bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Stress and Strain Distribution at Crack Tip Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Hammoudi Zaid S. , Alazawi Dhia A. , Mohammed Mohanad Nazhan
Published: February 2021

DIC program developed to obtain the full-field measurements of displacement, strain, and stress around the crack/defect. In the present work, the tensile test is conducted for two different flat specimens, which were painted by speckle pattern to allow using features of DIC system for strain measurements. Two defected/cracked copper and aluminum samples have been investigated. The experimental rig was especially designed and manufactured to perform the tensile test. A comparison between the results of the technique investigated with the results obtained from open source software (Ncorr & GOM), results obtained from the finite element analysis using (ANSYS) software using, and the exact and analytical solutions. The results achieved by the proposed DIC technique have agreement with other methods. The experiments conducted for two flat Aluminum and Copper plates. The DIP percentage of accuracy varies from (97) % to (99) % with the actual physical measurements. The obtained DIC percentage of accuracy as minimum and maximum were (88) % and (95) % with ANSYS software.
Characteristics Study of Gas Turbine Performance with using surface geothermal energy: Case Study of Iraq
Authors: Hasnawi Al-Rubaye Layth Abed , Azzawi Itimad D J , Al-Samari Ahmed , Mohammed Hussein Burhan
Published: February 2021

The study aims tray to improve the performance of the Al-Mansourieh gas power plant located in Iraq with a production (4 ×732 MW). By proposing a new (cooling/heating) system for air that entering the compressor by using groundwater (well water) as a renewable energy. FCU-Unit system operates according to the annual season. The calculations for the study was carried out in two stages, the first one included the thermodynamic analysis of the proposed system and finding the optimal design of space for heat exchanger. By another calculation, the amount of cooling water it was between (14.5 - 87) kg / s and the rate of airflow that reached (1.87m3/h). While the second part of this study included calculating the ideal and actual efficiency through the introduction of the actual conditions for the work of the turbine which took into account the pressure losses in the turbine inlet, exhaust pressure losses, combustion chamber pressure losses, combustion efficiency, and compressor and turbine efficiencies. Analytical results showed that heat efficiency and net capacity decrease in proportional to increasing air temperature. While the quantity of specific fuel consumed and the average heat increasing too with increasing air temperature. There for this study encouraging strongly that considering the air cooling before entering the combustion to improve the efficiency.
Effect of input parameters on MRR and EWR for tool steel AISI L2 by electric discharge machine (EDM)
Authors: Aghdeab Shukry H. , Shwaish Raed R. , Salman Tahseen M.
Published: February 2021

Electric discharge machine (EDM) or may be call electric spark machine is one of most important of cutting process or manufacturing process because it give high accurate dimension and can be product most complex shape. In this present material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear rate (EWR) for tool steel AISI L2 was study. The input parametric for this process is current, pulse on time and pulse off time. Full factorial method is used to formulate machine parameters and find the optimal process parameters of electric spark. The result show that the MRR is increasing with increasing in current and pulse on time while EWR is decreasing when current and pulse on time is increase. The experimented and predicted values of this process are approximately equal.
Study the flow direction and number of tubes in cross-flow heat exchanger to improve the heat transfer coefficient.
Authors: Merdan Shatha Ali , Kadhim Zena khalefa
Published: February 2021

This study deals with the effects the number of tubes and flow direction on the heat transfer coefficient. This investigation complete by study different lengths of smooth copper tubes (50,100, 150, 200 and 250) mm with different passes (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) for cross flow heat exchanger to attain the best length to heat transfer numerically, by Solid work 2017 and ANSYS 16.1 program. The diameters of outer and inner tubes are (24 and 19 mm), air velocity (3 m/s), volumetric flow rate (5 L/min) and the inlet temperature of cold and hot fluid (25 °C and 80°C) respectively. Also been studying the effect of a smooth and triangle finned tube (4 passes) to enhance the heat transfer. Moreover, studying the effect of up and horizontal direction of the flow on heat transfer, by designing smooth tube 8 passes heat exchanger with the same dimension, air velocity inlet (1 m/s), volumetric flow rate (6 L/min), the temperature of the cold fluid inlet (22 °C) and the temperature of the hot fluid (50 °C). It can be noted that whenever the number of passes of tubes increases, the amount of heat transfer increase at the expense of the increase in pressure drop. The finned tube gives better heat improvement than a smooth tube and the direction of flow does not effect on the heat transfer.
Dissimilar Arc Stud Welding AISI 304/ AISI 1008: Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hameed Firas H. , Mohamed Muzher T. , Nawi Sami A. , Gattmah Jabbar
Published: February 2021

Dissimilar arc stud welding is one of the most important tasks in manufacturing processes used to join the various metals with different dimensions. In the present work, AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel studs were joined to AISI 1008 low carbon steel base plate using an arc stud welding technique. The quality performance of the weld joint was analyzed employing the bending and torque test. A range of welding current and welding time were used to elucidate the effect of welding parameters on weld quality corresponding to bending and torque strength. The statistical method based on the Taguchi technique was applied for determining the optimum parameters. The results revealed that welding time play important role in arc stud welding followed by welding current. The actual torque of 90 N.m can be obtained according to the optimum condition for the stud welding by using (DOE) at 600 AMP and 0.3 second.
Thermal performance of double-pass counter flow and double-parallel flow solar air heater with V-grooved absorber plate
Authors: Rasham Ali M. , Al-Bakri Basim A. R.
Published: February 2021

The performance of double-pass counter flow (model A) and double-parallel flow (model B) solar air heater with V-grooved absorber plate are numerically investigated. The mathematical models are written based on energy balance equations for each element of both models. The matrix inversion method is used to numerically solve the mathematical models for solar intensity (I = 350 − 950 (W/m2)), ambient temperature (Ta = 20 (°C)), mass air flow rate range of (ṁ = 0.02–0.09 (kg/s)), and opening angle of V-grooved absorber plate of (Ø = 60°). The results are presented in terms of: Air temperature rise, useful heat gain, thermal efficiency, and thermo hydraulic efficiency. Obviously when air mass flow rate increases, model (A) produces the highest air temperature rise, useful heat gain, and thermal efficiency. As air mass flow rate increases, the thermo-hydraulic of model (B) also increases while thermo-hydraulic efficiency of model (A) decreases from air mass flow rate (ṁ = 0.05, 0.06 and 0.07 (kg/s)) for solar intensities (350, 650, and 950 (W/m2)) respectively. In terms of thermal efficiency, the model (A) is more efficient than of model (B) by (26.8470 %, 27.8890 %, and 28.2496 %) for solar intensities (350, 650, and 950 (W/m2)) respectively. In terms of thermo-hydraulic efficiency, model (A) is more efficient than that of model (B) by (12.1046 %, 20.6830 %, and 25.1215 %) for solar intensities (350, 650, and 950 (W/m2)) respectively.
Using internal in-plane k-shape steel bracing as a simple strengthening technique for RC box beams failed in torsion
Authors: Aziz Ali Hameed , Abdallah Muhammad Hussein
Published: February 2021

The current paper aims to investigate, experimentally, the torsion behavior of reinforced concrete box beams made by self-compacting concrete and strengthened internally by in-plane steel bracing of K-Shape. Four identical large size beams had a nominal cross-section dimension of (0.3x0.3m) with a total length of (2.1m) were constructed and loaded to failure under the effect of pure torsion. The experimental result shows that the failure torsion moment of strengthened beam specimens with K-shape steel bracings increases with a percentage up to (82%) more than un-strengthened beam and the angle of twist decreases by a percentage up to (35.5%). While, the axial elongation decreases by a percentage up to (53%). The presence of the internal in-plane K-shape steel bracing is effective and simple method in enhancing the ultimate carrying torsion capacity.
Effect of fibers types on strength of lightweight foamed concrete
Authors: Rafal Ahmed H. , Abed Suhad M.
Published: February 2021

Foamed concrete is known for its weak strength due to the high porosity caused by air bubbles. The focus of this research was on studying the most important structural feature, which is the compressive strength at 7 &28 days of reinforced foamed concrete with different types of single fibres, such as hooked-ends steel fibres, corrugated steel fibres and polypropylene fibres. in addition to, foamed concrete reinforced with hybrid fibres (using the combination of polypropylene with hooked-ends Steel Fibres) and (combination of polypropylene with corrugated fibres), The best results were obtained basically using hybrid fibres of 0.4% hooked-ends steel fibres with0.3Kg/m3 polypropylene fibre followed by using 0.4% corrugated steel fibres with 0.3Kg/m3 polypropylene fibre.
Finite Element Model for the Optimization of Steel I-Beam with Variable Depth
Authors: Mohammedali T K , Mohammed A H , Khalaf R D , Sammen S Sh
Published: February 2021

The objective of structural design is to select member sizes with the optimal proportioning of the overall structural geometry. Conventional steel I-beam with variable depth have been used widely in various engineering fields. The objective of this study is to develop a three-dimensional finite element model for the total volume of steel I-beam with variable depth. The finite element software package ANSYS was used to determine the optimum total volume for the steel I-beam with variable depth. The purpose of the study is to minimize the total volume of the steel beam. The design variables are the height of the steel beam at support, the flanges width, the thickness of flanges, the height of the steel beam at mid-span, and the web thickness. The constraints considered in this study are the normal stress in steel beam and the mid-span displacement of the steel beam. Optimization results of steel beam indicate that the total volume was reduced approximately by 52 %.
Effect of Longitudinal Maximum Spacing of Shear Reinforcement for wide Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Taha Mustafa Gawad , Abbas Ali Laftah
Published: February 2021

In this study the shear behavior of reinforced concrete wide beams was experimentally investigated the experimental program consisted of four wide beams of 30 MPa of concrete Compressive strength tested with a shear span-depth ratio (a / d) of 2.77. One of the tested wide beams Design according to the ACI code for maximum spacing of shear reinforcement normal beam (d/2), and the other three specimens designed for spacing (0.75 d,0.81 d, 1.0 d) Respectively. The flexure failure mode was secured to allow for shear failure mode for all specimens. The main parameters covered during this study were the effect of spacing shear reinforcement on shear capacity of the wide beams tested. The study showed that there is no significant effect of divergence on shear strength. The decrease of shear capacity ranged from 1.5 % to 8.85 % For the range of beams tested as compared to the control beam.
Siesmic Response of Single Pile Soil Structure Interaction Effect of Cordera bridge foundation
Authors: Jawad Saba Ismael
Published: February 2021

The response of single pile foundations to the dynamic loads is considered in this paper. The behaviour of such foundation is important specifically in case of earthquake excitation through the supporting soil medium. An axisymmetric finite element model has been implemented to simulate the behaviour of pile in relatively clayey soil deposit using Abaqus software including the soil structure interaction effect soil system. Eight node axisymmetric quadrilateral element CAX8R used to simulate the soil continuum. Contact behaviour between the single pile part and the part of soil was simulated using the ‘surface to surface’ contact method with master-slave concept. Furthermore, the pile behaviour material has been simulated with a linear elastic model while, soil material has been simulated with an elasto-plastic model “Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion”. Two different excitation have been adopted during the analysis: El-Centro and Ali-Algharbi earthquakes in order to investigate the effect of various intensities. The results of the analysis demonstrate alteration in the relative displacement and stresses along the pile with different soil layer and different stiffness with both earthquake excitations.
Structural Behavior of Composite Slabs with Different Geometry of Profile Steel Sheets
Authors: Ali Ibrahim A. , Ibrahim Amer M. , Jassim Teeba A.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the behavior of composite slabs with different geometry of profile steel sheet where the strength of composite deck slab mainly depending on the composite action and strength of the connection between concrete and profile steel sheet. In this study, three full-scale specimens of composite slabs with different types of geometry of profile steel sheets (T-shape, triangle shape and trapezoidal shape) were cast and tested under two-point load in order to evaluate the structural behavior and shear bond of composite slabs. The results show that geometry of profile steel sheet have significantly effect on the behavior and strength of composite slab where the ultimate load increased by (32% and 133%) in composite slabs with (triangle shape and T-shape) respectively as compared with trapezoidal shape. As well as the results were satisfy in term of deflection, horizontal end slip, strain and mode of failure.
Effect of polyethylene glycol 6000 on the microstructure and magnetic properties of BaFe10.4Al1.6O19
Authors: Nuruddin Ahmad , Diba Fadlah Farah , Saputro Adhitya Gandaryus , Yuliarto Brian , Ramelan Aditianto
Published: February 2021

Aluminum-substituted barium hexaferrite (BaFe10.4Al1.6O19) powders were prepared using sol-gel auto-combustion and the calcination method. The effects of adding 1 g, 1.5 g, and 2 g of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) to the sol solution on the microstructure and magnetic properties of calcined BaFe10.4Al1.6O19 were investigated. The x-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized sample without PEG produced a single-phase BaFe10.4Al1.6O19; furthermore, BaFe10.4Al1.6O19 and hematite (α-Fe2O3) coexisted with the addition of 1–2 g of PEG. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the transformation of the morphology of BaFe10.4Al1.6O19 from nanorod to hexagonal platelet in shape and growth in particle sizes as increasing amounts of PEG were added. The prepared samples’ magnetic data revealed an increase in the coercive field with PEG’s addition, while the saturation magnetization increased for PEG additions of up to 1.5 g (1 g and 1.5 g) and decreased for 2 g of PEG. The particle sizes, coercive field, and saturation magnetization confirmed the formation of single-domain BaFe10.4Al1.6O19 for PEG additions of up to 1.5 g and multi-domain formation BaFe10.4Al1.6O19 for a PEG addition of 2 g.
Design and fabrication of a magnetic bearing using magnetic edge effect
Authors: Hossain Md Alamgir , Sufian Md Abu , Rashid Fazlur , Shahadat Mhia Md Zaglul
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and performance test of a magnetic bearing employing no active components. In this study, the magnetic bearing was fabricated using a magnetic edge effect. Four large and three small hollow Neodymium (Nd) magnets were used of the same thickness, same internal diameter but different outer diameters. Small magnets were rigidly attached in the rotor and large magnets were fixed in the casing. In magnetic edge effects, a rotor along with small magnets was suspended inside the casing. Using stroboscope, rpm of the rotors were measured at no load, 0.5 N, 1.0 N, 1.5 N conditions for a different number of magnetic bearings in series, and the corresponding torque was calculated. After that, all the data were compared to the ball bearing set up in the same rotor. This paper shows that the speed of the magnetic bearing was doubled than the ball bearing with the same loading conditions. Required torque was 1.5 times greater in the case of ball bearing when compared to the magnetic bearing. The developed system is capable of suspending a rotor at a stable steady-state position. This suspension is accomplished by the edge effect of Nd round hollow magnets.
Islamic Law: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Baderin Mashood A.
Published: February 2021

Islamic Law: A Very Short Introduction examines the evolution, nature, and theory of Islamic law, incorporating both classical and modern scholarly perspectives. Islamic law is one of the world’s major legal systems, yet it is often misunderstood, particularly in the West. It is applicable in different forms as part of state law in countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and has a strong influence on Muslim communities throughout the Western world. This VSI traces the history of Islamic jurisprudence. It covers its scope—including family law, inheritance law, financial law, penal law, and international law—and its practice, providing an overview of this key legal system.
New Objections to Cultural Appropriation in the Arts
Authors: Young James O
Published: February 2021

Some writers have objected to cultural appropriation in the arts on the grounds that it violates cultures’ property rights. Recently a paper by Erich Matthes and another by C. Thi Nguyen and Matthew Strohl have argued that cultural appropriation does not violate property rights but that it is nevertheless often objectionable. Matthes argues that cultural appropriation contributes to the oppression of disadvantaged cultures. Nguyen and Strohl argue that it violated the intimacy of cultures. This paper argues that neither Matthes nor Nguyen and Strohl succeed in showing that cultural appropriation is often objectionable.
A New Target for Temple Volumization? An Anatomical and Ultrasound-Guided Study of the Intermediate Temporal Fat Pad
Authors: Surek Christopher C
Published: February 2021

Background

Current techniques for temple volumization primarily focus on deep or superficial targets. Further anatomical exploration of intermediate injection targets is warranted.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomy of the intermediate temporal fat pad (ITFP) as it relates to filler injection procedures and to explore the utilization of ultrasound technology for clinical localization.

Methods

Ultrasound technology was utilized to identify and inject red dyed hyaluronic acid filler into the ITFP in 20 hemifacial fresh cadavers. Cross-sectional dissection was performed to confirm injection accuracy and document pertinent anatomical relationships. The same technique was performed in a single clinical patient case employing ultrasound guidance and injectable saline.

Results

The ITFP is a quadrangular structure located in the anterior-inferior bony trough. The ITFP is supplied by a middle temporal artery branch and encased between the superficial and deep layers of deep temporal fascia. In 18 of 20 (90%) injections performed under ultrasound guidance, the injected product was accurately delivered to the substance of the ITFP, and in 2 of 20 (10%), the product was found immediately below the deep layer of deep temporal fascia within the temporalis muscle. In the single clinical case, saline was successfully injected in the ITFP under ultrasound guidance.

Conclusions

The ITFP is a consistent anatomical structure in the anterior-inferior trough of the temporal fossa. Ultrasound technology can be utilized to identify and inject the fat pad. Further clinical evaluation will determine the role of this fat pad as a potential intermediate injection target for temple volumization procedures.
Optimal post-selection inference for sparse signals: a nonparametric empirical Bayes approach
Authors: Woody S , Padilla O H M , Scott J G
Published: February 2021

Many recently developed Bayesian methods focus on sparse signal detection. However, much less work has been done on the natural follow-up question: how does one make valid inferences for the magnitude of those signals after selection? Ordinary Bayesian credible intervals suffer from selection bias, as do ordinary frequentist confidence intervals. Existing Bayesian methods for correcting this bias produce credible intervals with poor frequentist properties. Further, existing frequentist approaches require sacrificing the benefits of shrinkage typical in Bayesian methods, resulting in confidence intervals that are needlessly wide. We address this gap by proposing a nonparametric empirical Bayes approach to constructing optimal selection-adjusted confidence sets. Our method produces confidence sets that are as short as possible on average, while both adjusting for selection and maintaining exact frequentist coverage uniformly over the parameter space. We demonstrate an important consistency property of our procedure: under mild conditions, it asymptotically converges to the results of an oracle-Bayes analysis in which the prior distribution of signal sizes is known exactly. Across a series of examples, the method is found to outperform existing frequentist techniques for post-selection inference, producing confidence sets that are notably shorter, but with the same coverage guarantee.
Clinical Efficacy of Cefixime for the Treatment of Early Syphilis
Authors: Stafylis Chrysovalantis , Keith Kori , Mehta Shivani , Tellalian David , Burian Pamela , Millner Carl , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: February 2021

Safe and efficacious alternative treatment options for syphilis are necessary. This randomized, 2-arm, noncomparative pilot study evaluated the efficacy of oral cefixime 400 mg in achieving a ≥4-fold rapid plasma reagin titer decrease by 3 or 6 months after treatment. The proportion of cefixime arm participants treated successfully was 87% (95% confidence interval, 69%–100%; 13/15).

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT03752112.
UbiNet 2.0: a verified, classified, annotated and updated database of E3 ubiquitin ligase–substrate interactions
Authors: Li Zhongyan , Chen Siyu , Jhong Jhih-Hua , Pang Yuxuan , Huang Kai-Yao , Li Shangfu , Lee Tzong-Yi
Published: February 2021

Ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification, which controls protein turnover by labeling malfunctional and redundant proteins for proteasomal degradation, and also serves intriguing non-proteolytic regulatory functions. E3 ubiquitin ligases, whose substrate specificity determines the recognition of target proteins of ubiquitination, play crucial roles in ubiquitin–proteasome system. UbiNet 2.0 is an updated version of the database UbiNet. It contains 3332 experimentally verified E3–substrate interactions (ESIs) in 54 organisms and rich annotations useful for investigating the regulation of ubiquitination and the substrate specificity of E3 ligases. Based on the accumulated ESIs data, the recognition motifs in substrates for each E3 were also identified and a functional enrichment analysis was conducted on the collected substrates. To facilitate the research on ESIs with different categories of E3 ligases, UbiNet 2.0 performed strictly evidence-based classification of the E3 ligases in the database based on their mechanisms of ubiquitin transfer and substrate specificity. The platform also provides users with an interactive tool that can visualize the ubiquitination network of a group of self-defined proteins, displaying ESIs and protein–protein interactions in a graphical manner. The tool can facilitate the exploration of inner regulatory relationships mediated by ubiquitination among proteins of interest. In summary, UbiNet 2.0 is a user-friendly web-based platform that provides comprehensive as well as updated information about experimentally validated ESIs and a visualized tool for the construction of ubiquitination regulatory networks available at http://awi.cuhk.edu.cn/~ubinet/index.php.
Development of a biomarker database toward performing disease classification and finding disease interrelations
Authors: Hossain Shaikh Farhad , Huang Ming , Ono Naoaki , Morita Aki , Kanaya Shigehiko , Altaf-Ul-Amin Md
Published: February 2021

A biomarker is a measurable indicator of a disease or abnormal state of a body that plays an important role in disease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The biomarker has become a significant topic due to its versatile usage in the medical field and in rapid detection of the presence or severity of some diseases. The volume of biomarker data is rapidly increasing and the identified data are scattered. To provide comprehensive information, the explosively growing data need to be recorded in a single platform. There is no open-source freely available comprehensive online biomarker database. To fulfill this purpose, we have developed a human biomarker database as part of the KNApSAcK family databases which contain a vast quantity of information on the relationships between biomarkers and diseases. We have classified the diseases into 18 disease classes, mostly according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information definitions. Apart from this database development, we also have performed disease classification by separately using protein and metabolite biomarkers based on the network clustering algorithm DPClusO and hierarchical clustering. Finally, we reached a conclusion about the relationships among the disease classes. The human biomarker database can be accessed online and the inter-disease relationships may be helpful in understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases. To our knowledge, this is one of the first approaches to classify diseases based on biomarkers.

Database URL:  http://www.knapsackfamily.com/Biomarker/top.php
Total velocity-based finite volume discretization of two-phase Darcy flow in highly heterogeneous media with discontinuous capillary pressure
Authors: Brenner K , Masson R , Quenjel E H , Droniou J
Published: February 2021

This work proposes a finite volume scheme for two-phase Darcy flow in heterogeneous porous media with different rock types. The fully implicit discretization is based on cell-centered, as well as face-centered degrees of freedom in order to capture accurately the nonlinear transmission conditions at different rock type interfaces. These conditions play a major role in the flow dynamics. The scheme is formulated with natural physical unknowns, and the notion of global pressure is only introduced to analyze its stability and convergence. It combines a two-point flux approximation of the gradient normal fluxes with a Hybrid Upwinding approximation of the transport terms. The convergence of the scheme to a weak solution is established taking into account the discontinuous capillary pressure at different rock type interfaces and the degeneracy of the phase mobilities. Numerical experiments show the additional robustness of the proposed discretization compared with the classical Phase Potential Upwinding approach.
Human Antibody Responses Following Vaccinia Immunization Using Protein Microarrays and Correlation With Cell-Mediated Immunity and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Responses
Authors: Frey Sharon E , Stapleton Jack T , Ballas Zuhair K , Rasmussen Wendy L , Kaufman Thomas M , Blevins Tammy P , Jensen Travis L , Davies D Huw , Tary-Lehmann Magdalena , Chaplin Paul , Hill Heather , Goll Johannes B ,   DMID 09-0002 MVA Vaccine Study Group, Belshe Robert B , Wald Anna , Johnston Christine , Jackson Lisa A , Winokur Patricia , Keitel Wendy , El Sahly Hana , Atmar Robert , Patel Shital M , El-Kamary Samer S , Chen Wilbur H , Edupuganti Srilatha , Rouphael Nadine , Mulligan Mark , Edwards Kathryn M , Creech C Buddy
Published: February 2021

Background

There are limited data regarding immunological correlates of protection for the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) smallpox vaccine.

Methods

A total of 523 vaccinia-naive subjects were randomized to receive 2 vaccine doses, as lyophilized MVA given subcutaneously, liquid MVA given subcutaneously (liquid-SC group), or liquid MVA given intradermally (liquid-ID group) 28 days apart. For a subset of subjects, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), interferon-γ release enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), and protein microarray antibody-binding assays were conducted. Protein microarray responses were assessed for correlations with plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ADCC, and ELISPOT results.

Results

MVA elicited significant microarray antibody responses to 15 of 224 antigens, mostly virion membrane proteins, at day 28 or 42, particularly WR113/D8L and WR101H3L. In the liquid-SC group, responses to 9 antigens, including WR113/D8L and WR101/H3L, correlated with PRNT results. Three were correlated in the liquid-ID group. No significant correlations were observed with ELISPOT responses. In the liquid-ID group, WR052/F13L, a membrane glycoprotein, correlated with ADCC responses.

Conclusions

MVA elicited antibodies to 15 vaccinia strain antigens representing virion membrane. Antibody responses to 2 proteins strongly increased and significantly correlated with increases in PRNT. Responses to these proteins are potential correlates of protection and may serve as immunogens for future vaccine development.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00914732.
Trapping Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Moths in Different Crop Habitats in Togo and Ghana
Authors: Koffi Djima , Agboka Komi , Adjevi Anani Kossi Mawuko , Assogba Kodjo , Fening Ken Okwae , Osae Michael , Aboagye Ebenezer , Meagher Robert L , Nagoshi Rodney N
Published: February 2021

The economic impact of the invasion of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) into Africa has so far been limited to maize agriculture but could potentially impact many other crops. Trapping based on pheromone lures provides a cost-effective method for detecting this important pest (commonly known as fall armyworm) and will be essential for large-scale monitoring of populations to determine its geographical distribution and migration behavior as the species equilibrates to its new environment. However, the effective use of pheromone trapping requires optimization for a given location. An earlier report demonstrated that two commercial lures (one 3-component and the other 4-component) that were effective for trapping S. frugiperda in maize fields in Togo, Africa. The current study extends these findings to agricultural areas that differ in plant host composition (maize, pasture grasses, rice, and sorghum) in multiple locations in Ghana and Togo. In two seasons, significantly higher numbers of moths were found in maize, and in one season, higher numbers were found in rice than in sorghum and pasture grass systems. The results confirm the effectiveness of pheromone trapping and identify pheromone lures and trapping methods best suited for the different agroecosystems common to West Africa and that are at risk of infestation by S. frugiperda.
The diving behavior of African clawless and spotted-necked otters in freshwater environments
Authors: Jordaan Rowan K , Somers Michael J , McIntyre Trevor
Published: February 2021

Understanding the diving behavior of semiaquatic mammals, particularly in relation to estimated aerobic dive limits and diet, is important to understand their adaptability and potential vulnerability to changes in prey type and distribution. The diving behavior of African clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, and spotted-necked otters, Hydrictis maculicollis, is poorly known, and no estimates of their dive performance in relation to targeted prey and calculated dive limits have been reported previously for freshwater environments. We investigated the diving behavior of both these otter species in freshwater environments within South Africa through video recordings of direct observations and subsequent video analyses where dive and recovery durations and dive function were recorded. African clawless otters were found to perform longer dives (mean ± SD = 26.9 ± 12.2 s), compared to spotted-necked otters (8.5 ± 7.6 s). African clawless otters showed substantial variation in dive durations, with the shortest dives sometimes lasting < 5 s, and the longest recorded dive being 70 s. The majority of spotted-necked otter dives lasted < 10 s, with the shortest recorded dive lasting 0.66 s and the longest recorded dive lasting 50.9 s. Spotted-necked otters performed different dive types that were evidently dependent on prey targeted, with dives targeting crabs (16.10 ± 1.91 s) being longer than dives targeting rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (5.58 ± 0.17 s). The theoretical dive durations of African clawless otters were exceeded during play dives, while spotted-necked otters sometimes exceeded their theoretical dive durations when performing successful foraging dives. The results of this study suggest that spotted-necked otters can vary behavior in relation to prey and exceed theoretical dive duration during successful foraging dives to maximize the net rate of energy gain. Furthermore, when considering known individual-level dietary specialization and plasticity in these species, it may be predicted that dive behaviors are likely to vary substantially among individuals, and in relation to prey availability and localized habitat conditions.
Making sound public health decisions for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Priyanka   , Choudhary, Om Prakash , Singh Indraj
Published: February 2021

Highlight/Teaser

The universal mitigation of the pandemic triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 relies on successfully implementing a fast-paced immunization program based on an efficient framework encompassing the in-field logistics of the vaccine distribution, coverage and efficacy. The forthcoming challenges and resolution plans for executing the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination have been comprehensively outlined in the present discourse.
Thioredoxin-mediated regulation of (photo)respiration and central metabolism
Authors: da Fonseca-Pereira Paula , Souza Paulo V L , Fernie Alisdair R , Timm Stefan , Daloso Danilo M , Araújo Wagner L
Published: February 2021

Thioredoxins (TRXs) are ubiquitous proteins engaged in the redox regulation of plant metabolism. Whilst the light-dependent TRX-mediated activation of Calvin–Benson cycle enzymes is well documented, the role of extraplastidial TRXs in the control of the mitochondrial (photo)respiratory metabolism has been revealed relatively recently. Mitochondrially located TRX o1 has been identified as a regulator of alternative oxidase, enzymes of, or associated with, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the mitochondrial dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (mtLPD) involved in photorespiration, the TCA cycle, and the degradation of branched chain amino acids. TRXs are seemingly a major point of metabolic regulation responsible for activating photosynthesis and adjusting mitochondrial photorespiratory metabolism according to the prevailing cellular redox status. Furthermore, TRX-mediated (de)activation of TCA cycle enzymes contributes to explain the non-cyclic flux mode of operation of this cycle in illuminated leaves. Here we provide an overview on the decisive role of TRXs in the coordination of mitochondrial metabolism in the light and provide in silico evidence for other redox-regulated photorespiratory enzymes. We further discuss the consequences of mtLPD regulation beyond photorespiration and provide outstanding questions that should be addressed in future studies to improve our understanding of the role of TRXs in the regulation of central metabolism.
‘too beautiful’: useless art and the queerly optimistic Make Your Own Brainard Project
Authors: Cran Rona
Published: February 2021

This article offers an account of the British Academy-funded Make Your Own Brainard project, which has put the work of New York School artist and poet Joe Brainard into dialogue with digital media and digital media users via an interactive website: www.makeyourownbrainard.com. The project has created a digital corpus of previous un-exhibited paper fragments (hi-res, 2d images) which were intended for use in Brainard’s collages and were discovered among his possessions a number of years after his death. It has enabled users to create their own collages out of the fragments, either digitally or by downloading and printing them for manual assemblage, via a freely accessible bespoke website and app. In doing so the project provides a model for the social and academic significance of user-driven, non-hierarchical, non-monetized artistic activities, and emphasizes the value of enabling and promoting the practical, emotional, and inspirational aspects of making, sharing, and talking about art, rather than inertly observing it. It also argues that the project calls for a reassessment of value judgments regarding ‘fun’ or even ‘useless’ art, and suggests that in its queer optimism it raises important questions about existing hegemonic narratives surrounding academic impact, funding for the arts, and the digital humanities.
Head Wounds Received During Force-on-Force Training With Non-lethal Ammunition
Authors: Biggs Adam T , Doubrava Matthew R , Littlejohn Lanny F
Published: February 2021

Close quarters combat training is designed to replicate the mental and physiological stressors of firing upon an adversary while in close proximity. One method to replicate combat stressors is to use non-lethal training ammunition specifically designed for force-on-force exercises. These rounds can be fired from slightly modified service-issued weapons and provide a pain sensation upon striking the opponent. The current investigation presents a case study of several injuries when these rounds impacted the head directly, which is a primary area of concern for safety issues. Most impacts produced initial swelling that reduced substantially within the first few hours. Approximately 24 hours later, the swelling disappeared entirely with a visible contusion near the impact center. Bruising would typically clear within a few days. However, another example produced sufficient bleeding to require intervention before continuing with the training exercises and sanguineous crust or scabbing rather than the typical contusion. Pain was minimal for all wounds after only several days, which aligns with previous research on pain from non-lethal training ammunition wounds. Based on the head wounds observed here, loss of eyesight is a realistic possibility. Eye protection should be a requisite across all force-on-force training exercises without exception. This case study documents some potential hazards of force-on-force training, but more importantly, it further highlights the need for medically informed training standards about engagement distances and personal protective equipment.
Comparison of Perceived and Measured Body Composition in a Military Population: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Sibille Florian , Pretalli Jean-Baptiste , Grillot Julienne
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Weight status perception (WSP) is the subjective assessment of one’s own body weight. It is not correlated with the body mass index (BMI). People practicing sports, including overweight people, tend to perceive themselves as normal weight. The military is in a paradoxical position between the need to gain muscle mass for professional purposes while respecting BMI standards. Using body composition might be more advantageous than using BMI as part of an individual approach in making a decision about fitness to serve. However, measuring body composition is not easy in current practice, and a bridge between WSP and body composition would make it possible to develop a simple assessment tool.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. We collected sociodemographic data, anthropometric data, and WSP.

Results

Thirty-eight subjects were included. Among them, 71.1% were male. Mean age was 31.2 years (SD 8.9). The BMI was greater than 25 for 15 (39.5%) subjects. Twenty-four (63.2%) defined themselves as being overweight. Thirteen were overweight according to fat percentage (Fat%). A significant association (P = .008) was found between WSP and Fat%.

Conclusion

We were able to show a statistically significant association between WSP and Fat%. Such an association may be of great interest because the measurement of the Fat%, whatever the method used, is not easy in current practice. A replication of the study in the general population would be of great interest, especially since Fat% is closely associated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and many cancers.
Does Myelopathy Increase the Morbidity and Mortality of Elective Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion? An Updated Propensity-Matched Analysis of 3938 Patients From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database
Authors: Alomari Safwan , Lubelski Daniel , Sacino Amanda N , Sciubba Daniel M , Bydon Ali
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Myelopathy is thought to be associated with higher morbidity and mortality after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); however, the literature investigating this association has limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of myelopathy on early perioperative complications of elective single-level ACDF.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ACDF between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Propensity score matching analysis was used.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of the cohort was myelopathic. These patients were significantly older, had more comorbidities, more likely to be functionally dependent, and to undergo emergency surgery when compared to the nonmyelopathic cohort. When 1969 myelopathic patients were 1:1 propensity matched with nonmyelopathic patients, there was no difference between the myelopathic and nonmyelopathic patients in incidence of postoperative intensive care unit admission or death. Patients in the myelopathic group were significantly more likely to have a nonhome discharge and less likely to be discharged on the first postoperative day. Myelopathic patients had a higher rate of return to operating room within the same admission (2.2%) as well as a higher unplanned readmission rate (4.2%). The total operation time (143 min) and average length of hospital stay (52 h) were significantly higher in the myelopathic group when compared to the nonmyelopathic group (117 min) and (33 h), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with myelopathy who undergo elective single-level ACDF have higher risks of several perioperative events including longer operative time, longer hospital stay, higher return to operating room, and unplanned readmission rates, when compared to nonmyelopathic patients. On the other hand, myelopathic patients did not exhibit higher mortality rate.
Clinical utility of comprehensive genomic profiling in central nervous system tumors of children and young adults
Authors: Ji Jianling , Kaneva Kristiyana , Hiemenz Matthew C , Dhall Girish , Davidson Tom Belle , Erdreich-Epstein Anat , Hawes Debra , Hurth Kyle , Margol Ashley S , Mathew Anna J , Robison Nathan J , Schmidt Ryan J , Tran Hung N , Judkins Alexander R , Cotter Jennifer A , Biegel Jaclyn A
Published: February 2021

Background

Recent large-scale genomic studies have revealed a spectrum of genetic variants associated with specific subtypes of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical utility of comprehensive genomic profiling of pediatric, adolescent and young adult (AYA) CNS tumors in a prospective setting, including detection of DNA sequence variants, gene fusions, copy number alterations (CNAs), and loss of heterozygosity.

Methods

OncoKids, a comprehensive DNA- and RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel, in conjunction with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was employed to detect diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers. NGS was performed on 222 specimens from 212 patients. Clinical CMA data were analyzed in parallel for 66% (146/222) of cases.

Results

NGS demonstrated clinically significant alterations in 66% (147/222) of cases. Diagnostic markers were identified in 62% (138/222) of cases. Prognostic information and targetable genomic alterations were identified in 22% (49/222) and 18% (41/222) of cases, respectively. Diagnostic or prognostic CNAs were revealed by CMA in 69% (101/146) of cases. Importantly, clinically significant CNAs were detected in 57% (34/60) of cases with noncontributory NGS results. Germline cancer predisposition testing was indicated for 27% (57/212) of patients. Follow-up germline testing was performed for 20 patients which confirmed a germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in 9 cases: TP53 (2), NF1 (2), SMARCB1 (1), NF2 (1), MSH6 (1), PMS2 (1), and a patient with 47,XXY Klinefelter syndrome.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the significant clinical utility of integrating genomic profiling into routine clinical testing for pediatric and AYA patients with CNS tumors.
Human Adenovirus 11 in 2 Renal Transplant Recipients: Suspected Donor-Derived Infection
Authors: Sherman Amy C , Lu Xiaoyan , Schneider Eileen , Langston Amelia , Ellis Carla L , Pastan Stephen , Bhatnagar Julu , Reagan-Steiner Sarah , Annambhotla Pallavi , Lindstrom Stephen , Mehta Aneesh , Pouch Stephanie M , Sexton Marybeth E
Published: February 2021

Background

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections can lead to high mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, with rare reports of donor-derived infection.

Methods

Two renal transplant recipients with HAdV-11 infection who received kidneys from the same donor are described. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed.

Results

WGS showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity for the 2 HAdV-11 isolates. The patients presented with distinct clinical syndromes, and both were treated with brincidofovir.

Conclusions

Donor-derived HAdV infection is presumed to be low; however, disseminated HAdV in SOT recipients can be severe, and clinicians should be aware of the clinical course and treatment options.
Disempowerment through the Backdoor: The Impact of Populist Parties on the National Parliament in Poland
Authors: Maatsch Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

Do populist governments disempower parliaments? If so, which strategies do they employ to do it? The empirical analysis here concerns two legislative periods in Poland: T1 2011–2015 (centre-right coalition, populist actors in the opposition) and T2 2015–2018 (populist government). The article traces changes in formal rules regulating scrutiny and law-making but also how these rules were interpreted and exercised. The article addresses the following explanatory factors: position in government, strength of parliamentary formal provisions and the readiness of political actors to revise institutional competences. The article shows that although changes to formal parliamentary powers were minor, disempowerment of the legislative was profound. The outcome has actually been achieved through radical changes in parliamentary practices regarding both law-making and scrutiny.