bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty years of the tiger feeding pole: review and recommendations
Authors: Law G. , Kitchener A. C.
Published: December 2019

The tiger feeding pole was developed at Glasgow Zoo, UK, more than 20 years ago as a feeding‐enrichment device. Since then the adoption of the feeding pole by other zoos for Tigers Panthera tigris and other cats has been slow and sporadic until recent years when many zoos in the UK have begun to use this device. In this paper we review the basis for and the development of the feeding pole as a feeding‐enrichment tool, including its stimulation of simulated hunting behaviours, and benefits to health and welfare. A survey of 19 zoos (mostly based in the UK) found that 79% use or have used feeding poles usually about once per week at heights of 3–6 m. We know of no confirmed reports of serious injuries or deaths of cats using feeding poles. A comparison of the skeletons of tigers found that feeding‐pole‐using tigers had a mean arthrosis score that is four times less than that of tigers that did not use them, providing a positive indicator of the health benefit of the use of this enrichment device. Based on previous experience we provide a refined set of recommendations for the safe use of feeding poles for cats, but recognize that providing physical and mental challenges to animals in zoos carries some minor risks that animals are well able to cope with. We discuss the possible next steps in feeding enrichment, which may include a holistic approach that considers the need to manage predators alongside prey to allow for mutual visual and olfactory enrichments.
The current state of zoological medicine in zoos and aquariums in Latin America
Authors: Riva H. G. , Zordan M. A. , Sánchez C. R.
Published: December 2019

The field of zoological medicine has advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in developed nations. However, developing nations have lagged far behind these advancements. A study was devised to acquire up‐to‐date information on the current state of zoological medicine in Latin America using an online survey directed to zoo and aquarium professionals. Between February and April of 2016, a survey with 28 questions relevant to zoological medicine was distributed to zoo and aquarium professionals in Latin America. The questions included information about employment conditions, veterinary equipment, protocols and facilities, amongst others. One hundred and two respondents from 66 institutions (58 zoos and eight aquariums) from 15 countries answered the survey. Listservs were used to distribute the survey, which impedes the calculation of percentage response rate. Results show that not all zoos and aquariums in the region have proper facilities, veterinary equipment and supplies to carry out their jobs in an adequate manner. Thirty per cent of the institutions (n = 20 of 66 institutions) do not have an exclusive quarantine area; only 48% (n = 32 of 66 institutions) have X‐ray equipment (traditional and/or digital); and 62% (n = 41 of 66 institutions) have an inhalation anaesthesia machine. There are few veterinarians [24% (n = 24 of 101 veterinarians)] in the region with advanced veterinary training (zoological‐medicine residency, Master’s degree or PhD) and only 15% (n = 15 of 101) of the veterinarians have published in peer‐reviewed journals in the last 5 years. In spite of these findings, 91% (n = 92 of 101) of zoo and aquarium veterinarians in Latin America reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their current job. Based on the results of this study, we recommend that zoological facilities and aquariums in Latin America invest in staff training, equipment and facilities to meet the accreditation standards instituted by the wider international zoo and aquariums community.
Keeping safe and fed: large heterospecific shorebird flocks to decrease intraspecific competition
Authors: Cestari Cesar , da Silva Gonçalves Cristina , de Melo Celine
Published: December 2019

Shorebirds join cohesive flocks for safety. The joining of individuals of several species in large heterospecific flocks can optimise individual vigilance and foraging. However, a large number of conspecific individuals in flocks may deplete food resources and increase intraspecific competition. In the present study, we argue that Nearctic–Neotropical migratory shorebird species join large heterospecific flocks in a balanced number as a way of controlling intraspecific competition. We recorded monospecific and heterospecific flocks in urban beaches from southeastern Brazil and annotated the species richness and the number of individuals per bird species per flock. Besides, we recorded the number of people around shorebird flocks to examine any relationship with flock size. We also recorded the foraging rate of the semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus, a common migrant species in the region, as a species model to test competition and vigilance. We hypothesised that this species would exhibit a low foraging rate in scenarios with high intraspecific competition (i.e. large flocks with a high number of conspecifics) and high density of people, which may disturb birds. In the initial results, the density of people did not influence size of monospecific and heterospecific flocks; heterospecific flocks were larger than monospecific flocks, and heterospecific flocks increased in size by the addition of more species rather than more individuals of the same species. These data reflect a decrease in the relative abundance of individuals per species. Additionally, the semipalmated plover foraging rate was reduced in monospecific flocks, flocks with a high relative abundance (and total number) of the specific individuals and flocks surrounded by a high density of people. All these results indicate that shorebirds may adjust flock composition and size according to preferred foraging conditions, i.e. large and balanced heterospecific flocks with less intraspecific competition and less vigilance to potential predators in wintering areas.
Hic‐5 deficiency protects cerulein‐induced chronic pancreatitis via down‐regulation of the NF‐κB (p65)/IL‐6 signalling pathway
Authors: Chen Hao , Tan Peng , Qian Baolin , Du Yichao , Wang Ankang , Shi Hao , Huang Zhiwei , Huang Shiyao , Liang Tiancheng , Fu Wenguang
Published: December 2019

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), characterized by pancreatic fibrosis, is a recurrent, progressive and irreversible disease. Activation of the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is considered a core event in pancreatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of hydrogen peroxide‐inducible clone‐5 (Hic‐5) in CP. Analysis of the human pancreatic tissue samples revealed that Hic‐5 was overexpressed in patients with CP and was extremely low in healthy pancreas. Hic‐5 was significant up‐regulated in the activated primary PSCs independently from transforming growth factor beta stimulation. CP induced by cerulein injection was ameliorated in Hic‐5 knockout (KO) mice, as shown by staining of tissue level. Simultaneously, the activation ability of the primary PSCs from Hic‐5 KO mice was significantly attenuated. We also found that the Hic‐5 up‐regulation by cerulein activated the NF‐κB (p65)/IL‐6 signalling pathway and regulated the downstream extracellular matrix (ECM) genes such as α‐SMA and Col1a1. Therefore, we determined whether suppressing NF‐κB/p65 alleviated CP by treating mice with the NF‐κB/p65 inhibitor triptolide in the cerulein‐induced CP model and found that pancreatic fibrosis was alleviated by NF‐κB/p65 inhibition. These findings provide evidence for Hic‐5 as a therapeutic target that plays a crucial role in regulating PSCs activation and pancreatic fibrosis.
Importance of PNO1 for growth and survival of urinary bladder carcinoma: Role in core‐regulatory circuitry
Authors: Lin Chunhua , Yuan Hejia , Wang Wenting , Zhu Zhe , Lu Youyi , Wang Jiahui , Feng Fan , Wu Jitao
Published: December 2019

PNO1 (partner of Nob1) was known as a RNA‐binding protein in humans, and its ortholog PNO1 was reported to participate ribosome and proteasome biogenesis in yeasts. Yet there have been few studies about its functions in mammalian cells, and so far its role in human cells has never been reported, especially in urinary bladder cancer (UBC).We interrogated the cellular functions and clinical significance of PNO1 in, and its molecular mechanism through microarrays and bioinformatics analysis. Our findings support that PNO1 participates in promoting proliferation and colonogenesis, while reducing apoptosis of UBC cells, and is also predicted to be associated with the migration and metastasis of UBC PNO1 knockdown (KD) attenuated the tumorigenesis ability of UBC in mouse. PNO1 KD led to the altered expression of 1543 genes that are involved in a number of signalling pathways, biological functions and regulation networks. CD44, PTGS2, cyclin D1, CDK1, IL‐8, FRA1, as well as mTOR, p70 S6 kinase, p38 and Caspase‐3 proteins were all down‐regulated in PNO1 KD cells, suggesting the involvement of PNO1 in inflammatory responses, cell cycle regulation, chemotaxis, cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasiveness. This study will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of UBC and may eventually provide novel targets for individualized cancer therapy.
Firms’ Management of Infrequent Shocks
Authors: COLLIER BENJAMIN L. , HAUGHWOUT ANDREW F. , KUNREUTHER HOWARD C. , MICHEL‐KERJAN ERWANN O.
Published: December 2019

We examine businesses’ financial management of a rare, severe event using detailed firm‐level data collected following Hurricane Sandy in the New York area. Credit played a prominent role in financing recovery; more negatively affected firms took on debt because of Sandy (39%) than received insurance payments (15%) in our data. Negatively affected firms were frequently credit constrained after the shock. We also find that the most credit‐constrained firms after the event, younger firms, and smaller firms, were the least likely to insure before it. Our findings align with the predictions of dynamic risk management theory (Rampini and Viswanathan 2010, 2013).
Characterisation of the microplasma spraying of biocompatible coating of titanium
Authors: ALONTSEVA D.L. , GHASSEMIEH E. , VOINAROVYCH S. , RUSSAKOVA A. , KYSLYTSIA O. , POLOVETSKYI Y. , TOXANBAYEVA A.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents new results of studying the influence of parameters of microplasma spraying (MPS) of Ti wire on the structure and properties of Ti coatings. Based on the design of the experiment and the results of the SEM study, certain spraying modes were chosen to form the desired composition and structure of the Ti coating.  The dense sublayer (up to 300 µm thick) provides good adhesion to the substrate, and a porous top layer can accelerate the coated implant ingrowth with the bone.  This technology is developed for the manufacture of coated endoprosthesis implants.
Family Relationships During Adolescence and Stepchilden's Educational Attainment in Young Adulthood
Authors: King Valarie , Pragg Brianne , Lindstrom Rachel
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study examines how the quality of family relationships in stepfamilies during adolescence are associated with stepchildren's 4‐year college attendance in young adulthood.

Background

On average, college attendance is lower for youth in stepfamilies when compared with those living with two biological parents, but many children thrive and attain high levels of education despite the risks associated with stepfamily formation. The role of parents is central to understanding youths' educational attainment, but studies have not examined how adolescents' relationships with each of their parents in stepfamilies are related to college attendance.

Method

This study uses a sample of 881 respondents who were in stable stepfamilies from Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate both the direct and indirect pathways from family relationships at Wave 1 to young adults' college attendance at Wave 3.

Results

Both higher quality stepfather–child relationships and nonresident father–child relationships were positively associated with young adults' college attendance. Mother–child relationship quality was not associated with college attendance.

Conclusion

Maintaining children's ties to nonresident fathers after parental separation and fostering close ties to stepfathers when mothers repartner may have long‐term positive consequences for youths' educational attainment. The findings also suggest an important need for future research to examine children's relationships with each of their parents to better understand youth outcomes in stepfamilies.
Revisiting the neuroticism – performance link: A dynamic approach to individual differences
Authors: Sosnowska Joanna , Hofmans Joeri , de Fruyt Filip
Published: December 2019

In the present paper, the relationship between neuroticism and supervisory ratings of performance is examined using a dynamic approach to personality. This approach integrates both within‐ and between‐person differences by looking at individual differences in baseline neuroticism, neuroticism variability and neuroticism attractor strength. Our findings showed that baseline neuroticism related to lower supervisory ratings of performance, and that a high level of baseline neuroticism is particularly detrimental for people who fail to return to their baseline swiftly. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that adopting a more integrative, dynamic approach to personality has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of the personality–performance relationship.

Practitioner points

How employees’ performance is perceived by their supervisors not only depends on between‐person differences in employees’ average level of neuroticism, but also on the extent to which their state neuroticism levels vary

Assessing personality dynamics has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of the candidate’s personality

Managers should take into account that the impact of baseline personality on performance depends on how deviations from the baseline are regulated.
Anatomical, biochemical and transcriptome analyses of Vitis vinifera cv. 'Hongju' reveal novel information regarding the seed hardness of stenospermocarpic soft‐seed grapes
Authors: Yim Bomi , Mun Jeong‐Hwan , Park Soo Hyun , Shim Hye Rim , Kim Jun‐Hyuk , Hur Youn Young , Yu Hee‐Ju
Published: December 2019

The breeding of new stenospermocarpic seedless grape cultivars is of particular importance to the growing table grape market and grape processing industry. However, the developmental and genetic architectures of soft‐seed and seedlessness traits are unclear. In this study, we performed anatomical, histochemical and gene expression analyses to characterize the morphological and genetic basis of the seed hardness of 'Hongju', a stenospermocarpic soft‐seed grape cultivar developed by crossbreeding maternal 'Italia' and paternal 'Perlon' cultivars. We found intensively lignified medium integument layers in the seeds of hard‐seed cultivars, but these layers were degraded in the stenospermocarpic seedless cultivars beginning 35 days after flowering. The expression of genes related to the lignin and cellulose biosynthesis pathways was downregulated, whereas that of several cell‐wall loosening‐related genes was upregulated in 'Hongju' compared with 'Italia' beginning at 21 days after flowering. These results suggest that transcriptional suppression of the lignin and cellulose biosynthesis pathways coupled with reduced formation of medium integument plays an important role in the development of soft seeds in stenospermocarpic seedless grape cultivars.
Educating children through their parents to prevent child sexual abuse in Turkey
Authors: Apaydın Cırık Vildan , Efe Emine , Velipaşaoğlu Sevtap
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The aims of this study were to train parents to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse (CSA); evaluate the problems encountered by parents; and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the CSA training program.

Design and Methods

The study used a pretest/posttest design. The study was conducted with a sample of 58 children (aged 3‐6 years) and 64 parents.

Findings

Children who received CSA prevention education from their parents demonstrated improved knowledge about private parts and about what they should do if they suspect sexual abuse. The parents stated that they encountered some problems (other family members objected to the child being given such training).

Practise Implications

Children's risk of abuse may be reduced if their parents teach them about CSA correctly.
Determinants of Firm‐Level Lobbying and Government Responsiveness in Agricultural Biotechnology in China
Authors: Deng Haiyan , Hu Ruifa , Pray Carl , Jin Yanhong , Li Zhonghua
Published: December 2019

Understanding what stimulates agribusiness firms to lobby the government and what makes the government responsive to lobbying are the two issues that have been discussed extensively in the debates concerning determinants of biotechnology policy. This paper examines the factors influencing agribusiness firms' lobbying and government response using econometric modeling on a new data set of 160 leading agribusiness firms in the food, feed, chemical, and seed industries in China. The results show that approximately 10% of agribusiness firms lobbied the government about biotechnology policy and regulations and over half of those that lobbied received a verbal or written acknowledgment from government agencies. Seed and feed companies are more likely to engage in lobbying than chemical companies. Owning GM patents not only has a positive impact on firms' lobbying activities, but firms with these patents are more likely to receive a government response to their lobbying efforts. The experience of selling GM products does not significantly influence lobbying activities or response from the government.
Prospective Investigation of the Interaction Between Social Problems and Neuropsychological Characteristics on the Development of Suicide Ideation
Authors: McManimen Stephanie , Wong Maria M.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Negative social interactions are known to contribute to the development of suicide ideation. However, it is unclear how this risk factor interacts with other predisposing risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine how social and neuropsychological factors interact as a prospective predictor of the emergence of suicide ideation in adolescents.

Method

Data were collected from adolescents (M age = 13.12, SD = 1.48) over 3 years as part of a larger study. Participants completed the MINI‐Kid and Youth Self‐Report, which were used to assess for suicidality. Negative social interactions were operationalized as the Social Problems scale of the YSR. Additionally, adolescents completed a neuropsychological battery at each wave of data collection.

Results

Logistic moderation analyses demonstrated a significant interaction between task switching and endorsement of negative social interactions in the prediction of suicide ideation one year later, Wald χ2(1) = 4.94, OR = 0.90, p < .05. Distractibility was a significant predictor, Wald χ2(1) = 5.52, OR = 3.45, p < .05, but it did not demonstrate an interaction effect. Perseveration failed to reach statistical significance independently and in the interaction.

Conclusions

The results indicate that certain neuropsychological characteristics can aid in predicting which adolescents will develop suicide ideation in the presence of negative social interactions, which may have significant clinical implications.
What's love got to do with it? Passion and inequality in white‐collar work
Authors: Rao Aliya Hamid , Tobias Neely Megan
Published: December 2019

Emotion has become an increasingly important aspect of work in the 21st century. In this article, we take stock of the extant literature delineating the role of emotions, especially passion as a cultural schema, in white‐collar workplaces. Scholars have covered extensive ground on emotions at work, but the role of passion remains an underexplored yet significant area. Drawing from recent developments in research on white‐collar work, we argue that the passion schema has become a critical marker in the labor market for sorting individuals into occupations, hiring and promotion within organizations, and assigning value to people's labor. Emergent research suggests that because the expression and perception of passion remain ambiguously defined in the workplace and varies by context, it is pivotal in reproducing social inequalities. In this review, we focus on how privileging passion in the workplace and interpreting it as a measure of aptitude impacts social inequalities by race, gender, and social class. We close by setting an agenda for further research on this topic.
Low‐dose cidofovir and conversion to mTOR‐based immunosuppression in polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy
Authors: Mühlbacher Thomas , Beck Robert , Nadalin Silvio , Heyne Nils , Guthoff Martina
Published: December 2019

Background

Polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PVAN) remains a relevant complication following kidney transplantation with allograft loss rates of up to 50%. Reduction in overall immunosuppression is a cornerstone of therapy, whereas no specific antiviral regimen has shown conclusive benefit to date. The present case series demonstrates the efficacy of a dual therapeutic approach with low‐dose cidofovir and conversion to mTOR‐based immunosuppression in PVAN.

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven PVAN having received low‐dose cidofovir (0.25 mg/kg) according to the Tübingen Cidofovir Protocol and been converted to mTOR‐based immunosuppression were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Twenty‐three patients with a median follow‐up of 2.24 [IQR 1.55‐5.01] years were included in the analysis. Median time to PVAN diagnosis was 268 [IQR 153‐869] days after transplantation. Polyomavirus clearance from plasma was achieved in 78% of patients after a median of 118 [IQR 76‐293] days. Of the 23 patients, nine patients (39%) lost their allograft function during follow‐up, but only three of these (13%) due to PVAN. Fourteen patients (61%) stabilized or improved allograft function. The cidofovir protocol allowed for specific antiviral therapy without adverse nephrotoxicity, even in patients with low allograft function.

Conclusions

Low‐dose cidofovir and conversion to mTOR‐based immunosuppression allow for effective virus clearance and preservation of allograft function in a high proportion of patients with PVAN and progressive allograft dysfunction and may prolong allograft survival in these patients.
Increased detection of rabies virus in bats in Ceará State (Northeast Brazil) after implementation of a passive surveillance programme
Authors: Duarte Naylê Francelino Holanda , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Cavalcante Kellyn Kessiene de Sousa , Correia Francisco Gustavo Silveira , Romijn Phyllis Catharina , Araujo Danielle Bastos , Favoretto Silvana Regina , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: December 2019

The intensification of dog, cat and livestock vaccination campaigns significantly reduced rabies cases in humans and domestic animals in Ceará State, Brazil. However, sylvatic animals—bats (order Chiroptera), wild canids, raccoons and non‐human primates— remain as reservoirs for the virus. Our hypothesis is that surveillance and monitoring of rabies virus in bats, especially passive surveillance, is of fundamental importance, besides the implementation of health education and strengthening of surveillance actions in humans exposed to aggressions. Thus, we assessed the occurrence of rabies virus in animals focusing on bats, before and after launching of the Sylvatic Rabies Surveillance Program in 2010. Surveillance data from the 184 municipalities of Ceará State were analysed, collected during the periods 2003–2010 (active surveillance) and 2011–2016 (passive surveillance), respectively. A total of 13,543 mammalian samples were received for rabies diagnosis from 2003 to 2016. Of these, 10,960 were from dogs or cats (80.9%), 1,180 from bats (8.7%), 806 from other sylvatic animals (foxes, marmosets, raccoons; 6.0%) and 597 from herbivores (cattle, goats, sheep, equines, pigs; 4.4%). A total of 588 (4.3%) samples were positive for rabies. About 8.4% (99/1,180) of the bat samples were infected with rabies virus, 92 (92.9%) of these were from non‐haematophagous bat species and 7 (7.1%) from haematophagous species. The number of bat samples received and infection rates increased considerably, after a shift from active surveillance (9/355 [2.5%] samples positive), to passive surveillance (90/825 [10.9%] samples positive). Surveillance of rabies virus in bats is fundamental for human and domestic animal health in Ceará State. Bats have to be considered as targets in surveillance and control programmes. Virus lineages should be characterized to increase knowledge on transmission dynamics of sylvatic rabies virus to domestic animals and the human population, and to provide additional evidence for planning and implementation of improved control measures.
Buckling Thresholds for Pre-Loaded Spherical Shells Subject to Localized Blasts
Authors: Sieber Jan , Hutchinson John W. , Thompson J. Michael T.
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the robustness against localized impacts of elastic spherical shells pre-loaded under uniform external pressure. We subjected a pre-loaded spherical shell that is clamped at its equator to axisymmetric blast-like impacts applied to its polar region. The resulting axisymmetric dynamic response is computed for increasing amplitudes of the blast. Both perfect shells and shells with axisymmetric geometric imperfections are analyzed. The impact energy threshold causing buckling is identified and compared with the energy barrier that exists between the buckled and unbuckled static equilibrium states of the energy landscape associated with the pre-loaded pressure. The extent to which the impact energy of the threshold blast exceeds the energy barrier depends on the details of its shape and width. Targeted blasts that approximately replicate the size and shape of the energy barrier buckling mode defined in the paper have an energy threshold that is only modestly larger than the energy barrier. An extensive study is carried out for more realistic Gaussian-shaped blasts revealing that the buckling threshold energy for these blasts is typically in the range of at least 10–40% above the energy barrier, depending on the pressure pre-load and the blast width. The energy discrepancy between the buckling threshold and energy barrier is due to elastic waves spreading outward from the impact and dissipation associated with the numerical integration scheme. Buckling is confined to the vicinity of the pole such that, if the shell is not shallow, the buckling thresholds are not strongly dependent on the location of the clamping boundary, as illustrated for a shell clamped halfway between the pole and the equator.
General Fishnet Statistics of Strength: Nacreous, Biomimetic, Concrete, Octet-Truss, and Other Architected or Quasibrittle Materials
Authors: Luo Wen , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: December 2019

The fishnet probabilistic model was recently developed to characterize the strength distribution of nacre-like biomimetic materials. It reveals that the unique fishnet-like connectivity of the material microstructure brings about enormous safety gain at the extremely low failure probability level of one out of a million, desired for engineering structures. The gist of the theory is that the material microstructure plays a determining role in its failure probability tail. Therefore, a carefully designed connectivity for a material microstructure not only enhances its mean strength but also significantly reduces its marginal failure risk. Here, we first show that the initially introduced series expansion and the newer formulation based on order statistics are, in the fishnet model, essentially equivalent. From that we develop a neat general form of the fishnet statistics. Then, we extend our theoretical approach to the strength distributions of architected nanomaterials such as the printed octet-truss carbon nanolattices, as well as to quasibrittle particulate composites such as concrete, and formulate a unified general fishnet statistics. We demonstrate that the octet-truss system can be physically seen and statistically treated as a union of three fishnets with three mutually orthogonal orientations. We show that the three-dimensional assembly of fishnets further enhances the tail strength at the 10−6 probability quantile, compared to two-dimensional (2D) fishnet statistics. We compare the performance of different statistical strength models by fitting of the simulated and experimental histograms data for the octet-truss nanolattice. Finally, we argue that, at the extreme lower tail of failure probability, quasibrittle materials such as concrete or fiber composites should partially exhibit the fishnet-type statistical behavior.
Prototype Results for a Salt Hydrate PCM Thermal Energy Storage System
Authors: Hoenig Sean H. , Bonner Richard W. , Charles Joshua M. , Chen Chien-Hua , Cao Fangyu
Published: December 2019

Air-cooled condenser systems incur a high cost of operation during peak power demand due to hot ambient temperatures, resulting in poor thermal performance. To shift the thermal performance of air-cooled condenser systems closer to that of wet cooling towers, a salt hydrate phase change material (PCM)-based supplemental thermal energy storage system is proposed. Low-grade waste heat from saturated steam in a power generation cycle is stored in a “cold” sink of PCM during the day and rejected at night during cooler ambient air temperatures. Passive loop thermosyphons are used to transfer heat in and out of the PCM heat exchanger. A 30MJ prototype was designed, fabricated, and tested to demonstrate the longevity of the system. Repeated thermal cycling tests have been completed for 50 cycles. The measured latent heat capacity results have shown that the salt hydrate solution segregates into different hydration levels over time but can stabilize by remixing the bulk solution.
Analysis on Thermal Design Concern of Vapor Cooled Shield for Cryogenic Tanks
Authors: Jiang Wenbing , Zuo Zhongqi , Huang Yonghua , Sun Peijie , Li Peng
Published: December 2019

In the long run, storage of cryogenic propellants on orbit is one of the most crucial technologies for future space exploration. Vapor cooled shield (VCS) has been considered as an effective tool to intercept heat leakage from the environment into the cryogenic tanks. In addition to that, reduce or even eliminate propellant boil-off. This scrutiny ascertains a 3D model to investigate the temperature distribution on VCS, and also conforms to the fact of temperature uniformity assumption in literature. The relationship amid the temperature distribution on VCS, the shield wall thickness, and the vented vapor’s mass flow rate is analyzed for series-type VCS and parallel-type VCS to clarify the existing temperature gradient on VCS and the way it influences the MLI’s insulation performance. The outcomes of the study could act as a beneficial tool for the thermal design of cryogenic VCS.
Parametric Study of High-Temperature Thermochemical Energy Storage Using Manganese-Iron Oxide
Authors: Vahedi Nasser , Oztekin Alparslan
Published: December 2019

Continuous power supply in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants can be achieved via integration of efficient, cost-effective and reliable Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system. The new generation of CSPs operates at higher temperatures and requires thermal storage systems with higher energy density at high storage temperature. Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES) is the available solution which can meet performance requirements of energy density, temperature, and stability. TCES systems apply reversible endothermic/exothermic chemical reaction through which energy is stored as the enthalpy of reaction and released during the reverse mode. Among several available potential reversible chemical reactions, metal oxides, with high reaction temperature and enthalpy of reaction, have remarkable advantages compared to others. They use air both as Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) and oxidation reactant, which eliminates the need for storage and intermediate heat exchanger integration between HTF and collector working fluid. Using air as HTF has made them perfectly fitted for the new generation of air operated solar collectors. Among several screened available potential metal oxides, cobalt and manganese oxides were selected as best candidates for high-temperature storage. Pure manganese oxide does not meet the cyclic operation requirement, but the iron-doped solid solution has proven reasonable cyclic storage performance. In this study, iron-doped manganese oxide (Fe-Mn 1:3 molar ratio) has been selected as a redox agent for TCES reactor. The cylindrical packed bed configuration is considered as a reactor bed configuration. A two-dimensional axisymmetric numerical model is developed using the finite element method. Performance analysis for both charge and discharge is provided separately. The effect of inflow rate and bed porosity variations on reactor performance in complete storage cycle were studied.
Learning in a Multidisciplinary Environment: Design of Thermal Fluids/Systems in Buildings
Authors: Lin Cheng-Xian , Vassigh Shahin
Published: December 2019

Design of sustainable buildings requires collaboration among multidisciplinary teams who are equipped with knowledge and skill sets including architecture, construction, and engineering among others. In this paper, we report on an experiment, collected data, and learning outcomes of a multidisciplinary project involving students from three classes — a cohost of cross-college and cross-campus students with background in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Emphasis of this study is placed on how student performance in applications of thermal/fluid science in the design of buildings at different climates was impacted by multidisciplinary team research, design, and collaborative activities. Students’ academic performance before and after the completion of projects in multidisciplinary teams were compared across multiple academic semesters. The study found that learning outcomes in a multidisciplinary environment can be enhanced in topic that are aligned with students’ background. However, the extent to which students’ performance can be improved by this approach, will depend on the discipline. Interpretation of multidisciplinary concepts from different perspective was one of the biggest challenges that the collaborative teams faced in our experiment.
Effect of Rack Models and Buoyancy Forces on a Small Data Center Facility
Authors: Hu Beichao , Phan Long , Lin Cheng-Xian
Published: December 2019

Due to the rapid growth of the power density in data centers, the thermal management of the data center has become more and more important. Computational Fluid Dynamics has been proven to be one of the most effective tools in the design and analysis in data centers due to its ease of use and fast prediction in data centers. Due to the large size of a data center facility, one of the most challenging tasks in the data center CFD simulation is to establish simplified models to provide a fast but accurate prediction for both the temperature and flow field in data centers. In the past few years, people have proposed many tile models specifically to simulate the jet effect of the perforated tile. However, other aspects of the simulation were still in the early stage, e.g. rack models and the effect of buoyancy forces. This paper mainly studied the effect of the three rack models, which were Black Box Model, Modified Black Box Model, and Volumetric Heat Model. The effects of the buoyancy force were also studied. The result showed that buoyancy force had a huge impact on the simulation result, while the three rack models investigated had little difference.
Investigation of Condensation Heat Transfer on a Tube With Wavy Fins
Authors: Chen Tailian
Published: December 2019

In this work, heat transfer coefficient during condensation of a refrigerant on the outside surface of a copper tube with wavy fins was experimentally investigated. To fully characterize the condensation heat transfer, the experiments were conducted under two conditions: no refrigerant overfeed and subject to various degree inundation. The results under the condition of no overfeed are compared with the Beatty and Katz model. While the trend of degradation with increasing subcooling was in good agreement with the model (within 5%), the condensation heat transfer coefficients from the wavy fins were 11–15% higher. Based on the Nusselt model, the surface tension effect is not taken into account in the Beatty and Katz model, which plays an important role in condensation on a surface with fins. The photographs taken during the experiments showed that the condensate dripping columns have a pitch is in agreement with that proposed by Yung et al. [24] for falling film evaporation applications. The second part of the experiments under the various degree of inundation provides further insight into the heat transfer capability of the surface with wavy fins.
The Association of Physical Activity With Carotid Intima Media Thickening in a Healthy Older Population: Cooper Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lee Joowon , Chen Baojiang , Kohl Harold W. , Barlow Carolyn E. , do Lee Chong , Radford Nina B. , DeFina Laura F. , Gabriel Kelley P.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between self-reported physical activity (PA) and mean common carotid artery intima–media thickness (CCA IMT) among older adults. The data are from 1,811 Cooper Center Longitudinal Study participants, who were aged ≥60 years, with no history of cardiovascular disease. A medical history questionnaire was used to assess PA. Carotid ultrasound was performed to measure CCA IMT and the presence of plaque and stenosis. Logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the association between PA and CCA IMT after adjustment for covariates. The participants were aged 69.2 ± 5.9 years, and the majority were male (73.3%) and White (96.7%). The odds ratio of abnormal thickening of CCA IMT was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [0.54, 0.96]) in physically active participants (≥500 metabolic equivalent·min/week) after adjustment for covariates. In the current study, meeting PA guidelines in older adulthood was associated with lower odds of abnormal thickening of CCA IMT.
Me, Myself, and My Thoughts: The Influence of Brooding and Reflective Rumination on Depressive Symptoms in Athletes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tahtinen Richard , McDougall Michael , Feddersen Niels , Tikkanen Olli , Morris Robert , Ronkainen Noora J.
Published: December 2019

Individual differences in vulnerability to depression are still underexplored in athletes. We tested the influence of different brooding and reflective rumination profiles (i.e., repetitive thought processes in response to low/depressed mood) on the odds of experiencing clinically relevant depressive symptoms in competitive athletes (N = 286). The Patient Health Questionnaire–9 and the Ruminative Responses Scale–short form were utilized to measure depression and rumination, respectively. Compared to athletes with a low brooding/reflection profile, athletes with a high brooding/reflection profile had significantly higher odds of experiencing clinical levels of depressive symptoms (OR = 13.40, 95% CI = 3.81–47.11). A high reflection/low brooding profile was not, however, related to increased odds of depressive symptoms. Future research could extend our findings by exploring determinants of ruminative tendencies, especially brooding, in athletes. Furthermore, psychological interventions targeting rumination could be examined as a potential prevention and treatment approach to tackling depressive symptoms in athletes.
Fosmanogepix (APX001) Is Effective in the Treatment of Immunocompromised Mice Infected with Invasive Pulmonary Scedosporiosis or Disseminated Fusariosis
Authors: Alkhazraji Sondus , Gebremariam Teclegiorgis , Alqarihi Abdullah , Gu Yiyou , Mamouei Zeinab , Singh Shakti , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Shaw Karen J. , Ibrahim Ashraf S.
Published: December 2019

There are limited treatment options for immunosuppressed patients with lethal invasive fungal infections due to
Fusarium
and
Scedosporium
. Manogepix (MGX; APX001A) is a novel antifungal that targets the conserved Gwt1 enzyme required for localization of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored mannoproteins in fungi. We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of MGX and the efficacy of the prodrug fosmanogepix (APX001) in immunosuppressed murine models of hematogenously disseminated fusariosis and pulmonary scedosporiosis.
Twin-Arginine Translocation System Is Involved in Citrobacter rodentium Fitness in the Intestinal Tract
Authors: Otake Tsuyoshi , Fujimoto Mayuka , Hoshino Yusuke , Ishihara Tomomi , Haneda Takeshi , Okada Nobuhiko , Miki Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2019

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system is involved in not only a wide array of cellular processes but also pathogenesis in many bacterial pathogens; thus, this system is expected to become a novel therapeutic target to treat infections. To the best of our knowledge, involvement of the Tat system has not been reported in the gut infection caused by
Citrobacter rodentium
. Here, we studied the role of Tat in
C. rodentium
gut infection, which resembles human infection with enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) and enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC).
β-Catenin Is Required for the cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway but Antagonized by the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 US3 Protein
Authors: You Hongjuan , Lin Yingying , Lin Feng , Yang Mingyue , Li Jiahui , Zhang Rongzhao , Huang Zhiming , Shen Qingtang , Tang Renxian , Zheng Chunfu
Published: December 2019

Although increasing evidence has demonstrated that HSV-1 subverts host immune responses and establishes lifelong latent infection, the molecular mechanisms by which HSV-1 interrupts antiviral innate immunity, especially the cGAS/STING-mediated cellular DNA-sensing signaling pathway, have not been fully explored. Here, we show that β-catenin promotes cGAS/STING-mediated activation of the IFN pathway, which is important for cellular innate immune responses and intrinsic resistance to DNA virus infection. The protein kinase US3 antagonizes the production of IFN by targeting β-catenin via its kinase activity. The findings in this study reveal a novel mechanism for HSV-1 to evade host antiviral immunity and add new knowledge to help in understanding the interaction between the host and HSV-1 infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica Strain Isolated from Frozen Chicken in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Matos Jorge , Faria Adriana Rocha , Carvalho Assef Ana Paula D’Alincourt , de Freitas-Almeida Ângela Corrêa , Albano Rodolpho Mattos , Queiroz Mara Lucia Penna
Published: December 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica
strain 20, isolated from a chicken carcass originated from indoor broiler farming and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry followed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Metronidazole-Resistant Bacteroides fragilis Strain Isolated in Ecuador
Authors: Zurita Jeannete , Sevillano Gabriela , Paz y Miño Ariane , Flores Francisco , Bovera Marcela
Published: December 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Bacteroides fragilis
strain Z&Z143, a metronidazole-resistant bacterium isolated from a blood culture from an Ecuadorian patient hospitalized in a medical institution in Quito, Ecuador. We describe a new variant of the
nim
genes, which is associated with metronidazole resistance.
Genome Sequences of Four Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus SAT 1 Topotype X Isolates from Cameroon
Authors: Bertram Miranda R. , Dickmu Simon , Palinski Rachel M. , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Vierra David , Abdoulkadiri Souley , Arzt Jonathan
Published: December 2019

We report the genomes of four foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype SAT 1 topotype X isolates from Cameroon. The viruses were isolated from bovine epithelium collected during an outbreak in 2016. These novel sequences update knowledge of FMDV diversity in Central Africa and contribute to regional FMDV molecular epidemiology.
Neurodevelopmental impairment in necrotising enterocolitis survivors: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matei Andreea , Montalva Louise , Goodbaum Alexa , Lauriti Giuseppe , Zani Augusto
Published: December 2019

Aim

To determine (1) the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), (2) the impact of NEC severity on NDI in these babies and (3) the cerebral lesions found in babies with NEC.

Methods

Systematic review: three independent investigators searched for studies reporting infants with NDI and a history of NEC (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus). Meta-analysis: using RevMan V.5.3, we compared NDI incidence and type of cerebral lesions between NEC infants versus preterm infants and infants with medical vs surgical NEC.

Results

Of 10 674 abstracts screened, 203 full-text articles were examined. In 31 studies (n=2403 infants with NEC), NDI incidence was 40% (IQR 28%–64%) and was higher in infants with surgically treated NEC (43%) compared with medically managed NEC (27%, p<0.00001). The most common NDI in NEC was cerebral palsy (18%). Cerebral lesions: intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) was more common in NEC babies (26%) compared with preterm infants (18%; p<0.0001). There was no difference in IVH incidence between infants with surgical NEC (25%) and those treated medically (20%; p=0.4). The incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) was significantly increased in infants with NEC (11%) compared with preterm infants (5%; p<0.00001).

Conclusions

This study shows that a large proportion of NEC survivors has NDI. NEC babies are at higher risk of developing IVH and/or PVL than babies with prematurity alone. The degree of NDI seems to correlate to the severity of gut damage, with a worse status in infants with surgical NEC compared with those with medical NEC.

Trial registration number

CRD42019120522.
Bartonellaendocarditis masquerading as systemic vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (aka ‘Löhlein nephritis’)
Authors: Bannon Lian , Choshen Guy , Giladi Michael , Ablin Jacob
Published: December 2019

Bartonellaspecies are fastidious, Gram-negative aerobic rods and a well-recognised pathogen responsible for culture-negative endocarditis. The histopathological appearance of glomerulonephritis (GN) caused byBartonellaendocarditis may include a pauci-immune GN similar to that usually seen in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Herein, we present an unusual case report ofBartonellaendocarditis masquerading as ANCA-positive vasculitis, with crescentic GN. A 66-year-old woman, who had undergone aortic valve replacement 2 years prior to admission, presented with confusion and loss of vision in her right nasal field. Following an extensive diagnostic evaluation, the main findings were right central retinal artery occlusion, ground-glass appearance on chest CT and ANCA-positive, anti PR-3 negative, rapidly progressive GN. The patient was scheduled to start treatment with rituximab for presumed ANCA-positive GN, when a positive serological test forBartonella henselaewas received. In view of this result, a diagnosis of endocarditis was made, based on fulfilment of five Duke minor criteria, namely fever, predisposition, arterial emboli, immunological phenomena and serological evidence of active infection with an organism consistent with infective endocarditis. Immunosuppressive treatment was withheld and antibiotic treatment initiated. This case report emphasises the need for maintaining a high index of suspicion regarding the diagnosis ofBartonellainfection, which might mimic ANCA-associated GN.