bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The brown bear as a translational model for sedentary lifestyle‐related diseases
Authors: Fröbert O. , Frøbert A. M. , Kindberg J. , Arnemo J. M. , Overgaard M. T.
Published: October 2019

Sedentary lifestyle accelerates biological ageing, is a major risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome and is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In contrast to the linear path to worsening health in humans with metabolic syndrome, brown bears have developed a circular metabolic plasticity enabling these animals to tolerate obesity and a ‘sedentary lifestyle’ during hibernation and exit the den metabolically healthy in spring. Bears are close to humans physiology wise, much closer than rodents, the preferred experimental animals in medical research, and may better serve as translational model to develop treatments for lifestyle‐related diseases. In this review, aspects of brown bear hibernation survival strategies are outlined and conceivable experimental strategies to learn from bears are described.
Antileishmanial activity and ultrastructural changes of related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans isolated from Saururus cernuus L. (Saururaceae)
Authors: Brito Juliana R , Passero Luiz Felipe D , Bezerra-Souza Adriana , Laurenti Márcia D , Romoff Paulete , Barbosa Henrique , Ferreira Edgard A , Lago João Henrique G
Published: October 2019

Objective

This work describes the isolation of anti-Leishmania amazonensis metabolites from Saururus cernuus (Saururaceae). Additionally, ultrastructural changes in promastigotes were evidenced by electron microscopy.

Methods

The MeOH extract from the leaves of S. cernuus was subjected to bioactivity-guided fractionation. Anti-L. amazonensis activity of purified compounds was performed in vitro against promastigote and amastigote forms.

Key findings

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract from the leaves of S. cernuus afforded two related tetrahydrofuran dineolignans: threo,threo-manassantin A (1) and threo,erythro-manassantin A (2). Compounds 1 and 2 displayed activity against promastigotes (EC50 of 35.4 ± 7.7 and 17.6 ± 4.2 μm, respectively) and amastigotes (EC50 of 20.4 ± 1.9 and 16.0 ± 1.1 μm, respectively), superior to that determined for the positive control miltefosine (EC50 of 28.7 ± 3.5 μm). Reduced cytotoxicity for host cells was observed for both compounds. Additionally, ultrastructural changes in promastigotes leading to an alteration of structural morphology were observed, as evidenced by electron microscopy. Furthermore, these compounds altered the morphology and physiology of the plasmatic membrane of L. amazonensis.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicated that dineolignans 1 and 2 could be considered as a scaffold for the design of novel and selective drug candidates for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Increasing roughage quality by using alfalfa hay as a substitute for concentrate mitigates CH4 emissions and urinary N and ammonia excretion from dry ewes
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Zhang Cheng , Yan Tianhai , Chang Shenghua , Zhu Wanhe , Wanapat Metha , Hou Fujiang
Published: October 2019

Twelve Hu sheep × thin‐tail Han crossbred dry ewes with an average body weight of 32.6 ± 0.68 kg and an age of 3 years were arranged in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, with each experimental period of 24 d to evaluate the effect of substituting alfalfa hay in a portion of concentrate on nutrient intake, digestibility, N utilisation efficiency and methane emissions. The ratios of corn straw to alfalfa to concentrate for 3 diet treatments were 60:0:40, 60:15:25 and 60:30:10, respectively. Intake and digestibility were measured for each of the ewes, which were housed in individual metabolism crates for 6 d after an adaptation period of 14 d, and the feed was offered at 1.2 MEm to ensure approximately 10% orts. Methane emissions were determined in a respiration chamber for 2 consecutive d. An increase in the levels of alfalfa as a substitute for concentrate significantly increased the roughage, NSC and ADF intake and faecal N output as a proportion of N intake and manure N output. Furthermore, this increase in alfalfa input levels decreased DE, ME and N intake; nutrient digestibility; DE/GE, ME/GE and CH4 emissions per day; CH4 output expressed as a portion of the DM, OM and GE intake; and urinary N and ammonia N output, especially between extreme treatments. Alfalfa input levels had no effect on the BW, DM and GE intake; the EB or EB/GE intake; and the retained N. This study indicated that increasing alfalfa input as a substitute for concentrate could significantly decrease the digestibility, CH4 emissions and urinary N and NH4+‐N outputs; and shift the N excretion from urine to faeces; and could sustain a similar DM intake.
Effect of the homogenization process on the sensory and rheological properties in model system
Authors: da Silva Pereira Gerlândia , Leite Thiago S. , Schmidt Flávio L. , Cristianini Marcelo , Bolini Helena M. A.
Published: October 2019

High pressure homogenization has been used for preparation and stabilization of emulsions and suspensions, promoting physical changes in products, such as viscosity change. However, its use in model systems for fruit nectar is innovative. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the processing in high pressure homogenizer on the rheological behavior and the sensory attributes in model system of gellan gum. Gellan gum (0.05%), organic acids (0.3%), and sucrose (10%) were used to prepare the solutions, which were subsequently homogenized (0—control, 25 and 50 MPa) at 25°C. Rheological and sensory analyses were performed. The samples presented pseudoplastic behavior without residual stress and were characterized by the Ostwald‐de‐Waele model. The homogenization pressure (PH) altered the viscosity of the model systems, reduced the consistency index and apparent viscosity, and increased the flow behavior index. The stimuli sour taste and viscosity differed among the parameters evaluated in the time‐intensity analysis. No differences were observed for the maximum intensity of viscosity between the treated samples (25 and 50 MPa), which exhibited a similar temporal profile. Therefore, studies on the rheological and sensory behavior are fundamental to product development and process optimization. The present study shows new trends on the use of the high pressure homogenizer and the sensory profile in model systems that can be used for fruit nectar. This study evaluated the sensory attributes through the time‐intensity analysis. The sensory data indicate that the homogenization pressure altered the viscosity perception, but did not alter the perception of the acid taste for the same organic acid used. Sensory as well as rheological data present new alternatives for product development. These findings are interesting for future research, equipment design, and process optimization.
Non‐culminating accomplishments
Authors: Martin Fabienne
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on non‐culminating accomplishments and distinguishes them from accomplishments used atelically. It delineates two different sources of event culmination denials after non‐progressive accomplishment sentences, namely, the perfective or a modal operator encoded in the VP. Furthermore, it argues that non‐culminating accomplishments also differ from non‐maximal accomplishments, which entail event culmination relative to a coarse granularity level, but allow culmination denials relative to a finer granularity level,viathe non‐maximal use of the (in‐)definite description used to introduce the incremental theme argument.
Enteric cholinergic neuropathy in patients with diabetes: Non‐invasive assessment with positron emission tomography
Authors: Klinge Mette W. , Borghammer Per , Lund Sten , Fedorova Tatyana , Knudsen Karoline , Haase Anne‐Mette , Christiansen Jens Juel , Krogh Klaus
Published: October 2019

Background

11C‐Donepezil positron emission tomography (PET) allows non‐invasive assessment of cholinergic innervation of visceral organs. We aimed to compare cholinergic innervation in the gut in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and in healthy controls (HC).

Methods

11C‐Donepezil PET and computed tomography (CT) were performed in 19 patients with type 1 DM and gastrointestinal symptoms and in 19 age‐ and sex‐matched HC in a cross‐sectional design.

Key Results

All patients had severe gastrointestinal symptoms when assessed by standard questionnaires. DM patients had significantly increased volume of the small intestinal wall (DM: median 557 cm3[interquartile range [IQR] 446‐697] vs HC median: 448 cm3[IQR; 341‐518;P < .01]), and the11C Donepezil PET uptake was reduced in patients (DM: median 7.08 standardized uptake value [SUV] [IQR; 5.94‐8.43] vs HC: median 9.18 SUV [IQR; 8.57‐10.11;P < .01]). A similar pattern was found in colon (DM: median volume 1064 cm3[IQR; 882‐1312] vs HC: median 939 cm3[IQR; 785‐1081;P = .13] and DM: median 1.22 SUV (IQR; 1.08‐1.36) vs HC: median 1.42 SUV (IQR; 1.32‐1.53;P = .03). Furthermore, patients had significantly reduced pancreatic volume (DM: median 53 cm3[IQR; 41‐69] vs HC: median 98 cm3[IQR;82‐110;P < .01]) and reduced PET uptake of the pancreas (DM: median 13.14 SUV [IQR;9.58‐15.82] vs HC: median 21.46 SUV [IQR;18.97‐24.06;P < .01]) as well as the adrenal gland (DM: median 7.62 SUV [IQR;7.61;15.82] vs HC: median 15.51 SUV [IQR;12.22;19.49;P = .03]).

Conclusion and Inferences

Assessed with11C‐Donepezil PET/CT, patients with DM and severe bowel symptoms have reduced cholinergic innervation of the gut indicative of parasympathetic denervation.
The role of peptides cleaved from protein precursors in eliciting plant stress reactions
Authors: Chen Ying‐Lan , Fan Kai‐Ting , Hung Sheng‐Chi , Chen Yet‐Ran
Published: October 2019

As sessile organisms, plants are exposed to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses, and thus have developed complex signaling mechanisms that orchestrate multiple stress responses. Plant peptides have recently emerged as key signaling molecules of stress responses, not only to mechanical wounding and pathogen infection but also to nutrient imbalance, drought and high salinity. The currently identified stress‐related signaling peptides in plants are derived from proteolytic processing of protein precursors. Here, we review these protein‐derived peptides and the evidence for their functions in stress signaling. We recommend potential research directions that could clarify their roles in stress biology, and propose possible crosstalk with regard to the physiological outcome. The stress‐centric perspective allows us to highlight the crucial roles of peptides in regulating the dynamics of stress physiology. Inspired by historic and recent findings, we review how peptides initiate complex molecular interactions to coordinate biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants.
Dual regulation of xylem formation by an auxin‐mediated PaC3H17‐PaMYB199 module in Populus
Authors: Tang Xianfeng , Wang Dian , Liu Yu , Lu Mengzhu , Zhuang Yamei , Xie Zhi , Wang Congpeng , Wang Shumin , Kong Yingzhen , Chai Guohua , Zhou Gongke
Published: October 2019

Wood (secondary xylem) formation in tree species is dependent on auxin‐mediated vascular cambium activity in stems. However, the complex regulatory networks underlying xylem formation remain elusive.

Xylem development in Populus was characterized based on microscopic observations of stem sections in transgenic plants. Transcriptomic, quantitative real‐time PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation PCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analyses were conducted to identify target genes involved in xylem development. Yeast two‐hybrid, pull‐down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and co‐immunoprecipitation assays were used to validate protein–protein interactions.

PaC3H17 and its target PaMYB199 were found to be predominantly expressed in the vascular cambium and developing secondary xylem in Populus stems and play opposite roles in controlling cambial cell proliferation and secondary cell wall thickening through an overlapping pathway. Further, PaC3H17 interacts with PaMYB199 to form a complex, attenuating PaMYB199‐driven suppression of its xylem targets. Exogenous auxin application enhances the dual control of the PaC3H17‐PaMYB199 module during cambium division, thereby promoting secondary cell wall deposition.

Dual regulation of xylem formation by an auxin‐mediated PaC3H17‐PaMYB199 module represents a novel regulatory mechanism in Populus, increasing our understanding of the regulatory networks involved in wood formation.
Multifaceted regulatory function of tomato SlTAF1 in the response to salinity stress
Authors: Devkar Vikas , Thirumalaikumar Venkatesh P. , Xue Gang‐Ping , Vallarino José G. , Turečková Veronika , Strnad Miroslav , Fernie Alisdair R. , Hoefgen Rainer , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd , Balazadeh Salma
Published: October 2019

Salinity stress limits plant growth and has a major impact on agricultural productivity. Here, we identify NAC transcription factor SlTAF1 as a regulator of salt tolerance in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

While overexpression of SlTAF1 improves salinity tolerance compared with wild‐type, lowering SlTAF1 expression causes stronger salinity‐induced damage. Under salt stress, shoots of SlTAF1 knockdown plants accumulate more toxic Na+ ions, while SlTAF1 overexpressors accumulate less ions, in accordance with an altered expression of the Na+ transporter genes SlHKT1;1 and SlHKT1;2. Furthermore, stomatal conductance and pore area are increased in SlTAF1 knockdown plants during salinity stress, but decreased in SlTAF1 overexpressors.

We identified stress‐related transcription factor, abscisic acid metabolism and defence‐related genes as potential direct targets of SlTAF1, correlating it with reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and changes in hormonal response. Salinity‐induced changes in tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and amino acids are more pronounced in SlTAF1 knockdown than wild‐type plants, but less so in SlTAF1 overexpressors. The osmoprotectant proline accumulates more in SlTAF1 overexpressors than knockdown plants.

In summary, SlTAF1 controls the tomato’s response to salinity stress by combating both osmotic stress and ion toxicity, highlighting this gene as a promising candidate for the future breeding of stress‐tolerant crops.
Natural variation and selection in GmSWEET39 affect soybean seed oil content
Authors: Miao Long , Yang Songnan , Zhang Kai , He Jianbo , Wu Chunhua , Ren Yanhua , Gai Junyi , Li Yan
Published: October 2019

Soybean (Glycine max) is a major contributor to the world oilseed production. Its seed oil content has been increased through soybean domestication and improvement. However, the genes underlying the selection are largely unknown.

The present contribution analyzed the expression patterns of genes in the seed oil quantitative trait loci with strong selective sweep signals, then used association, functional study and population genetics to reveal a sucrose efflux transporter gene, GmSWEET39, controlling soybean seed oil content and under selection.

GmSWEET39 is highly expressed in soybean seeds and encodes a plasma membrane‐localized protein. Its expression level is positively correlated with soybean seed oil content. The variation in its promoter and coding sequence leads to different natural alleles of this gene. The GmSWEET39 allelic effects on total oil content were confirmed in the seeds of soybean recombinant inbred lines, transgenic Arabidopsis, and transgenic soybean hairy roots. The frequencies of its superior alleles increased from wild soybean to cultivated soybean, and are much higher in released soybean cultivars.

The findings herein suggest that the sequence variation in GmSWEET39 affects its relative expression and oil content in soybean seeds, and GmSWEET39 has been selected to increase seed oil content during soybean domestication and improvement.
Sleep disturbances in temporomandibular disorders: a narrative review
Authors: Herrero Babiloni A. , Martel M.O. , Lavigne G.J.
Published: October 2019

Sleep complaints are frequently reported by patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This review aims to offer dental practitioners and allied specialties a basic understanding of sleep quality, measure it subjectively and objectively and common sleep disturbances that are present in TMD patients. Guidance in identifying and managing patients with TMD and comorbid sleep‐related complaints will be provided as well. Dentists should be able to screen sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep disordered breathing (apnoea, snoring) or sleep bruxism, and to refer patients to the appropriate specialist when necessary. Individualised management and a multidisciplinary approach must be pursued when managing patients with TMD and comorbid sleep disturbances and/or sleep disorders, such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Recurrent wheezing during the first 3 years of life in a birth cohort of moderate‐to‐late preterm infants
Authors: Moreno‐Galdó Antonio , Pérez‐Yarza Eduardo G. , Ramilo Octavio , Rubí Teresa , Escribano Amparo , Torres Antonio , Sardón Olaia , Oliva Concepción , Pérez Guadalupe , Cortell Isidoro , Rovira‐Amigo Sandra , Pastor‐Vivero Maria D. , Pérez‐Frías Javier , Velasco Valle , Torres Javier , Figuerola Joan , Barrio María Isabel , García‐Hernández Gloria , Mejías Asunción ,   on behalf of the SAREPREM 3235 investigators
Published: October 2019

Background

Data addressing short‐ and long‐term respiratory morbidity in moderate‐late preterm infants are limited. We aim to determine the incidence of recurrent wheezing and associated risk and protective factors in these infants during the first 3 years of life.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter birth cohort study of infants born at 32+0 to 35+0 weeks’ gestation and followed for 3 years to assess the incidence of physician‐diagnosed recurrent wheezing. Allergen sensitization and pulmonary function were also studied. We used multivariate mixed‐effects models to identify risk factors associated with recurrent wheezing.

Results

A total of 977 preterm infants were enrolled. Rates of recurrent wheezing during year (Y)1 and Y2 were similar (19%) but decreased to 13.3% in Y3. Related hospitalizations significantly declined from 6.3% in Y1 to 0.75% in Y3. Independent risk factors for recurrent wheezing during Y2 and Y3 included the following: day care attendance, acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and need for mechanical ventilation. Atopic dermatitis on Y2 and male sex on Y3 were also independently associated with recurrent wheezing. Palivizumab prophylaxis for RSV during the first year of life decreased the risk or recurrent wheezing on Y3. While there were no differences in rates of allergen sensitization, pulmonary function tests (FEV0.5) were significantly lower in children who developed recurrent wheezing.

Conclusions

In moderate‐to‐late premature infants, respiratory symptoms were associated with lung morbidity persisted during the first 3 years of life and were associated with abnormal pulmonary function tests. Only anti‐RSV prophylaxis exerted a protective effect in the development of recurrent wheezing.
Lung function and bronchial hyper‐reactivity from 11 to 18 years in children with bronchiolitis in infancy
Authors: Sørensen Karen Galta , Øymar Knut , Dalen Ingvild , Halvorsen Thomas , Mikalsen Ingvild Bruun
Published: October 2019

Background

Various trajectories for lung function and bronchial hyper‐reactivity (BHR) from early childhood to adulthood are described, including puberty as a period with excessive lung growth. Bronchiolitis in infancy may be associated with increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but the development of respiratory patterns during puberty is poorly characterized for these children. We aimed to study the development and trajectories of lung function and BHR from 11 to 18 years of age in children hospitalized for bronchiolitis in infancy.

Methods

Infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis at the University Hospitals in Stavanger and Bergen, Norway, during 1997‐1998, and an age‐matched control group, were included in a longitudinal follow‐up study and examined at 11 and 18 years of age with spirometry and methacholine provocation test (MPT). The MPT data were managed as dose‐response slope (DRS) in the statistical analyses. Changes in lung function and DRS from 11 to 18 years of age were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, including interaction terms.

Results

z‐scores for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and DRS were not different from 11 to 18 years of age in both the post‐bronchiolitis and the control group. The trajectories from 11 to 18 years did not differ between the two groups. BHR at age 11 was independently associated with asthma at age 18.

Conclusion

Children hospitalized for bronchiolitis had stable predicted lung function and BHR from 11 to 18 years of age. The lung function trajectories were not different from controls.
The Law: “Something He and His People Naturally Would Be Drawn To”: The Reagan Administration and the Law‐and‐Economics Movement
Authors: Baumgardner Paul
Published: October 2019

In order to better understand the growth of modern conservatism within the United States, scholars of American political development increasingly have set their sights on the 1980s and the Reagan Revolution. But key questions still remain about the part played by President Ronald Reagan's administration during this period of legal transformation. Additionally, political scientists have given short shrift to the legal ideas and idea makers that grew in prominence during the Reagan Revolution. This article connects these two loose strands through an exploration of the relationship fostered between the Reagan administration and the law‐and‐economics movement. Archival records and interview materials reveal the mutually beneficial nature of this relationship, which shaped both the legal academy and the federal government.
Effect of n‐3 PUFA‐rich fish oil supplementation during late gestation on kidding, uterine involution and resumption of follicular activity in goat
Authors: Yadav Dushyant , Singh Amit Kumar , Kumar Brijesh , Mahla Ajit Singh , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Patra Manas Kumar , Kumar Harendra , Kumar Sachin , Tyagi Bhawna , Verma Med Ram , Krishnaswamy Narayanan
Published: October 2019

We have shown that dietary supplementation of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA)‐rich fish oil (FO) around the breeding time improved the utero‐ovarian functions in the goat. Here, we investigated the effect of FO supplementation during the periparturient period on serum n‐3 PUFA, prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), placental expulsion, uterine involution, resumption of oestrus and neonatal vigour. Rohilkhandi goat in advanced gestation (n = 16) was divided into two equal groups. One group was supplemented with FO containing 26% n‐3 long‐chain PUFA at the rate of 156 mg per kg body weight, while the control group was fed isocaloric palm oil (PO) from −3 to +3 week of kidding. Dietary FO increased serum concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 7.3‐ and 6.6‐fold, respectively, after 6 weeks of supplementation. Goats in FO group expelled the foetal membranes 99.1 min earlier (p < .01) than those of PO group. Further, dietary FO significantly decreased the serum PGFM on day 7 post‐partum. However, no difference was found on uterine involution, which was complete by day 20 post‐partum in either group. Resumption of follicular activity by day 5 post‐partum was 87.5% in the FO as compared to 25% in the PO group (p < .05). Similarly, occurrence of behavioural oestrus by day 90 post‐partum was 57.1% in goats of the FO group while none of does was in the PO group (p < .01) expressed oestrus. It was concluded that feeding FO‐rich diet during −3 to +3 weeks of kidding decreased the PGFM till day 7 post‐partum, hastened the expulsion of foetal membranes and reduced the time from kidding to first post‐partum oestrus in Rohilkhandi does.
Antagonism of the interleukin 4 receptor α promotes TH1‐signalling among T cells from patients with atopic dermatitis after stimulation
Authors: Brøgger Peter , Blom Lars H. , Simonsen Stine , Thyssen Jacob P. , Skov Lone
Published: October 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Molecular characterization of AD shows an underlying inflammation with tissue infiltration of T helper (TH) 2 cells and increased IL‐4 and IL‐13. The multifaceted roles of IL‐4 and IL‐13 in allergic disease development make IL‐4Rα an attractive target for treatment strategies, and a neutralizing monoclonal antibody which antagonizes the effects of both IL‐4 and IL‐13 by blocking the interaction site found in the IL‐4 receptor subunit α (IL‐4Rα) has been successfully used to treat patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD. To elucidate the effects of IL‐4Rα blockade on the cellular level, we used flow cytometry to examine cytokine production after antigen stimulation in human T cells from patients with AD (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 6). The cells were stimulated with and without a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against IL‐4Rα. Our results indicate that blocking IL‐4Rα prohibits IL‐4 signalling and IL‐13 signalling and thereby TH2 differentiation followed by an upregulation of interferon‐γ‐producing cells.
Co‐seismic deformation and post‐glacial slip rate along the Magallanes‐Fagnano fault, Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina
Authors: Roy Sandrine , Vassallo Riccardo , Martinod Joseph , Ghiglione Matías C. , Sue Christian , Allemand Pascal
Published: October 2019

Across the extreme south of Patagonia, the Magallanes‐Fagnano Fault (MFF) accommodates the left‐lateral relative motion between South America and Scotia plates. In this paper, we present an updated view of the geometry of the eastern portion of the MFF outcropping in Tierra del Fuego. We subdivide the MFF in eight segments on the basis of their deformation styles, using field mapping and interpretation of high‐resolution imagery. We quantify coseismic ruptures of the strongest recorded 1949, Mw7.5 earthquake, and determine its eastern termination. We recognize several co‐seismic offsets in man‐made features showing a sinistral shift up to 6.5 m, greater than previously estimated. Using 10Be cosmogenic nuclides depth profiles, we date a cumulated offset in post‐glacial morphologies and estimate the long‐term slip rate of the eastern MFF. We quantify a 6.4 ± 0.9 mm/a left‐lateral fault slip rate, which overlaps geodetic velocity and suggests stable fault behaviour since Pleistocene.
Sulfonamide desensitization in solid organ transplant recipients: A protocol‐driven approach during the index transplant hospitalization
Authors: Pryor Joseph B. , Olyaei Ali J. , Kirsch Denise , Strasfeld Lynne
Published: October 2019

Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) is the first‐line agent for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients because of its efficacy for this indication, extended antimicrobial coverage, and favorable cost. Reported sulfonamide allergy is not uncommon and often results in TMP‐SMX avoidance. Desensitization offers an efficacious and cost‐effective alternative to TMP‐SMX avoidance. Herein, we reviewed our experience with desensitization during the index transplant hospitalization among 52 SOT recipients with history of a non‐anaphylactic sulfonamide allergy. Of those enrolled in the desensitization protocol, 92% (48/52) completed the protocol, with nearly 80% (41/52) still on TMP‐SMX at 3 months without adverse reaction. Eleven patients discontinued TMP‐SMX (7 for allergic reactions and 4 for non‐allergic reasons) and switched to pentamidine. A cost savings of $575 per desensitization was calculated based on annual wholesale drug prices, for a total savings of $23 575. Additionally, the protocol did not delay discharge in any patient nor was it associated with any severe allergic reactions. These findings suggest TMP‐SMX desensitization is safe and effective in SOT recipients with a history of non‐anaphylactic, non‐life‐threatening sulfonamide hypersensitivity.
DWELLING FACTORS EFFECT ON RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Authors: Suleiman Jibrin Hassan , Balubaid Saeed , Zakari Nasiru Mohammed , Ituma Egba Ernest
Published: October 2019

Most of the developing countries experience rapid urbanization and population growth, Malaysia is among these countries as the population and the energy consumption in the country tremendously increased over the last few decades.  A major challenge is the rate of energy consumption in the country is tremendous going higher which is a threat as the country was listed 26th out of the 30 top greenhouse emitters in the world.  A survey was conducted on the ways occupants’ consumes energy in their residential buildings in relation to dwelling factors in the State of Johor Malaysia. Energy consumption of the residential owners was assessed using drop and pick self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaires were answered by each household heads. Air conditioning system, refrigeration system, kitchen appliances, bathroom and laundry appliances, lighting appliances as well as other home appliances was considered in the survey. Correlation analysis was used using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the results. The finding shows a positive relationship between dwelling factors.  r ≥ 0.3 and above between dwelling factors and residential building energy consumption.
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE IN MALAYSIA’S LISTED PROPERTY COMPANIES
Authors: Ufere Kalu Joseph , Godwin Uche Aliagha , Alias Buang , Joachim Onuoha Iheanyichukwu
Published: October 2019

Climate change mitigation is a challenge faced by most nations of the world. The task is even more challenging in Malaysia considering the occurrence of sequence of floods within the past and the need to be a part of the developed economy by 2020 which needs environment protection. This paper examines the state of climate change mitigation and the practice of voluntary carbon disclosure in sustainable development practice among listed Property companies in Malaysia. Consequently the paper analyses policies and programs on-going in Malaysia to create an enabling environment for the implementation of climate change mitigation. From the studies, it can argued that Malaysia has made significant progress in setting up legal framework for the implementation of climate change mitigation and voluntary environmental disclosure, but critical mass is yet to be achieved. This was achieved as a function of Malaysia’s membership to United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and ratifying the Kyoto Protocol and also participates in the Clean Development Mechanism; and further establishes nationwide ecological protection laws which are implemented in the government’s Development Plans and development industry master plan. Lastly, the impetus given to the free market sector to be participants in mitigation through the Bursa Malaysia listing requirement that specifies corporate social responsibility reporting as part of the annual reports, with measurement, disclosure and management of emission integral  part. The review allows us to infer that the Malaysia voluntary environmental disclosure and climate change mitigation practice in the property sector has made initial progress but there is need for more market driven motivation to be introduced so that more companies especially those in carbon-intensive practice would be  involved.
A SURVEY OF PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AGENCIES READINESS FOR E-PROCUREMENT ADOPTION
Authors: AbdulAzeez Abubakar Darda’u , Badiru Yunusa Yusuf , Gabriel Babayo Bidda
Published: October 2019

E-Procurement is a veritable tool for increasing efficiency, productivity and faster project delivery in construction industry practice. However, despite the administrative and managerial benefits obtainable by the adoption of e-procurement, public organizations are slow in their approach to its adoption due to their exposure to the technology application in that regards. Thus, this research aim to assess the state of readiness of government construction organization to adopt e-procurement in order to establish their responds to information communication technology innovations with a view to enhancing continuous efficiency in service delivery. Questionnaire and literature review were use as sources of data, where by the factors either for or against e-procurement adoption were identified and established. From the research findings, majority of the response shows lack of awareness and lack of experienced partners. However, the management is aware of its benefits to construction industry and will welcome changes to strategies that ensure successful migration from paper base procurement to electronic one. The study therefore recommended that a framework be developed by Government for the full adoption of e-procurement in Nigerian construction industry.
APPRAISAL OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (MSWM) IN JIMETA-YOLA ADAMAWA STATE OF NIGERIA: THE NEED FOR INNOVATIVE, PPP STRATEGIES
Authors: Liman Aminu , Ngah Ibrahim
Published: October 2019

This study try to investigate rates of generation, of municipal solid waste (MSW) in different constituencies of Jimeta-Yola, and examine the strategies use for solid waste management in the metropolis., Over the recent times Jimeta-Yola has witness an influx of population due to the increased in urbanisation and this had led to increase in consumption of goods and services with consequence increased in rate of generation (MSW) of municipal solid waste .The research used quantitative research techniques to evaluate data on solid waste generation rates in Jimeta. The findings revealed that the waste generation rate varies according to the constituencies ranging. Between, 0.42- 0.78/capita/days cutting across low, medium and high density wards. The analysis of waste management profile in the study area shows, there is inadequate management of municipal solid waste in the metropolis. This paper implies evaluation of the generation rates  of municipal solid wastes (MSW) as the basic tool in planning for improve management of solid waste in the Metropolis, with balancing the aim of privatizing of solid waste management,  sustainability in service coverage  and recycling the solid waste into energy generation.
NEGATIVE IMAGINARY THEOREM WITH AN APPLICATION TO ROBUST CONTROL OF A CRANE SYSTEM
Authors: M. Abdullahi Auwalu , Mohamed Z. , Zainal Abidin M. S. , Akmeliawati R. , Husain A. R. , A. Bature Amir , Haruna Ado
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an integral sliding mode (ISM) control for a case of negative imaginary (NI) systems. A gantry crane system (GCS) is considered in this work. ISM is a nonlinear control method introducing significant properties of precision, robustness, stress-free tuning and implementation. The GCS model considered in this work is derived based on the x direction and sway motion of the payload. The GCS is a negative imaginary (NI) system with a single pole at the origin. ISM consist of two blocks; the inner block made up of a pole placement controller (NI controller),  designed using linear matrix inequality for robustness and outer block made up of sliding mode control to reject disturbances. The ISM is designed to control position tracking and anti-swing payload motion. The robustness of the control scheme is tested with an input disturbance of a sine wave signal. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the control scheme.
AN IMPROVED MAINTENANCE STRATEGY IN AD HOC ON-DEMAND ROUTING PROTOCOLS FOR MOBILE AD HOC NETWORKS
Authors: Al-Nahari Abdulaziz , Mohamad Mohd. Murtadha , Zahilah Raja
Published: October 2019

In high mobility and high traffic load network situations, the delay time is affected with high end-to-end delay in reactive routing protocols such as AODV. In this paper we proposed an enhanced receiver-based AODV (ERB-AODV) routing protocol by improving the maintenance phase in AODV. ERB-AODV protocol focuses on decreasing the end-to-end delay and the control overhead in high mobility and traffic load. The receiver node uses a controller agent to update the sender node of the current available path. The agent works depend on the history of receiving data packets. Using glomosim, the ERB-ADOV protocol outperforms the AODV protocol in high mobility and traffic load. Results show that, in high mobility, the delay is decreased by 81% and the control overhead is decreased by 77%. The delay is decreased by 91% in high traffic load, and decreases the control overhead by -77% compared with AODV protocol. These results show the improvement of network delay using the new maintenance strategy on on-demand routing protocols for MANETs.
INVESTIGATION ON THE DEGRADATION BEHAVIOR OF CREEPAGE DISCHARGE ON PRESSBOARD IMMERSED IN PALM FATTY ACID ESTER (PFAE) OIL
Authors: Othman Nur Amirah , Zainuddin Hidayat , Aman Aminudin , Ghani Sharin Abd , Ahmad Khiar Mohd Shahril , Chairul Imran Sutan , Talib Mohd Aizam
Published: October 2019

Creepage discharge at the oil-pressboard interface is known as the development of a conducting path which is characterized by white and carbonized marks.  This phenomenon tends to cause damage on the cellulose pressboard insulation which is subsequently promote to the catastrophic failure of a transformer.  One of major defects that may cause the creepage discharge to occur along the pressboard surface is an excessive moisture content in pressboard insulation.  Previously, there is an extensive research concerning the effect of moisture content in pressboard on the degradation of creepage discharge at mineral oil-pressboard interface.  However, none has been found on the study of the effect of moisture content in pressboard on creepage discharge using ester oil.  Therefore, this paper attempts to present the investigation on the degradation behavior of creepage discharge at Palm Fatty Acid Ester (PFAE) oil-pressboard interface by using a needle-bar electrode configuration under a constant AC voltage.  Dry and wet pressboard samples (moisture content of 3 %) are used in this experiment to differentiate the degradation behavior.  The development of creepage discharge is analyzed by correlating the visual records of creepage discharge and phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern.  An unexpected result has been found that the number of partial discharges (PDs) for wet pressboard is lower than the dry one as the formation of white mark with bush-like pattern is observed.  Eventually, as the white mark is seen about halfway of the gap distance, the PDs number for wet pressboard sample significantly dropped, i.e. by 99 % compared to the dry board which is only 38 %. Variations in the PRPD data is due to constructive and destructive superpositions of electric field. The results suggest that the destructive effect is higher on the wet pressboard compared to the dry one.
La intermediación de seguros en el centro de las corrientes reformadoras, estado del arte en la Unión Europea y Colombia
Authors: Tabares Cortés Felipe
Published: October 2019

La Unión Europea y Colombia expidieron respectivas Reformas de la intermediación en seguros cuya vigencia definitiva comienzó a correr en ambos casos en el año 2018. No solo los requisitos de ejercicio de la profesión de intermediario en seguros fueron modificados (idoneidad, capacidad técnica y profesional), sino también las obligaciones de información que son propias a los distribuidores de contratos de seguro. El autor menciona así los antecedentes de estas reformas en el contexto en el cual fueron introducidas, para luego especificar cuál es concretamente el contenido de la Reforma de la Distribución de Seguros. Igualmente, se presenta una reciente jurisprudencia de la Corte Suprema de Justicia colombiana sobre este tema.
Flutter in Started and Unstarted Transonic Linear Cascades: Simultaneous Measurements of Unsteady Loads and Shock Dynamics
Authors: Jutur Prahallada , Govardhan Raghuraman N.
Published: October 2019

In the present work, we report on an experimental study of bending/flap mode flutter of a blade within a linear cascade at transonic conditions. Driven by the motivation to understand the contribution of shock location/dynamics to flutter characteristics, we have performed simultaneous measurements of shock dynamics using high-speed shadowgraphy combined with unsteady load measurements on an oscillating blade within the cascade. The flutter characteristics in terms of energy transfer from the fluid to the blade and shock dynamics have been mapped out over a range of blade oscillation frequencies and static pressure ratios (SPRs) across the cascade, the latter being important as they decide the mean location of the passage shocks. SPR values studied include both conditions where the shock is within the passage (started cascade) and where the passage shock is pushed ahead of the leading edge of the blades (unstarted cascade). These measurements show characteristically different flutter behavior for an unstarted cascade compared with a started cascade, the former having received very little attention in the literature. While both these cases show small excitation levels at low reduced frequencies, the unstarted cascade case exhibits an additional relative narrow region of excitation at higher reduced frequencies with approximately an order of magnitude higher excitation energies. Comparison of the shock dynamics between the two excitation regimes shows significant differences in the phase of the leading edge shock in addition to changes in the suction side shock phase indicating that the two excitation regimes are of different origin.
Numerical Simulation of Siphon Breaker Systems for Open-Type Research Reactors
Authors: Ramajo Damian E. , Corzo Santiago F. , Nigro Norberto M.
Published: October 2019

The Pohang University of Science and Technology facility (POSTECH) experiments to mimic the siphon breaker system (SBS) of an open-type nuclear research reactor were simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Two siphon breaker lines (SBL) and one siphon breaker hole (SBH) designs were solved with the open field operation and manipulation code (openfoam). The air–water system was solved using the volume of fluid (VOF) method, and the turbulence was modeled by means of the standard k–ϵ model. The pool drainage by siphonage was captured and the siphon break phenomena due to the entrance of air through the SBS were captured. The velocity and pressure fields in the main line were analyzed in depth. The pool undershooting height (hun) as well as the flow rate through the main line were quite well estimated without the need of introduce any fitting parameter in the computational model.
Speed Simulation of Hydraulic Automatic Speed-Controlled Pipeline Inspection Gauge in Liquid Pipelines
Authors: Tu Qing , Liu Qingyou , Ji Shouhong , Ren Tao , Li Yujia
Published: October 2019

A pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) is an effective device for pipeline cleaning and inspection. Furthermore, a speed-controlled PIG can adjust speed by controlling the bypass valve. The conventional-speed controlled PIG uses batteries as an energy source to adjust the bypass valve. Battery power and other electronic equipment will limit running distance and cause a potential security risk. In this paper, a PIG with a hydraulic automatic control system is presented. The kinematic model of the PIG in the liquid pipeline is obtained by studying the hydraulic automatic control system and PIG movement mechanism with a bypass valve. A numerical method was used to solve the PIG's kinematic model. Through parameter sensitivity analysis, the influence law of each parameter on the entire system is obtained. The case study was conducted by a numerical method, which confirmed that the hydraulic automatically controlled PIG has speed control ability. Compared with a PIG without the speed control system, the hydraulic automatic speed-controlled PIG has better motion performance in the fluctuating pipeline.
Inverse Approach Using Bio-Inspired Algorithm Within Bayesian Framework for the Estimation of Heat Transfer Coefficients During Solidification of Casting
Authors: Vishweshwara P. S. , Gnanasekaran N. , Arun M.
Published: October 2019

In any parameter estimation problem, it is desirable to obtain more information in one single experiment. However, it is difficult to achieve multiple objectives in one single experiment. The work presented in this paper is the simultaneous estimation of heat transfer coefficient parameters, latent heat, and modeling error during the solidification of Al–4.5 wt %Cu alloy with the aid of Bayesian framework as an objective function that harmoniously matches the mathematical model and measurements. A 1D transient solidification problem is considered to be the mathematical model/forward model and numerically solved to obtain temperature distribution for the known boundary and initial conditions. Genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are used as an inverse approach and the estimation of unknown parameters is accomplished for both pure and noisy temperature data. The use of Bayesian framework for the estimation of unknown parameters not only provides the information about the uncertainties associated with the estimates but also there is an inherent regularization term in which the inverse problem boils down to well-posed problem thereby plethora of information is extracted with less number of measurements. Finally, the results of this work open up new prospects for the solidification problem so as to obtain a feasible solution with the present approach.
Effect of Fin Structure on the Condensation of R-134a, R-1234ze(E), and R-1233zd(E) Outside the Titanium Tubes
Authors: Ji Wen-Tao , Mao Shuai-Feng , Chong Guo-Hun , Zhao Chuang-Yao , Zhang Hu , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: October 2019

In order to test the effect of fin structure on the condensing heat transfer of refrigerants outside the low thermal conductivity tubes, condensation of R-134a, R-1234ze(E), and R-1233zd(E) on two enhanced titanium tubes were experimentally investigated. The two tubes have basically the same fin density while the fin structures are different. One tube is a typical low-fin (two-dimensional, 2D), and the other is a three-dimensional (3D) finned tube. In experiment heat flux was in the range of 10–80 kW·m−2. It was found that at higher heat flux, the condensing heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of 3D-finned tubes was apparently lower than that of 2D-enhanced tubes. The condensing HTC of R-134a for the two tubes was the highest. R-1233zd(E) was the lowest. It was shown from experimental results that the condensing HTC for R-1233zd(E) was notably affected by the change of saturation temperature outside the 3D-enhanced tube, but was less affected by the 2D fin structures.
A Game-Theoretic Approach for Defending Cyber-Physical Systems From Observability Attacks
Authors: Maccarone Lee T. , Cole Daniel G.
Published: October 2019

Cyber-physical systems are engineered systems that rely on the integration of physical processes and computational resources. While this integration enables advanced techniques for monitoring and controlling systems, it also exposes the physical process to cyber-threats. An attacker who is able to access control inputs and mask measurements could damage the system while remaining undetected. By masking certain measurement signals, an attacker may be able to render a portion of the state space unobservable, meaning that it is impossible to estimate or infer the value of those states. This is called an observability attack. A game-theoretic approach is presented to analyze observability attacks. The attacker's strategy set includes all possible combinations of masked measurements. The defender's strategy set includes all possible combinations of measurement reinforcements. The attacker's and defender's utilities are quantified using the responses of the observable and unobservable states. The observability attack game is analyzed for a nuclear balance of plant system. Multiple pure-strategy and mixed-strategy Nash equilibria are identified, and the conditions for their existence are presented. Using this procedure, a security and control engineer can select the optimal strategy to defend a cyber-physical system from observability attacks.