bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden carbon costs of the “everywhere war”: Logistics, geopolitical ecology, and the carbon boot‐print of the US military
Authors: Belcher Oliver , Bigger Patrick , Neimark Ben , Kennelly Cara
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the US military's impact on climate by analysing the geopolitical ecology of its global logistical supply chains. Our geopolitical ecology framework interrogates the material‐ecological metabolic flows (hydrocarbon‐based fuels, water, sand, concrete) that shape geopolitical and geoeconomic power relations. We argue that to account for the US military as a major climate actor, one must understand the logistical supply chain that makes its acquisition and consumption of hydrocarbon‐based fuels possible. Our paper focuses on the US Defense Logistics Agency – Energy (DLA‐E), a large yet virtually unresearched sub‐agency within the US Department of Defense. The DLA‐E is the primary purchase‐point for hydrocarbon‐based fuels for the US military, as well as a powerful actor in the global oil market. After outlining our geopolitical ecology approach, we detail the scope of the DLA‐E's operations, its supply chain, bureaucratic practices, and the physical infrastructure that facilitates the US military's consumption of hydro‐based carbons on a global scale. We show several “path dependencies” – warfighting paradigms, weapons systems, bureaucratic requirements, and waste – that are put in place by military supply chains and undergird a heavy reliance on carbon‐based fuels by the US military for years to come. The paper, based on comprehensive records of bulk fuel purchases we have gathered from DLA‐E through Freedom of Information Act requests, represents a partial yet robust picture of the geopolitical ecology of American imperialism.
Surface Motion Changes of Tympanic Membrane Damaged by Blast Waves
Authors: Gan Rong Z. , Jiang Shangyuan
Published: June 2019

Eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) is a multilayer soft tissue membrane located at the end of the ear canal to receive sound pressure and transport the sound into the middle ear and cochlea. Recent studies reported that the TM microstructure and mechanical properties varied after the ear was exposed to blast overpressure. However, the impact of such biomechanical changes of the TM on its movement for sound transmission has not been investigated. This paper reports the full-field surface motion of the human TM using the scanning laser Doppler vibrometry in human temporal bones under normal and postblast conditions. An increase of the TM displacement after blast exposure was observed in the posterior region of the TM in four temporal bone samples at the frequencies between 3 and 4 kHz. A finite element model of human TM with multilayer microstructure and orthogonal fiber network was created to simulate the TM damaged by blast waves. The consistency between the experimental data and the model-derived TM surface motion suggests that the tissue injuries were resulted from a combination of mechanical property change and regional discontinuity of collagen fibers. This study provides the evidences of surface motion changes of the TM damaged by blast waves and possible fiber damage locations.
Dr. Y. C. Fung's Contributions to Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Humanity: Warmest Celebration for a Magnificent Centenarian
Authors: Chien Shu
Published: June 2019

Professor Y. C. Fung has made superb contributions to science, engineering, and humanity through his research and its applications, as well as his words and deeds. By setting the highest standards of rigor and excellence, training many outstanding students and their students, and providing his exemplary leadership, Dr. Fung has made tremendous impacts that spread across the world and transcend time. He established the foundations of biomechanics in a variety of living tissues, including the lung, the heart, blood vessels, blood cells, ureter, intestine, skin, as well as other organs and tissues. Through his vision of the power of “making models” to explain and predict biological phenomena, Dr. Fung opened up new horizons for bioengineering, from organs/systems to molecules/genes. He has initiated and fostered the research activities in many institutions in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. He has made outstanding contributions to education in bioengineering, as well as service to the professional organizations and translation to industry and clinical medicine. He is widely recognized as the Father of Biomechanics and the leading Bioengineer in the world. His extraordinary accomplishments and commands in science, engineering, and the arts make him a Renaissance Man whom the world is most fortunate to have.
Renewable Energy Based Dimethyl-Ether Production System Linked With Industrial Waste Heat
Authors: DinAli Magd N. , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: June 2019

A new renewable energy based dimethyl-ether (DME) production system is proposed in this paper. The DME is then produced through the indirect synthesis method where methanol is produced first through carbon hydrogenation process, then methanol derived to a process called methanol dehydration to produce the DME. The proposed integrated system consists of four main subsystems named as carbon capturing and heat recovery system, proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen production system, methanol synthesis system, and the DME synthesis system. The main inputs are electrical energy from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and thermal energy from flue gas waste heat. The system is modeled and simulated using both aspen plus process simulation software and engineering equation solver (EES) and assessed based on energy and exergy approaches. The energy and exergy efficiencies are determined to be 40.46% and 52.81%, respectively.
Metals likely promoted protometabolism in early ocean alkaline hydrothermal systems
Authors: Kitadai Norio , Nakamura Ryuhei , Yamamoto Masahiro , Takai Ken , Yoshida Naohiro , Oono Yoshi
Published: June 2019

Sulfide-to-metal electroreduction likely harnessed the reducing power of hydrothermal systems for the autotrophic origin of life.
Multi-organ system for the evaluation of efficacy and off-target toxicity of anticancer therapeutics
Authors: McAleer Christopher W. , Long Christopher J. , Elbrecht Daniel , Sasserath Trevor , Bridges L. Richard , Rumsey John W. , Martin Candace , Schnepper Mark , Wang Ying , Schuler Franz , Roth Adrian B. , Funk Christoph , Shuler Michael L. , Hickman James J.
Published: June 2019

An in vitro multi-organ system evaluates the efficacy and potential off-target toxicities of anticancer parent drugs and metabolites.
Response to Comment on “An extracellular matrix fragment drives epithelial remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness”
Authors: Patel Dhiren F. , Gaggar Amit , Blalock J. Edwin , Gregory Lisa G. , Lloyd Clare M. , Snelgrove Robert J.
Published: June 2019

We provide further evidence to support our assertion that PGP is a potent regulator of epithelial remodeling.
The right adjuvant gives T follicular helper cells a boost
Authors: Boyle Michelle
Published: June 2019

The vaccine adjuvant GLA-SE increases the magnitude and longevity of antibody responses by increasing the quantity of T follicular helper cells in humans.
Neutralizing antibodies for AAV vectors: The strange case of AAV5
Authors: Ronzitti Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

A clinical trial on hemophilia B demonstrated efficient liver targeting with AAV5 in the presence of neutralizing antibodies.
K2 Capsule Depolymerase Is Highly Stable, Is Refractory to Resistance, and Protects Larvae and Mice from Acinetobacter baumannii Sepsis
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Mendes Ana , Fraga Alexandra G. , Ferreira Alice , Pimenta Andreia I. , Mil-Homens Dalila , Fialho Arsénio M. , Pedrosa Jorge , Azeredo Joana
Published: June 2019

Acinetobacter baumannii
is an important nosocomial pathogen resistant to many, and sometimes all, antibiotics. The
A. baumannii
K2 capsular type has been associated with elevated antibiotic resistance. The capsular depolymerase characterized here fits the new trend of alternative antibacterial agents needed against multidrug-resistant pathogens. They are highly specific, stable, and refractory to resistance, as they do not kill bacteria
per se
; instead, they remove bacterial surface polysaccharides, which diminish the bacterial virulence and expose them to the host immune system.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Encodes a VirB/VirD4 Type IV Secretion System That Modulates Apoptosis in Human Cells and Promotes Competition against Heterologous Bacteria, Including Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Nas Megan Y. , White Richard C. , DuMont Ashley L. , Lopez Alberto E. , Cianciotto Nicholas P.
Published: June 2019

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is an emerging opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen.
S. maltophilia
is also a risk factor for lung exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients.
S. maltophilia
attaches to various mammalian cells, and we recently documented that the bacterium encodes a type II secretion system which triggers detachment-induced apoptosis in lung epithelial cells.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Representative New Jersey Vesiculovirus Strain, NJ03CPB, from a Region of Endemicity in Southern Mexico
Authors: Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Pauszek Steven J. , Rodriguez Luis L.
Published: June 2019

We report the full-genome sequence of a New Jersey vesiculovirus strain, commonly referred to as vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV), obtained from an epithelial lesion of a naturally infected cow in Chiapas, Mexico. This genome is a representative from the zone of endemicity in Mexico, a region of high genetic diversity.
The role of sediment supply in the adjustment of channel sinuosity across the Amazon Basin
Authors: Ahmed Joshua , Constantine José Antonio , Dunne Thomas
Published: June 2019

Sediment supplies are a fundamental component of alluvial river systems, but the importance of sustained supplies of externally derived sediments for the evolution of meandering planforms remains unclear. Here we demonstrate the importance of sediment supply in enhancing the growth of point bars that influence the rate of sinuosity increase through flow deflections in meander bends. We use an archive of Landsat images of 16 meandering reaches from across the Amazon Basin to show that rivers transporting larger sediment loads increase their sinuosity more rapidly than those carrying smaller loads. Sediment-rich rivers are dominated by downstream-rotating meanders that increase their sinuosity more rapidly than both extensional and upstream-rotating meanders. Downstream-rotating meanders appear to establish larger point bars that expand throughout the meander, in contrast to extensional meanders, which have smaller bars, and upstream rotating meanders, which are characterized by deposition over the bar head. These observations demonstrate that the size and position of point bars within meander bends influences flow routing and thus controls the dominant direction of meander growth. Rivers with low sediment supplies build smaller point bars, which reduces their capacity to increase meander curvature and the resulting sinuosity.
Latest Villafranchian climate and landscape reconstructions at Pirro Nord (southern Italy)
Authors: Blain Hugues-Alexandre , Fagoaga Ana , Ruiz-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Bisbal-Chinesta Josep Francesc , Delfino Massimo
Published: June 2019

Early Pleistocene terrestrial climate conditions in the Mediterranean region, especially between 1.3 and 1.7 Ma, are poorly understood. Here, the amphibian and reptile fossil record from 24 fissures (Cava Pirro) of the Pirro Nord karstic complex (southern Italy) is used to infer quantitative paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. These numerical data indicate that the mean annual temperature may have been somewhat lower (–1.6 to –3.6 °C compared to modern temperatures) than that of today, and the mean annual precipitation slightly higher (+90 to +240 mm) than modern values. Seasonality was more pronounced, with cooler summers (–0.4 to –2.0 °C) and much colder winters (–1.2 to –6.0 °C). Rainfall distribution patterns during the year show more precipitation during the winter (+14 to +43 mm), with quantities of summer rainfall (–1.7 to +6.6 mm) being similar to modern values. The associated landscape comprised an open dry environment with scattered patches of woodland, locally along water courses or around swamps. This ecological scenario fits with early Pleistocene cold conditions, where the first occurrence of some eastern emigrants suggests a scenario of trans-Adriatic dispersal, as may have also occurred for the earliest European hominins.
O1 Use of a multi-disciplinary teaching platform for teaching paediatric prescribing
Authors: Paterson-Brown Lucy , Dore Eoin
Published: June 2019

Aim

We present a case study of the development of a structured, holistic, multidisciplinary prescribing teaching program for medical students in our paediatric department. The aim was to integrate theory and practise into one multidisciplinary delivered teaching session.

Method

Prescribing is an area that medical students consistently report as challenging with poor teaching and minimal paediatric specific prescribing teaching as an undergraduate. After collaboration with our pharmacist colleagues the agreed objective was to design a teaching session run by doctors and pharmacists together in order to more accurately simulate paediatric prescribing in clinical practice for the inpatient environment. The method was based on Blooms Taxonomy,1 starting with a pharmacist delivering teaching on the theory of paediatric prescribing. Following this, junior doctors delivered case based prescribing scenarios to allow assimilation and application of theory. At the end of the 150 minute session feedback was collected from both session facilitators and students. These were evaluated to allow for revision and improvement of the session.

Results

Both facilitators and students very enthusiastically received the session with phrases such as ‘amazing session thank- you!’ added to the feedback forms. Feedback was gathered from 32 students over the first 8-week cycle of the project. The majority of students stated that prior to this session they had little or no paediatric prescribing teaching. When asked the question ‘how prepared do you feel for prescribing in paediatrics?’ and asked to rank themselves from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very well) the average improved from 1.44 pre session to 3.55 post session. The feedback was consistent between sessions demonstrating no significant variation between facilitators. This highlights that the standardised, formal structure of the session allows it to be delivered by pharmacists and doctors of different grades and levels of experience without changing the success of the session for the students.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates that there is a significant gap in undergraduate teaching on prescribing, especially paediatric prescribing. This teaching session is low cost, produces similar feedback despite variation in facilitators between sessions, and is easily transferable to multiple inpatient areas. Our students demonstrated that after one teaching session they felt more prepared for prescribing in paediatrics and following the feedback changes have been made to the session and ongoing feedback has further improved. We propose that this style of teaching session could be used across the country for both adult and paediatric prescribing undergraduate teaching sessions. We aim to compare our session with other universities approaches to prescribing teaching and establish whether this is a national area that requires focused educational attention.

Reference

Bloom BS. Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals 1956.
P020 Vitamin supplementation survey: an audit of the usage of vitamin D supplementation in paediatric patients, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
Authors: Thomas Lowri , Patel Bhavee
Published: June 2019

Background

A lack of vitamin D can lead to skeletal deformities and disturbances in growth.1 The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) published a report in July 2016 making new recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. Subsequently, our local guidelines were updated on the supplementation of vitamin D in the paediatric population, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Aim

It is currently unknown whether these guidelines are being adhered to and as such, this audit was designed to assess the vitamin D supplementation status of these populations.

Objectives

Establish current level of understanding around the routine use of vitamin supplements; Consider what advice is currently provided and who provides this advice; Determine the current use of vitamin D supplementation in children as well as the levels of vitamin D supplementation in breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women; Assess whether these groups are consuming appropriate quantities of vitamin D supplementation and identify reasons why they may not be.

Methods

Data collection was undertaken by pharmacists across two hospitals. Standards were based on the new guidelines published by SACN and local guidelines and were agreed by the clinical lead paediatric pharmacist. Data capture tools were designed in alignment with the standards and piloted. Modifications were made, exclusion criteria established and a total of 164 forms were distributed. All data collected was inputted to a database and analysed accordingly. Ethical approval was not required.

Results

Of the 164 questionnaires distributed, 93 were returned (57% response rate). Less than 30% of the parents surveyed stated they had received advice on childhood vitamin supplementation (n=16 of total n=54) and only 24.5% of children (n=25 of total n=102) were receiving a form of vitamin supplementation. A significantly higher percentage of pregnant/breastfeeding mothers 77% (n=30 of total n=39) stated they had received advice regarding vitamin supplementation. In these cases, midwives and health visitors most commonly provided the advice. Despite this, only 54% (n=21) confirmed that they were taking vitamin supplements.

Conclusion

With such low rates of vitamin supplementation, the overall outcome shows poor adherence to current guidance. The results suggest a great need to improve public understanding and education of the risks associated with lack of vitamin D. Standardising practice, enhancing services and the advice provided to patients are ways to encourage compliance to guidelines and ultimately improve the health of those populations who are at risk.

Reference

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). Vitamin D and health. London: TSO; 2016.
P024 The use of parenteral nutrition in paediatric haematology and oncology patients
Authors: Whiting Sam , Weerdenburg Heather
Published: June 2019

Introduction

A trust wide Parenteral Nutrition (PN) guideline is available to advise the initiating, monitoring and stopping of PN.1 Following an increase in demand on the paediatric oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplant (BMT) ward the pharmacy and dietician team decided to audit how we use PN against these guidelines.

Objectives

Is PN being started and stopped appropriately according to the nutrition guidelines? Are patients being monitored on PN appropriately? Are there alternative sources of feeding that could be initiated by enteral route prior to starting PN?

Methodology

The pharmacy dispensing system was used to trace which BMT, haematology or oncology patients required parenteral nutrition. A combination of the medical notes and the electronic Medway system for those patients’ notes was used to collect data. Data was collected over a 12 month period from March 2017 until February 2018, a total of 29 patients were identified and audited.

Results

Alternative feeding routes to PN were deemed inappropriate in all 29 patients. A full plan had only been recorded in the patient notes in just 4% (1/29) of cases. Biochemistry was routinely provided prior to initiating PN but there was a failure to monitor patients needing long term biochemistry with only 11% (1/9) of patients having long term bloods reported. Only 38% (10/26) of patients had PN discontinued when the patient reached two-thirds of their target enteral intake.

Conclusion

A plan for PN is often omitted in the medical notes. There should be an expected duration, a desired outcome, IV access and a plan around what other (if any) nutrition can be given alongside. We plan to develop a PN plan proforma which can be used to stick into the notes which prompts the medical team responsible to enter this information. There is a lack of timely long term biochemistry bloods on those patients that have PN for longer than a month. This is important clinically because long term PN patients can develop deficiency in micronutrients which need replacement. We hope that educating the medical and nursing teams about this aspect of the clinical guideline will improve our practice. Lastly, the aim of PN must be to establish nutritional requirements where otherwise calorie input would not be met. Stopping early will lead to a calorie deficit and stopping too late would mean unnecessary extra clinical risk and potential inpatient stay. There were several instances where patients would have been discharged because they were otherwise clinically well but feeds were not adequate to stop PN. Other times PN is continued at 25% of requirements, where we should be stopping as soon as patients are established on 66% of oral calorie intake. This should be part of the wider team education about PN

Reference

Phipps A. April 2016, Total Parenteral Nutrition Guideline. Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Case of trileaflet mitral valve: an important differential for non-classical intracavitary gradient in suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Barker Joseph , Silverwood Neil , Gerber Robert
Published: June 2019

There are nine published reports of trileaflet mitral valves globally. As such their implication on health outcomes and associations with other disease is uncertain. This case describes a 62-year-old man presenting with exertional dyspnoea and hypertension. It describes an early misdiagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and highlights that clinicians should be alerted in cases of very high left ventricular outflow gradients in the presence of eccentric mitral regurgitation (MR). Here the MR was caused by a rare congenital deformity whereby a deep cleft in the posterior leaflet resulted in a tricuspid appearance. We present the natural disease course of a trileaflet mitral valve and without intervention over 13 years from symptom onset to the development of severe MR.
Management of dislocated nucleus with corneal opacity by combined deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, pars- plana vitrectomy and phaco-fragmentation
Authors: Karkhur Samendra , Sen Alok , Parmar Gautam , Bhatia Priyavrat
Published: June 2019

A 32-year-old man presented with bilateral diminution of vision for 10 years. Visual acuity was light perception in both eyes with inaccurate projection in the oculus dextrus(OD) and accurate projection in the in oculus sinister (OS). Intraocular pressure was 6 and 12 mm Hg in the OD and OS, respectively. Slit-lamp examination revealed the presence of leucomatous corneal opacification with microcornea in oculus uterque (OU). Both eyes had a dislocated nucleus in the vitreous cavity on ultrasound B-scan with advanced cupping in the right eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed ciliary body atrophy in the OD and preserved ciliary processes (two quadrants) in the OS. In view of a partially preserved ciliary body function and a potential for gaining useful vision, we planned surgical intervention in the left eye. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with pars planavitrectomy (PPV) and phacofragmentation of the nucleus was done. Donor lamellar graft was sutured after completion of PPV and nucleus fragmentation. The patient regained useful ambulatory vision postoperatively with clear corneal graft.
Abdominal tuberculosis with a Pseudo-Sister Mary Joseph nodule mimicking peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Awad Amine , Pampiglione Tom , Ullah Zaker
Published: June 2019

A 46-year-old woman presented in severe abdominal pain on a background of 3 months of weight loss and intermittent vomiting. She had visited East Africa 6 months prior but reported no unwell contacts. On examination, she had generalised abdominal tenderness, distension and a painful paraumbilical swelling. CT scanning confirmed small bowel obstruction and revealed widespread peritoneal nodules, lymphadenopathy, ascites and a soft tissue paraumbilical mass. CA-125 tumour marker was elevated. However, transvaginal ultrasound scanning showed normal-appearing ovaries. She underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for ascitic fluid analysis and biopsy of omental and peritoneal nodules, which revealed a lymphocytic exudate and caseating granulomas, respectively. Interferon-γ release assay and repeated stains for acid-fast bacilli were negative. She was commenced on antituberculous chemotherapy for a presumed diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis. Positive culture results 2 weeks later confirmedMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection. The patient experienced a complete resolution of symptoms within 6 weeks of treatment.
An unusual cause of pulmonary calcification
Authors: Lakshmana Perumal Nandhini , Selvi Jayakumar , Sahoo Jaya Prakash , Kamalanathan Sadishkumar
Published: June 2019

Metastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) is an uncommon entity resulting from abnormalities in calcium-phosphorus homoeostasis. Most cases reported in the literature are among patients with chronic kidney disease receiving haemodialysis. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a relatively common condition affecting calcium homoeostasis, in which MPC can rarely occur. We report the case of one such patient who presented with severe hypercalcaemia and features of interstitial lung disease. Radiographic imaging was normal and the diagnosis was clinched by diffuse pulmonary uptake in99mTechnetium-methylene diphosphate scan.
Latitude continues to be significantly associated with the prevalence of multiple sclerosis: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Simpson Steve , Wang Wendy , Otahal Peter , Blizzard Leigh , van der Mei Ingrid A F , Taylor Bruce V
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Previous studies have demonstrated a strong latitudinal gradient in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence. Herein, we present a meta-analysis of the latitudinal gradient of MS prevalence including studies published since our 2011 review, seeking to assess the latitudinal gradient and whether it has changed since our previous analysis.

Methods

Studies published up to December 2018 were located via Embase, Web of Knowledge and PubMed, using standardised search terms; data were extracted from peer-reviewed studies and these studies added to those from our previous analysis. Where age-specific data were available, prevalence estimates were age-/sex-standardised to the 2009 European population. Prevalence estimates were adjusted for study prevalence year and ascertainment methods. The latitudinal association with MS prevalence was assessed by meta-regression.

Results

A total of 94 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 230 new prevalence points and 880 altogether with those from the prior study. There was a significant positive gradient in time-corrected MS prevalence with increasing latitude (5.27/100 000 per degree latitude), attenuating slightly to 4.34/100 000 on age-standardisation, these associations persisting on adjustment for ascertainment method. Of note, the age-standardised gradient was consistently significantly enhanced from our previous study, regardless of whether it was as-measured, time-corrected or adjusted for ascertainment methods. Certain areas, such as the Scandinavian and Atlantic Coast/Central Europe regions, showed changes in MS prevalence gradient over time, but other regional gradients were similar.

Conclusions

This new meta-analysis confirms that MS prevalence is still strongly positively associated with increasing latitude and that the gradient is increasing, suggesting that potentially modifiable environmental factors, such as sun exposure, are still strongly associated with MS risk.
Transwomen in elite sport: scientific and ethical considerations
Authors: Knox Taryn , Anderson Lynley C , Heather Alison
Published: June 2019

The inclusion of elite transwomen athletes in sport is controversial. The recent International Olympic Committee (IOC) (2015) guidelines allow transwomen to compete in the women’s division if (amongst other things) their testosterone is held below 10 nmol/L. This is significantly higher than that of cis-women. Science demonstrates that high testosterone and other male physiology provides a performance advantage in sport suggesting that transwomen retain some of that advantage. To determine whether the advantage is unfair necessitates an ethical analysis of the principles of inclusion and fairness. Particularly important is whether the advantage held by transwomen is a tolerable or intolerable unfairness. We conclude that the advantage to transwomen afforded by the IOC guidelines is an intolerable unfairness. This does not mean transwomen should be excluded from elite sport but that the existing male/female categories in sport should be abandoned in favour of a more nuanced approach satisfying both inclusion and fairness.
JUUL use and reasons for initiation among adult tobacco users
Authors: Patel Minal , Cuccia Alison , Willett Jeffrey , Zhou Yitong , Kierstead Elexis C , Czaplicki Lauren , Schillo Barbara , Hair Elizabeth C , Vallone Donna
Published: June 2019

Background

The electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) JUUL has quickly captured the ENDS market, representing 74.6% of the total dollar share for this category as of November 2018. Although JUUL is marketed as an alternative to cigarettes intended for current adult smokers, evidence suggests that a majority of ENDS users are concurrently current cigarette smokers. Little is known about the dual use of JUUL and cigarettes, as well as the reasons for trying JUUL among adult tobacco users.

Methods

A survey fielded via web and phone of 1332 current cigarette, cigar, little cigar or cigarillo (CLCC), and ENDS users aged 18–54 years was conducted from March to May 2018. Weighted descriptive and bivariate analyses examined JUUL use and reasons for trying JUUL by demographics, combustible tobacco use, ENDS use and intention to quit.

Results

Approximately 81% of our sample reported current use of two or more tobacco products, including cigarettes, CLCCs or ENDS. Among current tobacco users, 15% ever used JUUL and 12% used JUUL in the past 30 days. Most individuals (74%) reporting ever JUUL use indicated using it for 5 days or fewer in the past 30 days. The most common reason for trying JUUL was trying to quit smoking cigarettes (37%), followed by family, friends or colleagues using the product (32%).

Conclusion

Although some tobacco users may be initiating JUUL to decrease combustible use, most were using the product infrequently and concurrently with other products. Findings have significant implications for cessation intervention efforts and policy development to help smokers quit.
Sensitivity analysis of the influence of ground motion intensity levels on the seismic behavior of steel frames in assessment of the target displacement considering near-fault effects
Authors: Esfahanian Alireza , Aghakouchak Ali Akbar
Published: June 2019

Nonlinear time-history analysis conducted as part of a performance-based seismic design approach often require that the ground motion records are selected and then scaled to a specified level of seismic intensity. In such analyses, besides an adequate structural model, a set of acceleration time-series is needed as the most realistic representation of the seismic action. In this paper, the effects of scaling procedure on seismic demands of steel frames are investigated. To this, two special steel moment-resisting frames with considerable higher mode effects, and two sets of ground motions, including near-fault and far-fault motions are considered. Moreover, three scaling procedures are introduced for performing nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis of structures. Among different demands, lateral roof displacement and interstory drift are selected as seismic demands. The height-wise distribution of demands shows that the inelastic seismic demands of the near-fault pulse-like ground motions differ considerably from those of far-fault ones. These results show that the story drifts are mostly larger for far-fault motions in the upper story levels in comparison to near-fault records and in the lower floors, the reverse is true. Thus, the scaling procedures directly affect the results of seismic demands and choosing different methods would result in varying responses. Moreover, a low-cost and fairly effective procedure is proposed to estimate the target displacement demands of buildings from response-spectrum analyses, considering near-fault effects. The precision of this method is verified by nonlinear time-history analysis results, as the benchmark solution, and acceptable improvements have been achieved.
Elastic buckling strength for steel plates symmetrically strengthened with glass fiber reinforced polymer plates
Authors: Zaghian Sepideh , Mohareb Magdi
Published: June 2019

A plate finite element formulation is developed for the buckling analysis of steel plates symmetrically strengthened with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) plates. The solution idealizes the steel and GFRP as Kirchhoff plates while accounting for the shear-flexibility within the adhesive through a postulated zigzag displacement profile. The solution is then used to characterize the elastic buckling strength for steel plates strengthened with GFRP for corroded flanges subjected to compression, and for steel panels subjected to shear. The validity of the present model is assessed through comparisons with three-dimensional and shear deformable shell solutions. The capacity of the strengthened system is found sensitive to GFRP thickness but insensitive to the adhesive shear modulus. A design example is provided to illustrate how CAN-CSA S16-14 provisions for plate girder design can be integrated with the predictions of the present model to characterize the shear capacity of end panels strengthened with GFRP plates.
Factors influencing dispersal by flight in bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae): from genes to landscapes
Authors: Jones Kelsey L. , Shegelski Victor A. , Marculis Nathan G. , Wijerathna Asha N. , Evenden Maya L.
Published: June 2019

Dispersal by flight is obligatory for bark beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae. Adult bark beetles must leave the natal host and fly to seek new hosts for brood production. Because of the eruptive nature of some bark beetle populations, dispersal capacity has implications for beetle spread and invasion across the landscape. Bark beetle dispersal can occur over short distances within a stand or over long distances above the forest canopy, where wind aids dispersal. Despite the obvious importance of dispersal for predicting population spread, knowledge gaps in understanding factors that influence bark beetle dispersal remain. In this review, we synthesize information on bark beetle flight to gain a better understanding of this important life history trait. We assess the impact of genetic, physiological, and morphological traits on flight in different bark beetle species. We also consider the impact of abiotic and biotic environmental conditions on flight. We discuss how measurements of these factors could contribute to the development of comprehensive models to better predict spread of bark beetle populations. Through the synthesis of flight research on a variety of bark beetle species, this review provides suggestions for future avenues of research on this important aspect of bark beetle ecology.
Accelerated expansion of the Universe in the presence of dark matter pressure
Authors: Rezaei Zeinab
Published: June 2019

Expansion dynamics of the Universe is an important subject in modern cosmology. The dark energy equation of state determines these dynamics so that the Universe is in an accelerating phase. However, dark matter (DM) can also affect the accelerated expansion of the Universe through its equation of state. In the present work, we explore the expansion dynamics of the Universe in the presence of DM pressure. In this regard, applying the DM equation of state from the observational data related to the rotational curves of galaxies, we calculate the evolution of DM density. Moreover, the Hubble parameter, history of scale factor, luminosity distance, and deceleration parameter are studied while the DM pressure is taken into account. Our results verify that the DM pressure leads to higher values of the Hubble parameter at each redshift and the expansion of the Universe grows due to the DM pressure.
On singleton kernel classes in the lattice of varieties of completely regular semigroups
Authors: Kad’ourek Jiří
Published: June 2019

In this paper, it is shown that, for every non-trivial variety [Formula: see text] of groups, the variety [Formula: see text] of all completely regular semigroups all of whose subgroups belong to [Formula: see text] is minimal in its kernel class in the lattice [Formula: see text] of all varieties of completely regular semigroups, and hence it constitutes, in fact, a singleton kernel class in the lattice [Formula: see text]. Even more generally, it is shown that, for every variety [Formula: see text] of completely simple semigroups which does not consist entirely of rectangular groups, the variety [Formula: see text] of all completely regular semigroups all of whose completely simple subsemigroups belong to [Formula: see text] is minimal in its kernel class in the lattice [Formula: see text], and hence it likewise constitutes a singleton kernel class in the mentioned lattice [Formula: see text].
On the Compatibility of a Ternary Relation with a Binary Fuzzy Relation
Authors: Barkat Omar , Zedam Lemnaouar , De Baets Bernard
Published: June 2019

Recently, De Baets et al. have characterized the fuzzy tolerance relations that a given strict order relation is compatible with. In general, the compatibility of a strict order relation with a binary fuzzy relation guarantees also the compatibility of its associated betweenness relation with that binary fuzzy relation. In this paper, we study the compatibility of an arbitrary ternary relation with a binary fuzzy relation. We prove that this compatibility can be expressed in terms of inclusions of the binary fuzzy relation in the traces of the given ternary relation.
A DFT mechanistic, thermodynamic and kinetic study on the reaction of 1, 3, 5-trihydroxybenzene and 2, 4, 6-trihydroxyacetophenone with •OOH in different media
Authors: Otukile Kgalaletso P. , Kabanda Mwadham M.
Published: June 2019

A theoretical investigation on the reactions of 1, 3, 5-trihydroxybenzene (PG) and 2, 4, 6-trihydroxyacetophenone (ACPG) with •OOH has been performed with the aim of elucidating the peroxyl radical scavenging properties of PG and its acylated derivative. The study has considered the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), the single electron transfer-proton transfer and the sequential proton loss-electron transfer mechanisms and determined the geometric, energetic and electronic properties of the reaction species as well as the kinetic parameters for the HAT mechanism. DFT/M06-2X, DFT/MPW1K and DFT/BHHLYP calculation methods have been utilized in combination with the 6-311++G(3df, 2p) basis set. The DFT methods were benchmarked using the CBS-QB3 method. Thermodynamic parameters such as bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) and ionization energy suggest that the thermodynamically preferred mechanism is the HAT mechanism. The geometric, electronic and energetic parameters suggest that the preferred site for the abstraction of the free phenolic H atom in ACPG is the ortho position. Spin density and branching ratio values indicate that the most stable and preferable product formed is for the reaction of ACPG [Formula: see text] •OOH at the ortho position. The estimated rate constants obtained indicate that the reaction of ACPG [Formula: see text] •OOH is kinetically preferred to the reaction of PG [Formula: see text] •OOH, which is in agreement with experimental findings.
η-Ricci solitons on nearly Kenmotsu manifolds
Authors: Ayar Gülhan , Yıldırım Mustafa
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we study the geometry and topology of [Formula: see text]-Ricci solitons satisfying Ricci-semisymmetry condition, [Formula: see text] condition and finally Einstein-semisymmetry condition on nearly Kenmotsu manifolds.
Electrochemical detection of SO2 in a hydroxyl functionalized and eutectic-based ionic liquid
Authors: Huang Qing , Hu Yang , Zhang Min , Yao Yong , Ke Meilu , Wu Tian
Published: June 2019

Using ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes in developing electrochemical sensors for SO2 detection is of much interest. We compared the electrochemical behaviors of SO2 in choline chloride–ethylene glycol-based deep eutectic solvent (ChCl–EG-based DES), 1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroboride ([C3OHmim]BF4), and [C3OHmim][Formula: see text]monoethanolamine (MEA) (6.2:1 in molar ratio). Addition of MEA into [C3OHmim]BF4 can significantly increase the SO2 absorption capacity and enhance the electrochemical response of SO2. However, as we use ChCl–EG-based DES, the reduction current is 10 times larger than in [C3OHmim]BF4 and 4 times larger than in [C3OHmim][Formula: see text]MEA (6.2:1 in molar ratio). And SO2 gas shows high diffusion coefficient value as in the ChCl–EG-based DES. A good linear relationship between the reduction current and the SO2 content was obtained in the tested SO2 gas content range from 200[Formula: see text]ppm to 1500[Formula: see text]ppm. Our findings provide new route for DESs as electrolytes for SO2 sensor designing with high sensitivity.
Privacy Analysis on Microblogging Online Social Networks
Authors: Oukemeni Samia , Rifà-Pous Helena , Puig Joan Manuel Marquès
Published: June 2019

Online Social Networks (OSNs) incorporate different forms of interactive communication, including microblogging services, multimedia sharing, business networking, and so on. They allow users to create profiles, connect with friends, and share their daily activities and thoughts. However, this ease of use of OSNs comes with a cost in terms of users’ privacy and security. The big amount of personal data shared in the users’ profiles or correlated from their activities can be stored, processed, and sold for advertisement or statistical purposes. It attracts also malicious users who can collect and exploit the data and target different types of attacks. In this article, we review the state of the art of OSNs existing either in the literature or deployed for use. We focus on the OSN systems that offer, but not exclusively, microblogging services. We analyze and evaluate each system based on a set of characteristics, and we compare them based on their usability and the level of protection of privacy and security they provide. This study is a first step toward understanding the security and privacy controls and measuring their level in an OSN.
Dance Interactive Learning Systems
Authors: Raheb Katerina El , Stergiou Marina , Katifori Akrivi , Ioannidis Yannis
Published: June 2019

Motion Capture and whole-body interaction technologies have been experimentally proven to contribute to the enhancement of dance learning and to the investigation of bodily knowledge, innovating at the same time the practice of dance. Designing and implementing a dance interactive learning system with the aim to achieve effective, enjoyable, and meaningful educational experiences is, however, a highly demanding interdisciplinary and complex problem. In this work, we examine the interactive dance training systems that are described in the recent bibliography, proposing a framework of the most important design parameters, which we present along with particular examples of implementations. We discuss the way that the different phases of a common workflow are designed and implemented in these systems, examining aspects such as the visualization of feedback to the learner, the movement qualities involved, the technological approaches used, as well as the general context of use and learning approaches. Our aim is to identify common patterns and areas that require further research and development toward creating more effective and meaningful digital dance learning tools.
Salt-sensitive increase in macrophages in the kidneys of Dahl SS rats
Authors: Fehrenbach Daniel J. , Abais-Battad Justine M. , Dasinger John Henry , Lund Hayley , Mattson David L.
Published: June 2019

Studies of Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats have shown that renal CD3+ T cells and ED-1+ macrophages are involved in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and renal damage. The present study demonstrated that the increase in renal immune cells, which accompanies renal hypertrophy and albuminuria in high-salt diet-fed Dahl SS rats, is absent in Sprague-Dawley and SSBN13 rats that are protected from the SS disease phenotype. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that >70% of the immune cells in the SS kidney are M1 macrophages. PCR profiling of renal myeloid cells showed a salt-induced upregulation in 9 of 84 genes related to Toll-like receptor signaling, with notable upregulation of the Toll-like receptor 4/CD14/MD2 complex. Because of the prominent increase in macrophages in the SS kidney, we used liposome-encapsulated clodronate (Clod) to deplete macrophages and assess their contribution to salt-sensitive hypertension and renal damage. Dahl SS animals were administered either Clod-containing liposomes (Clod-Lipo), Clod, or PBS-containing liposomes as a vehicle control. Clod-Lipo treatment depleted circulating and splenic macrophages by ∼50%; however, contrary to our hypothesis, Clod-Lipo-treated animals developed an exacerbated salt-sensitive response with respect to blood pressure and albuminuria, which was accompanied by increased renal T and B cells. Interestingly, those treated with Clod also demonstrated an exacerbated phenotype, but it was less severe than Clod-Lipo-treated animals and independent of changes to the number of renal immune cells. Here, we have shown that renal macrophages in Dahl SS animals sustain a M1 proinflammatory phenotype in response to increased dietary salt and highlighted potential adverse effects of Clod-Lipo macrophage depletion.
Endothelial Dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis: Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Tucker Matthew A. , Fox Brandon M. , Seigler Nichole , Rodriguez-Miguelez Paula , Looney Jacob , Thomas Jeffrey , McKie Kathleen T. , Forseen Caralee , Davison Gareth W. , Harris Ryan A.
Published: June 2019

Oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction are established characteristics of cystic fibrosis (CF). Oxidative stress may contribute to vascular dysfunction via inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Purpose. To determine if ingestion of a single antioxidant cocktail (AOC) improves vascular endothelial function in patients with CF. Methods. In 18 patients with CF (age 8-39 y), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed using a Doppler ultrasound prior to and two hours following either an AOC (n=18; 1,000 mg vitamin C, 600 IU vitamin E, and 600 mg α-lipoic acid) or a placebo (n=9). In a subgroup of patients (n=9), changes in serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) were assessed following AOC and placebo. Results. A significant (p=0.032) increase in FMD was observed following AOC (Δ1.9±3.3%), compared to no change following placebo (Δ−0.8±1.9%). Moreover, compared with placebo, AOC prevented the decrease in α-tocopherol (Δ0.48±2.91 vs. −1.98±2.32 μM, p=0.024) and tended to decrease LOOH (Δ−0.2±0.1 vs. 0.1±0.1 μM, p=0.063). Conclusions. These data demonstrate that ingestion of an antioxidant cocktail can improve vascular endothelial function and improve oxidative stress in patients with CF, providing evidence that oxidative stress is a key contributor to vascular endothelial dysfunction in CF.