bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing liver dysfunction in haematology patients: Switch antifungals, or use the tincture of time?
Authors: Perissinotti Anthony J. , Marini Bernard L.
Published: November 2018

Liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are a common occurrence in haematology patients receiving antifungal therapies. The cause of elevated LFTs is often multifactorial. Posaconazole is associated with elevated LFTs in approximately 5%‐10% of patients. Recently, DiPippo, et al demonstrated that switching to isavuconazole in such cases leads to a reduction in LFTs in the majority of patients. However, the LFTs in such patients may have declined with time while continuing on posaconazole therapy. We retrospectively assessed LFT kinetics in 157 AML patients receiving posaconazole for antifungal prophylaxis and found that in 27 patients who developed grade 2 or higher CTCAE hepatotoxicity, 85% (23/27) had lower LFTs at the end of posaconazole therapy, despite continuation in the setting of hepatotoxicity, and this change from maximum LFTs was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Thus, the development of LFT abnormalities while on posaconazole therapy may not warrant a switch to an alternative, potentially less effective antifungal, as hepatotoxicity is often multifactorial and generally resolves with time in the majority of patients.
Impact of big data on oral health outcomes
Authors: Nanayakkara Shanika , Zhou Xiaoyan , Spallek Heiko
Published: November 2018

Biomedical big data amasses from different sources such as electronic health records, health research, wearable devices and social media. Recent advances in data capturing, storage and analysis techniques have facilitated conversion of a wealth of knowledge in biomedical big data into evidence‐based actionable plans to enhance population health and well‐being. The delay in reaping the benefits of biomedical big data in dentistry is mainly due to the slow adoption of electronic health record systems, unstructured clinical records, tattered communication between data silos and perceiving oral health as a separate entity from general health. Recent recognition of the complex interplay between oral and general health has acknowledged the power of oral health big data to glean new insights on disease prevention and management. This review paper summarizes recent advances, limitations and challenges in biomedical big data in health care with emphasis on oral health and discusses the potential future applications of oral health big data to improve the quality and efficiency of personalized health care.
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases, Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases, and Interleukins in Vertebral Cartilage Endplate
Authors: Zhang Jian‐feng , Wang Gang‐liang , Zhou Zhi‐jie , Fang Xiang‐qian , Chen Shuai , Fan Shun‐wu
Published: November 2018

Objective

Turnover of cartilage endplate extracellular matrix (ECM) may play an important role in disc degeneration and low back pain (LBP). However, the expression pattern of pro‐inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) in the cartilage endplates (CEP) of intervertebral discs (IVD) is not understood. We aimed to examine the transcriptional levels of MMP, TIMP, and interleukins (IL), and the correlations between them.

Methods

Thirty degenerated cartilage endplate samples from patients with LBP who underwent lumbar fusion surgery were included in the degenerated group. Ten patients without LBP history who underwent lumbar surgery because of vertebral burst fractures were included in the control group. The degenerative severity of the samples was evaluated by MRI, and hematoxylin–eosin and safranin O‐fast green (SO‐FG) staining. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, TIMP‐3, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. The correlations between the levels of these genes were tested using Spearman’s rho test.

Results

Hematoxylin–eosin and SO‐FG staining confirmed a decrease in cell number and proteoglycans in the degenerated cartilage endplate. MRI showed significant signal changes in degenerated cartilage endplates. Patients in the degenerated group showed a higher rate of endplate Modic changes when compared with the control group. MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TIMP‐3, IL‐1α, and IL‐1β were elevated with statistical significance, while MMP‐1, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, and IL‐6 were changed without statistical significance or remained unchanged. Expression of MMP‐3 was positively correlated with IL‐1α (Spearman coefficient, 0.486; P < 0.05); expression of TIMP‐3 was positively correlated with MMP‐9, IL‐1α, and IL‐1β (Spearman coefficient, 0.577, 0.407, and 0.571, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TIMP‐3, IL‐1α, and IL‐1β may play a role in the process of cartilage endplate degeneration. MMP‐3 may be regulated by IL‐1α, and TIMP‐3 might be associated with MMP‐9 and regulated by IL‐1α and IL‐1β.
A systematic review and narrative synthesis on the histological and neurobehavioral long‐term effects of dexmedetomidine
Authors: van Hoorn Camille E. , Hoeks Sanne E. , Essink Heleen , Tibboel Dick , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: November 2018

Background

Recent experimental studies suggest that currently used anesthetics have neurotoxic effects on young animals. Clinical studies are increasingly publishing about the effects of anesthesia on the long‐term outcome, providing contradictory results. The selective alpha‐2 adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine has been suggested as an alternative nontoxic sedative agent.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the potential neuroprotective and neurobehavioral effects of dexmedetomidine in young animals and children.

Methods

Systematic searches separately for preclinical and clinical studies were performed in Medline Ovid and Embase on February 14, 2018.

Results

The initial search found preclinical (n = 661) and clinical (n = 240) studies. A total of 20 preclinical studies were included. None of the clinical studies met the predefined eligibility criteria. Histologic injury by dexmedetomidine was evaluated in 11 studies, and was confirmed in three of these studies (caspase‐3 activation or apoptosis). Decrease of injury caused by another anesthetic was evaluated in 16 studies and confirmed in 13 of these. Neurobehavioral tests were performed in seven out of the 20 studies. Of these seven rodent studies, three studies tested the effects of dexmedetomidine alone on neurobehavioral outcome in animals (younger than P21). All three studies found no negative effect of dexmedetomidine on the outcome. In six studies, outcome was evaluated when dexmedetomidine was administered following another anesthetic. Dexmedetomidine was found to lessen the negative effects of the anesthetic.

Conclusion

In animals, dexmedetomidine was found not to induce histologic injury and to show a beneficial effect when administered with another anesthetic. No clinical results on the long‐term effects in children have been identified yet.
Hydrogen peroxide facilitates Arabidopsis seedling establishment by interacting with light signalling pathway in the dark
Authors: Cheng Han , Liang Qun , Chen Xiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qiao Fei , Guo Dianjing
Published: November 2018

Light is essential for the plant establishment. Arabidopsis seedlings germinated in the dark cannot grow leaf and only have closed cotyledons. However, exogenous application of H2O2 can induce leaves (establishment) in the dark. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that light‐responsive genes were activated by H2O2 treatment. These genes are functionally correlated with photosynthesis, photorespiration, and components of photosystem, such as antenna proteins and light‐harvesting chlorophyll proteins. We further found that application of H2O2 facilitates cell cycle by accelerating G2–M checkpoint transition in shoot apical meristem. Phytochrome‐mediated light signalling pathway was also involved in the H2O2‐facilitated establishment process. The constitutive photomorphogenesis 1 and phytochrome interacting factor 3 proteins were shown to be down‐regulated by H2O2 treatment and accordingly removed their inhibitory effects on photomorphogenesis in the dark. The crosstalk between oxidation and light signal pathways explains the mechanism that H2O2 regulates plant dark establishment. The endogenous photorespiratory H2O2 production was mimicked by overexpression of glycolate oxidase genes and supplement of substrate glycolate. As expected, seedling establishment was also induced by the endogenously produced H2O2 under dark condition. These findings also suggest that photorespiratory H2O2 production is at least partially involved in postgermination establishment.
Severe vemurafenib‐induced photosensitivity in a 6‐year‐old boy
Authors: Jew Olivia S. , Provini Lauren E. , Treat James R.
Published: November 2018

Vemurafenib, a selective BRAF kinase inhibitor, has been found to induce several cutaneous adverse effects, ranging from a keratosis pilaris‐like reaction to squamous cell carcinoma. While photosensitivity has been well described as one of these manifestations, we report a case of a 6‐year‐old boy on vemurafenib who developed a severe blistering sunburn after only two 30‐minute episodes of sun exposure. A brief review of other common cutaneous adverse effects of vemurafenib is also provided.
The contribution of caregiving orientations to volunteering‐related motives, costs, and benefits
Authors: Meneghini Anna M. , Mikulincer Mario , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: November 2018

In four studies, a behavioral system approach was adopted to understand prosocial behavior, and the contribution of caregiving orientations (hyperactivation, deactivation) to various aspects of volunteerism was examined. In Studies 1 and 2, conducted in Italy, engagement in volunteer activities and motives for volunteering were assessed. In Studies 3 and 4, conducted in Israel, compassion fatigue and changes in life satisfaction and meaning following sustained volunteer service were assessed. Caregiving deactivation was associated with less engagement in volunteer activities and more compassion fatigue. Caregiving hyperactivation was also associated with compassion fatigue but was accompanied by heightened engagement and motivation for volunteering, as well as volunteering‐related increases in life satisfaction and meaning. The findings were discussed from a behavioral system perspective.
Combined liver‐kidney transplantation for primary hyperoxaluria type I in children: Single Center Experience
Authors: Kotb Magd A. , Hamza Alaa F. , Abd El Kader Hesham , El Monayeri Magda , Mosallam Dalia S. , Ali Nazira , Basanti Christine William Shaker , Bazaraa Hafez , Abdelrahman Hany , Nabhan Marwa M. , Abd El Baky Hend , El Sorogy Sally T. Mostafa , Kamel Inas E.M. , Ismail Hoda , Ramadan Yasmin , Abd El Rahman Safaa M. , Soliman Neveen A.
Published: November 2018

Primary hyperoxalurias are rare inborn errors of metabolism with deficiency of hepatic enzymes that lead to excessive urinary oxalate excretion and overproduction of oxalate which is deposited in various organs. Hyperoxaluria results in serious morbid‐ity, end stage kidney disease (ESKD), and mortality if left untreated. Combined liver kidney transplantation (CLKT) is recognized as a management of ESKD for children with hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). This study aimed to report outcome of CLKT in a pediatric cohort of PH1 patients, through retrospective analysis of data of 8 children (2 girls and 6 boys) who presented by PH1 to Wadi El Nil Pediatric Living Related Liver Transplant Unit during 2001‐2017. Mean age at transplant was 8.2 ± 4 years. Only three of the children underwent confirmatory genotyping. Three patients died prior to surgery on waiting list. The first attempt at CLKT was consecutive, and despite initial successful liver transplant, the girl died of biliary peritonitis prior to scheduled renal transplant. Of the four who underwent simultaneous CLKT, only two survived and are well, one with insignificant complications, and other suffered from abdominal Burkitt lymphoma managed by excision and resection anastomosis, four cycles of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. The other two died, one due to uncontrollable bleeding within 36 hours of procedure, while the other died awaiting renal transplant after loss of renal graft to recurrent renal oxalosis 6 months post‐transplant. PH1 with ESKD is a rare disease; simultaneous CLKT offers good quality of life for afflicted children. Graft shortage and renal graft loss to oxalosis challenge the outcome.
Different Shades of Gray: A Priming Experimental Study on How Institutional Logics Influence Organizational Actor Judgment
Authors: Ngoye Benard , Sierra Vicenta , Ysa Tamyko
Published: November 2018

This article examines whether and how judgments made by individual organizational actors may be influenced by institutional logics—the historical patterns of cultural symbols and material practices, including assumptions, values, and beliefs, by which individuals and organizations provide meaning to their daily activity, organize time and space, and reproduce their lives and experiences. Using an experimental design, the authors prime three institutional logics in three independent groups of managers (n = 98) and assess the influence of the primes on individual‐level judgment preferences. The results show that such priming affects participants' judgments in an ambiguous judgmental task, with each prime influencing judgment in a discernibly unique pattern. Consequently, a more nuanced account of larger patterns of behavior can be constructed. The findings highlight the potential of text as priming stimuli within institutionally complex work settings such as those in the public sector, an important yet underexamined issue.
Antimicrobial peptides from fish: beyond the fight against pathogens
Authors: Valero Yulema , Saraiva‐Fraga Miguel , Costas Benjamín , Guardiola Francisco A.
Published: November 2018

Fish antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides whose actions have great implications in the innate immune response of teleost fish, being considered critical as the first line of defence against a wide spectrum of pathogens. Antibiotics have been widely used in aquaculture, resulting in bacterial resistance. The potential of AMPs as alternative to antibiotics makes them a very interesting tool as they represent lower‐risk peptides to develop resistances, or even in the fight against other pathogens such as viruses. Beyond their antimicrobial function, fish AMPs possess several relevant but little‐known characteristics and capabilities such as host‐defence peptides, antioxidants, active compounds of immunogenic drugs and as adjuvants. Moreover, their antitumour properties make them potential drugs to be used in oncological treatments in human subjects. Novel methodologies as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated proteins system (CRISPR‐Cas), or even their use as nutraceutics, seem to be promising instruments to enlarge the functions of fish AMPs. This review discusses these new methodologies, as well as the latest research on fish AMP functions, newly discovered properties of AMPs and their future applications in both the aquaculture industry and human health care.
Relationship between motile sperm subpopulations identified in frozen‐thawed dog semen samples and their ability to bind to the zona pellucida of canine oocytes
Authors: Peña Ana I. , Adán Sheila , Quintela Luis A. , Becerra Juan J. , Herradón Pedro G.
Published: November 2018

Contents

Studies performed on ejaculates from several species have identified discrete subpopulations of motile sperm. In dogs, motile sperm subpopulations have also been described in fresh and frozen‐thawed semen. The subpopulation of the most rapid and progressively motile sperm has been suggested to be the most likely source of fertilizing spermatozoa. However, the significance of subpopulation differences among dogs and ejaculates relative to fertility is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the relative proportion of motile sperm subpopulations in frozen‐thawed dog semen samples and their ability to bind to the zona pellucida of canine oocytes. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the subpopulation of the most rapid and progressively motile sperm was significantly and positively correlated with zona pellucida‐binding assays (ZBA) outcomes: each 10% increase in this subpopulation was associated with an increase of 1.5 sperm bound per oocyte. Subpopulations of hyperactivated‐like or locally motile sperm were negatively correlated with the ZBA results. It was concluded that subpopulation differences among frozen‐thawed dog semen samples determined differences in the number of sperm bound to the ZP of canine oocytes.
Canine ovulation timing: A survey on methodology and an assessment on reliability of vaginal cytology
Authors: Arlt Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Ovulation timing in bitches is a routine procedure in small animal practice around the world. It is most frequently used for supporting breeding management, high‐risk pregnancy monitoring and determination of the time of parturition. To learn more about how and for what reasons veterinarians interested in small animal reproduction perform canine ovulation timing, an online survey was conducted in 2017. The link to the survey was distributed via the mailing list cafereprod-l@list.cornell.edu and the website, the Twitter account and the Facebook page of EVSSAR. All respondents recommended using quantitative progesterone measurement for ovulation timing alone or in combination with other diagnostic tests. Vaginal cytology was also a commonly used technique. The 63 respondents followed different protocols for sampling and staining vaginal epithelial cells. Interestingly, 50 respondents used vaginal cytology routinely, but only two consider it as a very reliable and another nine as a somewhat reliable test if used alone. In a second project, delegates attending the EVSSAR congress held in Vienna, Austria, in June 2017 had the opportunity to examine seven stained vaginal smear slides under optical microscopy in a blinded approach. The results showed a marked heterogeneity in the identification of vaginal cells and assessment of the time in relation to ovulation. This heterogeneity supports the opinion of survey participants that vaginal cytology alone is not a valid tool for determining the day of ovulation. Results of both projects suggest that there is no standard procedure for the examination of vaginal smears in dogs. It is not recommended to determine the optimal time for mating based on the examination of a single vaginal smear only. According to some comments of survey participants, it is more useful to assess vaginal samples repeatedly and to use the findings to determine when to start progesterone measurement.
Direct acting anti‐viral medications for hepatitis C: Clinical trials in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bruchfeld Annette , Lindahl Karin
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis C is a global health concern, with important implications in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to its increased prevalence in this population. Patients with advanced CKD have until recently been excluded from the pivotal direct acting anti‐viral (DAA) trials, which have demonstrated high virological cure numbers. Sofosbuvir‐free DAAs dasabuvir, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without ribavirin, and elbasvir/grazoprevir are well‐tolerated in patients with genotype 1 and 4 CHC with CKD 4 or 5 (including HD), with virologic cure rates of above 90%, in both single‐arm and placebo‐controlled studies. More recently a pangenotypic approach using glecaprevir and pibrentasvir has also been shown to be highly effective in CKD 4‐5. With increasingly successful treatment options with minimal side‐effects most hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients with CKD and ESRD can be cured. Outstanding issues to be considered is how to raise the awareness of the availability of safe DAAs and excellent outcomes in CKD, and moreover to define optimal timing of treatment and address the question of HCV eradication in all stages of CKD including the dialysis population.
ESRD patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C: Outcomes and management challenges
Authors: Sawinski Deirdre
Published: November 2018

HIV infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Due to shared modes of acquisition, many HIV+ patients are coinfected with Hepatitis C. HIV/HCV coinfected patients have an increased burden of chronic kidney disease and are more likely to progress to end‐stage renal disease. Dialysis survival is diminished in the coinfected population, even in the contemporary era. Kidney transplantation offers a survival benefit over remaining on dialysis; however, posttransplant outcomes are inferior compared to patients with HIV infection alone. Direct acting antiviral agents may offer an opportunity to improve patient survival, but there are significant drug‐drug interactions involving the direct acting antiviral agents, antiretroviral therapy, and immunosuppression that the clinician should be aware of.
Psychological Inflexibility Predicts Suicidality Over Time in College Students
Authors: Krafft Jennifer , Hicks E. Tish , Mack Sallie A. , Levin Michael E.
Published: November 2018

Objective

It is essential to identify modifiable risk factors that can be targeted to reduce suicidal ideation (SI) and behavior in college students. Psychological inflexibility, a pattern of responding to internal experiences in a literal and rigid way, and attempting to control those experiences even when it interferes with valued living, could theoretically lead to SI or increase its intensity.

Method

Psychological inflexibility and its component processes were tested as a predictor of SI in a longitudinal survey of college students (n = 603, age M = 20.62, 68.9% female, and 94.0% White) in a series of cross‐sectional and longitudinal hierarchical regression models, controlling for relevant predictors such as distress and baseline SI. Interactions were also tested between psychological inflexibility and distress, cognitive defusion, values obstruction, and values progress in predicting SI.

Results

Psychological inflexibility predicted SI cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, controlling for distress and baseline SI. Psychological inflexibility interacted with distress, cognitive fusion, and values progress such that distress, cognitive fusion, and values progress had the strongest association with suicidal ideation among those who were high in psychological inflexibility.

Conclusions

Psychological inflexibility may be a useful mechanism to target for suicide prevention in college students.
The impact of high‐intensity interval training on the cTnT response to acute exercise in sedentary obese young women
Authors: Nie Jinlei , Zhang Haifeng , He Yuxiu , Cao Wenling , Liu Yang , Kong Zhaowei , George Keith
Published: November 2018

Aims

This study characterized (a) the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) response to three forms of acute high‐intensity interval exercise (HIE), and (b) the impact of 12 weeks of HIE training on the cTnT response to acute exercise in sedentary obese young women.

Methods

Thirty‐six sedentary women were randomized to traditional HIE training (repeated 4‐minute cycling at 90% O2max interspersed with 3‐minute rest, 200 kJ/session), work‐equivalent sprint interval exercise (SIE) training (repeated 1‐minute cycling at 120% O2max interspersed with 1.5‐minute rest) or repeated‐sprint exercise (RSE) training (40 × 6‐second all‐out sprints interspersed with 9‐second rest) group. cTnT was assessed using a high‐sensitivity assay before and immediately, 3 and 4 hours after the 1st (PRE), 6th (EARLY), 20th (MID), and 44th (END) training session, respectively.

Results

cTnT was elevated (P < 0.05) after all forms of acute interval exercise at the PRE and EARLY assessment with cTnT response higher (P < 0.05) after HIE (307%) and SIE (318%) than RSE (142%) at the PRE assessment. All forms of acute interval exercise at MID and END had no effect on the cohort cTnT concentration post‐exercise (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

For sedentary obese young women, both HIE and SIE, matched for total work, induced a similar elevation in cTnT after acute exercise with a smaller rise observed after RSE. By the 44th training session, almost no post‐exercise cTnT elevation was observed in all three groups. Such information is relevant for clinicians as it could improve medical decisionmaking.
Owlflies are derived antlions: anchored phylogenomics supports a new phylogeny and classification of Myrmeleontidae (Neuroptera)
Authors: Machado Renato J. P. , Gillung Jessica P. , Winterton Shaun L. , Garzón‐Orduña Ivonne J. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Oswald John D.
Published: November 2018

The first phylogenomic analysis of the antlions is presented, based on 325 genes captured using anchored hybrid enrichment. A concatenated matrix including 207 species of Myrmeleontoidea (170 Myrmeleontidae) was analysed under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Both Myrmeleontidae (antlions) and Ascalaphidae (owlflies) were recovered as paraphyletic with respect to each other. The majority of the subfamilies traditionally assigned to both Myrmeleontidae and Ascalaphidae were also recovered as paraphyletic. By contrast, all traditional antlion tribes were recovered as monophyletic (except Brachynemurini), but most subtribes were found to be paraphyletic. When compared with the traditional classification of Myrmeleontidae, our results do not support the current taxonomy. Therefore, based on our phylogenomic results, we propose a new classification for the antlions, which synonymizes Ascalaphidae with Myrmeleontidae and divides the family into four subfamilies (Ascalaphinae, Myrmeleontinae, Dendroleontinae and Nemoleontinae) and 17 tribes. We also highlight the most pressing issues in antlion systematics and indicate taxa that need further taxonomic and phylogenetic attention. Finally, we present a comprehensive table placing all extant genera of antlions and owlflies in our new proposed classification, including details on the number of species, distribution and notes on the likely monophyly of each genus.
Antibody‐mediated immunosuppression can result from RBC antigen loss independent of Fcγ receptors in mice
Authors: Mener Amanda , Patel Seema R. , Arthur Connie M. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Anti‐RhD administration can prevent de novo anti‐RhD formation following RhD+ red blood cell (RBC) exposure, termed antibody‐mediated immunosuppression (AMIS). Recent studies suggest that AMIS may occur through target antigen alterations, known as antigen modulation. However, studies suggest that AMIS may occur independent of antigen modulation. In particular, AMIS to RBCs that transgenically express the fusion hen egg lysozyme‐ovalbumin‐Duffy (HOD) antigen have been shown to occur independent of activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) thought to be required for antigen modulation. Therefore, we sought to determine the mechanism behind AMIS following HOD RBC exposure.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Following transfer of HOD RBCs into wild‐type or FcγR‐chain knockout recipients in the presence or absence of monoclonal anti–hen egg lysozyme (HEL) antibody, individually or in combination, HOD antigen levels and anti‐HOD antibody formation were examined.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that anti‐HEL antibodies individually or in combination suppressed anti‐HOD IgM, which correlated with the rate of detectable decrease in HEL on HOD RBCs. Furthermore, exposure to anti‐HEL antibodies alone or in combination equally suppressed anti‐HOD IgG formation. Unexpectedly, combination or individual anti‐HEL antibodies induced AMIS and antigen modulation in an FcγR‐independent manner. Pre‐exposure of HOD RBCs to anti‐HEL antibodies reduced antigen levels and suppressed anti‐HOD antibody formation following HOD RBC exposure.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that antibody‐mediated antigen modulation may reflect a mechanism of AMIS that can occur independent of activating FcγRs and may provide a surrogate to identify antibodies capable of inducing AMIS against different RBC antigens.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography characteristics of intrathoracic mass lesions in 36 dogs and 24 cats
Authors: Rick Thorsten , Kleiter Miriam , Schwendenwein Ilse , Ludewig Eberhard , Reifinger Martin , Hittmair Katharina M.
Published: November 2018

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is increasingly available for veterinary patients, however limited studies describe the use of this method for characterizing intrathoracic mass lesions. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to describe CEUS enhancement patterns for intrathoracic mass lesions in a sample of cats and dogs. Sixty patients (36 dogs, 24 cats) were included. Standardized CEUS examinations were performed for 41 pulmonary masses (68%) and 19 mediastinal masses (32%). Final diagnosis was based on cytology and/or histopathology. Absolute time to enhancement (TTE) values were recorded for the intrathoracic mass lesions and spleen. The spleen was used as a reference parenchymal organ to calculate relative TTE (rTTE) values. Absolute TTE of the spleen and intrathoracic mass lesions differed for dogs and cats (P = 0.001). The rTTE values significantly differed between lesions of neoplastic versus non‐neoplastic origin (P = 0.004). The majority of neoplastic pulmonary masses were supplied by bronchial arteries (63%), while most nonneoplastic pulmonary masses were supplied by pulmonary arteries (78%). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting pulmonary neoplastic masses with rTTE were 63% and 78%, respectively. Enhancement patterns for mediastinal thymomas and lymphomas significantly differed (P = 0.002). Thymomas enhanced heterogeneously in a centripetal pattern (86%), whereas lymphomas typically enhanced uniformly in a centrifugal pattern (75%). Findings indicated that CEUS is a feasible method for characterizing intrathoracic mass lesions in dogs and cats, however, the diagnostic sensitivity for detecting neoplastic pulmonary masses was low.
Electrocardiography‐gated cardiac CT angiography can differentiate brachycephalic dogs with and without pulmonary valve stenosis and findings differ from transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: To Ada , Hostnik Eric T. , Rhinehart Jaylyn D. , Scansen Brian A.
Published: November 2018

Pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed congenital heart defects in dogs. Currently, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the standard modality used to evaluate PS. Image acquisition by TTE can be challenging in some brachycephalic breeds of dogs. The use of echocardiographic‐gated CT angiography (ECG‐gated CTA) in veterinary medicine is limited. This retrospective method comparison study investigated right and left ventricular outflow diameters by sedated ECG‐gated CTA and unsedated TTE in 14 brachycephalic dogs with PS and 12 brachycephalic dogs without PS. Measurements of ventricular outflow structures were made in early systole and end diastole for both modalities and then compared for significance between systolic and diastolic phases, as well as between the two modalities. Ratios of the pulmonary trunk diameter to the aorta at different locations (aortic valve, aortic annulus, and ascending aorta) and in different planes (transverse, sagittal) were compared between dogs with PS and without PS, as well as within dogs, by both TTE and ECG‐gated CTA. Transthoracic echocardiography and ECG‐gated CTA both detected significantly greater pulmonary trunk to aorta ratios in dogs with PS at all aortic locations (P < 0.05). Pulmonary valve to aortic valve ratios were significantly smaller in dogs with PS (P < 0.05). Pulmonary trunk to aorta and pulmonary valve to aorta ratios were achieved with good anatomic detail using ECG‐gated CTA. Ratios of the pulmonary trunk and pulmonary valve relative to the aorta may be useful to evaluate for PS using a modality that is underutilized for cardiac assessment.
Long‐term phosphorus accumulation and removal efficiency in a land‐based wastewater treatment system in the UK
Authors: Batista Seguí Maria del Mar , Tyrrel Sean , Hess Tim , Sakrabani Ruben , Knaggs David
Published: November 2018

The study aims to assess the long‐term phosphorus (P) removal in a land treatment system (LTS) in the UK. Different sections of the site have been irrigated with wastewater effluent for different periods of time for up to 85 years. The amounts of P discharged and accumulated were calculated from historical data, estimations of water consumption, composition and soil measurement. The total P input during the study period was estimated to be 90 010 kg, the average P removal was 4% and there was no significant difference in the total P accumulated between plots irrigated for different periods, indicating that the sorption capacity of the soil might be saturated. Despite the low P retention rates in the LTS, there is no evidence that emissions from this system are affecting P concentrations in either the nearby river or the local chalk aquifer. Gaps remain, however, in performance optimisation and longevity forecasting.
Effects of Participation in Inclusive Physical Activity on Social Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nalbant Sibel
Published: November 2018

In the National Standards Report (2015) of the National Autism Centre, participation in physical activities in the education of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined to be a promising intervention method (scientific base being formed). On the other hand, as a result of the regulations on inclusion, there has been a rapid increase in the number of children with special needs studying in general education classes together with their peers. Based on these two tendencies in recent years, the objective of this study was determined to be the effect of participation in inclusive physical activity on social skill in children and youth with ASD. The participants of the study were 55 children with ASD between the ages of 6 and 26 including 15 girls and 40 boys who participated in the inclusive physical activity (IPAC) program with their peers having typical development for two days a week and 45 minutes a day during 3 months within the scope of the “Inclusive Physical Activity Centre” project of the Istanbul Gedik University. The applied IPAC program involved peer participation and supported specialized movement skills and development of physical and motor capabilities. The data of this research were gathered using a Personal Information Form and Autism Social Skill Profile (ASSP) by face-to-face interviews with the parents of the participants. The study was designed with the single group pretest-posttest model of quasi-experimental studies. The study after IPAC determined a significant difference in the subscales of the scale and in the ASSP-Total score (p<0.05). The findings of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of inclusive physical activity on the social skills of individuals with ASD. For the similar future studies, the use of the design with control group and supporting it with qualitative data for the detailed explanation of the results obtained by quantitative approach are recommended.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Shock Wave Structure Alterations and Available Energy Loss Variations With a Grooved Nozzle Vane
Authors: Zhao Ben , Qi Mingxu , Sun Harold , Shi Xin , Ma Chaochen
Published: November 2018

A passive shock wave control method, using a grooved surface instead of the original smooth surface of a gas turbine nozzle vane to alter a single shock wave into a multiple shock wave structure, is investigated in this paper, so as to gain insight into the flow characteristics of a multiple shock wave system and its variations with various grooved surface geometry parameters. With the combination of numerical and experimental approaches, the shock wave structure and the flow behavior in a linear turbine nozzle channel with different grooved surface configurations were compared and analyzed in details. The numerical and experimental results indicate that the multiple shock wave structure induced by the grooved surface is beneficial for mitigating the intensity of the shock wave, reducing the potential excitation force of the shock wave and decreasing the shock wave loss as well. It was also found that the benefits are related to the geometry of the grooved surface, such as groove width, depth, and number. However, the presence of the grooved surface inevitably causes more viscous boundary layer loss and wake loss, which maybe a bottleneck for general engineering application of such a passive shock wave mitigation method.
On the Simulation and Spectral Analysis of Unsteady Turbulence and Transition Effects in a Multistage Low Pressure Turbine
Authors: Geiser Georg , Wellner Jens , Kügeler Edmund , Weber Anton , Moors Anselm
Published: November 2018

A nonlinear full-wheel time-domain simulation of a two-stage low pressure turbine is presented, analyzed, and compared with the available experimental data. Recent improvements to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver TRACE that lead to significantly reduced wall-clock times for such large scale simulations are described in brief. Since the configuration is characterized by significant unsteady turbulence and transition effects, it is well suited for the validation and benchmarking of frequency-domain methods. Transition, flow separation and wall pressure fluctuations on the stator blades of the second stage are analyzed in detail. A strong azimuthal π-periodicity is observed, manifesting in a significantly varying stability of the midspan trailing edge flow with a quasi-steady closed separation bubble on certain blades and highly dynamic partially open separation bubbles with recurring transition and turbulent reattachment on other blades. The energy spectrum of fluctuating wall quantities in that regime shows a high bandwidth and considerable disharmonic content, which is challenging for frequency-domain-based simulation methods.
Numerical Evaluation of Thermal Hydraulic Performance in Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers With Various Vortex Generator Geometries Arranged in Common-Flow-Down or Common-Flow-Up
Authors: Md Salleh Mohd Fahmi , Gholami Ahmadali , Wahid Mazlan A.
Published: November 2018

Vortex generator as secondary flow enhancement technique has captured the attention of many researchers recently to augment the performance of the fin-and-tube heat exchanger (FTHE). There are various vortex generator parameters that influence the thermal and hydraulic performance in the FTHE such as the geometry and arrangement. In this study, the effect of different vortex generator geometries and arrangements was investigated using numerical simulation method. There are three vortex generator geometries studied including rectangular winglet (RWVG), delta winglet (DWVG), and trapezoidal winglet (TWVG). The vortex generators were placed behind tubes either in common flow down (CFD) or common flow up (CFU) arrangement. The introduction of vortex generators behind tubes resulted in heat transfer augmentation but comes together with higher pressure drop penalty. Further analysis on the thermal performance has found that TWVG in CFU arrangement almost obtained similar thermal performance factor with respect to the baseline case at Reynolds number 500 and 600. However, the thermal performance factor for TWVG in CFU arrangement decreases as the Reynolds number further increased. For other vortex generator cases, lesser thermal performance factor was found as compared to the baseline case.
Experimental Validation of a Wide-Range Centrifugal Compressor Stage for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycles
Authors: Allison Timothy C. , Smith Natalie R. , Pelton Robert , Wilkes Jason C. , Jung Sewoong
Published: November 2018

Successful implementation of sCO2 power cycles requires high compressor efficiency at both the design-point and over a wide operating range in order to maximize cycle power output and maintain stable operation over a wide range of transient and part-load operating conditions. This requirement is particularly true for air-cooled cycles where compressor inlet density is a strong function of inlet temperature that is subject to daily and seasonal variations as well as transient events. In order to meet these requirements, a novel centrifugal compressor stage design was developed that incorporates multiple novel range extension features, including a passive recirculating casing treatment and semi-open impeller design. This design, presented and analyzed for CO2 operation in a previous paper, was fabricated via direct metal laser sintering and tested in an open-loop test rig in order to validate simulation results and the effectiveness of the casing treatment configuration. Predicted performance curves in air and CO2 conditions are compared, resulting in a reduced diffuser width requirement for the air test in order to match design velocities and demonstrate the casing treatment. Test results show that the casing treatment performance generally matched computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions, demonstrating an operating range of 69% and efficiency above air predictions across the entire map. The casing treatment configuration demonstrated improvements over the solid wall configuration in stage performance and flow characteristics at low flows, resulting in an effective 14% increase in operating range with a 0.5-point efficiency penalty. The test results are also compared to a traditional fully shrouded impeller with the same flow coefficient and similar head coefficient, showing a 42% range improvement over traditional designs.
The Effect of Textiles Impregnated With Particles With High Emissivity in the Far Infrared, on the Temperature of the Cold Hand
Authors: Papacharalambous Michael , Karvounis Georgia , Kenanakis George , Gupta Anshal , Rubinsky Boris
Published: November 2018

In engineering and medicine, there is a growing interest in using textiles made of composites with enhanced thermal properties. One such type of textile is fabric impregnated with ceramics and mineral particles. This material has high emissivity in the infrared range and may have therapeutic benefits for treatments of diseases, like Raynaud's syndrome. While there is significant clinical and commercial interest, there is an evident lack of fundamental studies on the heat transfer aspects of these fabrics. The goal of this technical brief is to present results from a fundamental study examining the thermal effects of fabric with ceramics and minerals (produced by Nanobionic, Inc., Athens, Greece) on the temperatures of the hands. With a confidence level of 90%, the results show that the textile with ceramics and minerals has an enhanced thermal effect on warming a cold hand in comparison to a placebo fabric without ceramics or minerals. Much more research is needed to increase the level of confidence and develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanism.
Nonlinear Torsional Vibration Absorber for Flexible Structures
Authors: Mao Xiao-Ye , Ding Hu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: November 2018

A new kind of nonlinear energy sink (NES) is proposed to control the vibration of a flexible structure with simply supported boundaries in the present work. The new kind of absorber is assembled at the end of structures and absorbs energy through the rotation angle at the end of the structure. It is easy to design and attached to the support of flexible structures. The structure and the absorber are coupled just with a nonlinear restoring moment and the damper in the absorber acts on the structure indirectly. In this way, all the linear characters of the flexible structure will not be changed. The system is investigated by a special perturbation method and verified by simulation. Parameters of the absorber are fully discussed to optimize the efficiency of it. For the resonance, the maximum motion is restrained up to 90% by the optimized absorber. For the impulse, the vibration of the structure could attenuate rapidly. In addition to the high efficiency, energy transmits to the absorber uniaxially. For the high efficiency, convenience of installation and the immutability of linear characters, the new kind of rotating absorber provides a very good strategy for the vibration control.
Computational Modeling of Dynamically Initiated Instabilities and Implosion of Underwater Cylindrical Structures in a Confined Environment
Authors: Guzas Emily L. , Gupta Sachin , Ambrico Joseph M. , LeBlanc James M. , Shukla Arun
Published: November 2018

This paper details a numerical study of the dynamic stability of a cylindrical shell structure under combined hydrostatic and dynamic pressure loading within a tubular environment as compared to the traditional loading of hydrostatic pressure alone. Simulations are executed using a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian scheme, within the dynamic system mechanics advanced simulation (DYSMAS) code, to explicitly model the (1) structural response of a single unstiffened cylindrical shell to dynamic pressure loading and (2) the fluid flow field within the surrounding environment due to the shock and the shell structural response. Simulations involve a non-pressure-compensated aluminum 6061-T6 cylindrical structure with a length-to-diameter ratio, L/D, equal to 9.6. This structure is 31.8 mm (1.25-in) in outer diameter and is concentrically and longitudinally centered within the outer tube, which has an inner diameter of 177.8 mm (7.00-in) and total internal length of 2.13 m (84-in). Simulations are run at four hydrostatic tank pressures, which are categorized by percentage of measured critical collapse pressure, Pc, of the shell structure: 66% Pc, 80% Pc, 85% Pc, and 90%Pc. For each case, the shell structure is subjected to shock loading created by the detonation of a commercial blasting cap at a given standoff to the structure within the confining tube. Simulated pressure histories are compared to experimental pressure data at gage locations. The simulations and corresponding experiments produce the same overall result for three of four cases (i.e., survive: 66%Pc or implode: 85%Pc and 90%Pc). For the 80%Pc case, the overall result differs between simulation and experiment in that the specimen in the experiment survives but the simulated cylinder implodes. However, the discrepancy between the overall experimental result and corresponding simulation is not deemed a failure for the 80%Pc case; instead, this signifies a transitional case for the dynamic stability of the shell structure (i.e., collapse is sensitive to small deviations from assumed conditions in this regime).
Prediction of Material Removal Rate for Chemical Mechanical Planarization Using Decision Tree-Based Ensemble Learning
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Wu Dazhong , Yu Tianyu
Published: November 2018

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) has been widely used in the semiconductor industry to create planar surfaces with a combination of chemical and mechanical forces. A CMP process is very complex because several chemical and mechanical phenomena (e.g., surface kinetics, electrochemical interfaces, contact mechanics, stress mechanics, hydrodynamics, and tribochemistry) are involved. Predicting the material removal rate (MRR) in a CMP process with sufficient accuracy is essential to achieving uniform surface finish. While physics-based methods have been introduced to predict MRRs, little research has been reported on monitoring and predictive modeling of the MRR in CMP. This paper presents a novel decision tree-based ensemble learning algorithm that can train the predictive model of the MRR. The stacking technique is used to combine three decision tree-based learning algorithms, including the random forests (RF), gradient boosting trees (GBT), and extremely randomized trees (ERT), via a meta-regressor. The proposed method is demonstrated on the data collected from a CMP tool that removes material from the surface of wafers. Experimental results have shown that the decision tree-based ensemble learning algorithm using stacking can predict the MRR in the CMP process with very high accuracy.