bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of add‐on therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin in steroid hyporesponsive DRESS syndrome
Authors: Sim Da Woon , Yu Jieun , Koh Young‐Il
Published: November 2021

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare, potentially life‐threatening, delayed, drug‐induced hypersensitivity reaction. Immediate withdrawal of the culprit drug and administration of systemic corticosteroids is the most widely accepted treatment. However, it is difficult to manage patients with DRESS syndrome who are not responsive to systemic steroids. We studied the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) in patients with DRESS syndrome unresponsive to systemic steroids. We retrospectively reviewed patients with DRESS syndrome who received IVIG in addition to systemic steroids during 2012–2017 and compared the clinical features and course of DRESS syndrome, before and after IVIG treatment. Eighteen DRESS patients (9 men) were included. The most frequent offending drugs were dapsone in five patients, followed by vancomycin in three patients, and carbamazepine in three patients. Rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, atypical lymphocytes, and hepatic involvement were common clinical findings. IVIG treatment was added within a median time of 7 days from the commencement of systemic steroid therapy. After IVIG treatment (total dosage: 1–2 g/kg), the fever resolved within a median time of 1 day (range, 0–3) and liver enzymes improved substantially within a median time of 13 days (range, 0–27). No severe adverse reactions related to IVIG therapy were observed in this study; however, there was one case of mortality. The addition of IVIG in DRESS syndrome in cases refractory to systemic steroid treatment may be helpful in hastening recovery. However, comparative studies using a placebo group are needed.
Post‐COVID‐19 psychosis: Cotard's syndrome and potentially high risk of harm and self‐harm in a first‐onset acute and transient psychotic disorder after resolution of COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Ignatova Desislava , Krasteva Kristina , Akabalieva Katerina , Alexiev Spiridon
Published: November 2021

Aim

This report aims to illustrate the possibility of an acute onset of psychosis after COVID‐19 infection in a patient without previous history of psychiatric disorders and to highlight the need for early screening and intervention in such cases.

Methods

Clinical presentation of a case, followed by clinical discussion and literature review of the effect of the new coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 and its impact on mental health in terms of neuropsychiatric conditions.

Results

We present a case of acute and transient psychotic disorder following complete recovery of COVID‐19 bilateral pneumonia. The patient has no prior psychiatric history and presents with acute onset, disorganized behaviour, Cotard's delusion and a potentially high risk of psychotic homicide and suicide.

Conclusion

Early intervention and treatment with antipsychotic medication are of crucial importance for the effective treatment and complete recovery of these patients.
Gene expression profiling of laminin α3‐blocked keratinocytes reveals an immune‐independent mechanism of blistering
Authors: Bao Lei , Perez White Bethany E. , Li Jing , Patel Payal M. , Amber Kyle T.
Published: November 2021

Laminin‐332 pemphigoid is a rare and chronic autoimmune blistering disease which results in subepidermal blisters and erosive lesions predominantly localized to mucous membranes. As histologic inflammation is variable and non‐complement‐fixing IgG antibodies against laminin‐332 are the predominant class of autoantibodies deposited at the epidermal basement membrane zone, we hypothesized that complement‐independent pro‐inflammatory and blistering pathways existed similarly to that previously shown in bullous pemphigoid. As autoantibodies to laminin α3 are most prevalent, we studied the major cellular response to blockade of laminin α3 using a well‐characterized monoclonal antibody (P3H9‐2). RNA‐seq revealed upregulation of numerous desmosomal genes (DSG1, DSG3, DSC1, DSC3 and DSP) as well as KRT1 and KRT10. Additionally, P3H9‐2‐treated cells demonstrated downregulation of most hemidesmosomal genes. A pro‐inflammatory response was not appreciated. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we identified both protein kinase C and NOTCH as key regulators of P3H9‐2 induced differentiation. We lastly utilized 3D human skin equivalents to determine whether blockade of laminin α3 would lead to delayed blistering, consistent with keratinocyte differentiation. Significant blistering was noted after 72 h of treatment, with only minimal separation at 24 h. In summary, blockade of laminin α3 alters keratinocyte differentiation, representing a potential complement‐independent mechanism of blistering.
Directions Old and New: Palaeomagnetism and Fisher (1953) Meet Modern Statistics
Authors: Scealy Janice L. , Heslop David , Liu Jia , Wood Andrew T. A.
Published: November 2021

Most modern articles in the palaeomagnetism literature are based on statistics developed by Fisher's 1953 paper ‘Dispersion on a sphere’, which assumes independent and identically distributed (iid) spherical data. However, palaeomagnetic sample designs are usually hierarchical, where specimens are collected within sites and the data are then combined across sites to calculate an overall mean direction for a geological formation. The specimens within sites are typically more similar than specimens between different sites, and so the iid assumptions fail. This article has three principal goals. The first is to review, contrast and compare both the statistics and geophysics literature on the topic of analysis methods for clustered data on spheres. The second is to present a new hierarchical parametric model, which avoids the unrealistic assumption of rotational symmetry in Fisher's 1953 paper ‘Dispersion on a sphere’ and may be broadly useful in the analysis of many palaeomagnetic datasets. To help develop the model, we use publicly available data as a case study collected from the Golan Heights volcanic plateau. The third goal is to explore different methods for constructing confidence regions for the overall mean direction based on clustered data. Two bootstrap confidence regions that we propose perform well and will be especially useful to geophysics practitioners.
Pharmacological inhibition of Carbonic Anhydrase IX and XII to enhance targeting of acute myeloid leukaemia cells under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Chen Fangli , Licarete Emilia , Wu Xue , Petrusca Daniela , Maguire Callista , Jacobsen Max , Colter Austyn , Sandusky George E. , Czader Magdalena , Capitano Maegan L. , Ropa James P. , Boswell H. Scott , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Parkin Brian , Fishel Melissa L. , Konig Heiko
Published: November 2021

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive form of blood cancer that carries a dismal prognosis. Several studies suggest that the poor outcome is due to a small fraction of leukaemic cells that elude treatment and survive in specialised, oxygen (O2)‐deprived niches of the bone marrow. Although several AML drug targets such as FLT3, IDH1/2 and CD33 have been established in recent years, survival rates remain unsatisfactory, which indicates that other, yet unrecognized, mechanisms influence the ability of AML cells to escape cell death and to proliferate in hypoxic environments. Our data illustrates that Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII (CA IX/XII) are critical for leukaemic cell survival in the O2‐deprived milieu. CA IX and XII function as transmembrane proteins that mediate intracellular pH under low O2 conditions. Because maintaining a neutral pH represents a key survival mechanism for tumour cells in O2‐deprived settings, we sought to elucidate the role of dual CA IX/XII inhibition as a novel strategy to eliminate AML cells under hypoxic conditions. Our findings demonstrate that the dual CA IX/XII inhibitor FC531 may prove to be of value as an adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of AML.
Allogeneic islet transplantation with monitoring of islet‐specific cellular autoimmunity in a Japanese patient with type 1 diabetes: A case report
Authors: Chujo Daisuke , Kurokawa Toshiaki , Kawabe Akitsu , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Inagaki Fuyuki , Shinohara Koya , Hagiwara Shotaro , Edamoto Yoshihiro , Ohmagari Norio , Hinoshita Fumihiko , Tajima Tsuyoshi , Kajio Hiroshi , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Takemura Nobuyuki , Matsumoto Shinichi , Shimoda Masayuki
Published: November 2021

Here, we report a case of allogeneic islet transplantation in Japan. A 48‐year‐old man received intraportal islet transplantation (5,945 islet equivalent/kg), and stabilization of blood glucose levels and suppression of hypoglycemia were achieved. In the present case, we used our original assessment method to detect the responses of the recipient’s T cells to islet autoantigens over time to monitor cellular autoimmunity. Other markers could not predict graft dysfunction in advance, but our method detected the activation of islet antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses before the deterioration of pancreatic β‐cell function, indicating the possibility of the non‐invasive detection of pancreatic β‐cell damage due to recurrent autoimmunity.
Cutaneous and Allergic reactions due to COVID‐19 vaccinations: A review
Authors: Temiz Selami Aykut , Abdelmaksoud Ayman , Wollina Uwe , Kutlu Omer , Dursun Recep , Patil Anant , Lotti Torello , Goldust Mohamad , Vestita Michelangelo
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has had an unprecedented impact on the overall health and the global economy. Vaccination is currently the most dependable strategy to end the pandemic, despite the slower‐than‐hoped‐for rollout, particularly for low‐to‐middle‐income countries, and the uncertain duration of protection afforded by vaccination. The spike protein of the virus (immunodominant antigen of the virus) is the main target of the approved and candidate SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. This protein binds to the ACE2 receptor of the host cell, initiating the entry of the virus into the cell and the chain of subsequent events ending to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The safety profile of these vaccines needs is closely assessed.

Methods

This comprehensive review includes searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases using the keywords “coronavirus”, “COVID‐19”, “vaccine”, “cutaneous reactions”, “allergic reactions”, and “SARS‐CoV‐2”. Manual searching of reference lists of included articles augmented the research. The research was updated in June 2021.

Results

In this narrative review, we tried to investigate and discuss the cutaneous and allergic reactions related to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines currently available in the literature. As a result, although COVID‐19 vaccines can be reported to develop allergic and anaphylactic reactions, especially after m‐RNA vaccines, they remain at a low rate, and it is observed that these reactions may develop more frequently, especially in patients with previous allergies and mast cell disorders. Fortunately, these reactions are generally transient, benign, self‐limited.

Conclusion

Although there is still no definitive evidence, as dermatologists, we must be aware of the possibility of cutaneous reactions, newly diagnosed dermatoses, or exacerbation of existing dermatoses that may develop after the COVID‐19 vaccinations.
Trends in cosmetic consumer preferences during COVID‐19 pandemic: Comparing 2021 to 2020
Authors: Wang Jordan V. , Munavalli Girish S. , Zachary Christopher B. , Geronemus Roy G.
Published: November 2021

This commentary evaluates trends in the factors influencing consumer decision‐making for cosmetic dermatologic procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States. This is a follow‐up national survey to one that was published 1 year ago. This study compares the data from Summer 2020 to early Summer 2021, which presents a stark contrast. Our results demonstrate that consumers are now more interested in cosmetic dermatologic procedures compared to 1 year prior. Additionally, they still value the overall safety of the clinic, so physicians should ensure that certain safety measures remain in place despite any decreasing rates of COVID‐19 positivity. Our survey sheds more light on current consumer perspectives, which may in turn help physicians adjust their practices to meet current demand. It is important for physicians to be knowledgeable regarding the patterns of consumer decision‐making in order to deliver appropriate patient education and provide proper patient outreach during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Identification of pivotal microRNAs involved in the development and progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Qing‐Hai , Meng Ying , Tang Yu‐Ting , Hou Chen‐Xing , Sun Nan‐Nan , Han Wei , Wang Chen‐Xing , Ye JinHai
Published: November 2021

Background

miRNAs and mRNAs have been significantly implicated in tumorigenesis and served as promising prognostic biomarkers for human cancer. Hence, this study was aimed to develop the pivotal miRNA biomarkers‐based prognostic signature for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Methods

The miRNA and mRNA expression data were integrated from the gene expression omnibus database to study their involvement in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma development and progression. Gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes were conducted to analyze the biological pathways. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was used to verify the expression of selected miRNAs in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and corresponding normal tissues.

Results

There were 386 differentially expressed genes: 158 upregulated and 228 downregulated genes and 102 differentially expressed miRNAs: 78 upregulated and 24 downregulated miRNAs in the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma samples. A miRNA‐mRNA network containing 11 miRNAs and 199 genes was subsequently constructed. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis revealed that the genes targeted by the 11 miRNAs were mostly involved in tumor‐related pathways and processes, such as miRNAs in cancer, focal adhesion, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Among them, 4 miRNAs (miR‐375, miR‐494, miR‐34c‐5p, and miR‐331‐3p) were selected to verify by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR in 36 pairs of collected salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and adjacent nontumor samples. Overall survival analysis revealed that the higher expression of miR‐331‐3p was significantly associated with a worst overall survival and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that hsa‐miR‐331‐3p could be an independent prognostic factor for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that 4‐miRNAs signature was a powerful prognostic biomarker for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, which provide a basis for exploring deeper mechanisms regarding the progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma, and leading to the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
Patient information about living donor kidney transplantation across UK renal units: A critical review
Authors: Winterbottom Anna , Stoves John , Ahmed Shenaz , Ahmed Ahmed , Daga Sunil
Published: November 2021

Background

Patient information about living donor kidney transplantation is used to supplement conversations between health professionals, people with advanced kidney disease and potential kidney donors. It is not known if the information is designed to support decision‐making about renal replacement options and if it helps people discuss living kidney donation with family and friends.

Objective

Critical review of resources used in outpatient kidney consultations to support patients' decision‐making about living kidney donor transplantation.

Design

Mixed methods including an audit questionnaire and critical analysis of patient information leaflets.

Participants and measurements

All kidney transplant centres and renal units in United Kingdom received a questionnaire to elicit by whom, how, and when information about living kidney donation is delivered. Copies of leaflets were requested. A coding frame was utilised to produce a quality score for each leaflet.

Results

Thirty‐nine (54%) units participated. Patients discussed living donor kidney transplantation with nephrologists (100%), living donor nurse (94%), transplant co‐ordinator (94%), and predialysis nurse (86%). Twenty‐three leaflets were provided and reviewed, mean quality scores for inclusion of information known to support shared decision‐making was m = 2.82 out of 10 (range = 0–6, SD = 1.53). Readability scores indicated they were ‘fairly difficult to read’ (M = 56.3, range = 0–100, SD = 9.4). Few included cultural and faith information. Two leaflets were designed to facilitate conversations with others about donation.

Conclusions

Leaflets are unlikely to adequately support decision‐making between options and discussions about donation. Services writing and updating patient leaflets may benefit from our six principles to guide their development.
Under‐explored ‘third dimension’ of medical ethics
Authors: Marais Ben J , Preisz Anne , Isaacs David
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we nominally propose three dimensions of medical ethics, using the term medical ethics rather than clinical ethics to focus on the professional obligation of paediatricians in and beyond the ward and clinic. We argue there exists a duty to children along the continuum of all three dimensions. In this taxonomy, the first dimension is the obligation of paediatricians to serve the best interests of their individual patients. The second dimension involves public health aspects and communitarian concerns with a focus on utilitarian principles, such as cost‐effectiveness and just resource allocation. The third dimension of medical ethics is the obligation we hold in trust to support and respect the well‐being of future generations. As our ecological footprint, characterised by climate change and biodiversity collapse, will adversely affect the health of today's children and those yet unborn, paediatricians have a contemporaneous moral obligation to speak out and act as both advocates and activists.
Components of plant species diversity along environmental gradients at various spatial scales in wetland environments of southern Africa
Authors: Sieben Erwin J.J. , Subbiah Ashley , Job Nancy , Chatanga Peter , Collins Nacelle , Corry Fynn T.H.
Published: November 2021

Questions

Effective conservation planning of wetlands requires an understanding of the drivers of wetland diversity at different spatial scales. This study addresses the question: which environmental variables are most responsible for the turnover of wetland plant diversity at various spatial scales (beta and gamma diversity)? Additionally, how does alpha diversity, which expresses the diversity on a local level, compare between different wetland habitats?

Location

South Africa and Lesotho.

Methods

Variation in wetland vegetation along environmental gradients was studied using an existing data set consisting of 1,113 vegetation plots. Plant species composition was analyzed at three spatial scales using gradient analysis. Scale 1 represents a broad geographic scale, Scale 2 represents variation within a single catchment and Scale 3 represents variation within a single wetland. Shannon’s Diversity and Evenness as proxies of alpha diversity were determined for five categories of wetland habitats.

Results

The most important factors at the geographic scale were latitude, base level of the catchment, temperature, climate and underlying parent material. At the catchment scale, altitude, hydrogeomorphic type and topographic location were the most influential factors, while soil texture, sodium content, organic carbon content, wetness and electric conductivity played a major role at the wetland scale. At the national level, the most important spatial scale was the geographic scale, the second was the catchment and the third was the wetland scale. Although there was a wide range of variation in Shannon's Diversity Index between the different wetland habitats, the differences were significant for all categories.

Conclusions

The results show that factors that play a major role in influencing plant diversity in wetlands are scale‐dependent. This indicates the importance of considering all three spatial scales in the conservation planning of wetlands in southern Africa, especially given the many different threats that wetlands face, including climate change.
Positioning self and other: building equity literacy in collaboration
Authors: Rust Julie , Wessel‐Powell Christy
Published: November 2021

Collaborative meaning‐making across difference is often undertaken in pursuit of equity, but too often socially constructed power differentials between collaborators on the basis of social class, race, gender, ability, age or other markers are reified. This article examines the ripples produced by one literacy collaboration that took place across public, private and charter schools, nested within urban, suburban and rural districts, traversing cultural, racial and class boundaries. Specifically, we examine retrospective interview data from youth and teachers reflecting on a collaborative project that asked youth to work together with young people from other schools to compose dramatic performances together. Our findings reveal limitations to equitable outcomes across disparate groups working together, particularly around identity markers like race or neurological difference. After juxtaposing a range of positionalities that youth took up when describing the experience of this field trip after the fact, we suggest a set of equity literacy tools for teachers and researchers interested in facilitating more equitable collaborations.
The Regional Origins of the Libyan Conflict
Authors: Grigoriadis Theocharis N. , Kassem Walied
Published: November 2021

We explore the effects of Libya's administrative division into Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan on the onset of the Libyan conflict. We argue that Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, in particular, followed two different and distinct paths of political development and socioeconomic transformation. While Tripolitania and its elites are connected to the core of Libyan statehood and the legacies of Italian colonization, Cyrenaica is defined by localized political autonomy and economic autarky with respect to natural resources. Furthermore, the Qadhafi regime marginalized Cyrenaica politically, despite its major significance for the Libyan economy, because of its strong royalist inclinations. By offering an overview of Libya's political evolution and socioeconomic development, we indicate that the current conflict has largely been due to the asymmetric and artificial dominance of Tripolitania over the other two regions, particularly Cyrenaica.
Whole‐brain morphometry in Canadian soldiers with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Roy Olivier , Levasseur‐Moreau Jean , Renauld Emmanuelle , Hébert Luc J. , Leblond Jean , Bilodeau Mathieu , Fecteau Shirley
Published: November 2021

Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display several structural brain differences when compared with healthy individuals. However, findings are particularly inconsistent for soldiers with PTSD. Here, we characterized the brain morphometry of 37 soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces with adulthood war‐related PTSD using structural magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed time since trauma, as well as PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms with the Modified PTSD Symptoms Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Whole‐brain morphometry was extracted with FreeSurfer and compared with a validated normative database of more than 2700 healthy individuals. Volume and thickness from several regions differed from the norms. Frontal regions were smaller and thinner, particularly the superior and rostral middle frontal gyri. Furthermore, smaller left rostral middle frontal gyrus, left pericalcarine cortex, and right fusiform gyrus were associated with more recent trauma. All subcortical structures were bigger, except the hippocampus. These findings suggest a particular brain morphometric signature of PTSD in soldiers. Smaller and thinner frontal and larger subcortical regions support impaired top‐down and/or downregulation of emotional response in PTSD. Finally, the correlation of smaller frontal, temporal, and occipital regions with more recent trauma might inform future therapeutic approaches.
Internet of Things (IoT)‐based aquaculture: An overview of IoT application on water quality monitoring
Authors: Prapti Dipika Roy , Mohamed Shariff Abdul Rashid , Che Man Hasfalina , Ramli Norulhuda Mohamed , Perumal Thinagaran , Shariff Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Aquaculture based on the Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing field of interest in the fishing industry. The IoT technology is advancing the agriculture 4.0 era, and yet, Aquaculture 4.0 is a lagging field in many countries. This article presents results obtained so far from ongoing research of published work highlighting water quality monitoring in fishponds. This analysis was performed extensively from May to December 2020 by meticulously selecting a total of 30 internationally published research papers. This review is divided into five categories: (1) recent research (2011–2020), (2) aquaculture environments, (3) research approaches, (4) most common water quality parameters and (5) forms of the solution provided. Most of the published research concentrated on inland aquaculture (81%), while research articles on marine aquaculture species accounted for 19% of papers reviewed so far. The framework and architecture approach (48%) was the most widely practised research approach in IoT‐based aquaculture for water quality monitoring. There is a need for long‐term experimental research to identify the challenges and suggest appropriate solutions. With regards to water quality parameters, temperature (20%), dissolved oxygen (18%) and pH (17%) are the topmost prioritised water quality parameters considered in the IoT‐based aquaculture. Finally, real‐time monitoring (50%) is offered generally as a form of a solution while autonomous (3%) monitoring can be a unique solution. The findings from this study are expected to support the aquaculture industry, researchers, practitioners and decision‐makers in the long run.
Topicalization, Dislocation and Clitic Resumption
Authors: Cruschina Silvio
Published: November 2021

Romance languages make use of syntactic topicalization strategies to mark various kinds of topic constituents, typically under Clitic Left Dislocation (CLLD) or Clitic Right Dislocation (CLRD). Despite the great deal of attention that these phenomena have received in the last decades, different analyses have been proposed and several questions are still controversial. In this paper, I focus on the role and distribution of clitic resumption in Italian topicalization constructions with the aim of identifying the syntactic properties that correlate with the overt presence of the resumptive clitic. The apparent optionality of the clitic is subject to variation across Romance and reflects structural differences, showing that non‐resumed left dislocation actually corresponds to a structure other than CLLD. The ultimate goal of this analysis is thus to provide evidence in support of the movement analysis of CLLD, and against recent revivals of the base‐generation or adjunction approach, by arguing that left dislocation with and without clitic resumption corresponds to two distinct types of A'‐movement.
Phase‐Constrained Obligatory Late Adjunction
Authors: Zyman Erik
Published: November 2021

It has sometimes been argued that adjuncts can merge late. This article provides a new argument for late adjunction and a new analysis of it.Exactly(orprecisely) can adjoin to awh phrase, andwh movement can affect either the entire adjunction structure (What exactlyis it?) or only the host (Whatis itexactly?). Structures likewhat exactlycan be generated VP internally, but surprisingly—and despite appearances—exactlycannot be stranded VP internally. The article argues that this can be understood if adjuncts merge late obligatorily, at the phase level: for H a phase head with complement XP, all adjunction within the HP phase must occur immediately before XP spellout. Further predictions of this analysis are shown to be correct. The larger picture that emerges is one in which the syntax prioritizes satisfying featural requirements: if so, it is not surprising that it waits until the last possible moment (within each phasal subderivation) to add in adjuncts.
Online dating profiles, shifting intimacies and the language of love in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Dundon Alison
Published: November 2021

In this paper, I explore the privileging of the language of ‘love’ on dating profiles established by Papua New Guineans active on online dating sites. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), recent accessibility to the internet has led to people going online, with the aim of attracting partners and initiating relationships based on affection. I note that companionate ideals and the vocabulary of love are central to online dating, but also reflect a wider re‐imagining of intimate relationships across the country. The articulation of the vocabulary of love has a complex history in PNG, however, encompassing engagements with colonial agents, models of Christian intimacies, as well as the potent use of ‘love magic’. In this context, love can signify ambiguity or coercion as much as affection, companionship or romance. At the same time, the vocabulary of love can have a powerful and efficacious effect, generating connections and capacities, particularly associated with being ‘modern’ and Christian.
Comparison of response assessment in veterinary neuro‐oncology and two volumetric neuroimaging methods to assess therapeutic brain tumour responses in veterinary patients
Authors: Coppola Giovanni , Morris Joanna , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Burnside Shona , José‐López Roberto
Published: November 2021

Standardized veterinary neuroimaging response assessment methods for brain tumours are lacking. Consequently, a response assessment in veterinary neuro‐oncology (RAVNO) system which uses the sum product of orthogonal lesion diameters on 1‐image section with the largest tumour area, has recently been proposed. In this retrospective study, 22 pre‐treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies from 18 dogs and four cats with suspected intracranial neoplasia were compared by a single observer to 32 post‐treatment MRIs using the RAVNO system and two volumetric methods based on tumour margin or area delineation with HOROS and 3D Slicer software, respectively. Intra‐observer variability was low, with no statistically significant differences in agreement index between methods (mean AI ± SD, 0.91 ± 0.06 for RAVNO; 0.86 ± 0.08 for HOROS; and 0.91 ± 0.05 for 3D slicer), indicating good reproducibility. Response assessments consisting of complete or partial responses, and stable or progressive disease, agreed in 23 out of 32 (72%) MRI evaluations using the three methods. The RAVNO system failed to identify changes in mass burden detected with volumetric methods in six cases. 3D Slicer differed from the other two methods in three cases involving cysts or necrotic tissue as it allowed for more accurate exclusion of these structures. The volumetric response assessment methods were more precise in determining changes in absolute tumour burden than RAVNO but were more time‐consuming to use. Based on observed agreement between methods, low intra‐observer variability and decreased time constraint, RAVNO might be a suitable response assessment method for the clinical setting.
Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Thermal Greenhouse System Combined With Earth Air Heat Exchanger for Hot Climatic Condition
Authors: Yadav Somil , Panda S. K. , Tiwari G. N. , Al-Helal Ibrahim M. , Alsadon Abdullah A. , Shady Mohammed R. , Tiwari Arvind
Published: November 2021

Semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (SPVT) greenhouse system combined with an earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) has been developed to make the system sustainable. The system is designed to cultivate plants in a hot climatic condition, where green net is provided, which bifurcates the enclosed space of the greenhouse into zone-1 and zone-2, and this green net cut the solar radiation incident on the plants. The influence of air changes in zone-1, mass flowrate of air flowing through EAHE, and packing factor on photovoltaic (PV) cell, air of the greenhouse, and the plant temperatures is investigated for a typical harsh summer day by using periodic model of these parameters. Furthermore, for a holistic performance assessment of this SPVT greenhouse, exergy, thermal load leveling, and decrement factor are evaluated. Results indicate that the optimum temperature range for plant growth (30 °C–37 °C) within the greenhouse can be achieved through a combination of ventilation in zone-1 and integration of EAHE. The temperature of plants reduced by 9 °C for 30 air changes in zone-1, and the temperature reduces further by 24 °C when EAHE having a flowrate of 0.5 kg/s is operated. The SPVT greenhouse system also generates 128 kWh of daily overall exergy that makes the system sustainable.
Simulation of Turbulent Combustion in Gasoline Direct Injection Spark-Ignited Engines Using a Stochastic Reactor Model
Authors: Wilmer Brady M. , Northrop William F.
Published: November 2021

In this work, a stochastic reactor model (SRM) is presented that bridges the gap between multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and zero-dimensional models for simulating spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The quasi-dimensional approach calculates spatial temperature and composition of stochastic “particles” in the combustion chamber without defining their spatial position, thus allowing for mixture stratification while keeping computational costs low. The SRM simulates flame propagation using a three-zone combustion model consisting of burned gas, flame front, and unburned gas. This “flame brush” approach assumes a hemispherical flame front that propagates through the cylinder based on estimated turbulent flame speed. Cycle-averaged turbulence intensity (u’) is used in the model, calibrated using experimental data. Through the use of a kinetic mechanism, the model predicts key emissions such as CO, CO2, NO, NO2, and HC from both port fuel injection (PFI) and gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, the latter through the implementation of a simplified spray model. Experimental data from three engines, two GDI and one PFI, were used to validate the model and calibrate cycle-averaged u’. Across all engines, the model was able to produce pressure curves that matched the experimental data. In terms of emissions, the simplified chemical kinetics mechanism matched trends of the experimental data, with the PFI results having higher accuracy. Pressure, burned fraction, and engine-out emissions predictions show that the SRM can reliably match experimental results in certain operating ranges, thus providing a viable alternative to complex CFD and single zone models.
A Numerical and Experimental Study of Soot Precursor and Primary Particle Size of N-Butylbenzene in Laminar Flame
Authors: Sun Mingshan , Gan Zhiwen
Published: November 2021

The current study analyzed the soot precursor of the n-butylbenzene found in diesel and kerosene in laminar flame, and integrated the corresponding poly-aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) growth mechanism with the popular n-butylbenzene oxidation mechanisms to improve the soot formation prediction of n-butylbenzene. The size of soot precursor was determined by the fringe length in the core of soot particle since the nanostructure of the core of soot particle is similar with that of nascent soot particle formed by soot precursor nucleation. The geometric mean fringe length in core of soot particles was measured to be 0.67 nm approximating to the size of five-ringed PAH (A5). An A5 growth mechanism was added on a popular n-butylbenzene mechanism, and the combined mechanism was further reduced. After validation by the ignition delay time in literature, the combined mechanism was then validated by the primary particle diameter in laboratory and soot volume fraction of n-propylbenzene in literature. The calculated soot precursor concentration and PAH condensation rate of the combined mechanism are smaller than that of the base mechanism. The simulated primary soot particle diameter of proposed combined mechanism agrees well with the measure primary soot particle diameter. Comparing to the simulated soot volume fraction of base n-butylbenzene mechanism, the simulated soot volume fraction of proposed combined n-butylbenzene-A5 mechanism agrees well with the measure soot volume fraction of n-propylbenzene in literature. This study provides certain support for further investigation of soot formation of n-butylbenzene and its relative fuel like diesel and kerosene.
CFD Modeling of Low Temperature Ignition Processes From a Nanosecond Pulsed Discharge at Quiescent Conditions
Authors: Gururajan Vyaas , Scarcelli Riccardo , Biswas Sayan , Ekoto Isaac
Published: November 2021

Recent interest in non-equilibrium plasma discharges as sources of ignition for the automotive industry has not yet been accompanied by the availability of dedicated models to perform this task in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engine simulations. The need for a low-temperature plasma (LTP) ignition model has motivated much work in simulating these discharges from first principles. Most ignition models assume that an equilibrium plasma comprises the bulk of discharge kernels. LTP discharges, however, exhibit highly non-equilibrium behavior. In this work, a method to determine a consistent initialization of LTP discharge kernels for use in engine CFD codes like CONVERGE is proposed. The method utilizes first principles discharge simulations. Such an LTP kernel is introduced in a flammable mixture of air and fuel, and the subsequent plasma expansion and ignition simulation is carried out using a reacting flow solver with detailed chemistry. The proposed numerical approach is shown to produce results that agree with experimental observations regarding the ignitability of methane-air and ethylene-air mixtures by LTP discharges.
Rack-Level Thermosyphon Cooling and Vapor-Compression Driven Heat Recovery: Compressor Model
Authors: Khalid Rehan , Amalfi Raffaele Luca , Wemhoff Aaron P.
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces a novel thermal management solution coupling in-rack cooling and heat recovery system. System-level modeling capabilities are the key to design and analyze thermal performance for different applications. In this study, a semi-empirical model for a hermetically sealed scroll compressor is developed and applied to different scroll geometries. The model parameters are tuned and validated such that the model is applicable to a variety of working fluids. The identified parameters are split into two groups: one group is dependent on the compressor geometry and independent of working fluid, whereas the other group is fluid dependent. By modifying the fluid-dependent parameters using the specific heat ratios of two refrigerants, the model shows promise in predicting the refrigerant mass flow rate, discharge temperature and compressor shaft power of a third refrigerant. Here, the approach has been applied using data for two refrigerants (R22 and R134a) to achieve predictions for a third refrigerant’s (R407c) mass flow rate, discharge temperature, and compressor shaft power, with normalized root mean square errors of 0.01, 0.04 and 0.020, respectively. The normalization is performed based on the minimum and maximum values of the measured variable data. The technique thus presented in this study can be used to accurately predict the primary variables of interest for a scroll compressor running on a given refrigerant for which data may be limited, enabling component-level design or analysis for different operating conditions and system requirements.
Contact Angle Tuning of Copper Microporous Structures
Authors: Soroush Farid , Liu Tanya , Wu Qianying , Asheghi Mehdi , Goodson Kenneth E. , Marco Lorenz , Christian Egger , Martin Rittner
Published: November 2021

Two-phase, capillary-fed cooling devices are appealing thermal management technologies due to their potential for high heat transfer performance and ease of system-level integration. While existing evaporative wicking structures such as copper inverse opals (CIOs) and copper wire meshes (CWMs) have shown promise for achieving target heat dissipation rates of 100 Wcm−2 or greater, the reliability of these structures for long-term device operation and optimal capillary-driven boiling performance has not received much attention. To ensure proper functionality of the evaporator wick, the microporous copper structures must retain a hydrophilic contact angle during device operation. Surface oxidation of the copper is a critical degradation mechanism that must be addressed to preserve the integrity of the wick. In this study, we systematically investigate the contact angle change of untreated copper and various copper oxides under different conditions. To avoid the formation of hydrophobic Cu2O, we pre-oxidize the copper micro porous wick to form hydrophilic cupric oxide CuO and study the effect of various thermal and chemical oxidation recipes on the hydrophilicity and morphology of the resulting structures. A chemical oxidation formula is implemented for the creation of a stable superhydrophilic surface at a low temperature (70°C) for copper inverse opals (CIOs) (5 μm pore size) and copper wire meshes (CWMs) (76 μm pore opening). The recipe has been optimized to create nano CuO needles with a length of < 100 nm and keep the necks (∼1 μm diameter) open for better capillary wicking of the working fluid. The findings of this study potentially benefit the development of copper-based capillary-fed cooling devices.
Evolution of Potting-PCB Interfacial Reliability After Long Term High Temperature Operation
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Pandurangan Aathi Raja Ram , Blecker Ken
Published: November 2021

Fine Pitch Electronic Components are reinforced using epoxy potting compounds and underfills to improve reliability and survivability, in extreme environments. Potting of electronic components offers structural support, shock damping and protection for the components from environmental conditions like moisture. Potting is one of the cost-effective and viable way to improve the survivability of the electronic components. On dynamic shock loading, interfacial delamination occurs between the potting material and the PCB, which further propagates to solder interconnect failures. The interfacial properties change with long-term exposure to temperature during operating and storage conditions. Mechanics of interface delamination of the epoxy potted PCB samples with thermal aging is a primary focus on this paper. Determination of fracture parameters such as fracture toughness and strain energy release rate at steady state stress is important in selection of the potting material and the reliability study of the supplemental restraint systems. PCB/Epoxy specimens are prepared, and their fracture behavior is observed under quasi-static three-point and four-point bend loading. In three-point bending, the peak stress acts at the midpoint of the specimen. In four-point bend loading, the peak stress is along whole area of the specimen under load (load span). The curing temperature providing the best fracture resistance is selected and followed throughout the study. The samples are exposed to 100°C for 30days and 60 days. Under dynamic loading, damage at the interface is studied. The experimental results provide the peak critical load, from which the fracture toughness parameters are calculated. A comparison has been made on fracture toughness and crack initiation of the PCB/Epoxy systems, based on flexure method and thermal aging.
Characterization of Linear Viscoelasticity Evolution of Epoxy Molding Compound Subjected to High Temperature Long Term Aging
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Zhang Yunli , Wu Haotian , Suhling Jeff , Davis Edward , Williamson Jaimal
Published: November 2021

Much of the electronics used to support power systems and enable safety systems resides underhood where operating temperatures are much higher than in traditional consumer applications. Underhood electronics may be subjected to sustained high temperature environment 150°C for long period of time during operation. However, there is insufficient information about the viscoelasticity of epoxy molding compound stored in sustained high temperature for long period of time. In this paper, two different types of epoxy molding compounds have been prepared and aged under two different temperatures: 100°C and 150°C. Multi-frequency scan dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) test has been conducted to study the viscoelasticity evolution from pristine, 40 days, 80 days, 120 days. The master curve has been obtained and the prony parameters of EMCs have been calculated. The aging effect of linear viscoelasticity has been discussed.
Reliability Evaluation of Cu-Al WB in High Temperature and High Current Applications
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Jung Sungmo
Published: November 2021

High reliability harsh environment applications necessitate a better understanding of the acceleration factors under operating stresses. Automotive electronics has transitioned to the use of copper wire for first level interconnects. A number of copper wire formulations have emerged including palladium coated copper and gold-flash palladium coated copper. The corrosion reliability of copper wire bonds in high temperature conditions is not yet fully understood. The EMC used to encapsulate chips and interconnects can vary widely in formulation, including pH, porosity, diffusion rate, composition of contaminants and contaminant concentration. To realistically represent the expected wirebond reliability, there is need for a predictive model that can account for environmental conditions, operating conditions, and exposure to EMCs. In this paper, different EMCs were studied in a high-temperature-current environment with temperature range of 60°C–100°C under current of 0.2A–1A. The diffusion kinetics based on the Nernst-Planck Equation for migration of the chlorine ions has been coupled with the Butler-Volmer equation for corrosion kinetics to create a Multiphysics model. Polarization curves have been measured for copper, aluminum and intermetallics under a number of pH values, and chlorine-ion concentrations. Tafel parameters have been extracted through measurements of the polarization curves.
ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA Silver Medal in Speech Communication 2021: Joanne L. Miller
Authors: Miller Joanne L.
Published: November 2021

The Silver Medal is presented to individuals, without age limitation, for contributions to the advancement of science, engineering, or human welfare through the application of acoustic principles, or through research accomplishment in acoustics.