bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C elimination among people who inject drugs: Challenges and recommendations for action within a health systems framework
Authors: Day Emma , Hellard Margaret , Treloar Carla , Bruneau Julie , Martin Natasha K. , Øvrehus Anne , Dalgard Olav , Lloyd Andrew , Dillon John , Hickman Matt , Byrne Jude , Litwin Alain , Maticic Mojca , Bruggmann Philip , Midgard Havard , Norton Brianna , Trooskin Stacey , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Grebely Jason ,   the International Network on Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU)
Published: August 2018

The burden of hepatitis C infection is considerable among people who inject drugs (PWID), with an estimated prevalence of 39%, representing an estimated 6.1 million people who have recently injected drugs living with hepatitis C infection. As such, PWID are a priority population for enhancing prevention, testing, linkage to care, treatment and follow‐up care in order to meet World Health Organization (WHO) hepatitis C elimination goals by 2030. There are many barriers to enhancing hepatitis C prevention and care among PWID including poor global coverage of harm reduction services, restrictive drug policies and criminalization of drug use, poor access to health services, low hepatitis C testing, linkage to care and treatment, restrictions for accessing DAA therapy, and the lack of national strategies and government investment to support WHO elimination goals. On 5 September 2017, the International Network of Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) held a roundtable panel of international experts to discuss remaining challenges and future priorities for action from a health systems perspective. The WHO health systems framework comprises six core components: service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, medical procurement, health systems financing, and leadership and governance. Communication has been proposed as a seventh key element which promotes the central role of affected community engagement. This review paper presents recommended strategies for eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health threat among PWID and outlines future priorities for action within a health systems framework.
Eight weeks of Paritaprevir/r/Ombitasvir + Dasabuvir in HCV genotype 1b with mild‐moderate fibrosis: Results from a real‐world cohort
Authors: Puigvehí Marc , De Cuenca Beatriz , Viu Ana , Diago Moisés , Turnes Juan , Gea Francisco , Pascasio Juan M. , Lens Sabela , Cabezas Joaquín , Badia Ester , Olveira Antonio , Morillas Rosa M. , Torras Xavier , Montoliu Silvia , Cordero Patricia , Castro José L. , Salmerón Javier , Molina Esther , Sánchez‐Ruano Juan J. , Moreno Javier , Antón María D. , Moreno José M. , De la Vega Juan , Calleja José L. , Carrión José A.
Published: August 2018

Background & Aims

The interferon‐free regimen paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir + dasabuvir (PTV/r/OBV/DSV) has shown high efficacy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b infection when administered for 8 or 12 weeks, but data regarding the 8‐week treatment are scarce. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the 8‐week administration of PTV/r/OBV/DSV in a real‐world cohort.

Methods

We performed a multicentre observational study from Spanish Hepa‐C database including patients receiving 8 weeks of PTV/r/OBV/DSV (October 2016‐November 2017). Those with advanced fibrosis, with non‐genotype 1b or who were treatment‐experienced were excluded.

Results

A total of 211 patients were registered from 23 Spanish centres; eleven were excluded. At baseline, 42.5% (n = 85) were male, median (range) age was 57 (23‐86), ALT was 45 (11‐494) IU/mL, viral load was 6.1 (3.3‐8.2) log10 IU/mL, and 74.5% had mild liver fibrosis (F0‐F1) and 25.5% moderate fibrosis (F2). At the end of treatment (EOT), HCV viral load was undetectable in 100% (200/200). Seven patients relapsed after treatment discontinuation. Sustained virological response (SVR12) rates by intention‐to‐treat analysis were 96% (192/200). Regarding treatment safety, 2 patients developed ALT elevation >5x ULN, but there were no treatment discontinuations. One patient died 7 weeks after EOT.

Conclusion

Treatment with PTV/r/OBV/DSV in genotype 1b‐infected treatment‐naive patients with mild‐moderate fibrosis shows excellent efficacy and safety in real life, similarly to clinical trials. Clinicaltrials.gov, number: NCT03122132.
Together in bad times? Connectedness and spillovers in recession and boom
Authors: Miescu Mirela Sorina
Published: August 2018

Is connectedness across countries dependent on the state of the economy? We answer this question by applying the Diebold‐Yilmaz index in a non‐linear framework. Via a Threshold VAR model, we measure the connectedness of industrial production, inflation and financial variables for seven advanced economies. We find that global connectedness is sizable and business cycle dependent. Specifically, our results suggest that higher values are recorded during recessions. Financial and nominal connectedness display different dynamics relative to the connectedness in industrial production. We also show that negative shocks cause a bigger increase in global connectedness compared to their positive counterparts. In addition, while Europe appears to be vulnerable to shocks originated in USA and Japan, the US is unaffected by shocks occurring elsewhere. Results are robust to an alternative state‐dependent modelling of the parameters and our model fit outperforms both the linear VAR and the Smooth Transition VAR.
Arabidopsis downy mildew effector HaRxL106 suppresses plant immunity by binding to RADICAL‐INDUCED CELL DEATH1
Authors: Wirthmueller Lennart , Asai Shuta , Rallapalli Ghanasyam , Sklenar Jan , Fabro Georgina , Kim Dae Sung , Lintermann Ruth , Jaspers Pinja , Wrzaczek Michael , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , MacLean Daniel , Menke Frank L. H. , Banfield Mark J. , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: August 2018

The oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) causes downy mildew disease on Arabidopsis. To colonize its host, Hpa translocates effector proteins that suppress plant immunity into infected host cells. Here, we investigate the relevance of the interaction between one of these effectors, HaRxL106, and Arabidopsis RADICAL‐INDUCED CELL DEATH1 (RCD1).

We use pathogen infection assays as well as molecular and biochemical analyses to test the hypothesis that HaRxL106 manipulates RCD1 to attenuate transcriptional activation of defense genes.

We report that HaRxL106 suppresses transcriptional activation of salicylic acid (SA)‐induced defense genes and alters plant growth responses to light. HaRxL106‐mediated suppression of immunity is abolished in RCD1 loss‐of‐function mutants. We report that RCD1‐type proteins are phosphorylated, and we identified Mut9‐like kinases (MLKs), which function as phosphoregulatory nodes at the level of photoreceptors, as RCD1‐interacting proteins. An mlk1,3,4 triple mutant exhibits stronger SA‐induced defense marker gene expression compared with wild‐type plants, suggesting that MLKs also affect transcriptional regulation of SA signaling.

Based on the combined evidence, we hypothesize that nuclear RCD1/MLK complexes act as signaling nodes that integrate information from environmental cues and pathogen sensors, and that the Arabidopsis downy mildew pathogen targets RCD1 to prevent activation of plant immunity.
Looking away from the streetlight – new insights into marine calcification
Authors: Gal Assaf
Published: August 2018

This article is a Commentary on Walker et al., 220: 147–162.
Using forward genetics in Nicotiana benthamiana to uncover the immune signaling pathway mediating recognition of the Xanthomonas perforans effector XopJ4
Authors: Schultink Alex , Qi Tiancong , Bally Julia , Staskawicz Brian
Published: August 2018

The immune pathway responsible for perception of the Xanthomonas perforans effector XopJ4 was identified in the plant Nicotiana benthamiana. This pathogen causes significant yield loss in commercial tomato cultivation.

Genetic mapping and viral‐induced gene silencing were used to identify immune signaling components of the XopJ4 perception pathway in N. benthamiana. Transient complementation assays were performed to determine the functionality of gene variants and co‐immunoprecipitation assays were used to gain insight into the molecular mechanism of the pathway.

Two N. benthamiana ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutants deficient for XopJ4 perception were identified as having loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding the nucleotide binding, leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) protein NbZAR1. Silencing of a receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase family XII gene, subsequently named XOPJ4 IMMUNITY 2 (JIM2), blocks perception of XopJ4.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting mutant screens in N. benthamiana to investigate the genetic basis of the plant immune system and other processes. The identification of NbZAR1 and JIM2 as mediating XopJ4 perception in N. benthamiana supports the model of ZAR1 being involved in the perception of many different pathogen effector proteins with specificity dictated by associated receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinases.
The effectiveness of eHealth interventions on physical activity and measures of obesity among working‐age women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cotie L. M. , Prince S. A. , Elliott C. G. , Ziss M. C. , McDonnell L. A. , Mullen K. A. , Hiremath S. , Pipe A. L. , Reid R. D. , Reed J. L.
Published: August 2018

Physical inactivity and obesity are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. eHealth interventions may increase physical activity and improve obesity‐related outcomes among women. The objective of this study was to review the evidence of the effectiveness of eHealth interventions to increase moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity among working‐age women. The secondary objective was to examine their effectiveness on improving obesity‐related outcomes. A comprehensive search strategy was developed for eight electronic databases; through July 2016. All studies consisting of >80% women of working‐age (18–65 years) in high income countries were included. Multiple unblinded reviewers determined study eligibility and extracted data. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and data quality using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. Sixty studies were included in the review of which 20 were in the meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated eHealth interventions improved moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (standard mean difference = 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.58, 1.68, P < 0.0001); an increase of ~25 min week−1. No changes were observed in obesity‐related outcomes; waist circumference (P = 0.06), body mass (P = 0.05) and body mass index (P = 0.35). eHealth interventions are effective at increasing min week−1 of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity among working‐age women from high income countries.
Electricity consumption, economic growth and trade openness in Kazakhstan: evidence from cointegration and causality
Authors: Khan Saleheen , Jam Farooq Ahmed , Shahbaz Muhammad , Mamun Md Al
Published: August 2018

We investigate the relation between electricity consumption and economic growth by incorporating trade openness, capital and labour in production function of Kazakhstan using annual data for 1991–2014. We apply the autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing and the VECM Granger causality approach to examine long‐run and causality relation between the variables. Our results confirm the existence of a long‐run relation among the series. The empirical evidence reveals that electricity consumption adds in economic growth. Trade openness stimulates economic growth, and capital and labour promote economic growth, as well. The causality analysis shows that electricity consumption Granger causes economic growth and trade openness. We also document feedback effect between trade openness and economic growth. Our study provides new insights for policymakers to articulate a comprehensive economic, trade and energy policy to sustain long‐run economic growth in Kazakhstan.
EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: The effects of melatonin administration on disease severity and sleep quality in children with atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Taghavi Ardakani Abbas , Farrehi Maryam , Sharif Mohammad Reza , Ostadmohammadi Vahidreza , Mirhosseini Naghmeh , Kheirkhah Davood , Moosavi Seyed Gholam Abbas , Behnejad Milad , Reiter Russel J. , Asemi Zatollah
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this clinical trial was to determine the effects of melatonin administration on disease severity and sleep quality in children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

This randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted by recruiting 70 patients, aged 6‐12 years, who had been diagnosed with AD. Study participants were randomly allocated into two intervention groups to receive either 6 mg/d melatonin supplements or placebo (n = 35 each group) for 6 weeks. Severity of disease was assessed using the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and objective SCORAD indices. Sleep quality was evaluated by completing the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

Results

Following 6 weeks of intervention, melatonin supplementation significantly improved SCORAD index (β −3.55; 95% CI, −6.11, −0.98; P = 0.007), objective SCORAD index (β −3.23; 95% CI, −5.08, −1.38; P = 0.001), serum total IgE levels (β −153.94 ku/L; 95% CI, −260.39, −47.49; P = 0.005), and CSHQ scores (β −2.55; 95% CI, −4.34, −0.75; P = 0.006). However, melatonin had no significant impact on pruritus scores, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), sleep‐onset latency, total sleep time, weight, and BMI compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Overall, melatonin supplementation had beneficial effects on disease severity, serum total IgE levels, and CSHQ among children diagnosed with AD.
The Determinants and Opportunity Costs of External Management Fees for State‐Administered Pension Plans
Authors: Diebold Jeffrey , Coggburn Jerrell D.
Published: August 2018

Private investment firms receive billions of dollars in fees to actively manage the assets held within state pension funds. We examine the determinants of the fees paid and find that more financially burdensome plans tend to pay more. The magnitude of this relationship declines as the size of the plan increases, suggesting economies of scale. These fees do not appear to be associated with higher pension fund returns. Finally, we calculate the opportunity costs of fees and estimate that most pension funds would be better financially positioned today if they had, instead, passively invested the fees in broad‐based market indices.
Phylloid terminal hair nevus: A unique clinical entity
Authors: Kittler Nicole W. , Antonov Nina K. , Scripps Tessa B. , Anyane‐Yeboa Kwame , Garzon Maria C. , Lauren Christine T.
Published: August 2018

We present a case of an otherwise healthy infant with a localized patch of phylloid hypopigmentation bordered by terminal hairs on the back. We believe that this is a unique clinical entity and propose the term “phylloid terminal hair nevus.” We believe that this is a localized form of phylloid hypomelanosis that is not associated with extracutaneous abnormalities.
A p.478I>T KRT1 mutation in a case of annular epidermolytic ichthyosis
Authors: Zaki Theodore D. , Yoo Ki‐Young , Kassardjian Michael , Choate Keith A.
Published: August 2018

Annular epidermolytic ichthyosis (AEI; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM]# 607602) is a rare subtype of epidermolytic ichthyosis that is characterized by polycyclic, migratory erythematous and scaly plaques. It typically results from dominant mutations in the keratin 1 or keratin 10 genes. We present the case of a 5‐year‐old girl who developed intermittent eruptions of pink, round, scaly, migratory plaques with palmoplantar keratoderma and was originally diagnosed with erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva (EKVP). Genetic analysis revealed a c.1436T>C transition mutation in the keratin 1 gene, and histopathology showed epidermolysis and hyperkeratosis, confirming the diagnosis of AEI.
The effect of bone marrow graft composition on pediatric bone marrow transplantation outcomes
Authors: Fabrizio Vanessa , Wahlquist Amy , Hill Elise , Williams Elizabeth , Kramer Cindy , Jaroscak Jennifer , Duong Angie , Garrett‐Mayer Elizabeth , Hudspeth Michelle
Published: August 2018

Hematopoietic stem cell graft cellular composition has been generally accepted to impact outcomes. Recent studies question this hypothesis. We conducted a single‐center retrospective study of sixty‐one pediatric BMT recipients for malignant (68%) and nonmalignant diseases (32%) examining effects of graft composition on engraftment, acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, and survival at day 100 and 1 year. Grafts contained a median of 3.63 x  08 TNC/kg (range: 0.031‐10.31 x 108 TNC/kg) and 4.09 x 106 CD34+/kg (range: 0.76‐24.15 x 106 CD34+/kg) with median neutrophil and platelet engraftment times of 17 and 29 days, respectively. A univariate analysis showed a trend for increasing TNC and increasing time to neutrophil engraftment HR: 0.875; CI: 0.075‐1.001). Increasing CD34+ counts shortened time to platelet engraftment (HR: 1.085; CI: 1.015‐1.161). No significant relationship was found between TNC, CD34+, or CD3+ and acute or chronic GVHD. TNC or CD34+ did not affect day 100, 1‐year survival, or 2‐year survival. Increasing CD3+ counts demonstrated a negative trend on day 100 survival (HR: 1.108; CI: 1.001‐1.036) but not 1‐year survival or 2‐year survival. These results add additional data questioning the effect of graft composition on outcomes in pediatric BMT patients with important ramifications for the management of donors.
Circumnutational movement in rice coleoptiles involves the gravitropic response: analysis of an agravitropic mutant and space‐grown seedlings
Authors: Kobayashi Akie , Kim Hye‐Jeong , Tomita Yuta , Miyazawa Yutaka , Fujii Nobuharu , Yano Sachiko , Yamazaki Chiaki , Kamada Motoshi , Kasahara Haruo , Miyabayashi Sachiko , Shimazu Toru , Fusejima Yasuo , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: August 2018

Plants exhibit helical growth movements known as circumnutation in growing organs. Some studies indicate that circumnutation involves the gravitropic response, but this notion is a matter of debate. Here, using the agravitropic rice mutant lazy1 and space‐grown rice seedlings, we found that circumnutation was reduced or lost during agravitropic growth in coleoptiles. Coleoptiles of wild‐type rice exhibited circumnutation in the dark, with vigorous oscillatory movements during their growth. The gravitropic responses in lazy1 coleoptiles differed depending on the growth stage, with gravitropic responses detected during early growth and agravitropism during later growth. The nutation‐like movements observed in lazy1 coleoptiles at the early stage of growth were no longer detected with the disappearance of the gravitropic response. To verify the relationship between circumnutation and gravitropic responses in rice coleoptiles, we conducted spaceflight experiments in plants under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station. Wild‐type rice seeds were germinated, and the resulting seedlings were grown under microgravity or a centrifuge‐generated 1 g environment in space. We began filming the seedlings 2 days after seed imbibition and obtained images of seedling growth every 15 min. The seed germination rate in space was 92–100% under both microgravity and 1 g conditions. LED‐synchronized flashlight photography induced an attenuation of coleoptile growth and circumnutational movement due to cumulative light exposure. Nevertheless, wild‐type rice coleoptiles still showed circumnutational oscillations under 1 g but not microgravity conditions. These results support the idea that the gravitropic response is involved in plant circumnutation.
Rural and Small Town Residents and the Rural Mystique: Data from Texas
Authors: Theodori Gene L. , Willits Fern K.
Published: August 2018

This study used data from a 2012 survey of persons living in small and rural places in Texas to assess their views concerning selected positive and negative descriptions of rural and urban life. Findings suggest that ruraland small town Texans tended to accept positive images of rural life, toreject negative views of rurality, and to be somewhat ambivalent with respect to urban living. Bivariate and multiple correlation and regression analyses found relationships between subjects' selected sociodemographic characteristics and their views related to rural and urban life. The article presents comparisons of these findings with the results of previous research on the rural mystique and advances suggestions for additional exploration of these ideas.
Adolescents’ perceptions of the transition process from parental management to self‐management of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Strand Marianne , Broström Anders , Haugstvedt Anne
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe how adolescents perceive the transition from being dependent on their parents to managing their own type 1 diabetes.

Design

An explorative design with a phenomenographic approach was used.

Methods

Semistructured interviews took place during 2016–2017 with 18 strategically sampled adolescents (7 boys and 11 girls, aged 16–18 years) with type 1 diabetes from five Norwegian paediatric diabetes centres.

Findings

Three descriptive categories, each comprising three perceptions, emerged: (1) Taking responsibility for own diabetes is a process comprised ‘It is natural to take over responsibility for own diabetes’, ‘Expectations from parents and healthcare personnel’, and ‘The adolescents want more independence’. (2) Taking responsibility for own diabetes was dependent on coping comprised ‘Feeling proud to handle their own diabetes’, ‘The transition is like a roller coaster’, and ‘Taking responsibility means that it is your fault if you make mistakes’. (3) It is demanding to take responsibility for own diabetes comprised ‘Taking responsibility for own diabetes requires knowledge and skills’, ‘It is time‐consuming to take responsibility for own diabetes’, and ‘Having responsibility for own diabetes is like being examined every day’.

Conclusions

Adolescents want to take over the responsibility for their diabetes treatment from their parents, but they need knowledge, experience and skills to succeed. Parents, friends and health professionals are important supporters during the transition.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health professionals need to know their patients to identify the adolescents’ need for support. Self‐care is considered essential in the management of diabetes. Education sessions are an important part of the transition to control own diabetes. Such education should also include parents and friends.
How to achieve the global 90‐90‐90 target by 2020 in sub‐Saharan Africa? A mathematical modelling study
Authors: Estill Janne , Marsh Kimberly , Autenrieth Christine , Ford Nathan
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The 90‐90‐90 target states that by 2020, 90% of people living with HIV should be diagnosed, 90% of those diagnosed treated, and 90% of those treated virally suppressed. We assessed the actions needed in each country of sub‐Saharan Africa to achieve the 90‐90‐90 target.

Methods

We developed a mathematical model to assess the number of patients needing to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2017 and 2020 to achieve 81% coverage by 2020 in each country, and the proportion of treated patients who are virally suppressed in four scenarios, combining two scenarios of retention (current‐level or perfect), and routine viral load monitoring (current or universal coverage). We performed two separate simulations, one using observed failure rates from cohort studies, and one with considerably lower failure rates to set a theoretical lower limit.

Results

Our model projected that 2.9 million people started ART in 2017 in sub‐Saharan Africa. If, depending on scenario, at least 2.2–2.7 million patients continue to start ART annually, 81% ART coverage will be reached in 2020 in sub‐Saharan Africa on average. In 37% of the countries, a multiple‐fold increase in annual number of patients starting ART is needed. Virological suppression >90% in 2020 could be reached only in the best‐case scenario assuming low probability of treatment failure, elimination of treatment interruptions, and universal routine viral load monitoring.

Conclusion

The 90‐90‐90 target is realistic in sub‐Saharan Africa on average, but not necessarily in all individual countries. Each country should identify and focus on the specific gaps needing attention.
Pest management using mint volatiles to elicit resistance in soy: mechanism and application potential
Authors: Sukegawa Satoru , Shiojiri Kaori , Higami Tomota , Suzuki Syunpei , Arimura Gen‐ichiro
Published: August 2018

Plants can eavesdrop on volatile cues emitted from neighboring plants to boost their defense responses. When 10 categories of mints were tested for their effects on Glycine max (soybean) plants cultivated nearby, candy mint (Mentha × piperita cv. Candy) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) induced the strongest enhancement in RNA levels of defense genes in the soybean leaves. The mechanism by which the mint volatiles enhanced these transcript levels was based on histone acetylation within the promoter regions of defense genes. These increases in transcript levels were induced when receiver plants were cultivated near to candy mint, but the priming of the defense responses was instead induced when receiver plants were cultivated at mid‐length intervals. Field assays revealed that anti‐herbivore ability of soy was strengthened both by co‐cultivation and by pre‐incubation of receiver plants with candy mint. The same held true for another receiver, Brassica rapa, when the receiver was co‐cultivated or pre‐incubated with peppermint. Exposure to mint volatiles resulted in lower damage to receiver plants, although ecological effects on the herbivores and predators probably also contributed. Together, our findings indicate that pest management systems relying on mint as companion plants might be commercially useful for reducing herbivore damage in crops.
Resolution of macropinosomes, phagosomes and autolysosomes: Osmotically driven shrinkage enables tubulation and vesiculation
Authors: Freeman Spencer A. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: August 2018

Macropinosomes, phagosomes and autolysosomes are comparatively large, quasi‐spherical organelles that play essential functions in immunity and homeostasis. These vacuolar organelles are relatively short‐lived, promptly fragmenting into smaller structures. Vacuolar resolution is mediated by tubulation and vesiculation, processes orchestrated by protein complexes that are recruited to highly curved membranes. Importantly, the surface‐to‐volume ratios of the tubules and vesicles generated during the resolution process are considerably larger than that of the parental vacuole. Because membranes under high hydrostatic tension resist deformation, an active, concomitant loss of volume is required to sustain the resolution process and may even initiate tubulation and vesiculation. Despite its fundamental role in membrane remodeling, the mechanisms that account for organellar volume loss are poorly understood, but are likely to involve the export of solutes followed by osmotically obliged water. In this review, we describe the principles and possible mechanisms underlying the resolution of organelles, with particular attention paid to the osmolytes they contain and the pathways mediating their exit.
Immune hemolysis secondary to injection of contrast medium
Authors: Maurin Carole , Vassal Olivia , Darien Marie , Raba Michel , Allaouchiche Bernard , Piriou Vincent
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is a rare but sometimes severe side effect.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 32‐year‐old patient who presented a cardiovascular collapse and a severe hemolysis secondary to the injection of iomeprol, a contrast medium, after a carcinologic surgery.

RESULTS

The evolution was favorable after blood transfusion and short catecholamine support. The biology showed drug‐dependent antibodies after incubation with iomeprol.

CONCLUSION

This case is the second report of DIIHA with iomeprol.
Comparison of heel stick sample with placental blood sample for pretransfusion testing
Authors: Aysola Agnes E. , Duque Miriam Andrea , Williams Patty , Alissa Rana
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Published studies demonstrate that placental blood samples provide acceptable results for various laboratory tests, but these studies did not include pretransfusion testing. The aim of this study was to show concordance between heel stick and placental blood sample pairs for pretransfusion testing and to validate tube and gel method for placental samples. Using placental blood samples for pretransfusion testing potentially reduces the amount of blood collected from newborns for initial laboratory tests.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Placental samples were collected for pretransfusion tests at birth from 32 newborns with less than 2000 g birthweight and less than 35 weeks to compare the results with the heel stick samples from the same newborns. ABO and D typing, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) with IgG, and antibody screen tests were performed on these sample pairs. For ABO and D typing both tube and gel methods were used to validate both methods for the placental samples.

RESULTS

This study shows 100% concordance in 32 sample pairs for ABO, D, and DAT tests. Antibody screen results were compared on 29 sample pairs. All 28 sample pairs were concordant, but one placental blood sample was more sensitive to detect a weak maternal antibody than its corresponding heel stick sample was.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study validated that placental blood samples can be used in place of heel stick samples and are suitable for pretransfusion testing. This study also validated ABO and D typing by tube and gel methods for placental samples.
The Effects of Specific Trainings Applied to 14 Age Male Soccer Players on Their Balance, Sprint and Technical Skills
Authors: Baydemir Barış , Alp Mahmut
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of specific trainings applied to 14 age male soccer players on their balance, sprint and technical skills. 30 male soccer players, who attended the trainings at least 4 years in Çanakkale Beşiktaş Soccer School, joined to the study by having their parents confirm the “Parental Permission Form”. Soccer players mean of length was calculated 158.24±2.98 cm and mean of weight was calculated 46.37±3.44 kg. Soccer-specific trainings were applied to the players 12 weeks, 3 days a week, at least 90 minutes a day. Flamingo balance, 30 meters sprint and technical skill tests were applied before and after the training period. Datas were analyzed in statistic package programme by using “Paired t Test”. Results were evaluated according to “p<0.05” significance level. Significant differences were found in comparing the tests’ results of soccer players (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that the inclusion of high-intensity deflection exercises instead of the high-rigidity, flat running conditions applied in soccer-specific training has improved the technical skills of 14-year-old footballers and additionally affects their balance and speed performance positively.
Implementation of Detailed Chemistry Mechanisms in Engine Simulations
Authors: Kundu Prithwish , Ameen Muhsin M. , Xu Chao , Unnikrishnan Umesh , Lu Tianfeng , Som Sibendu
Published: August 2018

The stiffness of large chemistry mechanisms has been proved to be a major hurdle toward predictive engine simulations. As a result, detailed chemistry mechanisms with a few thousand species need to be reduced based on target conditions so that they can be accommodated within the available computational resources. The computational cost of simulations typically increases super-linearly with the number of species and reactions. This work aims to bring detailed chemistry mechanisms within the realm of engine simulations by coupling the framework of unsteady flamelets and fast chemistry solvers. A previously developed tabulated flamelet model (TFM) framework for nonpremixed combustion was used in this study. The flamelet solver consists of the traditional operator-splitting scheme with variable coefficient ordinary differential equation (ODE) solver (VODE) and a numerical Jacobian for solving the chemistry. In order to use detailed mechanisms with thousands of species, a new framework with the Livermore solver for ODEs in sparse form (LSODES) chemistry solver and an analytical Jacobian was implemented in this work. Results from 1D simulations show that with the new framework, the computational cost is linearly proportional to the number of species in a given chemistry mechanism. As a result, the new framework is 2–3 orders of magnitude faster than the conventional variable coefficient ODE (VODE) solver for large chemistry mechanisms. This new framework was used to generate unsteady flamelet libraries for n-dodecane using a detailed chemistry mechanism with 2755 species and 11,173 reactions. The engine combustion network (ECN) spray A experiments, which consist of an igniting n-dodecane spray in turbulent, high-pressure engine conditions are simulated using large eddy simulations (LES) coupled with detailed mechanisms. A grid with 0.06 mm minimum cell size and 22 ×106 peak cell count was implemented. The framework is validated across a range of ambient temperatures against ignition delay and liftoff lengths (LOLs). Qualitative results from the simulations were compared against experimental OH and CH2O planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) data. The models are able to capture the spatial and temporal trends in species compared to those observed in the experiments. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons between the predictions of the reduced and detailed mechanisms are presented in detail. The main goal of this study is to demonstrate that detailed reaction mechanisms (∼1000 species) can now be used in engine simulations with a linear increase in computation cost with number of species during the tabulation process and a small increase in the 3D simulation cost.
Floor Spectra Estimates for an Industrial Special Concentrically Braced Frame Structure
Authors: Merino Vela Roberto Javier , Brunesi Emanuele , Nascimbene Roberto
Published: August 2018

Nonstructural components play an important role in the correct functioning of industrial facilities, which may suffer greatly from earthquake-induced actions, as demonstrated by past seismic events. Therefore, the correct evaluation of seismic demands acting upon them is of utmost importance when assessing or designing an industrial complex exposed to seismic hazard. Among others, nonlinear time history analyses (NLTHA) of structural systems including nonstructural elements and floor response spectra are well-known methods for computing these actions, the former being more accurate and the latter being less onerous. This work focuses on deriving floor spectra for a steel special concentrically braced frame (SCBF), which is a common type of lateral-load resisting system for industrial frames. The results are used to compute the seismic actions on a small liquid storage tank mounted on the case study frame. Additionally, the results are compared to those obtained by modeling the structure and the tank together, that is, by modeling the tank explicitly and incorporating it within the model of the support structure. To this end, a simple model, consisting of two uncoupled single degree-of-freedom systems, is used for the tank. The floor spectra resulting from both approaches are compared to establish differences in the behavior of the structure and nonstructural element/component. Finally, the seismic demand on the tank—obtained by direct and indirect analyses—is compared to that obtained by applying ASCE 7-10 and Eurocode 8 prescriptions.
Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium Application in Shock Tube Ignition Delay Time Simulation
Authors: Yu Guangying , Hadi Fatemeh , Metghalchi Hameed
Published: August 2018

The rate-controlled constrained-equilibrium (RCCE), a model order reduction method, assumes that the nonequilibrium states of a system can be described by a sequence of constrained-equilibrium kinetically controlled by relatively a small number of constraints within acceptable accuracies. The full chemical composition at each constrained-equilibrium state is obtained by maximizing (or minimizing) the appropriate thermodynamic quantities, e.g., entropy (or Gibbs functions) subject to the instantaneous values of the constraints. Regardless of the nature of the kinetic constraints, RCCE always guarantees correct final equilibrium state. Ignition delay times measured in shock tube experiments with low initial temperatures are significantly shorter than the values obtained by constant volume models. Low initial temperatures and thus longer shock tube test times cause nonideal heat transfer and fluid flow effects such as boundary layer growth and shock wave attenuation to gradually increase the pressure (and simultaneously increase the temperature) before ignition. To account for these effects, in this paper, the RCCE prescribed enthalpy and pressure (prescribed h/p) model has been further developed and has been applied to methane shock tube ignition delay time simulation using GRI-Mech 3.0. Excellent agreement between RCCE predictions and shock tube experimental data was achieved.
A Rapid Method Connecting Vibrating Structure Size, Piezo-Actuator Size, and Control Voltage for Noise Level Reduction on Oil Drilling Platforms
Authors: Souto Cícero R. , da Silva Simplício A. , Ries Andreas , Pimentel Roberto L. , Dana Seyyed S.
Published: August 2018

Scientific studies dealing with mechanical vibration attenuation by means of piezoelectric actuators are mostly focused on special details of structure modeling through finite elements and the amount of attenuation that can be achieved. However, a little explored issue in the scientific literature is the size of the actuator in relation to the size of the vibrating structure and the voltage applied to the piezoelectric actuator in order to achieve optimum vibration attenuation. This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study of mechanical vibration control of an aluminum plate with attached piezoelectric actuator. The aluminum plate was clamped at all four sides and a piezoelectric actuator based on lead zirconium titanate (PZT) was positioned at its center. Its natural frequency was close to 50 Hz, which is a frequency being constantly present on oil drilling platforms, producing annoying sound. The contribution of this paper is the determination of the relationship between the areas of the aluminum plate and the PZT actuator associated with the voltage value applied to the piezo-actuator for the purpose of vibration attenuation. The work demonstrates the possibility of the development of open-loop control using finite elements, to attenuate the vibration via piezoelectric actuator plates. This method makes it possible to vary the electric voltage across the piezoelectric actuator and/or the actuator dimensions involved, leading to the best attenuation condition. Numerical simulations and experimental results show the relation between size of the PZT actuator and the electric field which must be applied for best attenuation.
Underwater Acoustic Manipulation Using Solid Metamaterials With Broadband Anisotropic Density
Authors: Dong Jianzhu , Zhao Yuchen , Cheng Yong , Zhou Xiaoming
Published: August 2018

A new type of all-solid metamaterial model with anisotropic density and fluid-like elasticity is proposed for controlling acoustic propagation in an underwater environment. The model consists of a regular hexagonal lattice as the host that defines the overall isotropic stiffness, in which all lattice beams have been sharpened at both ends to significantly diminish the shear resistance. The inclusion structure, which involves epoxy, rubber, and lead material constituents, is designed to attain a large density–anisotropy ratio in the broad frequency range. The wave-control capability of metamaterials is evaluated in terms of underwater acoustic stretching, shifting, and ground cloaking, which are generated by the transformation acoustic method. The decoupling design method was developed for the metamaterial microstructure using band-structure, effective-medium, and modal-field analyses. The acoustic performance of these metamaterial devices was finally verified with full-wave numerical simulations. Our study provides new insight into broadband underwater acoustic manipulation by all-solid anisotropic-density metamaterials.
Effect of Material Frame Rotation on the Hardening of an Anisotropic Material in Simple Shear Tests
Authors: Chen Kelin , Kyriakides Stelios , Scales Martin
Published: August 2018

The shear stress–strain response of an aluminum alloy is measured to a shear strain of the order of one using a pure torsion experiment on a thin-walled tube. The material exhibits plastic anisotropy that is established through a separate set of biaxial experiments on the same tube stock. The results are used to calibrate Hill's quadratic anisotropic yield function. It is shown that because in simple shear the material axes rotate during deformation, this anisotropy progressively reduces the material tangent modulus. A parametric study demonstrates that the stress–strain response extracted from a simple shear test can be influenced significantly by the anisotropy parameters. It is thus concluded that the material axes rotation inherent to simple shear tests must be included in the analysis of such experiments when the material exhibits anisotropy.
New Multiscale Approach for Machining Analysis of Natural Fiber ReinforcedBio-Composites
Authors: Chegdani Faissal , El Mansori Mohamed
Published: August 2018

Natural fibers are emerging in many industrial sectors to perform eco-friendly materials such as bio-composites. However, machining of natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites remains a complex manufacturing process and the machinability of industrial components underlies a specific approach that involves the multiscale structure of natural fibers. This paper presents first a multiscale method used in machinability rating of NFRP. The fundamentals of the multiscale method are hence applied to experimentally assess the machinability of a complete industrial bio-composite part. Results show that machining NFRP composites requires specific analysis scales that are intimately linked to the natural fibrous structure. The multiscale method can be used to improve the experimental design of NFRP machining and, above all, to determine the optimum process parameters that reflect the multiscale machining characteristics of these bio-based materials.
Wear Mechanism and Modeling of Tribological Behavior of Polycrystalline Diamond Tools When Cutting Ti6Al4V
Authors: Li Guangxian , Yi Shuang , Wen Cuie , Ding Songlin
Published: August 2018

Owing to its outstanding physical and mechanical properties, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) is ideal for cutting titanium alloys. However, the high temperature and stress caused by the interaction of tool surface and chip flow lead to different types of wear. This paper investigates the wear mechanisms of PCD tools in three different tribological regions: sticking zone, transition zone, and sliding zone, when machining titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The tribological behavior of PCD tools in the wear processes were analyzed through both experiments and theoretical calculations. Analytical models of stresses and temperature distribution were developed and validated by turning experiments. PCD tools, consisting of diamond grains of different sizes: CTB002 (2 μm), CTB010 (10 μm), and CTM302 (2–30 μm), were used to cut Ti6Al4V at the normal cutting speed of 160 m/min and high cutting speed 240 m/min. It was found that adhesion, abrasion and diffusion dominated the wear process of PCD tools in different worn regions. Microscopic characters showed that the wear mechanisms were different in the three tribological regions, which was affected by the distribution of stresses and temperature. “Sticking” of workpiece material was obvious on the cutting edge, abrasion was severe in the transition zone, and adhesion was significant in the sliding zone. The shapes and morphological characters in different worn regions were affected by the stresses distribution and the types of PCD materials.
Synthesizing Constant Torque Compliant Mechanisms Using Precompressed Beams
Authors: Gandhi Ishit , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2018

A constant torque compliant mechanism (CM) generates an output torque that keeps invariant in a large range of input rotation. Because of the constant torque feature and the merits of CMs, they are used in automobile, aerospace, medical, healthcare, timing, gardening, and other devices. A common problem in the current constant torque CMs is their preloading range that is a certain starting range of the input rotation. In the preloading range, the output torque of a constant torque CM does not have the desired constant torque. It increases from zero to a value. The preloading range usually accounts for one-third of the entire input rotation range, which severally weakens the performance of constant torque CMs. In this paper, the preloading problem is eradicated by using precompressed beams as building blocks for constant torque CMs. It is challenging to synthesize constant torque CMs composed of precompressed beams because of the integrated force, torque, and deflection characteristics. The synthesis of constant torque CMs is systemized as parameter optimization of the composed precompressed beams. The presented synthesis method is demonstrated by synthesizing constant torque CMs with different numbers of precompressed beams and validated by experimental results.
Detection and Classification of Sensor Anomalies in Gas Turbine Field Data
Authors: Ceschini Giuseppe Fabio , Manservigi Lucrezia , Bechini Giovanni , Venturini Mauro
Published: August 2018

Anomaly detection and classification is a key challenge for gas turbine monitoring and diagnostics. To this purpose, a comprehensive approach for Detection, Classification and Integrated Diagnostics of Gas Turbine Sensors (named DCIDS) was developed by the authors in previous papers. The methodology consists of an Anomaly Detection Algorithm (ADA) and an Anomaly Classification Algorithm (ACA). The ADA identifies anomalies according to three different levels of filtering. Anomalies are subsequently analyzed by the ACA to perform their classification, according to time correlation, magnitude and number of sensors in which an anomaly is contemporarily identified.

The performance of the DCIDS approach is assessed in this paper based on a significant amount of field data taken on several Siemens gas turbines in operation. The field data refer to six different physical quantities, i.e. vibration, pressure, temperature, VGV position, lube oil tank level and rotational speed. The analyses carried out in this paper allow the detection and classification of the anomalies and provide some rules of thumb for field operation, with the final aim of identifying time occurrence and magnitude of faulty sensors and measurements.