bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation to Assess the Performance of Free Rotating Vaneless Diffuser for a Centrifugal Compressor Stage
Authors: Sivamani Seralathan , Dibyakanti Ghosh Roychowdhury
Published: February 2018

Numerical investigation is carried out on a low-pressure ratio centrifugal compressor stage to study the effects of the rotational speed of a rotating vaneless diffuser on flow diffusion using various flow parameters and performance characteristics parameters. The results obtained are compared with a stage having conventional stationary vaneless diffuser. Rotational speed of the rotating vaneless diffuser plays a major role in determining the extent of net gain in energy level of the fluid and drop in stagnation pressure losses. The net gain in energy level result as rise in kinetic energy level of the fluid. By an effective diffusion process, this results into an improved static pressure and stagnation pressure distribution at stage exit and FreeRVDSR0.75 undergoes a comparatively better diffusion process. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the diffusion process efficacy of a compressor stage with rotating vaneless diffuser is better in the free type at diffuser’s rotational speed above 0.50 times the impeller’s rotational speed.
Real-Time Virtual Sensing of Component Damage Variables in a Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Afman Juan-Pablo , Prasad J. V. R. , Antolovich Stephen
Published: February 2018

Accurate life prediction and monitoring for gas turbine engines has become increasingly important in recent years as commercial aircraft fleets are being offered through guaranteed engine maintenance programs, where plan rates are based on mission profiles, operating environment, operational hours and cycles accumulated. Hence, accurate monitoring and life predictions of critical engine components is associated with a tremendous financial incentive. A state of the art gas turbine engine carries up to 5000 sensors, which can be used to evaluate the performance of the engine. This data can be used to monitor engines in real-time, as well as collecting and analyzing that data after being streamed via satellite during flight, where algorithms can evaluate and prevent technical issues before they occur. The data collected provides engine manufacturers with early warnings related to failure diagnosis, and it enables airlines to schedule engine maintenance efficiently and in a cost effective manner. Due to the nature of the engine’s operational environment, sensors cannot be placed in certain areas of interest inside a gas turbine engine. Furthermore, thermo-mechanical models are often complex and computationally expensive to run in real time. Hence, in this work we describe the development of thermo-mechanical reduced models that can act as virtual sensors, in locations where real sensors cannot survive, and hence approximate damage variables at critical locations on a component of interest, which can be used for real-time diagnostics.
Aeroelastic Flutter Investigation and Stability Enhancement of a Transonic Axial Compressor Rotor Using Casing Treatment
Authors: Purushothaman Kirubakaran , Jeyaraman Sankar Kumar , Pratap Ajay , Prasad Deshkulkarni Kishore
Published: February 2018

This study discusses in detail the aeroelastic flutter investigation of a transonic axial compressor rotor using computational methods. Fluid structure interaction approach is used in this method to evaluate the unsteady aerodynamic force and work done of a vibrating blade in CFD domain. Energy method and work per cycle approach is adapted for this flutter prediction. A framework has been developed to estimate the work per cycle and aerodynamic damping ratio. Based on the aerodynamic damping ratio, occurrence of flutter is estimated for different inter blade phase angles. Initially, the baseline rotor blade design was having negative aerodynamic damping at part speed conditions. The main cause for this flutter occurrence was identified as large flow separation near blade tip region due to high incidence angles. The unsteadiness in the flow was leading to aerodynamic force fluctuation matching with natural frequency of blade, resulting in excitation of the blades. Hence axially skewed slot casing treatment was implemented to reduce the flow separation at blade tip region to alleviate the onset of flutter. By this method, the stall margin and aerodynamic damping of the test compressor was improved and flutter was avoided.
Analysis of Time, Frequency and Wavelet Based Features of Vibration and Current Signals for Fault Diagnosis of Induction Motors Using SVM
Authors: Gangsar Purushottam , Tiwari Rajiv
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the time, frequency and time-frequency domain based features of the vibration and current signals for identifying various faults in induction motors (IMs) using support vector machine (SVM). Four mechanical faults (bearing fault, unbalanced rotor, bowed rotor and misaligned rotor), and three electrical faults (broken rotor bars, stator winding fault with two severity levels and phase unbalance with two severity levels) are considered in the present study. The proposed fault diagnosis consists of three steps. In the first step, the vibration in three orthogonal directions and the current in three phases are acquired from the healthy and faulty motors using a machine fault simulator (MFS). In second step, useful statistical features are extracted from the time, frequency and time-frequency domain (continuous wavelet transform (CWT)) of the signal. For the effective fault diagnosis, SVM parameters are optimally selected based on the grid-search method along with 5-fold cross-validation, and the effective fault features are selected based on the wrapper model. Finally, the fault diagnosis of IM is performed using optimal SVM parameters and effective features as input to the SVM. The classification performance of all methodologies developed in three domains is compared for various operating conditions of IMs. The test results showed that the developed methodology could isolate ten IM fault conditions successfully based on features from all three domains at all IM operating conditions; however, time-frequency features give the best results.
Oil Flow Simulations in the Lubrication System of a Turbocharger
Authors: Ramachandran Dhinagaran , Krishnamoorthy Seran , Kannan Ramesh , Boolingam Saravanan
Published: February 2018

Oil sealing in a turbocharger is a key design challenge. Under certain engine operating conditions oil in the lubrication system is likely to enter the compressor or turbine wheel crossing the piston rings which are used to arrest the undesirable oil flow. Compressor side oil leakage can cause white smoke and particulate emissions. Limited experimental and analytical methods are available to aid the designers in developing the oil flow path. The oil flow path has dimensions of the order of a few microns in certain areas and in mm in other areas. In addition, the flow is comprised of oil and exhaust gas mixture in certain regions. The combined effects of disparate geometric length scales and two-phase flow adds to the complexity of the flow. Understanding the oil flow allows the designer to correctly size the components, flow path and also specify the appropriate clearances between for instance shaft and bearing journals. In this study a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Model has been built and validated through several experiments conducted particularly to check the oil leak through the piston rings. The study shows that CFD based models can predict within engineering accuracy the flow through leakages in a turbocharger. The importance of manufacturing tolerances on the leakages is also highlighted.
Surface Roughness Effect on Performance of an Electric Submersible Pump
Authors: Deshmukh Dhairyasheel , Siddique M. Hamid , Samad Abdus
Published: February 2018

An electric submersible pump (ESP) is a multistage centrifugal pump widely used in the petroleum industry to transport wellbore fluids to the surface. For a turbulent flow through a pump, the surface roughness plays a vital role as it causes flow separation and increases boundary layer momentum loss. In the present work, a 3D numerical analysis by solving a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation with k-ω SST turbulence model for wall bounded steady incompressible flow through a pump was carried out. The geometry was meshed and validated numerically with the experimental data available in the literature. At the design and off-design conditions, the simulations were conducted to study the effect of roughness and its dependence on Reynolds number of the flow. The performance of the pump was compared for a nondimensional roughness factor (K). A hydraulically smooth surface gives a maximum head. A drop in head observed up to the critical surface roughness (K = 0.1), and the head further rises for K > 0.1. The effect of roughness factor increases with increase in Reynolds number.
Probabilistic Design and Analysis of Pressure Measuring Probes for Creep Behavior
Authors: Parle Dattatraya
Published: February 2018

Pressure probes are typically used to measure the pressure of a fluid stream. These probes are designed to serve for 25 years life under operating pressure and temperature conditions. Therefore, such pressure probes are also designed for safe creep behavior. Typically creep is time dependent phenomenon and it can be classified as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary creep. In the literature, the creep phenomenon is studied analytically and numerically. Literature review reveals that creep analysis requires special material models and its selection depends on operating conditions. This work presents FEA based probabilistic design and analysis of pressure measuring probes using ANSYS which has several creep models depending on type of creep phenomenon. Probes in this study are subjected to primary and secondary creep. Therefore, this work proposes combined time hardening creep model. Combined time hardening model has 7 coefficients. This further increases the complexity of the model. Apart from the model complexity, there are various other design and operating parameters which further complicates the creep behavior. Some of the important design and operating parameters are length, diameter and tip dimensions along with pressure and temperature. Thus there are around 16 parameters which controls the creep behavior of pressure measuring probe. Traditional design process of probe is based on deterministic analysis which involves the use of safety factors as a way of accounting for uncertainty in design input parameters. This can often results in overly conservative designs. Moreover, to understand optimal creep behavior of probes under several uncertainties in input parameters becomes a challenging. Therefore, this work presents probabilistic approach as opposed to a deterministic approach to understand the combined effect of several uncertain parameters on creep behavior of probes. This work not only determines probability of probe failure more accurately but also determines the sensitivity of each parameter during creep phenomenon using FEA.
Beamforming using chip-scale atomic clocks in a controlled environment
Authors: Freeman Simon E. , Emokpae Lloyd , Rogers Jeffrey S. , Edelmann Geoffrey F.
Published: February 2018

Recently developed low-power Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks (CSACs) hold promise for underwater acoustics applications because they enable time-coherent processing, critical for estimating the directionality of the sound field, when acoustic array elements cannot share a timing reference. Controlled, tank-based experiments with a small acoustic array (N = 4) featuring CSAC-equipped elements show that optimal disciplining is important for continued array coherence. Clock drift equivalent to a 10% wavelength error at 0.3, 1, and 10 kHz was reached at approximately 25, 10, and 3 days, respectively. Within application-specific limits, this technology brings enhanced capabilities to acoustic thermometry, geoacoustic, biological, and under-ice acoustic oceanography.
Effect of manual eyelid manipulation on intraocular pressure measurement by rebound tonometry
Authors: Baek Sung Uk , Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: February 2018

Background/aims

To investigate the effect of eyelid manipulation on the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) using two different tonometries (rebound tonometry (RT) vs Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT)).

Methods

103 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were prospectively enrolled. For all of the patients, IOP measurements were performed in three different ways: (1) RT with lid manipulation (LM), (2) RT without LM and (3) GAT. The order of the three measurements was randomly selected. Additionally, the palpebral fissure height (PFH; elliptical space between upper and lower eyelids) was measured.

Results

The mean value of IOP measured by GAT was 13.97±2.80 mm Hg, which was not significantly different from that by RT without LM (13.75±2.44 mm Hg; P=0.096), but which was significantly lower than that by RT with LM (15.21±2.91 mm Hg; P<0.001). On a Bland-Altman plot, RT with LM was overestimated relative to GAT (mean: −1.5) and RT without LM (mean: −1.2). Among the high IOPs (>20 mm Hg), interestingly, those measured by RT without LM were significantly lower than those measured by GAT (P<0.001). In the subgroup analysis of PFH, the smaller the PFH, the more exaggerated the IOP difference between GAT (P=0.014) and RT with LM (P<0.001).

Conclusion

RT-measured IOP was significantly exaggerated when manipulation was applied to the eyelid. This overall trend was more pronounced when PFH was small. GAT-measured IOP, meanwhile, showed a good correlation with IOP measured using RT without LM.
Myopia: its historical contexts
Authors: de Jong Paulus T V M
Published: February 2018

Worldwide, and especially in Asia, myopia is a major vision-threatening disorder. From AD 1600 on, to prevent myopia, authors warned against near work without sufficient pauses. There was an abundance of theories about the causes of myopia, the most common one being the necessity of extra convergence on nearby work with thickened extraocular muscles and elevated intraocular pressure. Ocular tenotomies against myopia were in vogue for a while. Axial lengthening of the eye in myopia was mentioned around 1700, but it took 150 years to become accepted as the most prevalent sign of high myopia. In 1864, a lucid concept of myopia and other ametropias arose through a clear separation between accommodation and refraction. Posterior staphyloma was known around 1800 and its association with myopia became evident some 30 years later. There still seems to be no generally accepted classification of myopia and particularly not of degenerative or pathologic myopia. This review focuses on myopia from 350 BC until the 21st century and on the earliest writings on the histology of eyes with posterior staphyloma. A proposal for myopia classification is given.
New device for intraoperative blood suction avoiding turbulences
Authors: Friedrich Martin G , Bougioukas Ioannes , Wenig Peter , Vormfelde Steffen , Tirilomis Theodor
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Bleeding during surgery is common. Increased bleeding may disturb procedure, induces haemodynamic instability and results in need for blood transfusion. Allogenic blood transfusions increase mortality and morbidity, especially risk of infections, pulmonary and renal complications, as well as thromboembolic events. Autotransfusion is in many cases a solution but forced suction may destroy or alter blood cells because of turbulences, shear forces and contact of the blood to extrinsic surfaces. The aim of the study was the analysis of turbulence profile and development of a new suction device reducing (or avoiding) turbulences.

Methods

We registered turbulences with a microphone placed in different positions within the blood suction during surgery and analysed the spectrum. Then, we modified the circuit adding signals from optical sensors and pressure transducer to avoid air mixing and tight suction. Finally, we created the algorithm for the suction circuit regulating individualised suction modes.

Results

We developed a new suction system based on a roller pump. We used a piezo sensor and registered the acoustic signals. The optimal position for this element was into the suction handle. After filtering the signal and further processing, we used it for regulation of the roller pump. Additionally, an optical sensor minimises air mixing due to further regulation of motor speed. Finally, a negative pressure transducer gives in case of tight suction information to the circuit stopping motor speed and equalising pressure by opening a valve before suctions starts again. The algorithm allows various suction modes in an individualised manner for specific situations in operating field.

Conclusions

We developed a new blood suction device based on a roller pump. The system is turbulence-controlled and its algorithm allows several individualised suction modes. Additional features avoid tight suction and reduce air mixing.
Proactive approaches to identifying dementia and dementia risk; a qualitative study of public attitudes and preferences
Authors: Robinson Louise , Dickinson Claire , Magklara Eleni , Newton Lisa , Prato Laura , Bamford Claire
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to critically explore the views of the public about the acceptability and feasibility of proactive approaches to earlier dementia diagnosis and also identification of people at high risk of dementia.

Design

Qualitative study using task group methodology and thematic data analysis.

Setting

Task groups were held either at the university (n=5) or at a carers’ centre (n=1).

Participants: A convenience sample of 31 of 54 participants identified by local non-statutory agencies took part in a task group. All were aged between 40 years and 80 years, 21 were women and 10men participated.

Results

Despite the use of task group methodology, participants expressed limited understandings of dementia and confusion between proactive approaches. Nevertheless, they highlighted a range of potential benefits and limitations of proactive approaches and the ethical issues raised. There was a preference to embed risk assessment within routine health checks, which focused on achieving a healthier lifestyle, rather than specifically on dementia. Participants emphasised the need to ensure informed consent prior to use of proactive approaches and to provide appropriate support. They also suggested alternative approaches that could potentially facilitate the early detection of dementia or reduce risk at a population level.

Conclusions

As international policy on dementia shifts towards a prevention agenda there is growing interest in identifying those at risk of developing dementia. This study provides useful insights into the acceptability of the use of such proactive approaches among the public. The introduction of proactive approaches to dementia identification raises complex practical and ethical issues, particularly in the context of low public understanding of dementia. The importance of better quality information about dementia (and the likelihood of developing dementia) and provision of psychological support for those undergoing risk assessment were highlighted.
Coproduction of healthcare service with immigrant patients: protocol of a scoping review
Authors: Radl-Karimi Christina , Nicolaisen Anne , Sodemann Morten , Batalden Paul , von Plessen Christian
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Immigrant patients often meet barriers to patient-centred healthcare in their new host countries. Given the heterogeneity of patients from ethnic minorities, established strategies for patient centredness might not work in their case. The concept of coproduction provides a new perspective on how to collaboratively create the highest possible value for both the patient and the healthcare system. The concept acknowledges that all service is coproduced and directs attention to the relationship between patient and care provider. Coproduction is still a new concept in healthcare and its use with vulnerable groups of patients requires further study. This protocol outlines a scoping review to be conducted on the current knowledge on coproduction of service by immigrants and their service providers in the healthcare sector.

Methods and analysis

We will use Joanna Briggs methodology for scoping reviews. The data will stem from the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, EBSCO PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. We will also screen the websites of national authorities and research organisations for publications and review the literature lists of the identified articles for relevant references. We will include all types of literature on coproduction of healthcare or social service by immigrants and service providers, including their relationship with one another, communication and collaboration. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible publications and extract data using a checklist developed for this scoping review.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of the study will provide an innovative perspective on the coproduction of value in healthcare service by immigrant patients and care providers. We will present the results at national and international conferences, seminars and other events with relevant stakeholders and immigrant patients, and publish them in a peer-reviewed journal.
Bike skills training for children with cerebral palsy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Toovey Rachel , Harvey Adrienne R , McGinley Jennifer L , Lee Katherine J , Shih Sophy T F , Spittle Alicia J
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Two-wheel bike riding can be a goal for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and a means of participating in physical activity. It is possible for some children with CP to ride a two-wheel bike; however, currently far fewer can ride compared with their typically developing peers. Evidence supports training targeted towards goals of the child with CP and their family; yet there is little evidence to guide best-practice bike skills training. Task-specific training may lead to attainment of two-wheel bike-specific goals. This study aims to determine if a novel task-specific approach to training two-wheel bike skills is more effective than a parent-led home programme for attaining individualised two-wheel bike-specific goals in independently ambulant children with CP aged 6–15 years.

Methods and analysis

Sixty eligible children with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–II) aged 6–15 years with goals relating to riding a two-wheel bike will be randomised to either a novel task-specific centre-based group programme (intervention) or a parent-led home-based programme (comparison), both involving a 1-week intervention period. The primary outcome is goal attainment in the week following the intervention period (T1). Secondary outcomes include: goal attainment and participation in physical activity at 3 months postintervention (T2) and bike skills, attendance and involvement in bike riding, self-perception and functional skills at T1 and T2. Economic appraisal will involve cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses. Adherence of clinicians and parents to the intervention and comparison protocols will be assessed. Linear and logistic regression will be used to assess the effect of the intervention, adjusted for site as used in the randomisation process.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Human Research and Ethics Committees at The Royal Children’s Hospital (#36209). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03003026; Pre-results.
Comparison of different histological indexes in the assessment of UC activity and their accuracy regarding endoscopic outcomes and faecal calprotectin levels
Authors: Magro Fernando , Lopes Joanne , Borralho Paula , Lopes Susana , Coelho Rosa , Cotter José , Castro Francisca Dias de , Sousa Helena Tavares de , 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 , Rosa Isadora , Rodrigues Marta , Chagas Cristina , Dias Cláudia Camila , Afonso Joana , Geboes Karel , Carneiro Fátima
Published: February 2018

Objective

Histological remission is being increasingly acknowledged as a therapeutic endpoint in patients with UC. The work hereafter described aimed to evaluate the concordance between three histological classification systems—Geboes Score (GS), Nancy Index (NI) and RobartsHistopathologyIndex (RHI), as well as to evaluate their association with the endoscopic outcomes and the faecal calprotectin (FC) levels.

Design

Biopsy samples from 377 patients with UC were blindly evaluated using GS, NI and RHI. The results were compared with the patients’ Mayo Endoscopic Score and FC levels.

Result

GS, NI and RHI have a good concordance concerning the distinction between patients in histological remission or activity. RHI was particularly close to NI, with 100% of all patients classified as being in remission with NI being identified as such with RHI and 100% of all patients classified as having activity with RHI being identified as such with NI. These scores could also predict the Mayo Endoscopic Score and the FC levels, with their sensitivity and specificity levels depending on the chosen cut-offs. Moreover, higher FC levels were statistically associated with the presence of neutrophils in the epithelium, as well as with ulceration or erosion of the intestinal mucosa.

Conclusions

GS, NI and RHI histopathological scoring systems are comparable in what concerns patients’ stratification into histological remission/activity. Additionally, FC levels are increased when neutrophils are present in the epithelium and the intestinal mucosa has erosions or ulcers. The presence of neutrophils in the epithelium is, indeed, the main marker of histological activity.
Serial circulating tumour DNA analysis during multimodality treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer: a prospective biomarker study
Authors: Tie Jeanne , Cohen Joshua D , Wang Yuxuan , Li Lu , Christie Michael , Simons Koen , Elsaleh Hany , Kosmider Suzanne , Wong Rachel , Yip Desmond , Lee Margaret , Tran Ben , Rangiah David , Burge Matthew , Goldstein David , Singh Madhu , Skinner Iain , Faragher Ian , Croxford Matthew , Bampton Carolyn , Haydon Andrew , Jones Ian T , S Karapetis Christos , Price Timothy , Schaefer Mary J , Ptak Jeanne , Dobbyn Lisa , Silliman Natallie , Kinde Isaac , Tomasetti Cristian , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Kenneth , Volgestein Bert , Gibbs Peter
Published: February 2018

Objective

For patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), adjuvant chemotherapy selection following surgery remains a major clinical dilemma. Here, we investigated the ability of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to improve risk stratification in patients with LARC.

Design

We enrolled patients with LARC (T3/T4 and/or N+) planned for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Plasma samples were collected pretreatment, postchemoradiotherapy and 4–10 weeks after surgery. Somatic mutations in individual patient’s tumour were identified via massively parallel sequencing of 15 genes commonly mutated in colorectal cancer. We then designed personalised assays to quantify ctDNA in plasma samples. Patients received adjuvant therapy at clinician discretion, blinded to the ctDNA results.

Results

We analysed 462 serial plasma samples from 159 patients. ctDNA was detectable in 77%, 8.3% and 12% of pretreatment, postchemoradiotherapy and postsurgery plasma samples. Significantly worse recurrence-free survival was seen if ctDNA was detectable after chemoradiotherapy (HR 6.6; P<0.001) or after surgery (HR 13.0; P<0.001). The estimated 3-year recurrence-free survival was 33% for the postoperative ctDNA-positive patients and 87% for the postoperative ctDNA-negative patients. Postoperative ctDNA detection was predictive of recurrence irrespective of adjuvant chemotherapy use (chemotherapy: HR 10.0; P<0.001; without chemotherapy: HR 22.0; P<0.001). Postoperative ctDNA status remained an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival after adjusting for known clinicopathological risk factors (HR 6.0; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Postoperative ctDNA analysis stratifies patients with LARC into subsets that are either at very high or at low risk of recurrence, independent of conventional clinicopathological risk factors. ctDNA analysis could potentially be used to guide patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Enzymatic and bactericidal activity of myeloperoxidase in conditions of halogenative stress
Authors: Vakhrusheva Tatyana V. , Grigorieva Daria V. , Gorudko Irina V. , Sokolov Alexey V. , Kostevich Valeria A. , Lazarev Vassili N. , Vasilyev Vadim B. , Cherenkevich Sergey N. , Panasenko Oleg M.
Published: February 2018

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), found mainly in neutrophils, is released in inflammation. MPO produces reactive halogen species (RHS), which are bactericidal agents. However, RHS overproduction, i.e., halogenative stress, can also damage host biomolecules, and MPO itself may be targeted by RHS. Therefore, we examined the susceptibility of MPO to inactivation by its primary products (HOCl, HOBr, HOSCN) and secondary products such as taurine monochloramine (TauCl) and taurine monobromamine (TauBr). MPO was dose-dependently inhibited up to complete inactivity by treatment with HOCl or HOBr. TauBr diminished the activity but did not eliminate it. TauCl had no effect. MPO became inactivated when producing HOCl or HOBr but not HOSCN. Taurine protected MPO against inactivation when MPO was catalyzing oxidation of Cl−to HOCl, whereas taurine failed to prevent inactivation when MPO was working with Br−, either alone or in combination with Cl−. SCN−interfered with HOCl-mediated MPO inhibition. UV–vis spectra showed that heme degradation is involved in HOCl- and HOBr-mediated MPO inactivation. A negative linear correlation between the remaining chlorinating activity of HOCl- or HOBr-modified MPO and Escherichia coli survival upon incubation with MPO/H2O2/Cl−was found. This study elucidated the possibility of MPO downregulation by MPO-derived RHS, which could counteract halogenative stress.
Effect of variety and stage of maturity at harvest on nutrient and neutral detergent fiber digestibility of forage barley grown in western Canada
Authors: Nair Jayakrishnan , Beattie Aaron D. , Christensen David , Yu Peiqiang , McAllister Tim , Damiran Daalkhaijav , McKinnon John J.
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the effect of variety (V; CDC Cowboy, CDC Copeland, and Xena) and stage of harvest maturity (M; milk, early-, mid-, and hard-dough) on nutrient and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) characteristics of barley forage using a randomized complete block design with 3 × 4 factorial treatment arrangement. Barley varieties had similar crude protein, but CDC Cowboy had greater (P < 0.01) acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and lignin, and lower (P < 0.01) total digestible nutrient (TDN) content relative to Xena. Starch content of CDC Cowboy was lower (P < 0.01) than Xena at all stages of maturity with CDC Copeland intermediate at early- and mid-dough stages. Crude protein, ADF, NDF, and lignin content decreased (P < 0.01) while starch and TDN content increased (P < 0.01) with advancing maturity. Xena had greater (P < 0.01) NDFD, as determined by 6 h in vitro incubation using DaisyII system (NDFD6h), at milk, mid- and hard-dough stages of maturity than CDC Cowboy with CDC Copeland intermediate at mid-dough. However, CDC Cowboy had greater (P < 0.01) NDFD, as determined by 30 h in vitro incubation using DaisyII system (NDFD30h), at early-dough stage than Xena and greater NDFD30h at hard-dough stage than CDC Copeland. Xena had the lowest (P < 0.01) indigestible NDF based on 288 h ruminal in situ incubation (INDF288h), relative to CDC Copeland. These results indicate that to optimize NDFD30h, variety should be considered when deciding the timing of harvest.
Current status of Turkish accelerator and radiation laboratory in Ankara: the TARLA facility
Authors: Aksoy Avni , Karsli Ozlem , Aydin Ayhan , Kaya Caglar , Ketenoglu Bora , Ketenoglu Didem , Yavas Omer
Published: February 2018

The Turkish Accelerator and Radiation Laboratory in Ankara, abbreviated as the TARLA facility, is proposed as the first facility of Turkish Accelerator Center (TAC) project. TARLA is under construction in Golbasi campus of Ankara University by coordination of the Institute of Accelerator Technologies (IAT). TARLA is designed to generate free-electron laser (FEL) pulses in mid- and far-infrared regions as well as Bremsstrahlung radiation up to 30 MeV. TARLA is based on superconducting electron accelerators to be operated between 10 and 40 MeV. The main goal of the TARLA facility is to build up a user facility to open up new opportunities for interdisciplinary scientific research and applications, such as materials science, medicine, nanotechnology, life sciences, etc. In this study, main characteristics and subsystems of the TARLA facility are explained and the current status of installation and test studies are given as well. Finally, user and scientific research potential of the facility are also discussed.
Nucleobase-containing compounds evoke behavioural, olfactory, and transcriptional responses in model fishes
Authors: Shamchuk Angela L. , Blunt Brian J. , Lyons Danielle D. , Wang Mo Qi , Gasheva Anastasia , Lewis Carlie R. , Tomlin Kirsten , Hazard E. Starr , Hardiman Gary , Tierney Keith B.
Published: February 2018

The sensory system of animals detects a massive and unknown array of chemical cues that evoke a diversity of physiological and behavioural responses. One group of nitrogen-containing carbon ring chemicals—nucleobases—are thought to be involved in numerous behaviours yet have received little attention. We took a top-down approach to examine responses evoked by nucleobases at behavioural, tissue, and gene expression levels. Fish generally avoided nucleobases, and this behaviour, when observed, was driven by purines but not pyrimidines. At the tissue level, olfactory neuron generator potential responses tended to be concentration specific and robust at concentrations lower than amino acid detection ranges. In terms of gene expression, more than 2000 genes were significantly upregulated following nucleobase exposure, some of which were expected (e.g., genes involved in purine binding) and some of which were not (e.g., tubulin-related genes). Humanized RNA pathway analysis showed that we had exposed the animal to a nucleobase. Our data indicate that responses to nucleobase-containing compounds may be highly structure based and are evident from changes in behaviour to mRNA expression. Many of these responses were surprising, and all provide numerous routes for further research endeavour.
Vertex operators, t-boson model and weighted plane partitions in finite boxes
Authors: Wang Na , Wu Ke
Published: February 2018

We consider two different subjects: the algebra of Hall–Littlewood functions and t-boson model. Tsilevich and Sułkowski, respectively, give that the creation operator [Formula: see text] in the monodromy matrix of t-boson model can be represented by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are vertex operators closely related to the Hall–Littlewood functions. In this paper, we obtain that the annihilation operator [Formula: see text] in the monodromy matrix and other relations of t-boson model can also be realized in the algebra of Hall–Littlewood functions. Meanwhile, we get that the generating functions of weighted plane partitions in finite boxes can be obtained from the operators [Formula: see text].
Vibration of Toroidal Shells with Hollow Circular Cross-Sections
Authors: Kang Jae-Hoon
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) analysis for the natural frequencies of completely free, toroidal shells of revolution with hollow circular cross-sections by the Ritz method. The displacement components [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions, respectively, are taken to be sinusoidal in time, periodic in [Formula: see text], and of the ordinary algebraic simple polynomials in the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions. The potential (strain) and kinetic energies of the torus are formulated, and the upper bound values of the frequencies are obtained by a minimization procedure. As the degree of the polynomials increases, the frequencies computed converge to the exact values. Convergence to four-digit exactitude is demonstrated for the first five frequencies of the torus. Comparisons are made between the frequencies from the present 3D method, a 3D finite element method, experimental methods, and thin and thick ring theories.
The Role of Mobile Applications in Jordanian Public-Sector e-Government Services: Empirical Study in Jordanian Income and Sales Tax Department
Authors: Nawafleh Sahem
Published: February 2018

From utilising the mobile applications to lessen the price and durations by abolition of displays of procedures and systems of governments, e-Government intends to deliver services to the private and public segments of the country’s communities through the use of mobile applications. Across the globe, every country, but particularly developing countries, is in search of the application and dispersal of e-Government services. This research study will specifically assess the effect of mobile applications have on e-Government services application in Jordan. The debate as to whether mobile applications trigger addiction within the public segment in Jordan will be closely investigated and analysed in this research study. A collaboration of data gathered from a random selection of the population of the Income and Sales Tax Department staff ([Formula: see text]) exposes the fact that both the females and males from the random sample are likely to be using mobile applications for numerous hours each day. With this considered, the study also reveals that mobile applications have a substantial influence on the accomplishment of e-Government application within the public segment in Jordan.
Coherence evolution in two-dimensional quantum walk on lattice
Authors: He Zhimin , Huang Zhiming , Li Lvzhou , Situ Haozhen
Published: February 2018

We investigate the evolution of the [Formula: see text] norm coherence in two-dimensional quantum walk on lattices for Fourier, Grover and Hadamard coins. Our study shows that the coherence of both the whole system and the position subsystem increases quadratically with the number of steps. We also analyze the influence of three kinds of noises, i.e. broken links, lattice congestion and lattice traps, on the two-dimensional quantum walk. The result shows that the increase of coherence with the number of steps gradually inclines to be linear as the probabilities of broken links and lattice congestion increase. In the quantum walk on trapped lattices, the coherence increases with the increasing time step before the crossover time [Formula: see text] and then gradually decreases after [Formula: see text].
Domino Cache
Authors: Naderan-Tahan Mahmood , Sarbazi-Azad Hamid
Published: February 2018

The energy consumption for processing modern workloads is challenging in data centers. Due to the large datasets of cloud workloads, the miss rate of the L1 data cache is high, and with respect to the energy efficiency concerns, such misses are costly for memory instructions because lower levels of memory hierarchy consume more energy per access than the L1. Moreover, large last-level caches are not performance effective, in contrast to traditional scientific workloads. The aim of this article is to propose a large L1 data cache, called Domino, to reduce the number of accesses to lower levels in order to improve the energy efficiency. In designing Domino, we focus on two components that use the on-chip area and are not energy efficient, which makes them good candidates to use their area for enlarging the L1 data cache. Domino is a highly associative cache that extends the conventional cache by borrowing the prefetcher and last-level-cache storage budget and using it as additional ways for data cache. In Domino, the additional ways are separated from the conventional cache ways; hence, the critical path of the first access is not altered. On a miss in the conventional part, it searches the added ways in a mix of parallel-sequential fashion to compromise the latency and energy consumption. Results on the Cloudsuite benchmark suite show that read and write misses are reduced by 30%, along with a 28% reduction in snoop messages. The overall energy consumption per access is then reduced by 20% on average (maximum 38%) as a result of filtering accesses to the lower levels.
Straightening the Hierarchical Staircase for Basis Set Extrapolations: A Low-Cost Approach to High-Accuracy Computational Chemistry
Authors: Varandas António J.C.
Published: February 2018

Because the one-electron basis set limit is difficult to reach in correlated post-Hartree–Fock ab initio calculations, the low-cost route of using methods that extrapolate to the estimated basis set limit attracts immediate interest. The situation is somewhat more satisfactory at the Hartree–Fock level because numerical calculation of the energy is often affordable at nearly converged basis set levels. Still, extrapolation schemes for the Hartree–Fock energy are addressed here, although the focus is on the more slowly convergent and computationally demanding correlation energy. Because they are frequently based on the gold-standard coupled-cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)], correlated calculations are often affordable only with the smallest basis sets, and hence single-level extrapolations from one raw energy could attain maximum usefulness. This possibility is examined. Whenever possible, this review uses raw data from second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory, as well as CCSD, CCSD(T), and multireference configuration interaction methods. Inescapably, the emphasis is on work done by the author's research group. Certain issues in need of further research or review are pinpointed.
Precision Oncology Decision Support: Current Approaches and Strategies for the Future
Authors: Kurnit Katherine C. , Dumbrava Ecaterina E. Ileana , Litzenburger Beate , Khotskaya Yekaterina B. , Johnson Amber M. , Yap Timothy A. , Rodon Jordi , Zeng Jia , Shufean Md Abu , Bailey Ann M. , Sánchez Nora S. , Holla Vijaykumar , Mendelsohn John , Shaw Kenna Mills , Bernstam Elmer V. , Mills Gordon B. , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: February 2018

With the increasing availability of genomics, routine analysis of advanced cancers is now feasible. Treatment selection is frequently guided by the molecular characteristics of a patient's tumor, and an increasing number of trials are genomically selected. Furthermore, multiple studies have demonstrated the benefit of therapies that are chosen based upon the molecular profile of a tumor. However, the rapid evolution of genomic testing platforms and emergence of new technologies make interpreting molecular testing reports more challenging. More sophisticated precision oncology decision support services are essential. This review outlines existing tools available for health care providers and precision oncology teams and highlights strategies for optimizing decision support. Specific attention is given to the assays currently available for molecular testing, as well as considerations for interpreting alteration information. This article also discusses strategies for identifying and matching patients to clinical trials, current challenges, and proposals for future development of precision oncology decision support. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2719–31. ©2018 AACR.
Pharmacological TLR4 Antagonism Using Topical Resatorvid Blocks Solar UV-Induced Skin Tumorigenesis in SKH-1 Mice
Authors: Blohm-Mangone Karen , Burkett Nichole B. , Tahsin Shekha , Myrdal Paul B. , Aodah Alhassan , Ho Brenda , Janda Jaroslav , McComas Michelle , Saboda Kathylynn , Roe Denise J. , Dong Zigang , Bode Ann M. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Calvert Valerie S. , Curiel-Lewandrowski Clara , Alberts David S. , Wondrak Georg T. , Dickinson Sally E.
Published: February 2018

An urgent need exists for the development of more efficacious molecular strategies targeting nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the most common malignancy worldwide. Inflammatory signaling downstream of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in several forms of tumorigenesis, yet its role in solar UV-induced skin carcinogenesis remains undefined. We have previously shown in keratinocyte cell culture and SKH-1 mouse epidermis that topical application of the specific TLR4 antagonist resatorvid (TAK-242) blocks acute UV-induced AP-1 and NF-κB signaling, associated with downregulation of inflammatory mediators and MAP kinase phosphorylation. We therefore explored TLR4 as a novel target for chemoprevention of UV-induced NMSC. We selected the clinical TLR4 antagonist resatorvid based upon target specificity, potency, and physicochemical properties. Here, we confirm using ex vivo permeability assays that topical resatorvid can be effectively delivered to skin, and using in vivo studies that topical resatorvid can block UV-induced AP-1 activation in mouse epidermis. We also report that in a UV-induced skin tumorigenesis model, topical resatorvid displays potent photochemopreventive activity, significantly suppressing tumor area and multiplicity. Tumors harvested from resatorvid-treated mice display reduced activity of UV-associated signaling pathways and a corresponding increase in apoptosis compared with tumors from control animals. Further mechanistic insight on resatorvid-based photochemoprevention was obtained from unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of protein readouts via reverse-phase protein microarray revealing a significant attenuation of key UV-induced proteomic changes by resatorvid in chronically treated high-risk SKH-1 skin prior to tumorigenesis. Taken together, our data identify TLR4 as a novel molecular target for topical photochemoprevention of NMSC. Cancer Prev Res; 11(5); 265–78. ©2018 AACR.

See related editorial by Sfanos, p. 251