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The objective of this investigation was to achieve the shortest possible distance for the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) for a pulse detonation engine without losing the engine's simplicity. The effects of rapid flame propagation, rotating velocity, and Shchelkin spiral dimensions in the vortex flow (VF) on DDT characteristics were examined. A VF field was established in the ignition and transition domains of a detonation tube using a VF-type injector. The flame propagation in the ignition domain was observed by a high-speed video camera and the detonation propagation process was observed by measuring the pressure and ionization current in the detonation tube. The DDT distance in the VF could be shortened by 50-57 % of that in the counterflow by optimizing the VF and the Shchelkin spiral dimensions. The shortening effect became remarkable as the rotating velocity increased. The governing factors for this effect are considered to be the formation of an area of higher energy density in the ignition domain of the tube, as well as flame acceleration due to rapid flame propagation in the VF and turbulence promotion near the tube wall by the rotating velocity and the Shchelkin spiral in the transition domain of the tube. However, the combined effects of VF and the Shchelkin spiral on the shortening of the DDT distance were deteriorated in very strong turbulence. It is necessary to optimize the rotating velocity and dimensions of the Shchelkin spiral to achieve the shortest possible distance of DDT in the VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)-18 is produced by leukocytes and renal parenchymal cells (tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells). The IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) is expressed on these cells in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury, but the role of IL-18R is unknown. To help define this, we compared IL-18Rα knockout with wild-type mice in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury and found deteriorated kidney function, tubular damage, increased accumulation of leukocytes (CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells, macrophages, and neutrophils), upregulation of early kidney injury biomarkers (serum TNF, urinary IL-18, and KIM-1 levels), and increased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules downstream of IL-18. In vitro, leukocytes from the spleen and kidneys of the knockout mice produced greater amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation with concanavalin A compared to that in wild-type mice. Levels of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and 3 (negative regulators of cytokine signaling) were reduced in the spleen and kidneys of IL-18Rα-deficient compared to wild-type mice. Adoptive transfer of wild-type splenocytes by IL-18Rα-deficient mice led to decreased cisplatin nephrotoxicity compared to control IL-18Rα-deficient mice. In contrast, anti-IL-18Rα and anti-IL-18Rβ antibody treatment tended to increase cisplatin nephrotoxicity in wild-type mice. Thus, signaling through IL-18Rα activates both inflammation-suppressing and pro-injury pathways in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 28-year old Japanese woman who has presented persistent vaginal bleeding. Chest computed tomography scan showed multiple pulmonary metastases while the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed low intensity on her anterior uterine wall. The patient diagnosed with placental site trophoblastic tumour (PSTT) was treated with (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine) EMA/CO chemotherapy and hysterectomy.