bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assurance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Latin American and Caribbean countries, 2013–2015
Authors: Sawatzky Pam , Martin Irene , Galarza Patricia , Carvallo Marıa Elena Trigoso , Araya Rodriguez Pamela , Cruz Olga Marina Sanabria , Hernandez Alina Llop , Martinez Mario Fabian , Borthagaray Graciela , Payares Daisy , Moreno José E , Chiappe Marina , Corredor Aura Helena , Thakur Sidharath Dev , Dillon Jo-Anne R 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesA Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility quality control comparison programme was re-established in Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure antimicrobial susceptibility data produced from the region are comparable nationally and internationally.MethodsThree panels, consisting of N. gonorrhoeae isolates comprising reference strains and other characterised isolates were sent to 11 participating laboratories between 2013 and 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibilities for these isolates were determined using agar dilution, Etest or disc diffusion methods. Modal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for each panel isolate/antibiotic combination were calculated. The guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute were used for interpretations of antimicrobial susceptibility. The agreement of MICs with the modal MICs was determined for each of the participating laboratories as well as for each of the antibiotics tested.ResultsFive of 11 laboratories that participated in at least one panel had an overall average agreement between participants’ MIC results and modal MICs of >90%. For other laboratories, agreements ranged from 60.0% to 82.4%. The proportion of agreement between interpretations for all the antibiotics, except penicillin and tetracycline, was >90%. The percentages of agreement between MIC results and their modes for erythromycin, spectinomycin, cefixime and azithromycin were >90%. Tetracycline, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin agreement ranged from 84.5% to 89.1%, while penicillin had 78.8% agreement between MICs and modal MICs.ConclusionsThe participating laboratories had acceptable results, similar to other international quality assurance programmes. It is important to ensure continuation of the International Gonococcal Antimicrobial Susceptibility Quality Control Comparison Programme to ensure that participants can identify and correct any problems in antimicrobial susceptibility testing for N. gonorrhoeae as they arise and continue to generate reproducible and reliable data.
Bifurcation in Elastic-Plastic Plates
Authors: Dubey R.N. 
Published: April 2018

It is shown that the isotropic material behaviour assumed in the classical incremental theory has two distinct implications, one for elastic deformation and another one for plastic deformation. This inconsistency has been removed by modifying the plastic-flow rule. The modified constitutive relation is used to calculate bifurcation stress in elastic-plastic plates under uniaxial compression. The bifurcation model used in the analysis is a generalized version of Shanley’s model – here restriction is placed on the amplitude of perturbation as opposed to restriction on the increase or rate of traction imposed in conventional analysis. The bifurcation stress thus obtained is significantly lower than the corresponding stress obtained from the classical incremental theory.
Pressure-Probe Interference in a Vortex Flow
Authors: Mojola O.O. 
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the sensitivity of vortex-flows to disturbances arising from the insertion of conventional pressure-sensing probes into the flows. With a wide variety of pitot-tubes, static-pressure probes, and transverse-cylinder yawmeters, measurements were made in the vortex (recirculation) flow region of a separated, three-dimensional, turbulent boundary layer upstream of a vertical wall. The measurements, which included both local and surface pressure data, have been analysed to reveal how the shape, size, and alignment of probes independently and collectively contribute to the probe interference.
On the Static Stability Analysis of Viscoelastic Perfect Columns
Authors: Szyszkowski W. , Glockner P.G. 
Published: April 2018

In this article the direct static equilibrium approach for stability analysis is used to study the behaviour of a perfect column made of a linear three-element model material and subjected to a concentric load. The study confirms that such a traditional static analysis admits only one non-zero eigenvalue, namely the load a the instant of application, referred to as the Euler load, PE, for the corresponding elastic column. A new interpretation of adjacent equilibrium configurations for viscoelastic structures is introduced which permits an ‘exact’ static analysis of the problem. The results from this analysis agree, in part, with those obtained from a general dynamic stability analysts. They help to clear up some misinterpretations resulting from the application of the static approach and show that time, being inherently an asymmetric parameter, generates effects typical of asymmetric influences and decreases the critical load of the structure.
Dynamic Characteristics of Structures Bonded with Viscoelastic Unconstrained Layers
Authors: Behera A.K. , Nanda B.K. 
Published: April 2018

In order to control the intensity of troublesome vibration in the modern day structures, viscoelastic materials are sometimes bonded to one or both sides of those structures. This type of unconstrained damping layer treatment is quite effective for abating structural vibration. In this paper both theoretical and experimental investigation has been made on the dynamic characteristics of such beam-like structures in order to get sufficient design data. Theoretical analysis based on the energy principle is presented in a generalised form for predicting damped and undamped natural frequencies as well as logarithmic decrement of such beams. Expressions for the loss-factor and static stiffness are also found out in order to evaluate dimensional inter-relationship between base metal and damping layer for maximizing damping capacity of the structure without losing its stiffness. Experimental measurements for natural frequency and log-decrement bear out the fact that theoretical predictions are indeed accurate. It is found that there is an optimum value of thickness ratio between base metal and damping layer for maximizing damping in a structure with a single unconstrained damping layer. Results for beams having single damping layer as well as for symmetric damping layers on both sides are also presented for comparison.
Application of Mathematical Methods to Determine the Field Parameters Related to Diffusion of Methane Gas in a Bulli Seam
Authors: Basu A. , Lama R. D. 
Published: April 2018

The paper describes the application of a mathematical model to describe gas drainage in coal seams. The mechanism of gas flow from coal is not very clear at present. It can either follow Darcy’s law or Fick’s law of diffusion. In the opinion of the authors, a the earlier stages where the gas pressure is high, Darcy’s law applies [8]. At later stages when gas pressure is stabilised, Fick’s law of diffusion is applicable. In this study, therefore, Fick’s law has been applied. Experimental techniques for measuring the system model parameters such as in situ gas pressure and Langmuir’s constants are described. The solutions have been applied in a field experiment to determine field diffusion parameters.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF A SECOND-LAW MODELLING PROCEDURE
Authors: CHINNECK JOHN W. 
Published: April 2018

The energy systems in large industrial plants are often very complex involving hundreds of items of equipment such as furnaces, turbines, boilers, generators, etc., and numerous energy forms such as oil, natural gas, steam, electricity and so on. It is usually not obvious how to operate the system to minimize energy consumption, thereby minimizing fuel expenditures. Computer models can be effective tools for the plant manager in tackling this problem. This paper presents the results of the application of a new modelling procedure to the energy system in an existing Canadian petrochemicals plant. The new procedure identified an estimated $600,000 per annum in additional energy savings over other modelling techniques that had been applied to the plant. The procedure includes second-law measures in a convenient and easily-applied form.
CUTTING PATTERN GENERATION FOR TENT TYPE STRUCTURES REPRESENTED BY MINIMUM SURFACES
Authors: Popov V. 
Published: April 2018

The paper is a sequel in a set of papers dealing with the development of the Stretched Grid Method (SGM) to minimize surfaces and other related problems. Now we focus on the generation of the cutting patterns for fabric structures with predetermined forms. Based on equi-areal of surface mapping onto the plane area the basic condition results in a formulation of a system of non-linear equations. The simple iteration procedure for cutting patterns generated is used and explained. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated with examples of surfaces with single and double-curvature that can be simply unfolded or flattened.
OPTIMIZATION-BASED SYNTHESIS OF A DEEP-DIGGING TILLAGE MECHANISM
Authors: Nokleby S.B. , Podhorodeski R.P. 
Published: April 2018

A quasi-Newton optimization method is employed to synthesize a four-bar tillage mechanism, a device for loosening the sub-soil in farm fields. The synthesis routine uses sequential parameter transformations that map from an unconstrained search variable space to a constrained design variable space. The sequential parameter transformations ensure that only a specific mechanism sub-type is considered, that Grashof criteria are satisfied, and that all mechanism parameters satisfy specified upper and lower constraints. Objective functions quantifying the level of satisfaction of the desired task displacements are minimized. It is shown that in addition to task satisfaction, further objective function terms can be added. The addition of objective function terms to increase the minimum transmission angle and to reduce the mechanism size are found to allow the synthesis of a practical mechanism for the deep-digging application. The use of the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) method with Fletcher’s Line Search (FLS) algorithm has allowed for the development of an efficient optimization-based synthesis routine. The synthesis results demonstrate that the developed synthesis routine required on the order of 102 fewer iterations per start then the direct-search and Sequential Unconstrained Minimization Technique (SUMT) employed in a previous method.
A GRAPHICAL-ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF NON-CIRCULAR GEARS IN PATH-GENERATING GEARED FIVE-BAR MECHANISMS
Authors: Mundo D. , Gatti G. 
Published: April 2018

The paper presents a graphical-analytical technique for the synthesis of non-circular gears in path-generating geared five-bar mechanisms. In such mechanisms, a two degree-of-freedom (dof) five-bar linkage is integrated by a pair of non-circular gears to precisely guide a coupler point along a prescribed planar trajectory. The synthesis method proposed here considers the most general case, where the prescribed trajectory consists of a series of open curves. Each segment of the prescribed path identifies a phase of the mechanism motion that is referred to as requested motion branch. In each of these phases, for any prescribed position of the coupler point, the inverse kinematic analysis of the linkage and the Aronhold-Kennedy theorem are used to identify the actual configuration of the system and locate the instantaneous centre of the relative motion between the two cranks of the linkage. The regions of the gear’s centrodes, corresponding to the requested motion branches, are thus synthesized. These regions are connected to each other by using proper polynomial functions, as to guarantee a continuous and cyclic motion of the mechanism. An example is illustrated where the requested coupler point trajectory consists of a series of straight line segments.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF GLOBAL ENERGY NEEDS AND GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS
Authors: Miller Alistair I. , Duffey Romney B. 
Published: April 2018

Nuclear plants emit virtually no greenhouse gases over their full life-cycle. Consequently, continued operation of existing nuclear plants is recognized as essential to meeting even the modest greenhouse gas reduction targets of the Kyoto Accord. However, much expanded nuclear deployment will be needed as developing economies aggressively grow GDP with its associated growth in electrical power. Projecting to 2040 and based on the scenarios of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC), we have examined deploying increased non-carbon energy sources for electricity production, including further conversion of electricity to hydrogen using conventional low-temperaturc water electrolysis. Our NuWind© model has been used to calculate the production costs for hydrogen in typical potential markets, using the actual prices of electricity paid by the Alberta Power Pool and by the Ontario Grid. The analysis shows clearly that by optimizing the co-production of hydrogen and electricity (referred to as the H2/e process) the cost for hydrogen produced can comfortably meet the US Department of Energy’s target for realistic nuclear investment costs, hydrogen generation systems, and wind capacity factors. The synergy of nuclear plus wind power for hydrogen generation plus co-production of electricity improves the economics of harnessing wind energy to produce hydrogen.
Study of the ultrasonic stress relief method for assembly of flex lead in inertial devices
Authors: Sun Yibo , Zou Li , Yang Xinhua 
Published: April 2018

The micro inertial device is widely used in the aerospace field when high measuring precision is required. The reaction torque from the residual stress of flex lead, which is generated in the assembly process, is a significant source of error. To address this problem, a stress relief method based on ultrasonic aging is designed and studied in this paper. An experimental platform is established using a high frequency, low amplitude ultrasonic system to improve the uniformity of the plastic stress distribution. The deformation of flex lead is measured by a visioning system. Experiments are carried out for two kinds of flex lead with Φ150 and Φ30 μm in profile diameter. Ultrasonic loading time and amplitude are studied, and results indicate that the released stress increased gradually with ultrasonic loading time in the initial stage. Up to a specific value, it remains constant with the subsequent ultrasonic loading. The ultrasonic loading times required for the flex leads in different sizes to achieve constant balance are different, and longer times are needed for the thicker sizes. The stress relief degree is about 20%, and it can be enhanced by increasing ultrasonic amplitude. But damage will be caused by the enhanced impact from ultrasonic vibration in larger amplitude.
Episodic modes of operation in hydrothermal gold systems: Part II. A model for gold deposition
Authors: Hobbs Bruce E. , Ord Alison 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Coupling between the physical processes intrinsic to a hydrothermal system can lead to episodic and chaotic behaviour. Such behaviour includes variations in both space and time of the temperature, fluid pressure and activity of H
2
S, which result in the deposition of alteration mineral assemblages, zoned pyrite and gold; these variations are multifractal. In particular, the coupling of deformation and simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions with fluid flow leads to the highly localized deposition of gold. We discuss the physical and chemical mechanisms for such episodic and localization behaviour and explore the non-linear dynamic reasons why such mechanisms are recorded in the multifractal paragenetic sequence and deformation history. The synchronization of intrinsic episodicity as described here and extrinsic forcing induced by episodic seismicity provides another mechanism for enhancing the yield of gold deposition processes and hence the grade of orogenic gold deposits.
The South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico salt basins: crustal thinning, subsidence and accommodation for salt and presalt strata
Authors: Rowan Mark G. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico conjugate-margin salt basins display similar relationships between crustal architecture and presalt and salt sequences. 3D and 2D depth-migrated seismic data reveal that: (1) the base salt is mostly smooth but drops into an outer marginal trough just landward of and deeper than oceanic crust; (2) the Moho climbs basinward to shallow depths and is largely absent below the trough; (3) faults are low-angle and asymmetrical beneath the smooth base salt but steeper and symmetrical in the trough; (4) the trough contains triangular highs between faulted lows; and (5) the smooth base salt is underlain by sag sequences that often dip and thicken basinward. The observations suggest that these salt basins shared a common evolution. Crustal faulting gradually shifted basinward. Consequent thermal/loading subsidence plus lower-crustal thinning generated basinward-shifting accommodation for sag sequences, but slow sedimentation relative to subsidence resulted in deep depressions. A switch to symmetrical boudinage of thinned crust created the troughs and possible reactive mantle diapirs. Evaporites formed during this stage, with deposition near sea-level in proximal positions but 2–3 km deep in basin centres. Oceanic spreading separated the salt into conjugate basins, with allochthonous flow out over oceanic crust.
Resistive and elastic work of breathing in older and younger adults during exercise
Authors: Smith Joshua R. , Cross Troy J. , Van Iterson Erik H. , Johnson Bruce D. , Olson Thomas P. 
Published: April 2018

It is unknown whether the greater total work of breathing (WOB) with aging is due to greater elastic and/or resistive WOB. We hypothesized that older compared with younger adults would exhibit a greater total WOB at matched ventilations (V̇e) during graded exercise, secondary to greater inspiratory resistive and elastic as well as expiratory resistive WOB. Older (OA: 60 ± 8 yr; n = 9) and younger (YA: 38 ± 7 yr; n = 9) adults performed an incremental cycling test to volitional fatigue. Esophageal pressure, inspiratory (IRV) and expiratory reserve volumes (ERV), expiratory flow limitation (EFL), and ventilatory variables were measured at matched V̇e (i.e., 25, 50, and 75 l/min) during exercise. The inspiratory resistive and elastic as well as expiratory resistive WOB were quantified using the Otis method. At V̇e of 75 l/min, older adults had greater %EFL and larger tidal volumes to inspiratory capacity but smaller relative IRV ( P ≤ 0.03) than younger adults. Older compared with younger adults had greater total WOB at V̇Eof 50 and 75 l/min (OA: 90 ± 43 vs. YA: 49 ± 21 J/min; P < 0.04 for both). At V̇e of 75 l/min, older adults had greater inspiratory elastic and resistive WOB (OA: 44 ± 27 vs. YA: 24 ± 22 and OA: 23 ± 15 vs. YA: 11 ± 3 J/min, respectively, P < 0.03 for both) and expiratory resistive WOB (OA: 23 ± 19 vs. YA: 14 ± 9 J/min, P = 0.02) than younger adults. These data demonstrate that aging-induced pulmonary alterations result in greater inspiratory elastic and resistive as well as expiratory resistive WOB, which may have implications for the integrated response during exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging-induced changes to the pulmonary system result in increased work of breathing (WOB) during exercise. However, it is not known whether this higher WOB with aging is due to differences in elastic and/or resistive WOB. Herein, we demonstrate that older adults exhibited greater inspiratory elastic and resistive as well as expiratory resistive WOB during exercise.
Probiotic supplementation in trained trotter horses: effect on blood clinical pathology data and urine metabolomic assessed in field
Authors: Laghi Luca , Zhu Chenglin , Campagna Giuseppe , Rossi Giacomo , Bazzano Marilena , Laus Fulvio 
Published: April 2018

The attention of sports community toward probiotic supplementation as a way to promote exercise and training performance, together with good health, has increased in recent years. This has applied also to horses, with promising results. Here, for the first time, we tested a probiotic mix of several strains of live bacteria typically employed for humans to improve the training performance of Standardbred horses in athletic activity. To evaluate its effects on the horse performance, we measured lactate concentration in blood, a translational outcome largely employed for the purpose, combined with the study of hematological and biochemical parameters, together with urine from a metabolomics perspective. The results showed that the probiotic supplementation significantly reduced postexercise blood lactate concentration. The hematological and biochemical parameters, together with urine molecular profile, suggested that a likely mechanism underlying this positive effect was connected to a switch of energy source in muscle from carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids. Three sulfur-containing molecules differently concentrated in urines in connection to probiotics administration suggested that such switch was linked to sulfur metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Probiotic supplementation could reduce postexercise blood lactate concentration in Standardbred horses in athletic activity. Blood parameters, together with urine molecular profile, suggest the mechanism underlying this positive effect is connected to a switch of energy source in muscle from carbohydrates to short-chain fatty acids. Sulfur-containing molecules found in urines in connection to probiotics administration suggested that such switch was linked to sulfur metabolism.
Blockade of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Expansion with All-Trans Retinoic Acid Increases the Efficacy of Antiangiogenic Therapy
Authors: Bauer Raimund , Udonta Florian , Wroblewski Mark , Ben-Batalla Isabel , Santos Ines Miranda , Taverna Federico , Kuhlencord Meike , Gensch Victoria , Päsler Sarina , Vinckier Stefan , Brandner Johanna M. , Pantel Klaus , Bokemeyer Carsten , Vogl Thomas , Roth Johannes , Carmeliet Peter , Loges Sonja 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Intrinsic and adaptive resistance hampers the success of antiangiogenic therapies (AAT), especially in breast cancer where this treatment modality has proven largely ineffective. Therefore, novel strategies to improve the efficacy of AAT are warranted. Solid tumors such as breast cancer are characterized by a high infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which are key drivers of resistance to AAT. Therefore, we hypothesized that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which induces differentiation of MDSC into mature cells, could improve the therapeutic effect of AAT. ATRA increased the efficacy of anti–VEGFR2 antibodies alone and in combination with chemotherapy in preclinical breast cancer models. ATRA reverted the anti–VEGFR2-induced accumulation of intratumoral MDSC, alleviated hypoxia, and counteracted the disorganization of tumor microvessels. Mechanistic studies indicate that ATRA treatment blocked the AAT-induced expansion of MDSC secreting high levels of vessel-destabilizing S100A8. Thus, concomitant treatment with ATRA holds the potential to improve AAT in breast cancer and possibly other tumor types.
Significance: Increasing the therapeutic efficiency of antiangiogenic drugs by reducing resistance-conferring myeloid-derived suppressor cells might improve breast cancer treatment.
Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/12/3220/F1.large.jpg. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3220–32. ©2018 AACR.