bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Simulation of Magneto-Mechanical Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wang Bing , Zhao Zhenghang , Wang Shuaihu , Yang Song , Dong Na
Published: October 2019

Magnetorheological elastomers is an intelligent material which can sense and judge the external magnetic field and change its mechanical properties. In this paper, functional carbon nanotubes are added to polyurethane magnetorheological elastomers. According to the micro-mechanical finite element calculation, the mechanical parameters of the equivalent matrix composed of carbon nanotubes and polyurethane elastomers are obtained. Multi-scale simulation analysis of the magneto-mechanical properties of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers with different volume fractions of carbon nanotubes in tensile, compressive and shear modes using magnetic coupling software. The simulation results show that the magnetorheological elastomer with larger volume fraction of carbon nanotubes has higher storage modulus in the three modes than the magnetorheological elastomer with smaller volume fraction of carbon nanotubes.
Model Experiment of Construction Process of Long-Span Concrete Arch Bridge Rigid Skeleton
Authors: Zhang Shuangyang , Zhao Ren-da
Published: October 2019

High-speed railway passenger dedicated line have high demands for track smoothness, beipanjiang bridge as shanghai-kunming high-speed railway control project, mainspan 445m, constructed by using rigid skeleton, C80 high-strength concrete filled steel tube structure for the first time used in railway bridge; rigid skeleton in the process of construction has the traits: long span, long construction period, multi-step, mechanical behavior was extremely complex. In this paper, the design principle and similarity relation of rigid skeleton model are introduced, simplified the model construction process, and the finite element simulation analysis model is established, compared with measured values, it is shown that model test can well simulate the long span rigid skeleton arch bridge stress state in the construction process; the original construction steps have more safety reserves than simplified; the indicators of model test are within the scope of design, the results can provide technical support for the bridge construction.
Air to Air Heat Exchanger Mimicked from the Directional Passive Water Transport Featured by the Skin Morphology of Phrynosoma Cornutum
Authors: SÁNCHEZ Federico , Zhu Shifan
Published: October 2019

A biomimetic approach is proposed to improve the performance of an intercooler using only the passive water transport featured by the lizard species Phrynosoma Cornutum for racing applications. The lizard is able to transport in a preferred direction, water over its integument whilst consuming no energy to do so. That feature is used in the external surface of the intercooler and an evaporation rate is desired. The model started with the air conditions after the turbo charger stage, Then, the convection of air in the heat exchanger is modelled by the boundary layer theory which is applicable for the scale used justified by the Péclet number value, for both the heat and mass transfer. The convection heat transfer was satisfactory modelled and the values reached inside the expected values for the optimal 2 mm wall thickness selected to demonstrate the enhancement due to the mass transfer and a surface temperature of 62.02 °C was stabilized for the conditions selected under a few iterations. According to the mass convection theory a mathematical model of the heat exchange was made and for the heat lost there exist a drawback due to a deviation from real values due to the highly turbulent flow under the conditions selected and the very small value of the Schmidt number obtained in the literature and pooled to the lack of a proper equation to compute the Sherwood number, which was not found and modelled outside the Schmidt number range. To solve this, a correction factor of the water evaporation is introduced which assumes that not all the water from the channels evaporates and some part is taken by the turbulent air as water droplets, but it needs further validation by real experiments, which is expected to be the next stage of the project.
Study on Separation Dynamics of Explosive Bolt and Test Verification
Authors: Xin Kehao , Liu Sai , Zhu Xiaojun , Chen Jingyi , Gu Xiaolong
Published: October 2019

In order to simulate the dynamic process after the separation of explosive bolt, and to analyze whether the impact force of the explosion could cause the damage of the explosive bolt box structure. The explicit dynamic method of ABAQUS was adopted in this paper to carry out simulation analysis on the process of the explosive bolt passing through the corner piece and hitting the buffer block after unlocking, and to evaluate the strength and deformation of the bolt box under impact load. The verification test of explosive bolt was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the design, and the test results indicated that the designed explosive bolt box achieves a successful acceptance of the explosive bolt of the separation with design margin, the structure of the box does not have obvious deformation under the impact load, and the strength design of the explosive bolt box meets the use requirements.
The Simulation Model of the Resistance Factors Affecting the Adoption of Healthcare Robot Technology in Tertiary Care Center of Thailand
Authors: Vichitkraivin Paniti , Naenna Thanakorn
Published: October 2019

Healthcare robot technology has become the important tool and it has extremely important role in the healthcare field. In spite of it great potential, gaps exist in our grasp of how users will assess change related to the healthcare robot. Previously research shows that when the new technology is used, the user may make decision to accept or resist technology. According to barrier theories this study develops a modify resistance model to describe the factors which resist the medical staffs’ intention to use healthcare robot. The participants were selected from medical staffs (physician, nurse, and staffs) in Tertiary care center located in Thailand. We collected data using questionnaire to test a research model. The research model is analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The empirical results confirm that technological barrier, time barrier and change barrier have negative effect on medicals’ behavioral intention to use healthcare robots. This study is discussed several practical and theoretical implications.
Parameterized quantum circuits as machine learning models
Authors: Benedetti Marcello , Lloyd Erika , Sack Stefan , Fiorentini Mattia
Published: October 2019

Hybrid quantum–classical systems make it possible to utilize existing quantum computers to their fullest extent. Within this framework, parameterized quantum circuits can be regarded as machine learning models with remarkable expressive power. This Review presents the components of these models and discusses their application to a variety of data-driven tasks, such as supervised learning and generative modeling. With an increasing number of experimental demonstrations carried out on actual quantum hardware and with software being actively developed, this rapidly growing field is poised to have a broad spectrum of real-world applications.
Lime movement through highly weathered soil profiles
Authors: Nunes Márcio R , Denardin José E , Vaz Carlos M P , Karlen Douglas L , Cambardella Cynthia A
Published: October 2019

Applying lime is a fundamental practice for abating acidity in highly weathered soil, but better management strategies for no-till systems are needed to prevent surface pH elevation with little to no subsurface effects. This study was conducted to quantify chemical changes within the soil profile in response to lime and straw applications under both greenhouse and field conditions. Four controlled environment experiments (soil columns) and one field study were conducted on soils classified as Rhodic Hapludox and Rhodic Eutrodox. The soil column experiments evaluated four lime rates (0, 3.9, 7.8, or 15.6 Mg ha−1) and four straw rates (0, 4, 12 and 16 Mg ha−1) either individually or in combination. Lime treatments were surface applied or incorporated in the top 5-cm, while straw treatments were incorporated in the top 5-cm. In the field, lime rates of 0, 8.3 and 33.2 Mg ha−1 were incorporated into the 0 to 10-cm depth in both a soybean [Glycine max] monoculture and diversified cropping system with white oat (Avena sativa), soybean, black oats (Avena strigosa), corn (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Both field and soil columns studies showed minimal lime movement into the soil profile with chemical changes being limited to 2.5-cm below where it was applied or incorporated regardless of cropping system. Surface application of high lime rates promoted chemical stratification resulting in dramatic increases in topsoil pH and exchangeable Ca and Mg levels with minimal mitigation of subsurface soil acidity. Other studies also suggest that lime movement into the soil profile can vary depending on the experimental condition. Therefore, additional investigations across a wider geographic area, greater range of weather and climatic conditions, methods and rates of lime application need to be conducted to improve lime recommendation for high weathered soil managed using no-till practices.
Influence of Time of Day On Live Weight Measurements for Feedlot Steers
Authors: Zinn R. A.
Published: October 2019

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the influence of time of day on live weight (LW) measurements of feedlot steers. Trial 1 was initiated November 30, 1988 and involved 15 crossbred steers that were housed and fed individually. Trial 2 was initiated February 28, 1989 and involved 75 crossbred steers that were housed and fed in groups of 5. Trial 3 was initiated June 13, 1989 and was otherwise similar to Trial 2. Weighing times were 0400, 0800 and 1200 with periods between weighing of 7 d. Treatments were assigned to individual steers or pen groups in a replicated 3 × 3 latin square arrangement. In Trial 1, there was a linear decrease (P < .01) in LW averaging 1 kg/h for measurements taken between 0400 and 1200. In Trial 2, both linear (P < .01) and quadratic (P < .05) responses in LW to weighing time were detected. Live weight decreased .75 kg/h between 0400 and 0800, similar to what was observed in Trial 1, but between 0800 and 1200 LW remained unchanged. In Trial 3, only a linear (P < .01) response of LW to time was detected. However, as with Trial 2, the greater rate of decrease in LW appeared to occur between 0400 and 0800 (averaging 1 kg/h). Differences between trials in pattern of water consumption were related to differences in ambient temperature. Time of day had a dramatic effect on LW of feedlot steers. Measurements of LW taken within the later morning hours are more likely to be affected by water intake than measurements taken during the earlier morning time period (0400 to 0800).
Resprouting potential of rhizome fragments from invasive macrophyte reveals superior colonization ability of the diploid congener
Authors: Grewell Brenda J , Futrell Caryn J , Iannucci Maria T , Drenovsky Rebecca E
Published: October 2019

Non-native aquatic Ludwigia species from a polyploid complex are among the world’s most problematic invasive plants. These emergent, floating-leaved species respond to disturbance through fragmentation of shoots and/or rhizomes, spreading rapidly by hydrochorous dispersal and posing challenges for invasive plant management. While recruitment of clonal aquatic plant species from shoot fragmentation is well documented, regeneration from rhizome bud banks, although common, often is overlooked. It is further unclear how interactions among ploidy and resource availability influence regeneration success of rhizome fragments. We conducted a full factorial experiment in aquatic mesocosms to compare trait responses of Ludwigia congeners differing in ploidy (diploid, decaploid) grown from clonal rhizome fragments under contrasting soil nutrient availability (low, high). Similar to previous work with shoot fragments, the diploid congener had a higher relative growth rate and produced more biomass than the decaploid during this establishment stage of growth. High growth rates and biomass production were associated with greater rhizome N and P and reduced investment in belowground structures. Comparing these results to previous shoot fragment studies with Ludwigia, rhizome fragments appear to have much greater growth potential, suggesting that management strategies should minimize disturbance to prevent fragmentation and dispersal of belowground structures. Furthermore, rapid response to newly colonizing diploid invaders will be essential to minimizing spread, and reductions in nutrient loads to aquatic environments may be more effective toward controlling establishment of the diploid congener than the decaploid.
Biomechanical issues of tissue-engineered constructs for articular cartilage regeneration: in vitro and in vivo approaches
Authors: Cipollaro Lucio , Ciardulli Maria Camilla , Porta Giovanna Della , Peretti Giuseppe M , Maffulli Nicola
Published: October 2019

Background

Given the limited regenerative capacity of injured articular cartilage, the absence of suitable therapeutic options has encouraged tissue-engineering approaches for its regeneration or replacement.

Sources of data

Published articles in any language identified in PubMed and Scopus electronic databases up to August 2019 about the in vitro and in vivo properties of cartilage engineered constructs. A total of 64 articles were included following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Areas of agreement

Regenerated cartilage lacks the biomechanical and biological properties of native articular cartilage.

Areas of controversy

There are many different approaches about the development of the architecture and the composition of the scaffolds.

Growing points

Novel tissue engineering strategies focus on the development of cartilaginous biomimetic materials able to repair cartilage lesions in association to cell, trophic factors and gene therapies.

Areas timely for developing research

A multi-layer design and a zonal organization of the constructs may lead to achieve cartilage regeneration.
Aliskiren as an adjunct therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Plasse Richard A , Nee Robert , Olson Stephen W
Published: October 2019

Direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) block the activation of the alternative complement pathway in vitro and could be a treatment option for refractory hypertension in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). A 20-year-old male presented with primary aHUS complicated by end-stage renal disease and refractory malignant hypertension despite being on five antihypertensive medications at maximum dose. Only a partial response was achieved with aliskiren and eculizumab, but after increasing aliskiren to a supratherapeutic dose, antihypertensive medication was reduced, platelets increased, C3 increased and epoetin alfa requirement decreased. DRI may be an adjunct treatment for malignant hypertension associated with aHUS.
Discordant Chronic Conditions and Depressive Symptoms: Longitudinal Associations Among Middle-Aged and Older Couples
Authors: Polenick Courtney A , Birditt Kira S , Turkelson Angela , Bugajski Benjamin C , Kales Helen C
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Individuals often manage chronic conditions in middle and later life that may diminish well-being. Little is known, however, about discordant conditions (i.e., two or more conditions with competing self-management requirements) among older couples and their links to depressive symptoms. We considered discordant conditions at both the individual level and the couple level (i.e., between spouses), along with their long-term implications for depressive symptoms.

Methods

The U.S. sample included 1,116 middle-aged and older couples drawn from five waves (2006–2014) of the Health and Retirement Study. Longitudinal actor-partner interdependence models evaluated whether individual-level and couple-level discordant chronic health conditions were concurrently linked to depressive symptoms, and whether these associations became stronger over time. Models controlled for age, minority status, education, prior wave depressive symptoms, and each partner’s baseline report of negative marital quality and number of chronic conditions in each wave.

Results

Wives and husbands reported significantly greater depressive symptoms when they had individual-level discordant conditions about 2 years after baseline, and these links intensified over time. Beyond this association, husbands had significantly greater depressive symptoms when there were couple-level discordant conditions.

Discussion

Individual-level and couple-level discordant conditions may have lasting implications for depressive symptoms during midlife and older adulthood.
Migration, Aging, and Digital Kinning: The Role of Distant Care Support Networks in Experiences of Aging Well
Authors: Baldassar Loretta , Wilding Raelene
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

High rates of migration contribute to the dispersal of support networks across distance. For older adults reliant on informal care, this creates a high risk of increased social isolation. In this article, we highlight the role of communication technologies in maintaining support networks and identities across distance. Building on transnational family research and on anthropological notions of “kinning,” we propose that processes of distant support can be better understood through the new concept of “digital kinning.”

Research Design and Methods

A qualitative project conducted in Australia (2016–2019) with over 150 older migrants (55+) born in nine countries comprising ethnographic interviews and observations. Analysis comprised the inductive approach of ethnographic qualitative research and theory building from cases, drawn from grounded theory traditions. Select ethnographic cases illustrate the key dimensions and benefits of “digital kinning” for older migrants.

Results

Digital kinning practices support the access of older migrants to (i) essential sources of social connection and support, (ii) maintenance of cultural identity, and (iii) protection of social identity, including across distance. Their effectiveness is reliant on access to affordable and reliable digital communication tools.

Discussion and Implications

Although essential to the well-being of older migrants, distant support networks and the digital kinning practices that sustain them receive little attention from policy makers and health practitioners. Organizations concerned with the care of older people must improve awareness of distant support networks by supporting practices of “digital kinning,” ranging from including distant kin in health care plans to prioritizing digital inclusion initiatives.
Delivery of home-based post-partum contraception in rural Guatemalan women: feasibility, recruitment and retention in a cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Harrison Margo S , Bunge-Montes Saskia , Rivera Claudia , Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Heinrichs Gretchen , Scarbro Sharon , Juarez-Colunga Elizabeth , Bolanos Antonio , Asturias Edwin , Berman Stephen , Sheeder Jeanelle
Published: October 2019

Background

Few cluster-randomized trials have been performed in rural Guatemala. Our objective was to describe the feasibility, recruitment and retention in our cluster-randomized trial.

Methods

In our cluster-randomized trial, a range of contraceptives were brought to mothers’ homes in rural Guatemala.

Results

Of 173 women approached, 33 were excluded. Of the 140 eligible women, 127 (91%) consented to participate. Of the 87 women who should have been assessed for the primary outcome, three were lost to follow-up, which represents a retention rate of 97%.

Conclusions

Nurses who are both clinical providers and study staff can feasibly conduct research, which leads to high enrollment and retention rates.
The Prosecution of Foreign Fighters in Western Europe: The Difficult Relationship Between Counter-Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Cuyckens Hanne , Paulussen Christophe
Published: October 2019

The collapse of the Caliphate, including the resulting surrender of hundreds of fighters to the Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as the tweets from President Trump threatening his allies to release 800 Islamic State fighters if they would not take back their own citizens, has led to an intense debate on what to do with these so-called foreign fighters. Many counter-terrorism experts and international lawyers have argued that these fighters should be brought home and brought to justice before national courts, for moral, legal and long-term security reasons. In the context of national prosecutions, the aim should be to not have a one-size fits all, but rather a tailored approach, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted, as much as possible, for the actual crimes they have committed. If we consider foreign fighters to be individuals joining a non-state armed group in an armed conflict, there is by definition an important nexus between foreign fighters and armed conflict. Hence due regard should also be paid to international humanitarian law in the framework of their prosecution. This article will analyse and assess the first cases where the relationship between counter-terrorism and international humanitarian law played a role and aims to provide, based on the direction this discussion is heading, the necessary guidance.
Genetic Characterization of Exotic Commercial Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Populations in Thailand Reveals High Genetic Diversity and Low Population Substructure
Authors: Rattanawannee Atsalek , Duangphakdee Orawan , Chanchao Chanpen , Teerapakpinyo Chinachote , Warrit Nattapot , Wongsiri Siriwat , Oldroyd Benjamin P
Published: October 2019

Domestication of animal species is often associated with a reduction in genetic diversity. The honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, has been managed by beekeepers for millennia for both honey and wax production and for crop pollination. Here we use both microsatellite markers and sequence data from the mitochondrial COI gene to evaluate genetic variation of managed A. mellifera in Thailand, where the species is introduced. Microsatellite analysis revealed high average genetic diversity with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.620 ± 0.184 to 0.734 ± 0.071 per locus per province. Observed heterozygosities were generally lower than those expected under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, both locally and across the population as a whole. Mitochondrial sequencing revealed that the frequency of two evolutionary linages (C—Eastern European and O—Middle Eastern) are similar to those observed in a previous survey 10 yr ago. Our results suggest that Thai beekeepers are managing their A. mellifera in ways that retain overall genetic diversity, but reduce genetic diversity between apiaries.
Complicated postoperative course secondary to kratom withdrawal: a case report
Authors: Kucharik Michael , Gupta Anupam , Averkiou Peter , Luck George R , Ross Andrew S
Published: October 2019

We herein report a case of a 55-year-old female with an unusual case of post-operative kratom withdrawal. The patient’s withdrawal symptoms subsequently contributed to complications and admission to the intensive care unit. Features of this case are discussed, alongside the management of kratom withdrawal and the implications of supplementation with unregulated herbal medications.
Treating SIRVA Early With Corticosteroid Injections: A Case Series
Authors: Macomb Christopher V , Evans Martin O , Dockstater Jo E , Montgomery Jay R , Beakes Douglas E
Published: October 2019

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is defined as “shoulder pain with limited range of motion within 48 hours after vaccine receipt in individuals with no prior history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of the affected shoulder before vaccine administration.” Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) have been proposed as a reasonable treatment modality for SIRVA, although evidence regarding efficacy is scanty. In this case series, we present two patients diagnosed with SIRVA who received CSI within 5 days of symptom onset and saw symptom resolution within 1 month. This is in comparison to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that showed 65% of patients with SIRVA will have pain lasting longer than 1 month, and 25% will have pain lasting longer than 3 months. Our case series shows that CSIs may be an effective treatment modality for SIRVA. It would be reasonable to use CSIs as a first line treatment and should especially be considered in patients who have contraindications to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Adapting Mindfulness Training for Military Service Members With Chronic Pain
Authors: Brintz Carrie E , Miller Shari , Olmsted Kristine Rae , Bartoszek Michael , Cartwright Joel , Kizakevich Paul N , Butler Michael , Asefnia Nakisa , Buben Alex , Gaylord Susan A
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Rates of chronic pain in military personnel are disproportionately high. Chronic pain is often associated with mental health and substance use disorders as comorbid conditions, making treatment of chronic pain complex. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are a promising behavioral approach to managing chronic pain and psychosocial sequelae. The unique nature of the military context may require adaptations to original MBIs for successful delivery in active-duty military populations. This study adapted the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to create a mindfulness training program that was relevant to active-duty Army personnel experiencing chronic pain. This article delineates the adaptation process employed to modify the MBSR program to the military context and discusses the resulting training program.

Materials and Methods

The adaptation process consisted of three iterative stages: 1) Drafting the preliminary intervention protocol with recommendations from stakeholders, including military healthcare providers; 2) Refining the preliminary protocol after pretesting the sessions with research team members and a military Veteran advisory committee; and 3) Delivering the preliminary protocol to one cohort of active-duty Soldiers with chronic pain, collecting feedback, and further refining the intervention protocol.

Results

Military-related adaptations to MBSR addressed three areas: military culture, language and terminology, and practical and logistical factors relevant to implementation in the military setting. This adaptation process resulted in a live, online program with six, weekly, sessions. Feedback from a military Veteran advisory committee resulted in modifications, including increasing military-relevant examples; preliminary testing with the target population resulted in additional modifications, including shortening the sessions to 75 min and structuring discussions more efficiently.

Conclusions

The adaptation process was successful in generating an engaging mindfulness training program that was highly relevant to the military context. Obtaining input from stakeholders, such as military healthcare providers and active-duty soldiers, and iterative feedback and modification, were key to the process. Moreover, the program was designed to maintain the integrity and core elements of MBIs while adapting to military culture. A future randomized controlled trial design will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in improving chronic pain in military personnel. This program is responsive to the military’s call for nonpharmacologic treatments for chronic pain that are easily accessible. If effective, the mindfulness program has the potential for widespread dissemination to complement standard care for Service Members experiencing chronic pain.
Bursting and quenching in satellite galaxies
Authors: Koutsouridou I , Cattaneo A
Published: October 2019

The difference in stellar metallicity between red and blue galaxies with the same mass constrains the time-scale over which red galaxies ceased to form stars. Here we investigate this constraint with the galics 2.0 semi-analytic model of galaxy formation. The advantage of this approach is that the time of pericentric passages for satellite galaxies and the mass-loading factor for galactic winds are not free parameters of the chemical evolution model. The former is determined by the N-body simulation used to construct the merger trees, the latter by the requirement that galics 2.0 should reproduce the stellar mass function of galaxies. When we compare our theoretical predictions with observations, we find that galics 2.0 can reproduce the observed metallicity difference only if quenching is preceded by a burst of star formation, which contributes to the chemical enrichment of the stellar population. Physically, this burst can be explained as tidally induced star formation or as an effect of ram pressure, which not only strips gas from galaxies but also compresses it, accelerating its conversion into stars.
Testing bound dark energy with cosmological parameter and fundamental constant evolution
Authors: Thompson Rodger I
Published: October 2019

A new bound dark energy (BDE) cosmology has been proposed where the dark energy is the binding energy between light meson fields that condense a few tens of years after the big bang. It is reported that the correct dark energy density emerges using particle physics without fine-tuning. This alone makes the BDE cosmology worthy of further investigation. This work looks at the late-time BDE predictions of the evolution of cosmological parameters and the values of fundamental constants to determine whether the cosmology’s predictions are consistent with observation. The work considers the time period between a scale factor of 0.1 and 1.0. A model BDE cosmology is considered with current-day values of the cosmological parameters well within the observational limits. The calculations use three different values of the current-day dark energy equation of state close to −1. All three cases produce evolutions of the cosmological parameters and fundamental constants consistent with the observational constraints. Analytic relations between the BDE and cosmological parameters are developed to insure a consistent set of parameters.
Implications of dark matter cascade decay from DAMPE, HESS, Fermi-LAT and AMS02 data
Authors: Gao Yu , Ma Yin-Zhe
Published: October 2019

Recent high-energy cosmic e± measurement from the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite confirms the deviation of total cosmic ray electron spectrum above 700-900 GeV from a simple power law. In this paper we demonstrate that the cascade decay of dark matter can account for DAMPE’s TeV e+e− spectrum. We select the least constraint DM decay channel into four muons as the benchmark scenario, and perform an analysis with propagation variance in both DM signal and the Milky Way’s electron background. The best-fit of the model is obtained for joint DAMPE, Fermi-LAT, H.E.S.S. high energy electron data sets, and with an $\mathcal {O}(10^{26})$ second decay lifetime, which is consistent with existing gamma ray and cosmic microwave background limits. We compare the spectral difference between the cascade decay of typical final-state channels. The least constrained 4μ channels give good fits to the electron spectrum’s TeV scale down-turn, yet their low energy spectrum has tension with sub-TeV positron data from AMS02. We also consider a three-step cascade decay into eight muons, and also a gamma-ray constrained 4μ, 4b mixed channel, to demonstrate that a further softened cascade decay signal would be required for the agreement with all the data sets.
P14.47 Tissue immune markers for central nervous system germinoma
Authors: CHAN A K , Shi Z F , Lo K W , Ng H K , Lau C C
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Germinoma is the commonest CNS germ cell tumor. An important histological feature is prominent immune cell infiltrates. The composition of such immune cell infiltrates remains under-investigated in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We collected a cohort of 40 cases of intra-cranial germinomas and examined the clinical and histopathological features. The tumor infiltrating immune cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry and image analysis.

RESULTS

Across the cohort, the mean positivity ± SE of CD3-positive T cell and CD20-positive B cells was 31.2% ± 3.1% and 15.2% ± 2.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The mean positivity of CD4-positive T helper cell and CD8-positive cytotoxic T cell was 19% ± 2.3% and 14.3% ± 1.7%, respectively (p<0.001). PD-L1 expression was detected in 50% of the cases and was observed exclusively in immune cells but not in neoplastic cells. Germinomas with positive PD-L1 expression had significantly more abundant CD3-positive T cells (p=0.001), CD4-positive T helper cells (p<0.001) and CD8-positive cytotoxic T cells (p=0.004) as compared with those lacking PD-L1 expression. Immunostain for HLA-A and HLA-B revealed loss of HLA class I expression occurring in 92.5% of the germinomas. Loss of HLA class I expression was associated with less abundant CD3-positive T cells (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the predominant T cells infiltrate and PD-L1 expression suggest anti-PD-L1 therapeutic agents as potential novel treatment option for germinoma patients. The loss of HLA class I may represent one of the mechanisms for tumor immune escape in germinoma.
Effectiveness of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in the Treatment of Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Series
Authors: Tavakol Sherwin , Jackanich Anna , Strickland Ben A , Marietta Michael , Ravina Kristine , Yu Cheng , Chang Eric L , Giannotta Steven , Zada Gabriel
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Medical management is the first line of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Patients with medically refractory TN may undergo a variety of invasive surgical interventions with varying success rates. Management of TN refractory to both medical and surgical intervention remains somewhat controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS; Elekta Instruments AB) for medically refractory TN.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for 57 cases (47 patients) who underwent GKRS for refractory TN at our institution between 2005 and 2018. TN pain outcomes were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) Pain Scale. A good outcome was defined by post-GKRS BNI score of I-III, whereas treatment failure was defined BNI score IV-V.

RESULTS

Of the total 57 GKRS procedures, 47 (82.5%) had good outcomes. A total of 22 patients (46.8%) experienced complete pain relief off medications (BNI I). The average time to pain relief was 30 d (range 1-120 d). Prior invasive surgical treatment for TN was not found to have a significant impact on GKRS outcomes (P = .32). Target and treatment volumes were not found to correlate significantly with GKRS outcomes (.47 and .47, respectively). Complications included 2 cases (4.2%) of facial numbness. A total of 37 patients (78.7%) did not have any additional invasive surgical interventions following GKRS treatment.

CONCLUSION

GKRS is a safe and effective treatment modality for both medically and surgically refractory TN. Complete symptom relief was possible in patients with prior surgical or GKRS treatments. Recurrent symptoms following surgery or GKRS should not exclude a patient from future GKRS consideration.
The poplar R2R3 MYB transcription factor PtrMYB94 coordinates with abscisic acid signaling to improve drought tolerance in plants
Authors: Fang Qing , Wang Xianqiang , Wang Haiyang , Tang Xiaowen , Liu Chi , Yin Heng , Ye Shenglong , Jiang Yuanzhong , Duan Yanjiao , Luo Keming
Published: October 2019

In plants, R2R3 MYB transcription factors (TFs) consist of one large gene family and are involved in the regulation of many developmental processes and various stresses. However, the functions of most of MYB TFs in woody plants remain unknown. Here, PtrMYB94, an R2R3 MYB TF from Populus trichocarpa, is characterized to be involved in the regulation of drought responses and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. PtrMYB94 encodes a nuclear-localized R2R3 MYB TF. RT-PCR results showed that the PtrMYB94 transcripts were relatively abundant in leaves and stems, and were induced rapidly in response to dehydration stress. Overexpression of PtrMYB94 improved plant drought responses, suggesting that this MYB TF may functionally regulate poplar adaptability to drought stress. Furthermore, the analysis of transcriptional expression and PtrMYB94 promoter: GUS activity showed that PtrMYB94 responded to ABA induction. PtrMYB94-overexpressing plants exhibited the inhibition of seed germination compared with the wild-type (WT) control under ABA exposure condition. The ABA content was evidently increased in the PtrMYB94-overexpressing plants relative to the WT plants. In addition, transcript levels of several ABA- and drought-responsive genes, such as ABA1 and DREB2B, were up-regulated. Taken together, our results suggest that PtrMYB94 is involved in an ABA-dependent drought stress regulation in Populus.
Are backyard characteristics relevant factors for the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Central-Western Brazil?
Authors: Luz João Gabriel Guimarães , Carvalho Amanda Gabriela , Naves Danilo Bueno , Dias João Victor Leite , Fontes Cor Jesus Fernandes
Published: October 2019

Background

This retrospective case-control study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the municipality of Rondonópolis, which is a highly endemic area for VL in Central-Western Brazil.

Methods

All VL cases reported in Rondonópolis from 2011 to 2016 were included. For each case, two neighborhood- and age-matched controls with the absence of past and present history of VL and negative rk39-based immunochromatographic test, were recruited. Data were retrospectively collected through interviews that assessed socioeconomic aspects, housing features, backyard characteristics, presence of animals and daily habits. A multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with human VL.

Results

During the study period, 81 VL cases were reported in Rondonópolis, of which 37 (45.7%) were included in this study. Seventy controls were also included. The variables associated with VL occurrence were the outdoor location of a bathroom and/or kitchen separated from the rest of the house (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.1 to 29.5), the presence of a vegetable garden (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 21.2) and the presence of decaying fruits (OR 10.7; 95% CI 2.0 to 52.1) in the backyard.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an association between backyard characteristics and VL. This may be useful in guiding preventive and control measures against zoonotic VL worldwide.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Rapid Evaluation of Competency-Based Medical Education Program Implementation
Authors: Hall Andrew K. , Rich Jessica , Dagnone J. Damon , Weersink Kristen , Caudle Jaelyn , Sherbino Jonathan , Frank Jason R. , Bandiera Glen , Van Melle Elaine
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Despite the broad endorsement of competency-based medical education (CBME), myriad difficulties have arisen in program implementation. The authors sought to evaluate the fidelity of implementation and identify early outcomes of CBME implementation using Rapid Evaluation to facilitate transformative change.

Method

Case-study methodology was used to explore the lived experience of implementing CBME in the emergency medicine postgraduate program at Queen’s University, Canada, using iterative cycles of Rapid Evaluation in 2017–2018. After the intended implementation was explicitly described, stakeholder focus groups and interviews were conducted at 3 and 9 months post-implementation to evaluate the fidelity of implementation and early outcomes. Analyses were abductive, using the CBME core components framework and data-driven approaches to understand stakeholders’ experiences.

Results

In comparing planned with enacted implementation, important themes emerged with resultant opportunities for adaption. For example, lack of a shared mental model resulted in frontline difficulty with assessment and feedback and a concern that the granularity of competency-focused assessment may result in “missing the forest for the trees,” prompting the return of global assessment. Resident engagement in personal learning plans was not uniformly adopted, and learning experiences tailored to residents’ needs were slow to follow.

Conclusions

Rapid Evaluation provided critical insights into the successes and challenges of operationalizing CBME. Implementing the practical components of CBME was perceived as a sprint, while realizing the principles of CBME and changing culture in postgraduate training was a marathon requiring sustained effort in the form of frequent evaluation and continuous faculty and resident development.
Measurement of baseline locomotion and other behavioral traits in a common marmoset model of Parkinson's disease established by a single administration regimen of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine: providing reference data for efficacious preclinical evaluations
Authors: Ando Kiyoshi , Inoue Takashi , Hikishima Keigo , Komaki Yuji , Kawai Kenji , Inoue Ryo , Nishime Chiyoko , Nishinaka Eiko , Urano Koji , Okano Hideyuki
Published: October 2019

Baseline locomotion and behavioral traits in the common marmoset Parkinson's disease model were examined to provide basic information for preclinical evaluations of medical treatments. A single regimen of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine at a cumulative dose of 5 mg/kg as the free base over three consecutive days was administered subcutaneously to 10 marmosets. Data obtained from these marmosets were compared to pre-1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine levels or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine free marmosets. After the single regimen, reduced daily locomotion, a measure of immobility (a primary sign of Parkinsonism), was observed for more than a year. A moving tremor was also observed by visual inspection during this period. When apomorphine (0.13 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered, either right or left circling behavior was observed in a cylindrical chamber in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine marmosets, suggestive of unequal neural damage between the two brain hemispheres to different extents. MRI revealed that T1 relaxation time in the right substantia nigra correlated with right circling in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine marmosets. Histology was supportive of dopaminergic neural loss in the striatum. These results increase our understanding of the utility and limitations of the Parkinson's disease model in marmosets with a single 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine regimen, and provide reference data for efficacious preclinical evaluations.
Current and Future Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Dry Eye
Authors: Gupta Preeya K. , Asbell Penny , Sheppard John
Published: October 2019

Dry eye disease (DED) is among the most common reasons for visiting eye care practitioners and represents a substantial health and cost burden. Disease prevalence ranges from 5% to 33% and is increasing in the younger population. The core mechanism of DED involves a vicious cycle where hyperosmolarity leads to an inflammatory cascade resulting in ocular surface damage. No cure is available for DED, and patients require ongoing disease management. Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary symptom relief but do not tackle the inflammatory pathophysiology of DED. A number of medications with anti-inflammatory activity are available, but there is a need for development of pharmacotherapies with novel delivery methods and targets to widen the variety of treatment options. This review discusses current anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies approved in the United States and Europe for DED and highlights novel drugs that have been recently approved or are in development.
Predictive Model for Discrimination of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion From Severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonic Effusion in Children
Authors: Xu Hui , Feng Guoshuang , Cai Siyu , Liu Jinrong , Tang Xiaolei , Liu Hui , Yang Haiming , Li Huiming , Zhao Shunying
Published: October 2019

Background:

Tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) is often misdiagnosed as severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonic effusion (SMPPE) in children at early stage. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model based on clinical and laboratory indices to make accurate differential diagnosis.

Methods:

Patients included in this study were 167 children (83 patients with TPE and 84 with SMPPE), containing 117 patients for predictive model development and 50 patients for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to select potentially useful characteristics for discrimination of TPEs. External validation was performed for model evaluation.

Results:

Multivariate analysis revealed that blood neutrophils and serum lactate dehydrogenase were significant independent factors to discriminate between TPEs and SMPPEs. The results indicated that blood neutrophils ≤69.6% and concentration of serum lactate dehydrogenase ≤297 U/L were the extremely important discrimination factors of TPEs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.9839. The accuracy rate, sensitivity and specificity of the model were 94.02%, 98.28% and 89.83%, respectively. Meanwhile, the accuracy rate of the external validation from the 50 patients was 94.0%.

Conclusions:

Applying a predictive model with clinical and laboratory indices can facilitate the differential diagnosis of TPE from SMPPE in children, which seems helpful when a microbiologic or histologic diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis could not be established.
Effect of a Passive Intervention on Carers of Stroke Survivors During the Early Poststroke Period
Authors: Gaio Marina , Buoite Stella Alex , Furlanis Giovanni , Naccarato Marcello , Stefi Diego , Manganotti Paolo
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Care partners of stroke survivors are often characterized by high burden levels and depression. Passive and active interventions have been proposed to help reduce burden and depression. The aim of this quality improvement report was to evaluate the effects of a single passive intervention on reported burden and depression in carers of stroke survivors.

METHODS

A quality improvement report was conducted on carers who participated in a short passive intervention (n = 56) and a control group (n = 44). The Family Strain Questionnaire–Short Form (FSQ-SF) and the Beck Depression Inventory II were administered in both groups at patients' admission and before discharge, with the intervention taking place between the 2 data collection periods.

RESULTS

No significant difference between groups was observed in FSQ-SF score and prevalence of depression at admission and in FSQ-SF at discharge. However, compared with admission, FSQ-SF at discharge was significantly reduced only in the intervention group (pre: 14, and interquartile range, 12–15; post: 9, and interquartile range, 9–13; P < .01). Moreover, a smaller proportion of carers classified as “depression” was found at discharge in the intervention group compared with controls (4% vs 28%, respectively; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Results encourage the development and use of short passive intervention to reduce burden and depression in care partners of stroke survivors.