bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells and co‐evolution of allele‐specific MHC recognition by the TCR
Authors: Steele Edward J. , Lindley Robyn A.
Published: December 2019

What is the evolutionary mechanism for the TCR‐MHC‐conserved interaction? We extend Dembic's model (Dembic Z. In, Scand J Immunol e12806, 2019) of thymus positive selection for high‐avidity anti–self‐MHC Tregs among double (CD4 + CD8+)‐positive (DP) developing thymocytes. This model is based on competition for self‐MHC (+ Pep) complexes presented on cortical epithelium. Such T cells exit as CD4 + CD25+FoxP3 + thymic‐derived Tregs (tTregs). The other positively selected DP T cells are then negatively selected on medulla epithelium removing high‐avidity anti–self‐MHC + Pep as T cells commit to CD4 + or CD8 + lineages. The process is likened to the competitive selection and affinity maturation in Germinal Centre for the somatic hypermutation (SHM) of rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig) variable region (V[D]Js) of centrocytes bearing antigen‐specific B cell receptors (BCR). We now argue that thesame directSHM processes for TCRs occur in post‐antigenic Germinal Centres, but now occurring in peripheral pTregs. This model provides a potential solution to a long‐standing problem previously recognized by Cohn and others (Cohn M, Anderson CC, Dembic Z. In, Scand J Immunol e12790, 2019) ofhowco‐evolution occurs of species‐specific MHC alleles with the repertoire of their germline TCR V counterparts. We suggest this is not by ‘blind’, slow, and random Darwinian natural selection events, but a rapid structured somatic selection vertical transmission process. The pTregs bearing somatic TCR V mutant genes then, on arrival in reproductive tissues, can donate their TCR V sequences via soma‐to‐germline feedback as discussed in this journal earlier. (Steele EJ, Lindley RA. In, Scand J Immunol e12670, 2018) The high‐avidity tTregs also participate in the same process to maintain a biased, high‐avidity anti–self‐MHC germline V repertoire.
Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria in lung transplant recipients: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on survival and chronic lung allograft dysfunction
Authors: Friedman Daniel Z. P. , Cervera Carlos , Halloran Kieran , Tyrrell Gregory , Doucette Karen
Published: December 2019

Background

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that colonize or infect lung transplant recipients. Because of differences in populations studied and geographical diversity of species, risk factors for infection and its impact on patient outcomes post transplant are conflicting in the literature.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 375 lung transplant recipients at the University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Canada) between 2005 and 2014 to assess NTM epidemiology and risk factors. NTM positivity was determined from a laboratory database. The impact of NTM on patient and graft survival was tested by multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria were cultured from 26 patients before and 17 patients after transplant. The most commonly isolated species were Mycobacterium avium complex (55%) and Mycobacterium abscessus (20%). Five‐year mortality was significantly higher in those infected with NTM after transplant (P = .016), but there was no difference in chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) at 5 years (P = .999). Cystic fibrosis and lower body mass index were associated with pre‐transplant but not post‐transplant NTM.

Conclusions

Isolation of NTM occurred in 7% of patients before and 4.5% of patients after transplant. In this cohort, NTM isolation was associated with increased risk of death but not CLAD onset at 5 years.
The Livable Eighteenth Century
Authors: Currie James R.
Published: December 2019

The third in a set of review articles treating Wye Allanbrook's posthumously published Secular Commedia (University of California Press, 2014). The reviews originated as a panel discussion organized by Edmund J. Goehring at the Mozart Society of America's 2018 meeting at the
University of Western Ontario.
Design of Discretely Tunable Resonant Actuators Using Additive Inertial Units
Authors: Secord Thomas W. , Louwagie Troy R. , Kopas Robert J.
Published: December 2019

Resonance is known to reduce the input energy requirements of various actuator systems. The favorable effects of resonance, however, are limited to a narrow frequency range. To overcome this limitation, we describe a general framework for using discrete units of inertia that can be activated in a binary sense to move a resonant frequency across a desired frequency range. We also enumerate the generalized physical cases in which actuators can energetically benefit from resonance. We develop closed-form optimal results for the idealized case of two binary additive inertial units and extend this to a general optimization scheme for higher numbers of units that introduce parasitic friction and added stiffness. We illustrate the concept of binary tuning with a representative linear translational system powered by a voice coil motor (VCM). The experimental results show good agreement with the intended theoretical design and show the general utility of the binary additive inertia approach.
Analysis of Concentrating Solar Thermal System to Support Thermochemical Energy Storage or Solar Fuel Generation Processes
Authors: Davenport Patrick , Martinek Janna , Ma Zhiwen
Published: December 2019

A Concentrating solar thermal (CST) system integrated with a high-performance solar receiver can provide high-temperature process heat to drive thermochemical energy storage (TCES) or thermochemical fuel production processes with improved equilibrium conversion and fast reaction rates. An advantage of integrating a CST system with a thermochemical process is the ability to store chemical energy in large quantities for continuous downstream operations. However, a challenge in the effective conversion of solar energy to power or fuels is that high-temperature thermochemical process operating conditions require a high solar concentration ratio for efficient operation which imposes design difficulties for solar energy collection. Integration of the solar collection system with a thermochemical process affects the system efficiency and final product cost due to the relatively high solar field cost. Thus, optimization of the collection system provides a significant opportunity to reduce cost of solar thermochemical power or fuel. In this paper, we present a solar field layout strategy and assess the feasibility of a novel planar-cavity receiver to drive thermochemical processes with reaction temperatures in the range of 500–900°C. The complete solar collection system performance is examined and importance of conducting coupled field/receiver analyses is demonstrated by illustrating how improved spillage control by a modified heliostat aiming strategy impacts system radiative losses downstream. The planar-cavity receiver shows improved performance with increasing concentration ratio and superior performance over a flat plate receiver operating under the same prescribed operating conditions.
Parametric Analysis of Particle CSP System Performance and Cost to Intrinsic Particle Properties and Operating Conditions
Authors: Albrecht Kevin J. , Bauer Matthew L. , Ho Clifford K.
Published: December 2019

The use of solid particles as a heat-transfer fluid and thermal storage media for concentrating solar power is a promising candidate for meeting levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) targets for next-generation CSP concepts. Meeting these cost targets for a given system concept will require optimization of the particle heat-transfer fluid with simultaneous consideration of all system components and operating conditions. This paper explores the trade-offs in system operating conditions and particle thermophysical properties on the levelized cost of electricity through parametric analysis. A steady-state modeling methodology for design point simulations dispatched against typical meteorological year (TMY) data is presented, which includes computationally efficient submodels of a falling particle receiver, moving packed-bed heat exchanger, storage bin, particle lift, and recompression supercritical CO2 (sCO2) cycle. The components selected for the baseline system configuration presents the most near-term realization of a particle-based CSP system that has been developed to date. However, the methodology could be extended to consider alternative particle receiver and heat exchanger concepts. The detailed system-level model coupled to component cost models is capable of propagating component design and performance information directly into the plant performance and economics. The system-level model is used to investigate how the levelized cost of electricity varies with changes in particle absorptivity, hot storage bin temperature, heat exchanger approach temperature, and sCO2 cycle operating parameters. Trade-offs in system capital cost and solar-to-electric efficiency due to changes in the size of the heliostat field, storage bins, primary heat exchanger, and receiver efficiency are observed. Optimal system operating conditions are reported, which approach levelized costs of electricity of $0.06 kWe−1hr−1.
On-Sun Characterization of Microchannel Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Solar Thermal Receivers: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Rasouli Erfan , Mande Caton W. , Stevens Matthew M. , Narayanan Vinod
Published: December 2019

The design of, and preliminary on-sun tests on, an 8 cm × 8 cm microchannel supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) receiver is presented. The receiver has a laminated design, wherein sheets of Haynes 230 nickel superalloy are patterned and diffusion bonded to form microscale flow passages. The microscale pattern is in the form of square pins with width and height of 500 μm and 200 μm respectively. The pins are arranged in an in-line pattern with respect to the flow direction. The longitudinal and transverse pitch ratios of the micro pin fins are identical and equal to two times the side width of the pillar. A sCO2 test facility is developed with the ability to supply sCO2 at 200 bar pressure and at temperatures between 300–500°C to the receiver inlet. The sCO2 facility is coupled to a seven meter diameter parabolic dish with a 25 kW rating and a concentration ratio of about 800. On-sun tests are performed at a receiver inlet pressure of 150 bar and a receiver inlet temperature between 110–130°C. Receiver and thermal efficiencies in excess of 0.91 and 0.96 respectively for the incident heat flux ranging from 8 to 80 W/cm2, and average surface temperatures ranging from 150–550°C are obtained in these experiments.
Demonstration Reactor System for the Indirect Solar-Thermochemical Reduction of Redox Particles: The Particle Mix Reactor
Authors: Richter Sebastian , Brendelberger Stefan , Gersdorf Felix , Oschmann Tobias , Sattler Christian
Published: December 2019

In contrast to thermal receivers that provide heat for steam cycles, in solar thermochemistry often receiver-reactors are used, where materials undergo a reaction while being irradiated by concentrated sunlight. When applied to two-step redox cycles, multiple processes take place in such receiver-reactors, though on different time scales. This leads to design compromises and to high technical requirements for the implementation. A concept for an indirect particle-based system for thermochemical cycles was therefore proposed in which the heat required for the reduction of redox particles is provided by inert heat transfer particles that absorb concentrated solar radiation in a dedicated particle receiver. The novel and central component in this indirect system is the particle mix reactor. It functions by mixing the two particle types for heat transfer and establishing a controlled atmosphere under decreased oxygen partial pressures in a common reactor chamber.

The design of an experimental setup for demonstration and investigation of the particle mix reactor is presented in this work. Potential operation modes and design options for particle heater, mixing unit and oxygen partial pressure decrease are discussed and illustrated. The selection of a mixer type is based on the homogeneity of the obtained mixture. It is supported by the use of Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, which were compared to experimental results from a separate setup. Heat loss estimations for the mixing process in the selected mixer geometry are performed for alumina heat transfer particles and strontium iron oxide redox particles.

The components’ geometries, the overall experimental setup design as well as operation steps are presented.
Risk Assessment in Offshore Salt Caverns to Store CO2
Authors: Pestana Marco Aurelio , Bittencourt Morais Carlos Henrique , da Costa Alvaro Maia , Brandão Camila , Martins Marcelo Ramos
Published: December 2019

Although factual experience of developing offshore salt cavern to CO2 disposal in ultra-deep water is unprecedent, the theme has been gaining relevant attention in Brazil, fueled by the challenges imposed by oil production on the Pre-Salt reservoirs. It is true that some authors have conducted researches related to CO2 disposal on onshore salt caverns, but most of the works regarding salt cavern are related to onshore constructions that are used as methane store to supplement gas consumption during the peak energy demands that historically occurs during the winter season in the North hemisphere. This paper aims to contribute for CO2 disposal research, describing the results obtained from the application of a Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA) during the conceptual engineering phase of an offshore salt cavern to store CO2 in Brazilian Pre-Salt.
Development of Improved Reaction Technology Blading (RTB LAR) for Large Steam Turbines
Authors: Haller Brian , D’Ovidio Alberto , Henson Jonathan , Beevers Adam , Gupta Abhimanyu
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper is to present advances in Reaction Technology Blading design for large steam turbines at Low Aspect Ratio, based on ‘Controlled Flow 2-type’ technology. Reaction technology blading has not previously been evaluated like the impulse blading for improvements from advanced aerodynamic technologies. This paper identifies several unique design improvements and validated by advanced analytical modelling and model turbine testing.
Assessing Prestress Losses in a Nuclear Containment Structure for License Renewal
Authors: Kjolsing Eric , James Randy , Kubischta Keith , Parker Dan
Published: December 2019

Nuclear power plants around the world are nearing the end of their designed service life. Sufficient structural capacity must be demonstrated to extend each plant’s operating license when accounting for concrete creep, shrinkage, and tendon relaxation past the original design life. This may take the form of in-situ values which meet the design allowable or, as outlined in this paper, analysis models which demonstrate capacity.

This paper presents an analysis methodology for a concrete containment structure utilizing grouted post-tensioned tendons representative of a non-US design. The methodology is intended to demonstrate that a structure can still meet established design requirements while accounting for creep, shrinkage, and tendon relaxation. The analysis effort is performed in multiple stages. First, design parameters feeding into post-tensioning loss calculations are identified and assigned statistical distributions. Probabilistic estimates of the post-tensioning losses are developed using both a variational and Monte Carlo approach. Second, a finite element model of a representative containment structure is developed with tendons and reinforcement explicitly modeled. Lastly, the finite element model is used in example analyses to demonstrate future performance and pressure capacity accounting for projected tendon losses.
Size Effects on Thermo-Mechanical Performance of U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel Plates
Authors: Ozaltun Hakan , Roh Hee Seok , Mohamed Walid
Published: December 2019

Monolithic fuel is a fuel form that is considered for the conversion of high performance research reactors. This plate-type fuel consists of a high density U-Mo fuel in monolithic form that is sandwiched between zirconium diffusion barriers, and encapsulated in an aluminum cladding. To date, large number of plates have been irradiated with satisfactory perforamce. The program is now moving into the qualification phase, a predecessor to the timely conversion of the target reactors. It must be shown that the fuel system meets the safety standards and performs well in reactor. The requirement to satisfactory irradiation performance under normal operating conditions is primarily demonstrated by a successful testing. Since each reactor employs distinct fuel plate geometries for various consideration with unique plate design features and attributes, a single “generic” plate geometry capturing all of the extremities is not achievable. Furthermore, testing all these geometric and irradiation parameters on a large size plate is not practical. Therefore, a smaller, “down-scaled” versions of fuel plates, are often employed for experimental purposes. This limitation consequently requires much more cautious performance evaluations, as thermal and mechanical response of a plate with certain geometry may not be representative for a plate with a different geometry. To investigate if plate size has any effects on irradiation performance, the plates with various geometric dimensions were parametrically evaluated. In particular, length and width of the plates were varied between the bounding values. Temperature, deformation, stress values were comparatively evaluated. The results have indicated that effects of geometric ratios and plate size variations in length and width directions are insignificant. However, wider plates could become more prone to a warping-type deformation, if there are nonlinearities.
Running State Assessment for Induced Draft Fans Using Auto Encoder Model Combined With Fuzzy Synthetic
Authors: Yang Jiawei , Hu Di , Yang Tao , Gao Wei , Li Chunmei , Huang Zhihui
Published: December 2019

In order to explore the operation and maintenance characteristics of important auxiliary machines in large-scale power plant coal-fired boilers, a running state assessment model for auxiliary equipment is established. In this paper, taking the complex variability of the operating conditions of thermal power equipment into consider, auto encoder model combined with fuzzy synthetic is proposed. Based on the residual of the model results and the actual power plant operation data, combined with the fuzzy evaluation model to establish a state assessment model, and analyze the actual situation of the induced draft fan of the power plant, to make a real-time assessment of operation status. The evaluation results show the advantages of the state assessment strategy proposed in this paper, and it can reflect the deterioration of the induced draft fan status in time, providing guidance for the operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Performance of Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials for Thermal Management of Electronic Components
Authors: Kothari Rohit , Vaidya Dattaraj V. , Shelke Vinay , Sahu Santosh K. , Kundalwal Shailesh I.
Published: December 2019

Present experimental investigation focuses on implementing passive cooling thermal management technique using heat sinks filled with paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM). Al2O3 nanoparticles are dispersed as thermal conductivity enhancer (TCE) in different weight fractions (φ) for improved performance in the PCM. Unfinned and two finned heat sinks are used in this investigation. Experimental analysis is performed on different configurations of heat sinks and nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCMs) consisting various weight fraction of Al2O3 nanoparticles (φ = 0%, 0.5%, 4%, and 6%) for a constant heat flux of 2.0 kW/m2. Results show that latent heat and specific heat capacity decreases with increase in the Al2O3 nanoparticle loading. Addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles in the PCM results in the reduced melting time of PCM. While, pure PCM based heat sinks keeps heat sink base temperature lower for longer time duration.
Deflections of Plates in Research Reactor Fuel by Disparities in Thicknesses of Flow Channels
Authors: Bojanowski C. , Solbrekken G. L. , Schnieders G. H. , Rivers J. D. , Wilson E. H. , Foyto L. P.
Published: December 2019

Low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel element designs for the U.S. high performance research reactors LEU conversion cores have been optimized by each reactor facility to allow the reactors to meet mission, operational, and safety basis requirements using monolithic uranium-molybdenum fuel. As a part of work supporting the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) submitted to the NRC by the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR), the impact of thinner 1.12 mm LEU curved fuel plates, compared to the currently used highly-enriched uranium (HEU) curved plate thickness of 1.27 mm, has been assessed for hydro-mechanical performance.

Plate deflection can be induced by the hydrodynamic pressure differential caused by differences in the thicknesses of surrounding coolant flow channels. An experimental study was conducted on relevant Materials Test Reactor-type (MTR-type) reactor plate geometries in a water flow test loop to validate computational models simulating flow-induced plate deflection. Three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations of the experiments were performed using several commercially available multi-physics simulation codes. Inclusion of as-built geometry of the plates and channels in the simulations was key to achieving good agreement with measured deflections.

The validated computational methodology was applied to a model of the prototypic MURR LEU plate. For the nominal flow conditions, a small deflection of the plate on the order of 5 micrometers was predicted. That deflection is significantly less than the allowances in the PSAR for change in coolant channel thickness.

The experimental model validation of plate deflection is important since conventional figures of merit for the robustness of MTR-type fuel plates under flow, such as the Miller critical velocity, often show a weak correlation with the prediction of stability. Subsequent to this work, irradiation qualification of the MURR LEU fuel element design has begun and will conclude with a full-size demonstration element test.
Optimizing Natural Gas Combined Cycle Part Load Operation
Authors: Flores Robert , Brouwer Jack
Published: December 2019

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) uses a 19 MW natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) to provide nearly all campus energy requirements. Meanwhile, the University of California system has committed to achieving carbon neutrality at all facilities by 2025. This has resulted in an influx of new energy efficiency and onsite solar generation, increasing the duration of NGCC part load operation. In addition, the shift towards carbon neutrality has resulted in the pursuit of renewable natural gas via anaerobic digestion to replace conventional fossil fuels. The combination of other sources of renewable generation and the shift towards more expensive fuels has created the need to boost NGCC part load performance. This work focuses on the methods used at UCI to explore the NGCC operating space in order to optimize part-load performance. In this work, a physical gas turbine and heat recovery steam generator model are developed and used with an exhaustive search optimization method to predict maximum part load plant efficiency. NGCC control elements considered in this work include gas turbine inlet guide vane modulation and changing combustor outlet temperature. This optimization was also used to explore replacing the current engine with a two-shaft or smaller gas turbine. Results indicate that there are some possible benefits with increased modulation of inlet guide vanes, but the largest efficiency gains are achieved when allowing the compressor to operate at variable speed. Shifting towards a smaller engine could also enable more consistent full power operation, but must be paired with additional resources in order to meet the campus demand.
Monosaccharides: A ToF-SIMS reference spectra database. II. Positive polarity
Authors: Bernard Laetitia , Crockett Rowena , Kawecki Maciej
Published: December 2019

The number of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry studies on biological tissues and cells has strongly increased since the development of primary ion sources that allow not only elemental but also molecular analysis. Substantial fragmentation during ionic bombardment results in a large number of peaks, rendering data analysis complex. Complete and trustable sets of reference spectra for the main biological building blocks, i.e., amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids, and nucleotides, are required. This work aims to provide an accurate and extensive library of reference spectra for monosaccharides, measured with the Bi3+ primary ion. Here (Paper II), the positive polarity spectra and lists of associated characteristic fragments are presented.
Vibrio cholerae
at the Intersection of Immunity and the Microbiome
Authors: Weil Ana A. , Becker Rachel L. , Harris Jason B.
Published: December 2019

Vibrio cholerae
is a noninvasive pathogen that colonizes the small intestine and produces cholera toxin, causing severe secretory diarrhea. Cholera results in long lasting immunity, and recent studies have improved our understanding of the antigenic repertoire of
V. cholerae
. Interactions between the host,
V. cholerae
, and the intestinal microbiome are now recognized as factors which impact susceptibility to cholera and the ability to mount a successful immune response to vaccination.
Rectal Microbiome Composition Correlates with Humoral Immunity to HIV-1 in Vaccinated Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Elizaldi Sonny R. , Verma Anil , Walter Korey A. , Rolston Matthew , Dinasarapu Ashok R. , Durbin-Johnson Blythe P. , Settles Matthew , Kozlowski Pamela A. , Raeman Reben , Iyer Smita S.
Published: December 2019

There is considerable effort directed toward evaluating HIV-1 vaccine platforms to select the most promising candidates for enhancing mucosal HIV-1 antibody. The most successful thus far, the RV144 trial provided partial protection due to waning HIV-1 antibody titers. In order to develop an effective HIV vaccine, it may therefore be important to understand how biological factors, such as the microbiome, modulate host immune responses. Furthermore, as intestinal microbiota antigens may generate antibodies cross-reactive to the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, understanding the relationship between gut microbiota composition and HIV-1 envelope antibody responses after vaccination is important. Here, we demonstrate for the first time in rhesus macaques that the rectal microbiome composition can influence HIV-1 vaccine immunogenicity, and we report temporal changes in the mucosal microbiome profile following HIV-1 vaccination. Our results could inform findings from the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) vaccine studies and contribute to an understanding of how the microbiome influences HIV-1 antibody responses.
An uncommon cause for a breast abscess:Actinomyces turicensiswithPeptoniphilus harei
Authors: Le Bihan Audrey , Ahmed Farid , O'Driscoll Jean
Published: December 2019

Our case report describes a patient with a common presenting complaint yet an uncommon infection. Our patient presented with a fluctuant breast mass diagnosed as a breast abscess. An aspirate sample was sent for culture and sensitivities, which revealed the presence ofActinomyces turicensisand the anaerobePeptoniphilus harei. She was therefore prescribed several weeks of amoxicillin and metronidazole, and made a full recovery. There are only three case reports describingA. turicensisas a causative organism for breast abscess, one of which had also occurred in our department. One case also showed the additional presence ofP. harei. Our findings reveal a growing need for increasing clinician awareness ofA. turicensisand the importance of aspirate sample culture and sensitivity.
Successful multimodality management of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension during pregnancy with VA-ECMO and atrial septostomy using stent
Authors: Phoophiboon Vorakamol , Jaimchariyatam Nattapong , Srimahachota Suphot , Sirinawin Chayatat
Published: December 2019

A 30-year-old Thai woman (gravida 1, para 0) at 33 weeks gestation was referred to our hospital due to acute right ventricular failure. Pulmonary vasodilators were gradually administered before delivery. On the verge of sudden postpartum cardiac circulation collapse, she was resuscitated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Abdominal compartment syndrome was developed in the early period of the mechanical support. Knowledge of pathophysiology about pulmonary arterial hypertension during pregnancy was applied. Atrial septostomy was the effective procedure for discontinuing mechanical support (VA-ECMO) corresponding to the suitable timing for maximal effect of pulmonary vasodilators. The patient and her child were safe and discharged in 2 months after the admission.
Making an objective diagnosis of tetanus—utility of a simple neurophysiological test
Authors: Imtiaz Hina , Hakeem Haris , Alam Anusha , Kanwar Dureshahwar
Published: December 2019

Tetanus remains a significant cause of mortality especially in the developing world. Early diagnosis and institution of treatment is critical to prevent fatal complications. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, which may sometimes be difficult, especially in case of localised tetanus. Being able to diagnose tetanus objectively is invaluable in such cases. In this regard, masseter inhibitory reflex (MIR) is a simple neurophysiological test that can be performed at the bedside. Herein, we report a case of craniocervical tetanus that was objectively diagnosed using MIR and adequately treated.
Lifestyle medicine and use of technology in current healthcare
Authors: Wani Rabbanie Tariq
Published: December 2019

Lifestyle medicine is growing at a rapid pace globally and for its advent, the use of technology is still wavy. With the boom in technology, healthcare related technology has become inconspicuous and an obligatory component for improvisation of lifestyle medicine. The spread of lifestyle medicine has to go hand in hand with technology utilisation for research purpose as well as for practicing lifestyle medicine. There is a biassed opinion among masses against technology for disturbing the lifestyle of current generation. Since a lot has been written and propagated against technology in lifestyle medicine, there is a need to highlight the benefits of technology in lifestyle medicine and how it can improve the clinical practice of lifestyle medicine physicians. For this purpose, research and practice to use these devices should go together for benefit and spread of lifestyle medicine.
Reporting specifications regarding epilepsy practice guidelines based on the RIGHT reporting checklist: an analysis
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Zhang Yu , Guo Wei , Hu Xiaoyang Mio , Gao Xiao , Lu Liming
Published: December 2019

Objective

Clinical guidelines are designed to optimise patient care and provide efficient approaches for therapy. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that continues to experience a considerable treatment gap due to non-standard recommendations. We assessed the reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines on epilepsy over the past 5 years to generate a reporting specification for this study.

Setting

Seven databases were searched in May 2018 focusing on the period from 2013 to 2018. These included Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). Reporting quality of epilepsy guidelines was assessed by two independent authors using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare (RIGHT) approach. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess inter-rater reliability.

Participants

Participants with epilepsy or seizure, not limited by age, gender, course of disease or cause of epilepsy, were included.

Interventions

There were no limitations with regard to intervention.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome was the ability of the RIGHT tool to measure reporting quality.

Results

Twelve relevant guidelines were included in this study. The reporting quality was not high in any of the included guidelines. The highest reporting quality included a ‘yes’ proportion of 77.1%, whereas the worst included a corresponding proportion of 37.1%. Overall evaluation results showed that 16.7% of the included guidelines were of high quality, 75% were of medium quality and 8.3% were of low quality. The correlation between the two estimators was credible (ρ>0.7).

Conclusions

Appraisal of these guidelines using the RIGHT tool revealed that the quality of reporting varied among guidelines. Items that exhibited low quality in most included guidelines were healthcare questions, rationale/explanation for recommendations, quality assurance, funding source(s) and role(s) of the funder, and limitations of the guideline. Thus, these aspects should receive greater attention in future guideline reporting.
Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome patients’ and parents’ perceptions of recovery
Authors: Harland Matthew Robert , Parslow Roxanne Morin , Anderson Nina , Byrne Danielle , Crawley Esther
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is common in children and adolescents; however, little is known about how we should define recovery. This study aims to explore perceptions of recovery held by paediatric patients with CFS/ME and their parents.

Methods

Children with CFS/ME and their parents were recruited through a single specialist paediatric CFS/ME service. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with children and parents. The interview questions explored how participants would know if they/their child had recovered from CFS/ME. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns within the data.

Results

Twenty-one children with CFS/ME, twenty mothers and two fathers were interviewed. Some children found it hard to define recovery as the illness had become a ‘new normal’. Others thought recovery would indicate returning to pre-morbid levels of activity or achieving the same activity level as peers (socialising, education and leisure activities). Increased flexibility in routines and the absence of payback after activities were important. The interviews highlighted the concept of recovery as highly individual with wide variation in symptoms experienced, type and level of activity that would signify recovery. Parents describe how changes in mood and motivation would signify their child’s recovery, but children did not reflect on this.

Conclusion

Some parents and children struggle to define what would constitute complete recovery. However, signs of recovery were more easily identifiable. Definitions of recovery went far beyond symptom reduction and were focused towards rebuilding lives.
Good staining quality ensuring the reproducibility of Ki67 assessment
Authors: Wang Yeh-Han , Lai Chiung-Ru , Lien Huang-Chun , Hsu Chih-Yi
Published: December 2019

Aims

Although Ki67 labelling index (LI) is a prognostic and predictive marker in breast cancer, its accuracy and reproducibility must be validated before its clinical application. We aimed to evaluate the agreement of Ki67 LI in clinical practice in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a Ki67 immunohistochemistry (IHC) proficiency test. The participants performed the Ki67 IHC test and measured the Ki67 LI of 10 cases of breast cancer tissue on a microarray slide. The staining quality was centrally reviewed based on the Ki67 staining of the tonsil surface epithelium.

Results

Ki67 staining and counting methods are diverse in Taiwan. The reproducibility of Ki67 LI was poor to good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.581, 95% CI 0.354 to 0.802). The reproducibility and agreement in the high staining quality group were significantly higher than those in the low staining quality group. The majority of the Ki67 LIs derived from the low staining quality group were underestimated. Different counting methods did not reveal significant differences when determining Ki67 LI with microarray sections.

Conclusions

We suggest using the surface epithelium of the tonsil as external control and achieving optimal staining results that consist of a high positive parabasal layer, a low positive intermediate layer and a negative superficial layer. Good Ki67 staining quality can minimise the staining variations among different laboratories, and it is essential for the reproducibility of Ki67 LI.
Microbial response to carbon and nutrient additions in boreal forest soils and coversoils used during post-mining reclamation
Authors: Lejoly Justine , Quideau Sylvie A. , Rees Frédéric
Published: December 2019

Two types of organic-matter-rich coversoils are used during reclamation in the oil sands region of Alberta: forest floor material (FFM) salvaged from upland forests, and peat material (PM) salvaged from boreal wetlands. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that carbon (C) and nutrient availability may limit microbial activity in these reclamation materials by measuring their response to either 13C-labeled glucose or NPKS addition. Coversoil materials were compared with two natural forest soils corresponding to target sites for reclamation. A shift in microbial community structure (determined using phospholipid fatty acid analysis) was detected after both additions, but it was stronger with glucose than NPKS, especially for the two reclamation materials. For all soils, the increase in microbial respiration was stronger after glucose than after NPKS addition. The majority of CO2 originated from soil organic matter (SOM) for the natural forest soils but from glucose for the reclamation materials. In PM, glucose addition triggered SOM mineralization, as shown by a positive priming effect. Despite the absence of a priming effect for FFM, microbial communities incorporated higher rates of glucose into their biomass and respired double the amount of glucose compared with the other materials. Furthermore, the overall microbial community structure in the FFM became more similar to that of the natural forest soil materials following glucose addition. These findings indicate that C and NPKS limitations were stronger for the two reclamation materials than for the two natural forest soils. Furthermore, microbial communities in the two reclamation materials responded more readily to labile C than to NPKS addition.
Contraction for large perturbations of traveling waves in a hyperbolic–parabolic system arising from a chemotaxis model
Authors: Choi Kyudong , Kang Moon-Jin , Kwon Young-Sam , Vasseur Alexis F.
Published: December 2019

We consider a hyperbolic–parabolic system arising from a chemotaxis model in tumor angiogenesis, which is described by a Keller–Segel equation with singular sensitivity. It is known to allow viscous shocks (so-called traveling waves). We introduce a relative entropy of the system, which can capture how close a solution at a given time is to a given shock wave in almost [Formula: see text]-sense. When the shock strength is small enough, we show the functional is non-increasing in time for any large initial perturbation. The contraction property holds independently of the strength of the diffusion.
Estimating Twitter Influential Users by Using Cluster-Based Fusion Methods
Authors: Kanavos Andreas , Georgiou Alexandros , Makris Christos
Published: December 2019

A considerable part of social network analysis literature is dedicated to determining which individuals are to be considered as influential in particular social settings. Concretely, Social Influence can be described as the power or even the ability of a person to yet influence the thoughts as well as the actions of other users. So, User Influence stands as a value that depends on the interest of the followers of a concrete user (via retweets, replies, mentions, favorites, etc.). This paper focuses on identifying such phenomena on the Twitter graph and on presenting a novel methodology for characterizing Twitter Influential Users. The novelty of our approach lies in the fact that we have incorporated a set of features for characterizing social media authors, including both nodal and topical metrics, along with new features concerning temporal aspects of user participation on the topic. We have also implemented cluster-based fusion techniques in order to retrieve result lists for the ranking of top influential users. Hence, results show that the proposed implementations and methodology can assist in identifying influential users, that play a dominant role in information diffusion.
RNA Splicing by the Spliceosome
Authors: Wilkinson Max E. , Charenton Clément , Nagai Kiyoshi
Published: December 2019

The spliceosome removes introns from messenger RNA precursors (pre-mRNA). Decades of biochemistry and genetics combined with recent structural studies of the spliceosome have produced a detailed view of the mechanism of splicing. In this review, we aim to make this mechanism understandable and provide several videos of the spliceosome in action to illustrate the intricate choreography of splicing. The U1 and U2 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) mark an intron and recruit the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP. Transfer of the 5′ splice site (5′SS) from U1 to U6 snRNA triggers unwinding of U6 snRNA from U4 snRNA. U6 folds with U2 snRNA into an RNA-based active site that positions the 5′SS at two catalytic metal ions. The branch point (BP) adenosine attacks the 5′SS, producing a free 5′ exon. Removal of the BP adenosine from the active site allows the 3′SS to bind, so that the 5′ exon attacks the 3′SS to produce mature mRNA and an excised lariat intron.
Smart Responsive Polymers: Fundamentals and Design Principles
Authors: Mukherji Debashish , Marques Carlos M. , Kremer Kurt
Published: December 2019

In this review, we summarize recent theoretical and computational developments in the field of smart responsive materials, together with complementary experimental data. A material is referred to as smart responsive when a slight change in external stimulus can drastically alter its structure, function, or stability. Because of this smart responsiveness, these systems are used for the design of advanced functional materials. The most characteristic properties of smart polymers are discussed, especially polymer properties in solvent mixtures. We show how multiscale simulation approaches can shed light on the intriguing experimental observations. Special emphasis is given to two symmetric phenomena: co-non-solvency and co-solvency. The first phenomenon is associated with the collapse of polymers in two miscible good solvents, whereas the latter is associated with the swelling of polymers in poor solvent mixtures. Furthermore, we discuss when the standard Flory–Huggins-type mean-field polymer theory can (or cannot) be applied to understand these complex solution properties. We also sketch a few examples to highlight possible future directions, that is, how smart polymer properties can be used for the design principles of advanced functional materials.
Majorana Zero Modes in Networks of Cooper-Pair Boxes: Topologically Ordered States and Topological Quantum Computation
Authors: Oreg Yuval , von Oppen Felix
Published: December 2019

Recent experimental progress introduced devices that can combine topological superconductivity with Coulomb-blockade effects. Experiments with these devices have already provided additional evidence for Majorana zero modes in proximity-coupled semiconductor wires. They also stimulated numerous ideas for how to exploit interactions between Majorana zero modes generated by Coulomb charging effects in networks of Majorana wires. Coulomb effects promise to become a powerful tool in the quest for a topological quantum computer as well as for driving topological superconductors into topologically ordered insulating states. Here, we present a focused review of these recent developments, including discussions of recent experiments, designs of topological qubits, Majorana-based implementations of universal quantum computation, and topological quantum error correction. Motivated by the analogy between a qubit and a spin-1/2 degree of freedom, we also review how coupling between Cooper-pair boxes leads to emergent topologically ordered insulating phases.
Traffic Oscillations Mitigation in Vehicle Platoon Using a Car-Following Control Model for Connected and Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Gao Zhijun , Wang Jiangfeng , Zhang Xi , Dong Jiakuan , Chen Lei , Yan Xuedong , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2019

Traffic oscillations often occur in road traffic, they make traffic flow unstable, unsafe and inefficient. Emerging connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies are potential solutions to mitigating the traffic oscillations for the advantages that CAVs are controllable and cooperative. In order to study a control strategy and the effectiveness of CAVs in mitigating traffic oscillations and improving traffic flow and analyse the characteristics of homogeneous traffic flow made up of CAVs and heterogeneous traffic flow made up of CAVs and RVs when traffic oscillations appear in traffic flow. Firstly, the formation and propagation of traffic oscillations in a platoon of RVs are simulated and analysed. Then, a car-following control model is built to control the longitudinal motion of CAVs, and real-time information of preceding CAV is used in the model and this can make the motion of CAVs more cooperative. The model reflects an idea named “slow-in” and “fast-out,” and this idea is helpful to mitigate traffic oscillations. Then, numerical simulations of homogeneous traffic flow of a platoon of CAVs and simulations of heterogeneous traffic flow containing CAVs and RVs are conducted, and different penetration rates (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1) of CAVs are considered in the simulations of heterogeneous traffic flow. The characteristics and evolution of traffic flow are analysed and some indexes reflecting traffic efficiency and stability are calculated and analysed. Simulation results show that there are smaller velocity fluctuation, less stopping time and shorter length of road occupied when vehicle platoon contains CAVs (penetration rates are from 0.2 to 1) compared to the platoon containing only RVs (without CAVs). As for the heterogeneous traffic flow containing CAVs and RVs, these three indexes decrease with the increase of penetration rates (from 0.2 to 1) of CAVs. These results indicate that CAVs with the car-following control model in vehicle platoon are beneficial for mitigating traffic oscillations and improving traffic flow.
Reconstruction of 3D Temperature Profile of Radiative Participatory Flame Based on Digital Refocusing Technique of Light Field Camera
Authors: Zhang Biao , Wang Chen , Liu Yudong , Xu Chuanlong , Qi Qi
Published: December 2019

Accurate and reliable measurements of the 3D flame temperature profile are highly desirable to achieve in-depth understanding of the combustion and pollutant formation processes. In this paper, a measurement method for reconstruction of a 3D flame temperature profile was proposed by using a light field camera. It combines the convolution imaging model and radiative transfer equation and takes into account the characteristics of emission, absorption, and scattering of a semitransparent flame. According to the point spread function characteristics of the imaging system, the number and positions of the refocus planes were set by comprehensive consideration of the reconstruction accuracy and efficiency. The feasibility of the present method was proved by numerical simulation and an experiment of a candle flame. This method achieves the reconstruction of a 3D asymmetric flame profile through a single exposure of a single camera, which overcomes the problem of complexity of a multicamera system and the time delay of a conventional scanning camera system.