bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Thermal Behaviors of Ultra-Supercritical Steam Turbine Control Valves During the Cold Start Warm-Up Process: Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation and Field Data Validation
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Fuqi , Xu Sihua , Liu Yingzheng
Published: September 2019

Transient thermal behaviors of ultra-supercritical steam turbine control valves during the cold start warm-up process of steam turbine systems were comprehensively studied using conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulation. The geometrical configurations and boundary conditions used in simulation were identical to the field setup in a thermal power plant. The simulated temperature variations were first validated using measurements by the flush-mounted thermocouples inside the solid valve bodies. The CHT simulation implementing the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model demonstrated good agreement with the field data, and the overall numerical errors were below 10%; however, the numerical errors of the simulation, which used empirical heat transfer coefficients at the fluid–solid interfaces, reached 40%. The determined temperature differences between the cold valve bodies with the hot steam flow decreased significantly. Specifically, the temperature differences along the inner wall surfaces of the valve bodies decreased to less than 50 °C. Further investigation of the transient heat flux distributions and Nusselt number distributions confirmed that the unsteady flow behaviors, such as the alternating oscillations of the annular wall-attached jet, the central reverse flow and the intermediate shear layer instabilities, enhanced the fluid–solid heat convection process and thus contributed to the warming up of the solid valve bodies.
Experimental Study on Residual Cross-Sectional Flattening of Thin-Walled Pipes Under Pure Plastic Bending
Authors: Zhang Ziqian
Published: September 2019

Cross-sectional ovalization (ovalization) usually occurs when thin-walled pipe is subjected to large plastic bending. This paper is concerned with residual deformation of thin-walled pipe's cross section in a radial direction when external bending moment is removed. In order to clarify the fundamental ovalization characteristics, find out what factors influence the residual flattening (value of ovalization), the ovalization behavior is investigated experimentally. The experiments are carried out on 21 stainless steel specimens with different geometric parameters under different bending radii by means of a four-point pure bending device. The residual cross-sectional flattenings are monitored continuously by scanning the cross section periodically along the circumferential direction. From the experimental results, it is observed that the cross-sectional shape of the thin-walled pipe is not perfect standard ellipse, and the appearance of the maximum residual flattening is usually found in the direction normal to the neutral surface. It is also revealed the relationships between the residual flattening and the bending radius, the wall thickness, and the pipe outer diameter, i.e., the residual flattening increases as the bending radius and the wall thickness reduce, but it increases as the outer diameter increases. These results are expected to find their potential application in thin-walled pipe bending operation.
Design of a Metamaterial-Based Foundation for Fuel Storage Tanks and Experimental Evaluation of Its Effect on a Connected Pipeline System
Authors: Wenzel Moritz , Basone Francesco , Bursi Oreste S.
Published: September 2019

The recent advance of seismic metamaterials has led to various concepts for the attenuation of seismic waves, one of them being the locally resonant metamaterial. Based on this concept, the so-called metafoundation has been designed. It can effectively protect a fuel storage tank from ground motions at various fluid levels. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed design, the response of the metafoundation is compared to the response of a tank on a traditional concrete foundation. The design process of conceiving the metafoundation, optimizing it for a specific tank, and its seismic response are described herein. Furthermore, the response of a tank during a seismic event can cause severe damages to pipelines connected to the tank. This phenomenon can be of critical importance for the design of a seismic tank protection system and must be treated with care. Since the coupled structure (tank + foundation + pipeline) exerts highly nonlinear behavior, due to the complexity of the piping system, a laboratory experiment has been conducted. More precisely, a hybrid simulation (HS) that uses the metafoundation and a tank as a numerical substructure (NS) and a piping system as a physical substructure (PS) was employed. To make the results relatable to the current state of the art, additional experiments were performed with concave sliding bearings (CSBs) as an isolation system in the NS. The metafoundation offered a clear attenuation of tank stresses and, in some cases, also reduced the stresses in the piping system.
Effect of Natural Gas Composition on Low Nox Burners Operation in Heavy Duty Gas Turbine
Authors: Romano Serena , Cerutti Matteo , Riccio Giovanni , Andreini Antonio , Romano Christian
Published: September 2019

Development of lean-premixed combustion technology with low emissions and stable operation in an increasingly wide range of operating conditions requires a deep understanding of the mechanisms that affect the combustion performance or even the operability of the entire gas turbine. Due to the relative wide range of natural gas composition supplies and the increased demand from Oil&Gas customers to burn unprocessed gas as well as liquified natural gas (LNG) with notable higher hydrocarbons (C2+) content, the impact on gas turbine operability and combustion related aspects has been matter of several studies. In this paper, results of experimental test campaign of an annular combustor for heavy-duty gas turbine are presented with focus on the effect of fuel composition on both emissions and flame stability. Test campaign involved two different facilities, a full annular combustor rig and a full-scale prototype engine fed with different fuel mixtures of natural gas with small to moderate C2H6 content. Emission trends and blowout for several operating conditions and burner configurations have been analyzed. Modifications to the burner geometry and fuel injection optimization have shown to be able to reach a good tradeoff while keeping low NOx emissions in stable operating conditions for varying fuel composition.
An Efficient Kriging-Based Constrained Optimization Algorithm by Global and Local Sampling in Feasible Region
Authors: Tao Tianzeng , Zhao Guozhong , Ren Shanhong
Published: September 2019

To solve challenging optimization problems with time-consuming objective and constraints, a novel efficient Kriging-based constrained optimization (EKCO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The EKCO mainly consists of three sampling phases. In phase I of EKCO, considering the significance of constraints, feasible region is constructed via employing a feasible region sampling (FRS) criterion. The FRS criterion can avoid the local clustering phenomenon of sample points. Therefore, phase I is also a global sampling process for the objective function in the feasible region. However, the objective function may be higher-order nonlinear than constraints. In phase II, by maximizing the prediction variance of the surrogate objective, more accurate objective function in the feasible region can be obtained. After global sampling, to accelerate the convergence of EKCO, an objective local sampling criterion is introduced in phase III. The verification of the EKCO algorithm is examined on 18 benchmark problems by several recently published surrogate-based optimization algorithms. The results indicate that the sampling efficiency of EKCO is higher than or comparable with that of the recently published algorithms while maintaining the high accuracy of the optimal solution, and the adaptive ability of the proposed algorithm also be validated. To verify the ability of EKCO to solve practical engineering problems, an optimization design problem of aeronautical structure is presented. The result indicates EKCO can find a better feasible design than the initial design with limited sample points, which demonstrates practicality of EKCO.
Effect of bilayer period on the oxidation and corrosion resistance of Pb-Ti/MoS2 nanoscale multilayer films
Authors: Li Hao , Xie Mingling , Xu Xiaojun , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhang Renhui , Sun Qi , Zhang Guangan , Zhu Minhao
Published: September 2019

The Pb-Ti/MoS2 nanoscale multilayer films are synthesized by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The effect of bilayer period on the structure, oxidation, and corrosion resistance of the nanoscale multilayer films has been investigated. For the Pb-Ti/MoS2 nanoscale multilayer films, the basal (002) planes of MoS2 are oriented parallel to the substrate, and the crystallite size gradually increases with the bilayer period, obtaining a maximum value when the bilayer period is 17.1 nm. A further increase in the bilayer period results in a decrease in the crystallite size. The oxidation resistance of the Pb-Ti/MoS2 nanoscale multilayer films is systematically evacuated by sliding against the GCr15 pair under humid air. The anticorrosion properties are investigated by electrochemical measurements and sliding against the GCr15 pair after the salt spray tests. The results indicate that oxidation and corrosion resistance of the nanoscale multilayer films first increases with an increase of the bilayer period, and the nanoscale multilayer film with a period of 17.1 nm obtains the best antioxidation and anticorrosion resistance. This benefits us to select the MoS2-based multilayer films for different operating conditions.
Just How Competitive Are We? Managing Organizational Culture in a Canadian University Athletics Department
Authors: Woolf Jules , Dixon Jess C. , Green B. Christine , Hill Patrick J.
Published: September 2019

Christiaan Jacobs is the new Dean of Student Affairs at the University of South Central Ontario, which puts him in charge of the Department of Athletics and Recreation. Jacobs has learned that the hypercompetitive environment established by the athletic director, Nathan Scott, has been causing friction in many areas of the department, potentially resulting in the resignation of several long-term employees. As part of an organizational audit, he interviewed many employees and had them complete the Competing Values Framework questionnaire, the results of which were troubling. How should Jacobs lead this department forward and can he count on Scott to be supportive of the direction that he wants it to go? The purpose of this case is to introduce students to the importance of organizational culture and challenges to organizational change. Students will learn about the Competing Values Framework, change management, and have the opportunity to analyze qualitative and quantitative data in formulating responses to the case-guiding questions. This decision-focused case is suitable for use with upper division undergraduate and graduate sport management students in courses such as Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, Collegiate Athletics Administration, and Critical Issues in Sport.
You Study Like a Girl: Experiences of Female Sport Management Students
Authors: Morris Erin , Vooris Ryan , Mahoney Tara Q.
Published: September 2019

Female students are underrepresented within university sport management programs. Because of the concept of the “chilly climate,” the underrepresentation may impact their experiences as students and their opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of female students’ experiences within this male-dominated major. Three qualitative focus groups with female sport management students were conducted. The results found the female students had strategies to overcome barriers, a firm understanding of the reality of the gender dynamic within sport management, and an awareness of the importance of networking to succeed in the major. These findings may help sport management programs better support their female students through initiatives like women-in-sport-management clubs.
Preclinical Evaluation of Amphihevir, a First-in-Class Clinical Hepatitis C Virus NS4B Inhibitor
Authors: Tao Xin , Wang Ningyu , Wang Jianfei , Fu Zhifei , Gu Zhengxian , Zhang Yang , Chen Shuhui , Wang Lichun , Yu Luoting
Published: September 2019

Amphihevir, a benzofuran derivative, is the first reported hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) inhibitor that has advanced to clinical trials (currently in phase Ib trial [CTR20170632]). Here, we report the results of a preclinical study of its potency, toxicity, selectivity, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and safety profiles.
Monitoring Tuberculosis Drug Activity in Live Animals by Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Sommer Raphael , Cole Stewart T.
Published: September 2019

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death due to infection with a single pathogenic agent,Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the absence of an effective vaccine, new, more powerful antibiotics are required to halt the growing spread of multidrug-resistant strains and to shorten the duration of TB treatment. However, assessing drug efficacy at the preclinical stage remains a long and fastidious procedure that delays the progression of drugs down the pipeline and towards the clinic.
Transcriptional Regulator AcrR Increases Ethanol Tolerance through Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthesis in
Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Yang Xiaopan , Teng Kunling , Li Lili , Su Rina , Zhang Jie , Ai Guomin , Zhong Jin
Published: September 2019

Ethanol tolerance is essential for
L. plantarum
strains living in substances with more than 9% ethanol, such as wine and beer. The details regarding how
L. plantarum
adapts to ethanol are still lacking. This study demonstrates that AcrR regulates the
de novo
synthesis of fatty acids in
L. plantarum
adapting to toxic levels of ethanol. We also identified the ability of the TetR/AcrR family regulator to bind to the fatty acid biosynthesis gene promoter, P

fabZ1

, in
L. plantarum
and defined the binding sites. This finding facilitates the induction of the adaptation of
L. plantarum
strains to ethanol for food fermentation applications.
STAT5: a Target of Antagonism by Neurotropic Flaviviruses
Authors: Zimmerman Matthew G. , Bowen James R. , McDonald Circe E. , Young Ellen , Baric Ralph S. , Pulendran Bali , Suthar Mehul S.
Published: September 2019

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of insect-borne viruses responsible for numerous significant public health threats. Previously, we used a computational biology approach to define molecular signatures of antiviral DC responses following activation of innate immune signaling or infection with West Nile virus (WNV). In this work, we identify STAT5 as a regulator of DC activation and antiviral immune responses downstream of innate immune signaling that was not activated during either WNV or Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. WNV and ZIKV actively blocked STAT5 phosphorylation downstream of RIG-I, IFN-β, and IL-4, but not GM-CSF, signaling. However, other related flaviviruses, dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4 and the yellow fever 17D vaccine strain, did not antagonize STAT5 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, WNV and ZIKV showed differential inhibition of Jak kinases upstream of STAT5, suggesting divergent countermeasures to inhibit STAT5 activation. Combined, these findings identify STAT5 as a target of antagonism by specific pathogenic flaviviruses to subvert antiviral immune responses in human DCs.
U
L
26 Attenuates IKKβ-Mediated Induction of Interferon-Stimulated Gene (ISG) Expression and Enhanced Protein ISGylation during Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Goodwin Christopher M. , Schafer Xenia , Munger Joshua
Published: September 2019

Modulation of cellular antiviral signaling is a key determinant of viral pathogenesis. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant source of morbidity in neonates and the immunosuppressed that contains many genes that modulate antiviral signaling, yet how these genes contribute to shaping the host cell’s transcriptional response to infection is largely unclear. Our results indicate that the HCMV U
L
26 protein is critical in preventing the establishment of a broad cellular proinflammatory transcriptional environment. Further, we find that the host gene IKKβ is an essential determinant governing the host cell’s antiviral transcriptional response. Given their importance to viral pathogenesis, continuing to elucidate the functional interactions between viruses and the cellular innate immune response could enable the development of therapeutic strategies to limit viral infection.
Identification of a Type-Specific Promoter Element That Differentiates between Influenza A and B Viruses
Authors: Gao Shuman , Zhang Wenyu , Lu Congyu , Cao Mengmeng , Cen Shan , Peng Yousong , Deng Tao
Published: September 2019

Genetic reassortment of influenza virus plays a key role in virus evolution and the emergence of pandemic strains. The reassortment occurs extensively within either FluA or FluB viruses but never between them. Here, we bioinformatically compared available promoter sequences of FluA and FluB viruses and confirmed the presence of the type-specific promoter elements. Our
in vivo
and
in vitro
mutagenesis studies showed that a type-specific promoter element—the nucleotide at position 5 in the 3′ end of vRNA promoters—plays key roles in modulating polymerase activity. Interestingly, FluA and FluB viruses showed different tolerances upon key promoter element swapping in the context of virus infections. We concluded that the nucleotide at position 5 in the 3′ end of the vRNA promoters of FluA and FluB viruses is a critical type-specific determinant. This work has implications for further elucidating the mechanisms of the intertypic exclusion of reassortment between FluA and FluB viruses.
Keratopigmentation combined with strabismus surgery to restore cosmesis in eyes with disabling corneal scarring and squint
Authors: Balgos Joan D , Amesty Maria A , Rodriguez Alejandra E , Al-Shymali Olena , Abumustafa Sabat , Alio Jorge L
Published: September 2019

Background

Therapeutic corneal pigmentation has modernly evolved into different sophisticated techniques to camouflage cosmetically disabling corneal opacities and scars with good reported outcomes. Blind eyes frequently suffer from strabismus which further deteriorates the cosmesis of the patient. Combined keratopigmentation (KTPG) with strabismus surgery may be an option for these patients.

Methods

A total of 72 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed in this investigation. Main outcome measures were postoperative residual squint, and cosmesis evaluated by an independent observer, patient satisfaction, reoperation rates for KTPG and squint, and complications.

Results

A total of 72 consecutive patients and 73 eyes that underwent KTPG and strabismus surgery were included in this study. Mean follow-up time was 2.5±3 years. Patient age ranged from 5 to 83 years, with 93% having visual acuity worse than 0.1. 14 eyes (24.5%) underwent repeated KTPG, 24 (42.1%) had repeated strabismus surgery. 14 patients (19.4%) had a repeat muscle surgery, although 55 (76.4%) of the 72 patients achieved orthotropia or had deviations within 10 prism dioptres at the end of the follow-up period. Corneal microperforation was encountered in two (2.8%) patients and conjunctival staining in 10 eyes. Cosmesis was good for all patients. Patients who required repeat KTPG or strabismus surgery, or those in whom orthotropia was not totally restored, considered their cosmetic appearance sufficiently improved.

Conclusion

Corneal KTPG combined with strabismus surgery provides good cosmesis for patients with corneal scarring and strabismus with minimal complications. Reoperation rates are relatively high in the short term to accomplish an optimal cosmetic result.
Betting on CPR: a modern version of Pascal’s Wager
Authors: Harari David Y , Macauley Robert C
Published: September 2019

Many patients believe that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is more likely to be successful than it really is in clinical practice. Even when working with accurate information, some nevertheless remain resolute in demanding maximal treatment. They maintain that even if survival after cardiac arrest with CPR is extremely low, the fact remains that it is still greater than the probability of survival after cardiac arrestwithoutCPR (ie, zero). Without realising it, this line of reasoning is strikingly similar to Pascal’s Wager, a Renaissance-era argument for accepting the proposition for God’s existence. But while the original argument is quite logical—if not universally compelling—the modern variant makes several erroneous assumptions. The authors here present a case of a patient who unwittingly appeals to Pascal’s Wager to explain his request for maximal treatment, in order to highlight the crucial divergences from the original Wager. In understanding the faulty assumptions inherent in the application of Pascal’s Wager to code status decisions—and identifying the underlying motivations which the Wager serves to confirm—providers can better ensure that the true values and preferences of patients are upheld.
Evaluation of suprascapular nerve radiofrequency ablation protocols: 3D cadaveric needle placement study
Authors: Tran John , Peng Philip , Agur Anne
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

Image-guided intervention of the suprascapular nerve is a reported treatment to manage chronic shoulder joint pain. The suprascapular nerve is conventionally targeted at the suprascapular notch; however, targeting of its branches, the medial and lateral trunks, which are given off just posterior to the notch has not been considered. Since the lateral trunk supplies the posterior supraspinatus and articular branches to the glenohumeral joint capsule, while the medial trunk provides motor innervation to the anterior region, it may be possible to preserve some supraspinatus activation if the medial trunk is spared. The main objective was to investigate whether midpoint between suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches is the optimal target to capture articular branches of lateral trunk while sparing medial trunk.

Methods

In 10 specimens, using ultrasound guidance, one 17 G needle was placed at the suprascapular notch and a second at midpoint between suprascapular and spinoglenoid notches. The trunks and needles were exposed in the supraspinous fossa, digitized and modeled in 3D. Lesion volumes were added to the models to asses medial and lateral trunk capture rates. Mean distance of needle tips to origin of medial trunk was compared.

Results

Conventional notch technique captured both lateral and medial trunks, whereas a midpoint technique captured only lateral trunk. Mean distance of needles from the origin of medial trunk was 5.10±1.41 mm (notch technique) and 14.99±5.53 mm (midpoint technique).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the midpoint technique could spare medial trunk of suprascapular nerve, while capturing lateral trunk and articular branches. Further clinical investigation is required.
Management of incidental lumboiliac hernia during spinal cord stimulator implant: a case report
Authors: Hao David , Odonkor Charles , Volney Shane , Kamdar Mihir , Ahmed Shihab
Published: September 2019

Lumboiliac or lumbar hernia is a rare defect in the posterolateral abdominal wall that may be inadvertently misidentified and interfere with the implantable pulse generator (IPG) portion of spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implants. We report the case of a 54-year-old Caucasian man with an incidental finding of a lumboiliac hernia in the inferior lumbar triangle of Petit with placement of an IPG in a SCS implant. With the assistance of surgical colleagues, the correct diagnosis was made intraoperatively. We describe the operative repair of the lumboiliac hernia with a synthetic mesh. A new IPG pocket was created above the mesh prior to proceeding with IPG placement. No recurrence of the hernia defect was observed on 2-month follow-up. It is important that pain physicians and neurosurgeons who perform SCS implants are aware of lumboiliac hernias to avoid potential diagnostic or management errors. Lumboiliac hernias should be included on the differential diagnosis of lumbar or flank masses. Confirmation with imaging may be necessary and definitive surgical treatment should be pursued.
Performance and emissions of a diesel engine using Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons contain up to 15.7% volume fractions of Fe-rich intermetallic compounds
Authors: Rangaraju Karthikeyan , Subramanyan Neelakrishnan
Published: September 2019

Engine performance and emission characteristics were investigated using a single cylinder four-stroke diesel engine with different concentrated intermetallic-based Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons. Three different alloy combinations (types A, B, and C) of Al–Fe–Mg–Si pistons were developed through the incremental alloying addition of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Ni. Piston types A, B, and C had Fe-rich intermetallic compounds (IMC), where types B and C had a higher density IMC distribution than type A. The influence of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Ni alloyed IMC pistons on engine performance and emissions was investigated at various loading conditions. Combustion characteristics such as cylinder pressure and net heat release rate for all piston types were investigated and compared. A similar duration of ignition was seen for all piston types. Frictional loss was reduced by ∼25% in types B and C in comparison to type A. Similarly, mechanical and thermal efficiency were enhanced considerably in types B and C compared to type A. Emission characteristics were also investigated for all piston types. Results showed that NOx was reduced by ∼17.3% with the use of types B and C.
INDIVIDUAL’S BEHAVIOR AND ACCESS TO FINANCE: EVIDENCE FROM PALESTINE
Authors: SHIHADEH FADI HASSAN
Published: September 2019

Governments and global institutions are working to enhance economic development as a key for sustainability by including disadvantaged people (including the poor, women, youth, and illiterate) in the financial system. This paper uses the World Bank Global Findex Database (2014) for 1000 Palestinians to examine the influence of individual behavior on financial inclusion in Palestine. This study used empirical methods to determine whether individual socioeconomic characteristics influence financial inclusion in Palestine. The results indicated that females were less likely to be included in financial transactions, especially transactions involving borrowing and formal accounts. Further, we learned that borrowing behavior in Palestine leans toward informal sources. Formal institutions have made remarkable efforts to develop an inclusive financial infrastructure in Palestine. However, the country’s unstable political climate continues to impede economic stability and individuals’ motivation to use formal financial resources such as credit. More efforts to specifically encourage youth, the poor, and women to use formal banking could enhance their access to financial services. Adopting Islamic financial services, and online banking would also improve financial inclusion for all of Palestine’s citizens and drive sustainable development. Further, theoretical and empirical studies of Palestine’s economic development are recommended.
Ordovician trilobites from the Tafilalt Lagerstätte: new data and reappraisal of the Bou Nemrou assemblage
Authors: Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , Pereira Sofia , García-Bellido Diego C. , Rábano Isabel
Published: September 2019

The early Late Ordovician (Sandbian 1) representatives of the Tafilalt Biota in the locality of Bou Nemrou (Jbel Tjarfaïouine) provide examples of fossil preservation in medium-grained sandstones with abundant microbially induced sedimentary structures. The recorded trilobite assemblage comprises 11 species of ten genera, among which one is new (
Placoparia africana
Pereira & Gutiérrez-Marco, sp. nov.) and four others previously regarded as endemic to the locality are considered to be synonymys of species already described from Bohemia. The oldest representative of the illaenid genus
Cekovia
is recorded, revised diagnosis proposed for the genus
Mytocephala
Struve and for
Uralichas tardus
Vela & Corbacho.
Parvilichas
Corbacho & Vela is considered to be a junior synonym of
Uralichas
Delgado. From a palaeobiogeographical point of view, the Bou Nemrou locality shows strong relationships with trilobite assemblages from the Dobrotivian and with the lower Berounian sandstone facies of Bohemia, reinforcing the correlation of both regions. Some soft-bodied structures are recognized here, including the digestive tracts of
Uralichas
and the traces of paired, metameric axial bands in the anterior thoracic segments of the trilobite
Selenopeltis
preserved in apatite and interpreted as intersegmental musculature.
Wrongful Convictions
Authors: Garrett Brandon L.
Published: September 2019

In response to wrongful convictions, there has been a revolution in criminal procedure and research in law and science. This review seeks to summarize the cross-disciplinary explosion in work studying known wrongful convictions, examining their causes, and assessing policy reforms designed to help detect and prevent errors in criminal justice. Scholars have increasingly studied the characteristics of known wrongful-conviction cases, including by analyzing archival records and by creating public registries of exonerations. Scholars have conducted research in law, psychology, statistics, criminology, and other disciplines, as well as interdisciplinary research, designed to better understand the phenomenon of wrongful convictions and how to prevent errors. Scientific bodies, such as the National Academy of Sciences, have made important recommendations based on this research. Furthermore, the conversation is global, with litigation, research, and policy work across jurisdictions. A wide range of jurisdictions have adopted noteworthy changes designed to safeguard crucial types of evidence, such as confession, forensic, and eyewitness evidence, during police investigations and at trial. As a result, law and science have increasingly come together to produce tangible improvements to criminal justice.
Imaging Retinal Activity in the Living Eye
Authors: Hunter Jennifer J. , Merigan William H. , Schallek Jesse B.
Published: September 2019

Retinal function has long been studied with psychophysical methods in humans, whereas detailed functional studies of vision have been conducted mostly in animals owing to the invasive nature of physiological approaches. There are exceptions to this generalization, for example, the electroretinogram. This review examines exciting recent advances using in vivo retinal imaging to understand the function of retinal neurons. In some cases, the methods have existed for years and are still being optimized. In others, new methods such as optophysiology are revealing novel patterns of retinal function in animal models that have the potential to change our understanding of the functional capacity of the retina. Together, the advances in retinal imaging mark an important milestone that shifts attention away from anatomy alone and begins to probe the function of healthy and diseased eyes.
A Case of Adult-Onset Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome Responsive to Tonsillectomy in Japan
Authors: Yamahara Kohei , Egawa Yuki , Lee Kana , Nakashima Noriyuki , Ikegami Satoshi
Published: September 2019

Adult-onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a rare condition, having been reported in only three patients in Japan till date. While almost all pediatric PFAPA patients respond well to tonsillectomy, some European studies have reported that tonsillectomy may be ineffective for adult-onset PFAPA. All the Japanese patients with adult-onset PFAPA had been treated orally so far (cimetidine with or without prednisone), instead of tonsillectomy. We reported a case involving a 37-year-old Japanese man with PFAPA syndrome who presented with a history of febrile episodes associated with pharyngitis, cervical adenitis, and aphthous stomatitis for one year. The patient had been undergoing oral medication therapy without any significant improvement. Tonsillectomy was performed for the patient, and complete resolution of PFAPA was achieved. Our experience suggests that a tonsillectomy is a viable option for the treatment of adult-onset PFAPA.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy with Optimal Pulse Technology as an Adjunct Therapy for Moderate to Severe Blepharitis-Associated Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Ruan Fang , Zang Yunxiao , Sella Ruti , Lu Hongshuang , Li Shang , Yang Ke , Jin Tao , Afshari Natalie A. , Pan Zhiqiang , Jie Ying
Published: September 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy with optimal pulse technology (OPT, M22™, Lumenis, USA) as an adjunct therapy for the prevention of recurrences in moderate to severe blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC).Methods. This open-label nonrandomized clinical trial evaluated 33 patients diagnosed with BKC. Twenty-one patients received four bilateral OPT therapy sessions with Meibomian gland expression (MGX) (treatment group), and 11 patients received MGX alone (controls). This trial was initiated after a four-week pharmacotherapy for BKC in both groups and was scheduled at four-week intervals. Efficacy outcome measures included meibum quality, Meibomian gland (MG) secretion function, eyelid margin signs, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, noninvasive keratography breakup time (NIKBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, Schirmer I test (SIT), classification of tear film lipid layer (TFLL), and Meibomian gland dropout (MGDR). Safety outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, eye structure damage, and facial skin appearance at each visit.Results. Quality of meibum, MG expressibility, eyelid margin signs, and OSDI score showed a statistically significant greater improvement in the treatment group after one to three treatment sessions, compared to controls (p<0.05). While these improved in both groups in comparison to baseline, the NIKBUT and upper and lower eyelid MGDRs significantly improved only in the treatment group (p<0.05). No adverse events occurred in both groups. No BKC recurrences were noted in the treatment group.Conclusions. IPL is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for BKC and possibly more effective in reducing eyelid margin inflammation and prevents recurrences than MGX alone. This trial is registered withChiCTR-ONN-17013864.
Learning Mathematics in Metacognitively Oriented ICT-Based Learning Environments: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Verschaffel Lieven , Depaepe Fien , Mevarech Zemira
Published: September 2019

This article encompasses a systematic review of the research on ICT-based learning environments for metacognitively oriented K-12 mathematics education. This review begins with a brief overview of the research on metacognition and mathematics education and on ICT and mathematics education. Based on a systematic screening of the databases Web of Science and ERIC wherein three elements—ICT-based learning environments, metacognitive pedagogies, and mathematics—are combined, 22 articles/studies were retrieved, situated at various educational levels (kindergarten, elementary school, and secondary school). This review revealed a variety of studies, particularly intervention studies, situated in elementary and secondary schools. Most studies involved drill-and-practice software, intelligent tutoring systems, serious games, multimedia environments, and computer-supported collaborative learning environments, with metacognitive pedagogies either integrated into the ICT software itself or provided externally by the teacher, mainly for arithmetic or algebraic word problem-solving but also related to other mathematical topics. All studies reported positive effects on mathematical and/or metacognitive learning outcomes. This review ends with a discussion of issues for further theoretical reflection and empirical research.
Efficacy of Omalizumab in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis
Authors: Slapnicar Calum , Trinkaus Martina , Hicks Lisa , Vadas Peter
Published: September 2019

Background. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the proliferation of clonal mast cells in skin and various internal organs. Omalizumab is an established, labelled therapy for allergic asthma and chronic urticaria, but its experience in the efficacy of SM is limited. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 6 patients diagnosed with indolent SM treated with omalizumab at St. Michael’s Hospital between 2009 and 2018 is described. Reported frequency of anaphylaxis, baseline and follow-up tryptase levels, and SM-related symptoms were captured to measure the control of the disease. Results. Of the 5 patients who had experienced unprovoked anaphylaxis prior to treatment with omalizumab, 3 had no further episodes of anaphylaxis following initiation of omalizumab, while the remaining 2 patients had milder multisystem reactions. Significant improvement in cutaneous symptoms was also observed. Conclusion. These data suggest that omalizumab provides benefit to patients with SM who remain highly symptomatic in spite of treatment with conventional therapies.
A Curious Case of the Persistent Body Stuffer
Authors: Durrani Muhammad , Dugas Carla , Dasgupta Samaresh
Published: September 2019

A 29-year-old male presented to our emergency department with complaint of abdominal pain after allegedly ingesting a 4-gram packet of heroin in an attempt to evade detection. Initial evaluation including computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen/pelvis with intravenous and oral contrast, as well as laboratory workup was negative and the patient was discharged. The patient returned 3 days later with complaint of “I feel high” and severe constipation, and demonstrated an opiate toxidrome requiring naloxone with improvement of symptoms. A repeat CT of the abdomen/pelvis, this time without contrast revealed a 2.1 × 1.8 cm foreign body in the gastric antrum. The patient was promptly taken to endoscopy with surgical backup. Foreign body removal included multiple plastic bags encasing heroin, which had sustained a small leak causing a gastric outlet obstruction as well as a slow opiate toxidrome. The foreign body was removed and the patient was observed and discharged with a favorable outcome.
Mesenchymal Hamartoma in Children: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rehan , Binkovitz Larry A. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Potter D. Dean , Furuya Katryn N.
Published: September 2019

Mesenchymal hamartoma is a benign tumor of the liver with a poorly understood pathogenesis. It is uncommon in older children, especially after 2 years of age. The signs and symptoms may be nonspecific; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis and treatment. We report a 5-year-old previously healthy male who presented with acute abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever. He was diagnosed with pneumonia initially and treated with antibiotics. A computed tomography (CT) scan done for evaluation of his persistent abdominal pain demonstrated a hepatic mass. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver demonstrated multiple serpiginous tubular-type structures, read as possible Caroli syndrome. He had a normal abdominal examination and normal biochemistries including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alpha-fetoprotein. He was referred to our institution for second opinion. On further review of his imaging studies, the lesion was thought to be a mesenchymal hamartoma. He subsequently underwent resection of the mass. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of mesenchymal hamartoma.
Numerical Investigation on Rock‐Fracturing Mechanism by Using Splitter under Hole Assistance
Authors: Li Hongsheng , Liu Songyong , Cheng Gang , Guo Chuwen
Published: September 2019

In this work, a numerical model of rock breaking under hole assistance was established based on the finite element method (FEM) coupling with smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to reveal rock‐breaking mechanisms and analyze the reasons for crack formation and propagation under hole assistance. In addition, the numerical model was verified by experiment with and without a hole, and the simulation results are basically consistent with the experimental results in rock breaking. During the process of rock fracturing, the hydraulic splitter was first inserted into the predrilling hole, and then the wedges were pushed into the rock under the action of the hydraulic pressure. In this process, the splitter wedge was separated from the two sides, and the transverse bursting force was transmitted to the rock. Finally, the main fracture formed and the rock mass broke due to the bursting force. The results show that the cracks propagate along the approximately straight lines OO1 (the distance between the auxiliary holes and the left predrilled fracturing hole) and OO2 (the distance between the auxiliary holes and the right predrilled fracturing hole) before extending to the auxiliary hole which is unlike the crack propagation in rock without auxiliary holes, and the crack propagating direction gradually approaches horizontally and is vertical to the side after passing through the auxiliary holes. Moreover, when the auxiliary holes are located at the prefabricated angles α = 40° and 45°, the crack propagation can be well induced and the cracks pass through the auxiliary holes. However, at α = 50°, the auxiliary holes can no longer well induce the crack propagation in the process of rock breaking; however, the fracturing pressure is still less than that with no auxiliary holes, indicating that the auxiliary holes play a positive role in guiding rock breaking.
Protection of the Peritoneal Membrane by Peritoneal Dialysis Effluent-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a Rat Model of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Zhou Lan , Zong Ming , Guan Qiunong , da Roza Gerald , Wang Hao , Qi Hualin , Du Caigan
Published: September 2019

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a renal replacement option for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, a long-term exposure to hypertonic PD solutions leads to peritoneal membrane (PM) injury, resulting in ultrafiltration (UF) failure. This study was designed to primarily evaluate efficacy of PD effluent-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (pMSCs) in the prevention of PM injury in rats. The pMSCs were isolated from PD effluent. Male Wistar rats received daily intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 10 mL of Dianeal (4.25% dextrose) and were treated with pMSCs (1.2‐1.5×106/rat/wk, IP). UF was determined by IP injection of 30 mL of Dianeal (4.25% dextrose) with dwell time of 1.5 h, and PM injury was examined by histology. Apoptosis was quantitated by using flow cytometric analysis, and gene expression by using the PCR array and Western blot. Here, we showed that as compared to naive control, daily IP injection of the Dianeal PD solution for 6 weeks without pMSC treatment significantly reduced UF, which was associated with an increase in both PM thickness and blood vessel, while pMSC treatment prevented the UF loss and reduced PM injury and blood vessels.In vitroincubation with pMSC-conditioned medium prevented cell death in cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and downregulated proinflammatory (i.e., CXCL6, NOS2, IL1RN, CCL5, and NR3C1) while upregulated anti-inflammatory (i.e., CCR1, CCR4, IL9, and IL-10) gene expression in activated THP1 cells. In conclusion, pMSCs prevent bioincompatible PD solution-induced PM injury and UF decline, suggesting that infusing backex vivo-expanded pMSCs intraperitoneally may have therapeutic potential for reduction of UF failure in PD patients.
Coupling Coordinated Development Model of Urban‐Rural Logistics and Empirical Study
Authors: Gong Xianwen
Published: September 2019

This paper builds a coupling coordinated development model for urban‐rural logistics based on coupling theory and synergy theory, designs an index system for the coordinated development of urban‐rural logistics based on supply chain management, and determines the weight of the index system using the entropy method. Supported by official statistics, this paper measures the level and analyzes the changing trend of the coupling coordinated development of urban‐rural logistics from 2001 to 2015 in China. The results show that, in the study period, the orderly development level of both urban and rural logistics was improved, and the coordinated development level of urban‐rural logistics generally maintained a slow upward trend. However, the interactive coupling level between urban and rural logistics was stagnant, and the orderly development differences were gradually enlarged. This study suggests that setting up urban‐rural logistics integrated systems, including material flow, financing flow, information flow, and commerce flow, has become an effective way to break through the division between urban and rural logistics and realize the coordinated development of urban‐rural logistics.
Electronic Cigarette Use among Survivors of Smoking-Related Cancers in the United States
Authors: Akinboro Oladimeji , Nwabudike Stanley , Elias Rawad , Balasire Oluseyi , Ola Olatunde , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and its impact on smoking cessation among cancer survivors in the United States is largely unknown. We sought to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and examine its associations with cigarette smoking and smoking quit attempts among smoking-related cancer survivors in the United States.

Methods:

We obtained data from the 2014–2017 annual cycles of the National Health Interview Survey for participants with self-reported history of smoking-related cancer(s). We calculated the prevalence of current e-cigarette use and utilized multinomial logistic regression in examining the independent association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking. Appropriate survey weights were applied in estimating the prevalence rates, relative risk ratios (RRR), ORs, and confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

Our sample comprised 3,162 smoking-related cancer survivors. The prevalence of current e-cigarette use was 3.18% (95% CI, 2.40–3.96). Current e-cigarette users were 83 times as likely as never users to be current cigarette smokers (RRR, 82.89; 95% CI, 16.54–415.37). Among those with a history of cigarette smoking, current e-cigarette users were 90% less likely to be former smokers (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.05–0.18). No association was seen between current e-cigarette use and a smoking quit attempt in the prior year.

Conclusions:

E-cigarette use among cigarette ever smokers was associated with a lower likelihood of being a former smoker/having quit smoking, and e-cigarette use was not associated with smoking quit attempts.

Impact:

Our findings do not provide evidence that e-cigarette use facilitates smoking cessation among smoking-related cancer survivors.