bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on seismic behavior reduction of typical joints for monolithic precast concrete frame structures with ages
Authors: Zhong Qidi , Ding Jianguo , Zhang Xiangxiang , Zhang Yin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Monolithic precast concrete frame structures have been promoted and developed in recent years. Owing to material deterioration and a weaker structural integrity, monolithic precast concrete frame structures may suffer from insufficient seismic capacity as service time increases. A typical joint of monolithic precast concrete frame structure is studied in this paper. The purpose of this paper is to perform numerical modeling of the typical joint subjected to low cyclic load at different ages and analyze the hysteretic behavior reduction with ages under common atmosphere environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing un-carbonated concrete, carbonated concrete and corroded rebar are all considered as deterioration factors for the typical joint, whose constitutive models are introduced into the finite element model to study. Moreover, time-dependent constitutive model of existing un-carbonated concrete and mechanical model of bond between precast and cast-in-place concrete are established on the basis of existing experimental data. Then, finite element method is used to investigate the seismic property reduction of the typical joint, where nonlinear springs are set to simulate bonding between precast and cast-in-place concrete.

Findings

Analyzing the results, the reduction of reaction force from skeleton curves of the joint is significant in the first 30 years of service time, and slows down after 30 years. Besides, the ductility, secant stiffness and equivalent viscous damping coefficient of the typical joint remain almost unchanged in the first decade, but decrease obviously after 10 years.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper consists in the following. The time-dependent constitutive model of existing un-carbonated concrete is established and used in finite element method. Besides, bonding between precast and cast-in-place concrete is considered using nonlinear springs. There is a reference value for the seismic performance assessment of existing monolithic precast concrete frame structures.
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency anemia in dialysis patients: Effect of a new protocol adopted for a hemodialysis limited assistance center
Authors: Gobbi Laura , Scaparrotta Giuseppe , Rigato Matteo , Cattarin Leda , Qassim Laila , Carraro Gianni , Rossi Barbara , Calò Lorenzo A.
Published: March 2020

Iron and erythropoietin deficiencies are determinants of anemia in chronic kidney disease. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, intravenous (IV) iron is associated with a greater hemoglobin (Hb) production and better erythropoietin response but may be associated to hypersensitivity reaction. After the 2013 European Medicines Agency report regarding early detection/management of iron allergic reactions, IV iron administration dramatically reduced in Italian Hemodialysis‐Limited‐Assistance‐Centre (HD‐CAL) where a physician is present only once a week. Objective of the study was providing an effective and secure IV iron administration protocol for HD‐CAL patients. IV ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) administration was more effective and better tolerated than sodium ferric gluconate for iron deficiency correction and resolution of anemia in 24 patients undergoing HD in our HD‐CAL. Six months of FCM IV treatment once a week increased ferritin and Hb compared to sodium ferric gluconate once a week leading to decreased erythropoietin consumption from 24 000 to 15 000 U/patient/week with an erythropoietin annual expense reduction. No blood transfusions, gastrointestinal intolerance or other adverse effects were reported. The FCM IV administration protocol for our HD‐CAL patients was safe and no adverse events were reported, resulting in significantly increased ferritin, transferrin saturation, and Hb levels, reduction of erythropoietin requirements, and consequently reduction of erythropoietin expenses.
Zinc, an unexpected integrator of metabolism?
Authors: Danchin Antoine
Published: March 2020

Even when they no longer require the presence of iron, cells use zinc as a divalent cation, involved in a large variety of catalytic and regulatory functions. This metal is so important that it appears that ribosomes are instrumental in its ultimate storage. Here, we summarize a detailed analysis which investigates the way the global cell metabolism is integrated by zinc. This integration results from the zinc‐dependent way in which the one‐carbon metabolism is always coupled to the translation process, not only via methionine and S‐adenosylmethionine, but via the complex set‐up of the modification of the position 34 of the anticodon of tRNAs.
LncRNA SNHG14 contributes to the progression of NSCLC through miR‐206/G6PD pathway
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zhang Xiaodong , Shi Yantong , Teng Tianlu
Published: March 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that the dysregulation of lncRNAs participates in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development. The purpose of this study was to research the biological function of lncRNA SNHG14 and its molecular mechanism in NSCLC progression.

Methods

RT‐PCR was applied for investigating the expression of SNHG14, miR‐206 and G6PD. The progression of NSCLC was detected by CCK‐8, Transwell and western blot assays. The targets of SNHG14 and miR‐206 were measured by dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

We found a higher expression of SNHG14 in NSCLC and upregulation of SNHG14 contributed to NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. However, knockdown of SNHG14 showed the opposite effect on the progression of NSCLC. Specifically, SNHG14 negatively regulated miR‐206 expression by binding with it directly. Furthermore, G6PD served as the target of miR‐206. Rescue experiments showed that SNHG14 promoted G6PD expression by inhibiting miR‐206.

Conclusions

LncRNA SNHG14 contributed to NSCLC progression through miR‐206/G6PD axis, providing novel clues for understanding the mechanism of NSCLC.
Efficacy and safety of treatment with dupilumab for severe asthma: A systematic review of the EAACI guidelines—Recommendations on the use of biologicals in severe asthma
Authors: Agache Ioana , Song Yang , Rocha Claudio , Beltran Jessica , Posso Margarita , Steiner Corinna , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Akdis Cezmi , Akdis Mubeccel , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Casale Thomas , Chivato Tomas , Corren Jonathan , del Giacco Stefano , Eiwegger Thomas , Firinu Davide , Gern James E. , Hamelmann Eckard , Hanania Nicola , Mäkelä Mika , Martín Irene Hernández , Nair Parameswaran , O'Mahony Liam , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Papi Alberto , Park Hae‐Sim , Pérez de Llano Luis , Quirce Santiago , Sastre Joaquin , Shamji Mohamed , Schwarze Jurgen , Canelo‐Aybar Carlos , Palomares Oscar , Jutel Marek
Published: March 2020

Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against interleukin‐4 receptor α, is approved as add‐on maintenance treatment for inadequately controlled type 2 severe asthma. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy, safety and economic impact of dupilumab compared to standard of care for uncontrolled severe asthma. PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs and health economic evaluations. Critical and important asthma‐related outcomes were evaluated. The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using GRADE. Three RCTs including 2735 subjects >12 years old and 24‐52 weeks of follow‐up were included. Dupilumab reduced with high certainty severe asthma exacerbations (Incidence rate ratio 0.51; 95% CI 0.45‐0.59) and the percentage use of oral corticosteroid use (mean difference (MD) −28.2 mg/d; 95% CI −40.7 to −15.7). Asthma control (ACQ‐5), quality of life (AQLQ) and rescue medication use [puffs/d] improved, without reaching the minimal important clinical difference: ACQ‐5 MD −0.28 (95% CI −0.39 to −0.17); AQLQ MD +0.28 (95% CI 0.20‐0.37); and rescue medication MD −0.35 (95% CI −0.73 to +0.02). FEV1 increased (MD +0.15; 95% CI +0.11 to +0.18) (moderate certainty). There was an increased rate of dupilumab‐related adverse events (AEs) (moderate certainty) and of drug‐related serious AEs (low certainty). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of dupilumab versus standard therapy was 464 000$/QALY (moderate certainty). More data on long‐term safety are needed both for children and for adults, together with more efficacy data in the paediatric population.
The 60‐kDa heat shock protein regulates energy rearrangement and protein synthesis to promote proliferation of multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiao , Guo Jianying , Chen Yuling , Liu Xiaohui , Yang Guangzhong , Wu Yin , Tian Ying , Liu Nian , Yang Lin , Wei Songren , Deng Haiteng , Chen Wenming
Published: March 2020

To investigate the cellular mechanisms of multiple myeloma (MM), we used liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for proteomics analysis of CD138+ plasma cells from patients with MM and healthy controls. We found that the 60‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP60, also known as HSPD1) was significantly upregulated in myeloma cells. HSP60 is an important chaperone protein that regulates the homeostasis of mitochondrial proteins and maintains mitochondrial function. Knockdown (KD) of HSP60 in myeloma cells resulted in inhibition of proliferation and reduced the quality of the mitochondria. Mitochondrial stress tests showed that HSP60 KD inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial activity. Metabolomics showed a decrease in glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites, and inhibited the formation of creatine and phosphocreatine by the reaction of S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) with amino acids mediated by demethyladenosine transferase 1, mitochondrial (TFB1M) and reduced energy storage substances. Moreover, HSP60 silencing influenced the synthesis of ribonucleotides and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) by the pentose phosphate pathway to inhibit cell proliferation. HSP60 KD inhibited 5' adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which inhibited the key enzyme 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), effecting the metabolism of fatty acids by inhibiting malonyl‐coenzyme A. Our data suggest that reduced HSP60 expression alters metabolic reprogramming in MM, inhibits tumour progression and reduces mitochondrial‐dependent biosynthesis, suggesting that HSP60 is a potential therapeutic target for MM treatment.
Single cell imaging with near‐field terahertz scanning microscopy
Authors: Li Zaoxia , Yan Shihan , Zang Ziyi , Geng Guoshuai , Yang Zhongbo , Li Jiang , Wang Lihua , Yao Chunyan , Cui Hong‐Liang , Chang Chao , Wang Huabin
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Terahertz (THz)‐based imaging techniques hold great potential for biological and biomedical applications, which nevertheless are hampered by the low spatial resolution of conventional THz imaging systems. In this work, we report a high‐performance photoconductive antenna microprobe‐based near‐field THz time‐domain spectroscopy scanning microscope.

Materials and methods

A single watermelon pulp cell was prepared on a clean quartz slide and covered by a thin polyethylene film. The high performance near‐field THz microscope was developed based on a coherent THz time‐domain spectroscopy system coupled with a photoconductive antenna microprobe. The sample was imaged in transmission mode.

Results

We demonstrate the direct imaging of the morphology of single watermelon pulp cells in the natural dehydration process with our near‐field THz microscope.

Conclusions

Given the label‐free and non‐destructive nature of THz detection techniques, our near‐field microscopy‐based single‐cell imaging approach sheds new light on studying biological samples with THz.
The copper‐responsive ScsC protein of Salmonella promotes intramacrophage survival and interacts with the arginine sensor ArtI
Authors: Yucel Buke , Robinson Gary K. , Shepherd Mark
Published: March 2020

The scsABCD (suppressor of copper sensitivity) locus of Salmonella encodes four proteins that resemble the disulfide folding machinery of other bacteria. Previous work has shown that Salmonella encounters toxic levels of copper during infection and the Scs system provides protection against this copper‐mediated toxicity. The current work reports that expression of the soluble periplasmic protein StScsC is induced by copper and that intramacrophage survival in the presence of copper is diminished by the loss of StScsC. Using a combination of genetic and proteomic approaches, the abundance of various cysteine‐containing periplasmic proteins was found to be elevated by StScsC in the Salmonella periplasm, implicating StScsC in the disulfide folding of superoxide dismutases and proteins involved in amino acid sensing and import. Co‐purification and mass spectrometry approaches confirmed that the arginine‐sensing periplasmic protein ArtI associates with StScsC via a disulfide interaction, and purified ArtI was shown to alter the thiol redox state of purified StScsC. This work reports the first demonstration of a redox partner for the Scs system of Salmonella and provides insights into how this bacterial pathogen responds to copper stress during infection.
Full‐genome analysis of hepatitis C virus in HIV‐coinfected hemophiliac Japanese patients
Authors: Ishida Yuki , Hayashida Tsunefusa , Sugiyama Masaya , Uemura Haruka , Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Mizokami Masashi , Oka Shinichi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Aim

More than 1400 Japanese hemophiliacs acquired HIV infection around 1983 through contaminated blood products imported from the USA, most of whom also acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To delineate the HCV genetic relations in HIV‐coinfected hemophiliacs, we analyzed stocked plasma samples of the patients seen at the largest referral center for HIV care in Japan.

Methods

Hepatitis C virus full‐genome sequences were amplified and determined using next‐generation sequencing, and genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of these sequences were carried out. The results of these hemophiliacs were compared with those of previously studied HIV‐coinfected Japanese non‐hemophiliacs who had undergone similar analysis of HCV full‐genome sequences.

Results

From 1997 to the end of 2017, 72 HIV‐infected Japanese hemophiliacs regularly visited our outpatient clinic. Of these, 51 patients had detectable plasma HCV‐RNA. The HCV full genome was successfully amplified and sequenced in 50 patients. Not only HCV genotypes 1b (28%) and 2a (6%), which are common in Japan, but also HCV genotypes 1a (32%) and 3a (22%) were identified at high frequency. A single case of intergenotypic recombinant form (2b/1a) and a single case of mixed infection (1a and 3a) were also identified. Each sequence derived from hemophiliacs was more than 0.05 genetic distance away from the other sequences in phylogenetic analysis.

Conclusions

Various HCV genotypes were identified in Japanese hemophiliacs, a finding that reflects the HCV genotypic distribution in the USA. The genetic distance among them are the results of viral evolution in each patient plus HCV genetic diversity in the USA.
Development and psychometric properties of the public attitude towards vaccination scale – Health belief model
Authors: Kocoglu‐Tanyer Deniz , Dengiz Kubra Sultan , Sacikara Zeynep
Published: March 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Public Attitude Towards Vaccination Scale – Health Belief Model.

Design

A methodological and prospective psychometric study.

Method

A three‐phase construct was used to develop the Public Attitude Towards Vaccination Scale – Health Belief Model and to determine its psychometric properties: (1) creation of the item pool/conceptualization; (2) evaluation of the items; and (3) psychometric evaluation. This scale was tested using the construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) and the reliability analysis. A psychometric assessment of the scale was conducted with 586 individuals. Data were collected between January ‐ April 2018.

Results

Items of the scale were obtained by appraising the literature concerning vaccination and the other Health Belief Model scale and conducting interviews with mothers. The content validity ratio of this scale calculated according to experts’ opinions ranged between 0.769 and 1.00. According to the exploratory factor analysis, there were five factors with an eigenvalue higher than 1 in the scale. These five factors accounted for 68.9% of the total variance. In confirmatory factor analysis, values of fit indices were excellent or acceptable. This scale had high internal consistency and test–retest reliability.

Conclusion

This study successfully developed the Public Attitude Towards Vaccination Scale – Health Belief Model. In addition to researchers, this scale can be used by nurses while providing counselling for people with vaccine hesitancy/refusal.

Impact

This measurement tool can be used to understand and address ‘vaccine hesitancy’ by researchers. The results of the research using this measurement tool will provide valuable information to policymakers for preventing vaccine hesitancy. The validity and reliability of this scale can easily be conducted in different languages.
ZebrafishDanio rerioshows behavioural cross‐context consistency at larval and juvenile stages but no consistency between stages
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Peyrafort Manon , Cousin Xavier , Bégout Marie‐Laure
Published: March 2020

Coping style is defined as a set of individual physiological and behavioural characteristics that are consistent across time and context. In the zebrafishDanio rerio, as well as in many other animals, several covariations have been established among behavioural, physiological and molecular responses. Nonetheless, not many studies have addressed the consistency in behavioural responses over time starting at the larval stage. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the understanding of behavioural consistency across contexts and over time in zebrafish from the larval to juvenile stages. Two distinct experiments were conducted: a larval stage experiment (from 8 to 21 days post fertilization, dpf) and a juvenile stage experiment (from 21 to 60 dpf). On one hand, the larval experiment allows to focus on the transition between 8 and 21 dpf, marked by significant morphological changes related to the end of larval stage and initiation of metamorphosis. On the other hand, the juvenile experiment allows to properly cover the period extending from the end of larval stage to the juvenile stage (60 dpf), including metamorphosis which is itself completed around 45 dpf. Within each experiment, boldness was determined using a group risk‐taking test to identify bold and shy individuals. A novel environment test was then performed at the same age to evaluate consistency across contexts. Groups of fish (either bold or shy) were bathed in an alizarin red S solution for later identification of their initially determined coping style to evaluate behavioural consistency over time. Fish were then reared under common garden conditions and challenged again with the same behavioural tests at a later age (21 and 60 dpf in the larval and juvenile experiments, respectively). Behavioural consistency was observed across contexts, with bold fish being more active and expressing higher thigmotaxis regardless of age. There was, however, little behavioural consistency over age, suggesting behavioural plasticity during development. Moreover, the use of alizarin red S to conduct this experiment provides new perspectives for the further study of the longitudinal evolution of various traits, including behaviour, over life stages in fish.
Upper gastrointestinal mucosal injury associated with ticagrelor plus aspirin, ticagrelor alone, or aspirin alone at 1‐year after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Tang Chenyue , Zhu Yunpeng , Yang Xiaobo , Xu Bin , Ye Cong , Yang Yi , Zhong Jie , Zhao Qiang , Yu Lifen
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

The presence and severity of upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions have not been evaluated using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients receiving ticagrelor plus aspirin or alone after myocardial revascularization. We assessed upper gastrointestinal mucosal injury and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients receiving 1 year of antiplatelet therapy after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

In this single‐center prospective substudy of a randomized trial, 231 patients completing 1‐year antiplatelet therapy (ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily, ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, or aspirin 100 mg once daily, in 81, 80, and 70 patients, respectively) after CABG underwent 13C urea breath testing and EGD. Gastroduodenal lesions were assessed by modified Lanza score, and reflux esophagitis was evaluated according to Los Angeles classification. Additionally, at least one ulcer ≥ 5 mm was separately analyzed.

Results

Among 231 patients, EGD showed 28 (12.1%) with ulcers ≥ 5 mm, which were detected in 13.6% (11/81) of ticagrelor plus aspirin recipients, 8.8% (7/80) of ticagrelor recipients, and 14.3% (10/70) of aspirin recipients, and 24 (10.4%) had reflux esophagitis. Eighty‐eight (38.1%) patients had a positive 13C urea breath testing after 1 year of treatment, and one patient received eradication therapy during follow up. Nineteen (8.2%) patients received a PPI for ≥ 6 months.

Conclusions

Severe upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions were more frequently observed in patients treated with ticagrelor plus aspirin and aspirin monotherapy than in patients treated with ticagrelor monotherapy for 1 year post‐CABG. Prophylactic use of PPIs might be inadequate.
Long‐Term Survival and Risk of Institutionalization in Onco‐Geriatric Surgical Patients: Long‐Term Results of the PREOP Study
Authors: Huisman Monique G. , Ghignone Federico , Ugolini Giampaolo , Sidorenkov Grigory , Montroni Isacco , Vigano Antonio , de Liguori Carino Nicola , Farinella Eriberto , Cirocchi Roberto , Audisio Riccardo A. , de Bock Geertruida H. , van Leeuwen Barbara L.
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long‐term survival and institutionalization in onco‐geriatric surgical patients, and to analyze the association between these outcomes and a preoperative risk score.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study with long‐term follow‐up.

SETTING

International and multicenter locations.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 70 years or older undergoing elective surgery for a malignant solid tumor at five centers (n = 229).

MEASUREMENTS

We assessed long‐term survival and institutionalization using the Preoperative Risk Estimation for Onco‐geriatric Patients (PREOP) score, developed to predict the 30‐day risk of major complications. The PREOP score collected data about sex, type of surgery, and the American Society for Anesthesiologists classification, as well as the Timed Up & Go test and the Nutritional Risk Screening results. An overall score higher than 8 was considered abnormal.

RESULTS

We included 149 women and 80 men (median age = 76 y; interquartile range = 8). Survival at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively was 84%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Moreover, survival at 1 year was worse for patients with a PREOP risk score higher than 8 (70%) compared with 8 or lower (91%). Of those alive at 1 year, 43 (26%) were institutionalized, and by 2 years, almost half of the entire cohort (46%) were institutionalized or had died. A PREOP risk score higher than 8 was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7‐4.0), irrespective of stage and age, but not with being institutionalized (odds ratios = 1 y, 1.6 [95% CI = .7‐3.8]; 2 y, 2.2 [95% CI = .9‐5.5]).

CONCLUSION

A high PREOP score is associated with mortality but not with remaining independent. Despite acceptable survival rates, physical function may deteriorate after surgery. It is imperative to discuss treatment goals and expectations preoperatively to determine if they are feasible. Using the PREOP risk score can provide an objective measure on which to base decisions. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1235–1241, 2020.
Lived experiences of adult patients with moyamoya disease: A qualitative case study
Authors: Ryu Gi Wook , Yang Yong Sook , Choi Mona , Shim Kyu Won
Published: March 2020

Aim

To understand the daily lived experiences of adult moyamoya disease patients.

Methods

This qualitative study involved a purposive sample of 14 adult moyamoya disease patients diagnosed after 19 years or older at one university hospital in Seoul. Interviews conducted with patients included open‐ended questions about the experience of living with moyamoya disease. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven‐step method, which derives the theme.

Results

Participants' experiences were divided into three themes and eight sub‐themes. “Having an unexpected disease that suddenly struck my life” refers to confusion and depression due to the diagnosis of the unexpected illness; “being occasionally anxious about the illness” describes patients' uncertainty about the disease and worrying about passing the disease on to their child; and “living with the disease by going through the disease experience” refers to the process of accepting and adapting to the illness.

Conclusions

The findings provide a better understanding of the life changes and lived experiences of adult patients with moyamoya disease. Nurses should consider various aspects when providing care to adult moyamoya disease patients.
An appetite for pests: Synanthropic insectivorous bats exploit cotton pest irruptions and consume various deleterious arthropods
Authors: Cohen Yuval , Bar‐David Shirli , Nielsen Martin , Bohmann Kristine , Korine Carmi
Published: March 2020

Conservation biological control (CBC) seeks to minimize the deleterious effects of agricultural pests by enhancing the efficiency of natural enemies. Despite the documented potential of insectivorous bats to consume pests, many synanthropic bat species are still underappreciated as beneficial species. We investigated the diet of Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii), a common synanthropic insectivorous bat that forages in urban and agricultural areas, to determine whether it may function as a natural enemy in CBC. Faecal samples of P. kuhlii were collected throughout the cotton‐growing season from five roost sites near cotton fields located in a Mediterranean agroecosystem, Israel, and analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. Additionally, data on estimated abundance of major cotton pests were collected. We found that the diet of P. kuhlii significantly varied according to sites and dates and comprised 27 species of agricultural pests that were found in 77.2% of the samples, including pests of key economic concern. The dominant prey was the widespread cotton pest, the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, found in 31% of the samples and in all the roosts. Pink bollworm abundance was positively correlated with its occurrence in the bat diet. Furthermore, the bats’ dietary breadth narrowed, while temporal dietary overlap increased, in relation to increasing frequencies of pink bollworms in the diet. This suggests that P. kuhlii exploits pink bollworm irruptions by opportunistic feeding. We suggest that synanthropic bats provide important pest suppression services, may function as CBC agents of cotton pests and potentially contribute to suppress additional deleterious arthropods found in their diet in high frequencies.
Temporal and dynamic changes in gingival blood flow during progression of ligature‐induced periodontitis
Authors: Kuraji Ryutaro , Wu Ya‐Hsin , Hashimoto Shuichi , Mishiro Saki , Maeda Yuuki , Miyashita Yukihiro , Ito Hiroshi , Miwa Yoko , Sunohara Masataka , Kapila Yvonne , Numabe Yukihiro
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate temporal changes in gingival blood flow (GBF) during progression of periodontitis in rats using a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) approach and to characterize morphological and biochemical features in the periodontium associated with GBF.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two Wistar rats were divided into a ligature‐induced periodontitis group and a control group. To induce periodontitis, ligatures were tied around maxillary first molars bilaterally. GBF was measured in palatal gingiva at pretreatment and following ligature placement after 30 min, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days using LDF with a non‐contact probe. Bone loss and gene expression in gingival tissues were assessed using micro‐computed tomography (μCT) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Immunostaining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the maxilla was also histologically evaluated.

Results

GBF in the ligature group increased significantly compared with the control group 30 min after ligation. However, on days 3 and 7, GBF decreased in the ligature group. Also, after day 10, there was no difference in GBF between groups. The levels of alveolar bone loss, gene expression (interleukin‐6, cluster of differentiation‐31, VEGF‐A, and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor‐1), and immunostained VEGF‐positive vessels correlated well with changes in GBF.

Conclusion Progression of Periodontitis

In rats was associated with a triphasic pattern of GBF, consisting of a short initial increase, followed by a rapid decrease, and then a gradual plateau phase.
Electroencephalography in neonatal epilepsies
Authors: Okumura Akihisa
Published: March 2020

Neonatal epilepsies – neonatal seizures caused by remote symptomatic etiologies – are infrequent compared with those caused by acute symptomatic etiologies. The etiologies of neonatal epilepsies are classified into structural, genetic, and metabolic. Electroencephalography (EEG) and amplitude‐integrated EEG (aEEG) are essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of neonatal epilepsies. Electroencephalography / aEEG findings may differ substantially among infants, even within infants with variants in a single gene. Unusual EEG/aEEG findings, such as downward seizure patterns on aEEG, can be found. Neonatal seizures are exclusively of focal onset. An International League Against Epilepsy task force proposed that the seizure type is typically determined by the predominant clinical feature and is classified into motor or non‐motor presentations. Ictal EEG usually demonstrates a sudden, repetitive, evolving, and stereotyped activities with a minimum duration of 10 s. In epileptic spasms and myoclonic seizures, the cut‐off point of 10 s cannot be applied. One must always be aware of electro–clinical dissociation in neonates suspected to have seizures. Amplitude‐integrated EEG is also useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of neonatal epilepsies but aEEG cannot be recommended as the mainstay because of its relatively low sensitivity and specificity. At present, EEG findings are not pathognomonic, although some characteristic ictal or interictal EEG findings have been reported in several neonatal epilepsies. Deep learning will be expected to be introduced into EEG interpretation in near future. Objective EEG classification derived from deep learning may help to clarify EEG characteristics in some specific cases of neonatal epilepsy.
The 2017 Fidenato case and the 2015 Directive: The curious case of GMOs in Europe
Authors: Guida Alessandra
Published: March 2020

The 2017 Fidenato case is the first legal dispute on the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) decided by the Court of Justice of the European Union after the adoption of Directive 2015/412. The Directive allows for the exclusion of genetically modified cultivation from a national territory on grounds unrelated to scientific uncertainty. As in the 2007 Austrian case, in Fidenato the Court of Justice rejected the precautionary request from Italy to ban the cultivation of GMOs. The ruling centres on the argument of a ban being scientifically unfounded. This article discusses how the lack of harmonization between the European jurisprudence on the cultivation of GMOs and recent normative amendments introduced through the 2015 Directive affects the regulatory autonomy of Member States in adopting measures that ensure the protection of human health and the environment (i.e. biosafety) from the potential harmful effects posed by GMOs.
Local Renewable Energy Initiatives in Germany and Japan in a Changing National Policy Environment
Authors: Hager Carol , Hamagami Nicole
Published: March 2020

Our article explores the contribution of local initiatives to the creation of path dependencies for energy transition in Germany and Japan in the face of resistance from entrenched incumbents at the national level. We use a process‐tracing methodology based partly on interviews with local participants. In particular, we explore the role of local initiatives in securing “socio‐political space” for the expansion of renewable energy (RE) and in embedding themselves in “ecosystems” of public and private institutions. German energy activists were more successful than their Japanese counterparts in expanding this space and creating positive feedback in part because they were able to build horizontal networks that anchored the energy transition firmly in local communities. Although problems with grid technology have led to retrenchment in both cases, Japanese activists' reliance on vertical networks has limited their ability to weather a backlash from national government and utility actors. Our study demonstrates the interaction of political, economic/technological, and legitimation paths to energy transition and highlights the importance of the latter two.
Estimation of intraocular pressure in normal canine eyes utilizing the newly introduced TonoVet Plus and TonoPen Avia, and their comparison to the established TonoVet
Authors: Ben‐Shlomo Gil , Muirhead Sarah F.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the IOP values obtained from normal canine eyes, by means of the TonoVet Plus (TVP) and TonoPen Avia (TPA), and compare them to an established tonometer, the TonoVet (TV).

Methods

Tonometry was performed bilaterally in 50 healthy dogs, age 1‐11 years. The rebound tonometers (TV and TVP) were used first (in a random order), and then, one drop of tetracaine hydrochloride was applied to each eye, and approximately one minute later the IOP was estimated using the TPA. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) was calculated for each tonometer and a paired Student'sttest was used to compare the IOP values between tonometers. APvalue ≤ .05 was considered significant. The agreement between tonometers was assessed by a Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

The mean ± SD (range) IOP values were 15.0 ± 3.2 mm Hg (7‐22), 19.2 ± 3.1 mm Hg (11‐25), and 12.8 ± 2.9 mm Hg (6‐19), for the TV, TVP, and TPA, respectively. The IOP values obtained by each tonometer were significantly different compared to the other two (P < .0001). There was a good agreement with fixed bias between all tonometers.

Conclusions

The average IOP values of the TVP were significantly higher than those of the TV, which were significantly higher than those of the TPA, in normal canine eyes. Knowing the normal IOP values for these tonometers and the bias between them will help the clinician with the interpretation of IOP values obtained by these devices and compare between them.
A Modified Directional Flame Thermometer: Development, Calibration, and Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Cabrera J. M. , Moser R. D. , Ezekoye O. A.
Published: March 2020

The directional flame thermometer (DFT) is a robust device used to measure heat fluxes in harsh environments such as fire scenarios but is large when compared to other standard heat flux measurement devices. To better understand the uncertainties associated with heat flux measurements in these environments, a Bayesian framework is utilized to propagate uncertainties of both known and unknown parameters describing the thermal model of a modified, smaller DFT. Construction of the modified DFT is described along with a derivation of the thermal model used to predict the incident heat flux to its sensing surface. Parameters of the model are calibrated to data collected using a Schmidt–Boelter (SB) gauge with an accuracy of ±3% at incident heat fluxes of 5 kW/m2, 10 kW/m2, and 15 kW/m2. Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations were used to obtain posterior distributions for the free parameters of the thermal model as well as the modeling uncertainty. The parameter calibration process produced values for the free parameters that were similar to those presented in the literature with relative uncertainties at 5 kW/m2, 10 kW/m2, and 15 kW/m2 of 17%, 9%, and 7%, respectively. The derived model produced root-mean-squared errors between the prediction and SB gauge output of 0.37, 0.77, and 1.13 kW/m2 for the 5, 10, and 15 kW/m2 cases, respectively, compared to 0.53, 1.12, and 1.66 kW/m2 for the energy storage method (ESM) described in ASTM E3057.
Low-Cost Solar Mirror Substrates and Geometries for Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Concentrator Applications
Authors: Wells David N.
Published: March 2020

Two principal approaches to lowering solar concentrator costs are through improved geometry (lower profile, simpler shape), and through simplified methods to make concentrator substrates. The paper discusses issues relating to fabrication of solar concentrator mirrors from inexpensive elastically bent float glass mirrors. Protection from hail damage by a novel shock absorbing back layer is presented. New low-profile concentrator geometry is presented which utilize the low-cost mirror substrates. One new geometry uses a stationary cylindrical reflector with novel arc-motion tracking absorber that appears suitable for mid-sized thermal applications. Another uses the cylindrical mirror with an azimuth-elevation tracking mechanism appears to be suitable for small-scale applications. To get even higher concentration, some low-cost secondary designs are briefly discussed which use refractive tubes or lenses as secondary concentrating elements.
Hybrid Solar Lighting System Cost and Performance Analysis
Authors: Panich Michael T. , Carlson Eric E. , Jerla Michael F.
Published: March 2020

This paper reports on the methodology and results of a preliminary analysis of a hybrid solar lighting concept that has the potential to provide cost-effective topside daylighting to the core areas of commercial buildings of all types. The presented hybrid lighting concept also includes a “full spectrum” dish-type concentrating solar collector. This collector uses both the incident visible and infrared solar radiation to provide both daylighting and electric power. The incident solar radiation is separated using cold mirror technology. Visible light is sent to a fiber optic bundle for routing to integrated fiber optic/fluorescent luminaires within the building. Separated infrared solar radiation is focused on a photovoltaic cell and converted to electricity. The electricity produced provides self-powering of the collector solar tracking system and the excess electricity produced is sent into the grid-connected commercial building electric system. The paper presents the potential for performance increases/cost reductions in the technology and the current and future cost competitiveness of this promising solar technology.
Development of a Computer Model for Solar Simulation and Shaded Fenestration Design
Authors: Oh John Kie-Whan , Haberl Jeffrey S. , Degelman Larry O.
Published: March 2020

The goal of this study was to develop a computer model for solar radiation calculation and display and a shaded fenestration design system that can be used by architectural and engineering designers. This computerized model calculates the amount of insolation and transmitted solar radiation through a shaded window as well as the heat transfer through it.

The computer model, called Shaded Fenestration Design (SFD), contains various functions relating to solar simulation such as: display of the sunpath diagrams and the accompanying shading mask protractor, display of the hourly intensity of solar radiation onto the path of the sun for horizontal and vertical surfaces at varying off-south azimuths, and simulating the thermal performance of a shaded fenestration. The model also provides graphical aids for energy-efficient shading device design with use of various kinds of sunpath diagrams and solar radiation diagrams.

The model performs solar radiation simulation using the methods developed in the ASHRAE Handbook, Duffie and Beckman, and Kreider and Rabl. An anisotrophic sky model was applied for the calculation of solar radiation on a titled surface and the transmitted solar radiation through a single-glazed window. A part of the model was validated experimentally using a physical test box and was also compared to simulated results from the DOE-2 program; however, the validation is not included in this paper.
Global Surface Solar Energy Anomalies Including El Nino and La Nina Years
Authors: Whitlock C. H. , Brown D. E. , Chandler W. S. , DiPasquale R. C. , Ritchey Nancy A. , Gupta Shashi K. , Wilber Anne C. , Kratz David P. , Stackhouse Paul W.
Published: March 2020

Atypical weather conditions are known to occur for extended periods of time that either may or may not coincide with El Nino and La Nina events in the Pacific Ocean. Anomalies that increase clouds influence the reliability of both renewable energy and building environmental-control systems. Backup equipment on non-grid solar power systems may run out of capacity for such items as communications electronics, flood-warning stream gages, refrigerators, and small village power systems in remote regions. This paper provides 1×1-degree resolution global maps that identify those regions which experienced large abnormal solar energy during a 10-year period. A source is identified where specific values for maximum year-to-year variability can be obtained in regions where ground-site measurements do not exist.
Remote Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Solar/Wind Energy Systems for Purifying Water
Authors: Vick Brian D. , Clark R. Nolan , Ling Junyi , Ling Shitao
Published: March 2020

Solar energy, wind energy, and a combination of wind and solar energy have been used successfully to power an UV (ultraviolet) water purification system. The main reason for this success has been the design of the controllers which have been operating for almost two years with various wind and solar energy inputs. Five different solar and wind energy systems have been tested so far and although these renewable energy systems have been used for water purification, graphs contained in the paper can be used to determine the feasibility of powering various other electrical loads. Combining a 100 Watt solar system with a 900 Watt wind turbine resulted in pumping and purifying enough water to satisfy the potable water requirements of 4000 people (16000 liters/day) at an estimated equipment cost of about $4660 (approximately $1/person).
Performance of the Directly-Irradiated Annular Pressurized Receiver (DIAPR) Operating at 20 Bar and 1,200°C
Authors: Kribus A. , Doron P. , Rubin R. , Reuven R. , Taragan E. , Duchan S. , Karni J.
Published: March 2020

The Directly Irradiated Annular Pressurized Receiver (DIAPR) is a volumetric (directly-irradiated) windowed cavity receiver, designed for operation at a pressure of 10–30 bar, exit gas temperature of up to 1,300°C, and aperture radiation flux of up to 10 MW/m2. This paper presents test results obtained under various irradiation conditions and flow rates. Inlet aperture flux was up to 5 MW/m2; exit air temperatures of up to 1,200°C were obtained, while operating at pressures of 17–20 bar. Estimated receiver efficiency in these tests was in the range of 0.7–0.9. The absorber and window temperatures were 200–400°C below the permitted maximum, indicating that higher air exit temperatures are possible.
Development of a High-Temperature, Long-Shafted, Molten-Salt Pump for Power Tower Applications
Authors: Barth Daniel L. , Pacheco James E. , Kolb William J. , Rush Earl E.
Published: March 2020

A new hot-salt pump has been developed for molten-salt solar power tower applications that will reduce the capital cost of the plant, eliminate many of the piping, valve and sump problems associated with the handling of molten salt and improve the reliability of a critical part of the operating system of the plant. Previous systems required that the pumps in these plants be housed in shallow sumps that were gravity fed by the storage tanks. This new pump arrangement will eliminate the sump-level control valves and the potential for overflowing the pump sump vessels. Until now only cantilever pumps were qualified for hot molten-salt service because no suitable bearing materials had been tested. This paper describes the successful qualification of a long-shafted pump with salt-lubricated bearings tested for over 5000 hours with nitrate salt at 565 °C.
Modular Trough Power Plants
Authors: Hassani Vahab , Price Henry W.
Published: March 2020

A number of factors are creating an increased market potential for small trough power technology. These include the need for distributed power systems for rural communities worldwide, the need to generate more electricity by non-combustion renewable processes, the need for sustainable power for economic growth in developing countries, and the deregulation and privatization of the electrical generation sector worldwide. Parabolic trough collector technology has been used in large central station power plants. Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) air-cooled modular power units have been successfully applied for large and small-scale geothermal power plants, with over 600 MW of capacity, during the same period. The merging of these two technologies to produce distributed modular power plants in the 200 kW to 10 MW range offers a new application for both technologies. It is our objective in this paper to introduce a modular trough power plant (MTPP) and discuss its performance and the cost of electricity generation from such system.
Photochemical Effects in Carbide Synthesis of d-Group Transition Metals (Ti, Zr; V, Nb, Ta; Cr, Mo, W) in a Solar Furnace at PSA (Plataforma Solar de Almería)
Authors: Rodríguez José , Martínez Diego , Guerra Rosa Luís , Cruz Fernandes Jorge , Amaral Pedro Miguel , Shohoji Nobumitsu
Published: March 2020

During the course of our recent series of solar carbide and carbonitride synthesis work for d-group transition elements (Ti, Zr; V, Nb, Ta; Cr, Mo, W), we detected several intriguing evidences apparently indicative of involvement of photochemical effects in some reactions under solar radiation.

1) Acceleration of graphitisation of amorphous carbon during carburisation of W under solar radiation.

2) Promoted formation of high temperature mono-carbide phase of Mo under solar radiation at a temperature lower than the one indicated in equilibrium phase diagram.

3) Formation of sub-carbide Ta2C besides mono-carbide TaC in the carburisation of Ta with amorphous carbon under solar radiation. Only mono-carbide TaC formed by the carburisation of Ta with graphite under solar radiation in accordance with the equilibrium phase diagram.

Although the results so-far-obtained are rather primitive and still lacking quantitative characterisation, there seems to be no doubt that solar materials processing would open new routes for unique products which cannot be prepared through traditional industrial manufacturing processes.