bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description and outcome of dogs with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis: 73 cases (2012‐2017)
Authors: Ravicini S. , Kent A. , Dunning M. , Baines S. , Clarke S. , Allerton F.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To provide a description of primary idiopathic immune‐mediated polyarthritis, including long‐term outcome and relapse rates, for dogs starting treatment with corticosteroids alone or corticosteroids with a second immunosuppressant.

Materials and Methods

Medical records were reviewed between January 2012 and December 2017 to identify dogs diagnosed with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Data including signalment, clinicopathological findings, type and duration of treatment, relapse and outcome were recorded.

Results

Seventy‐three dogs were included. Fifty‐four dogs were started on corticosteroid monotherapy (an additional immunosuppressant was introduced later in 27/54 dogs) and 19 dogs were treated with multi‐modal immunosuppression from the outset. Ninety‐five percent (69/73) of dogs responded favourably to therapy although death was attributed to immune‐mediated polyarthritis in 19% (14/73) of dogs. Relapse of clinical signs was reported in 53% (39/73) dogs (31/39 while on treatment), with multiple relapses observed in 17 dogs. Complete cure (permanent withdrawal of immunosuppressive medication) was achieved in 46 dogs (63%). Overall, 81% of dogs had a well‐managed disease for an extended timeframe (≥1131 days). Fourteen of 19 (74%) dogs that started treatment with multi‐modal immunosuppression and 32 of 54 (59%) started on corticosteroids alone achieved a complete cure.

Clinical Significance

This study provides extended follow‐up information for a large cohort of dogs with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis. Immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued in the majority of dogs but disease‐associated mortality remains high.
Evaluation of cryodamage in small abalone, Haliotis diversicolor, spermatozoa by using a flow cytometer
Authors: Gwo Jin‐Chywan , Lei Shu‐Yi
Published: November 2022

We used flow cytometry to determine the quality of small abalone, Haliotis diversicolor, sperm before freezing and after thawing. We investigated the effects of cryopreservation on the characteristics of small abalone semen and determined the motility and fertilization capacity of the pre‐freezing and post‐thawed sperm. The percentages of motility and fertility were 61 ± 2% and 67 ± 1%, respectively, for the post‐thawed sperm and 90 ± 4% and 92 ± 0%, respectively, for the pre‐freezing sperm. Sperm cells were stained with specific fluorescent dyes to measure plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial status, oxidation level, DNA compaction, and viability through flow cytometry. The frozen–thawed sperm exhibited significantly higher mitopotential activity (p < 0.05, damaged mitochondria; 25.01 ± 1.18%) and oxidation value (p < 0.01, free radicals; 63.79 ± 3.93%) compared with the pre‐freezing sperm. The oxidation level was the most sensitive signal of the cryopreservation‐induced small abalone sperm damage. Flow cytometry is valuable for the objective, accurate, and rapid assessment of pre‐freezing and post‐thaw small abalone sperm quality.
Of Two Arias and Nine Ragas: Analysing Monteverdi through a Karnatik Lens
Authors: Mani Charulatha
Published: November 2022

Commencing from an elaboration of extant theoretical and analytical positions in Monteverdi studies, this article closely analyses two of the most well‐known arias from Claudio Monteverdi's earliest opera,L'Orfeo(1607), from the melodic perspective of the Karnatik music of South India. In identifying ragas within Monteverdi's melodic structures, this approach evidences the author's practice‐based explorations of the arias while harking back to global influences that have shaped the identity formation of Western music. This approach to music analysis serves two primary purposes. First, it offers one way to decolonise and reimagine the music that emerged from an essentially multicultural early modern Europe. Second, in privileging artist‐researchers’ embodied oral aural knowledges, which emerge from practice, the approach makes a case for analytical approaches which aid in practice and which offer complementary lenses through which to view locate knowledges that are complex, embodied and non‐Western in their theoretical and analytical bases.
Prevalence of anemia and related nutrient deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nie Yuntao , Tian Ziru , Wang Pengpeng , Liu Baoyin , Zhang Nianrong , Zhou Biao , Wang Siqi , Hei Xiaofan , Meng Hua
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia and related nutrient deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Four online databases were searched for relevant articles. Thirty‐one studies with 7639 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled anemia prevalence was 7%, 6%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 25%, 20%, and 18% at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, 48 months, and 60 months, respectively. Although the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies remained low postoperatively, the prevalence of ferritin deficiency steadily increased from 6% at baseline to 27% at 60 months. The prevalence of serum iron deficiency decreased from 13% at baseline to 6% at 24 months and increased to 20% at 60 months. Anemia and ferritin deficiency were strongly correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.774, p = 0.041). Subgroup analysis suggested that age ≤40 years, preoperative anemia, and insufficient iron supplementations were high‐risk factors for postoperative anemia. SG is associated with an increased risk of anemia and decreased iron storage over long‐term observation. Routine iron supplementations may reduce anemia after SG; however, the dosages recommended by current guidelines may be insufficient. More strict monitoring schedules and supplementation strategies should be established for the timely detection and management of postoperative anemia.
Melatonin delays ABA‐induced leaf senescence via H2O2‐dependent calcium signalling
Authors: Guo Yanliang , Zhu Jingyi , Liu Jiahe , Xue Yuxing , Chang Jingjing , Zhang Yong , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Wei Chunhua , Ma Jianxiang , Li Pingfang , Zhang Xian , Li Hao
Published: November 2022

Precocious leaf senescence can reduce crop yield and quality by limiting the growth stage. Melatonin has been shown to delay leaf senescence; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Here, we show that melatonin offsets abscisic acid (ABA) to protect photosystem II and delay the senescence of attached old leaves under the light. Melatonin induced H2O2 accumulation accompanied by an upregulation of melon respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (CmRBOHD) under ABA‐induced stress. Both melatonin and H2O2 induced the accumulation of cytoplasmic‐free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) in response to ABA, while blocking of Ca2+ influx channels attenuated melatonin‐ and H2O2‐induced ABA tolerance. CmRBOHD overexpression induced [Ca2+]cyt accumulation and delayed leaf senescence, whereas deletion of Arabidopsis AtRBOHD, a homologous gene of CmRBOHD, compromised the melatonin‐induced [Ca2+]cyt accumulation and delay of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis under ABA stress. Furthermore, melatonin, H2O2 and Ca2+ attenuated ABA‐induced K+ efflux and subsequent cell death. CmRBOHD overexpression and AtRBOHD deletion alleviated and aggravated the ABA‐induced K+ efflux, respectively. Taken together, our study unveils a new mechanism by which melatonin offsets ABA action to delay leaf senescence via RBOHD‐dependent H2O2 production that triggers [Ca2+]cyt accumulation and subsequently inhibits K+ efflux and delays cell death/leaf senescence in response to ABA.
Convalescent plasma in hospitalized pediatric and obstetric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients
Authors: Ikeda Saki , Benzi Eduardo , Hensch Lisa A. , Devaraj Sridevi , Hui Shiu‐Ki Rocky , Gandhi Manisha , Fox Karin A. , Teruya Jun , Munoz Flor M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Published data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) use in children and obstetric patients are limited. We describe a single‐center experience of hospitalized patients who received CCP for acute COVID‐19.

Methods

A retrospective review of children 0–18‐years‐old and pregnant patients hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed acute COVID‐19 who received CCP from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021 was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were collected to assess the safety of CCP administration. Antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were measured in the CCP products and in patients before transfusion and at various time points post‐transfusion. Correlation between the administered SARS‐CoV‐2 administered versus the SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐spike immunoglobulin response in patient serum was assessed.

Results

Twenty‐two children and ten obstetric patients were eligible. Twelve pediatric and eight obstetric patients had moderate disease and ten pediatric and two obstetric patients had severe disease. Five pediatric patients died. Eighteen of 37 (48.6%) CCP titers that were measured met US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for high immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer. There were no complications with transfusion. High‐titer CCP showed a positive correlation with rise in patient total immunoglobulin levels only in obstetric patients but not in pediatric patients. Among pediatric patients, the median serum antibody level increased over time after transfusion.

Conclusions

Coronavirus 2019 convalescent plasma was administered safely to our patients. Our study suggested that CCP did not interfere with endogenous antibody production. The antibody titer of CCP correlated with post‐transfusion response only in obstetric patients. Randomized trials in pediatric and obstetric patients are needed to further understand how to dose CCP and evaluate efficacy.
Posttransplant renal replacement therapy is an alarm signal for survival outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Yoo Byung Min , Hong Su Young , Hong Suk Kyun , Ahn Yo Han , Kang Hee Gyung , Lee Sola , Suh Sanggyun , Han Eui Soo , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Choi YoungRok , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Yi Nam‐Joon
Published: November 2022

Background

The impact of renal replacement therapy (RRT) on the long‐term survival outcomes of pediatric liver recipients remains controversial.

Methods

A total of 224 patients aged <18 years, who underwent liver transplantation (LT), were divided into two groups: patients who underwent renal replacement therapy (RRT) (group R, n = 25, 11.2%) and those who did not (group N, n = 199, 88.8%). The posttransplant patient survival outcomes according to RRT use constituted the primary end‐point. RRT was initiated preoperatively in 12 patients (48.0%) and postoperatively in 13 [early: <6 months after LT (n = 5, 20.0%) and late: ≥6 months after LT (n = 8, 32.0%)]. The indications for RRT included liver disease involving the kidney (44.0%) and hepatorenal syndrome (56.0%).

Results

The age at the time of LT (71.6 vs. 19.1 months) was higher, the pediatric end‐stage liver disease score was lower (9.9 vs. 21.2), and the duration of hospitalization posttransplantation (41.0 vs. 27.0 days) was longer, while the rates of hepatic artery thrombosis (8.0% vs. 3.5%) were higher in group R (p < .05). The number of patients (60.0% vs. 93.0%; p < .001) and graft survival rates (68.0% vs. 93.0%; p < .001) were significantly lower in group R. Multivariate analysis revealed that posttransplant RRT and hepatic artery complications were risk factors for patient survival outcomes. Renal function was recovered in 7 patients (28.0%) in group R, and 9 (36.0%) eventually underwent kidney transplantation.

Conclusion

The survival outcomes of children requiring posttransplant RRT were significantly worse than those of children, who did not undergo RRT. Physicians should pay meticulous attention to patients requiring post‐LT RRT.
Severe delayed graft function in a living‐related kidney transplant recipient due to combination of alloimmunity, autoimmunity, and heterologous immunity: A case report
Authors: Al Attas Rabab Ali , Alshami Alanoud , Mohamed Nasreen , Qahtani Zuhoor , Bamardouf Rafah , Alzahrani Saber
Published: November 2022

Background

Delayed graft function is a manifestation of acute kidney injury unique to transplantation usually related to donor ischemia or recipient immunological causes. Ischemia also considered the most important trigger for innate immunity activation and production of non‐HLA antibodies. While ischemia is inevitable after deceased donor transplantation, this complication is rare after living transplantation. Heterologous Immunity commonly used to describe the activation of T cells recognizing specific pathogen‐related antigens as well unrelated antigens is common post‐viral infection. In transplant‐setting induction of heterologous immunity that cross‐react with HLA‐antigens and subsequent reactivation of memory T cells can lead to allograft rejection.

Methods

Here we describe a non‐sensitized child with ESRD secondary to lupus nephritis and recent history of COVID‐19 infection who experienced 17 days of anuria after first kidney living transplantation from her young HLA‐haploidentical uncle donor. Graft histology showed acute cellular rejection, evidence of mild antibody‐mediated rejection and vascular wall necrosis in some arterioles suggesting possibility of intraoperative graft ischemia. Both pre‐ and post‐transplant sera showed very high level of several non‐HLA antibodies.

Results

The patient was treated for cellular and antibody‐mediated rejection while maintained on hemodialysis before her graft function started to improve on day seventeen post transplantation.

Conclusion

The cellular rejection likely trigged by ischemia that activated T‐cells‐mediated immunity. The high level of non‐ HLA‐antibodies further aggravated the damage and the rapid onset of rejection may be partly related to memory T‐cell activation induced by heterologous immunity.
Tributyrin supplementation in fish and crustacean nutrition: A review
Authors: Palma Mariana , Magnoni Leonardo J. , Morais Sofia , Viegas Ivan
Published: November 2022

Short‐chain fatty acids, including butyrate and its derived forms, have been used as dietary supplements to reverse or ameliorate the potential negative effects of plant‐derived ingredients in aquaculture diets, and have a multitude of well‐demonstrated physiological and health enhancing effects in mammals and livestock. Tributyrin, a butyric acid derivate, has been assessed as a supplement in the diets of farmed animals, with promising results in several species. In fish and crustaceans, the dietary inclusion of tributyrin is more recent and has been less studied but results suggest that it may be highly advantageous for aquatic animals. This is particularly important for carnivorous species, whose diets need to be optimised towards the reduction of the fishmeal content to enhance the environmental and economical sustainability of the sector. The present work characterises tributyrin and presents the main results of its use as a dietary source of butyric acid in feeds for aquatic species. The main focus is given to aquaculture species and how tributyrin, as a feed supplement, can contribute to optimising plant‐based aquafeeds.
Belowground bud bank of invasive plants contributes to their successful invasion in coastal wetlands
Authors: Wu Jing , Yu Fei‐Hai
Published: November 2022

The capacity of vegetative regeneration can contribute to the invasion success of alien plant species in introduced ranges. Belowground bud bank is a trait closely related to vegetative regeneration, but it is still unknown whether belowground bud bank can help invasive alien plants to successfully invade into native plant communities. We measured bud bank density and aboveground biomass of invasive alien and native plants, and species diversity in four wetlands along a soil moisture gradient in Zhejiang Province in East China. Overall, bud bank density, aboveground biomass, and plant diversity differed significantly among the four wetlands along the soil moisture gradient. Bud bank density, aboveground biomass, and the relative dominance of invasive plants increased with increasing soil moisture, whereas bud bank density and the relative dominance of the native plants showed the opposite trend. For invasive plants, both the proportion of aboveground biomass and the relative dominance were significantly positively related to their bud proportion. These results suggest that belowground bud bank of invasive alien plant species can contribute to their successful invasion in native plant communities. Therefore, measures such as plowing and raking could be taken to destroy or restrict belowground bud bank of invasive alien plants to prevent their invasion and to restore native vegetation.
Shear wave elastography evaluation of cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Appleby Ryan B , Vaden Shelly L , Monteith Gabrielle , Seiler Gabriela S
Published: November 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health condition in cats that can lead to poor quality of life and financial implications for therapy. Currently staging and identification of CKD is limited by diagnostic testing such as creatinine and urine‐specific gravity, which do not change until late in the disease course. Other methods to evaluate CKD would be valuable in the clinical setting. Shear wave elastography is one novel ultrasound method, which has shown promise in identifying increases in tissue stiffness and identifying CKD in people. As CKD is often histologically characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis, shear wave elastography has the potential to identify CKD and differentiate between stages of CKD in cats. This prospective observational case‐control study with 78 cats found no difference in shear wave velocities between groups (P = 0.33), a contradictory finding to one prior publication. There was no effect of weight (P = 0.65), nor the presence of mineralization (P = 0.31) or infarction (P = 0.52) on cortical shear wave velocities. There was a significant effect of age on shear wave velocity (P = 0.018) where velocities increased with age. The intraclass correlation coefficient was only moderate (0.62). Possible reasons for the difference in results between our work and that published prior, include differences in methodology and differences in instrumentation. Variability in measurements in our population may be due to the effects of respiratory motion or limitations in shear wave elastography software. As such, shear wave elastography is not currently recommended as a tool to evaluate CKD in cats and further work is necessary.
DISPOSABLE BODIES, DISABLED MINDS, AND CHRISTIAN HOPE: RESURRECTION IN LIGHT OF TRANSHUMANISM AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Authors: Sloane Andrew
Published: November 2022

This piece brings into critical conversation Christian resurrection hope, virtual versions of transhumanism, and intellectual disability and demonstrates that Christian resurrection provides a more cogent hope for people with severe intellectual disabilities than transhumanism. I argue that transhumanist virtual futures are theologically problematic, as bodily resurrection is neither required nor desirable. It is particularly problematic for people with severe intellectual disabilities given the way they would be excluded from these futures. Disability theology also raises issues with the traditional notions of “healing” in the resurrection and the implications for the value and identity of persons with intellectual disabilities. Starting with these problems, I explore the nature of Christian hope, noting the inadequacies of a virtual transhumanist future with respect to both resurrection faith and intellectual disability, and address how resurrection hope can account for issues raised in disability theology, and so properly include people with intellectual disabilities.
Critical considerations of the contribution of the corticomotoneuronal pathway to central fatigue
Authors: Amann Markus , Sidhu Simranjit K. , McNeil Chris J. , Gandevia Simon C.
Published: November 2022

Neural drive originating in higher brain areas reaches exercising limb muscles through the corticospinal‐motoneuronal pathway, which links the motor cortex and spinal motoneurones. The properties of this pathway have frequently been observed to change during fatiguing exercise in ways that could influence the development of central fatigue (i.e. the progressive reduction in voluntary muscle activation). However, based on differences in motor cortical and motoneuronal excitability between exercise modalities (e.g. single‐joint vs. locomotor exercise), there is no characteristic response that allows for a categorical conclusion about the effect of these changes on functional impairments and performance limitations. Despite the lack of uniformity in findings during fatigue, there is strong evidence for marked ‘inhibition’ of motoneurones as a direct result of voluntary drive. Endogenous forms of neuromodulation, such as via serotonin released from neurones, can directly affect motoneuronal output and central fatigue. Exogenous forms of neuromodulation, such as brain stimulation, may achieve a similar effect, although the evidence is weak. Non‐invasive transcranial direct current stimulation can cause transient or long‐lasting changes in cortical excitability; however, variable results across studies cast doubt on its claimed capacity to enhance performance. Furthermore, with these studies, it is difficult to establish a cause‐and‐effect relationship between brain responsiveness and exercise performance. This review briefly summarizes changes in the corticomotoneuronal pathway during various types of exercise, and considers the relevance of these changes for the development of central fatigue, as well as the potential of non‐invasive brain stimulation to enhance motor cortical excitability, motoneuronal output and, ultimately, exercise performance.

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Effect of Different Arrangements of V-Shaped Ribs on the Performance of an Optically Enhanced Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Authors: Altwijri Faisal , Sherif S. A. , Alshwairekh Ahmed M.
Published: November 2022

In this article, a V-shaped ribbed tube is utilized to improve the thermal performance of a parabolic trough collector (PTC). Six different rib arrangements are employed, and a detailed analysis is presented. In addition, the effect of adopting a secondary reflector (SR) on the temperature distribution around both a smooth and a ribbed parabolic trough receiver (PTR) tube is conducted. A computational fluid dynamics model is employed to study the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics inside the tube. Results show that V-shaped ribs are an effective tool to stir up the flow and increase the velocity gradient of the fluid near the inner surface of the tube. This helps increase the convective heat transfer rate and reduce the tube’s maximum circumferential temperature. Moreover, results from the study show that the secondary reflector contributes to a further decrease in the tube surface temperature and hence improves the overall thermal efficiency of the collector. The combination of a V-shaped ribbed PTR tube and a secondary reflector is thus shown to be beneficial for the PTC system, especially at high Reynolds numbers.
Development of a Dynamic Model for Simulating the Transient Behaviour of a Solar-Powered Micro Gas Turbine
Authors: Shamekhi Amiri S. , Al-Zaili J. , Sayma A. I.
Published: November 2022

The combination of small micro gas turbines with solar dish concentrators (CSP-MGT) benefits from the high-power density and reliability. Intrinsically, the intermittent solar irradiation leads to transient operation. The main aim of this paper is to present the development of a dynamic model that can evaluate the transient behaviour of the CSP-MGT system during start-up and shut-down phase. The model can be further used to design the system controller and to predict the dynamic performance of the system. A mathematical dynamic model was developed, which comprises of several subsystems that are representative of CSP-MGT components and thermodynamic relationships between them. The compressor and turbine operating points are determined from associated performance maps previously calculated using computational fluid dynamics. A Proportional-Integral controller was adopted for controlling the shaft speed of the system to follow a predefined speed schedule. The model has been validated using experimental data. The developed dynamic model can be used for further studies, including finding start-up power consumption and analysis of transient behaviour of CSP-MGT systems in response to Direct nominal irradiation (DNI) changes.
Fast and Integrated Tools for Forced Response Prediction: An Application to a Transonic Compressor Rotor Blisk
Authors: Pinelli Lorenzo , Bandini Alberto , Marconcini Michele , Amedei Andrea , Meli Enrico , Rindi Andrea
Published: November 2022

When it comes to turbomachinery, modern design trend has always been to decrease the number of stages and blade count, leading to thinner, lighter, and more loaded blades, while maintaining high efficiency and performance. This trend however may lead to mechanical issues caused by fluid-structure interaction, such as flutter and forced response. That is the reason why developing fast and highly efficient tools to properly take into account these phenomena, starting from the early design stages, is fundamental to ensure that no resonance problems occur during operation, due to the periodic nature of the aerodynamic loading. In this regard, this paper presents an integrated tool-chain for forced response assessment of bladed disks, and an application to a transonic compressor rotor blisk for validation purposes. Starting from CFD URANS simulations of a multi-stage environment, the procedure employs a dedicated in-house tool to extract the spinning pressure perturbations acting on the blade row surface, by means of a temporal and spatial Fourier decomposition. Then, a second in-house tool, integrated in the CFD framework, computes the modal work done by each rotating perturbation acting on the corresponding blade mode-shape, to predict the forced response amplitude. Resulting displacement amplitude is then compared to numerical results obtained with a commercial FEM code applied to the same test-case. This method was conceived for a high integration in a CFD environment based on the URANS solver TRAF, developed at the University of Florence. The presented procedure requires as input only the blade mode-shapes of interest from FEM analysis, while aerodamping and forced response assessment are integrated in the CFD framework. The comparisons with commercial code results validate the proposed methodology highlighting the relevant saving of setup and computational time.
Simulation and Investigation of an Intentionally Mistuned Blisk Rotor in a High Pressure Compressor
Authors: Yang Jingjie , Beirow Bernd , Giersch Thomas
Published: November 2022

In modern aircraft engines, the blade integrated disk (blisk) technology is widely implemented. While the blisk design brings numerous advantages including weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency improvement, and manufacturing simplification, its low mechanical damping due to the absence of friction between disk and blades makes the rotor more susceptible to vibration. Given that damages to blisk rotors sometimes require the whole assembly to be replaced, effort has been made to alleviate the unexpected vibration amplitude within operating range, among which intentional mistuning is regarded as one of the commonly used techniques. Mistuning refers to blade-to-blade deviation of mechanical properties, which is inevitable in practice due to manufacturing tolerances or wear. Through the application of intentional mistuning, it is expected that the amplitude of synchronous or non-synchronous vibration (NSV) will be reduced without severely losing aerodynamic performance.

In this paper, the effect of intentional mistuning has been investigated for the blisk rotor of a 1.5-stage transonic research compressor at Technical University of Darmstadt. According to the previous test campaign, the baseline rotor has shown its susceptibility to NSV due to the first torsion mode in the near stall region. Attempts have been made to alleviate this problem by using intentional mistuning. In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the applied mistuning pattern, simulations were performed using a finite-volume-method (FVM) based CFD solver to produce comparable results as shown in the test campaign. In the simulation, mistuned systems were modeled in comparison with the nominal tuned reference. Geometrical disturbance and frequency disturbance were introduced to the tuned model first separately and then simultaneously. In this way, the contribution of aerodynamic and structural mistuning to suppress NSV is identified based on the aeroelastic output.
A Novel Low-Cost Approach to Testing High-Cycle Fatigue Limits
Authors: Mendez Betances Luis , Armaly Samer , Kauffman Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a low-cost system for testing high-cycle fatigue (HCF) limits of critical components and materials. Fatigue testing is hugely time intensive and vibration shaker time is often prioritized for other tests. The basic system produces fully reversed bending in beam-like coupons, though the principles could be adapted to other test configurations. The system consists of an AC motor, variable frequency drive (VFD), eccentric cam / connecting rod, sliding base, and feedback controller; together, they provide base motion to drive a test specimen. An immediate drawback is the fixed base motion displacement amplitude, which depends solely on the cam’s eccentricity. As such, the system leverages the dynamic response of the test specimen to induce the intended vibration amplitude. The system drives the test specimen near resonance and exploits the steep slope of the test specimen’s frequency response function magnitude so that even small changes in motor speed can produce appreciable changes in the vibration amplitude. Feedback control drives a measurement of the vibration level to a desired level. Initial testing has been conducted generating root bending strains in excess of 2000 microstrain for 2.5 mm thick cantilever steel beams for durations on the order of 1 million cycles and strains as high as 1% for hundreds of cycles.
On the Dynamic Response of a Two-Degree-of-Freedom System With Dry Friction and Elastic Stop
Authors: Jiang Liming , Su Zhimin , Hong Jie , Ma Yanhong
Published: November 2022

The contact interface is one of the essential components of structural systems, introducing friction and non-smooth constraints, which will cause nonlinear dynamic behavior. This survey provides an insight into the dynamic response of a simplified model with two moving parts in detail. The proposed model can be applied to analyze the dynamic behavior of a rotor system with pedestal looseness fault. First, a two-degree-of-freedom system is established, and the nonlinear force caused by friction and elastic stop is introduced between the two moving parts. Dimensionless governing equations are derived, and the harmonic balance method and the shooting method are used to obtain the periodic solution. Floquet theory and Poincaré mapping are applied to analyze stability. The amplitude-frequency curves obtained by the two methods are compared considering friction merely, and the accuracy of the harmonic balance method is verified by the numerical integration method. Then, the features of energy dissipation versus excitation frequency are present, and influences of friction force amplitudes on the dynamic response are studied. The periodic solution is unstable considering friction and elastic stop in some excitation frequency ranges, and Hopf bifurcations exist correspondingly, indicating quasi-periodic motion occurs. The frequency domain of periodic motion contains super-harmonic components merely, while the frequency domain of quasi-periodic signal is composed of combined frequencies. Since Hopf bifurcation indicates a new periodic solution whose frequency is incommensurable with the original one, a formula for explaining combined frequencies is presented. Meanwhile, there are multiple collisions phenomena per cycle in time history. Finally, the influences of parameters on the dynamic response are studied. Note that the model in this survey may be regarded as a single-degree-of-freedom system with a friction-impact damper, which is beneficial to design nonlinear vibration absorbers based on friction and impact for vibration suppression.
Physicochemically reformed tin oxide film fabricated for self-alignment of liquid crystals
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Dong Wook , Oh Jin Young , Won Jonghoon , Kim Dae-Hyun , Jeong Hae-Chang , Seo Dae-Shik
Published: November 2022

This study compressed the conventional two-step process of brush coating and orientation for liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer manufacturing into a one-step process. Surface modification and LC alignment were performed by brush coating with a tin oxide solution prepared via the solgel process at different curing temperatures. The effect of the curing temperature on atomic bonds was analyzed through x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the physical morphology of the film surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the LC alignment of the brush-coated tin oxide film was verified via polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle measurements. The shear stress generated during the brush coating process formed a partial groove structure; the resulting anisotropy aligned the LC molecules homogeneously. The brush-coated film showed excellent LC orientation properties, confirming the potential of the proposed and efficient fabrication process as a new orientation technology.
Effect of charge-up of surfaces of sintered Y2O3 and yttrium oxyfluoride on their erosion rates due to ion bombardment
Authors: Goto Tetsuya , Shiba Yoshinobu , Teramoto Akinobu , Kishi Yukio , Sugawa Shigetoshi
Published: November 2022

The erosion rate of sintered Y2O3 and yttrium oxyfluoride (Y-O-F) due to Ar ion bombardment was investigated for use in the plasma process chamber. The Ar ion bombardment was performed by irradiations of Ar plasma and Ar ion beam. In addition, charge-up behavior of these ceramics was investigated by two methods. One was the measurement of the surface voltage during the plasma irradiation (the so-called self-bias voltage), and the other was the measurement of the surface voltage generated due to the accumulation of static electricity in the clean room air. It was found that the negative self-bias voltage of the Y2O3 surface was smaller than that of Y-O-F. It was also found that Y2O3 was easily positively charged by the accumulation of the static electricity compared to Y-O-F, which was consistent with the observed relationship of the self-bias voltages between Y2O3 and Y-O-F. For the evaluation of the erosion rate due to Ar ion bombardment, it was found that the material and setting of masks to make the erosion step for evaluating the rate greatly affected the results. When electrically conductive masks with electrically connecting to a substrate were used, the erosion rate of Y-O-F was smaller than that of Y2O3. The results suggested that the intrinsic ion-bombardment-induced erosion rate of Y-O-F was smaller than that of Y2O3, because the ion bombardment energy was expected to be almost the same due to the existence of the conductive masks. On the other hand, when insulating masks were used, the rates of Y2O3 and Y-O-F were almost the same level. Considering the aforementioned charge-up behavior, the results suggested that a relatively larger positive charge-up of the Y2O3 surface during the ion bombardment decelerated injecting ions, resulting in the decrease in ion bombardment energy and, thus, the erosion rate.
The brain-fat connection
Authors: Cardoso Filipa
Published: November 2022

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells shape metabolism through a brain-body circuit
After Lula’s win, ‘a huge relief!’
Authors: Moutinho Sofia
Published: November 2022

Many in Brazil’s scientific community abhorred Jair Bolsonaro. But his successor faces major challenges
The H240R Protein of African Swine Fever Virus Inhibits Interleukin 1β Production by Inhibiting NEMO Expression and NLRP3 Oligomerization
Authors: Zhou Pingping , Dai Jingwen , Zhang Kehui , Wang Tao , Li Lian-Feng , Luo Yuzi , Sun Yuan , Qiu Hua-Ji , Li Su
Published: November 2022

African swine fever (ASF), a lethal hemorrhagic disease, is caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). There are no commercially available vaccines or antivirals for the disease.
Transition from pediatric to adult care in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal analysis of age at transfer and gap in care
Authors: Soliman Diana , Crowley Matthew J , Manning Alison , Rikhi Aruna , Chiswell Karen , Goldstein Benjamin A , Maslow Gary
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk of suboptimal glycemic control and high acute care utilization. Little is known about the optimal age to transfer people with T1D to adult care, or time gap between completing pediatric care and beginning adult endocrinology care.

Research design and methods

This retrospective, longitudinal study examined the transition of AYAs with T1D who received endocrinology care within Duke University Health System. We used linear multivariable or Poisson regression modeling to assess the association of (1) sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with gap in care and age at transfer among AYAs and (2) the impact of gap in care and age at transfer on subsequent glycemic control and acute care utilization.

Results

There were 214 subjects included in the analysis (54.2% female, 72.8% white). The median time to transition and age at transition were 8.0 months and 21.5 years old, respectively. The median gap in care was extended by a factor of 3.39 (95% CI=1.25 to 9.22, p=0.02) for those who did not see a mental health provider pre-transfer. Individuals who did not see a diabetes educator in pediatrics had an increase in mean age at transition of 2.62 years (95% CI=0.93 to 4.32, p<0.01). The post-transfer emergency department visit rate was increased for every month increase in gap in care by a relative factor of 1.07 (95% CI=1.03 to 1.11, p<0.01). For every year increase in age at transition, post-transfer hospitalization rate was associated with a reduction of a relative factor of 0.62 (95% CI=0.45 to 0.85, p<0.01) and emergency department visit rate by 0.58 (95% CI=0.45 to 0.76, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Most AYAs with T1D have a prolonged gap in care. When designing interventions to improve health outcomes for AYAs transitioning from pediatric to adult-based care, we should aim to minimize gaps in care.
Comparison of published core outcome sets with outcomes recommended in regulatory guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency: cross sectional analysis
Authors: Saldanha Ian J , Dodd Susanna , Fish Rebecca , Gorst Sarah L , Hall Deborah A , Jacobsen Pamela , Kirkham Jamie J , Trepel Dominic , Williamson Paula R
Published: November 2022

Objective

To compare the outcomes in published core outcome sets with the outcomes recommended in corresponding guidance documents from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), matched by health condition.

Design

Cross sectional analysis.

Setting

US and Europe.

Population

Sample of core outcome sets related to drugs, devices, and gene therapy that involved patients in the consensus process, published between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019; and corresponding EMA and FDA guidance documents.

Main outcome measures

The extent of matches between outcomes included within core outcome sets and those recommended in corresponding EMA and FDA guidance documents were assessed. Matches were considered to be general (ie, non-specific) or specific (ie, exact). General matches were assessed to determine whether the core outcome set or guidance document outcome was narrower.

Results

Relevant guidance documents were found for for 38 (39%) of 98 eligible published core outcome sets. Among outcomes in core outcome sets, medians of 70% (interquartile range 48-86%) and 52% (33-77%) were matches with outcomes recommended in EMA and FDA documents, respectively. Medians of 46% (27-68%) and 26% (18-46%) were specific matches with outcomes in EMA and FDA documents, respectively. When outcomes were generally matched, the outcomes from core outcome sets were more frequently narrower than the regulatory outcomes (83% and 75% for EMA and FDA, respectively).

Conclusion

Greater adoption of, and reference to, core outcome sets in regulatory guidance documents can encourage clinical trialists, especially those in industry, to measure and report consistent and agreed outcomes and improve the quality of guidance. Given the overlap between outcomes in core outcome sets and regulatory guidance, and given that most core outcome sets now involve patients in the consensus process, these sets could serve as a useful resource for regulators when recommending outcomes for studies evaluating regulated products. Developers are encouraged to appraise recommended outcomes in salient regulatory documents when planning a core outcome set.
Perceived feasibility, facilitators and barriers to incorporating point-of-care testing for SARS-CoV-2 into emergency medical services by ambulance service staff: a survey-based approach
Authors: Green Kile , Micocci Massimo , Hicks Timothy , Winter Amanda , Martin Joanne E , Shinkins Bethany , Shaw Lisa , Price Christopher , Davies Kerrie , Allen Joy A
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This body of work aimed to elicit ambulance service staff’s perceptions on the barriers and facilitators to adoption, and clinical utility of incorporating rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing during ambulance assessments.

Design

A mixed-methods survey-based project using a framework analysis method to organise qualitative data.

Setting

Emergency and non-emergency care ambulatory services in the UK were approached to take part.

Participants

Current, practising members of the UK ambulance service (paramedics, technicians, assistants and other staff) were included in this body of work.

Results

Survey 1: 226 responses were collected between 3 December 2020 and 11 January 2021, 179 (79.2%) of which were completed in full. While the majority of respondents indicated that an ambulance-based testing strategy was feasible in concept (143/190, 75.3%), major barriers to adoption were noted. Many open-ended responses cited concerns regarding misuse of the service by the general public and other healthcare services, timing and conveyance issues, and increased workloads, alongside training and safety concerns. Survey 2: 26 responses were received between 8 February 2021 and 22 February 2021 to this follow-up survey. Survey 2 revealed conveyance decision-making, and risk stratification to be the most frequently prioritised use cases among ambulance service staff. Optimal test characteristics for clinical adoption according to respondents were; accuracy (above 90% sensitivity and specificity), rapidity (<30 min time to results) and ease of sample acquisition.

Conclusions

The majority of commercially available lateral flow devices are unlikely to be supported by paramedics as their duty of care requires both rapid and accurate results that can inform clinical decision making in an emergency situation. Further investigation is needed to define acceptable test characteristics and criteria required for ambulance service staff to be confident and supportive of deployment of a SARS-CoV-2 test in an emergency care setting.
Effect of communicating community immunity on COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant people from ethnically diverse backgrounds: an experimental vignette study in the UK
Authors: Stoffel Sandro T , Kaushal Aradhna , Grimani Aikaterini , von Wagner Christian , Sniehotta Falko F , Vlaev Ivo
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Achieving high vaccination coverage is vital to the efforts of curbing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health and society. This study tested whether communicating the social benefit through community protection for friends and family members versus overall society, affects vaccination intention and perception among a sample enriched with respondents from black and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Design

A web-based experimental survey was conducted. Eligible participants were individually randomised, with equal probability, to one of the three experimental vignettes.

Setting

England.

Participants

We recruited 512 (212 white, 300 ethnically diverse) vaccine-hesitant members from an online panel.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The secondary outcome consisted of a behavioural measure in the form of active interest in reading more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Additional measures included the perceived importance and expected uptake in others, as well as the attitudes towards vaccination.

Results

Logistic regression models did not show an effect of the messages on intentions for the overall sample (society: adjusted OR (aOR): 128, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.88 andfriends and family: aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.94). The role of vaccination in achieving community immunity yielded higher vaccination intentions among study participants with white ethnic background (society: aOR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.51 andfriends and family: aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.96), but not among respondents from ethnically diverse backgrounds (society: aOR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.58 andfriends and family: aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.73). The messages, however, did not affect the perceived importance of the vaccine, expected vaccination uptake and active interest in reading more about the vaccine.

Conclusions

Thus, although highlighting the social benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations can increase intentions among vaccine non-intenders, they are unlikely to address barriers among ethnically diverse communities.