Predicting the Onset of Cavitation in Automotive Torque Converters—Part II: A Generalized Model

The objective of this investigation was to develop a dimensionless model for predicting the onset of cavitation in torque converters applicable to general converter designs. Dimensional analysis was applied to test results from a matrix of torque converters that ranged from populations comprised of strict geometric similitude to those with more relaxed similarities onto inclusion of all the torque converters tested. Stator torque thresholds at the onset of cavitation for the stall operating condition were experimentally determined with a dynamometer test cell using nearfield acoustical measurements. Cavitation torques, design parameters, and operating conditions were resolved into a set of dimensionless quantities for use in the development of dimensionless empirical models. A systematic relaxation of the fundamental principle of dimensional analysis, geometric similitude, was undertaken to present empirical models applicable to torque converter designs of increasingly diverse design parameters. A stepwise linear regression technique coupled with response surface methodology was utilized to produce an empirical model capable of predicting stator torque at the onset of cavitation with less than 7% error for general automotive torque converter designs

Vitamin E, γ-tocopherol, diminishes ex vivo basophil response to dust mite allergen

Epidemiologic studies suggest that dietary vitamin E is a candidate intervention for atopic disease. We used in vitro and ex vivo exposures to test the hypothesis that the most common dietary isoform of vitamin E, γ-tocopherol (γT), could suppress FcεRI-mediated basophil activation

EXPLORING THE ROLE OF OSPREYS IN EDUCATION

Recent research in childhood education has demonstrated that experiences in nature are important in shaping early environmental consciousness (Hinds and Sparks 2008, Hussar and Horvath 2011, Cheng and Monroe 2012) and ultimately the expression of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors during adulthood (Wells and Lekies 2006, Chawla and Cushing 2007, Collado et al. 2013). Increasingly, those experiences happen via written and electronic media (e.g., textbooks, computer screens) or in very anthropogenic environments (e.g., in parks and zoos) and less through direct contact with nature, a concept Louv (2005) referred to as ‘‘nature deficit disorder.’’ Even in schools where environmental education is prioritized, the extent of access to outdoor classroom activities or experiential learning opportunities can limit the degree to which children can observe, explore, and directly experience the natural world (Hudson 2001, Louv 2005, Ernst 2009). Interestingly, the same information technologies that might serve to limit contact with nature also have the potential to enhance and encourage interest and concern for the natural world (Blewitt 2011, Pearson et al. 2011). We believe this is an important paradox that warrants much further exploration and evaluation within educational and scientific communities

Statistical HOmogeneous Cluster SpectroscopY (SHOCSY): an optimized statistical approach for clustering of ¹H NMR spectral data to reduce interference and enhance robust biomarkers selection.

We propose a novel statistical approach to improve the reliability of (1)H NMR spectral analysis in complex metabolic studies. The Statistical HOmogeneous Cluster SpectroscopY (SHOCSY) algorithm aims to reduce the variation within biological classes by selecting subsets of homogeneous (1)H NMR spectra that contain specific spectroscopic metabolic signatures related to each biological class in a study. In SHOCSY, we used a clustering method to categorize the whole data set into a number of clusters of samples with each cluster showing a similar spectral feature and hence biochemical composition, and we then used an enrichment test to identify the associations between the clusters and the biological classes in the data set. We evaluated the performance of the SHOCSY algorithm using a simulated (1)H NMR data set to emulate renal tubule toxicity and further exemplified this method with a (1)H NMR spectroscopic study of hydrazine-induced liver toxicity study in rats. The SHOCSY algorithm improved the predictive ability of the orthogonal partial least-squares discriminatory analysis (OPLS-DA) model through the use of "truly" representative samples in each biological class (i.e., homogeneous subsets). This method ensures that the analyses are no longer confounded by idiosyncratic responders and thus improves the reliability of biomarker extraction. SHOCSY is a useful tool for removing irrelevant variation that interfere with the interpretation and predictive ability of models and has widespread applicability to other spectroscopic data, as well as other "omics" type of data

G9a regulates group 2 innate lymphoid cell development by repressing the group 3 innate lymphoid cell program.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are emerging as important regulators of homeostatic and disease-associated immune processes. Despite recent advances in defining the molecular pathways that control development and function of ILCs, the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate ILC biology are unknown. Here, we identify a role for the lysine methyltransferase G9a in regulating ILC2 development and function. Mice with a hematopoietic cell-specific deletion of G9a (Vav.G9a(-/-) mice) have a severe reduction in ILC2s in peripheral sites, associated with impaired development of immature ILC2s in the bone marrow. Accordingly, Vav.G9a(-/-) mice are resistant to the development of allergic lung inflammation. G9a-dependent dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2) is a repressive histone mark that is associated with gene silencing. Genome-wide expression analysis demonstrated that the absence of G9a led to increased expression of ILC3-associated genes in developing ILC2 populations. Further, we found high levels of G9a-dependent H3K9me2 at ILC3-specific genetic loci, demonstrating that G9a-mediated repression of ILC3-associated genes is critical for the optimal development of ILC2s. Together, these results provide the first identification of an epigenetic regulatory mechanism in ILC development and function

The use of 3D surface scanning for the measurement and assessment of the human foot

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A number of surface scanning systems with the ability to quickly and easily obtain 3D digital representations of the foot are now commercially available. This review aims to present a summary of the reported use of these technologies in footwear development, the design of customised orthotics, and investigations for other ergonomic purposes related to the foot.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched. Reference lists and experts in the field were also consulted to identify additional articles. Studies in English which had 3D surface scanning of the foot as an integral element of their protocol were included in the review.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-eight articles meeting the search criteria were included. Advantages and disadvantages of using 3D surface scanning systems are highlighted. A meta-analysis of studies using scanners to investigate the changes in foot dimensions during varying levels of weight bearing was carried out.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Modern 3D surface scanning systems can obtain accurate and repeatable digital representations of the foot shape and have been successfully used in medical, ergonomic and footwear development applications. The increasing affordability of these systems presents opportunities for researchers investigating the foot and for manufacturers of foot related apparel and devices, particularly those interested in producing items that are customised to the individual. Suggestions are made for future areas of research and for the standardization of the protocols used to produce foot scans.</p

Risk of cancers of the lung, head and neck in patients hospitalized for alcoholism in Sweden

Alcoholic patients are at increased risk of cancers of the head and neck but little information is available on the magnitude of the risk for specific sites and for different histological types. We followed 182 667 patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis of alcoholism during 1965–1994, for an average of 10.2 years. We compared their incidence of site- and histological type-specific cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and lung with that of the national population. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx was 5.33 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.04–5.64, based on 1207 cases). The SIRs of laryngeal and lung cancer were 4.21 (95% Cl 3.78–4.68, 347 cases) and 2.40 (2.29–2.51, 1880 cases), respectively. The SIR was highest for cancers of the hypopharynx, floor of the mouth, mesopharynx and base of the tongue. The relative excess of lung cancer was similar for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Low age at first hospitalization was associated with higher SIRs for all sites under study. 25 years after first hospitalization for alcoholism, the cumulative probability of developing a lung cancer was in the order of 5%, for oral and pharyngeal cancer it was 2.5%, and for oesophageal or laryngeal cancer 1% each. Our study shows that the risk of head and neck cancer among heavy drinkers is highest for sites in direct contact with alcohol. The high risk of head and neck neoplasms may justify specific medical attention. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.co

The effect of urban green spaces on house prices in Warsaw

In the paper, we analysed the impact of proximity to urban green areas on apartment prices in Warsaw. The data-set contained in 43 075 geo-coded apartment transactions for the years 2010 to 2015. In this research, the hedonic method was used in Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Weighted Least Squares (WLS) and Median Quantile Regression (Median QR) models. We found substantial evidence that proximity to an urban green area is positively linked with apartment prices. On an average presence of a green area within 100 meters from an apartment increases the price of a dwelling by 2,8% to 3,1%. The effect of park/forest proximity on house prices is more significant for newer apartments than those built before 1989. We found that proximity to a park or a forest is particularly important (and has a higher implicit price as a result) in the case of buildings constructed after 1989. The impact of an urban green was particularly high in the case of a post-transformation housing estate. Close vicinity (less than 100 m distance) to an urban green increased the sales prices of apartments in new residential buildings by 8,0–8,6%, depending on a model

The neuropeptide NMU amplifies ILC2-driven allergic lung inflammation

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) both contribute to mucosal homeostasis and initiate pathologic inflammation in allergic asthma. However, the signals that direct ILC2s to promote homeostasis versus inflammation are unclear. To identify such molecular cues, we profiled mouse lung-resident ILCs using single-cell RNA sequencing at steady state and after in vivo stimulation with the alarmin cytokines IL-25 and IL-33. ILC2s were transcriptionally heterogeneous after activation, with subpopulations distinguished by expression of proliferative, homeostatic and effector genes. The neuropeptide receptor Nmur1 was preferentially expressed by ILC2s at steady state and after IL-25 stimulation. Neuromedin U (NMU), the ligand of NMUR1, activated ILC2s in vitro, and in vivo co-administration of NMU with IL-25 strongly amplified allergic inflammation. Loss of NMU-NMUR1 signalling reduced ILC2 frequency and effector function, and altered transcriptional programs following allergen challenge in vivo. Thus, NMUR1 signalling promotes inflammatory ILC2 responses, highlighting the importance of neuro-immune crosstalk in allergic inflammation at mucosal surfaces