Outer Cap Research Articles

Quantifying Removal Torque for Application in a New Child‐Resistant and Senior Friendly Package

ABSTRACTChild resistant packaging (CRP) can effectively reduce the access of children under the age of 5 years old when used correctly. Adults over the age of 65 years commonly struggle to open many kinds of CRP and choose to leave the packages open. The goals of this work were (1) to design a testing system to accurately measure an individuals' ability to apply removal toque to a closure, (2) determine the ranges of torque both older adults and children can apply to a standard closure and (3) determine the effectiveness of a novel CRP to reduce the torque generation of children. A custom hand‐held torque test system was created and used to obtain torque data. In total, 49 participants were tested, 25 children and 24 adults. All participants were tested using three variations of a new type of CRP, which varied the amount of functional surface area (FSA) available to the user and a control. The novel CRP theoretically can be ‘tuned’ by changing the FSA available, impacting the torque individuals are able to exert. All CRP treatments and the control resulted in significantly different removal torques between groups. The difference was largest when the available FSA was between 50% and 80%. Results suggest the new design has the potential to permit older adults to easily open containers while reducing access of children. This new cap system capitalized on a need to understand that a specific, limited region needs to be gripped for opening—and most children tended to just spin the outer cap without applying an isolated torque.

Theoretical Analysis of the RX J0209.6−7427 X-Ray Spectrum during a Giant Outburst

We model the spectral formation occurring in the binary X-ray pulsar (XRP) RX J0209.6−7427 during the 2019 super-Eddington outburst. Using a theoretical model previously developed by the authors, we are able to produce spectra that closely resemble the phase-averaged X-ray spectra observed using the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array and Insight-HXMT during low- and high-luminosity states of the outburst, respectively. The theoretical model simulates the accretion of fully ionized gas in a dipole magnetic field and includes a complete description of the radiation hydrodynamics, matter distribution, and spectral formation. Type II X-ray outbursts provide an opportunity to study accretion over a large range of luminosities for the same neutron star. The analysis performed here represents the first time both the outburst low and high states of an accretion-powered XRP are modeled using a physics-based model rather than standard phenomenological fitting with arbitrary mathematical functions. We find that the outer polar cap radius remains constant and the column is more fully filled with increasing luminosity, Comptonized bremsstrahlung dominates the formation of the phase-averaged X-ray spectrum, and a negative correlation exists between cyclotron centroid energy and luminosity, as expected. The super-Eddington nature of the outburst is rendered possible owing to the low scattering cross section for photons propagating parallel to the magnetic field. We also find that emission through the column top dominates in both the low and high states, implying that the pulse profiles should have a roughly sinusoidal shape, which agrees with observed properties of ultraluminous XRPs.

Subdomains of the Helicobacter pylori Cag T4SS outer membrane core complex exhibit structural independence.

The Helicobacter pylori Cag type IV secretion system (Cag T4SS) has an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The Cag T4SS outer membrane core complex (OMCC) is organized into three regions: a 14-fold symmetric outer membrane cap (OMC) composed of CagY, CagX, CagT, CagM, and Cag3; a 17-fold symmetric periplasmic ring (PR) composed of CagY and CagX; and a stalk with unknown composition. We investigated how CagT, CagM, and a conserved antenna projection (AP) region of CagY contribute to the structural organization of the OMCC. Single-particle cryo-EM analyses showed that complexes purified from ΔcagT or ΔcagM mutants no longer had organized OMCs, but the PRs remained structured. OMCCs purified from a CagY antenna projection mutant (CagY∆AP) were structurally similar to WT OMCCs, except for the absence of the α-helical antenna projection. These results indicate that CagY and CagX are sufficient for maintaining a stable PR, but the organization of the OMC requires CagY, CagX, CagM, and CagT. Our results highlight an unexpected structural independence of two major subdomains of the Cag T4SS OMCC.

Closed Solar Thermal Receiver for Air at Ambient Pressure

The concept for a closed solar thermal receiver for air at ambient pressure integrates robust heat storage with solids for concentrated solar power plants. The scalable modular receiver design features large internal surface areas for an efficient heat transfer and provides cavity effects to recover externally reflected radiation and heat. A competitive thermal efficiency was preliminarily calculated for the receiver design. The simulations of receivers with 2 MW and 150 MW thermal output indicate that the velocities of the heat transfer fluid and the temperatures of the receiver components remain in manageable magnitudes. The manufacturability of a fine cooling structure with thousands of cooling pins inside the ceramic receiver cap is demonstrated. Black coating of the outer receiver cap surface significantly increases the absorption of solar radiation. First tests for a single receiver module indicate feasibility of the concept. Further tests will be carried out and a pilot plant is to be prepared.

Cryo-EM reveals new species-specific proteins and symmetry elements in the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS.

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen that causes the potentially fatal pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease. The pathology associated with infection depends on bacterial delivery of effector proteins into the host via the membrane spanning Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS). We have determined sub-3.0 Å resolution maps of the Dot/Icm T4SS core complex by single particle cryo-EM. The high-resolution structural analysis has allowed us to identify proteins encoded outside the Dot/Icm genetic locus that contribute to the core T4SS structure. We can also now define two distinct areas of symmetry mismatch, one that connects the C18 periplasmic ring (PR) and the C13 outer membrane cap (OMC) and one that connects the C13 OMC with a 16-fold symmetric dome. Unexpectedly, the connection between the PR and OMC is DotH, with five copies sandwiched between the OMC and PR to accommodate the symmetry mismatch. Finally, we observe multiple conformations in the reconstructions that indicate flexibility within the structure.

STUDY OF DEFECT ON LLDPE PLUG FOR TELON OIL PRODUCTS USING A HAITIAN MOLDING INJECTION MACHINE 1600MA AT PT X

The type of plastic packaging that is popular among the public is bottle packaging, plastic bottle packaging always has a bottle cap. Some people only know that the part of the bottle cap is only on the outer cap, even though the plastic bottle cap consists of two types, namely the outer cap (cap) and the inner cap (plug). The plastic material used to make the plug is Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), a telon oil plug is produced using an injection molding machine, by inserting plastic pellets into the hopper and then heating it by the barrel, plastic pellets that have melted will be injected into the mold ( print). In the process of making the telon oil plug, a defect was found. From the observation, it is known that several types of defects that occur during the LLDPE oil plug production process include black dot, flashing, and unmould / short shot. Defects that occur during the telon oil plug production process are caused by damage, contamination, and mismatches in the engine parameter settings. The purpose of this study is to determine the causes and solutions of defects that occur in LLDPE telon oil plugs with the HAITIAN 1600MA injection molding machine at PT X. Some solutions are made to reduce defects that occur in telon oil LLDPE plugs is to clean the material reservoir, repair or replace the mold, clean the hopper before loading the material, and set up the barrel parameter 180-230oC, inject pressure 60 bar, holding pressure 30 bar, speed 17.8 seconds.

Cryo-EM reveals species-specific components within the Helicobacter pylori Cag type IV secretion system core complex.

The pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer is dependent on delivery of CagA into host cells through a type IV secretion system (T4SS). The H. pylori Cag T4SS includes a large membrane-spanning core complex containing five proteins, organized into an outer membrane cap (OMC), a periplasmic ring (PR) and a stalk. Here, we report cryo-EM reconstructions of a core complex lacking Cag3 and an improved map of the wild-type complex. We define the structures of two unique species-specific components (Cag3 and CagM) and show that Cag3 is structurally similar to CagT. Unexpectedly, components of the OMC are organized in a 1:1:2:2:5 molar ratio (CagY:CagX:CagT:CagM:Cag3). CagX and CagY are components of both the OMC and the PR and bridge the symmetry mismatch between these regions. These results reveal that assembly of the H. pylori T4SS core complex is dependent on incorporation of interwoven species-specific components.

Structural analysis of the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm type IV secretion system core complex.

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen that causes the potentially fatal pneumonia Legionnaires' Disease. This infection and subsequent pathology require the Dot/Icm Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) to deliver effector proteins into host cells. Compared to prototypical T4SSs, the Dot/Icm assembly is much larger, containing ~27 different components including a core complex reported to be composed of five proteins: DotC, DotD, DotF, DotG, and DotH. Using single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we report reconstructions of the core complex of the Dot/Icm T4SS that includes a symmetry mismatch between distinct structural features of the outer membrane cap (OMC) and periplasmic ring (PR). We present models of known core complex proteins, DotC, DotD, and DotH, and two structurally similar proteins within the core complex, DotK and Lpg0657. This analysis reveals the stoichiometry and contact interfaces between the key proteins of the Dot/Icm T4SS core complex and provides a framework for understanding a complex molecular machine.

Effects of Intermetallic Microstructure on Degradation of Mg-5Nd Alloy

The influence of intermetallic microstructure on the degradation of Mg-5Nd alloy with different heat treatments was investigated via immersion testing in DMEM + 10 pct FBS under cell culture conditions and subsequent microstructural characterizations. It was found that T4 heat-treated sample had the poorest corrosion resistance due to the lack of finely dispersed precipitates inside grains, continuous lamellar particles along grain boundaries and outer Ca-P layer, and to the formation of a loose corrosion product layer. In contrast, the aged samples exhibited a better corrosion resistance due to their presence and to the formation of a compact corrosion layer. Their degradation behavior largely depended on the intermetallic microstructure. Corrosion was initiated in the matrix around stable globular particles Mg41Nd5 at grain boundaries. In the sample aged at high temperature 245 °C, the coexistence of lamellar Mg41Nd5 particles and their nearby Nd-poor regions enhanced the corrosion. The corrosion first started in such regions. It was shown that those finely dispersed precipitates formed during aging had no influence on the corrosion initiation. However, they indeed affected the subsequent corrosion propagation with the immersion proceeding. They supplied barriers for corrosion propagation and hence were beneficial for improving the corrosion resistance. The continuously distributed lamellar Mg41Nd5 precipitates formed at grain boundaries during aging at 245 °C supplied an additional effective obstacle to corrosion propagation. This was especially beneficial for hindering the corrosion propagation at the later stage of corrosion.

A new vitrification device that absorbs excess vitrification solution adaptable to a closed system for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos

Several closed vitrification devices that avoid contact with liquid nitrogen have been reported. Recently, based on the Kitasato Vitrification System (KVS), we developed the Closed-KVS, which is a closed vitrification device. The KVS is an open vitrification device that can absorb excess vitrification solution. In this study, we performed two experiments to evaluate the efficacy of the Closed-KVS as a vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos at the blastocyst and two-cell stage. In the first experiment, the blastocysts were vitrified using either the Closed-KVS or the KVS (control device). The survival, re-expansion, and hatching rates were not significantly different between embryos vitrified using the Closed-KVS and those vitrified using the KVS. In the second experiment, we evaluated the embryonic development of the two-cell stage embryos vitrified using the Closed-KVS. There were no significant differences in the survival, blastocyst formation, or hatching rates between vitrified or non-vitrified embryos. Additionally, we evaluated the cooling and warming rates of these devices using a numerical simulation method. The cooling rates of the Closed-KVS were similar regardless of whether the outer cap was pre-cooled and were lower than those of the KVS. However, the warming rates of the Closed-KVS (irrespective of cap pre-cooling) were the same as those of the KVS (612,000 °C/min). In summary, the Closed-KVS is a novel closed vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos at the blastocyst and two-cell stage.

Modeling and Analysis of Acoustic Noise in External Rotor In-Wheel Motor Considering Doppler Effect

In this paper, the characteristics of the electromagnetic noise radiated by an external rotor in-wheel motor (IWM) are investigated with the Doppler effect taken into consideration. First, Maxwell stress tensor method is employed to derive electromagnetic forces on the magnet surface. The effect of common current harmonics is also analyzed. Then, a structural model of the rotor is built and modal test is conducted to validate the model. Nodal forces, which are calculated by finite element method, are transferred from the electromagnetic mesh to the structural model for further vibration prediction. Finally, boundary element method is used to calculate the noise radiated by the rotor. In particular, the Doppler effect is considered. The calculated results are validated by the noise test. It is found that the end cap contributes more to the overall noise than the shell, and obvious sound directivity appears in the noise of the IWM. The noise measured perpendicular to the outer end cap is larger than that measured in other directions. In addition, the Doppler effect would induce additional side-frequency components around high-frequency peaks in the external rotor motor.

Seed-mediated synthesis and SERS performance of graphene oxide-wrapped Ag nanomushroom

A facile seed-mediated method was developed to modify core-shell Ag nanosphere@PSPAA with another Ag layer for achieving an enhancement of their surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. Interestingly, an Ag bridge in the polymer shell connected the inner and outer Ag layers, resulting in a mushroom-like nanostructure. The outer Ag grew around the polymer shell to form the cap of the nanomushrooms (NMs) with the extension of the reaction time. The epitaxial growth mechanism of this novel nanostructure was investigated by tuning the type of seed from nanosphere to nanocube and nanorod. With the growth of the outer Ag cap, the SERS intensity of these Ag NMs increased significantly together with the red-shifting and broadening of their typical localized surface plasmon resonance band. Such a phenomenon can be attributed to the formation of SERS hotspots between the inner and outer Ag layers. The Ag NMs were then wrapped with a graphene oxide (GO) shell via static interactions. The GO-wrapped Ag NMs exhibited a further better SERS performance in terms of sensitivity, homogeneity and stability compared with non-wrapped ones, indicating that the heterostructure could be potentially useful for SERS-based immunoassay.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Marginal and Internal Fit of Laboratory-fabricated Monolithic Zirconia Crowns using Direct and Indirect Methods of Scanning: An in vitro Study

ABSTRACTAimTo evaluate the marginal and internal fit of laboratoryfabricated monolithic zirconia crowns using direct and indirect methods of scanning.Materials and methodsA stainless steel master model was selected, which included stainless steel die, outer cap, and inner cap. The study was divided into two groups. In group I, direct method of scanning was carried out in which the stainless steel die was scanned directly with chairside scanner, and in group II, impression of the stainless steel die was made and gypsum die was fabricated, which was then subjected to scanning. Zirconia blanks or blocks were milled, sintered, and polished to obtain 10 zirconia crowns of each group. Replica technique was used to evaluate fit of crowns by using light body as cement analog. The crowns were then sectioned, viewed under a stereomicroscope, and each predetermined region was measured and evaluated for marginal and internal fit.ResultsThe descriptive statistics showed that the mean marginal fit for indirect method was higher compared with that for direct method. The results of paired-sample t-test revealed that mean marginal and internal fit for indirect method was on the upper side of the scale, whereas the mean for the direct method is on the lower side of the scale. Thus, the difference in the means of two methods was quite large and likely to be significant.ConclusionThe results did show better marginal and internal fit in crowns fabricated by the direct method; however, the crowns fabricated by the indirect method had more discrepancy, but were in the clinically acceptable limit.Clinical significanceThe present study would serve as a useful guide in deciding which method of scanning would give a better marginal and internal fit of monolithic zirconia crowns for longevity of restorations.How to cite this articleGandhi KN, Ram SM. A Comparative Evaluation of the Marginal and Internal Fit of Laboratory-fabricated Monolithic Zirconia Crowns using Direct and Indirect Methods of Scanning: Anin vitroStudy. J Contemp Dent 2017;7(1):22-27.

Pubertal Ductal Morphogenesis: Isolation and Transcriptome Analysis of the Terminal End Bud.

The terminal end bud (TEB) is the growing part of the ductal mammary epithelium during puberty, enabling the formation of a primary epithelial network. These highly proliferative bulbous end structures that drive the ductal expansion into the mammary fat pad comprise an outer cap cell layer, containing the progenitor cells of the ductal myoepithelium, and the body cells, which form the luminal epithelium. As TEB make up only a very small part of the whole mammary tissue, TEB-associated factors can be easily missed when whole-tissue sections are being analyzed. Here we describe a method to enzymatically separate TEB and ducts, respectively, from the surrounding stroma of pubertal mice in order to perform transcriptomic or proteomic analysis on the isolated structures and identify potential novel regulators of epithelial outgrowth, or to allow further cell culturing. This approach has previously allowed us to identify novel TEB-associated proteins, including several axonal guidance proteins. We further include protocols for the culturing of isolated TEB, processing of mammary tissue into paraffin and immunohistochemical/fluorescent staining for verification, and localization of protein expression in the mammary tissue at different developmental time points.

Collagen XII Contributes to Epicardial and Connective Tissues in the Zebrafish Heart during Ontogenesis and Regeneration.

Zebrafish heart regeneration depends on cardiac cell proliferation, epicardium activation and transient reparative tissue deposition. The contribution and the regulation of specific collagen types during the regenerative process, however, remain poorly characterized. Here, we identified that the non-fibrillar type XII collagen, which serves as a matrix-bridging component, is expressed in the epicardium of the zebrafish heart, and is boosted after cryoinjury-induced ventricular damage. During heart regeneration, an intense deposition of Collagen XII covers the outer epicardial cap and the interstitial reparative tissue. Analysis of the activated epicardium and fibroblast markers revealed a heterogeneous cellular origin of Collagen XII. Interestingly, this matrix-bridging collagen co-localized with fibrillar type I collagen and several glycoproteins in the post-injury zone, suggesting its role in tissue cohesion. Using SB431542, a selective inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor, we showed that while the inhibitor treatment did not affect the expression of collagen 12 and collagen 1a2 in the epicardium, it completely suppressed the induction of both genes in the fibrotic tissue. This suggests that distinct mechanisms might regulate collagen expression in the outer heart layer and the inner injury zone. On the basis of this study, we postulate that the TGF-β signaling pathway induces and coordinates formation of a transient collagenous network that comprises fibril-forming Collagen I and fiber-associated Collagen XII, both of which contribute to the reparative matrix of the regenerating zebrafish heart.

Development of a double cap on the humidity sensor in radiosondes for improving ventilation

ABSTRACTAlthough a protective cap on the humidity sensor of radiosondes is an effective tool to prevent the sensor from wetting by rain and/or clouds, the cap is thought to be responsible for poor ventilation and thereby induces a time delay in the measurement of relative humidity in upper air. In the present study, a new type of the protective cap having a double cap configuration has been developed for improving the ventilation of air. The double cap consists of an outer cap and an inner cap with holes and windows on the top and sides of each cap, respectively, that are designed not to face each other, between two caps for blocking the penetration of water droplets. The wetting of the double cap was tested by artificial water droplets as well as during flying tests on rainy days and the humidity sensor in a double cap was not wet in both cases. In addition, the response of sensors to indoor humidity changes as well as during balloon‐borne measurements was found to be faster in the case of double caps than conventional closed caps, suggesting the enhancement of ventilation when using the double cap. The present study provides an efficient way to improve the performance of humidity sensors of radiosondes by simply modifying the design of protective caps.

Effects of Low Carbohydrate High Protein (LCHP) diet on atherosclerotic plaque phenotype in ApoE/LDLR-/- mice: FT-IR and Raman imaging.

Low Carbohydrate High Protein (LCHP) diet displays pro-atherogenic effects, however, the exact mechanisms involved are still unclear. Here, with the use of vibrational imaging, such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman (RS) spectroscopies, we characterize biochemical content of plaques in Brachiocephalic Arteries (BCA) from ApoE/LDLR−/− mice fed LCHP diet as compared to control, recomended by American Institute of Nutrition, AIN diet. FT-IR images were taken from 6–10 sections of BCA from each mice and were complemented with RS measurements with higher spatial resolution of chosen areas of plaque sections. In aortic plaques from LCHP fed ApoE/LDLR−/− mice, the content of cholesterol and cholesterol esters was increased, while that of proteins was decreased as evidenced by global FT-IR analysis. High resolution imaging by RS identified necrotic core/foam cells, lipids (including cholesterol crystals), calcium mineralization and fibrous cap. The decreased relative thickness of the outer fibrous cap and the presence of buried caps were prominent features of the plaques in ApoE/LDLR−/− mice fed LCHP diet. In conclusion, FT-IR and Raman-based imaging provided a complementary insight into the biochemical composition of the plaque suggesting that LCHP diet increased plaque cholesterol and cholesterol esters contents of atherosclerotic plaque, supporting the cholesterol-driven pathogenesis of LCHP–induced atherogenesis.

Human factors engineering and design validation for the redesigned follitropin alfa pen injection device

Objectives: To demonstrate, using human factors engineering (HFE), that a redesigned, pre-filled, ready-to-use, pre-asembled follitropin alfa pen can be used to administer prescribed follitropin alfa doses safely and accurately.Methods: A failure modes and effects analysis identified hazards and harms potentially caused by use errors; risk-control measures were implemented to ensure acceptable device use risk management. Participants were women with infertility, their significant others, and fertility nurse (FN) professionals. Preliminary testing included ‘Instructions for Use’ (IFU) and pre-validation studies. Validation studies used simulated injections in a representative use environment; participants received prior training on pen use.Results: User performance in preliminary testing led to IFU revisions and a change to outer needle cap design to mitigate needle stick potential. In the first validation study (49 users, 343 simulated injections), in the FN group, one observed critical use error resulted in a device design modification and another in an IFU change. A second validation study tested the mitigation strategies; previously reported use errors were not repeated.Conclusions: Through an iterative process involving a series of studies, modifications were made to the pen design and IFU. Simulated-use testing demonstrated that the redesigned pen can be used to administer follitropin alfa effectively and safely.

Double-Cap Differential Codebook Structure for MU MISO Systems in Correlated Channels

We propose a double-cap differential codebook (DCB) design for multiuser (MU) multiple-input-single-output systems. The MU transmission uses signal-to-leakage-and-noise ratio precoding. The double-cap DCB is designed for temporally/ spatially correlated channels and is based on a combined spherical and polar cap structure. We consider an inner spherical cap and an outer polar cap structure with different radii. The design allows us to systematically alter the radii of the caps over the feedback time depending on the previously selected codeword. The proposed double-cap DCB does not require knowledge of temporal or spatial channel correlation at the base-station, thus removing the overhead of additional feedback from the user. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed double-cap DCB over a single polar cap DCB in terms of sum capacity gain and quantization errors.

A Second Species ofRhodachlya(Rhodachlyales, Rhodophyta) from Hawaii, with a Description ofR.hawaiianasp. nov.

Rhodachlya hawaiiana Kurihara, J.A. West, Conklin et A.R. Sherwood sp. nov. is described based on cultured material from the island of Hawaii as the second member of the genus Rhodachlya. The pit plug ultrastructure of this alga is characterized by the presence of inner and outer cap layers but lacking a cap membrane between the layers, which is a diagnostic feature of the order Rhodachlyales and the genus Rhodachlya. Morphologically, R. hawaiiana is distinctive from R. madagascarensis in vegetative cell dimensions, frequency of colorless hair cell formation, and spore germination pattern. Rhodachlya hawaiiana and R. madagascarensis are also distinguishable by their nuclear SSU rRNA gene sequence divergence (p-distance = 0.0064), which is comparable to other species-level divergences among members of the Nemaliophycidae.Rhodachlya hawaiiana Kurihara, J.A. West, Conklin et Sherwood sp. nov., décrite à partir de materiel cultivé provenant de l'île d'Hawaii, est la seconde espèce appartenant au genre Rhodachlya. L'ultrastructure des synapses de cette algue montre la présence d'une couche interne et d'une couche externe recouvrant le bouchon synaptique, sans membrane de revêtement entre les couches, ce qui est une des caractéristiques de l'ordre des Rhodachlyales. Morphologiquement R. hawaiiana diffère de R. madagascarensis par la taille de ses cellules végétatives, par la fréquence des cellules formant des poils hyalins et par le mode de germination des spores. Ils diffèrent aussi par la séquence de leur SSU rRNA avec une divergence (p-distance=0.0064) comparable à d'autres divergences entre espèces parmi les Nemaliophycidae.