bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of children in marital relationships and (in)stability of cross‐border stepfamilies in Hong Kong
Authors: To Clara Wai‐chun
Published: October 2020

As the first study on the marital stability of transnational remarriages, this study contributes to two bodies of literature, namely, marriage migration and stepfamilies, by examining the role of stepchildren and common children in (de)stabilising marital relationships in cross‐border stepfamilies in Hong Kong. Studies have shown that intermarriages and remarriages are unstable, especially remarriages involving non‐shared children. Remarriages represent a significant proportion of transnational marriages. However, little is known about the role of immigrant stepchildren and common children at different life courses in shaping marital dynamics and stability in international remarriages. This study focuses on cross‐border marriages that involve children from a previous relationship. It adopts a life course perspective and uses in‐depth interviews with lower‐class mainland Chinese immigrant mothers with children from previous relationships and common children with their Hong Kong husbands. It found that children in these families played three roles in stabilising or jeopardising remarriage: immigrant stepchildren as catalysts, common children as buffers and husband's children as gatekeepers. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the important role of migration in stepfamily dynamics, the diversity of transnational stepfamilies and the need to go beyond the conjugal dyad to understand marital dynamics and stability in cross‐border stepfamilies.
Multiperson interaction recognition in images: A body keypoint based feature image analysis
Authors: Verma Amit , Meenpal Toshanlal , Acharya Bibhudendra
Published: October 2020

Most interaction recognition approaches have been limited to single‐person action classification in videos. However, for still images where motion information is not available, the task becomes more complex. Aiming to this point, we propose an approach for multiperson human interaction recognition in images with keypoint‐based feature image analysis. Proposed method is a three‐stage framework. In the first stage, we propose feature‐based neural network (FCNN) for action recognition trained with feature images. Feature images are body features, that is, effective distances between a set of body part pairs and angular relation between body part triplets, rearranged in 2D gray‐scale image to learn effective representation of complex actions. In the later stage, we propose a voting‐based method for direction encoding to anticipate probable motion in steady images. Finally, our multiperson interaction recognition algorithm identifies which human pairs are interacting with each other using an interaction parameter. We evaluate our approach on two real‐world data sets, that is, UT‐interaction and SBU kinect interaction. The empirical experiments show that results are better than the state‐of‐the‐art methods with recognition accuracy of 95.83% on UT‐I set 1, 92.5% on UT‐I set 2, and 94.28% on SBU clean data set.
Ventilatory inefficiency during graded exercise in COPD: A pragmatic approach
Authors: Muller Paulo T. , Saraiva Erlandson F.
Published: October 2020

Background/Objective

The current approach to measuring ventilatory (in)efficiency (V′E‐V′CO2 slope, nadir and intercept) presents critical drawbacks in the evaluation of COPD subjects, owing mainly to mechanical ventilatory constraints. Thus, we aimed to compare the current approach with a new method we have developed for ventilatory efficiency calculation.

Methods

The new procedure was based on measuring the amount of CO2 cleared by the lungs (V′CO2, L/min) plotted against a predefined range of increase in minute ventilation (V′E) (ten‐fold increase based on semilog scale) during incremental exercise to symptom‐limited maximum tolerance. This value was compared to a hypothetical predicted maximum CO2 output at the predicted maximal voluntary ventilation, defining ventilatory efficiency (ηV′E, %). The results were used to compare 30 subjects with COPD (II‐IV Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, GOLD) and 10 non‐COPD smokers, to establish the best discriminative physiological variable for disease severity through logistic multinomial regression.

Results

The new approach was more sensitive to progressive deterioration of airway obstruction, resulting in worse ηV′E as lung function worsens throughout the GOLD panel (ηV′E (%), p < .001), when compared with V′E‐V′CO2 slope (p = .715) or V′E‐V′CO2 nadir (p = .070), besides showing the best model based on the logistic regression approach.

Conclusion

Although requiring more complex calculations compared to the current procedure, the new approach is highly sensitive to true ventilatory/gas‐exchange deterioration, even throughout more severe pulmonary lung function in COPD subjects.
Associations between cachexia and metalloproteinases, haemodynamics and mortality in heart failure
Authors: Morishita Tetsuji , Uzui Hiroyasu , Sato Yusuke , Mitsuke Yasuhiko , Tada Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Background

Addressing cachexia in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients is an urgent issue in Japan, the most aged country in the world. We investigated the possible relationships between cachexia and, metalloproteinases and haemodynamics assessed by the cardiac catheterization. We also clarified the prognostic value of cardiac cachexia in the Japanese CHF population.

Methods and results

A total of 370 participants (median age, 69 years; 35% women) were included. The haemodynamic effects of cachexia were analysed by right heart catheterization. The serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMP), as myocardial collagen turnover markers, were also assessed. Cachexia was present in 88 patients (31%). Overall, 59 patients (16%) had all‐cause death. Serum MMP‐2 and TIMP‐2 levels were higher in cachectic patients than in noncachectic patients (797.5 [649.0‐1066.8] vs 610.0 [461.8‐756.8] ng/mL; P = .004 and 39.0 [28.0‐49.0] vs 24.0 [19.0‐37.0] ng/mL; P = .008, respectively). Cachectic patients had greater values of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (161.9 [119.4‐225.4] vs 127.8 [90.7‐164.8] dynes/sec/cm−5, P = .020). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis demonstrated higher probabilities of all‐cause death in the cachexia group (log‐rank P = .010). Cox proportional hazards modelling showed cachexia was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.06‐3.37; P = .029). The random forest model showed that C‐reactive protein, age, haemoglobin, PVR and MMP‐2 were predictors of cardiac cachexia.

Conclusions

Cachexia, applying the globally accepted definition, was associated with adverse outcomes in the Japanese CHF population and accompanied by increased activity of MMP species and PVR.
Cell‐permeable CaaX‐peptides affect K‐Ras downstream signaling and promote cell death in cancer cells
Authors: Klimpel Annika , Stillger Katharina , Wiederstein Janica L. , Krüger Marcus , Neundorf Ines
Published: October 2020

Cysteine prenylation is a post‐translational modification that is used by nature to control crucial biological functions of proteins, such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. It mainly occurs in eukaryotic proteins at a C‐terminal CaaX box and is mediated by prenyltransferases. Since the discovery of prenylated proteins, various tools have been developed to study the mechanisms of prenyltransferases, as well as to visualize and to identify prenylated proteins. Herein, we introduce cell‐permeable peptides bearing a C‐terminal CaaX motif based on Ras sequences. We demonstrate that intracellular accumulation of those peptides in different cells is controlled by the presence of their CaaX motif and that they specifically interact with intracellular prenyltransferases. As proof of concept, we further highlight their utilization to alter downstream signaling of Ras proteins, particularly of K‐Ras‐4B, in pancreatic cancer cells. Application of this strategy holds great promise to better understand and regulate post‐translational cysteine prenylation.
Platforms and the pandemic: A case study of fashion rental platforms during COVID‐19
Authors: Brydges Taylor , Heinze Lisa , Retamal Monique , Henninger Claudia E.
Published: October 2020

From Airbnb to Uber, the sharing or platform economy has reshaped many aspects of our economy and society. In recent years, fashion rental platforms have gained in popularity, fuelling the introduction of the platform economy in fashion. When the COVID‐19 pandemic hit, the impact on fashion rental platforms was abrupt, with demand disappearing seemingly overnight as events were cancelled and many people began working from home. Drawing on a case study of fashion rental platforms, we explore the immediate consequences of the pandemic on this segment of the platform economy, examining both the challenges these platforms face in the short term and the strategies platforms have adopted to try and weather the storm. We highlight how the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on fashion rental platforms thus far intersects with issues pertaining to value creation, precarious work, gender, and sustainable consumption. In doing so, we reflect on how fashion rental platforms inform understanding of the platform economy more broadly and conclude by suggesting themes for future research.
Anticoagulant prescribing in patients with ischaemic stroke: what has changed over a decade?
Authors: Sharobeam Angelos , Jones Brett , Watters Aidan , Das Chandi , Lueck Christian
Published: October 2020

A study at our institution conducted 10 years ago identified that warfarin was under‐utilised in patients with atrial fibrillation. We replicated this study and compared the results. There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients appropriately anticoagulated (63% vs 9%, P < 0.001). Eighty‐seven percent of eligible patients were appropriately anticoagulated on discharge (86% previously). Seventy‐two percent of treated patients were prescribed a direct oral anticoagulant. Of these, 10% were discharged with a sub‐therapeutic dose without obvious explanation.
Corporate debt overhang and investment in emerging economies: Firm‐level evidence
Authors: Borensztein Eduardo , Ye Lei Sandy
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates empirically the linkages between corporate debt overhang and investment activity at the firm level for a cross section of large‐sized emerging market and developing economies. It analyzes the extent to which investment may be discouraged by high levels of debt that put at risk future profits, as well as firm dimensions that may sharpen the debt‐investment link. Using balance sheet data from a broad set of emerging market and developing economy firms, the analysis suggests that corporate debt overhang imposes a sizable effect on investment at the firm level. This linkage is more pronounced for large firms and highly leveraged firms. The analysis also finds evidence of a nonlinear effect, in which debt overhang discourages investment more severely under high levels of indebtedness.
Marine fish diversity in Tropical America associated with both past and present environmental conditions
Authors: Polanco F. Andrea , Fopp Fabian , Albouy Camille , Brun Philipp , Boschman Lydian , Pellissier Loïc
Published: October 2020

Aim

Tropical America, including the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, presents a high level of marine biodiversity, but its fish fauna has been poorly documented. In early studies marine species distributions were interpreted based on tectonic activity during the late Cenozoic, while more recent studies have highlighted a link with the present‐day environment. Here, we described the assemblage richness and composition of fishes in Tropical America and related these properties to both the past evolution of marine environmental conditions and current environmental gradients.

Location

Tropical America.

Taxon

Demersal and benthic fishes.

Methods

We mapped the distribution of 2,216 demersal and benthic fish species of Tropical America using existing occurrence data. We computed three assemblage indicators: species richness, composition and nestedness, which we explained by environmental gradients. We linked compositional distance to environmental differences using distance‐based redundancy analysis, species richness and nestedness using a generalized linear model. We ran simulations of a mechanistic model in which three processes determine the spatial dynamics of biodiversity: speciation, dispersal and extinction. This model yielded estimates for species assemblage properties following palaeogeographic changes in the region that shaped the current coastal habitat configuration.

Results

Fish species richness in Tropical America peaks around the Florida Peninsula, Bahamas and Greater Antilles. Fish composition varies along a depth gradient, between the Tropical Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, and forms distinct domains within the Caribbean region. The nestedness component of β‐diversity is lower in shallower assemblages, especially those along the outer section of the Greater Caribbean. Species richness and nestedness are partly explained by current environmental conditions, but model simulations illustrate how this may be further explained by the tectonic history of the region.

Main conclusions

Species richness peaks in the Greater Caribbean, coinciding with generally favourable current environmental conditions for demersal and benthic fishes. The high species richness and the low nestedness of fish assemblages in the Cuba region are compatible with the results of palaeo‐environmental changes that have occurred in that area. Effects of the plate tectonic history might still be present in the organization of fish fauna in this region.
Tongue muscle strength affects posterior pharyngeal wall advancement during swallowing: A cross‐sectional study of outpatients with dysphagia
Authors: Nagashima Keigo , Kikutani Takeshi , Miyashita Taishi , Yajima Yuri , Tamura Fumiyo
Published: October 2020

Background

Tongue muscle strength is important for swallowing but decreases with age, in association with reduced skeletal muscle mass. However, the relationships between pharyngeal dynamics and both skeletal muscle mass and tongue muscle strength are unknown.

Objective

To investigate the effect of reductions in tongue muscle strength on pharyngeal movement during swallowing in patients with dysphagia.

Methods

Subjects were selected from male outpatients ≥65 years old who were examined for the main complaint of dysphagia. Patients with history of neurodegenerative disease affecting tongue movement, cerebrovascular disease or oral cancer were excluded. As a result, 82 men (mean age, 80.6 ± 6.8 years) participated. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) as physical parameters and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) as tongue muscles strength were measured. Status and dynamics of the pharyngeal organs, including change in posterior pharyngeal wall advancement (PPWA) when swallowing 3.0 mL of moderately thick liquid, were measured by analysing videofluoroscopic images. Simple bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to statistically analyse correlations between parameters.

Results

MTP showed a significant positive correlation with SMI (r = .43, P < .01). PPWA showed a significant negative correlation with MTP (r = −0.30, P < .01), but no association with SMI.

Conclusions

While tongue muscle strength is affected by skeletal muscle mass, posterior pharyngeal wall advancement is not readily affected by decreases in skeletal muscle mass. Posterior pharyngeal wall advancement may increase to compensate for swallowing function among individuals with reduced tongue muscle strength.
Overweight and obesity among urban women with iron deficiency anaemia in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Nazia Binte , Dibley Michael J. , Islam Sajia , Rahman Mohammad Masudur , Raihana Shahreen , Bhuiyan Shams E. Tabriz , Rahman Qazi Sadequr , Rahman Hafizur , Arifeen Shams El , Huda Tanvir M.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among nonpregnant and nonlactating (NPNL) women of reproductive age with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in urban Bangladesh. We obtained data from the baseline assessment of a randomized control trial conducted among 525 women of reproductive age (18–49 years) with IDA (Hb < 12 gdl−1and serum ferritin <30 μg L−1). The study was carried out in Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between December 2017 and January 2019. We collected information on women's socio‐demographic characteristics and anthropometry. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the following formula: weight in kilograms per height in square metres. BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg m−2was considered as overweight, whereas BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2as obese. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to ascertain the risk factors of overweight and obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.9% (95% CI: 26.0–34.0) and 13.1% (95% CI: 10.4–16.3), respectively. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.0% (95% CI: 38.7–47.4). The multivariable analysis showed married women (aOR: 4.4; CI: 1.8–11.1), women aged 30–49 years (aOR: 7.6; CI: 2.4–24.1), unemployed women (aOR 1.5; CI: 1.0–2.4) and women from the wealthier households (aOR 3.9; CI: 2.3–6.8) had the highest risk of being overweight and obese compared with their counterparts. Both age and household wealth statuses showed dose–response relationships. Combination of overweight and obesity with IDA poses a particular challenge for public health interventions. The policymakers should consider what new interventions and policy initiatives are needed to address this combination of overweight and obesity with IDA.
cGMP homeostasis in malaria parasites—The key to perceiving and integrating environmental changes during transmission to the mosquito
Authors: Brochet Mathieu , Balestra Aurélia C. , Brusini Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Malaria‐causing parasites are transmitted from humans to mosquitoes when developmentally arrested gametocytes are taken up by a female Anopheles during a blood meal. The changes in environment from human to mosquito activate gametogenesis, including a drop in temperature, a rise in pH, and a mosquito‐derived molecule, xanthurenic acid. Signaling receptors have not been identified in malaria parasites but mounting evidence indicates that cGMP homeostasis is key to sensing extracellular cues in gametocytes. Low levels of cGMP maintained by phosphodiesterases prevent precocious activation of gametocytes in the human blood. Upon ingestion, initiation of gametogenesis depends on the activation of a hybrid guanylyl cyclase/P4‐ATPase. Elevated cGMP levels lead to the rapid mobilization of intracellular calcium that relies upon the activation of both cGMP‐dependent protein kinase and phosphoinositide phospholipase C. Once calcium is released, a cascade of phosphorylation events mediated by calcium‐dependent protein kinases and phosphatases regulates the cellular processes required for gamete formation. cGMP signaling also triggers timely egress from the host cell at other life cycle stages of malaria parasites and in Toxoplasma gondii, a related apicomplexan parasite. This suggests that cGMP signaling is a versatile platform transducing external cues into calcium signals at important decision points in the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites.
Complete or overcompensatory thermal acclimation of leaf dark respiration in African tropical trees
Authors: Mujawamariya Myriam , Wittemann Maria , Manishimwe Aloysie , Ntirugulirwa Bonaventure , Zibera Etienne , Nsabimana Donat , Wallin Göran , Uddling Johan , Dusenge Mirindi Eric
Published: October 2020

Tropical climates are getting warmer, with pronounced dry periods in large areas. The productivity and climate feedbacks of future tropical forests depend on the ability of trees to acclimate their physiological processes, such as leaf dark respiration (Rd), to these new conditions. However, knowledge on this is currently limited due to data scarcity.

We studied the impact of growth temperature on Rd and its dependency on net photosynthesis (An), leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, and leaf mass per unit area (LMA) in 16 early‐successional (ES) and late‐successional (LS) tropical tree species in multispecies plantations along an elevation gradient (Rwanda TREE project). Moreover, we explored the effect of drought on Rd in one ES and one LS species.

Leaf Rd at 20°C decreased at warmer sites, regardless if it was expressed per unit leaf area, mass, N or P. This acclimation resulted in an 8% and a 28% decrease in Rd at prevailing nighttime temperatures in trees at the intermediate and warmest sites, respectively. Moreover, drought reduced Rd, particularly in the ES species and at the coolest site.

Thermal acclimation of Rd is complete or overcompensatory and independent of changes in leaf nutrients or LMA in African tropical trees.
Contingentism versus Necessitism: The Tractatus Standpoint
Authors: Frascolla Pasquale
Published: October 2020

The paper provides an interpretation of section 2.013 of the Tractatus which casts light on the strategic role that that section plays in the early Wittgenstein’s version of the ontology of logical atomism. The far‐reaching consequences that the proposed interpretation has on the issue of the metaphysical nature of objects are spelled out, and the identification of Tractatus objects with phenomenal qualities, that is with phenomenal abstract universals, is shown to be fully consistent with those consequences. As a by‐product of the analysis, the standpoint of the Tractatus with respect to both contingentism and necessitism is clarified.
Disparities in neonatal abstinence syndrome and health insurance status: A statewide study using non–claims real‐time surveillance data
Authors: Umer Amna , Lilly Christa , Hamilton Candice , Breyel Janine , Allen Lindsay , Rompala Ancilla , Moore Carrie , O'Dierno Patricia , John Collin
Published: October 2020

Background

Most studies examining the relationship between neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and health insurance status in the United States (USA) have used administrative insurance claims data, which is subject to myriad limitations. We examined the association between NAS and health insurance status in a large geographically defined rural population in the United States, using non–claims data.

Methods

We utilized data from a population‐based cohort of all newborns born in 2017–2019 in the rural state of West Virginia (WV) and restricted analyses to WV residents’ births (n = 46 213). NAS was defined as neonatal withdrawal from many substances, including opiates and not limited to those cases that require pharmacological treatment.

Results

Medicaid covered more than half (52.6%) of all infants’ births in the state of WV. The incidence of NAS was 85.8 and 12.7 per 1000 livebirths in the Medicaid and privately insured groups, respectively. Among all infants diagnosed with NAS, 86.1% were enrolled in the state’s Medicaid programme. The risk of NAS in the Medicaid‐insured newborns was higher than privately insured newborns in the unadjusted analysis (risk ratio (RR) 6.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.95, 7.68) and the adjusted analysis RR 3.00, 95% CI 2.01, 4.49); adjusted risk difference 20.3 (95% CI 17.5, 23.1 cases per 1000 livebirths).

Conclusions

NAS is an important indicator of the immediate effect of the opioid crisis. This study shows the disparity in NAS by health insurance status for a large rural population in the United States, and its burden on the state’s Medicaid programme. Providing timely and accurate estimates of NAS is important for public health policies and decision making.
Phylogeny and morphology of Nemalionopsis shawii (Thoreales, Rhodophyta), a new generic record from mainland China
Authors: Nan Fang‐Ru , Han Jin‐Fen , Feng Jia , Lv Jun‐Ping , Liu Qi , Liu Xu‐Dong , Xie Shu‐Lian
Published: October 2020

The freshwater red alga Nemalionopsis shawii Skuja is first reported for mainland China from specimens collected in Guangdong and Yunnan Province. Morphological observations and molecular sequences of rbcL and cox1 genes were used to identify and analyze the phylogenetic position of the samples. Samples from China formed a monophyletic clade with other N. shawii samples from Japan, Indonesia, and Nepal with robust support values. The pairwise genetic distances for N. shawii between the samples from China and other samples were 0.2–1.5% and 1.0–2.4% for rbcL and cox1, respectively. Both male and female reproductive structures were observed in the specimens from Guangdong, but only monosporangia in the specimen from Yunnan. The samples from China increase the diversity of morphological measurements for N. shawii. The discovery of this genus in mainland China results in a new record of a freshwater red alga for this country.
Psychophysiological responses to various slow, deep breathing techniques
Authors: Gholamrezaei Ali , Van Diest Ilse , Aziz Qasim , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Van Oudenhove Lukas
Published: October 2020

Deep breathing exercises are commonly used for several health conditions including pain and hypertension. Various techniques are available to practice deep breathing, whereas possible differential psychophysiological effects have not been investigated. We compared four deep breathing techniques and examined outcomes in blood pressure variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, baroreflex function, and emotional state. Healthy adult volunteers performed pursed‐lips breathing, left and right unilateral nostril breathing, and deep breathing with an inspiratory threshold load (loaded breathing), all at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (i.e., controlled breathing) and for three minutes each. Results showed that blood pressure variability was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed‐lips breathing versus left and right unilateral nostril breathing. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed‐lips breathing versus left unilateral nostril breathing. The effect of breathing condition on respiratory sinus arrhythmia was mediated by alterations in blood pressure variability. There was no difference between the breathing conditions in baroreflex sensitivity or effectiveness. Participants rated pursed‐lips breathing as more calming and pleasant and with more sense of control (vs. other conditions). Overall, among the four tested deep breathing techniques, loaded breathing was associated with enhanced cardiovascular effects and pursed‐lips breathing with better emotional responses, while also enhancing cardiovascular effects (albeit less than loaded breathing). These findings can be informative in applying deep breathing techniques as self‐management interventions for health conditions, in which baroreceptors stimulation and autonomic and emotional modulations can be beneficial, such as pain and hypertension.
What is going on with the hormonal control of flowering in plants?
Authors: Izawa Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Molecular genetic studies using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system have overwhelmingly revealed many important molecular mechanisms underlying the control of various biological events, including floral induction in plants. The major genetic pathways of flowering have been characterized in‐depth, and include the photoperiod, vernalization, autonomous and gibberellin pathways. In recent years, novel flowering pathways are increasingly being identified. These include age, thermosensory, sugar, stress and hormonal signals to control floral transition. Among them, hormonal control of flowering except the gibberellin pathway is not formally considered a major flowering pathway per se, due to relatively weak and often pleiotropic genetic effects, complex phenotypic variations, including some controversial ones. However, a number of recent studies have suggested that various stress signals may be mediated by hormonal regulation of flowering. In view of molecular diversity in plant kingdoms, this review begins with an assessment of photoperiodic flowering, not in A. thaliana, but in rice (Oryza sativa); rice is a staple crop for human consumption worldwide, and is a model system of short‐day plants, cereals and breeding crops. The rice flowering pathway is then compared with that of A. thaliana. This review then aims to update our knowledge on hormonal control of flowering, and integrate it into the entire flowering gene network.
Specific Dermatophagoides farinae extract for canine immunotherapy
Authors: Moya Raquel , Ramió‐Lluch Laura , Parody Nuria , Brazis Pilar , Puigdemont Anna , Carnés Jerónimo
Published: October 2020

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a pruritic allergic skin disease most often caused by Dermatophagoides farinae. Differences in the sensitization profile to D. farinae have been reported between people and dogs. However, allergic dogs traditionally have been treated with extracts intended for human immunotherapy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To develop a specific allergen immunotherapy for veterinary practice enriched in canine major allergens and to demonstrate its in vitro efficacy.

Animals

Twenty privately owned dogs, clinically diagnosed with cAD, and three healthy dogs.

Methods and materials

A veterinary D. farinae allergen extract was manufactured and characterized compared to D. farinae extract used for human immunotherapy. The protein profile was analysed by SDS‐PAGE and size exclusion chromatography and Der f 15 and Der f 18 allergens quantified by mass spectrometry. The allergenic profile was studied by immunoblot and the biological potency by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐inhibition assays. The extract’s capacity to induce cytokine production [interleukin (IL)‐10, interferon (IFN)‐Ɣ] by peripheral blood mononuclear cells also was evaluated.

Results

The veterinary extract showed a higher content of high molecular weight proteins, preferentially recognized by atopic dog sera. The fold‐increases in Der f 15 and Der f 18 with respect to the human extract were 2.07 ± 0.32 and 1.63 ± 0.15, respectively. The veterinary extract showed higher biological potency (0.062 versus 0.132 µg required for 50% inhibition of dogs sera) compared to the human extract and induced significantly higher levels of IL‐10 (1,780 pg/mL) and IFN‐Ɣ (50.4 pg/mL) with respect to the negative control.

Conclusions and clinical importance

A veterinary D. farinae extract with a higher content of dog major allergens was developed and in vitro efficacy demonstrated by immunological parameters.
Molecular and morphological systematics of the Bunomys division (Rodentia: Muridae), an endemic radiation on Sulawesi
Authors: Handika Heru , Achmadi Anang S. , Esselstyn Jacob A. , Rowe Kevin C.
Published: October 2020

Sulawesi is the largest, most topographically complex island in the Wallacean biogeographic zone, and it has a rich fauna of endemic small mammals, dominated by rodents of the family Muridae. Among murids, the Bunomys division is the most species‐rich radiation on Sulawesi. In total, the division contains 11 genera and 32 species, five and 20 of which are endemic to Sulawesi. We combined a five‐locus phylogeny and linear cranial morphology to better understand the taxonomy and local scales of endemism within the Bunomys division on Sulawesi. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA placed B. fratrorum among other genera and inferred Paruromys as sister to the type species of Taeromys (T. celebensis). We resolve these issues by resurrecting Frateromys, a genus under which B. fratrorum was once placed, and returning Paruromys dominator to Taeromys. Within three species, F. fratrorum, T. callitrichus, and T. taerae, we recovered Pleistocene age divergences between populations sampled across the northern peninsula of Sulawesi; divergence between western and eastern populations of F. fratrorum may reflect the existence of two species.
Volatility Distribution of the DJSTOXXE50 Index
Authors: Ulu Yasemin
Published: October 2020

In this paper using data from 1995-2005 on 5-minute intraday returns, we construct a model free estimate of the daily realized volatility for the DJSTOXXE50 index. We compute the unconditional volatility distribution of the DJSTOXXE50 index by a nonparametric kernel estimation method. Our results indicate that the unconditional volatility distribution of the DJSTOXXE50 returns are leptokurtic and highly skewed to the right. The logarithmic standard deviations seem to be approximately Gaussian. Our results are inline with previous research for individual DJIA equity return volatility and for Japanese index, Nikkei 225
The anaerobic threshold: 50+ years of controversy
Authors: Poole David C. , Rossiter Harry B. , Brooks George A. , Gladden L. Bruce
Published: October 2020

The anaerobic threshold (AT) remains a widely recognized, and contentious, concept in exercise physiology and medicine. As conceived by Karlman Wasserman, the AT coalesced the increase of blood lactate concentration ([La−]), during a progressive exercise test, with an excess pulmonary carbon dioxide output (). Its principal tenets were: limiting oxygen (O2) delivery to exercising muscle→increased glycolysis, La−and H+production→decreased muscle and blood pH→with increased H+buffered by blood [HCO3−]→increased CO2release from blood→increasedand pulmonary ventilation. This schema stimulated scientific scrutiny which challenged the fundamental premise that muscle anoxia was requisite for increased muscle and blood [La−]. It is now recognized that insufficient O2isnotthe primary basis for lactataemia. Increased production and utilization of La−represent the response to increased glycolytic flux elicited by increasing work rate, and determine the oxygen uptake () at which La−accumulates in the arterial blood (the lactate threshold; LT). However, the threshold for a sustained non‐oxidative contribution to exercise energetics is the critical power, which occurs at a metabolic rate often far above the LT and separates heavy from very heavy/severe‐intensity exercise. Lactate is now appreciated as a crucial energy source, major gluconeogenic precursor and signalling molecule but there is noipso factoevidence for muscle dysoxia or anoxia. Non‐invasive estimation of LT using the gas exchange threshold (non‐linear increase ofversus) remains important in exercise training and in the clinic, but its conceptual basis should now be understood in light of lactate shuttle biology.

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Validation of the New Gamma Exponent Model for Axial Crack Assessment in Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Scott Colin
Published: October 2020

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the researchers of the NG-18 committee at the Battelle Institute in Columbus, Ohio completed a seminal study on the failure pressures of flaws in oil and gas pipelines. One of the key developments was the “log-secant” equation for the assessment of axial crack-like flaws. The model was later modified to improve its accuracy and precision.

The Gamma Exponent Model (GEM) was recently developed for assessment of axial crack-like flaws in pipelines. The developer recognized that the NG-18 log-secant model was theoretically derived on length, and then empirically corrected for depth. The new GEM was theoretically derived on depth, and then empirically corrected for length. The new model is similar in mathematical form to the original NG-18 log-secant model, but there are some key differences.

This work is a validation study of the GEM using axial crack failure pressure data from the industry literature. Laboratory tests with machined flaws, and hydrotest and in-service failures with natural metallurgical flaws, are also considered. The results of the GEM are compared to the equivalent failure predictions using other models. The strengths and limitations of the new model are discussed in the context of improved accuracy and precision for crack assessments.
Optimization of Selected Parameters and Procedures in Small Punch Test Methodology
Authors: Kopriva Radim , Klatovska Petra , Rusnakova Katerina , Gal Petr , Eliasova Ivana , Tonarova Dana
Published: October 2020

Assessment of reactor pressure vessels and other industrial components structural materials properties is currently based on the principles of using standardized and long-term employed methods of mechanical properties testing (e.g. impact tests, tensile tests). For the assessment of the current state and degradation prediction of an operated component, implementation of structural materials tests is nonetheless very complicated in terms of the availability of the material volume required to realization of tests in accordance with current normative documentation requirements. Due to the problematic material sampling from the operated component without affecting its integrity, more and more attention is paid to the implementation of perspective methods of evaluation of mechanical properties in processes of industrial component safe operation evaluation.

These methods are mainly based on a semi-destructive approach allowing direct sampling of small volumes of material from the operated component and subsequent determination of mechanical properties using miniaturized test specimens. One of the most widespread perspective methods is the small punch test (SPT) - method based on the controlled deformation of thin sheets. The subject of the paper is the optimization of selected small punch test parameters, preparation technology of testing specimens and determination of suitable geometry of experimental fixtures, that are used for experiments in the testing laboratories. Within the experimental program attention is especially paid to the comparison of receiving hole edge configuration - radius/chamfer edge.

The aim of the paper is to solve several open questions in the current state of small punch testing methodology and to obtain a comprehensive basis for the implementation of resulting recommendations into the process of currently ongoing standardization within the normative organizations ASTM and EN. This is achieved through a program of experimental tests and computational analyses (FEM) on the IAEA correlation material A533B (JRQ).
Alloy Selection and C-276 Code Design Value Extension for Advanced Molten Salt Technology Test Facilities Experimentation
Authors: Ren Weiju , Robb Kevin
Published: October 2020

Molten halide salts are being considered as working fluids for nuclear and concentrated solar power applications. High temperature molten fluoride and chloride salts are known to preferentially attack and deplete Cr in alloys, which leads to the use of high-Ni low-Cr alloys in test facilities for advanced molten salt technology. Alloy C-276 is a commercially available Ni alloy that has adequate Cr contents and is qualified to the maximum temperature of 677°C (1,251°F) in the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The alloy has good corrosion resistance to acids, is resistant to stress-corrosion cracking, and has long track records of use in the chemical industry. Therefore, it has been considered as a structural material for test facilities that require operations at 700°C (1,292°F) or greater to develop high-temperature molten salt technology. To meet the requirements, predictions of the Maximum Allowable Stress above the usage temperatures permitted by the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code were developed with experimental data as an extension to the current code design values. Analysis showed that above current Codified maximum temperature, strength of the alloy is mainly controlled by creep rupture life under the average stress, although the Sc creep rate criterion is close to the Favg.Savg rupture criterion. This paper presents the intended test facilities and the design requirements, alloy selection considerations, literature review, data analysis, and proposed allowable stress extension based on some creep test data for C-276 at temperatures greater than 677°C (1,251°F). Further research activities are also briefly mentioned.
Relief Valve Impact Analysis
Authors: Reich Alton
Published: October 2020

In nuclear power plants power actuated pressure relief valves serve several purposes. They act as safety valves and open automatically in response to unusually high pressures in the primary system. They also act as power operated valves and are used to relieve steam in response to automatic or manually initiated control signals. These valves are required to lift completely over a short duration from the time that they receive an actuation signal, or the system pressure exceeds the set point. This short lift time results in the valve disk moving at high velocities, and can result in high impact forces on the piston and stem when the valve fully opens.

In order to evaluate and improve the performance of a two-stage power actuated relief valve, an analysis was performed to calculate the impact force on the main disk piston when it opened and the resulting stresses. The analysis was based on the main disk piston velocity measured during valve testing. Of particular interest were the stresses in the threaded connection between the stem and the main disk piston.
Significance of Ms and Validation of Reference Stress Solutions for Crack Like Flaws: Part 1
Authors: Ishizaki Yoichi , Thorwald Greg
Published: October 2020

This is Part 1 of two papers discussing the significance of two key factors of crack like flaw assessment in the Fitness for Service assessment.

While FEM analysis technology has been advancing amazingly in recent years, and FEM based fitness-for-service assessment of damaged components, such as crack like flaws and local metal loss assessment, has become mainstream in assessments, it is still important to understand the reference stress solution and the role of each factor in the failure mode to operate the damaged component safely until the end of its life.

In API 579-1/ASME FFS-1[1], Part 9, Assessment of Crack like Flaws, those reference stress solutions were developed based on the limit load analysis using Folias factor Mt and surface correction factor Ms. Folias factor Mt and surface correction factor Ms, are factors that account for the bulging effect around flaws. Those factors enable prediction of a maximum allowable pressure of a damaged cylindrical shell from a simple flat plate model that contain same size of defected area.

As for Folias factor, Mt, it is well known to express the relationship between the reference stress of a through-wall crack flat plate and a through-wall crack cylinder. The application of Mt is clearly defined in ASME/API 579 FFS-1 part 9C [1], as well as papers by Folias et al. [2][3]. The significance of the surface correction factor for surface flaw, Ms, has not been commonly understood well enough in general. Unfortunately, API 579-1/ASME FFS-1[1] also does not clearly mention its significance and how Ms is to be applied in the stress analysis. Also the detailed discussion of the derivation process of each reference solution was rooted in several papers with different nomenclature and slightly different definition of factors, which can be very confusing. At a glance, surface correction factor, Ms, looks like a similar factor to Mt, and it is tempting to simply apply Ms to primary membrane stress term like Mt, but that is not correct. Eventually, an incorrect application of Ms would lead to an incorrect discussion of a flaw characterization. Often, there is a question about ASME/API 579 FFS-1[1] Part 9C reference stress solutions, especially for ASME/API 579 FFS-1[1] eq.9C.76, from the misunderstanding meaning of the Ms factor. Addressing this issue is important to maintain the understanding and integrity of the Fitness-For-Service technology.

In this Part 1 of two papers, authors reviewed and reorganized step by step procedure of each reference stress solutions for flat plates and cylinders. Through this discussion, authors clarified the significance of Mt and Ms that are defined in ASME/API 579 FFS-1[1] Part 9C.

In part 2, validation of equations obtained in this paper is discussed based on FEM analysis.
Temperature Prediction of a Used Nuclear Fuel Cask With Different Gas Backfills
Authors: Higley Megan , Hadj-Nacer Mustafa , Greiner Miles
Published: October 2020

In this work, a two-dimensional (2D) geometrically-accurate model of the TN-32 cask is generated in ANSYS/Fluent to investigate the effect of backfill gases and their pressures on the peak cladding temperature (PCT). This model is similar to the cask being used in high-burnup (HBU) spent fuel data project lead by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Helium, nitrogen, argon, and water vapor fill gases are investigated at pressures ranging from atmospheric (∼105 Pa) to 100 Pa. Steady-state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that include the effect of gas rarefaction (temperature-jump) at the gas-solid interfaces are conducted. The PCT as a function of heat generation rate and pressure is reported as well as the heat generation rate that brings the cladding temperature to the radial hydride formation limit. The results show that there are competing effects between the temperature-jump and the thermal conductivity of the gas to increase the fuel rods’ temperature. The low pressures increased the PCT, with the increase being most significant for the helium backfill.
Thermal Analysis Evaluations Using the Dry Cask Simulator
Authors: Suffield S. R. , Richmond D. J. , Fort J. A.
Published: October 2020

Different thermal analysis models were developed to simulate the dry cask simulator (DCS). The DCS is an experiment designed to simulate dry storage of a single boiling water reactor fuel assembly under a variety of heat loads and internal pressures. The DCS was set up and tested in both a vertical and horizontal configuration to determine cladding temperatures in vertical and horizontal dry cask storage systems. The models included a detailed STAR-CCM+ model with the fuel assembly geometry explicitly modeled, a porous STAR-CCM+ model with the fuel assembly geometry modeled as a porous media region with calculated effective properties, and a COBRA-SFS model. COBRA-SFS is a thermal-hydraulic code developed for steady-state and transient analysis of multi assembly spent-fuel storage and transportation systems. STAR-CCM+ is a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. Both a detailed and porous STAR-CCM+ model were developed to look at the effective thermal conductivity (keff) approach to modeling a fuel assembly. A keff fuel model is typically modeled in CFD thermal analyses due to its significantly lower computational costs. The models were run for a combination of low and high canister pressures (100 kPa and 800 kPa) and low and high internal heat loads (0.5 kW and 5 kW). Results from all three models were compared against experimental data taken from the DCS for the peak cladding temperature (PCT) and inlet air mass flow.
Improving LNG Plant Piping: Or How LNG Plants Are Improving Piping
Authors: Weyer Robert
Published: October 2020

An LNG plant is essentially a variety of static and rotating mechanical equipment interconnected by piping. LNG plants contain a significant amount of piping that is characterised by one or more of the following: large diameter, high design pressure, cryogenic temperatures, stainless steel, high velocity gas flow, large diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratios and load cases not explicitly addressed by design codes.

One of the most commonly used piping codes in LNG plant construction, ASME B31.3, has its basis in petroleum refining. However, recent editions of ASME B31.3 (as well as other industry standards) include updates addressing issues which are of particular relevance to LNG plant piping. Aside from the benefits to LNG piping, these improvements will benefit all piping falling under the ASME B31.3 code.

This paper will discuss some of the engineering challenges inherent to LNG plant piping. Recent changes to relevant codes and standards will be highlighted. The focus will be on ensuring mechanical integrity rather than the process side.