bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk predictions of physical aggression in acute psychiatric wards: Findings of a prospective study
Authors: Yalcin Suna , Bilgin Hulya
Published: February 2019

This study was conducted using prospective methods to analyze predictions of the risk of physical aggression from patients with a mental illness and the variables used in these predictions. A total of 252 individuals participated in the study, all of whom were inpatients in acute psychiatric wards. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two questions designed to determine the nature of predictions of the risk of physical aggression from mental health patients at admission and the variables used to make these predictions. Descriptive statistics and χ2‐tests were used for the data analysis. For approximately two thirds of the patients (61.9%, n = 156), a low‐level risk was predicted. The rate of patients predicted to demonstrate physical aggression was significantly higher. Nurses were better able to predict non‐aggressive behavior than risks of aggressive behavior. To improve the accuracy of predicting which patients with a mental illness will show aggressive behavior, a risk assessment should be conducted during hospitalization. Using a person‐centered approach, administrators in psychiatric settings should adopt an integrative perspective, considering individual and environmental factors, via a multi‐disciplinary approach.
Beyond preference and performance: host plant selection by monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus
Authors: Jones Patricia L. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: February 2019

The connection between adult preferences and offspring performance is a long‐standing issue in understanding the evolutionary and ecological forces that dictate host associations and specialization in herbivorous insects. Indeed, decisions made by females about where to lay their eggs have direct consequences for fitness and are influenced by interacting factors including offspring performance, defence and competition. Nonetheless, in addition to these attributes of the offspring, a female's choices may be affected by her own prior experience. Here we examined oviposition preference, larval performance and the role of learning in the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, which encounters diverse milkweed host species across its broad range and over the course of migration. Monarch females consistently preferred to oviposit on Asclepias incarnata subspecies pulchra. This plant, however, was associated with poor caterpillar growth, low sequestration of toxins and the highest plant defences (latex and trichomes). We examined flexibility in this apparently maladaptive preference by testing the impact of previous experience and competition on preference. Experience laying on an alternative plant species enhanced preference for that species in contrast to A. i. pulchra. In addition, presence of a (competing) conspecific caterpillar on A. i. pulchra had a strongly deterrent effect and reversed host plant preferences. Thus, monarch butterflies exhibit preferences contrary to what would be expected based on offspring development and sequestered defences, but their preferences are altered by learning and competition, which may allow butterflies to shift preferences as they encounter diverse milkweeds across the landscape. Learning and perception of threats (i.e. competition or predation) may be critical for most herbivorous insects, which universally experience heterogeneity among their potential host plants.
Treatment of Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation with Acromioclavicular Joint Hook Plate
Authors: Qu Yan‐zhen , Xia Tian , Liu Guo‐hui , Zhou Wu , Mi Bo‐bin , Liu Jing , Guo Xiao‐dong
Published: February 2019

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using acromioclavicular joint hook plates for the treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation.

Methods

Ten patients who suffered anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation were retrospectively analyzed, and underwent acromioclavicular joint hook plate surgeries from January 2015 to May 2017. There were 7 male and 3 female patients, with a mean age of 43.6 years. According to the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scoring system, the preoperative physical function had a mean of 83.5.

Results

Reduction and fixation were performed with hook plates in all 10 patients. All patients were followed up, with a mean duration of 16.9 months. There were no complications, no wound infections, and no plate or screw breakages. Movement of the shoulder girdle was improved in all patients. According to the ASES scoring system, the postoperative physical function had a mean of 94.8.

Conclusion

The acromioclavicular joint hook plate demonstrates safety and efficacy for the treatment of anterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation. However, there are still some deficiencies that need to be improved.
A purple acid phosphatase, GmPAP33, participates in arbuscule degeneration during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in soybean
Authors: Li Chengchen , Zhou Jia , Wang Xiurong , Liao Hong
Published: February 2019

Arbuscules are the central structures of the symbiotic association between terrestrial plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. However, arbuscules are also ephemeral structures, and following development, these structures are soon digested and ultimately disappear. Currently, little is known regarding the mechanism underlying the digestion of senescent arbuscules. Here, biochemical and functional analyses were integrated to test the hypothesis that a purple acid phosphatase, GmPAP33, controls the hydrolysis of phospholipids during arbuscule degeneration. The expression of GmPAP33 was enhanced by AM fungal inoculation independent of the P conditions in soybean roots. Promoter‐β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter assays revealed that the expression of GmPAP33 was mainly localized to arbuscule‐containing cells during symbiosis. The recombinant GmPAP33 exhibited high hydrolytic activity towards phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidic acid. Furthermore, soybean plants overexpressing GmPAP33 exhibited increased percentages of large arbuscules and improved yield and P content compared with wild‐type plants when inoculated with AM fungi. Mycorrhizal RNAi plants had high phospholipid levels and a large percentage of small arbuscules. These results in combination with the subcellular localization of GmPAP33 at the plasma membrane indicate that GmPAP33 participates in arbuscule degeneration during AM symbiosis via involvement in phospholipid hydrolysis.
Ozone effects on plants in natural ecosystems
Authors: Grulke N. E. , Heath R. L.
Published: February 2019

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is an important stressor in natural ecosystems, with well‐documented impacts on soils, biota and ecological processes. The effects of O3 on individual plants and processes scale up through the ecosystem through effects on carbon, nutrient and hydrologic dynamics. Ozone effects on individual species and their associated microflora and fauna cascade through the ecosystem to the landscape level. Systematic injury surveys demonstrate that foliar injury occurs on sensitive species throughout the globe. However, deleterious impacts on plant carbon, water and nutrient balance can also occur without visible injury. Because sensitivity to O3 may follow coarse physiognomic plant classes (in general, herbaceous crops are more sensitive than deciduous woody plants, grasses and conifers), the task still remains to use stomatal O3 uptake to assess class and species’ sensitivity. Investigations of the radial growth of mature trees, in combination with data from many controlled studies with seedlings, suggest that ambient O3 reduces growth of mature trees in some locations. Models based on tree physiology and forest stand dynamics suggest that modest effects of O3 on growth may accumulate over time, other stresses (prolonged drought, excess nitrogen deposition) may exacerbate the direct effects of O3 on tree growth, and competitive interactions among species may be altered. Ozone exposure over decades may be altering the species composition of forests currently, and as fossil fuel combustion products generate more O3 than deteriorates in the atmosphere, into the future as well.
Dementia with Lewy bodies presenting as frontotemporal dementia phenotype
Authors: Nagahama Yasuhiro , Fukui Toshiya
Published: February 2019

We herein report two patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) presenting characteristic symptoms suggestive of the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Patient 1 presented behavioural and personality changes from the onset, such as restlessness, compulsive behaviours, and stereotypical speech. A neuroimaging study showed preferential frontal involvement, and this patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for bvFTD. However, 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine cardiac scintigraphy revealed a markedly lowered uptake, suggesting the diagnosis of possible DLB. Patient 2 fulfilled the criteria for probable DLB, but later presented bvFTD‐like symptoms similar to those in patient 1. These patients suggest that DLB can be a candidate for differential diagnosis of bvFTD in the clinical setting.
Tim‐3 regulates inflammatory cytokine expression and Th17 cell response induced by monocytes from patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Junyan , Li Chan , Fu Juanjuan , Wang Xia , Feng Xia , Pan Xiucheng
Published: February 2019

Tim‐3 is expressed on monocytes/macrophages and is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Tim‐3 on inflammatory response triggered by peripheral monocytes from patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Tim‐3 expression on peripheral monocytes and frequency of Th17 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from CHB patients were detected. Followed by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) activation of circulating monocytes from CHB patients, expression of inflammatory cytokines including TNF‐α，IL‐1β and IL‐6 were examined in the presence and absence of Galectin‐9 which is the ligand for Tim‐3. Subsequently, after purified CD4+T cells were cocultured with LPS‐activated monocytes from CHB patients in the presence of anti‐Tim‐3 antibody, percentage of Th17 cells and production of IL‐17 were measured. Tim‐3 expression was significantly upregulated and closely correlated to the frequency of Th17 cells in patients with CHB. Expression of TNF‐α，IL‐1β and IL‐6 increased significantly in monocytes stimulated with LPS and Galectin‐9, compared to LPS stimulation alone. LPS‐activated monocytes from CHB patients could drive differentiation of memory CD4+T cells to Th17 cells. However, under the blockade of Tim‐3 signalling by anti‐Tim‐3 antibody, percentage of Th17 cells and production of IL‐17 decreased significantly. Our results demonstrate that upregulated expression of Tim‐3 on circulating monocytes accelerates inflammatory response by promoting production of inflammatory cytokines and Th17 responses in CHB.
Sexual and Religious Obsessions in Relation to Suicidal Ideation in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Abdel Hamid Ahmed A. L. , Nasreldin Mohamed , Gohar Sherif M. , Saleh Alia A. , Tarek Mennat‐Allah
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Obsessions and suicidal behavior are common among patients with bipolar disorder. The relation between them and their impact on disease severity should be a focus of attention. This study aimed at assessment of the presence of sexual and religious obsessions in patients with bipolar disorder and their relation to suicide ideation.

Methods

Ninety patients diagnosed with bipolar I disorder were recruited consecutively and subdivided into two groups: bipolar disorder with and without sexual/religious obsessions. Both groups were subjected to Dimensional Yale‐Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (DY‐BOCS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI).

Results

Patients with bipolar disorder and sexual/religious obsessions were 54.4% (n = 49) of the total sample, and they showed significantly higher number of suicidal attempts, more severe depression, and suicidal ideation than those without sexual/religious obsessions. BSSI showed significantly positive correlation with HAMD and DY‐BOCS sexual and religious obsessions dimension‐related distress.

Conclusion

Sexual and religious obsessions tend to be more frequent among patients with bipolar disorder. Higher depression and obsessive‐related distress potentially contribute to the increased risk of suicidal ideation.
A cream containing omega‐3‐fatty acids, humectants and emollients as an aid in the treatment of equine Culicoides hypersensitivity
Authors: Huhmann Rebecca , Mueller Ralf S.
Published: February 2019

Background

Topical application of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has shown satisfactory results in dogs and humans with allergic skin diseases. Urea and glycolic acid act as keratolytics and moisturizers. Culicoides hypersensitivity is the most common equine hypersensitivity disorder and only limited treatment options exist.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a cream containing topical PUFAs, humectants and emollients on clinical signs of equine Culicoides hypersensitivity.

Animals

Privately owned horses (n = 28) with clinical signs of Culicoides hypersensitivity.

Methods and materials

For a period of four weeks, one half of the horse's body (left or right) was treated with a cream containing concentrated fish oil and several moisturizing and emollient ingredients in a randomized, single‐blinded fashion to evaluate the influence of the treatment on skin lesions. In the subsequent four weeks, the lesional areas of the entire body were treated to assess the treatment effect on pruritus. Additionally, the quality of the hair coat, an overall assessment and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐one horses completed the study. Skin lesions on the treated side improved significantly between days 0 and 28 (P < 0.0001) in comparison to the untreated side. Neither pruritus scores nor coat quality improved significantly between days 0 and 56. Overall condition improved during the study. Five horses showed adverse effects.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The cream improved Culicoides‐induced skin lesions in affected horses, but anti‐pruritic effects were less prominent.
A bi-objective model for sustainable logistics and operations planning of WEEE recovery
Authors: Kapukaya Emine Nisa , Bal Alperen , Satoglu Sule Itir
Published: February 2019

The Triple-bottom-line concept suggests that firms must consider the environmental and social impacts of their decisions, beside the economic aspects. Hence, the sustainability of the firms’ operations can be reached. The purpose of this study is to develop a bi-objective, multi-product and multi-period mixed-integer model for the operations planning of electrical-electronic waste (WEEE) recovery facilities, by considering social (workforce) constraints. Main objective is the minimization of net recycling and logistics costs offset by the profit earned by recovered material sales, and second objective is the maximization of hazardous materials recovery.  Collection of used products from the specified regions is decided and the required machine-hours, inventory and workforce decisions are made. Besides, both weight-based and unit-based WEEE recovery targets are separately considered, as a unique aspect. A sensitivity analysis is conducted with various scrap prices to understand operations planning in changing conditions. Results show that weight-based targets enhance recovery amounts.
New Manufacturing Takes Flight
Authors: O’Heir Jeff
Published: February 2019

Pratt & Whitney’s Industry 4.0 initiative marks a major transformation from the labor-intensive manual processes that once defined manufacturing to those that are now digitized and automated. The changes here helped P&W improve key metrics—production volume, quality assurance, labor reduction, cycle time, to name a few—by up to 65 percent. This article takes a closer look at how companies not only have to update the types of machines and systems they use to remain competitive, but they also have to change the way they recruit, hire, and train the engineers and technicians who work on them.
Simulations of Die Casting With Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Shahane Shantanu , Mujumdar Soham , Kim Namjung , Priya Pikee , Aluru Narayana R. , Ferreira Placid , Kapoor Shiv G. , Vanka Surya
Published: February 2019

Die casting is a type of metal casting in which a liquid metal is solidified in a reusable die. In such a complex process, measuring and controlling the process parameters are difficult. Conventional deterministic simulations are insufficient to completely estimate the effect of stochastic variation in the process parameters on product quality. In this research, a framework to simulate the effect of stochastic variation together with verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (UQ) is proposed. This framework includes high-speed numerical simulations of solidification, microstructure, and mechanical properties prediction models along with experimental inputs for calibration and validation. Both experimental data and stochastic variation in process parameters with numerical modeling are employed, thus enhancing the utility of traditional numerical simulations used in die casting to have a better prediction of product quality. Although the framework is being developed and applied to die casting, it can be generalized to any manufacturing process or other engineering problems as well.
A Real-Time C3 Continuous Local Corner Smoothing and Interpolation Algorithm for CNC Machine Tools
Authors: Hu Qin , Chen Youping , Jin Xiaoliang , Yang Jixiang
Published: February 2019

Linear tool path segments of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools need to be smoothed and interpolated in order to guarantee continuous and steady machining. However, because of the highly nonlinear relation between arc lengths and spline parameters, it is difficult to develop algorithms to simultaneously achieve real-time corner smoothing and interpolation with high-order continuity, although it is important to guarantee both high calculation efficiency and good dynamic performance of high-speed CNC machining. This paper develops a computationally efficient real-time corner smoothing and interpolation algorithm with C3 continuous feature. The corners at the junction of linear segments are smoothed by inserting Pythagorean-hodograph (PH) splines under the constraints of user-defined tolerance limits. Analytical solutions of the arc length and curvature of the smoothed tool path are obtained by evaluating a polynomial function of the spline parameter. The smoothed tool path is interpolated in real time with continuous and peak-constrained jerk. Simulations and experimental results show that the proposed tool path smoothing and interpolation algorithm can be executed in real time with 0.5 ms control period. Acceleration and jerk continuity of each axis are achieved along the tool path. Comparisons with existing corner smoothing algorithms show that the proposed method has lower jerk than existing C2 algorithms and the real-time interpolation algorithms based on the Taylor series expansion.
On the Heat Transfer and Flow Structures’ Characteristics of the Turbine Blade Tip Underside With Dirt Purge Holes at Different Locations by Using Topological Analysis
Authors: Luo Lei , Zhao Zhiqi , Kan Xiaoxu , Qiu Dandan , Wang Songtao , Wang Zhongqi
Published: February 2019

This paper numerically investigated the impact of the holes and their location on the flow and tip internal heat transfer in a U-bend channel (aspect ratio = 1:2), which is applicable to the cooling passage with dirt purge holes in the mid-chord region of a typical gas turbine blade. Six different tip ejection configurations are calculated at Reynolds numbers from 25,000 to 200,000. The detailed three-dimensional flow and heat transfer over the tip wall are presented, and the overall thermal performances are evaluated. The topological methodology, which is first applied to the flow analysis in an internal cooling passage of the blade, is used to explore the mechanisms of heat transfer enhancement on the tip wall. This study concludes that the production of the counter-rotating vortex pair in the bend region provides a strong shear force and then increases the local heat transfer. The side-mounted single hole and center-mounted double holes can further enhance tip heat transfer, which is attributed to the enhanced shear effect and disturbed low-energy fluid. The overall thermal performance of the optimum hole location is a factor of 1.13 higher than that of the smooth tip. However, if double holes are placed on the upstream of a tip wall, the tip surface cannot be well protected. The results of this study are useful for understanding the mechanism of heat transfer enhancement in a realistic gas turbine blade and for efficient designing of blade tips for engine service.
Prediction of the Pantograph/Catenary Wear Using Nonlinear Multibody System Dynamic Algorithms
Authors: Daocharoenporn Siripong , Mongkolwongrojn Mongkol , Kulkarni Shubhankar , Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: February 2019

In this investigation, computational multibody system (MBS) algorithms are used to develop detailed railroad vehicle models for the prediction of the wear resulting from the pantograph/catenary dynamic interaction. The wear is predicted using MBS algorithms for different motion scenarios that include constant-speed curve negotiation and acceleration and deceleration on a tangent (straight) track. The effect of the vehicle vibration in these different motion scenarios on the contact force is further used to study the wear rates of the contact wire. The wear model used in this investigation accounts for the electrical and the mechanical effects. The nonlinear finite element (FE) absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), which is suitable for implementation in MBS algorithms, is used to model the flexible catenary system, thereby eliminating the need for using incremental-rotation procedures and co-simulation techniques. In order to obtain efficient solutions, both the overhead contact line and the messenger wire are modeled using the gradient-deficient ANCF cable element. The pantograph/catenary elastic contact formulation employed in this study allows for separation between the pantograph panhead and the contact wire, and accounts for the effect of friction due to the sliding between the pantograph panhead and the catenary cable. The approach proposed in this investigation can be used to evaluate the electrical contact resistance, contribution of the arcing resulting from the panhead/catenary separation, mechanical and electrical wear contributions, and the effect of the pantograph mechanism uplift force on the wear rate. Numerical results are presented and analyzed to examine the wear rates for different motion scenarios.
Riccati Transfer Equations for Linear Multibody Systems with Indeterminate In-Span Conditions
Authors: Zhang Jianshu , Rui Xiaoting , Gu Junjie
Published: February 2019

The transfer matrix method for linear multibody systems is capable of providing precise solutions for the dynamics of various mechanical systems, but it may also suffer from numerical instability in some cases, where serial chains with a large number of mechanical elements are involved or high-frequency harmonic responses are computed. Combining such a transfer strategy with the Riccati transformation yields the Riccati transfer matrix method (RTMM), which can help improve the numerical stability. According to the existing method, the conventional transfer matrices of all the mechanical elements should be obtained first; in other words, the existence of conventional transfer matrices is a prerequisite for the application of the RTMM. Thus, it seems that the RTMM is incapable of performing the dynamics analysis of linear multibody systems with indeterminate in-span conditions due to the nonexistence of the corresponding conventional transfer matrices. Observe that, for any state variables with indeterminate input–output relationships, the complementary state variables (the complementary state variable of a displacement is the corresponding internal force and vice versa) are identically equal to zero, and that the dimension of the Riccati transfer equation is only half of that of the conventional transfer equation. It reveals that the Riccati transfer equations for the connection points associated with indeterminate in-span conditions can be formulated directly, and that there is no need to rely on the conventional transfer equation. Two numerical examples are simulated and the computational results are compared with those obtained by the finite element method, which verifies the proposed method.
Effect of Partition on the Mechanical Behaviors of Soft Adhesive Layers
Authors: Zhong Danming , Liu Junjie , Xiang Yuhai , Yin Tenghao , Hong Wei , Yu Honghui , Qu Shaoxing , Yang Wei
Published: February 2019

A soft adhesive layer bonded between two rigid substrates, which are being pulled apart, may exhibit diverse instability phenomena before failure, such as cavitation, fingering, and fringe instability. In this study, by subdividing the soft layers into different numbers of disconnected smaller parts, we achieve desired instability modes and mechanical responses of the layer. The partition process not only retains the monotonicity on the tensile curve but also tunes the modulus and stretchability of the adhesive layer. Meanwhile, cavitation in layers of large aspect ratios is suppressed, and the hysteresis during cyclic loading is reduced. This study provides a guideline for the structural design of soft joints and adhesive layers.
Reduced Amount or Integrity of Arterial Elastic Fibers Alters Allometric Scaling Relationships for Aortic Diameter and Heart Weight, But Not Cardiac Function in Maturing Mice
Authors: Wagenseil Jessica E.
Published: February 2019

Allometric scaling laws relate physiologic parameters to body weight. Genetically modified mice allow investigation of allometric scaling laws when fundamental cardiovascular components are altered. Elastin haploinsufficient (Eln+/−) mice have reduced elastin amounts, and fibulin-5 knockout (Fbln5−/−) mice have compromised elastic fiber integrity in the large arteries which may alter cardiovascular scaling laws. Previously published echocardiography data used to investigate aortic and left ventricular function in Eln+/− and Fbln5−/− mice throughout postnatal development and early adulthood were reanalyzed to determine cardiovascular scaling laws. Aortic diameter, heart weight, stroke volume, and cardiac output have scaling exponents within 1–32% of the predicted theoretical range, indicating that the scaling laws apply to maturing mice. For aortic diameter, Eln+/− and Eln+/+ mice have similar scaling exponents, but different scaling constants, suggesting a shift in starting diameter, but no changes in aortic growth with body weight. In contrast, the scaling exponent for aortic diameter in Fbln5−/− mice is lower than Fbln5+/+ mice, but the scaling constant is similar, suggesting that aortic growth with body weight is compromised in Fbln5−/− mice. For both Eln+/− and Fbln5−/− groups, the scaling constant for heart weight is increased compared to the respective control group, suggesting an increase in starting heart weight, but no change in the increase with body weight during maturation. The scaling exponents and constants for stroke volume and cardiac output are not significantly affected by reduced elastin amounts or compromised elastic fiber integrity in the large arteries, highlighting a robust cardiac adaptation despite arterial defects.
Computational and Experimental Fatigue Analysis of Contoured Spinal Rods
Authors: Piovesan Agnese , Berti Francesca , Villa Tomaso , Pennati Giancarlo , La Barbera Luigi
Published: February 2019

Posterior fixation with contoured rods is an established methodology for the treatment of spinal deformities. Both uniform industrial preforming and intraoperative contouring introduce tensile and compressive plastic deformations, respectively, at the concave and at the convex sides of the rod. The purpose of this study is to develop a validated numerical framework capable of predicting how the fatigue behavior of contoured spinal rods is affected by residual stresses when loaded in lordotic and kyphotic configurations. Established finite element models (FEM) describing static contouring were implemented as a preliminary simulation step and were followed by subsequent cyclical loading steps. The equivalent Sines stress distribution predicted in each configuration was compared to that in straight rods (SR) and related to the corresponding experimental number of cycles to failure. In the straight configuration, the maximum equivalent stress (441 MPa) exceeds the limit curve, as confirmed by experimental rod breakage after around 1.9 × 105 loading cycles. The stresses further increased in the lordotic configuration, where failure was reached within 2.4 × 104 cycles. The maximum equivalent stress was below the limit curve for the kyphotic configuration (640 MPa), for which a run-out of 106 cycles was reached. Microscopy inspection confirmed agreement between numerical predictions and experimental fatigue crack location. The contouring technique (uniform contouring (UC) or French bender (FB)) was not related to any statistically significant difference. Our study demonstrates the key role of residual stresses in altering the mean stress component, superposing to the tensile cyclic load, potentially explaining the higher failure rate of lordotic rods compared to kyphotic ones.
Kinematic Accuracy in Tracking Total Wrist Arthroplasty With Biplane Videoradiography Using a Computed Tomography-Generated Model
Authors: Akhbari Bardiya , Morton Amy M. , Moore Douglas C. , Weiss Arnold-Peter C. , Wolfe Scott W. , Crisco Joseph J.
Published: February 2019

Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) for improving the functionality of severe wrist joint pathology has not had the same success, in parameters such as motion restoration and implant survival, as hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. These other arthroplasties have been studied extensively, including the use of biplane videoradiography (BVR) that has allowed investigators to study the in vivo motion of the total joint replacement during dynamic activities. The wrist has not been a previous focus, and utilization of BVR for wrist arthroplasty presents unique challenges due to the design characteristics of TWAs. Accordingly, the aims of this study were (1) to develop a methodology for generating TWA component models for use in BVR and (2) to evaluate the accuracy of model-image registration in a single cadaveric model. A model of the carpal component was constructed from a computed tomography (CT) scan, and a model of the radial component was generated from a surface scanner. BVR was acquired for three anatomical tasks from a cadaver specimen. Optical motion capture (OMC) was used as the gold standard. BVR's bias in flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and pronosupination was less than 0.3 deg, 0.5 deg, and 0.6 deg. Translation bias was less than 0.2 mm with a standard deviation of less than 0.4 mm. This BVR technique achieved a kinematic accuracy comparable to the previous studies on other total joint replacements. BVR's application to the study of TWA function in patients could advance the understanding of TWA, and thus, the implant's success.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Dieless Water Jet Incremental Microforming
Authors: Shi Yi , Zhang Weizhao , Cao Jian , Ehmann Kornel F.
Published: February 2019

Conventional single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is already in use for small batch prototyping and fabrication of customized parts from thin sheet metal blanks by inducing plastic deformation with a rigid round-tip tool. The major advantages of the SPIF process are its high flexibility and die-free nature. In lieu of employing a rigid tool to incrementally form the sheet metal, a high-speed water jet as an alternative was proposed as the forming tool. Since there is no tool-workpiece contact in this process, unlike in the traditional SPIF process, no lubricant and rotational motion of the tool are required to reduce friction. However, the geometry of the part formed by water jet incremental microforming (WJIMF) will no longer be controlled by the motion of the rigid tool. On the contrary, process parameters such as water jet pressure, stage motion speed, water jet diameter, blank thickness, and tool path design will determine the final shape of the workpiece. This paper experimentally studies the influence of the above-mentioned key process parameters on the geometry of a truncated cone shape and on the corresponding surface quality. A numerical model is proposed to predict the shape of the truncated cone part after WJIMF with given input process parameters. The results prove that the formed part's geometric properties predicted by the numerical model are in excellent agreement with the actually measured ones. Arrays of miniature dots, channels, two-level truncated cones, and letters were also successfully fabricated on stainless-steel foils to demonstrate WJIMF capabilities.
Stiffness Design of Circular-Axis Hinge, Self-Similar Mechanism With Large Out-of-Plane Motion
Authors: Lobontiu N. , Gress T. , Munteanu M. Gh. , Ilic B.
Published: February 2019

This research proposes the self-similarity design concept of flexible mechanisms by studying the out-of-plane, piston motion of a compliant device. Self-similar compliant mechanisms can be formed by connecting flexible units of scaled-down, identical geometry in series and/or parallel. We study a folded-architecture, compact mechanism class formed of multiple flexible, circular, and concentric segments that are serially connected. The device is capable of producing large displacements by summing the small deformations of its units. A simple analytical model is derived, which predicts the mechanism piston compliance/stiffness in terms of configuration, geometry, and material parameters. Experimental testing of a prototype and finite element simulation of various designs confirm the validity of the mathematical model. Several particular designs resulting from the generic architecture are further characterized based on the analytical model to highlight the mechanism stiffness performance and the way it scales with its defining parameters and unit stiffness.
Surface reaction kinetics of room temperature atomic layer deposition of ZnO observed by in situ IR absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Saito Kentaro , Miura Masanori , Kanomata Kensaku , Hirose Fumihiko
Published: February 2019

Room temperature (RT) atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO is developed by using a precursor of dimethyl zinc (DMZ) and plasma excited humidified argon. Surface reactions of RT ALD of ZnO are investigated by an in situ observation of multiple internal reflection IR absorption spectroscopy. The saturation condition of DMZ and plasma excited humidified argon is discussed by the IR absorbance spectra measured from the sample surface. In the ALD experiment, the grown film is identified as the fully oxidized ZnO by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The growth per cycle is measured to be 0.046 nm/cycle. In this paper, the authors will discuss the mechanism of surface reaction in the ALD process.
Structural properties of strained epitaxial La1+δCrO3 thin films
Authors: Han Dong , Bouras Mohamed , Botella Claude , Benamrouche Aziz , Canut Bruno , Grenet Geneviève , Saint-Girons Guillaume , Bachelet Romain
Published: February 2019

Epitaxially strained La1+δCrO3 (LCO) thin films, with δ ranging between −0.25 (Cr-rich) and 0.25 (La-rich), were grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy. The effect of the cationic-stoichiometry deviation (δ) on the structural properties (surface structure, morphology, terminations, and unit-cell parameters) is reported. Whereas deviation from stoichiometry does not significantly affect the structural quality (all films keep a perovskite structure, are epitaxial, atomically flat, fully strained, and present mosaicity below 0.1°); increasing |δ| leads to an increase of the out-of-plane lattice parameter and of the unit-cell volume. These results are of importance for further studies on structure–property relationships in the view to build enhanced LCO-based devices.
Novel reprogramming of neutrophils modulates inflammation resolution during atherosclerosis
Authors: Geng Shuo , Zhang Yao , Lee Christina , Li Liwu
Published: February 2019

Dynamically reprogrammed neutrophils serve as critical initiators for the pathogenesis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Raff-ining our understanding of pneumococcal invasion
Authors: Langelier Chaz
Published: February 2019

Differential raffinose metabolism influences
Streptococcus pneumoniae
tissue tropism and disease phenotype.
Differential Antibody-Based Immune Response against Isolated GP1 Receptor-Binding Domains from Lassa and Junín Viruses
Authors: Borenstein-Katz Aliza , Shulman Anastasiya , Hamawi Hedva , Leitner Orith , Diskin Ron
Published: February 2019

Some viruses that belong to the
Arenaviridae
family, like Lassa and Junín viruses, are notorious human pathogens, which may lead to fatal outcomes when they infect people. It is thus important to develop means to combat these viruses. For developing effective vaccines, it is vital to understand the basic mechanisms that these viruses utilize in order to evade or overcome host immune responses. It was previously noted that the GP1 receptor-binding domain from Lassa virus is shed and accumulates in the serum of infected individuals. This raised the possibility that Lassa virus GP1 may function as an immunological decoy. Here we demonstrate that mice develop nonproductive immune responses against GP1 from Lassa virus, which is in contrast to the effective neutralizing responses that GP1 from Junín virus elicits. Thus, GP1 from Lassa virus is indeed an immunological decoy and GP1 from Junín virus may serve as a constituent of a future vaccine.
Baculovirus IE2 Interacts with Viral DNA through Daxx To Generate an Organized Nuclear Body Structure for Gene Activation in Vero Cells
Authors: Wei Sung-Chan , Tsai Chih-Hsuan , Hsu Wei-Ting , Chao Yu-Chan
Published: February 2019

The major breakthrough of this work is that viral protein IE2 localizes and transactivates its own viral DNA through a most unlikely route, i.e., host proteins Daxx and H3.3, which are designed to efficiently restrict viral DNA from expression. By interacting with these host intrinsic immune factors, IE2 can thus target the viral DNA and then form a unique spherical nuclear body, which we name the CCLA, to enclose the viral DNA and necessary factors to assist in high-level transactivation. Our study represents one of the most complete investigations of nuclear body formation. In addition, so far only RNA or protein molecules have been reported as potential nucleators for initiating nuclear body formation; our study may represent the first example showing that DNA can be a nucleator for a new class of nuclear body formation.
Generation of Infectious Recombinant Human Rotaviruses from Just 11 Cloned cDNAs Encoding the Rotavirus Genome
Authors: Komoto Satoshi , Fukuda Saori , Kugita Masanori , Hatazawa Riona , Koyama Chitose , Katayama Kazuhiko , Murata Takayuki , Taniguchi Koki
Published: February 2019

Human group A rotavirus (HuRVA) is a leading pathogen causing severe diarrhea in young children worldwide. In this paper, we describe the generation of recombinant HuRVA (strain KU) from only 11 cloned cDNAs encoding the HuRVA genome by reverse genetics. The growth properties of the recombinant HuRVA were similar to those of the parental RVA, providing a powerful tool for better understanding of HuRVA replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate the genome of HuRVAs “to order” will be useful for next-generation vaccine production for this medically important virus and for the engineering of clinical vectors expressing any foreign genes.
Global, regional, and national burden of suicide mortality 1990 to 2016: systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Authors: Naghavi Mohsen
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To use the estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 to describe patterns of suicide mortality globally, regionally, and for 195 countries and territories by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index, and to describe temporal trends between 1990 and 2016.

Design

Systematic analysis.

Main outcome measures

Crude and age standardised rates from suicide mortality and years of life lost were compared across regions and countries, and by age, sex, and Socio-demographic index (a composite measure of fertility, income, and education).

Results

The total number of deaths from suicide increased by 6.7% (95% uncertainty interval 0.4% to 15.6%) globally over the 27 year study period to 817 000 (762 000 to 884 000) deaths in 2016. However, the age standardised mortality rate for suicide decreased by 32.7% (27.2% to 36.6%) worldwide between 1990 and 2016, similar to the decline in the global age standardised mortality rate of 30.6%. Suicide was the leading cause of age standardised years of life lost in the Global Burden of Disease region of high income Asia Pacific and was among the top 10 leading causes in eastern Europe, central Europe, western Europe, central Asia, Australasia, southern Latin America, and high income North America. Rates for men were higher than for women across regions, countries, and age groups, except for the 15 to 19 age group. There was variation in the female to male ratio, with higher ratios at lower levels of Socio-demographic index. Women experienced greater decreases in mortality rates (49.0%, 95% uncertainty interval 42.6% to 54.6%) than men (23.8%, 15.6% to 32.7%).

Conclusions

Age standardised mortality rates for suicide have greatly reduced since 1990, but suicide remains an important contributor to mortality worldwide. Suicide mortality was variable across locations, between sexes, and between age groups. Suicide prevention strategies can be targeted towards vulnerable populations if they are informed by variations in mortality rates.
Response surface methodological optimization of batch Cu(II) sorption onto succinic acid functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yakout Amr A. , Shaker Medhat A. , Elwakeel Khalid Z. , Alshitari Wael
Published: February 2019

Functionalizing nanosilica (n-SiO2) particles with suitable active organic moiety leads to the formation of surfaces with precisely controlled physical and chemical characteristics. In this work, a novel nanosorbent (31 ± 2.4 nm), namely succinic acid functionalized nanosilica (n-SiO2@SA), was synthesized via a simple protocol using microwave irradiation to remove Cu(II) ions from aqueous media. The successful functionalization of n-SiO2 was confirmed by FTIR, and the thermal stability of n-SiO2@SA was investigated by TGA study. Other techniques, including HRTEM, DLS and zeta-potential, were utilized to investigate the chemical, surface, and morphological properties of the fabricated n-SiO2@SA. The response surface methodology (RSM) combined with three-level, three-factorial Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the multivariable sorption system using data obtained from 17 batch runs to reach 98.9% of Cu(II) ion removal. The predicted optimal conditions were as follows: contact time = 30 min, pH = 7.1, initial Cu(II) concentration = 317.5 mg L−1, and sorbent dose = 15 mg at which the maximum sorption capacities for n-SiO2 and n-SiO2@SA were 209.3 and 386.4 mg g−1, respectively, at 25 °C, thus supporting the validity of functionalization process. Non-linear regression and linear least-squares methods confirm the suitability of Langmuir model to describe the experimental endothermic, feasible, and chemisorption data, whereas the normalized standard deviation Δq% recommends the pseudo second-order kinetic model to represent the kinetic data. Real Cu-contaminated wastewaters were used to examine n-SiO2@SA nanosorbent for removing Cu(II) ions.
Size-specific apparent survival rate estimates of white sharks using mark–recapture models
Authors: Kanive Paul E. , Rotella Jay J. , Jorgensen Salvador J. , Chapple Taylor K. , Hines James E. , Anderson Scot D. , Block Barbara A.
Published: February 2019

For species that exist at low abundance or are otherwise difficult to study, it is challenging to estimate vital rates such as survival and fecundity and common to assume that survival rates are constant across ages and sexes. Population assessments based on overly simplistic vital rates can lead to erroneous conclusions. We estimated sex- and length-based annual apparent survival rates for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). We found evidence that annual apparent survival differed over ontogeny in a system with competitive foraging aggregations, from 0.63 (standard error (SE) = 0.08) for newly recruiting subadults to 0.95 (SE = 0.02) for the largest sharks. Our results reveal a potential challenge to ontogenetic recruitment in a long-lived, highly mobile top marine predator, as survival rates for subadult white sharks may be lower than previously assumed. Alternatively, younger and competitively inferior individuals may be forced to permanently emigrate from primary foraging sites. This study provides new methodology for estimating apparent survival as a function of diverse covariates by capture–recapture study, including when sex assignment is uncertain.
Two different melatonin treatment regimens prevent an increase in kidney injury marker-1 induced by carbon tetrachloride in rat kidneys
Authors: Potić Milan , Ignjatović Ivan , Ničković Vanja P. , Živković Jovan B. , Krdžić Jelena D. , Mitić Jadranka S. , Popović Dejan , Ilić Ivan R. , Stojanović Nikola M. , Sokolović Dušan
Published: February 2019

Acute kidney injury is a frequent disorder that can be mimicked by the application of different nephrotoxic agents, including carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), where kidney injury marker-1 (KIM-1) has been recognized as a highly specific marker. Melatonin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants and has numerous beneficial properties. We evaluated the nephroprotective potential of 2 melatonin treatment regimens (pre- and post-intoxication) in a CCl4-induced acute kidney injury model based on the standard serum parameters, kidney tissue antioxidative capacity, KIM-1 levels, and kidney tissue morphological changes. The two treatment regimens were found to preserve kidney function, as judged from the evaluated standard serum parameters. Only when administered after the intoxication, melatonin preserved total kidney antioxidant capacity; pre-treatment melatonin only preserved reduced glutathione levels. An increase in tissue KIM-1 level was found to be prevented by both treatment regimens, which correlated with the morphological changes seen in the kidney tissues of animals treated with melatonin and CCl4. The findings of our study are in agreement with the known actions of melatonin in relieving kidney tissue oxidative burden, but also contribute to the understanding of its action by preventing an increase in KIM-1.