bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electrical Method for Determining Journal-Bearing Characteristics
Authors: Carter D. S.
Published: April 2021

More than half a century has passed since Osborne Reynolds employed hydrodynamic principles to derive his well-known differential equation for the pressure distribution in a thin film of viscous fluid under shear. During that time many ingenious methods have been put forward for the solution of Reynolds equation in cases of engineering interest. These methods have been found useful in the few cases to which they have been applied; but none is adaptable to the production, in quantity, of much-needed data. Any future program for the preparation of a comprehensive set of bearing data will surely be carried out with the help of the large, modern, rapid-calculating machines. Until these machines become more readily available, however, the need will remain for improved calculational techniques which require only modest financial and material resources. It was with this need in mind that the work described in the present paper was undertaken.
The Limit Design of a Transversely Loaded Square Grid
Authors: Heyman Jacques
Published: April 2021

An earlier paper discussed the derivation of a breakdown criterion for beams subjected to combined bending and torsion. The present paper deals with the limit design of grids, formed by two sets of parallel beams intersecting at right angles, subjected to transverse loading at the joints. This form of loading introduces both bending and twisting moments in the beams, and modes of failure under these combined actions are investigated. Exact solutions are determined for some simple grids, but general methods are demonstrated which lead to upper and lower bounds on the collapse load.
Torsional Vibration Modes of Tapered Bars
Authors: Fettis H. E.
Published: April 2021

The author offers a solution for the differential equation which governs the torsional vibration modes of a shaft or bar, these modes being simple harmonic functions of time.
Torsion of a Circular Shaft With Diametrically Opposite Flat Sides
Authors: Carter W. J. , Oliphint J. B.
Published: April 2021

The solutions for torsional stress and torsional stiffness of circular shafts with flat sides which are presented in this paper have been obtained by means of the relaxation technique. The solutions for both shear stress and torsional stiffness are given for four ratios of flat side dimension to diameter of the shaft. The stress for a very small flat has been obtained by use of a hydrodynamic analogy to the torsion problem. A comparison of the results obtained is made with those given by Ōkubo.
Investigation of Annular Liquid Flow With Cocurrent Air Flow in Horizontal Tubes
Authors: Abramson A. E.
Published: April 2021

Visual observations and flow analysis were made of annular liquid flow with cocurrent air flow in horizontal tubes. The effect of liquid properties and air-stream conditions on the characteristics of the liquid flow were observed. The results are presented in form of shadowgraph pictures of the liquid flow. Analysis of the flow system related the characteristics of the liquid flow to the flow conditions.
An Airy Integral Analysis of Beam Columns With Distributed Axial Loading Having a Fixed Line of Action
Authors: Tyler C. M. , Christiano J. G.
Published: April 2021

An analytic method of solution of beam columns with partial uniformly distributed axial loading whose line of action does not change as the column deflects is developed in terms of Airy integral functions. This method is valid when the beam bending moment can be expressed or approximated piecewise as a polynomial. A numerical example is included and also tables of the necessary Airy integral functions and their first derivatives.
The Concept of Complex Damping
Authors: Myklestad N. O.
Published: April 2021

In this paper it is shown that if the hysteresis loop for a material has a particular shape the damping can be considered adequately by multiplying the modulus of elasticity of the material by the complex number e2bi where 2b is called the complex damping factor. For small values of b it is shown that both for free and forced vibrations of a simple spring-mass system the motion in the case of complex damping is the same as in the case of viscous damping, with b = c/ccr, except that in the steady-state case the phase angles are slightly different. Also, it is shown how complex damping may be applied to cases of forced vibrations of uniform rods and beams. The greatest advantage of using complex damping, however, is in numerical calculations of forced vibrations of engine crankshafts, airplane wings, and other types of structures; and for such calculations it already has been extensively used.
Large Plastic Deformations of Beams Under Transverse Impact
Authors: Lee E. H. , Symonds P. S.
Published: April 2021

A comparatively simple method of analysis is developed to determine the deformations in a beam subjected to lateral impact of such a magnitude that plastic strains large compared with elastic strains occur. A useful approximation to the motion then can be obtained by neglecting elastic strains and considering rigid-body motion of segments of the beam joined at plastic hinges where the entire deformation takes place. A method of analyzing such a situation is described and applied to a beam subjected to central impact. The approximate final permanent deformation is obtained; this includes deformation during application of the load, and plastic flow which continues afterward when the kinetic energy of the motion generated by the impact is transformed into additional plastic deformation. A criterion is given for conditions when this type of theory can be expected to provide a satisfactory analysis. The method of solution provides an interesting analogy to the concept of static determinacy which has been used in the analysis of quasi-static plastic-flow problems.
The Free Oscillation of the Centrifugal Pendulum With Wide Angles
Authors: Crossley F. R. E.
Published: April 2021

The pendulum torsional vibration absorber, designed usually in the bifilar form, has proved very effective in its purpose, especially in radial aircraft engines. The ordinary theory is based on an assumption of small angles of swing of the pendulum, and this assumption simplifies the equations of motion to linear form. However, wide angles of swing have actually been observed in most installations. Two previous analyses have been made of the wide angle swing, but have shown only the usual lengthening of the period due to wide swing of a gravity-controlled pendulum. Here it is demonstrated that the longer period due to wide angles will be offset by taking a heavier pendulum on a given carrier, for this shortens the period tremendously, as shown in Fig. 2.
Thin Rectangular Plates on Elastic Foundation
Authors: Fletcher H. J. , Thorne C. J.
Published: April 2021

The deflection of a thin rectangular plate on an elastic foundation is given for the case in which two opposite edges have arbitrary but given deflections and moments. Six important cases of boundary conditions on the remaining two edges are treated. The solution is given for general transverse loads which are continuous in one direction and sectionally continuous in the other. By use of the sine transform the solution is obtained as a single trigonometric series. Numerical solutions are obtained for six special cases.
A Nonlinear Problem in the Bending Vibration of a Rotating Beam
Authors: Lo Hsu
Published: April 2021

The problem of bending vibration of a rotating beam is a nonlinear one when the vibration takes place in a plane not perpendicular to the plane of rotation. The nonlinear term arises from the Coriolis acceleration. From the nonlinear equation established, it is found that the existence of periodic solutions depends on the initial conditions, and the most important parameter which affects the periodic solutions is the nondimensional amplitude Ā. The percentage error in the frequency of vibration due to neglect of the Coriolis acceleration is a function of the parameter Ā only. For most of the present-day applications the error is negligible.
Determination of Theoretical Plastic Stress-Strain Relations for Variable Combined Stress Ratios
Authors: Hu L. W. , Marin Joseph
Published: April 2021

To distinguish between the various theories of plastic flow defining plastic stress-strain relations under combined stresses, it is necessary to conduct combined stress tests in which the ratio of the stress components does not remain constant during the test. To compare these results with the flow theory of the second stress-invariant type, graphical methods have been used to determine the combined plastic stress-strain relations based upon the simple tension plastic stress-strain relations. This paper presents an analytical procedure for the determination of these theoretical stress-strain relations. For certain stress conditions the graphical methods have the disadvantage of yielding inaccurate results—an objection not present in the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed analytical method is less time-consuming than the graphical methods.
On Longitudinal Plane Waves of Elastic-Plastic Strain in Solids
Authors: Wood D. S.
Published: April 2021

A theoretical description is given for the propagation of longitudinal plane waves of large lateral extent in solids, for waves of plastic as well as elastic strain. The importance of the hydrostatic compressibility in determining the nature of the waves is brought out. The results are illustrated by a computation of the velocities of propagation of such waves in 24S-T aluminum alloy, and by a computation of the propagation of a pressure pulse of short duration through a flat plate. The later results illustrate the attenuation and change in shape of the pressure pulse during its propagation. The effects of the pressure dependence of the compressibility, the temperature changes accompanying compression, and the time and rate dependence of the mechanical properties, upon the propagation of such waves are discussed qualitatively.
On a General Method of Solving Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equations by Phase-Plane Displacements
Authors: Jacobsen L. S.
Published: April 2021

The phase-plane-delta method of solving second-order differential equations has been illustrated by numerous examples involving graphical constructions. Test cases show good accuracy for practicable size of steps, but, in general, the degree of approximation can be inferred empirically only. The delta method is extremely simple to apply, even to complicated equations. A subprofessional assistant can be instructed quickly in how to use the method, and ordinarily will develop enough speed to become useful in a short time.
Torsion of Uniform Rods With Particular Reference to Rods of Triangular Cross Section
Authors: Nuttall Henry
Published: April 2021

A solution of the Saint-Venant torsion problem is presented which is alternative to that usually adopted. When the cross section has the shape of an isosceles triangle the method also provides a close and useful Rayleigh-Ritz solution. The torsional rigidity has been evaluated for a range of section proportions, and simple expressions for an approximate evaluation of the maximum shearing stress are provided. Use is made of the hydrodynamic analogy to extend the application of these solutions to the problem of the flow of a viscous incompressible fluid in a tube of triangular section.
Fabrication and Testing of Bioinspired Surface Designs for Friction Reduction at the Piston Ring and Liner Interface
Authors: Maddox Shelby R. , Gangopadhyay Arup , Ghaednia Hamed , Cai Jiyu , Han Xiaoxiao , Meng Xiangbo , Goss Josue A. , Zou Min
Published: April 2021

The piston ring and liner interface is a major source of friction loss in automotive combustion engines. This loss can be mitigated by learning from surfaces from nature that manipulate friction. In this study, novel fabrication and testing methods were developed and used to efficiently compare three-dimensional bioinspired surface designs to existing piston liner surface topographies. Surface designs inspired by frog toes were fabricated using two-photon lithography, and their frictional performance is compared to that of typical piston liner topography. These designs reduce surface friction by an average of 18%, and up to 39%, compared to a flat control. The developed fabrication and testing methods allow comparison with existing topographies without needing to transfer the designs to the original materials and provide an efficient approach for designing surfaces to meet the frictional challenges of the future.
Design and Bending Analysis of a Metamorphic Parallel Twisted-Scissor Mechanism
Authors: Suthar Bhivraj , Jung Seul
Published: April 2021

The conventional scissor mechanism is used in modern engineering and robotic applications due to its metamorphic ability. The folding configuration provides space-saving and unfolding provides longer linear expansion capability. However, a conventional scissor suffers unexpected and uncontrolled large bending deformation due to low bending stiffness while unfolding configuration, which may damage its structure. It also has a sudden bending singularity during unfolding, which may also damage the actuator. These limitations impose a significant constraint on real-life applications such as foldable robot arms, space robot arms, and reconfigurable robots. In this paper, we proposed a multi-strands parallel twisted-scissor mechanism (PTSM) to enhance its usability. The PTSM is inspired by a rope structure and designed by introducing a metamorphic segment (MS) using the S-shaped linkage design approach to improve its bending stiffness without affecting conventional scissors’ fundamentals. The PTSM has a unique feature of several automatic-link locking mechanisms to avoid singularity without using additional sensors, mechanism, or control. We experimentally checked the proposed design’s functionality and its feasibility. We formulated a cantilever bending model for foldable PTSM with N metamorphic segments considering revolute joint clearance for bending estimation, experimentally verified, and analyzed the bending deformation in the X–Y and Y–Z planes. Also, it is compared with a conventional scissor. Finally, we found that PTSM is stronger than conventional scissor and can fold/unfold smoothly using a single linear actuator. PTSM can provide large linear displacement with small bending deformation without bending singularity.
Using an Artificial Neural Network to Predict Flame Spread Across Electrical Wires
Authors: Gagnon Lauren , Carey Van P. , Fernandez-Pello Carlos
Published: April 2021

There is currently a global-scale transition from fossil fuel energy technologies toward increasing use of electrically driven energy technologies, especially transportation and heat, fueled by renewable energy sources, which is making fire safety in electrically powered systems increasingly important. The work presented here provides a coherent understanding of flame spread parametric trends and associated fire safety issues in electrical systems for structural, transportation, and space applications. This understanding was obtained through the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) that was trained to predict the flame spread rate along “laboratory” wires of different sizes and compositions (copper, nichrome, iron, and stainless-steel tube cores and HDPE, LDPE, and ETFE insulation sheaths) and exposed to different ambient conditions (varying flows, pressure, oxygen concentration, orientation, and gravitational strength). For these predictions, a comprehensive database of 1200 data points was created by incorporating flame spread rate results from both in-house experiments (400 data points) and external experiments from other sources (800 data points). The predictions from the ANN show that it is possible to merge various data sets, including results from horizontal, inclined, vertical, and microgravity experiments, and obtain unified predictive results. While these initial results are very encouraging with an overall average error rate of 14%, they also show that future improvements to the ANN could still be made to increase prediction accuracy.
Analysis of tin and tin oxide by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Chourasia Anil R. , Hillegas Allen E.
Published: April 2021

Thin film of tin (about 15 nm) was deposited on a silicon ⟨100⟩ substrate by the e-beam evaporation technique. The sample was oxidized in an oxygen atmosphere. Both the elemental tin and the oxidized sample were characterized in situ by the technique of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnesium Kα radiation (energy = 1253.6 eV) was used as the source of x-ray excitation. The data in the tin 3d, 3p, 4p, 4d, Auger MNN regions, and the oxygen 1s region were recorded with a pass energy of 35.75 eV. The oxidized tin was found to form the SnO2 phase. The data will serve as a comparison for the study in this field.
Cr and CrOx etching using SF6 and O2 plasma
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Vy Thi , Jensen Flemming , Hübner Jörg , Shkondin Evgeniy , Cork Roy , Ma Kechun , Leussink Pele , De Malsche Wim , Jansen Henri
Published: April 2021

Chromium is a frequently encountered material in modern nanofabrication, directly as a functional material (e.g., photomask generation) or indirectly as a hard mask (e.g., to etch quartz). With the continuous downscaling of devices, the control of the feature size of patterned Cr and CrOx becomes increasingly important. Cr and CrOx etching is typically performed using chlorine–oxygen-based plasma chemistries, but the nanoscale imposes limitations. In this work, directional etching is demonstrated for the first time using fluorine–oxygen-based plasma. Two cases are studied to demonstrate the Cr etch performance: (i) a plasma mixture of SF6 + O2 and (ii) a switching SF6/O2 procedure in which the plasmas are used sequentially. The proposed mixture performs with Cr etch rates (ERs) up to 400 nm/min at 300 W platen power and is highest when the SF6/O2 gas ratio is ∼0.75%, i.e., almost pure O2 plasma. The profile shows reasonable directionality but the etch selectivity is low, less than 5 toward Si, due to the high generated self-bias of 420 V. The selectivity of the plasma mixture can be improved at a lower plasma power, but this is accompanied with considerable undercut. The etching of CrOx proceeds without the need for O2 in the feed, and, therefore, the ER can reach much higher values (beyond 2000 nm/min at 300 W). As the plasma mixture seems to be inadequate, a sequential process is studied with improved selectivity while preserving directionality. The high selectivity is achieved by using relatively low plasma power (to ensure a low self-bias) and the directionality is due to the time separation of the SF6 and O2 plasmas and a controlled directional removal of CrFx etch inhibiting species. Using such a switched procedure at 30 W plasma power, a selectivity beyond 20 with good profile directionality is achieved and having an etch rate of ∼1 nm per cycle (or 7 nm/min).
Numerical investigations of anisotropic structures of red blood cell aggregates on ultrasonic backscattering
Authors: Chinchilla Lenin , Armstrong Curtis , Mehri Rym , Savoia Alessandro S. , Fenech Marianne , Franceschini Emilie
Published: April 2021

Although quantitative ultrasound techniques based on the parameterization of the backscatter coefficient (BSC) have been successfully applied to blood characterization, theoretical scattering models assume blood as an isotropic scattering medium. However, the red blood cell (RBC) aggregates form anisotropic structures such as rouleaux. The present study proposes an anisotropic formulation of the effective medium theory combined with the local monodisperse approximation (EMTLMA) that considers perfectly aligned prolate-shaped aggregates. Theoretical BSC predictions were first compared with computer simulations of BSCs in a forward problem framework. Computer simulations were conducted for perfectly aligned prolate-shaped aggregates and more complex configurations with partially aligned prolate-shaped aggregates for which the size and orientation of RBC aggregates were obtained from blood optical observations. The isotropic and anisotropic EMTLMA models were then compared in an inverse problem framework to estimate blindly the structural parameters of RBC aggregates from the simulated BSCs. When considering the isotropic EMTLMA, the use of averaged BSCs over different insonification directions significantly improves the estimation of aggregate structural parameters. Overall, the anisotropic EMTLMA was found to be superior to the isotropic EMTLMA in estimating the scatterer volume distribution. These results contribute to a better interpretation of scatterer size estimates for blood characterization.
Evidence for nonlinear reflections in shock-containing noise near high-performance military aircraft
Authors: Vaughn Aaron B. , Leete Kevin M. , Gee Kent L. , Adams Bradley R. , Downing J. Micah
Published: April 2021

Skewness values for the pressure time derivative are greater at ground-based measurements near a tactical aircraft than they are at nearby off-ground locations. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is the occurrence of nonlinear, irregular shock reflections at the ground. Propagation angle, source location, and corresponding angle of incidence relative to the ground are estimated using a two-point cross correlation of windowed shock events. Nonlinear reflections are likely to occur based on the combination of angles of incidence and measured shock strengths and cause a pressure increase at the shock that is greater than twice the free-field pressure. The associated pressure increase at the shocks appears to enhance shock-related metrics at the ground compared to off-ground locations.
Time-resolved rheometry of drying liquids and suspensions
Authors: Lehéricey Pierre , Snabre Patrick , Delots Audrey , Holten-Andersen Niels , Divoux Thibaut
Published: April 2021

From paints to food products, solvent evaporation is ubiquitous and critically impacts product rheological properties. It affects Newtonian fluids by concentrating any nonvolatile components and viscoelastic materials, which harden up. In both of these cases, solvent evaporation leads to a change in the volume of the sample, which makes any rheological measurements particularly challenging with traditional shear geometries. Here, we show that the rheological properties of a sample experiencing “slow” evaporation can be monitored in a time-resolved fashion by using a zero normal force controlled protocol in a parallel-plate geometry. Solvent evaporation from the sample leads to a decrease of the normal force, which is compensated at all times by a decrease of the gap height between the plates. As a result, the sample maintains a constant contact area with the plates, despite the significant decrease of its volume. We validate the method under both oscillatory and continuous shear by accurately monitoring the viscosity of water–glycerol mixtures experiencing evaporation and a relative volume decrease as large as 70%. Moreover, we apply this protocol to drying suspensions. Specifically, we monitor a dispersion of charged silica nanoparticles undergoing a glass transition induced by evaporation. While the decrease in gap height provides a direct estimate of the increasing particle volume fraction, oscillatory and continuous shear measurements allow us to monitor the evolving viscoelastic properties of the suspension in real time. Overall, our study shows that a zero normal force protocol provides a simple approach to bulk and time-resolved rheological characterization for systems experiencing slow volume variations.
Athlete Misconduct and Team Sponsor Stock Prices: The Role of Incident Type and Media Coverage
Authors: Ge Qi , Humphreys Brad R.
Published: April 2021

Companies engaging celebrity athlete endorsers or sponsoring sports teams experience negative stock price impacts if athletes engage in inappropriate behavior. Most previous research assumed homogeneity in the impact of misconduct on stock prices. The authors investigated the possibility that different types of misconduct generate different impacts on stock prices. Results from a number of event study models using 863 incidents of off-field misconduct by National Football League players revealed substantial heterogeneity in the impact of these incidents. Crimes that harmed others and incidents receiving media attention generated larger negative returns.
Intercellular bridges coordinate the transition from pluripotency to meiosis in mouse fetal oocytes
Authors: Soygur B. , Jaszczak R. G. , Fries A. , Nguyen D. H. , Malki S. , Hu G. , Demir N. , Arora R. , Laird D. J.
Published: April 2021

Radial meiotic initiation in the fetal ovary is patterned by Tex14-dependent germ cell bridges that hinder the loss of Dppa3.
How usefulness shapes neural representations during goal-directed behavior
Authors: Castegnetti G. , Zurita M. , De Martino B.
Published: April 2021

The activity of the human prefrontal cortex automatically encodes the usefulness of an item according to the current goal.
NanoSINC-seq dissects the isoform diversity in subcellular compartments of single cells
Authors: Oguchi Yusuke , Ozaki Yuka , Abdelmoez Mahmoud N. , Shintaku Hirofumi
Published: April 2021

Nuclear compartmentalization regulates transcriptional noise in the cytoplasm as an amplifier and an attenuator.
Direct visualization of anionic electrons in an electride reveals inhomogeneities
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Feng Tianli , Hachtel Jordan A. , Ishikawa Ryo , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke , Xing Jie , Idrobo Juan Carlos , Yan Jiaqiang , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi , Sales Brian C. , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Chi Miaofang
Published: April 2021

Anionic electron within an electride was visualized with atomic resolution using differential phase-contrast imaging.
Cues conditioned to withdrawal and negative reinforcement: Neglected but key motivational elements driving opioid addiction
Authors: Pantazis Caroline B. , Gonzalez Luis A. , Tunstall Brendan J. , Carmack Stephanie A. , Koob George F. , Vendruscolo Leandro F.
Published: April 2021

Cues associated with negative reinforcement can stimulate relapse and contribute to opioid use disorder.
Electrical tunability of terahertz nonlinearity in graphene
Authors: Kovalev Sergey , Hafez Hassan A. , Tielrooij Klaas-Jan , Deinert Jan-Christoph , Ilyakov Igor , Awari Nilesh , Alcaraz David , Soundarapandian Karuppasamy , Saleta David , Germanskiy Semyon , Chen Min , Bawatna Mohammed , Green Bertram , Koppens Frank H. L. , Mittendorff Martin , Bonn Mischa , Gensch Michael , Turchinovich Dmitry
Published: April 2021

We turn graphene from an inert electronic material to the most nonlinear material for the terahertz range using a small voltage.
Programmable and reprocessable multifunctional elastomeric sheets for soft origami robots
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ke Xingxing , Jiang Qin , Ding Han , Wu Zhigang
Published: April 2021

2D sheet surfaces are selectively modified and infused with active particles for programmable 3D multifunctional soft robots.
Experience with Liposomal Amphotericin B in Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Burnett Yvonne J. , Spec Andrej , Ahmed Mohamed M. , Powderly William G. , Hamad Yasir
Published: April 2021

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a safe, effective, and convenient treatment strategy for patients receiving intravenous antimicrobials in the outpatient setting; however, data are limited describing the use and safety of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB). Records of patients receiving L-AMB OPAT between 1/1/2015 and 7/31/2018 were retrospectively reviewed.
Core Antibiotic-Induced Transcriptional Signatures Reflect Susceptibility to All Members of an Antibiotic Class
Authors: Martinsen Melanie A. , Jaramillo Cartagena Alexis , Bhattacharyya Roby P.
Published: April 2021

Current growth-based antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is too slow to guide early therapy. We previously developed a diagnostic approach that quantifies antibiotic-induced transcriptional signatures to distinguish susceptible from resistant isolates, providing phenotypic AST 24 to 36 h faster than current methods.
Bacillaene Mediates the Inhibitory Effect of Bacillus subtilis on Campylobacter jejuni Biofilms
Authors: Erega A. , Stefanic P. , Dogsa I. , Danevčič T. , Simunovic K. , Klančnik A. , Smole Možina S. , Mandic Mulec I.
Published: April 2021

Campylobacter jejuni
is an intestinal commensal in animals (including broiler chickens) but also the most frequent cause of bacterial foodborne infection in humans. This pathogen forms biofilms which enhance survival of
C. jejuni
in food processing and thus threaten human health.
In Vitro
Identification and
In Vivo
Confirmation of Inhibitors for
Sweet Potato Chlorotic Stunt Virus
RNA Silencing Suppressor, a Viral RNase III
Authors: Wang Linping , Poque Sylvain , Laamanen Karoliina , Saarela Jani , Poso Antti , Laitinen Tuomo , Valkonen Jari P. T.
Published: April 2021

We report here a high-throughput inhibitor identification method that targets a severe sweet potato virus disease caused by coinfection with two viruses (SPCSV and SPFMV). The disease is responsible for up to 90% yield losses.
A Norovirus Uses Bile Salts To Escape Antibody Recognition While Enhancing Receptor Binding
Authors: Williams Alexis N. , Sherman Michael B. , Smith Hong Q. , Taube Stefan , Pettitt B. Montgomery , Wobus Christiane E. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

The major feature of calicivirus capsids is the 90 protruding domains (P domains) that are the site of cell receptor attachment and antibody epitopes. We demonstrated previously that these P domains are highly mobile and that bile causes these “floating” P domains in mouse norovirus (MNV) to contract onto the shell surface.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages HarryOW and Peeb
Authors: Nieto-Fernandez Fernando E. , Noutsos Christos , Kleopoulos John , Babalola Olubusola , Connaught Belle L. , Shafique Balquees , Farnum Shannon , Nawaz Hammad , Catapano Raymond , Reddy Rita M. , Morales Jorge , Roccanova Patricia , Barrera Shirley
Published: April 2021

HarryOW and Peeb are
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155
Siphoviridae
temperate phages with 52,935 and 41,876 base pairs in genome length, respectively. HarryOW belongs to the A1 subcluster and Peeb to the G1 subcluster. They were isolated and annotated by students from the SUNY Old Westbury Science and Technology Entry Program.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequences of Two Bluetongue Viruses Isolated during the 2020 Outbreak in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Authors: Vandenbussche Frank , Bourg Manon , Mathijs Elisabeth , Lefebvre David J. , De Leeuw Ilse , Haegeman Andy , Aerts Laetitia , Van Borm Steven , De Clercq Kris
Published: April 2021

Bluetongue is one of the major diseases of ruminants listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) has been considered enzootic in France since 2018. Here, we report the nearly complete genome sequences of two BTV-8 isolates from the 2020 outbreak in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Group A Streptococcus necrotising myositis of the limbs secondary to cavitating pneumonia
Authors: Rahi Manveer , Will Malcolm
Published: April 2021

Necrotising myositis is a rare complication of Group A Streptococcus infection requiring early and aggressive surgical management to prevent mortality. However, early diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific initial presentation and a low index of clinical suspicion given the paucity of cases. We highlight these challenges and present a case of a 22-year-old woman presenting with cough, fever and severe limb pain refractory to analgesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We outline potential confounding factors that can delay intervention and offer diagnostic tools that can aid clinical diagnosis of necrotising myositis. In reporting this case, we hope to raise awareness among clinicians to avoid these pitfalls.
Bilateral spontaneous chylothorax presenting as a left-sided neck mass
Authors: Akbar Sarah , Advani Rajeev , Aggarwal Rohini
Published: April 2021

A previously well 36-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of a tender left-sided neck mass associated with left-sided otalgia and odynophagia. On examination, there was a diffuse, tender swelling of the left anterior triangle of the neck with extension onto the anterior chest wall. Ultrasound and CT scans of the neck revealed extensive inflammatory changes in the soft tissues of the neck and a chest X-ray showed blunting of both costophrenic angles. A diagnostic pleural aspiration was subsequently performed and yielded chyle. The patient was commenced on total parenteral nutrition and placed on a low-fat diet; symptoms completely resolved within 5 days, and at follow-up at 6 weeks, there were no further episodes or complications. Bilateral spontaneous chylothorax is a rarely reported phenomenon in the literature; it has been reported in females following the possibility of minor physical exercise such as stretching or hyperextension of the neck.
Early onset calciphylaxis following acute kidney injury secondary to anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease
Authors: Shahzad Sheikh Raza , Alfaris Faris , Arslan Mustafa Erdem , Mehta Swati
Published: April 2021

Calciphylaxis is commonly associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal transplant. We present a rare case of early onset calciphylaxis in a patient presenting with acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibody disease. A 65-year-old obese Caucasian woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with a 1-month history of painless gross haematuria and worsening lower extremity oedema. Laboratory results indicated AKI and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Anti-glomerular antibodies were elevated. Renal biopsy revealed focal crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear capillary immunoglobulin G staining consistent with anti-GBM antibody disease. She was treated with haemodialysis, plasmapheresis, steroids, bumetanide and cyclophosphamide. Two months later, she developed necrotic lesions on bilateral thighs. Wound biopsy was consistent with calciphylaxis. This case highlights that calciphylaxis, usually seen in patients with chronic kidney disease or ESRD, can manifest in patients with AKI as well.
Type 3 antenatal Bartter syndrome presenting with mild polyuria
Authors: Otsubo Yuto , Kano Yuji , Suzumura Hiroshi , Yoshihara Shigemi
Published: April 2021

Bartter syndrome (BS) is a well-recognised inherited tubular dysfunction that causes polyuria, metabolic alkalosis and hypokalaemia. Among BS cases, antenatal/neonatal BS (ABS) usually shows distinct polyhydramnios prenatally and presents features of BS in the early neonatal period. We encountered a premature infant with type 3 ABS presenting with mild polyuria and discuss the pathogenesis of mild polyuria in type 3 ABS. A male infant was born at 31 weeks’ gestation. His mother received amniocentesis because of polyhydramnios. Hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia appeared within 3 days after birth. Metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninaemia and hyperaldosteronism were also identified. Temporary polyuria developed at 1 month after birth; however, the mean urine output during hospitalisation was within the normal range.CLCNKBcompound heterozygous mutations were confirmed. Polyuria of type 3 ABS may be less severe than in other types of ABS. Lower urine sodium loss may be a characteristic feature of type 3 ABS.
Bilateral persistent ophthalmoplegia in a patient with migraine: persistent migraine aura without infarction?
Authors: Prakash Sanjay , Prakash Anurag , Lodha Deepali
Published: April 2021

Migraine auras typically last for 5–60 min. An aura that persists for more than a week without evidence of infarction on neuroimaging is called persistent aura without infarction. Persistent migraine aura without infarction is usually described with visual auras. Herein, we are reporting a 24-year-old man who had an attack of a headache with diplopia, vertigo and tinnitus. Tinnitus and vertigo disappeared within 30 min. The headache also disappeared within 6 hours. However, diplopia and ophthalmoplegia persisted for 4 weeks. Secondary causes of bilateral ophthalmoplegia were ruled out by a proper history, clinical examinations and appropriate investigations. A trial with lamotrigine and sodium valproate led to the complete improvement in ophthalmoplegia within 2 weeks. We considered ophthalmoplegia in this patient as ‘persistent brainstem aura without infarction’. We suggest that a possibility of persistent migraine aura without infarction should be considered in all migraineurs who have unexplained and persistent neurological symptoms.
A rare case of spontaneous haemothorax in patient with haemophilia A
Authors: Tripoppoom Suthaphong , Leelayuwatanakul Nophol
Published: April 2021

Haemorrhage in patients with haemophilia is common after minor trauma but may occur spontaneously. Despite the diversity of bleeding sites, spontaneous haemothorax, on a non-traumatic basis, is an exceedingly rare event and only a few cases had been reported. We present a case of a 43-year-old man with a history of haemophilia A who had pleuritic chest pain for 1 day without significant history of trauma. Diagnostic thoracentesis showed bloody pleural fluid in which neither abnormal cell nor organism was found. He was treated by cryoprecipitate replacement and therapeutic thoracentesis for releasing haemothorax. After discharge, the patient returned for follow-up with complete radiological resolution. Regarding the consequences of retained haemothorax from conservative approach and the procedure-related bleeding of given therapeutic intervention in haemothorax making its management in patients with haemophilia to be more challenging. Our case illustrates a conservative treatment of spontaneous haemothorax in patient with haemophilia resulting in a good clinical outcome.
Prevalence and coprevalence of modifiable risk factors for upper digestive tract cancer among residents aged 40–69 years in Yangzhong city, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Feng Xiang , Hua Zhao-Lai , Zhou Qin , Shi Ai-Wu , Song Tong-Qiu , Qian Dong-Fu , Chen Ru , Wang Gui-Qi , Wei Wen-Qiang , Zhou Jin-Yi , Wang Jie-Jun , Shao Gang , Wang Xi
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for upper digestive tract cancer (UDTC) and its coprevalence, and investigate relevant influencing factors of modifiable UDTC risk factors coprevalence among residents aged 40–69 years in Yangzhong city, China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

A total of 21 175 participants aged 40–69 years were enrolled in the study. 1962 subjects were excluded due to missing age, marital status or some other selected information. Eventually, 19 213 participants were available for the present analysis.

Main outcomes measures

Prevalence and coprevalence of eight modifiable UDTC risk factors (overweight or obesity, current smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient vegetables intake, insufficient fruit intake and the consumption of pickled, fried and hot food) were analysed.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity, current smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient vegetables intake, insufficient fruit intake and the consumption of pickled, fried and hot food in this study was 45.3%, 24.1%, 16.2%, 66.1%, 94.5%, 68.1%, 36.0% and 88.4%, respectively. Nearly all (99.9%) participants showed one or more UDTC risk factors, 98.6% of the participants showed at least two risk factors, 92.2% of the participants had at least three risk factors and 69.7% of the participants had four or more risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that men, younger age, single, higher education, higher annual family income and smaller household size were more likely to present modifiable UDTC risk factors coprevalence.

Conclusions

The prevalence and coprevalence of modifiable UDTC risk factors are high among participants in Yangzhong city. Extra attention must be paid to these groups who are susceptible to risk factors coprevalence during screening progress. Relative departments also need to make significant public health programmes that aim to decrease modifiable UDTC risk factors coprevalence among residents aged 40–69 years from high-risk areas of UDTC.
3219 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in Southeast Michigan: a retrospective case cohort study
Authors: Mulhem Elie , Oleszkowicz Andrew , Lick David
Published: April 2021

Objective

To report the clinical characteristics of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Southeast Michigan.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Eight hospitals in Southeast Michigan.

Participants

3219 hospitalised patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection by nasopharyngeal PCR test from 13 March 2020 until 29 April 2020.

Main outcomes measures

Outcomes were discharge from the hospital or in-hospital death. Examined predictors included patient demographics, chronic diseases, home medications, mechanical ventilation, in-hospital medications and timeframe of hospital admission. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Results

During the study period, 3219 (90.4%) patients were discharged or died in the hospital. The median age was 65.2 (IQR 52.6–77.2) years, the median length of stay in the hospital was 6.0 (IQR 3.2–10.1) days, and 51% were female. Hypertension was the most common chronic disease, occurring in 2386 (74.1%) patients. Overall mortality rate was 16.0%. Blacks represented 52.3% of patients and had a mortality rate of 13.5%. Mortality was highest at 18.5% in the prepeak hospital COVID-19 volume, decreasing to 15.3% during the peak period and to 10.8% in the postpeak period. Multivariable regression showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05, p<0.001) for every increase in 1 year of age and being male (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.81, p<0.001). Certain chronic diseases increased the odds of in-hospital mortality, especially chronic kidney disease. Administration of vitamin C, corticosteroids and therapeutic heparin in the hospital was associated with higher odds of death.

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality was highest in early admissions and improved as our experience in treating patients with COVID-19 increased. Blacks were more likely to get admitted to the hospital and to receive mechanical ventilation, but less likely to die in the hospital than whites.
Qualitative evaluation of a mandatory provincial programme auditing emergency department return visits
Authors: Chartier Lucas B , Jalali Hanna , Seaton M. Bianca , Ovens Howard , Borgundvaag Bjug , McLeod Shelley L , Dainty Katie N , Ostrow Olivia
Published: April 2021

Objective

The objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate the perceived impact and value of the Return Visit Quality Programme (RVQP), a mandatory province-wide emergency department audit programme.

Design

We employed an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach with maximum variation sampling to ensure diverse representation across several geographical and institutional factors. RVQP programme leads were invited to participate in semistructured interviews and snowball sampling was used to reach non-lead physicians to capture the perspectives of those working within the programme.

Setting

In Ontario’s RVQP, participating emergency departments must audit their return visits resulting in admission to identify issues that can be addressed through quality improvement initiatives.

Participants

Between June and August 2018, we interviewed 32 participants (local programme leads and non-lead physicians) from 23 out of the 86 participating centres.

Results

Participants’ perceived impact and value of the programme was associated with the existence (or absence) and nature of the local quality improvement culture, the implementation approach of the programme within their emergency departments, and key aspects of the programme pertaining to medicolegal concerns and resource availability.

Conclusions

This study of an innovative, large-scale programme aimed at promoting continuous quality improvement in emergency departments showed that while its perceived impact has been meaningful, there are key structural and operational elements that support and hinder this aim. Healthcare leaders should consider these findings when looking to implement large-scale audit or quality improvement programmes.
Efficacy of parent-mediated communication-focused treatment in toddlers with autism (PACT) delivered via videoconferencing: a randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Jurek Lucie , Occelli Pauline , Denis Angelique , Amestoy Anouck , Maffre Thierry , Dauchez Tom , Oreve Marie-Joelle , Baghdadli Amaria , Schroder Carmen , Jay Agathe , Zelmar Amélie , Revah-Levy Anne , Gallifet Natacha , aldred Catherine , Garg Shruti , Green Jonathan , Touzet Sandrine , Geoffray Marie-Maude
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Intervention in the preschool period is currently recommended for autism spectrum disorder. Therapies delivered by parents are particularly suitable for young children. Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) is a parent-mediated therapy that has shown a significant and sustained impact on autism symptom reduction. However, access to such evidence-based therapies for families is limited due to autism centres located in large urban areas. Using videoconferencing to deliver PACT training to parents may improve accessibility for families living in underserved areas.

Methods and analysis

This single-blind randomised controlled trial, involving six sites in France, will investigate the efficacy of a telehealth, videoconferencing-based, parent-mediated PACT therapy on autism symptoms, over a 12-month period. It will compare PACT plus treatment as usual (TAU) against TAU only in a cohort of 238 toddlers (119 per group) aged 18–36 months at inclusion and living with their families more than 40 min away from the specialist centres for autism. Primary outcome will include change of overall autism score on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes will measure change in child skills, child functioning, impact on parents (stress, health, priorities) and implementation characteristics. Repeated measures analyses will be used to test the effect of PACT intervention on the overall ADOS module 1 score over the 12-month study period. Linear mixed models will be used with time, treatment allocation and the interaction between treatment and time as fixed effects and individual variation as random effect.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol (V.5, date: 25 October 2019) is approved by the French National Review Board (reference no 2018-A02516-49). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals

Trial registration number

NCT04244721.