bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and experimental features of the thermodynamic process in oil injection screw compressors
Authors: Neacsu S , Eparu C N , Suditu S , Neacșa A , Toma N , Slujitoru C 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
For optimum performance of screw compressors, reduce wear and improve leakage, oil injection needs to be applied. The injected oil runs through the compressor together with the gas, taking a part of the heat of the gas resulting from compression during the process. The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the compression process affected by the cooling of the oil injection. The oil injection screw compressor is ideal for this process because the oil injected into the compressor along with the lubrication and sealing technology cools the compressed gas, which makes the compression process to be much closer to an isothermal process (minimum compression required). In order to calculate the thermodynamic of the gas lift process, the hydraulic calculation of the process, in which the extracted production, the amount of gas required, the injection pressures and the location of the valves, should be performed. These parameters were determined to correspond to the oil injection screw compressors manufactured in Romania by INCDT-COMOTI. The essential characteristics of those screw compressors that could be used considering the specificity of the location where the compressor will be mounted will be highlighted also.
Hydrogen a new fuel for internal combustion engines
Authors: Gheorghe D , Tutunea D , Bică M , Gruia A , Calbureanu M 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The depletion of fossil fuels and the strict emissions regulations have motivated researchers to find and invest considerable resources in finding new renewable fuels. Hydrogen can be used in automotive industry to control the pollutant emissions and to improve engine performances. However, the producing of hydrogen is expensive, the supply infrastructure is not ready and the engines are affected by knocking phenomena and the increase of NOx emissions. The focus is now in the research of advance combustion technologies such dual fuel engines, homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and low-temperature combustion (LTC). The main limitations, challenges and perspectives are presented.
Experimental study of NOx and CO2 emissions at load regimes for a passenger car powered by direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Burciu S M , Coman G 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The paper presents a study of NOx and CO2 emissions for a standard diesel direct injection engine, which equips the Renault-Dacia Solenza 1.9D-SDI cars. The different pollutions levels are analysed between idling regimes and medium and high loads at different speeds and transmission gearboxes. To simulate the load regimes, chassis dynamometer V-Tech Dyno VT-2/B1 was used. The exhaust gases were taken to various operating modes on the chassis dynamometer, specific regimes in urban and extra-urban mode. In the paper, some recommendations are made on operating regimes that would ensure the functioning of the car at a lower polluting level.
Basic geometric and physical parameters of pumpkin seeds
Authors: Atanasov D , Georgieva M , Kiryakov I , Rulev V 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The granulometric composition of Pumpkin seeds of the “Samson” variety used as feedstock for food and vegetable oils producing industry are studied. Their geometric dimensions and physical indices are obtained experimentally. Results and dependencies necessary for designing and dimensioning of drying ovens from installation for vegetable oils production are obtained.
Foraging Ecology of the Leaf-Cutter Ant, Acromyrmex subterraneus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in a Neotropical Cerrado Savanna
Authors: Calheiros Ana C , Ronque Mariane U V , Soares Hélio , Oliveira Paulo S 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFungus-farming ants cultivate a fungal symbiont inside the nest that serves as a food source. Leaf-cutter ants are distinctive among fungus-farmers because they forage for fresh plant material to nurture the fungus. Here we investigate the foraging ecology of Acromyrmex subterraneus (Forel) in the Brazilian cerrado savanna. We examined the species activity pattern, forage material collected, and the relationship between load mass and forager size. Ant activity peaked at night and was negatively related to temperature but positively related to relative air humidity. The majority of the items collected by ants was plant material: dry and fresh leaves, flowers, and fruits. Trunk trails ranged from 0.7 to 13 m and colony home ranged from 2 to 28 m2, indicating that ants collect material nearby the nest. Total load mass was positively associated with forager size, especially in the case of leaves. The negative relationship between ant size and burden suggests that ants might optimize their delivery rate by collecting lighter substrates more frequently. Given their pest status, most studies on leaf-cutters are undertaken in human-altered environments. Information on A. subterraneus in native cerrado is imperative given the threatened status of this vegetation. Leaf-cutters thrive in disturbed cerrado and severe seedling herbivory may hinder vegetation recovery. Our fieldwork may provide insights for management techniques of Acromyrmex colonies in agroecosystems, as well as for restoration programs of degraded cerrado areas.
SH wave scattering by a frozen porous inclusion in fluid-saturated porous media using two approaches: wave function expansion and boundary element method
Authors: Furukawa A , Saitoh T , Hirose S 
Published: September 2019

Summary
This paper presents SH wave scattering by a frozen porous inclusion embedded in fluid-saturated porous media. We propose two computational methods, wave function expansion (WFE) and boundary element method (BEM), for wave scattering analyses. In WFE formulation, the components of displacement and stress are expressed by the superposition of the Bessel functions. The unknown coefficients in the expression are obtained via boundary conditions. On the other hand, in BEM formulation, boundary values of the frozen porous media are expressed by generalized displacement and traction. The generalized displacement consists of displacement components of the solid skeleton and the ice matrix, and the generalized traction is composed of the traction components of the two solid phases. Several numerical examples provide the validity of the proposed methods and the properties of the scattered waves. The discussion of the scattering properties focuses on the effects of ice saturation parameter, frequency of harmonic incident wave, the incident angle of the harmonic wave and the shape of the inclusion.
Allometry, Scaling, and Ontogeny of Form—An Introduction to the Symposium
Authors: Nijhout H Frederik , McKenna Kenneth Z 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUntil recently, the study of allometry has been mostly descriptive, and consisted of a diversity of methods for fitting regressions to bivariate or multivariate morphometric data. During the past decade, researchers have been developing methods to extract biological information from allometric data that could be used to deduce the underlying mechanisms that gave rise to the allometry. In addition, an increasing effort has gone into understanding the kinetics of growth and the regulatory mechanisms that control growth of the body and its component parts. The study of allometry and scaling has now become an exceptionally diverse field, with different investigators applying state of the art methods and concepts in evolution, developmental biology, cell biology, and genetics. Diversity has caused divergence, and we felt that although there is general agreement about the new goals for the study of allometry (understanding underlying mechanisms and how those evolve to produce different morphologies), progress is hindered by lack of coordination among the different approaches. We felt the time was right to bring these diverse practitioners together in a symposium to discuss their most recent work in the hope of forging new functional, conceptual, and collaborative connections among established and novice practitioners.
A suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide expressing TTAGGG motifs modulates cellular energetics through the mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yazar Volkan , Kilic Gizem , Bulut Ozlem , Canavar Yildirim Tugce , Yagci Fuat C , Aykut Gamze , Klinman Dennis M , Gursel Mayda , Gursel Ihsan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammation must be down-regulated to facilitate tissue remodeling during homeostatic restoration of an inflammatory response. Uncontrolled or over-exuberant immune activation can cause autoimmune diseases, as well as tissue destruction. A151, the archetypal example of a chemically synthesized suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) based on repetitive telomere-derived TTAGGG sequences, was shown to successfully down-regulate a variety of immune responses. However, the degree, duration and breadth of A151-induced transcriptome alterations remain elusive. Here, we performed a comprehensive microarray analysis in combination with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) using murine splenocytes to investigate the underlying mechanism of A151-dependent immune suppression. Our results revealed that A151 significantly down-regulates critical mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activators (Pi3kcd, Pdpk1 and Rheb), elements downstream of mTOR signaling (Rps6ka1, Myc, Stat3 and Slc2a1), an important component of the mTORC2 protein complex (Rictor) and Mtor itself. The effects of A151 on mTOR signaling were dose- and time-dependent. Moreover, flow cytometry and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that A151 is able to reverse mTOR phosphorylation comparably to the well-known mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Furthermore, Seahorse metabolic assays showed an A151 ODN-induced decrease in both oxygen consumption and glycolysis implying that a metabolically inert state in macrophages could be triggered by A151 treatment. Overall, our findings suggested novel insights into the mechanism by which the immune system is metabolically modulated by A151 ODN.
The Universally Conserved Residues Are Not Universally Required for Stable Protein Expression or Functions of Cryptochromes
Authors: Liu Huachun , Su Tiantian , He Wenjin , Wang Qin , Lin Chentao 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Universally conserved residues (UCRs) are invariable amino acids evolutionarily conserved among members of a protein family across diverse kingdoms of life. UCRs are considered important for stability and/or function of protein families, but it has not been experimentally examined systematically. Cryptochromes are photoreceptors in plants or light-independent components of the circadian clocks in mammals. We experimentally analyzed 51 UCRs of Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) that are universally conserved in eukaryotic cryptochromes from Arabidopsis to human. Surprisingly, we found that UCRs required for stable protein expression of CRY2 in plants are not similarly required for stable protein expression of human hCRY1 in human cells. Moreover, 74% of the stably expressed CRY2 proteins mutated in UCRs retained wild-type-like activities for at least one photoresponses analyzed. Our finding suggests that the evolutionary mechanisms underlying conservation of UCRs or that distinguish UCRs from non-UCRs determining the same functions of individual cryptochromes remain to be investigated.
The effect of maternal high-fat/high-sugar diet on offspring oocytes and early embryo development
Authors: Andreas E , Reid M , Zhang W , Moley K H 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Observational human data and several lines of animal experimental data indicate that maternal obesity impairs offspring health. Here, we comprehensively tested the model that maternal obesity causes defects in the next three generations of oocytes and embryos. We exposed female F0 mice to a high-fat/high-sugar (HF/HS) diet for 6 weeks before conception until weaning. Sires, F1 offspring and all subsequent generations were fed control chow diet. Oocytes from F1, F2 and F3 offspring of obese mothers had lower mitochondrial mass and less ATP and citrate than oocytes from offspring of control mothers. F0 blastocysts from HF/HS-exposed mice, but not F1 and F2 blastocysts, had lower mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, less citrate and ATP and smaller total cell number than F0 blastocysts from control mothers. Finally, supplementation of IVF media with the anti-oxidant mito-esculetin partially prevented the oocyte mitochondrial effects caused by maternal HF/HS diet. Our results support the idea that maternal obesity impairs offspring oocyte quality and suggest that antioxidant supplementation should be tested as a means to improve IVF outcomes for obese women.
Influence of Acetylsalicylic Acid Use on Risk and Outcome of Community-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Smit Jesper , Dalager-Pedersen Michael , Adelborg Kasper , Kaasch Achim J , Thomsen Reimar W , Frøslev Trine , Nielsen Henrik , Schønheyder Henrik C , Sørensen Henrik T , Desimone Christopher V , Desimone Daniel C , Søgaard Mette 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the influence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use on risk and outcome of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB).

Method
We used population-based medical databases to identify all patients diagnosed in northern Denmark with first-time CA-SAB and matched population controls from 2000–2011. Categories for ASA users included current users (new or long-term users), former users, and nonusers. The analyses were adjusted for comorbidities, comedication use, and socioeconomic indicators.

Results
We identified 2638 patients with first-time CA-SAB and 26 379 matched population controls. Compared with nonusers, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for CA-SAB was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–1.13) for current users, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.86–1.16) for former users, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.42–2.94) for new users, and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.84–1.09) for long-term users. Thirty-day cumulative mortality was 28.0% among current users compared with 21.6% among nonusers, yielding an adjusted hazard rate ratio (aHRR) of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.84–1.25). Compared with nonusers, the aHRR was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.87–1.40) for former users, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.29–1.21) for new users, and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.87–1.31) for long-term users. We observed no difference in the risk or outcome of CA-SAB with increasing ASA dose or by presence of diseases commonly treated with ASA.

Conclusions
Use of ASA did not seem to influence the risk or outcome of CA-SAB. The apparent increased risk among new users may relate to residual confounding from the circumstances underlying ASA treatment initiation. Our finding of no association remained robust with increasing ASA dose and across multiple patient subsets.
Developing a national musculoskeletal core capabilities framework for first point of contact practitioners
Authors: Chance-Larsen Kenneth , Backhouse Michael R , Collier Richard , Wright Colin , Gosling Sally , Harden Beverley , Marsh Sarah , Kay Peter , Wyles Hilary , Erwin Jo , Woolf Anthony 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to support service transformation by developing a core capabilities framework for first contact practitioners working with people who have musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods
We conducted a modified three-round Delphi study with a multi-professional panel of 41 experts nominated through 18 national professional and patient organizations. Qualitative data from an open-ended question in round one were analysed using a thematic approach and combined with existing literature to shape a draft framework. Participants rated their agreement with each of the proposed 142 outcomes within 14 capabilities on a 10-point Likert scale in round two. The final round combined round two results with a wider online survey.

Results
Rounds two and three of the Delphi survey were completed by 37 and 27 participants, respectively. Ninety practitioners responded to the wider online survey. The final framework contains 105 outcomes within 14 capabilities, separated into four domains (person-centred approaches; assessment, investigation and diagnosis; condition management, intervention and prevention; and service and professional development). The median agreement for all 105 outcomes was at least nine on the 10-point Likert scale in the final round.

Conclusion
The framework outlines the core capabilities required for practitioners working as the first point of contact for people with musculoskeletal conditions. It provides a standard structure and language across professions, with greater consistency and portability of musculoskeletal core capabilities. Agreement on each of the 105 outcomes was universally high amongst the expert panel, and the framework is now being disseminated by Health Education England, NHS England and Skills for Health.
Population Pharmacodynamics of Propofol and Sevoflurane in Healthy Volunteers Using a Clinical Score and the Patient State Index
Authors: Kuizenga Merel H. , Colin Pieter J. , Reyntjens Koen M. E. M. , Touw Daan J. , Nalbat Hasan , Knotnerus Froukje H. , Vereecke Hugo E. M. , Struys Michel M. R. F. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background
The population pharmacodynamics of propofol and sevoflurane with or without opioids were compared using the endpoints no response to calling the person by name, tolerance to shake and shout, tolerance to tetanic stimulus, and two versions of a processed electroencephalographic measure, the Patient State Index (Patient State Index-1 and Patient State Index-2).

Methods
This is a reanalysis of previously published data. Volunteers received four anesthesia sessions, each with different drug combinations of propofol or sevoflurane, with or without remifentanil. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was used to study the relationship between drug concentrations, clinical endpoints, and Patient State Index-1 and Patient State Index-2.

Results
The C50 values for no response to calling the person by name, tolerance to shake and shout, and tolerance to tetanic stimulation for propofol (µg · ml−1) and sevoflurane (vol %; relative standard error [%]) were 1.62 (7.00)/0.64 (4.20), 1.85 (6.20)/0.90 (5.00), and 2.82 (15.5)/0.91 (10.0), respectively. The C50 values for Patient State Index-1 and Patient State Index-2 were 1.63 µg · ml−1 (3.7) and 1.22 vol % (3.1) for propofol and sevoflurane. Only for sevoflurane was a significant difference found in the pharmacodynamic model for Patient State Index-2 compared with Patient State Index-1. The pharmacodynamic models for Patient State Index-1 and Patient State Index-2 as a predictor for no response to calling the person by name, tolerance to shake and shout, and tetanic stimulation were indistinguishable, with Patient State Index50 values for propofol and sevoflurane of 46.7 (5.1)/68 (3.0), 41.5 (4.1)/59.2 (3.6), and 29.5 (12.9)/61.1 (8.1), respectively. Post hoc C50 values for propofol and sevoflurane were perfectly correlated (correlation coefficient = 1) for no response to calling the person by name and tolerance to shake and shout. Post hoc C50 and Patient State Index50 values for propofol and sevoflurane for tolerance to tetanic stimulation were independent within an individual (correlation coefficient = 0).

Conclusions
The pharmacodynamics of propofol and sevoflurane were described on both population and individual levels using a clinical score and the Patient State Index. Patient State Index-2 has an improved performance at higher sevoflurane concentrations, and the relationship to probability of responsiveness depends on the drug used but is unaffected for Patient State Index-1 and Patient State Index-2.
Microbiota of Children With Complex Appendicitis
Authors: The Sarah-May M. L. , Bakx Roel , Budding Andries E. , de Meij Tim G. J. , van der Lee Johanna H. , Bunders Madeleine J. , Poort Linda , Heij Hugo A. , van Heurn L. W. Ernst , Gorter Ramon R. 
Published: September 2019

Background:
Two types of appendicitis are hypothesized, simple and complex, with potential different treatment strategies. To improve differentiation, underlying pathogeneses need to be further unraveled.

Aim:
To determine if the microbial composition in the appendix differs between children with simple and complex appendicitis.

Methods:
Two-center, prospective cohort study including 40 children (0–17 years old) undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis. Appendix tissue was used for IS-pro analysis to identify bacterial species by their length of 16S-23S rDNA interspacer (IS) region. Cluster analysis, based on IS-profiles, and correspondence with type of appendicitis, using Fisher exact test, was performed. Simple and complex appendicitis were compared regarding bacterial presence, intensity and diversity, using Fisher exact test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively.

Results:
Appendicitis was confirmed in 36 of 40 patients (16 simple, 20 complex). Cluster analysis identified 2 clusters, encompassing 34 patients. Distribution of simple and complex appendicitis was 12 (80%) and 3 (20%) versus 3 (16%) and 16 (84%) patients for clusters 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). Complex appendicitis was on phylum level characterized by an increased intensity (Bacteroidetes P = 0.001, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia (FAFV) P = 0.005 and Proteobacteria P < 0.001) and diversity (Bacteroidetes P = 0.001 and Proteobacteria P = 0.016) and an increased abundance of 5 species (Alistipes finegoldii P = 0.009, Bacteroides fragilis P = 0.002, Escherichia coli P = 0.014, Parvimonas micra P = 0.022 and Sutterella spp P = 0.026).

Conclusions:
The microbial composition of the appendix differs between children with simple and complex appendicitis, regarding both composition and diversity. Future research should focus on the role of these bacteria in the pathogenesis of both types and its implications for preoperative diagnostics.
Estimated Annual Health and Cost Impact of PHiD-CV Immunization Program in Brazil
Authors: Gomez Jorge A. , Lopes de Abreu Ariane de Jesus , Caceres Diana C. , Nieto Javier , Ortega-Barria Eduardo 
Published: September 2019

Background:

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute otitis media (AOM). Two higher-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) are available, pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) and 13-valent PCV (PCV-13). This study estimated the economic and health impact of PHiD-CV vaccination on pneumococcal disease burden in children <5 years of age in Brazil.

Methods:
The disease burden prior to the PHiD-CV vaccination program was estimated from literature and databases. The effect of PHiD-CV was estimated as a reduction of 70% for IPD, 26% for CAP and 40% for AOM, based on published studies. Residual IPD cases attributable to serotype 19A were estimated using surveillance data. PCV-13 effectiveness against 19A-IPD was set at 30%–70% higher than PHiD-CV. Vaccine prices were US$12.85/dose for PHiD-CV and US$14.50/dose for PCV-13.

Results:
PHiD-CV vaccination reduced IPD by 6359, CAP by 315,016 and AOM by 669,943 cases, with estimated cost savings of >US$84 million annually and US$211–22,232 per case averted depending on the outcome. Switching from PHiD-CV to PCV-13 would avoid only a few additional IPD cases at additional costs exceeding US$18 million per year (US$125,192–386,230 per IPD case averted).

Conclusions:
The PHiD-CV vaccination program in Brazil has resulted in important reductions of pneumococcal disease and substantial cost savings. Instead of switching PCVs, expanding vaccine coverage or investing in other health care interventions would be a more efficient use of resources to improve the health of the population in Brazil.