bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of turbojet engine cycle with dual-purpose PSO algorithm
Authors: Ahadi Nasab M.R. , Ehyaei M.A.
Published: August 2019

In this article, the J85-GE-21 turbojet engine for an altitude of 1000–8000 m, with the speed of 200 m/s and at 10, 20, and 40 °C, was provided, and then, based on the objective functions, the above system was optimized using particle swarm optimization method. For the purpose of optimization, the Mach number, compressor efficiency, turbine efficiency, nozzle efficiency, and compressor pressure ratio were assumed to be in the range of 0.6–1.4, 0.8–0.95, 0.8–0.95, 0.8–0.95, and 7–10, respectively. The highest exergy efficiency of 73.1% for different components of the engine at sea level and speed of 200 m/s belonged to the diffuser. Second and third to it were nozzle and combustion chamber with 68.6 and 51.5%, respectively. The lowest exergy efficiency of 4% belonged to the compressor, and the second to it was the afterburner with 11.6%. Also, the values of entropy production and efficiency of the second law of thermodynamics were 1176.99 and 479 K/W, respectively, prior to optimization, which were respectively changed to 1129 and 51.4 K/W postoptimization. Obviously, the entropy production is reduced, while the efficiency of the second law of thermodynamics is increased.
Addressing Decision Making in Progesterone Treatment for History of Preterm Delivery
Authors: Zuponcic Jacqueline , Cottrell Connie , Lavin Justin , Facchini Wendy , Li Marissa
Published: August 2019

Introduction The United States ranks 27th among nations worldwide for infant mortality with a rate of 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. The majority of perinatal morbidity and mortality is related to preterm birth, defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks' gestation. Among the risk factors for preterm birth is prior preterm birth, which is associated with a 1.5- to 2.0-fold increase in risk. At the present time, there is only one Food and Drug Administration approved treatment for the prevention of preterm birth among women with a history of prior spontaneous premature delivery, intramuscular 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP), administered once weekly from 20 to 36 weeks' gestation. However, many eligible pregnant patients decline this therapy.

Methods This was a prospective, cohort study involving patients who were identified as candidates for 17-OHP treatment at their first obstetric visit and asked to complete a short survey regarding their history of preterm birth. Those patients who consented to a follow-up phone call were asked to participate in a focus group discussion regarding their experience with progesterone and the health care system.

Results During the 1-year study period, 55 progesterone candidates were identified, 43 accepted treatment, 7 refused, and 5 either initiated prenatal care too late to receive injections or did not follow-up. Those who accepted treatment appeared to cope better with treatment side effects, and/or had traumatic emotional reactions regarding their prior premature birth outcomes. Women who declined treatment often cited pain with injection, had fatalistic beliefs regarding their care, and/or had personal concerns related to full-term pregnancy.

Discussion Maternal health care providers should always discuss the implications of prematurity at the time of the index premature delivery and again at the first prenatal visit of the subsequent pregnancy. Providers need to be prepared to employ various techniques for patient counseling and education. Small changes in office practice, like having fewer care providers involved in patient care or providing distractions for children, may make the difference between a patient who is open or closed to treatment options.
Animal Models of Hirschsprung's Disease: State of the Art in Translating Experimental Research to the Bedside
Authors: Fujiwara Naho , Nakazawa-Tanaka Nana , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: August 2019

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is caused by incomplete colonization of enteric neural crest-derived cell (ENCC) in the bowel, the failure of ENCCs to proliferate, differentiate, and migrate leads to an absence of enteric neurons in the distal colon, resulting in colonic motility dysfunction. Various animal models of HSCR have been important in the understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the disease and in the discovery of genes involved in HSCR. Four types of HSCR animal models have been developed: teratogen-induced, surgically created, naturally occurring models, and knockout models. Mutations in several genes affect enteric nervous system (ENS) development and can have pleiotropic effects on this system. Furthermore, certain animal models are informative regarding how such molecules control the development and functional differentiation of the ENS. In this article, we summarize recent advances in this field and highlight opportunities for new discoveries.
Thrombosis Risk in Cancer Patients Receiving Red Blood Cell Transfusions
Authors: Ramsey Glenn , Lindholm Paul F.
Published: August 2019

Patients with cancer have increased risk of thrombosis and often need red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. However, RBC transfusions may also promote thrombosis because of raised hematocrit and viscosity, storage-related RBC damage, and exposure to thrombogenic mediators from obsolescent RBCs. The authors conducted a literature survey for studies examining whether RBC transfusions were associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. In perioperative cancer surgery patients with categorical comparisons of any versus no RBC transfusion, increased risk of VTE with RBC transfusion was found in 11 of 31 studies, 5 by univariate correlation only and 6 in multivariate analysis. All six multivariate-positive studies had intermediate overall rates of thrombosis (1.4–6.0%), and three were in urological surgery series. In the larger studies of > 2,000 patients (range: 2,219–44,656), the maximum odds ratio among the multivariate-positive studies was 1.3. Perioperative RBC transfusion volume was more strongly associated with VTE risk, with a positive association in six of seven studies. One large registry-based study of hospitalized cancer patients, not restricted to the perioperative setting, found an adjusted odds ratio of 1.60 (95% confidence interval: 1.53–1.67) for VTE risk in patients receiving RBCs compared with nontransfused patients.
Population-Based Estimation of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease Rates of Gravid and Recently Postpartum Women in Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Antony Kathleen M. , Kazembe Peter N. , Pace Ryan M. , Levison Judy , Mlotha-Namarika Jesse , Phiri Henry , Chiudzu Grace , Harris R. Alan , Aagaard Joshua , Twyman Nicholas , Ramin Susan M. , Raine Susan P. , Belfort Michael A. , Aagaard Kjersti M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the rate of dental caries and periodontal disease among gravid and recently postpartum women at five delivery centers within and surrounding Lilongwe, Malawi.

Study Design We partnered with obstetric specialists, community health workers, and dentists to perform dental history interviews and dental examinations during the study period from December 2012 to May 2014. Dental examinations were performed according to World Health Organization standards to assess periodontal and oral health status.

Results Among the 387 gravid and recently postpartum women, the rate of dental caries was 69.3% and the rate of composite dental disease (caries and periodontal disease) was 76.7%. The majority (69.5%) of women examined had a decayed-missing-filled (DMF) index greater than or equal to one; the average DMF Index was 2.48. The majority of women had never seen a dentist (62.8%). However, most did perform oral hygiene, two or more times per day (90.2%); most women reported brushing with toothpaste (88.1%).

Conclusion When assessing this population for dental caries and periodontal disease, the rate of dental disease was high. Therefore, this may be an ideal setting to test for impactful interventions aimed at reducing caries and periodontal disease.
Mechanism analysis of a flexible organic memristive memory with capacitance effect and negative differential resistance state
Authors: Zhu Shouhui , Sun Bai , Ranjan Shubham , Zhu Xiaoli , Zhou Guangdong , Zhao Hongbin , Mao Shuangsuo , Wang Hongyan , Zhao Yong , Fu Guoqiang
Published: August 2019

It has been gradually realized that the sustainable electronic devices are of great prospects for sustainable applications in electronic technology products. From another point of view, a device with multiple physical performances would be a potential candidate for next generation multifunctional electronics. In this report, a flexible memory device based on sweet potato skin (SPS) was demonstrated, which presented a stable memory performance over 500 cycles and a large switching resistance ratio, and the current-voltage (I-V) hysteretic loop accompanied by capacitance effect and negative differential resistance state. In order to carry out detailed mechanism analysis, two materials (ITO or Ti) with different work functions as the bottom electrode and Ag as the top electrode were used to prepare two memristive devices. It can be confirmed that the conductive behavior obeys Schottky emission and direct tunneling at low voltage region, while it follows the hopping conduction at high voltage region. In a word, the selected SPS, a sustainable waste material, can be employed to prepare bioelectronic devices, which has a potential application value in green electronic products.
Real-time measurement of lithium-ion batteries’ state-of-charge based on air-coupled ultrasound
Authors: Chang Jun-Jie , Zeng Xue-Feng , Wan Tao-Lei
Published: August 2019

In order to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional method of measuring a lithium-ion battery’s state-of-charge by charging and discharging its voltage curve, a method based on air-coupled ultrasound is proposed, which slows aging of the battery. Analysis is conducted on the propagation characteristics of ultrasound in the battery using Biot’s fluid-saturated porous media model; the signal is monitored in real time by monitoring ultrasonic waves during charging, and fast-wave and slow-wave signals are obtained. Firstly, the fast-amplitude value of the time domain signal is analyzed, and the near linear relation between the amplitude and lithium-ion battery’s state-of-charge is established. Frequency domain analysis is then carried out to understand the relationship between the phase and phase velocity for different state-of-charge consumptions and spectra. The results from using an air-coupled ultrasonic detection method to obtain the fast-amplitude value of the battery’s time domain signal show that fast-amplitude has an approximately linear relationship with state-of-charge. This verifies the feasibility and accuracy of this method and provides a new theoretical foundation for the real-time monitoring of lithium-ion batteries’ state-of-charge.
2D nanosheet-constructed hybrid nanofillers for polymer nanocomposites with synergistic dispersion and function
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Yufeng , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: August 2019

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are new-emerging multicomponent polymer composites consisting of a polymer matrix and well dispersed nanofillers. Nanofillers can be divided into one-dimensional, two-dimensional (2D), or three-dimensional nanoparticles according to their dimensions. Due to their outstanding physical properties, the achievement of homogeneous dispersion of 2D nanofillers in the polymer matrix plays a decisive role in the fabrication of high-performance and multifunctional PNCs. The construction of 2D nanosheets into hybrid nanofillers provides a new idea for achieving homogeneous dispersion of 2D nanofillers in the polymer matrix. In this review, recent developments on the design strategies and controllable preparation methods of hybrid nanofillers containing 2D nanosheets are summarized. The preparation, structure, and physical properties of PNCs with 2D nanosheet-constructed hybrid nanofillers are discussed in detail. Finally, challenges and future prospects of PNCs with 2D nanosheet-constructed hybrid nanofillers are highlighted.
Measurements of the fast electron bremsstrahlung during lower hybrid current drive in the HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Zhang Y. P. , Mazon D. , Peysson Y. , Malard P. , Zhang P. F. , Zhang J. , Zou X. L. , Zhou J. , Xu H. B. , Bai X. Y. , Yang J. W. , Yuan G. L. , Song X. Y. , Li X. , Zhong W. L. , Ding X. T. , Chen W. , Li Y. G. , Hoang T. , Delpech L. , Ekedahl A. , Isobe M. , Song X. M. , Lu B. , Liu Yi , Shi Z. B. , Yang Q. W. , Xu M. , Duan X. R. , Liu Y.
Published: August 2019

Physics related to fast electrons in lower hybrid (LH) current drive (LHCD) plasma is a very important issue, since these particles will play an important role in runaway electron (RE) generation and lower hybrid wave (LHW)-related physics. Utilizing a new hard X-ray (HXR) pinhole camera, recent HL-2A tokamak experiments have devoted to enhancing the understanding of the physics on fast electrons and LHW. The fast electron bremsstrahlung (FEB) emission in the HXR energy range between 20 and 200 keV was measured by the HXR camera. To study the conversion of LHW-produced fast electrons into REs, a very short pulse of LHW, so-called “blip”, with duration of 5 ms was injected into the plasma during the current flattop phase. A strong enhancement of REs was induced by the blip injection. Measurements from the HXR camera show that the fast electrons generated by LHWs is mainly concentrated in 40-60 keV, which is well consistent with the calculated value based on Landau damping theory. The energy of these seed electrons is higher than the critical runaway energy. This phenomenon may be come from the synergetic effects of Dreicer and avalanche RE generation. Moreover, the measurements indicate that the spatial distribution of the fast electrons during LHCD has a peaked profile, implying that the fast electrons are mainly produced in the plasma core. It also suggests that the energy of the LHW mainly deposited in the plasma core region.
Thallium accumulation in different organisms from karst and lowland rivers of Croatia under wastewater impact
Authors: Mijošek Tatjana , Marijić Vlatka Filipović , Dragun Zrinka , Ivanković Dušica , Krasnići Nesrete , Redžović Zuzana , Veseli Marina , Gottstein Sanja , Lajtner Jasna , Perić Mirela Sertić , Kepčija Renata Matoničkin , Erk Marijana
Published: August 2019

Environmental contextDespite thallium’s high toxicity, water solubility and bioaccumulation tendency, its ecotoxicological relevance is largely unknown. We investigated thallium concentrations in fish, amphipods and parasitic worms from a karst freshwater ecosystem, and estimated total and cytosolic thallium concentrations in intestine of fish from the karst and lowland rivers impacted by wastewater inflow. The study provides the first data on dietary thallium accumulation in the intestine of freshwater fishes. AbstractThe aim of the present research was to investigate the bioaccumulation of thallium (Tl), a technology-critical element, in fish intestine and muscle, gammarids and the fish intestinal parasites, acanthocephalans, and to evaluate their potential as indicators of metal exposure in aquatic environments. Moreover, total and cytosolic (metabolically available and potentially toxic fraction) Tl concentrations were measured and compared between the intestines of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) from the karst Krka River and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782) from the lowland Ilova River. Since there is a scarcity of information on subcellular metal partitioning in the fish intestine, the results of Tl concentrations in acid digested intestinal tissue, homogenate and cytosol represent preliminary data on Tl diet-borne uptake in salmonid and cyprinid fish. In both rivers, samplings were performed upstream (reference site) and downstream (contaminated site) of the wastewater impact in autumn and spring. Total Tl concentrations were much higher in brown trout than Prussian carp, and higher proportions of cytosolic Tl concentrations were observed in the intestinal tissue of brown trout (45–71%) compared with that of Prussian carp (32–47%). Therefore, both indicators showed species- and site-specific differences. Considering different bioindicator organisms, the most effective Tl accumulation was evident in acanthocephalans compared with the fish tissues and gammarids, which confirmed the potential of fish parasites as bioindicators of metal exposure. Trends of spatial and temporal Tl variability were mostly comparable in all indicator organisms and for total and cytosolic Tl concentrations in the intestine of salmonid and cyprinid fish species, which confirmed their application as useful biological tools in metal exposure assessment.
Developmental plasticity of epithelial stem cells in tooth and taste bud renewal
Authors: Bloomquist Ryan F. , Fowler Teresa E. , An Zhengwen , Yu Tian Y. , Abdilleh Kawther , Fraser Gareth J. , Sharpe Paul T. , Streelman J. Todd
Published: August 2019

In Lake Malawi cichlids, each tooth is replaced in one-for-one fashion every ∼20 to 50 d, and taste buds (TBs) are continuously renewed as in mammals. These structures are colocalized in the fish mouth and throat, from the point of initiation through adulthood. Here, we found that replacement teeth (RT) share a continuous band of epithelium with adjacent TBs and that both organs coexpress stem cell factors in subsets of label-retaining cells. We used RNA-seq to characterize transcriptomes of RT germs and TB-bearing oral epithelium. Analysis revealed differential usage of developmental pathways in RT compared to TB oral epithelia, as well as a repertoire of genome paralogues expressed complimentarily in each organ. Notably, BMP ligands were expressed in RT but excluded from TBs. Morphant fishes bathed in a BMP chemical antagonist exhibited RT with abrogatedshhexpression in the inner dental epithelium (IDE) and ectopic expression ofcalb2(a TB marker) in these very cells. In the mouse, teeth are located on the jaw margin while TBs and other oral papillae are located on the tongue. Previous study reported that tongue intermolar eminence (IE) oral papillae of Follistatin (a BMP antagonist) mouse mutants exhibited dysmorphic invagination. We used these mutants to demonstrate altered transcriptomes and ectopic expression of dental markers in tongue IE. Our results suggest that vertebrate oral epithelium retains inherent plasticity to form tooth and taste-like cell types, mediated by BMP specification of progenitor cells. These findings indicate underappreciated epithelial cell populations with promising potential in bioengineering and dental therapeutics.
TNFR2 promotes Treg-mediated recovery from neuropathic pain across sexes
Authors: Fischer Roman , Sendetski Maksim , del Rivero Tania , Martinez George F. , Bracchi-Ricard Valerie , Swanson Kathryn A. , Pruzinsky Elizabeth K. , Delguercio Niky , Rosalino Michael J. , Padutsch Tanja , Kontermann Roland E. , Pfizenmaier Klaus , Bethea John R.
Published: August 2019

Significance

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine that induces signaling via two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNF signaling via TNFR1 contributes to development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Here, we show that TNFR2 is essential for recovery from neuropathic pain across sexes. Treatment of male and female neuropathic mice with a TNFR2 agonist resulted in long-lasting recovery from neuropathic pain. We identified Tregs as the cellular mediator of the analgesic effect of TNFR2. Indeed, TNFR2 agonist administration alleviated peripheral and central inflammation and promoted neuroprotection in a Treg-dependent manner, indicating that TNFR2-dependent modulation of immunity is neuroprotective. We therefore argue that TNFR2 agonists might be a class of nonopioid drugs that can promote long-lasting pain recovery in males and females.
Awakening: Predicting external stimulation to force transitions between different brain states
Authors: Deco Gustavo , Cruzat Josephine , Cabral Joana , Tagliazucchi Enzo , Laufs Helmut , Logothetis Nikos K. , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: August 2019

Significance

We describe a quantitative and robust definition of a brain state as an ensemble of “metastable substates,” each with a probabilistic stability and occurrence frequency. Fitting this to a generative whole-brain model provides an innovative avenue for predicting where simulated brain stimulation can force transitions between different brain states. We provide proof-of-concept by systematically applying this model framework to neuroimaging data of the human sleep cycle and show where to stimulate to awaken the human sleeping brain and vice versa. These results suggest an avenue for using causal whole-brain models to discover in silico where to force a transition between brain states, which may potentially support recovery in disease.
Constructions at work in foreign language learners’ mind
Authors: Baicchi Annalisa , Della Putta Paolo
Published: August 2019

This article reports empirical evidence of constructional priming effects in L2 learners of English and Italian. The well-known pioneering experiment carried out byBencini and Goldberg (2000)with L1 speakers of English paved the way for our investigation. We employed the same protocol to ascertain whether constructions have an ontological status also in the mind of L2 learners. We conducted experiments with four groups of learners whose language proficiency levels correspond to the B1 and B2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The results we obtained in our cross-linguistic experiments demonstrate that learners are reliant on constructional templates when they are required to produce linguistic generalizations.
Teaching to the epistemic Self: ascending and descending the ladder of knowledge
Authors: Vernon Esther
Published: August 2019

This article builds up a sketch of the vertical movements within knowledge to argue for the importance of abstract systematised knowledge within horizontal knowledge domains such as geography. Unfolding as a narrative, the first section draws on realist theories of knowledge to discuss the basis for two contrasting directions of epistemic movement and the value of the notion of epistemic Self. The second stage turns to critical realist thought to give more insight into the nature of geographical knowledge as a horizontal knowledge structure. Third, the importance of curriculum knowledge reaching to the level of underlying abstract generative structures is explained through consideration of critical realist depth ontology. Finally, the iterative relationship between the two movements is explained in the context of pedagogy. In this way the article argues for the importance of attending to the vertical movement within a horizontal knowledge domain.
The contribution of voltage clamp fluorometry to the understanding of channel and transporter mechanisms
Authors: Cowgill John , Chanda Baron
Published: August 2019

Key advances in single particle cryo-EM methods in the past decade have ushered in a resolution revolution in modern biology. The structures of many ion channels and transporters that were previously recalcitrant to crystallography have now been solved. Yet, despite having atomistic models of many complexes, some in multiple conformations, it has been challenging to glean mechanistic insight from these structures. To some extent this reflects our inability to unambiguously assign a given structure to a particular physiological state. One approach that may allow us to bridge this gap between structure and function is voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF). Using this technique, dynamic conformational changes can be measured while simultaneously monitoring the functional state of the channel or transporter. Many of the important papers that have used VCF to probe the gating mechanisms of channels and transporters have been published in the Journal of General Physiology. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of VCF and discuss some of the key problems that have been addressed using this approach. We end with a brief discussion of the outlook for this technique in the era of high-resolution structures.
On the Ewald Oseen scattering formulation for light scattering: stability, singularity and parallelization
Authors: Lin Aihua , Jakobsen Per Kristen
Published: August 2019

In this paper we discuss some of the mathematical and numerical issues that have to be addressed when calculating wave scattering using the Ewald Oseen scattering (EOS) formulation which is newly developed for solving linear and nonlinear scattering problems. The discussion is framed in context of light scattering by objects whose optical response can be of a nonlinear and/or inhomogeneous nature. The discussions address two issues that, more likely than not, will be part of any investigation of wave scattering using the EOS approach.
Properties of the decay

using the approximate

corrections and the principle of maximum conformality *
Authors: Yu Qing , Wu Xing-Gang , Wang Sheng-Quan , Huang Xu-Dong , Shen Jian-Ming , Zeng Jun
Published: August 2019

The decay channel

is an important channel for probing the properties of the Higgs boson. In this paper, we analyze its decay width by using the perturbative QCD corrections up to the

order with the help of the principle of maximum conformality (PMC). PMC has been suggested in literature for eliminating the conventional renormalization scheme-and-scale ambiguities. After applying PMC, we observe that an accurate renormalization scale independent decay width

up to the N4LO level can be achieved. Taking the Higgs mass,

GeV, given by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations, we obtain

KeV.
On the possibility to determine neutrino mass hierarchy via supernova neutrinos with short-time characteristics *
Authors: Jia Junji , Wang Yaoguang , Zhou Shun
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we investigate whether it is possible to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy via a high-statistics and real-time observation of supernova neutrinos with short-time characteristics. The essential idea is to utilize distinct times-of-flight for different neutrino mass eigenstates from a core-collapse supernova to the Earth, which may significantly change the time distribution of neutrino events in the future huge water-Cherenkov and liquid-scintillator detectors. For illustration, we consider two different scenarios. The first case is the neutronization burst of

emitted in the first tens of milliseconds of a core-collapse supernova, while the second case is the black hole formation during the accretion phase for which neutrino signals are expected to be abruptly terminated. In the latter scenario, it turns out only when the supernova is at a distance of a few Mpc and the fiducial mass of the detector is at the level of gigaton, might we be able to discriminate between normal and inverted neutrino mass hierarchies. In the former scenario, the probability for such a discrimination is even less due to a poor statistics.
Effect of acid-catalysed in one step production of biodiesel on total sugars of defatted rice bran
Authors: Yasmin M , Zullaikah S , Permatasari A , Marita I , Rachimoellah M
Published: August 2019

Defatted rice bran is a major byproduct of rice bran-based biodiesel and rich in carbohydrate. The high amount of carbohydrate (starch) from its process can be utilized as energy fuel feedstock. In this work, the effect of acid catalyst amount and reaction time on the yield of oil and carbohydrate products in in-situ transesterification from rice bran was investigated. The longer reaction time was used; oil products (FAMEs yield and its content) and carbohydrate product (total sugars content and recovery) showed the opposite trendline. The longer reaction times was achieved, the more yield of FAMEs was obtained but the lower total sugars content on defatted rice bran. While, the less amount catalyst was enough to faster reaction and produce high total sugars content.
Effects of Advancing the Pilot Injection Timing on The Engine Performance, Combustion and Emissions on Diesel dual fuel Engine at High Load
Authors: Sudarmanta Bambang , Setiyawan Atok , Ary Bachtiar K P , Yuvenda Dori , Silva Jose da
Published: August 2019

Pilot injection timing is a very important parameter at the start of ignition which will affect engine performance and emissions on diesel dual-fuel engines, especially at high loads. This research was carried out on the Diamond DI 800 diesel engine, a single-cylinder that was modified into a dual fuel engine with the aim to determine the effect of advancing the pilot injection timing (PIT) on engine performance, combustion and emissions under high loads with variation pilot injection timing (110, 130, 150, 170 and 190 BTDC). The cylinder pressure, heat release rate (HRR), combustion duration, ignition delay, power, SFC and brake thermal efficiency (BTE), as well as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and particulate matter emissions, were analyzed. The results showed that advancing the pilot injection timing increased the maximum cylinder pressure by 69.52 bar; the heat release rate was 117.79 kJ/m3/0CA, brake thermal efficiency was 25.17% and significantly reduced HC, CO and PM emissions at the pilot injection timing 17° BTDC. Improved combustion performance occurs when the combustion duration is reduced even though the ignition delay period occurs by adding pilot injection timing under high load.
The Relevancy of Mineral Composition to Rock Shear Strength in Kaliwadas Hills, Karangsambung, Kebumen
Authors: Dahani W , Marwanza I , Safitri R , Pambudi A B , Rizki M I
Published: August 2019

The occurrence of landslides on the slopes due to a decrease in shear strength in the area of landslides in the limestone hills of Kaliwadas, Kebumen, Central Java, causes public facilities to be damaged and disrupting the activities of everyday citizens. Factors that influence rock shear strength are cohesion value and internal friction angle, while mineralogy and grain size is one of the factors derived from the environment which also affects the shear strength value. This study aims to determine the effect of mineral composition and grain size on rock shear strength. A number of rock samples were taken from the study site to be prepared, cylindrical samples for direct shear and petrographic strength tests with thin incision samples. Direct shear test results provide cohesion values and deep shear angles in limestone with peak and residual conditions of 0.22 Mpa and 39.73 ° respectively; 36.61 kPa and 29.28 ° while in claystone 67.86 kPa and 25.36°; 13.41 kPa and 16.17 °. Petrographic analysis of rocks shows that limestone contains calcite (88%) and quartz minerals (5%), while claystone contains calcite (91%) and quartz minerals (2%). Based on the mineral content of limestone and claystone and their effect on rock shear strength, it can be concluded that limestones have a quartz mineral composition, cohesion values and deep shear angles that are better and larger when compared to rock shear strength in claystone and believed to be the cause of the slip field in the research location.
Experimental study of influence injection moulding on shrinkage material sisal-glass fiber biocomposite using response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Al-amin M A , Harnany D , Batan I M L
Published: August 2019

Shrinkage is one of the properties of plastic materials, which the greater the shrinkage percentage value can result poor product quality and possible product defects. Therefore, it is important to know the shrinkage value of a material so that the geometry design of a product can be achieved properly. In this final project, shrinkage control is carried out by adjusting injection process parameters, until minimum shrinkage is obtained. The parameters set to control shrinkage values are melting temperature, holding pressure, and injection pressure. According to ASTM D955 to determine the shrinkage value of a material the specimen is made through the injection process. To obtain the minimum shrinkage value, an experimental design was carried out by using response surface method to reach the optimum injection process parameters with Box-Behnken parameter design. As the next step, the injection specimens which made from sisal fiber biocomposite material with composition of 80% Polypropelene, 10% MAPP, and 10% sisal fiber with injection process parameters according to the design. The injection result specimens were measured by calipers, Minitab 18 software was used to process the injection result. This result is used to determine the optimum value of the injection process parameters. Furthermore, with the optimum injection process parameters, the injection process is carried out again with the same material. The specimens obtained were measured to carry out a confirmation test, so that the minimum shrinkage value was obtained. From the statistical response surface analysis using Minitab 18 software, the optimum injection process parameters were obtained at 1850 C, holding pressure 35 bar and injection pressure 60 bar with shrinkage values of 1.05%.
Graphene-enhanced ABS for FDM 3D printing: effects of masterbatch preparation techniques
Authors: Sakunphokesup Kittinon , Kongkrengkri Poomipat , Pongwisuthiruchte Aphiwat , Aumnate Chuanchom , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: August 2019

3D printing technologies have received a lot of attentions because of the high flexibility of the process as well as the capability of producing complex shaped and high detailed artifacts with ease. This study focuses on the development of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/graphene composite materials, which can be used as a filament for the melt extrusion 3D printing or FDM 3D printing technique. Since the dispersity of graphene in the polymer matrix is the key parameter of controlling the properties of the composites, the ABS/graphene masterbatches with high concentration of graphene were produced via three techniques: dry mixing; solvent mixing and coagulation techniques. The obtained high concentration ABS/graphene masterbatches were then mixed with pure ABS and melt extruded to produce ABS/graphene composites filament with 1 wt% of graphene. The ABS/graphene composites preparing via solvent mixing and coagulation were found successfully 3D printed. The dry mixing method brought about the aggregation of graphene particle and failed the print.
Suppression of corrosion study on polypyrrole/zinc oxide nanoparticle composites for rechargeable battery electrode materials
Authors: Thinnakornsutibutr Nicharee , Suracharoenchaikul Teeranun , Potiyaraj Pranut , Pattananuwat Prasit
Published: August 2019

polypyrrole/zinc oxide nanoparticle (PPy/ZnO) composites are successfully synthesized via in-situ polymerization by aiding of ultrasonic irradiation. The different ratio of PPy to ammonium persulfate (APS) at 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:1.5 is used to control the amounts of PPy in composites. Scanning Electron Microscopy indicates the development of nano/microstructure of PPy with increasing the amount of APS. The surface electrochemical activity of ZnO/PPy anodic electrode is characterized by linear polarization and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The introduce of PPy onto ZnO surface with the appropriate content and structure can improve the anti-corrosion and charge performance of electrode composites. The synthesized ZnO/PPy electrode at PPy/APS ratio of 1:1 can yield the highest values of corrosion inhibition efficiency of 73.50 % in 7 M KOH aqueous solution.
Phase Evolution - Property Relationships of PIMed 5 - 40 Vol.% SiCp - Reinforced Aluminium Composite
Authors: Patcharawit Tapany , Ngeekoh Arada , Chuankrerkkul Nutthita
Published: August 2019

Microstructure-mechanical property relationships of powder injection molded aluminium composite reinforced with 5 - 40 vol.% silicon carbide particulate (SiCp) has been investigated via thermal and phase analyses along with density and hardness testing. The samples were injection molded and sintered at 645 - 800 °C in N2 atmosphere. Thermal analysis showed endothermic reactions around 632 - 643 °C, related to liquid phase formation. Exothermic reactions about 458 - 461 °C and weight gains around 471 - 479 °C were plausibly associated with AlN formation, which facilitated liquid phase sintering. The composite microstructure exhibited close interfaces between SiCp - Al and Al - Al for 5 - 20 vol.% SiCp addition. Higher SiCp addition however led to SiCp clustering, creating large pores and unreacted SiCp - SiCp interface, which prohibited both liquid flow and rearrangement of the solid grains and pore filling during liquid phase sintering. Optimum SiCp addition was achieved at 15 vol.%, giving the maximum bulk density at 2.68 g.cm−3 or at 94.2 % theoretical density. The maximum macro Vickers hardness values at 138.9 and 166.6 Hv were obtained in the as - sintered and age - hardened conditions respectively.
A powerful and flexible weighted distance-based method incorporating interactions between DNA methylation and environmental factors on health outcomes
Authors: Wang Ya , Qian Min , Tang Deliang , Herbstman Julie , Perera Frederica , Wang Shuang
Published: August 2019

Motivation

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation plays a crucial role in human health. Studies have demonstrated associations between DNA methylation and environmental factors with evidence also supporting the idea that DNA methylation may modify the risk of environmental factors on health outcomes. However, due to high dimensionality and low study power, current studies usually focus on finding differential methylation on health outcomes at CpG level or gene level combining multiple CpGs and/or finding environmental effects on health outcomes but ignoring their interactions on health outcomes. Here we introduce the idea of a pseudo-data matrix constructed with cross-product terms between CpGs and environmental factors that are able to capture their interactions. We then develop a powerful and flexible weighted distance-based method with the pseudo-data matrix where association strength was used as weights on CpGs, environmental factors and their interactions to up-weight signals and down-weight noises in distance calculations.

Results

We compared the power of this novel approach and several comparison methods in simulated datasets and the Mothers and Newborns birth cohort of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health to determine whether prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons interacts with DNA methylation in association with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mental Development Index at age 3.

Availability and implementation

An R code for the proposed method Dw-M-E-int together with a tutorial and a sample dataset is available for downloading from http://www.columbia.edu/∼sw2206/softwares.htm.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Accurate loop calling for 3D genomic data with cLoops
Authors: Cao Yaqiang , Chen Zhaoxiong , Chen Xingwei , Ai Daosheng , Chen Guoyu , McDermott Joseph , Huang Yi , Guo Xiaoxiao , Han Jing-Dong J
Published: August 2019

Motivation

Sequencing-based 3D genome mapping technologies can identify loops formed by interactions between regulatory elements hundreds of kilobases apart. Existing loop-calling tools are mostly restricted to a single data type, with accuracy dependent on a predefined resolution contact matrix or called peaks, and can have prohibitive hardware costs.

Results

Here, we introduce cLoops (‘see loops’) to address these limitations. cLoops is based on the clustering algorithm cDBSCAN that directly analyzes the paired-end tags (PETs) to find candidate loops and uses a permuted local background to estimate statistical significance. These two data-type-independent processes enable loops to be reliably identified for both sharp and broad peak data, including but not limited to ChIA-PET, Hi-C, HiChIP and Trac-looping data. Loops identified by cLoops showed much less distance-dependent bias and higher enrichment relative to local regions than existing tools. Altogether, cLoops improves accuracy of detecting of 3D-genomic loops from sequencing data, is versatile, flexible, efficient, and has modest hardware requirements.

Availability and implementation

cLoops with documentation and example data are freely available at: https://github.com/YaqiangCao/cLoops.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Outpatient Urinary Tract Infections in an Era of Virtual Healthcare: Trends From 2008 to 2017
Authors: Bruxvoort Katia J , Bider-Canfield Zoe , Casey Joan A , Qian Lei , Pressman Alice , Liang Anna S , Robinson Sarah , Jacobsen Steven J , Tartof Sara Y
Published: August 2019

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur commonly, but recent data on UTI rates are scarce. It is unknown how the growth of virtual healthcare delivery affects outpatient UTI management and trends in the United States.

Methods

From 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017, UTIs from outpatient settings (office, emergency, and virtual visits) were identified from electronic health records at Kaiser Permanente Southern California using multiple UTI definitions. Annual rates estimated by Poisson regression were stratified by sex, care setting, age, and race/ethnicity. Annual trends were estimated by linear or piecewise Poisson regression.

Results

UTIs occurred in 1 065 955 individuals. Rates per 1000 person-years were 53.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.6–57.0) by diagnosis code with antibiotic and 25.8 (95% CI, 24.7–26.9) by positive culture. Compared to office and emergency visits, UTIs were increasingly diagnosed in virtual visits, where rates by diagnosis code with antibiotic increased annually by 21.2% (95% CI, 16.5%–26.2%) in females and 29.3% (95% CI, 23.7%–35.3%) in males. Only 32% of virtual care diagnoses had a culture order. Overall, UTI rates were highest and increased the most in older adults. Rates were also higher in Hispanic and white females and black and white males.

Conclusions

Outpatient UTI rates increased from 2008 to 2017, especially in virtual care and among older adults. Virtual care is important for expanding access to health services, but strategies are needed in all outpatient care settings to ensure accurate UTI diagnosis and reduce inappropriate antibiotic treatment.
Circles in the heart and cardiovascular system
Authors: Lim Tingsen Benson , Lavenniah Annadoray , Foo Roger Sik-Yin
Published: August 2019

The combination of next-generation sequencing, advanced bioinformatics analysis, and molecular research has now established circular RNAs (circRNAs) as a heterogeneous group of non-coding RNA that is widely and abundantly expressed. CircRNAs are single-stranded RNA, covalently backspliced to form closed circular loops. Different models of back-splicing have been proposed, and mechanisms for circRNA function include sequestering microRNAs, direct interaction with proteins, regulation of transcription, and translation. Exploring the role of circRNAs in different disease settings, and understanding how they contribute to disease progression promises to provide valuable insight into potential novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we review the growing number of published research on circRNAs in the heart and cardiovascular system and summarize the circRNAs that have been implicated in disease.
Comparing the Continuous Geboes Score With the Robarts Histopathology Index: Definitions of Histological Remission and Response and their Relation to Faecal Calprotectin Levels
Authors: Magro Fernando , Lopes Joanne , Borralho Paula , Lopes Susana , Coelho Rosa , Cotter José , Dias de Castro Francisca , Tavares de Sousa Helena , Salgado Marta , Andrade Patrícia , Vieira Ana Isabel , Figueiredo Pedro , Caldeira Paulo , Sousa A , Duarte Maria A , Ávila Filipa , Silva João , Moleiro Joana , Mendes Sofia , Giestas Sílvia , Ministro Paula , Sousa Paula , Gonçalves Raquel , Gonçalves Bruno , Oliveira Ana , Chagas Cristina , Cravo Marilia , Dias Cláudia Camila , Afonso Joana , Portela Francisco , Santiago Mafalda , Geboes Karel , Carneiro Fátima
Published: August 2019

Background and Aims

The histological status of ulcerative colitis [UC] patients in clinical and endoscopic remission has gained space as an important prognostic marker and a key component of disease monitoring. Our main aims were to compare two histological indexes—the continuous Geboes score [GS] and the Robarts Histopathology index [RHI]—regarding their definitions of histological remission and response, and the ability of faecal calprotectin [FC] levels to discriminate between these statuses.

Methods

This was an analysis of three prospective cohorts including 422 patients previously enrolled in other studies.

Results

The two continuous scores [GS and RHI] were shown to be significantly correlated [correlation coefficient of 0.806, p < 0.001] and particularly close regarding their definition of histological response: 95% and 88% of all patients classified as having/not having [respectively] histological response according to RHI also did so according to GS. Moreover, median FC levels in patients with histological response were lower than those in patients without histological response [GS: 73.00 vs 525.00, p < 0.001; RHI: 73.50 vs 510.00, p < 0.001]; a similar trend was observed when FC levels of patients in histological remission were compared to those of patients with histological activity [GS: 76.00 vs 228.00, p < 0.001; RHI: 73.50 vs 467.00, p < 0.001]. FC levels allowed us to exclude the absence of histological remission [according to RHI] and absence of histological response [according to RHI and GS], with negative predictive values varying from 82% to 96%. However, optimization of the FC cut-off to exclude the absence of histological remission, as for the continuous GS, falls within values that resemble those of the healthy population.

Conclusion

The continuous GS and RHI histological scores are strongly correlated in their definitions of histological response. An absence of histological remission could only be excluded at physiological levels of FC.