodies by serological assays, use of classical chlamydial antigens results in high cross-reactivity and poor sensitivity. Previously, we discovered 48 strongly reactive peptide antigens ofC. trachomatis-specific B-cell epitopes from 21 immunodominant proteins, and individual testing and combined scoring of 5 to 11 peptide antigens provided highly sensitive and specific detection of anti-C. trachomatisantibodies in chemiluminescent ELISAs. To simplify this method, this study established a single-well labor-saving colorimetric ELISA using a mixture of 12 strongly reactiveC. trachomatispeptide antigens (Ctr Mix1) for detection of anti-C. trachomatisantibodies. This Ctr Mix1 ELISA (94% sensitivity and 98% specificity) outperformed 4 commercial ELISAs (49% to 79% sensitivity and 98% specificity). This ELISA can be easily implemented and commercialized, with convenient setup for use in nonspecialized laboratories. Thus, this mixed peptide assay with superior specificity and sensitivity will improve serodiagnosis ofC. trachomatisinfections.
Secular trends in the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting among girls: a systematic analysis
Authors: Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Ezejimofor Martinsixtus C , Uthman Olalekan A , Komba Paul
Published: November 2018

Background

Current evidence on the decline in the prevalence of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) has been lacking worldwide. This study analyses the prevalence estimates and secular trends in FGM/C over sustained periods (ie, 1990–2017). Its aim is to provide analytical evidence on the changing prevalence of FGM/C over time among girls aged 0–14 years and examine geographical variations in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

Analysis on the shift in prevalence of FGM/C was undertaken using the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data sets from Africa and Middle East. A random-effects model was used to derive overall prevalence estimates. Using Poisson regression models, we conducted time trends analyses on the FGM/C prevalence estimates between 1990 and 2017.

Findings

We included 90 DHS and MICS data sets for 208 195 children (0–14 years) from 29 countries spread across Africa and two countries in Western Asia. The prevalence of FGM/C among children varied greatly between countries and regions and also within countries over the survey periods. The percentage decline in the prevalence of FGM/C among children aged 0–14 years old was highest in East Africa, followed by North and West Africa. The prevalence decreased from 71.4% in 1995 to 8.0% in 2016 in East Africa. In North Africa, the prevalence decreased from 57.7% in 1990 to 14.1% in 2015. In West Africa, the prevalence decreased from 73.6% in 1996 to 25.4% in 2017. The results of the trend analysis showed a significant shift downwards in the prevalence of FGM/C among children aged 0–14 years in such regions and subregions of East Africa, North Africa and West Africa. East Africa has experienced a much faster decrease in the prevalence of the practice (trend=−7.3%, 95% CI −7.5% to −7.1%) per year from 1995 to 2014. By contrast, the decline in prevalence has been much slower in North Africa (trend=−4.4%, 95% CI −4.5% to −4.3%) and West Africa (trend=−3.0%, 95% CI −3.1% to −2.9%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of FGM/C among children aged 0–14 years varied greatly between countries and regions and also within countries over the survey periods. There is evidence of huge and significant decline in the prevalence of FGM/C among children across countries and regions. There is a need to sustain comprehensive intervention efforts and further targeted efforts in countries and regions still showing high prevalence of FGM/C among children, where the practice is still pervasive.
Disability–free survival after coronary artery bypass grafting in women and men with heart failure
Authors: Sun Louise Y , Tu Jack V , Lee Douglas S , Beanlands Rob S , Ruel Marc , Austin Peter C , Eddeen Anan Bader , Liu Peter P
Published: November 2018

Objective

Heart failure (HF) impairs survival post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but little is known about the postoperative quality of life (QoL) in patients with HF. We derived a patient-centred QoL surrogate and assessed the impact of different HF subtypes on this surrogate in the year post-CABG.

Methods

We surveyed 3112 cardiovascular patients to derive a patient-centred disability outcome and studied this outcome in a population-based cohort. We defined preserved ejection fraction as ≥50% and reduced ejection fraction as <50%. The primary outcome was disability, defined according to compiled patient-derived values. The secondary outcomes consisted of each individual component of disability, and death. The incidence of disability was calculated using cumulative incidence functions, with death as a competing risk. We identified predictors of disability using cause-specific hazard models.

Results

Patient-derived disability outcome consisted of stroke, nursing home admission and recurrent hospitalisations. When applied to 40 083 CABG patients (20.6% women), the incidence of disability was 5.4% while the incidence of death was 3.7% in the year post-CABG. Female sex was associated with an adjusted HR of 1.25 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.37) for disability. Women with HF with preserved ejection fraction had an adjusted HR of 1.73 (95% CI 1.52 to 1.98) for disability.

Conclusions

Disability was a more frequent complication than death in the year post-CABG. Women experienced higher burden of disability than men, and female sex and the presence of HF were important disability risk factors. Efforts should be dedicated to disability risk prediction to enable patient-centred operative decision-making and to developing sex-specific treatment strategies to improve outcomes.
Electromyostimulation with blood flow restriction enhances activation of mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in rat gastrocnemius muscles
Authors: Natsume Toshiharu , Yoshihara Toshinori , Naito Hisashi
Published: November 2018

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) induces muscle hypertrophy. However, cellular mechanisms underlying the muscle hypertrophy induced by NMES combined with BFR remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that NMES combined with BFR would enhance the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Age-matched male Wistar rats (6 months old, n = 7 per group) were assigned randomly to control, BFR alone (BFR), NMES alone (NMES), and NMES combined with BFR (NMES/BFR) groups. NMES induced 25 isometric contractions lasting 8 s with 4-s resting periods between contractions in the gastrocnemius muscle. Four sets in total were performed, with 1-min intervals between sets. A latex cuff was placed on the proximal portion of the hind limb and BFR at 200 mm Hg was conducted in 4 sets (each set 5 min) with 1-min rest intervals between sets. Venous blood was collected from the lateral tail vein to determine pH, H+ concentration, and lactate concentration before and immediately after the treatments. Expression levels of proteins related to muscle hypertrophy were determined by Western blot analysis. The application of NMES/BFR promoted muscle fatigue more than NMES alone. NMES/BFR induced greater changes in accumulation of metabolites and increase in gastrocnemius muscle weight. The phosphorylation of mTOR and MAPK signaling-related proteins was also enhanced following NMES/BFR, compared with other conditions. Thus, NMES enhanced the activation of mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways when combined with BFR.
Coordinated Tcf7l2 regulation in a mouse model implicates Wnt signaling in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Chater-Diehl Eric , Sokolowski Dustin , Alberry Bonnie , Singh Shiva M.
Published: November 2018

Mouse models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have repeatedly identified genes with long-term changes in expression, DNA methylation, noncoding RNA, and histone modifications in response to neurodevelopmental alcohol exposure. Articulation of FASD is achieved via alcohol’s effect on gene expression, likely involving epigenetic regulation. The list of genes affected is large and heterogeneous, depending on experimental protocol. We present reanalysis and synthesis of results highlighting the Wnt transcription factor 7 like 2 (Tcf7l2) gene as uniquely compatible with hippocampal DNA methylation, histone modifications, and gene expression changes in a coordinated response to neurodevelopmental alcohol exposure. We data-mined the literature for Tcf7l2 alterations in response to prenatal alcohol exposure. Four studies identified changes in brain Tcf7l2 expression in different FASD models. Further, we performed an in silico TCF7L2 binding site analysis for FASD mouse model data sets. Seven of these published gene lists were significantly enriched for TCF7L2 binding, indicating potential functional relationships. Finally, TCF7L2 is involved in regulation of hundreds of genes, with a role in brain development, myelination, and neuronal function. Tcf7l2 may be involved in neurological defects associated with alcohol exposure via dysregulation of many genes through Wnt signaling. Further functional work is warranted to validate this model for FASD.
Anthropogenic and soil environmental drivers of arbuscular mycorrhizal community composition differ between grassland ecosystems
Authors: Tipton Alice G. , Middleton Elizabeth L. , Spollen William G. , Galen Candace
Published: November 2018

Interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plants are sensitive to a myriad of underlying factors, including soil chemistry and land-use disturbances. Here we address how two grassland ecosystems (Ozark glades vs. tallgrass prairies) in south-central USA have been impacted by legacy effects from land-use disturbances (e.g., fire suppression in glades and tillage, fertilizer, row cropping, and grazing in prairies) and geological substrate (acidic versus calcareous bedrock). We surveyed AMF on the roots of two native generalist host species [Ruellia humilis Nutt. and Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] as well as plants randomly selected from the plant community. Glades on calcareous bedrock had a higher pH than those on acidic bedrock, and AMF communities on all three root sample types varied between acidic and calcareous bedrock locations. In prairies, both bedrock types had a similar soil pH, and AMF communities on all three root sample types varied across remnant and disturbed prairies. Shifts in AMF composition across land-use history included shifts in dominant AMF genera, and some unique rare AMF taxa were restricted to only calcareous glades or remnant prairies. Our findings suggest that reseeding prairie plant communities on cultivated lands does not restore AMF communities. Restoration projects need to address the soil environment and community.
Hydrogen cyanide produced by Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 is a key aphicidal metabolite
Authors: Kang Beom Ryong , Anderson Anne J. , Kim Young Cheol
Published: November 2018

A biocontrol bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 promotes plant health through multifaceted mechanisms. In this study, we used P. chlororaphis O6 mutants to examine metabolites with aphicidal activity. Direct application of intact P. chlororaphis cells to the surface of second-instar nymphs of the green peach aphid resulted in no mortality. However, nymphs died when exposed only to the volatiles produced by the P. chlororaphis O6 wild-type strain grown on rich media. Mutants lacking the production of two antibiotics, phenazine and pyrrolnitrin, or the insect toxin FitD retained the aphicidal potential of the wild-type strain. However, the volatiles produced by mutants deficient in the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) or defective in the synthesis of the global regulator GacS, which regulates HCN synthesis, showed no aphicidal activity. Direct application of potassium cyanide caused mortality of green peach aphid nymphs. These results indicate that HCN production by a plant probiotic is involved in preventing insect growth.
Medical education dilemma: How can we best accommodate basic sciences in a curriculum for 21st century medical students?
Authors: Ganguly Paul , Yaqinuddin Ahmed , Al-Kattan Wael , Kemahli Sabri , AlKattan Khaled
Published: November 2018

Over the years, the medical curriculum has been changed to accommodate a variety of evolving disciplines and an exploding scientific knowledge of the basic sciences to prepare “a competent physician” of the 21st century. Therefore, we must be innovative in our approach of curricular development if we wish to continue to incorporate new basic sciences knowledge in the face of decreasing contact hours to satisfy the buzz word, “integration”. Certainly, the challenges are phenomenal. The question how to best integrate basic sciences, is not easy to answer as the objectives of the courses and outcome vary from one medical school to another and the fact is, one size does not fit all. However, if we believe that basic sciences are the language of medicine and foundation of clinical knowledge, then we must resolve this ongoing dilemma by introducing basic sciences through a better alignment in a given curriculum. The purpose of this review is to evaluate different curricular models for their basic sciences content and address their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, we will introduce a spiral design to integrate basic sciences for senior students. Finally, we will provide some insight as to how learning and retention of basic science content can be sustained.
Developmental origins of myocardial abnormalities in postnatal life
Authors: Tappia Paramjit S. , Ramjiawan Bram
Published: November 2018

Poor quality and quantity maternal nutrition during pregnancy exerts permanent and damaging effects on the heart of the developing fetus. The developmental origin of adult heart disease is considered an important and critical factor in the pathogenesis of myocardial abnormalities in later life. Low birth mass, a marker of intrauterine stress, has been linked to a predisposition to heart disease. In this article, our work on the impact of exposure to a low-protein diet, in utero, on the developing heart and its long-term consequences are discussed. Other studies providing some supportive evidence are also described. It is proposed that normal fetal nutrition, growth, and development through efficient maternal nutrition (as well as other predisposing factors) before and during pregnancy may serve as a strategy for the primary prevention of heart disease.
Extreme Learning Machine Based Prognostics of Battery Life
Authors: Razavi-Far Roozbeh , Chakrabarti Shiladitya , Saif Mehrdad , Zio Enrico , Palade Vasile
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a prognostic scheme for estimating the remaining useful life of Lithium-ion batteries. The proposed scheme utilizes a prediction module that aims to obtain precise predictions for both short and long prediction horizons. The prediction module makes use of extreme learning machines for one-step and multi-step ahead predictions, using various prediction strategies, including iterative, direct and DirRec, which use the constant-current experimental capacity data for the estimation of the remaining useful life. The data-driven prognostic approach is highly dependent on the availability of high quantity of quality observations. Insufficient amount of available data can result in unsatisfactory prognostics. In this paper, the prognostics scheme is utilized to estimate the remaining useful life of a battery, with insufficient direct data available, but taking advantage of observations available from a fleet of similar batteries with similar working conditions. Experimental results show that the proposed prognostic scheme provides a fast and efficient estimation of the remaining useful life of the batteries and achieves superior results when compared with various state-of-the-art prediction techniques.
Dynamics of evolving self-gravitating models in extended teleparallel gravity
Authors: Manzoor Rubab , Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila
Published: November 2018

The self-gravitating spherically symmetric fluid models are being studied taking power-law model in extended teleparallel (or [Formula: see text]) gravity. We form a set of governing equations which describes the dynamics of stellar evolution in the presence of torsion scalar (dark energy candidate) by incorporating power-law model in [Formula: see text] gravity along with dynamical terms like shear tensor, anisotropy, expansion scalar, dissipation, Weyl tensor and energy inhomogeneity. We explore some particular models of fluid according to various dynamical scenarios for particular values of model parameter [Formula: see text]. It is found that torsion terms associated with [Formula: see text], govern stellar evolution and provide deviation from theory of general relativity (GR). For the case, [Formula: see text], tetrad field is almost negligible and the evolving models are consistent with GR model having cosmological constant. We obtain practicable rate of change of expansion and deformation of fluid models at [Formula: see text].
Formation of BIon by joining accretion disks
Authors: Beesham Aroonkumar , Shoorvazi Somayeh
Published: November 2018

Recently, some authors have proposed a new model for the BIon which can be applied in both nanosystems and cosmology. A Bion is a configuration which has been constructed from two branes and a wormhole which connects them. In this paper, we consider the process of formation of a BIon by joining hexagonal accretion disks. These disks exchange gravitational waves with each other and produce some curvature. By increasing the number of connected disks and joining these waves, a wormhole emerges.
The Petrov–Galerkin finite element method for the numerical solution of time-fractional Sharma–Tasso–Olver equation
Authors: Gupta A. K. , Ray S. Saha
Published: November 2018

In this paper, time-fractional Sharma–Tasso–Olver (STO) equation has been solved numerically through the Petrov–Galerkin approach utilizing a quintic B-spline function as the test function and a linear hat function as the trial function. The Petrov–Galerkin technique is effectively implemented to the fractional STO equation for acquiring the approximate solution numerically. The numerical outcomes are observed in adequate compatibility with those obtained from variational iteration method (VIM) and exact solutions. For fractional order, the numerical outcomes of fractional Sharma–Tasso–Olver equations are also compared with those obtained by variational iteration method (VIM) in Song et al. [Song L., Wang Q., Zhang H., Rational approximation solution of the fractional Sharma–Tasso–Olver equation, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 224:210–218, 2009]. Numerical experiments exhibit the accuracy and efficiency of the approach in order to solve nonlinear fractional STO equation.
CASCA
Authors: Delledonne Lorenzo , Zaccaria Vittorio , Susella Ruggero , Bertoni Guido , Melzani Filippo
Published: November 2018

Implementing a cryptographic circuit poses challenges not always acknowledged in the backing mathematical theory. One of them is the vulnerability against
side-channel attacks
. A side-channel attack is a procedure that uses information leaked by the circuit through, for example, its own power consumption or electromagnetic emissions, to derive sensitive data (e.g, the secret key used for encryption). Nowadays, we design circuitry to keep this sensitive information from leaking (i.e., a
countermeasure
), but the path from specification down to implementation is far from being fully automatic. As we know, manual refinement steps can be error prone and the sheer potential of these errors can be devastating in a scenario such as the one we are dealing with.

In this article, we investigate whether a single embedded domain specific language (EDSL) can, at the same time, help us in specifying and enforcing the functionality of the circuit as well as its protection against side-channel attacks. The EDSL is a fundamental block of an original design flow (named Countermeasure Against Side-Channel Attacks, i.e., CASCA) whose aim is to complement an existing industrial scenario and to provide the necessary guarantee that a secure primitive is not vulnerable up to a first-order attack. As a practical case study, we will show how we applied the proposed tools to ensure both functional and extra-functional correctness of a composite-field Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) S-Box. To ensure the reproducibility of this research, this article is accompanied by an open source release of the EDSL
1
that contains the presented S-Box implementation and an additional 3-Shares threshold implementation of the Keccak χ function [7].
Role of pregnancy and obesity on vitamin D status, transport, and metabolism in baboons
Authors: Mata-Greenwood Eugenia , Huber Hillary F. , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W.
Published: November 2018

Human studies show that obesity is associated with vitamin D insufficiency, which contributes to obesity-related disorders. Our aim was to elucidate the regulation of vitamin D during pregnancy and obesity in a nonhuman primate species. We studied lean and obese nonpregnant and pregnant baboons. Plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) and 1α,25-(OH)2-D metabolites were analyzed using ELISA. Vitamin D-related gene expression was studied in maternal kidney, liver, subcutaneous fat, and placental tissue using real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Pregnancy was associated with an increase in plasma bioactive vitamin D levels compared with nonpregnant baboons in both lean and obese groups. Pregnant baboons had lower renal 24-hydroxylase CYP24A1 protein and chromatin-bound vitamin D receptor (VDR) than nonpregnant baboons. In contrast, pregnancy upregulated the expression of CYP24A1 and VDR in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Obesity decreased vitamin D status in pregnant baboons (162 ± 17 vs. 235 ± 28 nM for 25-OH-D, 671 ± 12 vs. 710 ± 10 pM for 1α,25-(OH)2-D; obese vs. lean pregnant baboons, P < 0.05). Lower vitamin D status correlated with decreased maternal renal expression of the vitamin D transporter cubulin and the 1α-hydroxylase CYP27B1. Maternal obesity also induced placental downregulation of the transporter megalin (LRP2), CYP27B1, the 25-hydroxylase CYP2J2, and VDR. We conclude that baboons represent a novel species to evaluate vitamin D regulation. Both pregnancy and obesity altered vitamin D status. Obesity-induced downregulation of vitamin D transport and bioactivation genes are novel mechanisms of obesity-induced vitamin D regulation.
A Genetic Simulated Annealing Algorithm to Optimize the Small‐World Network Generating Process
Authors: Du Haifeng , Fan Jiarui , He Xiaochen , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: November 2018

Network structure is an important component of analysis in many parts of the natural and social sciences. Optimization of network structure in order to achieve specific goals has been a major research focus. The small‐world network is known to have a high average clustering coefficient and a low average path length. Previous studies have introduced a series of models to generate small‐world networks, but few focus on how to improve the efficiency of the generating process. In this paper, we propose a genetic simulated annealing (GSA) algorithm to improve the efficiency of transforming other kinds of networks into small‐world networks by adding edges, and we apply this algorithm to some experimental systems. In the process of using the GSA algorithm, the existence of hubs and disassortative structure is revealed.
Hybrid Modification of Accelerated Double Direction Method
Authors: Petrović Milena J. , Stanimirović Predrag S. , Kontrec Nataša , Mladenović Julija
Published: November 2018

We present a hybridization of the accelerated gradient method with two vector directions. This hybridization is based on the usage of a chosen three-term hybrid model. Derived hybrid accelerated double direction model keeps preferable properties of both included methods. Convergence analysis demonstrates at least linear convergence of the proposed iterative scheme on the set of uniformly convex and strictly convex quadratic functions. The results of numerical experiments confirm better performance profile in favor of derived hybrid accelerated double direction model when compared to its forerunners.
Tongue Function: An Underrecognized Component in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Mandibular Repositioning Appliance
Authors: Wang Wei , Di Changping , Mona Skaff , Wang Lin , Hans Mark
Published: November 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common but still underrecognized disorder. A mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA) is used to treat OSA by advancing the mandible and thereby reducing the collapsibility of the upper airway. It has been found that an MRA increases the volume of the upper airway, especially the velopharyngeal area, in OSA patients. We hypothesize that this increase in the velopharyngeal volume is associated with an anterior displacement of the tongue, but likely not with a stretching of the soft tissue connecting the soft palate, lateral pharynx, palatopharyngeal arch, and mandible. Since the function and structure of the genioglossus and hypoglossal nerve are always abnormal in patients with OSA, the tongue does not always move simultaneously with the mandible when an MRA is being used. Oropharyngeal exercises, especially tongue exercises, can improve the quality of life of OSA patients, including reduction of daytime sleepiness and snoring, better quality of sleep, and partial decrease in the AHI. Further, in animal models, tongue exercise is also found to be effective in tongue function recovery and in the remodeling of the hypoglossal nucleus. We suggest that a combination of tongue exercises along with MRA is a promising approach for patients who do not respond to an MRA alone.
Characterization and Identification of Coal and Carbonaceous Shale Using Visible and Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang En , Ge Shirong , Wang Shibo
Published: November 2018

Because of the high organic carbon concentration in carbonaceous shale, a large proportion of carbonaceous shales are often misclassified into coals using visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy in the field of coal-gangue identification of hyperspectral remote sensing of coal mine. In order to study spectral characterization of coal and carbonaceous shale, three bituminite samples and three carbonaceous shales were collected from a coal mine of China, and their spectral reflectance curves were obtained by a field spectrometer in the wavelength range of 350–2500 nm. Only one carbonaceous shale could be easily identified from the three bituminite samples according to obvious absorption valleys near 1400 nm, 1900 nm, and 2200 nm of its reflectance curve while the other two carbonaceous shales have similar reflectance curves to the three bituminite samples. The effect of carbon concentration on reflectance curve was simulated by the mixed powder of ultralow ash bituminite and clay in 0.5 mm grain size under various mixing ratios. It was found that absorption valleys near 1400 nm, 1900 nm, and 2200 nm of the mixed powder become not obvious when the bituminite content is more than 30%. In order to establish an effective identification method of coal and carbonaceous shale, 250 other samples collected from the same coal mine were divided into 150 training samples and 100 prediction samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Gauss radial basis kernel principal component analysis (GRB-KPCA) were employed to extract principal components (PCs) of continuum removed (CR) spectra of the training samples in eight selected wavelength regions which are related to the main mineral and organic compositions. Two support vector machine- (SVM-) based models PCA-SVM and GRB-KPCA-SVM were established. The results showed that the GRB-KPCA-SVM model had better identification accuracies of 94% and 92% for powder and nature block prediction samples, respectively.
Effects of Appendectomy on the Onset and Course of Ulcerative Colitis in Chinese Patients
Authors: Chen Dafan , Ma Jing , Luo Shengzheng , Lu Lungen , Wan Xinjian , Ben Qiwen
Published: November 2018

Background. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested that appendectomy may be a protective factor against the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the results of these studies were inconsistent, with rare studies in Chinese populations. Aim. This study examined the associations between appendectomy performed before UC diagnosis and the occurrence and clinical course of UC in Chinese patients. Methods. A case control study was conducted to compare the rate of appendectomy between UC patients and controls matched for age and sex at two Chinese hospitals. Clinical course of UC was compared between UC patients who underwent appendectomies before UC diagnosis and who did not. Results. 402 UC patients and 402 controls were included. The percentage of appendectomy performed before UC diagnosis in UC patients did not differ significantly from controls (2.74% vs 3.98%, P=0.442). Subgroup analysis on the basis of localization of UC patients did not find significant difference from controls. The extent of disease involvement in UC patients who underwent appendectomy was smaller than patients who did not (P=0.009). Appendectomy was found to be significantly related to the location of the disease independent of smoking status in multivariate analysis (P<0.001). Appendectomy did not influence severity of disease and need for immunosuppressive treatment or colectomy. Conclusion. We did not find a significant negative association between appendectomy and the UC occurrence in Chinese patients. Appendectomy performed before UC diagnosis may reduce the extent of UC involvement.
Periodic Measures of Mean-Field Stochastic Predator-Prey System
Authors: Huang Zaitang , Cao Junfei
Published: November 2018

This paper discusses the dynamics of the mean-field stochastic predator-prey system. We prove the existence and pathwise uniqueness of the solution for stochastic predator-prey systems in the mean-field limit. Then we show that the solution of the mean-field equation is a periodic measure. Finally, we study the fluctuations of the periodic in distribution processes when the white noise converges to zero.
Sequential Fault-Tolerant Fusion Estimation for Multisensor Time-Varying Systems
Authors: Feng Xiaoliang , Wu Lan , Wen Chenglin
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the impact of the fusion framework on the fault diagnosis process is discussed. The centralized fusion framework makes it difficult to locate and estimate the sensor fault. Based on the fault detection method, the sequential fusion framework could locate and estimate the sensor fault and realize the fault-tolerant estimation of system states. In the sense of minimum mean square error (MMSE), based on the sequential detection of bias fault of sensors, a sequential fault-tolerant fusion estimation approach is presented to estimate the sensor fault and the system state, simultaneously, optimally, in real time. Further, a novel alternate fault-tolerant fusion estimation method is proposed to alternately estimate the sensor fault and the system state, in the frame of sequential fusion. What is more, the equivalency of the two proposed methods is proved. And the feasibility and equivalency of them are also verified by the computer simulation.
Adaptive Finite‐Time Command Filtered Fault‐Tolerant Control for Uncertain Spacecraft with Prescribed Performance
Authors: Chen Zhongtian , Chen Qiang , He Xiongxiong , Sun Mingxuan
Published: November 2018

In this paper, an adaptive finite‐time fault‐tolerant control scheme is proposed for the attitude stabilization of rigid spacecrafts. A first‐order command filter is presented at the second step of the backstepping design to approximate the derivative of the virtual control, such that the singularity problem caused by the differentiation of the virtual control is avoided. Then, an adaptive fuzzy finite‐time backstepping controller is developed to achieve the finite‐time attitude stabilization subject to inertia uncertainty, external disturbance, actuator saturation, and faults. Through using an error transformation, the prescribed performance boundary is incorporated into the controller design to guarantee the prescribed performance of the system output. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.