bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in children and adolescents in Singapore: A ten‐year retrospective review
Authors: Lee Elis Yuexian , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: December 2020

Background

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, severe, cutaneous adverse reaction. Although most commonly caused by drugs, it can also be triggered by infections, especially in children.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving children and adolescents aged 16 years or younger, diagnosed with AGEP between January 2010 and March 2020 in our tertiary pediatric hospital. Information pertaining to the patient's demographics, clinical presentation and progress, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological investigations, treatment, and outcomes was analyzed.

Results

Eight patients were diagnosed with AGEP with mean age 8.2 years (range: 1.7‐16.0 years). None of the patients had a personal or family history of psoriasis. Almost all patients had fever (n = 7, 87.5%). Although all 8 patients had intercurrent illness, 5 cases were attributed to infection, while the other 3 were likely precipitated by drugs. Abnormal hematological and biochemical parameters included a raised absolute neutrophil count (mean: 11.5 × 109/L, range: 5.0‐30.9 × 109/L), C‐reactive protein (mean: 52.5 mg/L, range: 5.0‐143.7 mg/L), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mean: 38.6 mm/h, range: 6‐64 mm/h). All patients developed post‐pustular desquamation and subsequently recovered. The mean duration from onset to cessation of acute pustulation was 5.6 days (range: 3.0‐10.0 days). One patient developed a recurrent episode of AGEP.

Conclusion

AGEP is rare and may be more commonly caused by infections in children. The condition is self‐limiting with overall good outcomes in this age‐group. In cases with concomitant infection and drug use, formal allergy testing should be arranged after resolution of the infection to confirm the underlying etiology.
Darier sign in a teenager with primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Leonard Nicholas , Lal Karan , Luffman Christina , O'Donnell Patrick , Jolley Lindsey , Belazarian Leah
Published: December 2020

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) is a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma that arises in the skin. An adolescent male presented with dermal nodules on the arms, legs, and back with a positive Darier sign, ultimately diagnosed as PCMZL. The nodules demonstrated a partial response to doxycycline in the setting of prior Lyme disease followed by a complete response to rituximab.
Expression of IFN‐induced transmembrane protein 1 in glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Hashimoto Shun , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Watanabe Shojiro , Aizawa Tomomi , Tsugawa Koji , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Matsumiya Tomoh , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Background

Glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) are directly exposed to circulating viral particles in the glomerulus. Although viral infections may trigger the development of acute kidney injury or the worsening of pre‐existing chronic kidney disease, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying antiviral reactions via the activation of endothelial Toll‐like receptor 3 signaling in the kidney remain to be determined. Interferon (IFN)‐induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1), a member of interferon‐stimulated gene protein family, is involved in the prevention of viral entry into cerebral vascular endothelial cells, respiratory epithelial cells, and endometrium. However, as far as we are aware, the implication of IFITM1 associated with viral infections in GECs has not been investigated to date.

Methods

Cultured, normal human GECs were treated with polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly IC), a synthesized viral double‐stranded RNA, then the expression of IFITM1 was examined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. To further elucidate the poly IC‐induced signaling pathway, the cells were applied to RNA interference against IFN‐β, nuclear factor‐κB p65, and IFN regulatory factor 3. We also conducted an immunofluorescence study to examine endothelial IFITM1 expression in biopsy specimens from patients with chronic kidney disease.

Results

We found that the activation of Toll‐like receptor 3 induced endothelial expression of IFITM1, and that this involved IFN regulatory factor 3 and IFN‐β, but not nuclear factor‐κB. Intense endothelial IFITM1 immunoreactivity was observed in biopsy specimens from patients with lupus nephritis.

Conclusions

Antiviral reaction‐related endothelial expression of IFITM1 may be involved, at least in part, in the development of particularly in lupus nephritis. Further detailed studies of the implication of interferon stimulated genes, including IFITM1 in GECs are needed.
Is Food Irrigated with Oilfield‐Produced Water in the California Central Valley Safe to Eat? A Probabilistic Human Health Risk Assessment Evaluating Trace Metals Exposure
Authors: Redmon Jennifer Hoponick , Kondash Andrew John , Womack Donna , Lillys Ted , Feinstein Laura , Cabrales Luis , Weinthal Erika , Vengosh Avner
Published: December 2020

Reuse of oilfield‐produced water (OPW) for crop irrigation has the potential to make a critical difference in the water budgets of highly productive but drought‐stressed agricultural watersheds. This is the first peer‐reviewed study to evaluate how trace metals in OPW used to irrigate California crops may affect human health. We modeled and quantified risks associated with consuming foods irrigated with OPW using available concentration data. The probabilistic risk assessment simulated OPW metal concentrations, crop uptake, human exposures, and potential noncancer and carcinogenic health effects. Overall, our findings indicate that there is a low risk of ingesting toxic amounts of metals from the consumption of tree nuts, citrus, grapes, and root vegetables irrigated with low‐saline OPW. Results show increased arsenic cancer risk (at 10−6) for adult vegetarians, assuming higher consumption of multiple foods irrigated with OPW that contain high arsenic concentrations. All other cancer risks are below levels of concern and all noncancer hazards are far below levels of concern. Arsenic risk concerns could be mitigated by practices such as blending high‐arsenic OPW. Future risk assessment research should model the risks of organic compounds in OPW, as our study focused on inorganic compounds. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that low‐saline OPW may provide a safe and sustainable alternative irrigation water source if water quality is adequately monitored and blended as needed prior to irrigation.
Systemic Risks from Different Perspectives
Authors: Renn Ortwin , Laubichler Manfred , Lucas Klaus , Kröger Wolfgang , Schanze Jochen , Scholz Roland W. , Schweizer Pia‐Johanna
Published: December 2020

Systemic risks are characterized by high complexity, multiple uncertainties, major ambiguities, and transgressive effects on other systems outside of the system of origin. Due to these characteristics, systemic risks are overextending established risk management and create new, unsolved challenges for policymaking in risk assessment and risk governance. Their negative effects are often pervasive, impacting fields beyond the obvious primary areas of harm. This article addresses these challenges of systemic risks from different disciplinary and sectorial perspectives. It highlights the special contributions of these perspectives and approaches and provides a synthesis for an interdisciplinary understanding of systemic risks and effective governance. The main argument is that understanding systemic risks and providing good governance advice relies on an approach that integrates novel modeling tools from complexity sciences with empirical data from observations, experiments, or simulations and evidence‐based insights about social and cultural response patterns revealed by quantitative (e.g., surveys) or qualitative (e.g., participatory appraisals) investigations. Systemic risks cannot be easily characterized by single numerical estimations but can be assessed by using multiple indicators and including several dynamic gradients that can be aggregated into diverse but coherent scenarios. Lastly, governance of systemic risks requires interdisciplinary and cross‐sectoral cooperation, a close monitoring system, and the engagement of scientists, regulators, and stakeholders to be effective as well as socially acceptable.
Risk Factors for 100‐Year Flood Events in the Mid‐Atlantic Region of the United States
Authors: Tonn Gina , Guikema Seth
Published: December 2020

Anecdotal information indicates that streams in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the United States experience more extreme flood events than might be expected. This leads to the question of whether this is an unfounded perception or if these extreme events are actually occurring more than should be expected. If the latter is true, is this due solely to randomness, or alternately to characteristics that make certain watersheds more prone to repeated events that may be defined as 100‐year or greater floods? These questions are investigated through analysis of flood events based on standard flood frequency analysis. 100‐year streamflow rates for stream gages were estimated using Bulletin 17B flood frequency analysis methods, and the probability of the annual peak flow record for each gage was calculated. These probabilities were compared to a set of synthetic probabilities to evaluate their distribution. This comparison indicates that for the Mid‐Atlantic region as a whole, the Bulletin 17B method does not systematically over or underestimate flood frequency. A Random Forest model of probability of actual flood record (PAFR) versus watershed and stream gage characteristics was developed and used to understand if certain characteristics are associated with PAFR. This analysis indicated that unexpected numbers of large flood events in a stream gage period of record can be attributed primarily to randomness, but there is some correlation with watershed and gage characteristics including weighted skew, drainage area, and mean annual peak discharge. The results indicate that watersheds with high values of these characteristics may warrant advanced flood frequency methods.
Origin food schemes and the paradox of reducing diversity to defend it
Authors: Mariani Mariagiulia , Cerdan Claire , Peri Iuri
Published: December 2020

Origin food schemes (OFS) aim to protect and promote a unique product resulting from a specific place and know‐how whose qualities are objectified in the product specifications. This paper explores the standardisation effects of OFS on the diversity of local practices and knowledge by analysing the emergence of the specifications of four origin cheeses recognised as Geographical Indications and Slow Food Presidia (Chefchaouen goat cheese in Morocco, Piacentinu Ennese in Italy, and Béarn mountain cheese and Ossau‐Iraty in France). Results confirm that specifications directly preserve some genetic resources, taste, and know‐how, whilst they also show that traditional production practices are taken into account differently, depending on negotiations among stakeholders during which opposing motives, strategies, and forms of knowledge may emerge. We argue that paradoxically this process results in adapting and reducing existing diversity, including in OFS that are more oriented towards localising practices and promoting a diversity of tastes.
Cytokinin‐promoted secondary growth and nutrient storage in the perennial stem zone of Arabis alpina
Authors: Sergeeva Anna , Liu Hongjiu , Mai Hans‐Jörg , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Kiefer Christiane , Coupland George , Bauer Petra
Published: December 2020

Perennial plants maintain their lifespan through several growth seasons. Arabis alpina serves as a model Brassicaceae species to study perennial traits. Lateral stems of A. alpina have a proximal vegetative zone with a dormant bud zone and a distal senescing seed‐producing inflorescence zone. We addressed how this zonation is distinguished at the anatomical level, whether it is related to nutrient storage and which signals affect the zonation. We found that the vegetative zone exhibits secondary growth, which we termed the perennial growth zone (PZ). High‐molecular‐weight carbon compounds accumulate there in cambium and cambium derivatives. Neither vernalization nor flowering were requirements for secondary growth and the sequestration of storage compounds. The inflorescence zone with only primary growth, termed the annual growth zone (AZ), or roots exhibited different storage characteristics. Following cytokinin application cambium activity was enhanced and secondary phloem parenchyma was formed in the PZ and also in the AZ. In transcriptome analysis, cytokinin‐related genes represented enriched gene ontology terms and were expressed at a higher level in the PZ than in the AZ. Thus, A. alpina primarily uses the vegetative PZ for nutrient storage, coupled to cytokinin‐promoted secondary growth. This finding lays a foundation for future studies addressing signals for perennial growth.
Hormones as go‐betweens in plant microbiome assembly
Authors: Eichmann Ruth , Richards Luke , Schäfer Patrick
Published: December 2020

The interaction of plants with complex microbial communities is the result of co‐evolution over millions of years and contributed to plant transition and adaptation to land. The ability of plants to be an essential part of complex and highly dynamic ecosystems is dependent on their interaction with diverse microbial communities. Plant microbiota can support, and even enable, the diverse functions of plants and are crucial in sustaining plant fitness under often rapidly changing environments. The composition and diversity of microbiota differs between plant and soil compartments. It indicates that microbial communities in these compartments are not static but are adjusted by the environment as well as inter‐microbial and plant–microbe communication. Hormones take a crucial role in contributing to the assembly of plant microbiomes, and plants and microbes often employ the same hormones with completely different intentions. Here, the function of hormones as go‐betweens between plants and microbes to influence the shape of plant microbial communities is discussed. The versatility of plant and microbe‐derived hormones essentially contributes to the creation of habitats that are the origin of diversity and, thus, multifunctionality of plants, their microbiota and ultimately ecosystems.
In utero exposure to alloantigens primes alloimmunization to platelet transfusion in mice
Authors: Poston Jacqueline N. , Jash Arijita , Hannan Lindsay M. , Hay Ariel M. , Usaneerungrueng Chomkan , Howie Heather L. , Kapp Linda M. , Zimring James C.
Published: December 2020

Background

Platelet transfusions remain a mainstay of treatment for many patients with thrombocytopenia, but can lead to alloantibodies to Human Leukocyte Antigens (anti‐HLA) resulting in inadequate responses to subsequent platelet transfusions (refractoriness), as well as complicate transplantation. Despite substantial decreases in alloimmunization with the implementation of leukoreduction, a significant percentage of patients still become alloimmunized following platelet transfusions. It remains unclear why some patients make anti‐HLA antibodies, but others do not make anti‐HLA antibodies even with chronic transfusion. Antecedent pregnancy correlates with risk of alloimmunization due to platelet transfusion in humans ‐ however, isolation of pregnancy as a single variable is not possible in human populations.

Study Design and Methods

A tractable murine model of pregnancy and transfusion was engineered by breeding C57BL/6 (H‐2b) dames with BALB/c (H‐2d) sires. After pregnancy, female mice were transfused with leukoreduced platelets from F1 (H‐2b/d) donors that expressed the same paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) H‐2d alloantigens as the sires. Control groups allowed isolation of pregnancy or transfusion alone as independent variables. Alloimmunization was determined by testing serum for antibodies to H‐2d MHC alloantigens.

Results

No alloantibodies were detected after pregnancy alone, or in response to transfusion of platelets alone; however, significant levels of alloantibodies were detected when pregnancy was followed by transfusion.

Conclusions

These findings isolate antecedent pregnancy as a causal contribution to increased frequencies of alloimmunization by subsequent platelet transfusion in mice and provide a platform for ongoing mechanistic investigation.
Ocular porcupine quilling in dogs: Gross, clinical and histopathologic findings in 17 cases (1986‐2018)
Authors: Shank Alba Maria M. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: December 2020

The objectives of this retrospective study were to evaluate the histopathologic changes associated with porcupine ocular quill injuries in dogs, to discuss the various methods of quill detection when quills are not grossly visible, and to discuss the pathogenesis of delayed ocular quill injuries in dogs. Seventeen globes sustaining ocular quilling injuries from 17 dogs (1986‐2018) were identified in the COPLOW archives and the gross and histologic changes tabulated and compared. All cases were dogs, with one whole globe submitted from each patient. Sixteen of 17 cases had known or suspected porcupine encounters in the weeks or years preceding enucleation. Histopathologic findings included retinal detachment, hyphema, cataract, granulomatous to pyogranulomatous inflammation (uveitis, endophthalmitis, panophthalmitis), lens capsule rupture, suppurative phakitis, scleral perforation, stromal keratitis, breaks in Descemet's membrane, preiridal fibrovascular membrane, anterior and posterior synechia, Schnabel's cavernous atrophy, and periorbital fibrosis. Quill‐associated ocular trauma can have a significant deleterious effect on vision and result in enucleation. The time from initial quilling to the manifestation of ocular signs may be prolonged (weeks to years). Any dog presenting for ocular signs with a history of a previous porcupine encounter should be carefully checked for quill migration into the globe as the source of ocular disease. Quills may not be visible grossly, and ancillary imaging techniques can be utilized with various rates of success.
Influence of two rumen cannulation techniques on postoperative recovery in sheep
Authors: Schramm Hollie H. , Gleason Claire B. , White Robin R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine the influence of two methods of rumen cannulation on postoperative animal welfare.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Twelve commercial wethers (n = 6 per group).

Methods

Group 1 wethers underwent a one‐step procedure to place a cannula immediately after fistulation of the rumen to the skin. Group 2 wethers underwent a two‐step procedure in which a portion of the rumen was externalized and held with a clamp for 9 days, after which the cannula was placed into the fistula created by removal of the clamped rumen tissue. Feed intake and vital signs were monitored daily for 24 days postoperatively. Plasma fibrinogen and serum cortisol were measured daily for 14 days postoperatively to estimate inflammatory and stress responses, respectively. Change in body weight was also assessed.

Results

Cannulation method did not affect (P > .05) body weight, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, fibrinogen level, or cumulative cortisol level. Feed intake was lower (0.82 vs 1.2 kg/d; P < .0001), and mean cortisol level was greater (124.2 vs 121.5 ng/mL; P = .038) in group 2 compared with group 1.

Conclusion

Although both cannulation methods mostly elicited similar physiological responses, animals seemed to experience more discomfort and stress when undergoing the two‐step procedure.

Clinical significance

Rumen cannulation performed in one step is recommended to improve postoperative welfare.
Crimped monofilament nylon leader for median sternotomy closure in 10 dogs
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Tomlinson Andrew
Published: December 2020

Objective

To describe and report the outcomes after closure of median sternotomies with crimped monofilament nylon leader (MNL) in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective observational study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 10) that underwent intrathoracic surgery through a median sternotomy approach.

Methods

The median sternotomy was closed in a peristernal figure eight pattern with crimped MNL. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings and complications. Owners or veterinarians were contacted to collect long‐term follow‐up information.

Results

The technique was simple, with no intraoperative complications. Postoperative infection was documented in one dog, requiring removal of a single MNL and associated crimp clamp. Delayed healing of the surgical incision in one dog was managed conservatively. No other complications were documented throughout long‐term follow‐up at a median of 488 days (range, 199‐608).

Conclusion

Median sternotomies were successfully closed with crimped MNL and were associated with a low complication rate.

Clinical significance: Crimped MNL represents an alternative method to close median sternotomies in dogs.
Resistance of osteosarcoma cells to the proapoptotic effects of carfilzomib involves activation of mitogen activated protein kinase pathways
Authors: Lei Li , Zhang Yuchen , Jian Qiang , Lei Lei , Lv Nan , Williamson Ramone A. , Chen Ping , Zhang Dan , Hu Jinsong
Published: December 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Carfilzomib, a second‐generation proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, shows efficacy against osteosarcoma. However, drug resistance remains a major challenge. What is the role of carfilzomib‐induced changes in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to the proapoptotic effects of the drug?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The dose‐dependent antiapoptotic effects in osteosarcoma are associated with activation of MAPK signalling. Combinational targeting of MAPK signalling pathways can synergistically enhance carfilzomib‐induced cell apoptosis, suggesting that MAPK inhibitors in combination with proteasome inhibitors can serve as a novel therapeutic tool for osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. Despite efforts to improve outcomes, the overall survival rates for osteosarcoma have remained unchanged over the past three decades. In this study, we assessed the proapoptotic effects of the second‐generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib on osteosarcoma and investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the synergistic proapoptotic action when combined with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. We found that carfilzomib alone significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, characterized by the induction of cleaved caspase 3 and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase. More importantly, focusing on the changes of antiapoptotic B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) family members and signalling pathways, we found a striking induction of myeloid cell leukaemia 1 (Mcl‐1) and the activation of MAPK pathways. Furthermore, we observed that combinational targeting of the MAPK pathways using the specific inhibitors U0126, SP600125 or SB203580 synergistically enhanced carfilzomib‐induced cell apoptosis. Notably, we found that the combinational inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase MAPK pathways significantly decreased the expression of the three antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, and in particular this reversed induction of Mcl‐1 by carfilzomib. Collectively, our findings show that activation of the MAPK pathways contributes to the mechanisms of drug resistance to carfilzomib. In addition, the synergistic proapoptotic action of MAPK and proteasome inhibitors in osteosarcoma cells suggests that combinational therapy with both drug types may serve as a novel strategy for the clinical management of osteosarcoma.
Dose‐dependent sensorimotor impairment in human ocular tracking after acute low‐dose alcohol administration
Authors: Tyson Terence L. , Feick Nathan H. , Cravalho Patrick F. , Flynn‐Evans Erin E. , Stone Leland S.
Published: December 2020

Key points

Oculomotor behaviours are commonly used to evaluate sensorimotor disruption due to ethanol (EtOH).

The current study demonstrates the dose‐dependent impairment in oculomotor and ocular behaviours across a range of ultra‐low BACs (<0.035%).

Processing of target speed and direction, as well as pursuit eye movements, are significantly impaired at 0.015% BAC, suggesting impaired neural activity within brain regions associated with the visual processing of motion.

Catch‐up saccades during steady visual tracking of the moving target compensate for the reduced vigour of smooth eye movements that occurs with the ingestion of low‐dose alcohol.

Saccade dynamics start to become ‘sluggish’ at as low as 0.035% BAC.

Pupillary light responses appear unaffected at BAC levels up to 0.065%.

Changes in oculomotor behaviours are often used as metrics of sensorimotor disruption due to ethanol (EtOH); however, previous studies have focused on deficits at blood‐alcohol concentrations (BACs) above about 0.04%. We investigated the dose dependence of the impairment in oculomotor and ocular behaviours caused by EtOH administration across a range of ultra‐low BACs (≤0.035%). We took repeated measures of oculomotor and ocular performance from sixteen participants, both pre‐ and post‐EtOH administration. To assess the neurological impacts across a wide range of brain areas and pathways, our protocol measured 21 largely independent performance metrics extracted from a range of behavioural responses ranging from ocular tracking of radial step‐ramp stimuli, to eccentric gaze holding, to pupillary responses evoked by light flashes. Our results show significant impairment of pursuit and visual motion processing at 0.015% BAC, reflecting degraded neural processing within extrastriate cortical pathways. However, catch‐up saccades largely compensate for the tracking displacement shortfall caused by low pursuit gain, although there still is significant residual retinal slip and thus degraded dynamic acuity. Furthermore, although saccades are more frequent, their dynamics are more sluggish (i.e. show lower peak velocities) starting at BAC levels as low as 0.035%. Small effects in eccentric gaze holding and no effect in pupillary response dynamics were observed at levels below 0.07%, showing the higher sensitivity of the pursuit response to very low levels of blood alcohol, under the conditions of our study.
Active Detection of Small Imperfections in Structures With Cyclic Symmetry
Authors: Baruch Eyal , Vered Yoav , Plat Harel , Bucher Izhak
Published: December 2020

Structures possessing cyclic symmetry such as turbine bladed disks, ultrasonic motors, and toothed gear wheels can experience elevated vibration levels when small deviations from circumferential periodicity exist. Detection of these perturbations via classical system identification approaches is time-consuming, indirect, and exhibits low sensitivity to defects, and is affected by measurement noise. The present work utilizes low-level forces that automatically lock onto a weighted rotating projection of the system modes at resonance frequency to enhance the detectability of small structural imperfections. The spatial localization of defects is exploited to identify multiple, localized, isolated defects’ locations. The defects’ severities are estimated based on the deviation from the circular structure's analytical mode shapes. The fast and enhanced precision of defect identification is obtained by employing the modal-filtered autoresonance technique. To validate the presented method, an experimental system consisting of a ring of coupled Helmholtz acoustic resonators was developed. Experimental results show good agreement with numerical simulations, verifying the method's capabilities to identify the location and severity of multiple defects. Thus, the implementation of the suggested method provides fast and precise structural health monitoring of cyclic-symmetric systems.
Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of Rotating Blade With Transverse Crack—Part II: A Comparison Study of Different Crack Models
Authors: Yang Lai-Hao , Yang Zhe-Shuai , Mao Zhu , Wu Shu-Ming , Chen Xue-Feng , Yan Ru-Qiang
Published: December 2020

This study aims at the comparative analysis and improvement of different analytical crack models for rotating blade. Part II of this study focuses on the comparative analysis of dynamic characteristics based on modified models mentioned in Part I. A nonlinear damage indicator (NDI) and an equivalent energy indicator (EEI) are introduced to characterize the nonlinear effect of crack from different perspectives. EEI offers a physical mechanism explanation of crack closing behavior, which is invisible. Meanwhile, NDI offers an observable indicator to quantify the nonlinearity of crack. It is demonstrated through the numerical study that the variation of NDI and EEI varies the same with each other, which cross-verified the validity of NDI and EEI for quantifying the nonlinear effect of crack. Comparative investigations are performed to analyze the effects of load amplitude, crack depth, and crack location on the nonlinear dynamics of cracked blade, and both NDI and EEI are utilized to quantify the nonlinear effects of crack. The comparative results suggest that NDI of the second-order super-harmonic component increases with the increasing crack depth and excitation load amplitude and decreases with the increasing crack locations, while the variation of EEI follows the variation of NDI. This phenomenon indicates that the crack, which is deeper and closer to blade root under a larger load will be more dangerous. This study’s comparative results may provide some guidance for choosing the analytical crack models when analyzing the nonlinear dynamics of rotating cracked blade and blade health monitoring.
Damping Frame Vibrations Using Anechoic Stubs: Analysis Using an Exact Wave-Based Approach
Authors: Lv Hangyuan , Leamy Michael J.
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the addition of small stubs with anechoic terminations (termed herein “anechoic stubs”) as a means of damping and/or removing vibration modes from planar frame structures. Due to the difficulties associated with representing anechoic boundary conditions in more traditional analysis approaches (e.g., analytical, finite element, finite difference, and finite volume), the paper employs and further develops an exact wave-based approach, incorporating Timoshenko beams, in which ideal and non-ideal anechoic terminations are simply represented by a reflection matrix. Several numerically evaluated examples are presented documenting novel effects anechoic stubs have on the vibration modes of a two-story frame, such as eliminated, inserted, and exchanged mode shapes. Modal damping ratios are also computed as a function of the location and number of anechoic stubs, illustrating optimal locations and optimal reflection ratios as a function of mode number. Forced vibration studies are then carried out, demonstrating reduced, eliminated, and inserted resonance response.
Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of titanium nitride-molybdenum nitride solid solutions
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Istiaque , Sowa Mark , Kozen Alexander C. , Krick Brandon A. , Haik Jewel , Babuska Tomas F. , Strandwitz Nicholas C.
Published: December 2020

As part of improving the tribological properties of TiN-based coatings, researchers have introduced additional elements to the binary TiN system. Addition of a self-lubricating and oxide-forming substitutional element such as Mo to the rock salt TiN system deposited by sputtering has been widely studied. But, the TiN-MoN solid solution system grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is yet to be reported. Our current work is motivated by the need to understand and probe the structure of TixMo1−xN solid solutions with respect to the ALD growth process. In this work, thin films of TixMo1−xN (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) at 250 °C. Tetrakis(dimethylamido) titanium, bis(tert-butylimido)bis(dimethylamido) molybdenum, and N2 plasma were used as sources for Ti, Mo, and N, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed nanocrystalline films with a rock salt crystal structure for all compositions of TixMo1−xN except for MoNx, which consisted of multiple phases with cubic MoN being the dominant phase. The elemental composition determined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy deviated from the pulse ratio of TiN:MoN. This study revealed that nearly the whole solid solution of the TiN-MoN system can be accessed by PEALD.
Stretching is Superior to Brisk Walking for Reducing Blood Pressure in People With High–Normal Blood Pressure or Stage I Hypertension
Authors: Ko Jongbum , Deprez Dalton , Shaw Keely , Alcorn Jane , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Tomczak Corey , Foulds Heather , Chilibeck Philip D.
Published: December 2020

Background: Aerobic exercise is recommended for reducing blood pressure; however, recent studies indicate that stretching may also be effective. The authors compared 8 weeks of stretching versus walking exercise in men and women with high–normal blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension (ie, 130/85–159/99 mm Hg). Methods: Forty men and women (61.6 y) were randomized to a stretching or brisk walking exercise program (30 min/d, 5 d/wk for 8 wk). Blood pressure was assessed during sitting and supine positions and for 24 hours using a portable monitor before and after the training programs. Results: The stretching program elicited greater reductions than the walking program (P < .05) for sitting systolic (146 [9] to 140 [12] vs 139 [9] to 142 [12] mm Hg), supine diastolic (85 [7] to 78 [8] vs 81 [7] to 82 [7] mm Hg), and nighttime diastolic (67 [8] to 65 [10] vs 68 [8] to 73 [12] mm Hg) blood pressures. The stretching program elicited greater reductions than the walking program (P < .05) for mean arterial pressure assessed in sitting (108 [7] to 103 [6] vs 105 [6] vs 105 [8] mm Hg), supine (102 [9] to 96 [9] vs 99 [6] to 99 [7] mm Hg), and at night (86 [9] to 83 [10] vs 88 [9] to 93 [12] mm Hg). Conclusions: An 8-week stretching program was superior to brisk walking for reducing blood pressure in individuals with high–normal blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension.
The Symbiotic “All-Rounders”: Partnerships between Marine Animals and Chemosynthetic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria
Authors: Petersen Jillian M. , Yuen Benedict
Published: December 2020

Nitrogen fixation is a widespread metabolic trait in certain types of microorganisms called diazotrophs. Bioavailable nitrogen is limited in various habitats on land and in the sea and, accordingly, a range of plant, animal, and single-celled eukaryotes have evolved symbioses with diverse diazotrophic bacteria, with enormous economic and ecological benefits.
Leucine metabolites do not induce changes in phase angle, bioimpedance vector analysis patterns, and strength in resistance trained men
Authors: Campa F. , Matias C.N. , Teixeira F.J. , Reis J.F. , Valamatos M.J. , Toselli S. , Monteiro C.P.
Published: December 2020

We aimed to assess the effects of off-the-shelf leucine metabolite supplements on phase angle (PhA), bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns and strength during an 8-week resistance training protocol. Fifty-three male participants were allocated into 4 groups: α-hydroxyisocaproic acid (n = 12, age = 30.9 ± 9.3 years), β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (n = 12, age = 31.0 ± 9.3 years), calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (n = 15, age = 32.1 ± 5.2 years) or placebo (n = 14, age = 28.9 ± 6.6 years). Bioimpedance parameters and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) for back squat and bench press were assessed at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8. Additionally, fat-free mass and fat mass were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. No statistically group by time interactions were found, even adjusting for age. PhA and vector did not change over the training period, while time-dependent increases were observed for 1RM back squat and 1RM bench press. A direct association was observed between PhA and 1RM bench press changes (whole sample), while PhA and strength were correlated throughout the study, even when adjusting for fat-free mass and percentage of fat mass. Leucine metabolites have no effect on PhA, BIVA patterns or strength during an 8-week resistance training program, in resistance trained subjects. The trial was registered at ClincicalTrials.gov: NCT03511092.

Novelty: Supplementation with leucine metabolites is not a supplementation strategy that improves bioelectrical phase angle, cellular health, and strength after an 8-week resistance training program. When consuming a high protein diet, none of the α-hydroxyisocaproic acid, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid, and calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate metabolites resulted in an ergogenic effect in resistance trained men.
Impact of condensed tannin-containing legumes on ruminal fermentation, nutrition, and performance in ruminants: a review
Authors: Kelln B.M. , Penner G.B. , Acharya S.N. , McAllister T.A. , Lardner H.A.
Published: December 2020

Legume forages, such as sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), can increase the forage quality and quantity of Western Canadian pastures, thus increasing producer profitability due to increased gains in grazing ruminants, while also reducing risk of bloat in legume pastures due to the presence of proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins (CT) are secondary plant polyphenol compounds that have been regarded as anti-nutritional due to their ability to bind protein in feeds, enzymes, and microbial cells, therefore disrupting microbial digestion and slowing ruminal protein and dry matter (DM) digestion. Research has shown that at high concentrations (>50 g·kg−1 DM), CT can disrupt microbial digestion. However, at low dietary inclusion rates (5–10 g·kg−1 DM), they reduce bloat risk, increase ruminal undegradable protein, reduce enteric methane production, and benefit anthelmintic activity. Yet, research gaps still exist regarding grazing persistence and forage yield of novel CT-containing forages and their biological activity due to their vast differences in CT stereochemistry, polymer size, and intermolecular linkages. The objectives of this review are to summarize information regarding the impact of CT on ruminal fermentation, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and the potential to identify and select for forages that contain CT for ruminant production.
Input substitution and relative input price variability in timber markets
Authors: Zhou Mo
Published: December 2020

Timbers of multiple tree species and sizes are often traded in a single market. Some previous studies have empirically examined their price interdependences, but the drivers of such relationships remain unclear. I demonstrated with a rational expectations model that when timbers of two species (or sizes) were gross substitutes in production, the steady-state ratio between their prices was dependent on their relative quality and ease of substitution in production. The relative input price variability — the variance of the deviation of the relative price from its steady-state value — was a function of shocks in tree growth and demand for the output, negatively related to the ease of substitution. A case study illustrated that the relative price between pine (Pinus L.) pulpwood and hardwood pulpwood, as well as its variance, drastically decreased during the period of 2001–2016, as compared with 1986–2000, in the United States South, whereas the relative price between pine pulpwood and pine chip-n-saw was more stable. One possible explanation was that the emergence of novel forest products may have altered the relative quality and substitutability between pine pulpwood and hardwood pulpwood in the manufacturing process.
Approximate and generalized solutions of conformable type Coudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Sawada–Kotera equation
Authors: Senol Mehmet , Akinyemi Lanre , Ata Ayşe , Iyiola Olaniyi S.
Published: December 2020

In this study, we consider conformable type Coudrey–Dodd–Gibbon–Sawada–Kotera (CDGSK) equation. Three powerful analytical methods are employed to obtain generalized solutions of the nonlinear equation of interest. First, the sub-equation method is used as baseline where generalized closed form solutions are obtained and are exact for any fractional order [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, residual power series method (RPSM) and [Formula: see text]-homotopy analysis method ([Formula: see text]-HAM) are then applied to obtain approximate solutions. These are possible using some properties of conformable derivative. These approximate methods are very powerful and efficient due to the absence of the need for linearization, discretization and perturbation. Numerical simulations are carried out showing error values, [Formula: see text]-curve for [Formula: see text]-HAM and the effects of fractional order on the solution profiles.
The Historical and Current Status of Global IFRS Adoption: Obstacles and Opportunities for Researchers
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Trimble Madeline
Published: December 2020

The number of countries that have adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in some form has grown each year. However, the existing literature generally ignores the varied types and the complex timing of IFRS adoption. Our paper provides a cross-reference of IFRS adoption dates and types for 195 countries and territories around the world. This definitive data, including an extensive online dataset, was developed to help researchers better identify IFRS adoption events in the samples used in their empirical studies. Additionally, we highlight potential challenges in identifying IFRS adoption types and dates as well as provide areas of future research that can benefit from our dataset, which can be accessed online https://about.illinoisstate.edu/mktrimb/song-trimble-2022-dataset/ .
AiSee
Authors: Boldu Roger , Matthies Denys J.C. , Zhang Haimo , Nanayakkara Suranga
Published: December 2020

People with visual impairments (PVI) experience simple tasks, such as grocery shopping, to be an essential difficulty. Although the recent emergence of AI-technology has been dramatically improving visual recognition capabilities, the application to the daily life of PVI is still complex and erroneous. For example, image recognition engines require a clear shot of the targeted object and a contextual understanding of the information the user requires. In this paper, we aimed to understand the PVI's needs and their pain points in the task of identifying grocery items. Following a user-centered design process, we iteratively
Not Quite Yourself Today
Authors: Krašovec Andraž , Pellarini Daniel , Geneiatakis Dimitrios , Baldini Gianmarco , Pejović Veljko
Published: December 2020

The shortcomings of the traditional password-based authentication mechanism are becoming increasingly apparent as we transition from "one user - one device" to a richer "multiple users - multiple devices" computing paradigm. The currently dominant research direction focuses on on-device biometrics, which require sensitive information, such as images of a user's face, to be constantly streamed from a single recording source, often the device on which a user is getting authenticated. Instead, in this work we explore the possibilities offered by heterogeneous devices that opportunistically collect non-sensitive data in smart environments. We construct an IoT testbed in which we gather data pertaining to a person's movement in space, interaction with certain physical objects, PC terminal usage, and keyboard typing, and construct machine learning models capturing the person's behaviour traits. We commence our examination with models constructed from data sensed during a previously-completed task run and with such models we achieve up to 68% user identification accuracy (c.f. 7% baseline) among up to 20 individuals. Taking into account the limits of behaviour persistence we then revise our approach to continuously refine the model with the most recently sampled sensor data. This method allows us to achieve 99.3% user verification accuracy and successfully prevent a session takeover attack within 12 seconds with less than 1% of false attack detection.
Mobile Mood Tracking
Authors: Torkamaan Helma , Ziegler Jürgen
Published: December 2020

Commonly used mood measures are either lengthy or too complicated for repeated use. Mood tracking research is, therefore, associated with challenges such as user dissatisfaction, fatigue, or dropouts from studies. Previous efforts to improve user experience are mostly ambiguous concerning their validity and the extent of improvement they provide (e.g., compared to established measures, such as PANAS). This paper investigates the shortening of a self-reported mood measure using smartphones with four independent samples, and provides a baseline for comparing the usability and accuracy of future measures. It first examines whether user self-assessment of overall positive and negative activations with a two-item measure can capture mood as well as I-PANAS-SF. It next examines user's learning effect in repeated usage of the measure. Finally, it introduces the design of an adaptive mood measure that reduces the number of questions based on its prediction of user mood fluctuations. This adaptive measure can potentially capture specific mood states, as well as overall mood. The paper then explores user satisfaction and compliance with this measure in a longitudinal study. The results of this paper reveal that the investigated two-item measure is a valid and reliable tool for capturing a user's overall mood and mood fluctuations. The negative activation from this measure is associated with stress. Our results suggest that the association between mood and stress generally depends on the measure of mood and its items. We discovered that a non-complex self-explanatory measure is fairly resilient for repeated use with respect to the required effort and the accuracy of the measure in both daily and weekly evaluations. Adaptively reducing the length of a mood measure does not seem to impact user compliance but may slightly improve usability. We also noticed that positive and negative activations have a slightly different pattern of behavior with reference to the preceding mood states.
Understanding User Contexts and Coping Strategies for Context-aware Phone Distraction Management System Design
Authors: Kim Inyeop , Goh Hwarang , Narziev Nematjon , Noh Youngtae , Lee Uichin
Published: December 2020

Smartphones are often distraction for everyday life activities. In this work, we envision designing a context-aware system that helps users better manage smartphone distractions. This system design requires us to have an in-depth understanding of users' contexts of smartphone distractions and their coping strategies. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the contexts in which users perceive that smartphones are distracting in their everyday lives. Furthermore, prior studies did not systematically examine users' preferred coping strategies for handling interruptions caused by smartphones, possibly supported by context-aware systems that proactively manage smartphone distraction. To bridge this gap, we collect in-situ user contexts and their corresponding levels of perceived smartphone distraction as well as analyze the daily contexts in which users perceive smartphones as distracting. Moreover, we also explore how users want to manage phone distraction by asking them to write simple if-then rules. Our results on user contexts and coping strategies provide important implications for designing and implementing context-aware distraction management systems.