bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the odors of vanilla extract and breast milk on the frequency of apnea in preterm neonates
Authors: Kanbur Bahar Nur , Balci Serap
Published: June 2019

Aim

We developed this study using an experimental design to determine the impact of the odors of vanilla extract and breast milk on apnea frequency in preterm neonates.

Materials and methods

We obtained the study data from 42 preterm neonates (16 vanilla, 13 breast milk, 13 control group) who had been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Istanbul University meeting the case selection criteria. All groups were monitored on the first day without any intervention. On the second and third days, breast milk was placed in the incubators of the babies in the breast milk group and the sterile gauze that was vanilla‐impregnated was placed in the incubators of the babies in the vanilla group. On the fourth day, the babies were watched without any interference.

Results

On the second, third and fourth days of the study, we determined that apnea frequency in the vanilla group neonates was significantly lower (P < .00) as compared to the breast milk and control groups.

Conclusion

Using vanilla extract in neonates suffering from apnea to reduce its frequency is an effective method.
Environmental factors affecting self‐management of chronic hepatitis B from the patients’ perspective
Authors: Lin Wan‐Shiuan , Lee Ting‐Ting , Yang Yuan‐Hao , Mills Mary Etta
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore factors affecting self‐management experiences of patients with chronic hepatitis B within their social and cultural environments.

Background

Many cases of hepatitis B are not detected until they are in end‐stage liver disease. Despite an increasing trend of indicating a lack of health awareness as the reason, studies have rarely referred to the personal, social and cultural environmental constraints from patients' perspectives.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

Forty‐seven adults diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B were interviewed in a private area of a hospital clinic in Taiwan in 2018. Four open‐ended questions relating to care self‐management included the following: disease detection; disease control; preventive care; and perceptions of screening and follow‐ups. Data were examined using content analysis. This study also adhered to the consolidated COREQ guidelines.

Results

Five main themes emerged: personal experiences, awareness of occupational health, the availability of conventional treatment, cultural beliefs about health care and family roles. Findings of note were that some participants became aware that they had never known the difference between follow‐up for hepatitis B and regular adult/labourer health checks due to a lack of information within their living environment. Many participants added alternative treatments to their self‐management strategies and others frequently ignored follow‐up appointments because of different cultural health beliefs.

Conclusions

Patients’ disease self‐management perceptions are driven by dynamic influences suggesting that development of policies integrating personal, family, social and cultural environmental factors could enhance individual screening and subsequent health behaviours of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Relevance to practice

Adding person‐centred case management of hepatitis B could enhance patients’ adherence to follow‐up. Attention should be given to increasing provider awareness of the influence of their own attitude and communication on patients’ participation in self‐management.
Cross‐sectional survey of factors associated with paternal involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Clarkson Gina , Gilmer Mary Jo , Moore Elizabeth , Dietrich Mary S. , McBride Brent A.
Published: June 2019

Aim and objective

To describe factors associated with father involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit using the Heuristic model of the dynamic of parental behaviour and influence on children over time.

Background

Research shows that infants with involved fathers have better cognitive development, fewer crying episodes after caesarean birth, improved breastfeeding exclusivity and duration, and more regular sleep patterns. Preterm infants with involved fathers have improved cognitive development.

Design

This cross‐sectional exploratory study used survey methodology to explore factors associated with father involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was used (see Appendix S2). Biological fathers of infants in a 97‐bed neonatal intensive care unit in the southern USA completed a survey which asked about their involvement with their hospitalised infants and factors which affected that involvement. Eighty fathers completed the survey.

Results

Age ranged between 20–53 with 43% first‐time fathers. Compared to less involved fathers, fathers who were more involved were younger, married or living with the mother, performed kangaroo care or fathers of multiple gestation. Fathers who had attended the delivery were more likely to bathe their infants than those who had not attended the delivery and fathers who performed kangaroo care felt more confident than those who did not. Compared to fathers who visited less often, fathers who visited more often were younger, had infants with a shorter hospitalisation time and lower acuity, and had fewer children in the family.

Conclusions

Fathers are involved with their neonatal intensive care unit infants in many ways. Factors were identified that affect involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Relevance to clinical practice

Results can help nurses in neonatal intensive care units worldwide facilitate father–infant interaction, identify fathers at risk for decreased involvement and advocate for institutional policy development for supporting neonatal intensive care unit father involvement.
What are research nurses' experiences of obtaining consent from or for patients participating in emergency care research? A qualitative review
Authors: Brown Pauline , Hewison Alistair , Newham Roger
Published: June 2019

Introduction

If studies are to be valid, recruitment of representative samples is essential. In 2012, 28% of UK emergency departments met the 80% standard for recruitment to trials set by the National Institute for Health Research. Research nurses play a vital role in the conduct of high‐quality research, and it has been argued that dedicated research nurses are needed if clinical trials are to recruit successfully to target.

Review question

What are research nurses' experiences of obtaining consent from or for patients participating in emergency care research? A qualitative evidence review.

Methods

A qualitative integrative literature review with a narrative synthesis of the evidence. PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic qualitative reviews (Appendix S1) were followed. A search of five electronic databases was performed in December 2018 along with a hand search which yielded 125 citations: 10 papers and one PhD thesis met the review eligibility criteria. Methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated, and data were extracted and synthesised.

Results

Three themes were identified: Access, Organisation and Timing. Research nurses encountered both general and specific barriers when seeking to obtain consent for participation in research. In particular, it was found there was lack of experience among staff of working in emergency research and with securing deferred consent. The distinction between nurse researchers with a clinical role and those dedicated to solely to research only is often not clear and warrants further investigation.

Conclusion

Nurse researchers with and without a clinical role can make a positive difference in recruitment to trials in emergency care. The involvement of dedicated research nurses in the consent process can increase recruitment to emergency care research. Experience of recruiting to clinical trials in nonemergency settings does not seem to help when recruiting for trials in emergency care.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need for greater understanding of the experiences of dedicated research nurses in emergency care settings and in particular with regard to deferred consent.
Effects of Wnt10b on dermal papilla cells via the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in the Angora rabbit
Authors: Bai Liya , Gao Shuxia , Sun Haitao , Zhao Xueyan , Yang Liping , Hu Hongmei , Sun Jie , Jiang Wenxue
Published: June 2019

Wnt10b is a member of Wnt family that plays a variety of roles in biological functions, including those in the development of hair follicles. To investigate the effect of Wnt10b on hair growth in the Angora rabbit and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism, we cultured dermal papilla (DP) cells with exogenous Wnt10b in vitro. We observed the expressions of downstream critical gene β‐catenin and lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) in Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. The levels of β‐catenin mRNA and protein were higher in the Wnt10b group of DP cells than in the Control group, and the mRNA level of LEF1 in the Wnt10b group was higher than in the Control group. Moreover, translocation of β‐catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus was activated in the Wnt10b group. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of the hair follicle‐regulatory genes, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the protein activity of ALP was also upregulated in the Wnt10b group compared to their corresponding levels in the Control group. These data suggest that Wnt10b could activate the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway to induce DP cells in the Angora rabbit. In addition, the proliferation of DP cells was significantly promoted when cultured with Wnt10b for 48 and 72 hr, suggesting that Wnt10b plays a pivotal role in the proliferation and maintenance of DP cells in vitro. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Wnt10b may promote hair follicle growth in Angora rabbit through the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway that promotes the proliferation of DP cells.
Polyploidy does not control all: Lineage‐specific average chromosome length constrains genome size evolution in ferns
Authors: Liu Hong‐Mei , Ekrt Libor , Koutecky Petr , Pellicer Jaume , Hidalgo Oriane , Marquardt Jeannine , Pustahija Fatima , Ebihara Atsushi , Siljak‐Yakovlev Sonja , Gibby Mary , Leitch Ilia , Schneider Harald
Published: June 2019

Recent studies investigating the evolution of genome size diversity in ferns have shown that they have a distinctive genome profile compared with other land plants. Ferns are typically characterized by possessing medium‐sized genomes, although a few lineages have evolved very large genomes. Ferns are different from other vascular plant lineages as they are the only group to show evidence for a correlation between genome size and chromosome number. In this study, we aim to explore whether the evolution of fern genome sizes is not only shaped by chromosome number changes arising from polyploidy but also by constraints on the average amount of DNA per chromosome. We selected the genus Asplenium L. as a model genus to study the question because of the unique combination of a highly conserved base chromosome number and a high frequency of polyploidy. New genome size data for Asplenium taxa were combined with existing data and analyzed within a phylogenetic framework. Genome size varied substantially between diploid species, resulting in overlapping genome sizes among diploid and tetraploid spleenworts. The observed additive pattern indicates the absence of genome downsizing following polyploidy. The genome size of diploids varied non‐randomly and we found evidence for clade‐specific trends towards larger or smaller genomes. The 578‐fold range of fern genome sizes have arisen not only from repeated cycles of polyploidy but also through clade‐specific constraints governing accumulation and/or elimination of DNA.
Severe wasting among Indian infants <6 months: Findings from the National Family Health Survey 4
Authors: Choudhary Tarun Shankar , Srivastava Akanksha , Chowdhury Ranadip , Taneja Sunita , Bahl Rajiv , Martines Jose , Bhan Maharaj Kishan , Bhandari Nita
Published: June 2019

Burden and risk factors for wasting in the first 6 months of life among Indian children are not well documented. We used data from India's National Family Health Survey 4 to estimate the prevalence of severe wasting (weight for length < ‐3 SD) among 18,898 infants under 6 months of age. We also examined the association of severe wasting with household, maternal, and child‐related factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Prevalence of severe wasting among infants less than 6 months of age was 14.8%, ranging from 3.5 to 21% across states. Low birth weight (<2,500 g; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.40, 95% CI [1.19, 1.65]), nonutilization of supplementary nutrition by mother during lactation (AOR 1.23, 95% CI [1.05, 1.43]), and anthropometric assessment during summer (AOR 1.37, 95% CI [1.13, 1.65]) and monsoon months (AOR 1.53, 95% CI [1.20, 1.95]) were associated with higher odds of severe wasting. Infants aged 2 to 3 months (AOR 0.78, 95% CI [0.66, 0.93]) and 4 to 5 months (AOR 0.65, 95% CI [0.55, 0.73]) had lower odds of severe wasting as compared with the 0‐ to 1‐month category. This analysis reveals a high burden of severe wasting in infants less than 6 months in India. Preventive interventions must be targeted at reducing low birth weight due to fatal growth restriction and prematurity. Appropriate care practices at facilities and postdischarge with extra attention to those born small and sick can prevent further deterioration in nutritional status.
Elevation of cell wall chitin via Ca2+–calcineurin‐mediated PKC signaling pathway maintains the viability of Candida albicans in the absence of β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis
Authors: Han Qi , Wang Na , Pan Chaoying , Wang Yue , Sang Jianli
Published: June 2019

β‐1,6‐glucan is an important cell wall component of Candida albicans. Deleted mutants of the two β‐1,6‐glucan synthase genes KRE6 and SKN1 are viable albeit with a range of defects including slow growth. It remains unclear whether β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis is not required under culture conditions or compensatory mechanisms exist in C. albicans. Here, we report that depleting β‐1,6‐glucan synthases leads to a significant increase in cell wall chitin levels through the posttranscriptional regulation of the chitin synthase Chs3 which maintains cell viability. And depleting β‐1,6‐glucan synthases in chs3Δ/Δ cells results in cell death. The elevation of cell wall chitin is mediated by the activation of the PKC signaling pathway and an unknown pathway(s) involving Ca2+–calcineurin. Also, kre6Δ/Δ skn1Δ/Δ cells are not more susceptible to caspofungin, the antifungal drug that inhibits β‐1,3‐glucan synthases, suggesting that β‐1,3‐glucan has no role in compensating β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis. Given the vital importance of elevating chitin synthesis in the absence of β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis in C. albicans, antifungal drugs targeting β‐1,6‐glucan and chitin synthesis could be used in combination therapies.
Role of chronic cannabis use: Cyclic vomiting syndrome vs cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Authors: Venkatesan Thangam , Levinthal David J. , Li B U. K. , Tarbell Sally E. , Adams Kathleen A. , Issenman Robert M. , Sarosiek Irene , Jaradeh Safwan S. , Sharaf Ravi N. , Sultan Shahnaz , Stave Christopher D. , Monte Andrew A. , Hasler William L.
Published: June 2019

Cannabis is commonly used in cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) due to its antiemetic and anxiolytic properties. Paradoxically, chronic cannabis use in the context of cyclic vomiting has led to the recognition of a putative new disorder called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Since its first description in 2004, numerous case series and case reports have emerged describing this phenomenon. Although not pathognomonic, a patient behavior called “compulsive hot water bathing” has been associated withCHS. There is considerable controversy about howCHSis defined. Most of the data remain heterogenous with limited follow‐up, making it difficult to ascertain whether chronic cannabis use is causal, merely a clinical association withCVS, or unmasks or triggers symptoms in patients inherently predisposed to developCVS. This article will discuss the role of cannabis in the regulation of nausea and vomiting, specifically focusing on bothCVSandCHS, in order to address controversies in this context. To this objective, we have collated and analyzed published case series and case reports onCHSin order to determine the number of reported cases that meet current RomeIVcriteria forCHS. We have also identified limitations in the existing diagnostic framework and propose revised criteria to diagnoseCHS. Future research in this area should improve our understanding of the role of cannabis use in cyclic vomiting and help us better understand and manage this disorder.
Chronic stress induces hypersensitivity of murine gastric vagal afferents
Authors: Li Hui , Buisman‐Pijlman Femke T. A. , Nunez‐Salces Maria , Christie Stewart , Frisby Claudine L. , Inserra Antonio , Hatzinikolas George , Lewis Martin D. , Kritas Stamatiki , Wong Ma‐Li , Page Amanda J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Stress exposure is known to trigger and exacerbate functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms. Increased gastric sensitivity to food‐related stimuli is widely observed in FD patients and is associated with stress and psychological disorders. The mechanisms underlying the hypersensitivity are not clear. Gastric vagal afferents (GVAs) play an important role in sensing meal‐related mechanical stimulation to modulate gastrointestinal function and food intake. This study aimed to determine whether GVAs display hypersensitivity after chronic stress, and whether its interaction with leptin was altered by stress.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress or no stress (control) for 8 weeks. The metabolic rate, gastric emptying rate, and anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors were determined. GVA mechanosensitivity, and its modulation by leptin, was determined using an in vitro single fiber recording technique. QRT‐PCR was used to establish the levels of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA in the stomach and nodose ganglion, respectively.

Key Results

The stressed mice had lower body weight and food intake, and increased anxiety‐like behavior compared to the control mice. The mechanosensitivity of mucosal and tension‐sensitive GVAs was higher in the stressed mice. Leptin potentiated mucosal GVA mechanosensitivity in control but not stressed mice. The expression of leptin mRNA in the gastric mucosa was lower in the stressed mice.

Conclusions and Inferences

In conclusion, chronic stress enhances GVA mechanosensitivity, which may contribute to the gastric hypersensitivity in FD. In addition, the modulatory effect of leptin on GVA signaling is lost after chronic stress exposure.
Genes and gene models, an important distinction
Authors: Schnable James C.
Published: June 2019

Genome sequencing has fundamentally changed how plant biologists think about genes. All or nearly all genes can ultimately be associated with a gene model. However, many gene models appear to play little or no role in the traits of an organism. A range of structural, molecular, population and evolutionary features all show a separation between genes with known phenotypes and the overall set of annotated gene models. These different features could be combined to develop models to distinguish the genes that determine the traits of plants from the subset gene other annotated gene models which are unlikely to play a role in doing so. Efforts to identify the subset of annotated gene models likely involved in specifying the characteristics of plants would help aid a wide range of researchers.
Lipotoxicity plays a key role in the development of both insulin resistance and muscle atrophy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meex Ruth C.R. , Blaak Ellen E. , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: June 2019

Insulin resistance and muscle mass loss often coincide in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Most patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight, and it is well established that obesity and derangements in lipid metabolism play an important role in the development of insulin resistance in these individuals. Specifically, increased adipose tissue mass and dysfunctional adipose tissue lead to systemic lipid overflow and to low‐grade inflammation via altered secretion of adipokines and cytokines. Furthermore, an increased flux of fatty acids from the adipose tissue may contribute to increased fat storage in the liver and in skeletal muscle, resulting in an altered secretion of hepatokines, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. Recent studies suggest that obesity and lipid derangements in adipose tissue can also lead to the development of muscle atrophy, which would make insulin resistance and muscle atrophy two sides of the same coin. Unfortunately, the exact relationship between lipid accumulation, type 2 diabetes, and muscle atrophy remains largely unexplored. The aim of this review is to discuss the relationship between type 2 diabetes and muscle loss and to discuss some of the joint pathways through which lipid accumulation in organs may affect peripheral insulin sensitivity and muscle mass.
Monuments as Commitments: How Art Speaks to Groups and How Groups Think in Art
Authors: Nguyen C. Thi
Published: June 2019

Art can be addressed, not just to individuals, but to groups. Art can even be part of how groups think to themselves – how they keep a grip on their values over time. I focus on monuments as a case study. Monuments, I claim, can function as a commitment to a group value, for the sake of long‐term action guidance. Art can function here where charters and mission statements cannot, precisely because of art's powers to capture subtlety and emotion. In particular, art can serve as the vessel for group emotions, by making emotional content sufficiently public so as to be the object of a group commitment. Art enables groups to guide themselves with values too subtle to be codified.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor‐induced psoriasis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients
Authors: Groth Daniel , Perez Maria , Treat James R. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , Nativ Simona , Weiss Pamela F. , Lapidus Sivia , Perman Marissa J.
Published: June 2019

Background/Objectives

The development of psoriasis while on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is a paradoxical effect of agents that treat psoriasis. There is a paucity of data available on this entity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of TNFi‐induced psoriasis in patients with JIA at two pediatric centers, and psoriasis response to therapeutic modifications.

Methods

We performed retrospective chart review on patients with JIA treated with TNFi (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab) who developed psoriasis. TNFi‐induced psoriasis was defined as an incident diagnosis of psoriasis after starting a TNFi. Patients with personal histories of psoriasis prior to TNFi therapy were excluded. Following diagnosis, responses to medication changes were defined based on physician assessments.

Results

Nine of 166 (5.4%) patients on TNFi for JIA were diagnosed with TNFi‐induced psoriasis. All cases were female. One had a family history of psoriasis. The median age was 10 (range 2‐16) years. Five (55%) patients experienced scalp psoriasis, including four (44%) with alopecia. Two (22%) patients achieved significant improvement after switching to different classes of biologic agents, while three (33%) patients had significant improvement following discontinuation of biologic therapy. One of five patients who switched to a different TNFi had complete resolution, while four had worsening symptoms or partial improvement.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the prevalence of TNFi‐induced psoriasis in JIA at two centers. Though larger studies are needed, our data suggest discontinuation of TNFi or biologic class switching should be considered as treatment strategies in select patients.
Nitric oxide‐mediated regulation of oxidative stress in plants under metal stress: a review on molecular and biochemical aspects
Authors: Sharma Anket , Soares Cristiano , Sousa Bruno , Martins Maria , Kumar Vinod , Shahzad Babar , Sidhu Gagan P.S. , Bali Aditi S. , Asgher Mohd , Bhardwaj Renu , Thukral Ashwani K. , Fidalgo Fernanda , Zheng Bingsong
Published: June 2019

Given their sessile nature, plants continuously face unfavorable conditions throughout their life cycle, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures and soil pollution. Among all, metal(loid)s are one of the main classes of contaminants worldwide, posing a serious threat to plant growth and development. When in excess, metals which include both essential and non‐essential elements, quickly become phytotoxic, inducing the occurrence of oxidative stress. In this way, in order to ensure food production and safety, attempts to enhance plant tolerance to metal(loid)s are urgently needed. Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as a signaling molecule, highly involved in multiple physiological events, like the response of plants to abiotic stress. Thus, substantial efforts have been made to assess NO potential in alleviating metal‐induced oxidative stress in plants. In this review, an updated overview of NO‐mediated protection against metal toxicity is provided. After carefully reviewing NO biosynthetic pathways, focus was given to the interaction between NO and the redox homeostasis followed by photosynthetic performance of plants under metal excess.
Massive transfusion associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction: necessary precautions for prevention
Authors: Davis Christopher S. , Milia David , Gottschall Jerome L. , Weigelt John A.
Published: June 2019

CASE REPORT: A 45‐year‐old male presented in severe hypovolemic shock after a thoracoabdominal gunshot wound. The massive transfusion protocol (MTP) was activated and the patient was taken to the operating room. His major injuries included liver, small bowel, and right common iliac vein. Hemorrhage was stopped and a damage control laparotomy was completed. He received a total of 113 blood products. During his postoperative course he received a group B blood transfusion on Hospital Days 2 and 7 based on incorrect blood typing late in his massive transfusion and repeat testing on Day 4.

RESULTS: He succumbed to multiple organ failure on Day 8. MTPs are standard in most trauma centers during which universal donor red blood cells are initially used. As hemorrhage is controlled, the patient undergoes a complete type and cross according to blood banking protocols. These typing results are used to continue transfusions once the MTP is no longer needed. In contacting other blood banks servicing Level I trauma centers, the policy of when to switch from universal donor blood to crossmatched blood is variable.

CONCLUSION: Our case illustrates a potential blood typing problem that had a disastrous outcome. We identified changes in policy that will make MTPs safer.
Banking feces: a new frontier for public blood banks?
Authors: Jørgensen Simon Mark Dahl , Hvas Christian Lodberg , Dahlerup Jens Frederik , Mikkelsen Susan , Ehlers Lars , Hammeken Lianna Hede , Licht Tine Rask , Bahl Martin Iain , Erikstrup Christian
Published: June 2019

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and is potentially beneficial in other microbiota‐related disorders. The provision of FMT in routine clinical practice requires an extensive infrastructure that is reliant on voluntary donors. Alongside an increasing demand for FMT, the logistic barriers of a large‐scale donor‐dependent operation and the difficulties among health authorities to regulate FMT limit the dissemination of sustainable FMT services. Blood centers are large organizations that handle a multitude of donor‐dependent operations on a daily basis. Blood and feces share many of the same dependencies, and feces may present a new opportunity for the blood services to handle. In this paper, we describe how an FMT service may be established and embedded within the blood service infrastructure, and we explain the benefits of using blood donors as feces donors. We further explore the current indications of FMT, the challenges related to the lack of legislation, and the future perspectives for blood banks to meet a new and increasing demand.
BENDING AND BONDING PROPERTIES OF MIXED-SPECIES GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER FROM MERPAUH, JELUTONG AND SESENDOK
Authors: Wan Mohamad Wan Hazira , Mohamad Bhkari Norshariza , Ahmad Zakiah
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the bending and bonding performances of glued laminated timber beams manufactured using a combination of Malaysian lower and higher- grade timber species. Two types of beams were prepared which were mono-species and mixed-species glulam. Mono-species glulam with uniform layup were fabricated using Merpauh, Jelutong and Sesendok. Mixed-species glulam with balanced layup were fabricated whereby Merpauh was positioned equally at the outer layers and either Jelutong or Sesendok were positioned at the inner layers. Three replicates of ten-layered glulam beams measuring 100 mm in width, 300 mm in depth and 6200 mm in length were manufactured according to MS758 for each mono and mixed-species glulam. Bending, delamination and block shear tests were done on all the glulam beams. The results show that glulam manufactured from the combination of Sesendok and Merpauh obtained the highest bending properties and structural efficiency. In addition, the bonding performance at the interface between Sesendok-Merpauh lamellas proved to be excellent.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF T-SECTION RC BEAMS STRENGTHENED BY WIRE ROPE IN THE NEGATIVE MOMENT REGION WITH AN ADDITION OF STEEL REBAR AT THE COMPRESSION BLOCK
Authors: Haryanto Yanuar , Hu Hsuan-Teh , Ay Lie Han , Atmajayanti Anggun Tri , Galuh Dimas Langga Chandra , Hidayat Banu Ardi
Published: June 2019

A building whose functions are converted in which their volumes are improved, for example, a four-story building transformed into a five-story building, resulting in a dead load improvement of its structural self-weight, obviously requires strengthening in order to avoid the possibility of structural failures. This paper focuses on a nonlinear finite element analysis conducted using the ATENA program on T-section reinforced concrete beams strengthened in the negative moment region with wire ropes and an addition of steel rebars at the compression block. The results are then compared with the results of the previously conducted experiments. The specimen models consist of control beams (BK), strengthened beams with wire ropes at the tension block (BP1), and strengthened beams with wire ropes at the tension block and steel rebars at the compression block (BP2). The results show that the ratios of the load-carrying capacity against those of the experimental results are 1.25, 1.23, and 0.89 respectively for BK, BP1 and BP2. The effective stiffness ratios to those of the experimental results are 1.45, 1.15, and 1.86, while the ductility index ratios against the experimental results are 1.11, 0.63, and 1.01 respectively for BK, BP1, and BP2. The crack patterns of the nonlinear finite element analytical results revealed that all specimen models experience flexural failure.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE IMPREGNATED ON ACTIVATED GREEN MUSSEL SHELLS (KCL/ AGMS): AN ACTIVE CATALYST TOWARDS KNOEVENAGEL CONDENSATION
Authors: Ardiansah Bayu , Bakri Ridla , Putra Yudis Ananda
Published: June 2019

Knoevenagel condensation represents one of the most important C-C bond forming reactions in organic chemistry. The typical reaction was carried out commonly in the presence of homogeneous acid as well as basic catalysts. With the problems like corrosive and high catalyst amount, the search for a new heterogeneous catalyst is an attractive research topic in this area. KCl supported on activated green mussel shell (KCl/AGMS) was prepared by impregnation method and characterized by some analytical instrumentations (IR, XRD, SEM, EDAX). The prepared materials shows an incredible catalytic ability in Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl acetoacetate with aromatic aldehydes to produce condensed products 3a-3d in medium to good yields (60-94%). The findings disclose a mild route for the synthesis of Knoevenagel products using a cost-effective and green catalyst.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CREEP, TESTING METHODS AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEST RIG FOR THE FULL-SCALE CROSSARM: A REVIEW
Authors: Asyraf M. R. M. , Ishak M. R. , Razman M. R. , Chandrasekar M.
Published: June 2019

Most of transmission line (TL) towers are designed and fabricated in the form of lattice using galvanized steel. The crossarm of the TL is made of Neobalanocarpus or Chengal wood. Recently, it has been reported by an electrical corporation situated in Malaysia that mechanical performance of the wooden crossarm declined below their service life of 40 years due to the extreme tropical weather in Malaysia. At present, composite crossarm made of glass fibre reinforced polymer composite were introduced as substitute in the 132 kV TL tower. However, the research findings lack of information on creep life estimation for the full-scale crossarm. Hence, a new test rig has to be developed to cater the testing operation using the uniaxial tension creep test. The primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the creep theory and the existing creep testing methodology.
Study of Sheared Edge Formability of Ultra-High Strength DP980 Sheet Metal Blanks
Authors: Nasheralahkami Saeid , Zhou Weitian , Golovashchenko Sergey
Published: June 2019

Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) and ultra-high strength steels (UHSS) have been increasingly implemented by the automotive industry for better crashworthiness and fuel economy. However, these steels are often sensitive to the trimmed edge cracking. The objective of the present paper is to study the sheared edge of ultra-high strength dual-phase steel, DP980, in mechanical trimming and hole punching by sheared edge quality assessment, stretchability, and hole expansion tests as well as finite element analysis. Furthermore, the mechanism of fracture propagation in trimming and hole punching processes of DP980 was discussed. Rather a unique fracture mechanism was observed for trimming of DP980 steel leading to the burr removal at the final stage of the trimming process. Finite element analysis revealed that, under very large clearances, a secondary crack initiates from the edge of the lower tool, and the primary propagated crack turns toward it simultaneously. Intersecting of these two cracks leads to the total separation and leaves the edge of the trimmed part with a broken burr. Fracture observation of trimmed specimens revealed that crack initiation sites under tension moved from the middle of the trimmed surface toward the burr tip with increasing the clearance. This study demonstrates the importance of stretchability tests for designing the stamping dies as well as a reliable finite element simulation for characterizing the material behavior during the shearing process.
Additive Manufacturing Processes for Infrastructure Construction: A Review
Authors: Bhardwaj Abhinav , Jones Scott Z. , Kalantar Negar , Pei Zhijian , Vickers John , Wangler Timothy , Zavattieri Pablo , Zou Na
Published: June 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) has had an enormous impact on the manufacturing sector. Its role has evolved from printing prototypes to manufacturing functional parts for a variety of applications in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. Recently, AM processes have also been applied in the infrastructure construction industry. Applications of AM processes could bring in significant improvements in infrastructure construction, specifically in the areas of productivity and safety. It is desirable to have a review on the current state of emerging AM processes for infrastructure construction and existing gaps in this field. This paper reviews the AM processes in infrastructure construction. It discusses the process principle, application examples, and gaps for each of the AM processes.
Theoretical Tools to Analyze Anorectal Mechanophysiological Data Generated by the Fecobionics Device
Authors: Liao D. , Chen S. C. , Lo K. M. , Zhao J. , Futaba K. , Gregersen H.
Published: June 2019

A mechanical approach is needed for understanding anorectal function and defecation. Fecal continence is achieved by several interacting mechanisms including anatomical factors, anorectal sensation, rectal compliance, stool consistency, anal muscle strength, motility, and psychological factors. The balance is easily disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as fecal incontinence and constipation. Novel technologies have been developed in recent years for studying anorectal function. Especially, the Fecobionics device, a simulated feces, has gained attention recently. This facilitates new analysis of anorectal mechanical function. In this study, a theoretical model is developed to analyze anorectal mechanophysiological data generated by the Fecobionics device. Theoretical approaches can enhance future interdisciplinary research for unraveling defecatory function, sensory-motor disorders, and symptoms. This is a step in the direction of personalized treatment for gastrointestinal disorders based on optimized subtyping of anorectal disorders.
Redescription of three species of Oligonychus (Acari, Tetranychidae) from China
Authors: Li Juan , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: June 2019

Two species of Oligonychus are redescribed: O. baipisongis Ma & Yuan, 1976 and O. chamaecyparisae Ma & Yuan, 1976. Moreover, O. hainanensis Ma, Yuan & Lin, 1979 is here recognized as a junior synonym of O. biharensis (Hirst, 1924), which is also redescribed here based on adult females, males and deutonymphs. The redescription of O. baipisongis is based on holotype and paratypes, the types of O. chamaecyparisae could not be located but the species is described from male and female material collected by En-Pei Ma in 1978 from Lanzhou City, Xi-An City and Xining City. The dorsal setae in O. baipisongis show remarkable sexual dimorphism. The difference between the aedeagi of O. chamaecyparisae and Oligonychus perditus Pritchard & Baker, 1955 are discussed. All three species are diagnosed, illustrated with line drawings and photographs.
Optimization of an acoustic black hole vibration absorber at the end of a cantilever beam
Authors: McCormick Cameron A. , Shepherd Micah R.
Published: June 2019

Structures whose thickness follow a power law profile exhibit the “acoustic black hole” (ABH) effect and can be used for effective vibration reduction. However, it is difficult to know a priori what constitutes the best design. A new block matrix formulation of the transfer matrix method is developed for use in the optimization of an ABH vibration absorber at the end of a cantilever beam. Results indicate that introduction of the ABH significantly alters the dynamics of the beam, which must be considered in determining the optimal design for a given vibration reduction problem.
Nonequilibrium evolution of volatility in origination and extinction explains fat-tailed fluctuations in Phanerozoic biodiversity
Authors: Rominger Andrew J. , Fuentes Miguel A. , Marquet Pablo A.
Published: June 2019

Phanerozoic marine invertebrate richness fluctuates out of equilibrium due to pulsed adaptive evolution.
Global ecosystem overfishing: Clear delineation within real limits to production
Authors: Link Jason S. , Watson Reg A.
Published: June 2019

Newly derived thresholds show that about half the world’s marine ecosystems are experiencing “ecosystem” overfishing.
De novo assembly of the goldfish (
Carassius auratus
) genome and the evolution of genes after whole-genome duplication
Authors: Chen Zelin , Omori Yoshihiro , Koren Sergey , Shirokiya Takuya , Kuroda Takuo , Miyamoto Atsushi , Wada Hironori , Fujiyama Asao , Toyoda Atsushi , Zhang Suiyuan , Wolfsberg Tyra G. , Kawakami Koichi , Phillippy Adam M. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Mullikin James C. , Burgess Shawn M.
Published: June 2019

A genomic assembly of the goldfish (
Carrassius auratus
) increases the utility of goldfish in research and agriculture.
Nutrient availability shapes methionine metabolism in p16/
MTAP
-deleted cells
Authors: Sanderson Sydney M. , Mikhael Peter G. , Ramesh Vijyendra , Dai Ziwei , Locasale Jason W.
Published: June 2019

Nutrient availability is found to determine methionine metabolism.
Mechanical stress accompanied with nuclear rotation is involved in the dormant state of mouse oocytes
Authors: Nagamatsu Go , Shimamoto So , Hamazaki Nobuhiko , Nishimura Yohei , Hayashi Katsuhiko
Published: June 2019

Compression keeps oocytes dormant.
Lymphangiogenesis in kidney and lymph node mediates renal inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Pei Guangchang , Yao Ying , Yang Qian , Wang Meng , Wang Yuxi , Wu Jianliang , Wang Pengge , Li Yueqiang , Zhu Fengming , Yang Juan , Zhang Ying , Yang Weiqi , Deng Xuan , Zhao Zhi , Zhu Han , Ge Shuwang , Han Min , Zeng Rui , Xu Gang
Published: June 2019

Expanded lymphatic vessels (LVs) in kidneys and renal draining lymph nodes (RDLNs) promote intrarenal inflammation and fibrosis.
Experimental evidence for the age dependence of tau protein spread in the brain
Authors: Wegmann Susanne , Bennett Rachel E. , Delorme Louis , Robbins Ashley B. , Hu Miwei , MacKenzie Danny , Kirk Molly J. , Schiantarelli Julia , Tunio Nahel , Amaral Ana C. , Fan Zhanyun , Nicholls Samantha , Hudry Eloise , Hyman Bradley T.
Published: June 2019

We observed enhanced tau spreading in the aging mouse brain and tau misfolding in brain regions vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease.
A myoelectric prosthetic hand with muscle synergy–based motion determination and impedance model–based biomimetic control
Authors: Furui Akira , Eto Shintaro , Nakagaki Kosuke , Shimada Kyohei , Nakamura Go , Masuda Akito , Chin Takaaki , Tsuji Toshio
Published: June 2019

Human muscle synergy– and impedance model–based control enables accurate and natural finger motions of a 3D-printed myoelectric hand.
Pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia generate abundant and functional neoantigen-specific CD8
+
T cell responses
Authors: Zamora Anthony E. , Crawford Jeremy Chase , Allen E. Kaitlynn , Guo Xi-zhi J. , Bakke Jesse , Carter Robert A. , Abdelsamed Hossam A. , Moustaki Ardiana , Li Yongjin , Chang Ti-Cheng , Awad Walid , Dallas Mari H. , Mullighan Charles G. , Downing James R. , Geiger Terrence L. , Chen Taosheng , Green Douglas R. , Youngblood Benjamin A. , Zhang Jinghui , Thomas Paul G.
Published: June 2019

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia elicits a broad, functional, antitumor T cell response, targeting multiple mutations.
Brain-resident memory T cells generated early in life predispose to autoimmune disease in mice
Authors: Steinbach Karin , Vincenti Ilena , Egervari Kristof , Kreutzfeldt Mario , van der Meer Franziska , Page Nicolas , Klimek Bogna , Rossitto-Borlat Irène , Di Liberto Giovanni , Muschaweckh Andreas , Wagner Ingrid , Hammad Karim , Stadelmann Christine , Korn Thomas , Hartley Oliver , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Merkler Doron
Published: June 2019

Resolved brain virus infection early in life leaves persisting chemotactic cues that foster brain autoimmunity in adulthood.
Sussing out sensitivity to light: How evening light impacts individuals’ circadian systems
Authors: Curtis Annie
Published: June 2019

Interindividual differences in sensitivity to evening light may present a new component of circadian disruption.
Marek’s Disease Virus RLORF4 Inhibits Type I Interferon Production by Antagonizing NF-κB Activation
Authors: Liu Yongzhen , Gao Li , Xu Zengkun , Luo Dan , Zhang Yu , Gao Yulong , Liu Changjun , Zhang Yanping , Qi Xiaole , Cui Hongyu , Li Kai , Wang Xiaomei
Published: June 2019

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) RLORF4 has been shown to be directly involved in the attenuation of MDV upon serial passages
in vitro
; however, the exact function of this protein during viral infection was not well characterized. This study demonstrated that RLORF4 significantly inhibits cGAS-STING-mediated NF-κB activation by binding to the Rel homology domains of the NF-κB subunits p65 and p50, interrupting their translocation to the nuclei and thereby inhibiting IFN-β production. Furthermore, RLORF4 deficiency promoted the induction of IFN-β and downstream IFN-stimulated genes during MDV infection in chickens. Our results suggest that the contribution of RLORF4 to MDV virulence may stem from its inhibition of viral DNA-triggered IFN-β responses.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Rhizospheric Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Samuel
Published: June 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
Bacillus subtilis
A1,
Sphingobacterium
sp. strain A3, and
Pseudomonas
sp. strain A29;
Sphingobacterium
sp. A3 and
Pseudomonas
sp. A29 were identified as
Bacillus velezensis
strain A3 and
Bacillus subtilis
strain A29, respectively, after a quality control check of the whole-genome sequences deposited in the NCBI database. These bacteria exhibit tremendous production of siderophores and significant antimicrobial potential. When inoculated on maize, these isolates increase its yield.
Enhanced landslide mobility by basal liquefaction: The 2014 State Route 530 (Oso), Washington, landslide
Authors: Collins Brian D. , Reid Mark E.
Published: June 2019

Landslide mobility can vastly amplify the consequences of slope failure. As a compelling example, the 22 March 2014 landslide near Oso, Washington (USA), was particularly devastating, traveling across a 1-km+-wide river valley, killing 43 people, destroying dozens of homes, and temporarily closing a well-traveled highway. To resolve causes for the landslide’s behavior and mobility, we conducted detailed postevent field investigations and material testing. Geologic and structure mapping revealed a progression of geomorphological structures ranging from debris-flow lobes at the distal end through hummock fields, laterally continuous landslide blocks, back-rotated blocks, and finally colluvial slides and falls at the landslide headscarp. Primary structures, as well as stratigraphic and vegetation patterns, in the landslide deposit indicated rapid extensional motion of the approximately 9 × 106 m3 source volume in a closely timed sequence of events. We identified hundreds of transient sand boils in the landslide runout zone, representing evidence of widespread elevated pore-water pressures with consequent shear-strength reduction at the base of the slide. During the event, underlying wet alluvium liquefied and allowed quasi-intact slide hummocks to extend and translate long distances across the flat valley. Most of the slide material itself did not liquefy. Using geotechnical testing and numerical modeling, we examined rapid undrained loading, shear and collapse of loose saturated alluvium, and strong ground shaking as potential liquefaction mechanisms. Our analyses show that some layers in the alluvium can liquefy when sheared, as could occur with rapid undrained loading. Simultaneous ground shaking could have contributed to pore-pressure generation as well. Two key elements, a large and rapid failure overriding wet liquefiable sediments, enabled the landslide’s high mobility. Basal liquefaction may enhance mobility of other landslides in similar settings.