bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Process Control in Precision Hot Embossing
Authors: Bageant Maia R. , Hardt David E. 
Published: April 2014

Microfluidic technologies hold a great deal of promise in advancing the medical field, but transitioning them from research to commercial production has proven problematic. We propose precision hot embossing as a process to produce high volumes of devices with low capital cost and a high degree of flexibility. Hot embossing has not been widely applied to precision forming of hard polymers at viable production rates. To this end we have developed experimental equipment capable of maintaining the necessary precision in forming parameters while minimizing cycle time. In addition, since equipment precision alone does not guarantee consistent product quality, our work also focuses on real-time sensing and diagnosis of the process.
This paper covers both the basic details for a novel embossing machine, and the utilization of the force and displacement data acquired during the embossing cycle to diagnose the state of the material and process. The precision necessary in both the forming machine and the instrumentation will be covered in detail. It will be shown that variation in the material properties (e.g. thickness, glass transition temperature) as well as the degree of bulk deformation of the substrate can be detected from these measurements. If these data are correlated with subsequent downstream functional tests, a total measure of quality may be determined and used to apply closed-loop cycle-to-cycle control to the entire process. By incorporating automation and specialized precision equipment into a tabletop “microfactory” setting, we aim to demonstrate a high degree of process control and disturbance rejection for the process of hot embossing as applied at the micron scale.
A 3D Wind Turbine Simulator for Aerodynamics Education
Authors: Moreland John , Dubec Steve , Okosun Tyamo , Wang Xiuling , Zhou Chenn 
Published: April 2014

The energy production and performance of wind turbines is heavily impacted by the aerodynamic properties of the turbine blades. Designing a wind turbine blade to take full advantage of the available wind resource is a complex task, and teaching students the aerodynamic aspects of blade design can be challenging. To address this educational challenge, a 3D software package was developed as part of the Mixed Reality Simulators for Wind Energy Education project, sponsored through the U.S. Department of Education’s FIPSE program. The software is suited for introductory wind energy courses and covers topics including blade aerodynamics, wind turbine components, and energy transfer.
The simulator software combines a 3D model of a utility-scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) with animation, a set of interactive controls, and a series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of an airfoil under a number of conditions. Students can fly around the wind turbine to view from any angle, adjust transparency layers to view components inside the nacelle, adjust a cross-section plane along the length of a blade to view the details of the blade design, and manipulate sliders to adjust variables such as angle of attack and Reynolds number and see contour plots in real-time. The application is available for download at www.windenergyeducation.org, and is planned for release as open source.
Condition Monitoring of a Single Cylinder Engine Running on Gasoline and Gasoline-Ethanol Blend Using Wear Particle Analysis Technique
Authors: Akl Sayed Y. , Abdel-Rehim Ahmed A. 
Published: April 2014

Analytical techniques performed on oil samples for lubricated machines can be classified in two categories; used oil analysis and wear particle analysis. Used oil analysis determines the condition of the lubricant itself, determines the quality of the lubricant, and checks its suitability for continued use. Wear particle analysis determines the mechanical condition of machine components that are lubricated. Through wear particle analysis, you can identify the composition of the solid material present and evaluate particle type, size, concentration, distribution, and morphology, thus indicating the machine condition and its predictive maintenance.
The above mentioned techniques are suitable methods for the detection of abnormal wear occurring in internal combustion engines, especially for engines running on different fuels. These techniques provide cheap, fast and easy to use predictive maintenance methods which can replace other conventional methods.
The objective of the present study is to apply wear particle analysis technique as an engine monitoring technique to compare two new and identical engines running on gasoline (Engine 1) and gasoline-ethanol blend (Engine 2). The two engines were tested for a total running period of 850 hours. Spectrometric and ferrographic analysis were used for the comparison where quantitative and qualitative changes in the concentration and size distribution of different particles were analyzed and compared to baseline values.
Results showed an increase of wear rate for the engine running on gasoline-ethanol blend compared to the engine running on gasoline only. Two contents of ethanol were used where 10% content showed a moderate increase of wear rate; however 20% content showed a dramatic increase of wear rate.
The predominant wear particles were the ferrous particles and aluminum particles indicating the wear of piston elements and piston rings. Corrosive wear was also highly remarked which indicates a chemical reaction in the presence of ethanol.
A Numerical Investigation on Nanofluid Laminar Mixed Convection in Confined Impinging Jets
Authors: Manca O. , Nardini S. , Ricci D. , Tamburrino S. 
Published: April 2014

In this paper a numerical investigation on confined impinging slot jets working with a mixture of water and Al2O3 nanoparticles is described. The flow is laminar and a constant temperature is applied on the target surface. A single-phase model approach has been adopted because the particle concentrations are low. Different geometric ratios and nanoparticle volume concentrations have been considered at different Richardson numbers in order to take into account also the buoyancy effects.
The aim consists into study the behaviour of the system by means of average and local Nusselt number, convective heat transfer coefficient and required pumping power profiles, temperature fields and stream function contours. The dimensionless stream function contours showed that the intensity and size of the vortex structures depend on the confining effects, given by H/W ratio, Richardson number and particle concentrations. Furthermore, for increasing concentrations, nanofluids realize increasing fluid bulk temperature, as a result of the elevated thermal conductivity of mixtures. The local Nusselt number profiles show the highest values at the stagnation point and they depend on Richardson number and particle concentrations.
Ejection of Flammable Liquids During Loading and Unloading: A Preliminary Experimental Investigation
Authors: Hetrick Todd M. , Morrison Delmar (Trey) , Ramirez Juan C. 
Published: April 2014

Flammable liquids in industrial settings, e.g., the shop floor or laboratory, may sometimes be transferred or handled in small containers. Pouring a flammable liquid from one container into another presents a hazard potential for static electric discharge and subsequent ignition of the flammable liquid vapors. This phenomenon is well-known and industry guidance documents are available. This risk is usually mitigated with appropriate safeguards against the generation of static electricity or other potential ignition sources.
In the instances where an ignition source is present, ignition of the flammable vapors accompanying the liquid pour or in the headspace of the container may occur. If the flammable vapor space above the liquid surface is ignited, the ensuing overpressure and fluid conditions may be sufficient to eject some of the liquid from the container. Flammable liquid ejection can potentially result in the projection or transport of fire over large distances with severe consequences.
In this study, we perform a series of bench scale experiments. We aim to determine and investigate the factors influencing the ejection of flammable liquids during loading and unloading of small containers. Developing a better understanding of the parameters governing this phenomenon may allow for the design of engineering safeguards to assist in the prevention of flammable liquid ejection.
LabVIEW and Measure Foundry Based Data Acquisition System for Mechanical Engineering Technology Laboratories
Authors: Yilmaz Emin 
Published: April 2014

Since the ASYST data acquisition and analysis software was discontinued and the old versions of ASYST do not support new computer operating systems and new data acquisition boards, old computer data acquisition (CDAQ) system is being replaced with a new data acquisition system. The new microcomputer based data acquisition system consists of an i-3 microcomputer with 3.0 GHz CPU and Windows-7 operating system, a Data Translation (DT) DT-304, 12-bit, 400 MHz data acquisition board with STP-300 screw terminal, Data Translation Measure Foundry (DT-MF) software and DT-LV link software [2], a National Instruments (NI) PCI-6250, M-series, low level, 16-bit, 1.25 MS/s board with 4-module SCC-68 I/O Connector Block, four thermocouple-input plug-in modules and NI LabVIEW (NI-LV) software [4]. Data Translation’s DT-LV software links DT boards with NI-LV software. Most ASYST-based data acquisition and analysis application programs used in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) courses have been converted to NI-LV and DT-MF application programs.
Purpose of this paper is to describe how our old data acquisition application programs were converted to new data acquisition application programs so that they may be used with our new data acquisition system. Descriptions of the experiments, equipment used, and experiences gained with laboratory experiments are given elsewhere [8–13]. Specifically: Reference [8] covers upgrades made to the Materials Testing Laboratory, including Tinius-Olsen [14] tensile testing machine; reference [9] covers design and development of data acquisition programs for the materials testing, including Tensile Testing of Materials experiment; references [11] and [12] cover Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) experiments and use of DAQ system in these experiments; reference [13] cover all uses of DAQ system in MET at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
Classification, Identification, and Clinical Significance of Haemophilus and Aggregatibacter Species with Host Specificity for Humans
Authors: Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARYThe aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on the current classification and identification ofHaemophilusandAggregatibacterspecies with exclusive or predominant host specificity for humans.Haemophilus influenzaeand some of the otherHaemophilusspecies are commonly encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory and demonstrate a wide range of pathogenicity, from life-threatening invasive disease to respiratory infections to a nonpathogenic, commensal lifestyle. New species ofHaemophilushave been described (Haemophilus pittmaniaeandHaemophilus sputorum), and the new genusAggregatibacterwas created to accommodate some formerHaemophilusandActinobacillusspecies (Aggregatibacter aphrophilus,Aggregatibacter segnis, andAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans).Aggregatibacterspecies are now a dominant etiology of infective endocarditis caused by fastidious organisms (HACEK endocarditis), andA. aphrophilushas emerged as an important cause of brain abscesses. Correct identification ofHaemophilusandAggregatibacterspecies based on phenotypic characterization can be challenging. It has become clear that 15 to 20% of presumptiveH. influenzaeisolates from the respiratory tracts of healthy individuals do not belong to this species but represent nonhemolytic variants ofHaemophilus haemolyticus. Due to the limited pathogenicity ofH. haemolyticus, the proportion of misidentified strains may be lower in clinical samples, but even among invasive strains, a misidentification rate of 0.5 to 2% can be found. Several methods have been investigated for differentiation ofH. influenzaefrom its less pathogenic relatives, but a simple method for reliable discrimination is not available. With the implementation of identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry, the more rarely encountered species ofHaemophilusandAggregatibacterwill increasingly be identified in clinical microbiology practice. However, identification of some strains will still be problematic, necessitating DNA sequencing of multiple housekeeping gene fragments or full-length 16S rRNA genes.
Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Tande Aaron J. , Patel Robin 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARY
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a tremendous burden for individual patients as well as the global health care industry. While a small minority of joint arthroplasties will become infected, appropriate recognition and management are critical to preserve or restore adequate function and prevent excess morbidity. In this review, we describe the reported risk factors for and clinical manifestations of PJI. We discuss the pathogenesis of PJI and the numerous microorganisms that can cause this devastating infection. The recently proposed consensus definitions of PJI and approaches to accurate diagnosis are reviewed in detail. An overview of the treatment and prevention of this challenging condition is provided.
OXA β-Lactamases
Authors: Evans Benjamin A. , Amyes Sebastian G. B. 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARY

The OXA β-lactamases were among the earliest β-lactamases detected; however, these molecular class D β-lactamases were originally relatively rare and always plasmid mediated. They had a substrate profile limited to the penicillins, but some became able to confer resistance to cephalosporins. From the 1980s onwards, isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
that were resistant to the carbapenems emerged, manifested by plasmid-encoded β-lactamases (OXA-23, OXA-40, and OXA-58) categorized as OXA enzymes because of their sequence similarity to earlier OXA β-lactamases. It was soon found that every
A. baumannii
strain possessed a chromosomally encoded OXA β-lactamase (OXA-51-like), some of which could confer resistance to carbapenems when the genetic environment around the gene promoted its expression. Similarly,
Acinetobacter
species closely related to
A. baumannii
also possessed their own chromosomally encoded OXA β-lactamases; some could be transferred to
A. baumannii
, and they formed the basis of transferable carbapenem resistance in this species. In some cases, the carbapenem-resistant OXA β-lactamases (OXA-48) have migrated into the
Enterobacteriaceae
and are becoming a significant cause of carbapenem resistance. The emergence of OXA enzymes that can confer resistance to carbapenems, particularly in
A. baumannii
, has transformed these β-lactamases from a minor hindrance into a major problem set to demote the clinical efficacy of the carbapenems.
Self‐Excited Single‐Stage Power Factor Correction Driving Circuit for LED Lighting
Authors: Chang Yong-Nong 
Published: March 2014

This pa	per proposes a self‐excited single‐stage high power factor LED lighting driving circuit. Being featured with power factor correction capability without needing any control devices, the proposed circuit structure is with low cost and suitable for commercial production. The power factor correction function is accomplished by using inductor in combination with a half‐bridge quasi resonant converter to achieve active switching and yield out voltage regulation according to load requirement. Furthermore, the zero‐voltage switching in the half‐bridge converter can be attained to promote the overall performance efficiency of the proposed circuit. Finally, the validity and production availability of the proposed circuit will be verified as well.
Fluoroscopy Assisted Minimally Invasive Transplantation of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Embedded in HyStem Reduces the Progression of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration in the Damaged Interverbal Disc: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits
Authors: Subhan Rifa Aquidah , Puvanan Karunanithi , Murali Malliga Raman , Balaji Raghavendran Hanumantha Rao , Shani Samuel , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet , Amir Abbas Azlina , Mohamed Jamal Azmi , Kamarul Tunku 
Published: March 2014

This study was conducted to develop a technique for minimally invasive and accurate delivery of stem cells to augment nucleus pulposus (NP) in damaged intervertebral discs (IVD). IVD damage was created in noncontiguous discs at L4-L5 level; rabbits (N=12) were randomly divided into three groups: group I treated with MSCs in HyStem hydrogel, group II treated with HyStem alone, and group III received no intervention. MSCs and hydrogel were administered to the damaged disc under guidance of fluoroscopy. Augmentation of NP was assessed through histological and MRI T2 mapping of the NP after eight weeks of transplantation. T2 weighted signal intensity was higher in group I than in groups II and III (P<0.05). Disc height index showed maximum disc height in group I compared to groups II and III. Histological score of the degenerative index was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group I (8.6 ± 1.8) than that in groups II (11.6 ± 2.3) and III (18.0 ± 5.7). Immunohistochemistry staining for collagen type II and aggrecan staining were higher in group I as compared to other groups. Our results demonstrate that the minimally invasive administration of MSCs in hyaluronan hydrogel (HyStem) augments the repair of NP in damaged IVD.Erratum to “Fluoroscopy Assisted Minimally Invasive Transplantation of Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Embedded in HyStem Reduces the Progression of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration in the Damaged Intervertebral Disc: A Preliminary Study in Rabbits”
Identification of microRNA-135b in Stool as a Potential Noninvasive Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer and Adenoma
Authors: Wu Chung Wah , Ng Siew Chien , Dong Yujuan , Tian Linwei , Ng Simon Siu Man , Leung Wing Wa , Law Wai Tak , Yau Tung On , Chan Francis Ka Leung , Sung Joseph Jao Yiu , Yu Jun 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Purpose: Detecting microRNA (miRNA) in stool is a novel approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. This study aimed to identify stool-based miRNA as noninvasive biomarkers for detection of CRC and adenoma.
Experimental Design: A miRNA expression array covering 667 human miRNAs was performed on five pairs of CRC and two pairs of advanced adenoma tissues. The most upregulated miRNAs were validated in 40 pairs of CRC tissues, 16 pairs of advanced adenoma tissues, and 424 stool samples, including 104 CRCs, 169 adenomas, 42 inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and 109 healthy controls. miRNA levels were followed-up after removal of lesions.
Results: In an array analysis, miR-31 and miR-135b were the most upregulated miRNAs in CRC and advanced adenoma as compared with their adjacent normal tissues (&gt;13-fold increase). In stool samples, level of miR-135b was significantly higher in subjects with CRC (P &lt; 0.0001) or adenomas (P &lt; 0.0001), but not in patients with IBD compared with controls. miR-135b showed a significant increasing trend across the adenoma to cancer sequence (P &lt; 0.0001). Levels of miR-31 were not significantly different among groups. The sensitivity of stool mR-135b was 78% for CRC, 73% for advanced adenoma, and 65% for any adenoma, respectively, with a specificity of 68%. No significant difference in the miR-135b level was found between proximal and distal colorectal lesions. Stool miR-135b dropped significantly upon removal of CRC or advanced adenoma (P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusion: Stool-based miR-135b can be used as a noninvasive biomarker for the detection of CRC and advanced adenoma. Clin Cancer Res; 20(11); 2994–3002. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibition of the Transition of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma by a Gemini Vitamin D Analog
Authors: Wahler Joseph , So Jae Young , Kim Yeoun Chan , Liu Fang , Maehr Hubert , Uskokovic Milan , Suh Nanjoo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a nonmalignant lesion of the breast with the potential to progress to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The disappearance and breakdown of the myoepithelial cell layer and basement membrane in DCIS have been identified as major events in the development of breast cancer. The MCF10DCIS.com cell line is a well-established model, which recapitulates the progression of breast cancer from DCIS to IDC. We have previously reported that a novel Gemini vitamin D analog, 1α,25-dihydroxy-20R-21(3-hydroxy-3-deuteromethyl-4,4,4-trideuterobutyl)-23-yne-26,27-hexafluoro-cholecalciferol (BXL0124) is a potent inhibitor of the growth of MCF10DCIS.com xenografted tumors without hypercalcemic toxicity. In this study, we utilized the MCF10DCIS.com in vivo model to assess the effects of BXL0124 on breast cancer progression from weeks 1 to 4. Upon DCIS progression to IDC from weeks 3 to 4, tumors lost the myoepithelial cell layer and basement membrane as shown by immunofluorescence staining with smooth muscle actin and laminin 5, respectively. Administration of BXL0124 maintained the critical myoepithelial cell layer as well as basement membrane, and animals treated with BXL0124 showed a 43% reduction in tumor volume by week 4. BXL0124 treatment decreased cell proliferation and maintained vitamin D receptor levels in tumors. In addition, the BXL0124 treatment reduced the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinases starting at week 3, contributing to the inhibition of invasive transition. Our results suggest that the maintenance of DCIS plays a significant role in the cancer preventive action of the Gemini vitamin D BXL0124 during the progression of breast lesions. Cancer Prev Res; 7(6); 617–26. ©2014 AACR.
6-Shogaol from Dried Ginger Inhibits Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells Both In Vitro and In Vivo through Inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Saha Achinto , Blando Jorge , Silver Eric , Beltran Linda , Sessler Jonathan , DiGiovanni John 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Despite much recent progress, prostate cancer continues to represent a major cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in men. Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin neoplasm and second leading cause of death in men. 6-Shogaol (6-SHO), a potent bioactive compound in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. In the present study, the effect of 6-SHO on the growth of prostate cancer cells was investigated. 6-SHO effectively reduced survival and induced apoptosis of cultured human (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) and mouse (HMVP2) prostate cancer cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that 6-SHO reduced constitutive and interleukin (IL)-6–induced STAT3 activation and inhibited both constitutive and TNF-α–induced NF-κB activity in these cells. In addition, 6-SHO decreased the level of several STAT3 and NF-κB–regulated target genes at the protein level, including cyclin D1, survivin, and cMyc and modulated mRNA levels of chemokine, cytokine, cell cycle, and apoptosis regulatory genes (IL-7, CCL5, BAX, BCL2, p21, and p27). 6-SHO was more effective than two other compounds found in ginger, 6-gingerol, and 6-paradol at reducing survival of prostate cancer cells and reducing STAT3 and NF-κB signaling. 6-SHO also showed significant tumor growth inhibitory activity in an allograft model using HMVP2 cells. Overall, the current results suggest that 6-SHO may have potential as a chemopreventive and/or therapeutic agent for prostate cancer and that further study of this compound is warranted. Cancer Prev Res; 7(6); 627–38. ©2014 AACR.