bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of in vitro activities of 11 antifungal agents against Trichophyton verrucosum isolates associated with a variety hosts and geographical origin
Authors: Łagowski Dominik , Gnat Sebastian , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Osińska Marcelina
Published: December 2019

The high prevalence of dermatophytosis in animals is usually associated with extra expenditure on prevention, diagnosis and long‐term treatment. Humans are usually infected from animals, also from asymptomatic carriers, through direct contact or indirectly via fungus‐bearing hair, scales and fomites. Despite the medical importance of Trichophyton verrucosum infections, there are limited in vitro data on the fungal susceptibility to antifungal drugs, including new‐generation triazoles, imidazoles and allyloamines. The aim of the current study was to evaluate comprehensively the in vitro activity of 11 antifungal drugs against a large collection of T. verrucosum isolates obtained in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia from humans and animals using a microdilution assay. In vitro susceptibility testing of 11 antifungal drugs was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document M38. The MICs of clotrimazole, ciclopirox, enilconazole, miconazole, naftifine and terbinafine against all T. verrucosum isolates were below 1 μg/mL, whereas those of fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole were above 1 μg/mL. Ciclopirox was demonstrated to have superior activity against all strains in comparison with the other drugs, whereas fluconazole exerted the weakest in vitro effect and exhibited the highest MIC values. Our study has shown that drugs of different chemical origin have satisfactory antifungal activity and can be promising candidates for the treatment of T. verrucosum dermatophytosis. Moreover, no significant disparity in drug sensitivity between isolates obtained from different hosts and geographical regions have been demonstrated.
Dissection of genetic architecture for glucosinolate accumulations in leaves and seeds of Brassica napus by genome‐wide association study
Authors: Liu Sheng , Huang Huibin , Yi Xinqi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Qingyong , Zhang Chunyu , Fan Chuchuan , Zhou Yongming
Published: December 2019

Glucosinolates (GSLs), whose degradation products have been shown to be increasingly important for human health and plant defence, compose important secondary metabolites found in the order Brassicales. It is highly desired to enhance pest and disease resistance by increasing the leaf GSL content while keeping the content low in seeds of Brassica napus, one of the most important oil crops worldwide. Little is known about the regulation of GSL accumulation in the leaves. We quantified the levels of 9 different GSLs and 15 related traits in the leaves of 366 accessions and found that the seed and leaf GSL content were highly correlated (r = 0.79). A total of 78 loci were associated with GSL traits, and five common and eleven tissue‐specific associated loci were related to total leaf and seed GSL content. Thirty‐six candidate genes were inferred to be involved in GSL biosynthesis. The candidate gene BnaA03g40190D (BnaA3.MYB28) was validated by DNA polymorphisms and gene expression analysis. This gene was responsible for high leaf/low seed GSL content and could explain 30.62% of the total leaf GSL variation in the low seed GSL panel and was not fixed during double‐low rapeseed breeding. Our results provide new insights into the genetic basis of GSL variation in leaves and seeds and may facilitate the metabolic engineering of GSLs and the breeding of high leaf/low seed GSL content in B. napus.
The Behavioral Public Administration Movement: A Critical Reflection
Authors: Hassan Shahidul , Wright Bradley E.
Published: December 2019

Proponents of the behavioral public administration movement call for greater use of theories from psychology and experimental research designs to improve the rigor of public administration research. We agree that the use of such theories and methods will provide much‐needed reinforcements to public administration research, but the approach taken so far might be too narrow and might unnecessarily alienate scholars using other perspectives and research approaches. Reflecting on our own training and experiences, we suggest that adopting a more inclusive approach that employs insights and research tools not only from psychology but also from other disciplines will provide public administration scholars with a stronger footing in their efforts to generate actionable knowledge for public managers and policy makers. We also identify some key methodological issues that behavioral public administration scholars need to consider and address as the use of experiments becomes more common in public administration research. Finally, we encourage public administration scholars interested in behavioral research questions to do more to contribute to broader management and organizational behavior research.
Justice and Tyranny: Bringing “Rural” Back into the Sociology of Food and Agriculture
Authors: Tanaka Keiko
Published: December 2019

In the current polarizing political climate, what constitutes just has become increasingly questioned and debated in the public arena. Tyrants seem everywhere to shape people's understanding of who belongs in communities and nation‐states and, therefore, who should be given a voice and what should be valued. This paper unpacks the mechanisms of tyranny and the pursuit of justice in the global agri‐food system. The first section discusses justice and tyranny as sociological concepts and practice, followed by the second section that examins two types of tyrannies in the globalized agri‐food system: neoliberal capitalism and community. I argue that neoliberal capitalism and community are the logics for organizing social relations and the sites of enacting tyrannies and justice. Third, I argue that in the tension between capitalism and community in achieving justice, rural becomes critical both theoretically and empirically for understanding the current transformations and the future challenges for transforming agri‐food systems. Finally, the paper concludes with possible contributions of rural sociological imaginations to shaping the discourse of justice and explore the process of justice.
Moral reframing: A technique for effective and persuasive communication across political divides
Authors: Feinberg Matthew , Willer Robb
Published: December 2019

The political landscape in the US and many other countries is characterized by policy impasses and animosity between rival political groups. Research finds that these divisions are fueled in part by disparate moral concerns and convictions that undermine communication and understanding between liberals and conservatives. This “moral empathy gap” is particularly evident in the moral underpinnings of the political arguments members of each side employ when trying to persuade one another. Both liberals and conservatives typically craft arguments based on their own moral convictions rather than the convictions of the people they target for persuasion. As a result, these moral arguments tend to be unpersuasive, even offensive, to their recipients. The technique of moral reframing—whereby a position an individual would not normally support is framed in a way that is consistent with that individual's moral values—can be an effective means for political communication and persuasion. Over the last decade, studies of moral reframing have shown its effectiveness across a wide range of polarized topics, including views of economic inequality, environmental protection, same‐sex marriage, and major party candidates for the US presidency. In this article, we review the moral reframing literature, examining potential mediators and moderators of the effect, and discuss important questions that remain unanswered about this phenomenon.
Genome‐wide sequence information reveals recurrent hybridization among diploid wheat wild relatives
Authors: Bernhardt Nadine , Brassac Jonathan , Dong Xue , Willing Eva‐Maria , Poskar C. Hart , Kilian Benjamin , Blattner Frank R.
Published: December 2019

Many conflicting hypotheses regarding the relationships among crops and wild species closely related to wheat (the genera Aegilops, Amblyopyrum, and Triticum) have been postulated. The contribution of hybridization to the evolution of these taxa is intensely discussed. To determine possible causes for this, and provide a phylogeny of the diploid taxa based on genome‐wide sequence information, independent data were obtained from genotyping‐by‐sequencing and a target‐enrichment experiment that returned 244 low‐copy nuclear loci. The data were analyzed using Bayesian, likelihood and coalescent‐based methods. D statistics were used to test if incomplete lineage sorting alone or together with hybridization is the source for incongruent gene trees. Here we present the phylogeny of all diploid species of the wheat wild relatives. We hypothesize that most of the wheat‐group species were shaped by a primordial homoploid hybrid speciation event involving the ancestral Triticum and Am. muticum lineages to form all other species except Ae. speltoides. This hybridization event was followed by multiple introgressions affecting all taxa except Triticum. Mostly progenitors of the extant species were involved in these processes, while recent interspecific gene flow seems insignificant. The composite nature of many genomes of wheat‐group taxa results in complicated patterns of diploid contributions when these lineages are involved in polyploid formation, which is, for example, the case for tetraploid and hexaploid wheats. Our analysis provides phylogenetic relationships and a testable hypothesis for the genome compositions in the basic evolutionary units within the wheat group of Triticeae.
How do I … implement diagnostic management teams in transfusion medicine?
Authors: Wade Jenna , Dean Christina L. , Krummey Scott M. , Roback John D. , Sullivan Harold C.
Published: December 2019

Diagnostic management teams (DMTs) were conceptualized approximately twenty years ago in response to increasing subspecialization in medicine. DMTs are a collaboration between diagnostic experts and clinicians that aim to improve accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of disease. Diagnostic experts provide their expertise in the increasingly complex realm of laboratory testing and interpretation of those test results to guide appropriate test utilization for individual patients. Not only can this approach improve patient care and safety, but DMTs also decrease healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary testing and potential diagnostic errors. Following the DMT construct and principles along with the 2015 National Academy of Medicine recommendations, our transfusion medicine (TM) service streamlined the workup and management of platelet refractory (PR) patients by developing and implementing a formal PR laboratory consult. The goals of this DMT and consult are to improve diagnostic management of PR patients and to decrease delays in providing these patients with appropriate and compatible platelet units. A comprehensive interpretation of test results is directly uploaded to the patient's electronic medical record (EMR), which is associated with a CPT code allowing for compensation for the PR evaluation. Herein we describe the development of and experience with the DMT since its implementation.
Evaluación clínica del protocolo de manejo de la analgesia peridural obstétrica en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio
Authors: Díaz Mescías Adriana M. , Delgado Carlos M. , Sarmiento Lina , Ramírez Duque Pablo , Pulido García Liza Alexandra
Published: December 2019

Introducción: la mejor analgesia para el dolor del trabajo de parto es la neuroaxial. Existe evidencia para el uso de concentraciones menores de anestésico local combinado con opioides, vía peridural, a las utilizadas en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Por esta razón se quiso evaluar el protocolo de analgesia obstétrica ofrecida actualmente en el hospital. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional en mujeres en trabajo de parto, a las que se les colocó analgesia peridural en bolos según requerimiento, utilizando una mezcla de 8-10 ml de bupivacaína al 0,1 % y fentanilo 2 μg/cm3. El dolor se evaluó con la escala visual análoga a los 30, 120, 240 min y primera hora posparto.Resultados: el dolor a los 30 min de iniciada la analgesia disminuyó de severo a leve, y en las siguientes mediciones el dolor se encontró en un rango de moderado o severo. En cuanto a bloqueo motor e hipotensión a los 30 min, los hallazgos son superiores a los reportados en la literatura. Respecto a efectos secundarios, vía del parto, resultados neonatales y satisfacción materna, los resultados son similares a los encontrados en la literatura.Conclusiones: la mezcla analgésica utilizada en el hospital controla adecuadamente el dolor después de la primera dosis; sin embargo, falla en el mantenimiento posterior de una analgesia óptima, por lo que es necesario optimizar el proceso de seguimiento analgésico.
Valoración del riesgo de violencia en urgencias psiquiátricas
Authors: Benavides-Gélvez Rafael E. , Escobar-Córdoba Franklin , Molina-Ojeda Vicente Xicohténcatl
Published: December 2019

En el contexto del servicio de urgencias, la valoración de riesgos prevalece, y en el caso de las urgencias psiquiátricas, además del riesgo vital del paciente, es necesario velar por la seguridad e integridad de familiares, otros pacientes, personal asistencial y locaciones, por lo que se vuelve primordial la evaluación del riesgo de violencia del paciente. Aun cuando el concepto de riesgo de violencia, antes de peligrosidad, es de mayor uso en estrados judiciales y ambientes forenses, toma importancia en la valoración inicial del paciente psiquiátrico en urgencias para definir su diagnóstico y tratamiento, y disminuir el impacto social que acarrea la conducta violenta. La tecnología empleada en la valoración del riesgo de violencia tiene una mayor capacidad predictiva del comportamiento violento futuro, que la lograda el evaluar peligrosidad. A continuación se presentan los fundamentos de las técnicas de valoración del riesgo de violencia y los instrumentos adaptados al español para su aplicación en la práctica psiquiátrica diaria y no solo en la de urgencias. Se describen brevemente la escala VRAG, la PCL-R, el HCR-20, el SVR-20, la SARA y el SAVRY, así como sus aplicaciones específicas.
Anticoagulación estratificada por riesgos
Authors: Méndez-López Max , Grant-Villegas Stanley , Romero-Polini Andre
Published: December 2019

El tromboembolismo venoso es una causa de morbilidad y mortalidad importante en todo el mundo. El manejo adecuado de los pacientes anticoagulados es fundamental en su evolución. El establecimiento de clínicas de anticoagulación ha demostrado reducir complicaciones y mejorar el manejo de los pacientes que reciben esta terapia cuando se toman decisiones basadas en la evidencia. La presente revisión pretende plantear una guía para facilitar las decisiones, estratificando pacientes según el riesgo de sangrado utilizando escalas previamente validadas para el manejo de pacientes con problemas trombóticos.
Principios básicos del funcionamiento de la radiofrecuencia en el tratamiento del dolor crónico
Authors: Acevedo González Juan Carlos , Gómez Édgar Augusto
Published: December 2019

El dolor crónico es una de las patologías que afecta con mayor frecuencia a la población general. Su tratamiento requiere usar opciones tanto farmacológicas como no farmacológicas. A pesar del tratamiento, son muchos los pacientes que sufren diariamente de dolor. A partir del conocimiento de la electricidad y de su espectro de ondas eléctricas y magnéticas, surge su aplicación en medicina. Las ondas de radiofrecuencia, al ser aplicadas sobre tejidos, producen modificaciones en su estructura molecular que pueden cambiar el patrón de funcionamiento de los nervios que conducen el dolor. Esta es una revisión sobre el origen de la radiofrecuencia y su aplicación en el tratamiento del dolor.
Challenges and Solutions in Process Analysis of Large Natural Gas Pipeline Network
Authors: Xinze Li , Peien Du , Wen Yu
Published: December 2019

As the frame of national natural gas pipeline network and multi-source mixed gas supply system have been established, interconnecting existing and new pipeline networks is imperative. National Pipeline Company is promoting operation mode of “one network in the whole country” and “one network in the whole province” that will further improve the operation efficiency of the pipeline network and reduce transportation cost. Under these circumstances, traditional single pipeline process analysis model applied by most engineering consulting companies will no longer adapt to the large pipeline network operation model. This paper takes preliminary study at engineering consulting perspective on the challenges and solutions of natural gas pipeline network process analysis based on pipeline network simulation and taking one gas software application as example. It provides reference for improving design workflow, improving design efficiency and ensuring safe and efficient operation of pipeline network.
Piezoelectric Actuation to Reduce Pump Flow Ripple
Authors: Hagstrom Nathan , Harens Michael , Chatterjee Arpan , Creswick Matthew
Published: December 2019

Pump flow ripple is a source of noise and pressure fluctuation that can result in unwanted behavior and failure of a hydraulic system. The intent of this paper is to present and model a novel method to reduce flow ripple using piezoelectric actuators, which are currently limited to applications in micro-scale pumps. The paper presents two methods for reducing pump flow ripple in a hydraulic system. The first method uses a piezoelectric actuated valve which governs the pump displacement. The second method employs a piezoelectric actuated cylinder that acts directly on the outlet fluid to reduce the flow ripple from the pump. Method one was not able to reduce the flow ripple due to the bandwidth limitations of the swash plate actuation cylinder. Method two was able to reduce the flow ripple significantly. Further improvements on method two were achieved by increasing the number and size of the piezoelectric actuated cylinders acting at the pump outlet. After optimization, it was found that method two was found to decrease pump ripple by up to 53.5% from the baseline pump output. Though method one is largely unsuccessful, it is found that method two is successful and becomes more effective as the number and size of the piezoelectric actuated cylinders increase.
Modeling and Optimization Study of a Tightly Integrated Rotary Electric Motor-Hydraulic Pump
Authors: Bohach Garrett R. , Nishanth  , Severson Eric , Van de Ven James D.
Published: December 2019

To meet the growing trend of electrification of mechanical systems, this paper presents a compactly integrated electric motor and hydraulic pump. The proposed application for this machine requires high flow rates at low pressure differentials and four quadrant operation. The hydraulic pump architecture selected for this machine is a radial ball piston pump. An inside impinged version of this architecture allows for efficient filling of the chambers and is radial balanced, both of which allow highspeed operation for increased power density. The radial ball piston pump is less expensive to manufacture and is radially more compact than a standard radial cylindrical piston pump. A model of the pump and the integrated electric motor have been created to study scaling relationships and drive detailed design and optimization. The scaling study considers how displacement is affected by pump diameter, and how the diameter and required torque change with angular velocity. The detailed model considers the effect of valve timing, piston-cylinder clearance, and pump geometry on the efficiency. The model is then exercised in an optimization of the machine parameters.
Effects of Oil Contamination Level, Flow Rate and Viscosity on Pressure Drop Development and Dirt Holding Capacity of Hydraulic Filter
Authors: Jokinen Anton , Calonius Olof , Pietola Matti , Gorle Jagan
Published: December 2019

In hydraulic systems, the presence of foreign material in the system oil accounts for the majority of system troubles due to mechanical wear of components, sticking of different parts etc. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an adequate cleanliness level of the fluid at all times through filtration. Mechanical filters are used for this purpose, to separate solid particles from the system oil. As a hydraulic filter gets accumulated with dirt throughout its service life, the pressure drop over the filter element increases. This pressure drop is typically used for determining the lifetime of a filter element: once a predetermined pressure drop at certain flow conditions has been reached, the filter has accumulated enough dirt to require servicing or replacement.

In this paper, a correlation model has been developed to describe the effects of flow and fluid properties on the dirt holding capacity and the service life duration of a hydraulic filter. For this purpose, extensive laboratory tests have been carried out in order to measure the pressure drop development of a filter unit at different oil flow rates, viscosities and gravimetric contamination levels.

The work in this paper has been done as part of the initial research for investigating the effects of different flow and fluid parameters on hydraulic filtration. The aim of the overall research project is to develop an IoT-enabled smart filter unit that could predict its remaining lifetime, and estimate the condition of the system oil as well.
Lumped Parameter Modeling of Counterbalance Valves Considering the Effect of Flow Forces
Authors: Sciancalepore Annalisa , Vacca Andrea , Pena Oscar , Weber Steven T.
Published: December 2019

The lumped parameter approach based on equations describing of the physical behavior of the system still represents one of the most convenient way to simulate hydraulic control systems. The key advantages of this approach are given by its intrinsic simulation swiftness as well as the ease of deriving state space formulations for controller design purposes. However, the common limitation of lumped parameter models is the high level of simplification of for certain physical aspects. For the case of hydraulic control valves with complex geometry, the flow forces are usually one of the most difficult aspects to describe accurately.

The present paper presents a lumped parameter model for counterbalance valves, which includes an accurate analytical approach to model the effect of the flow forces based acting on the valve poppet and piston. The model is based on a classic control volume scheme for the description of the flow through the valve, and it is coupled with a dynamic model for the descriptions of the motion of the moving parts inside the valve. The novelty of the proposed approach consists on the analytical description of the flow forces, which is based on fluid momentum considerations.

After describing the modeling approach, the paper details the authors’ efforts for experimentally validate the model on the basis of tests performed on actual components. The comparison between simulation results and experimental data confirms the validity of the proposed model and also highlights the importance of accounting for flow forces while describing the operation of counterbalance valves, particularly for cases of high flow rates.
Estimation of Prepressure in Hydraulic Piston Accumulators for Industrial Wind Turbines Using Multi-Model Adaptive Estimation
Authors: Sørensen Fredrik F. , von Benzon Malte S. , Klemmensen Sigurd S. , Schmidt Kenneth , Liniger Jesper
Published: December 2019

Failures in pitch systems may cause fatal damage to industrial wind turbines. One of the main reasons for failures in pitch systems is gas leakages of hydraulic accumulators. Due to the limited accessibility of offshore turbines, automated fault detection algorithms potentially increase turbine availability. The gas leakage is detected without downtime by using a model-based approach together with a bank and extended Kalman filters (EKF’s). The residual is analyzed using multi-model adaptive estimation (MMAE). The applied accumulator model relies on a thermal time constant describing the heat flux from the gas to the surroundings. The thermal time constant has been empirically derived from a prepressure of 50 to 172 bar. The fault detection algorithm is tested experimentally in a laboratory on a 25 liters piston accumulator using a load scenario obtained from real turbine data and a prepressure range of 50–140 bar. The Bank of EKF’s can classify the prepressure within a range and thereby detect if a gas leakage has occurred before it results in failure.
A More Accurate Definition of Mechanical and Volumetric Efficiencies for Digital Displacement® Pumps
Authors: Williamson Christopher , Manring Noah
Published: December 2019

The apparent volumetric displacement of digital displacement pumps and motors is reduced with increasing fluid pressure. So-called pump shrinkage has been documented in previous publications, where fluid compressibility effects were assumed to affect input and output power equally. In this paper, the authors derive the torque and flow rate of an ideal digital displacement pump. It is shown that the output power shrinks slightly more than the input. The difference between input and output shrinkage is counted as a power loss according to the accepted definition of total efficiency. New equations are presented for calculating mechanical and volumetric efficiencies which are up to 2% more accurate than the previous method (which assumes equal shrinkage) and up to 5% more accurate than conventional equations (which assume no shrinkage). Compressibility effects may be even more significant depending on pump design parameters, fluid properties, flow control algorithms and operating conditions. Calculations of partial pump efficiencies require a derived displacement volume to be known. The derived displacement volume of digital displacement pumps is considered for the first time in this paper. The contributions of this work are instructive for understanding the unique characteristics of digital displacement pumps as well as check-valve type pumps in general.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Modified Cycloidal-Toothed Gerotor Pumps by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Robison Andrew J. , Vacca Andrea
Published: December 2019

Cycloidal-toothed gerotors are formed by the combination of epicycloid and a hypocyloid arcs that use the pitch circles as their base circles. They are a common profile type used in industry likely because they can be generated by simple parametric equations. One of the problems with the cycloidal-toothed profile type is that the radius of curvature of both the inner and outer gear are zero when the gears contact at the pitch point which can lead to high contact stress. A gear generation algorithm has been developed that modifies the hypocycloid tooth form to eliminate contact in regions with very low radii of curvature that is yet to be described in scientific literature. Seven performance metrics are developed to evaluate size, flow ripple, adhesive wear, contact stress, radial gap leakage, lateral gap leakage, and inlet throttling that are used as objective functions in a multi-objective optimization. The pump geometry is optimized by applying the NSGA-II algorithm with a population size of 1000 for 500 generations to produce a pareto front, and the results are compared to two cycloidal-toothed gerotors used in the automotive industry. Two designs were found that significantly reduce the contact stress in the profiles while giving the same performance in the other six objective functions in comparison to the profiles used in industry. Another two designs are found that can significantly reduce several objective functions if the size of the pump can be increased slightly.
Method for the Experimental Determination of the Bunsen Absorption Coefficient of Hydraulic Fluids
Authors: Rambaks Andris , Schmitz Katharina
Published: December 2019

A manometric-volumetric method to determine the Bunsen absorption coefficient of hydraulic fluids at high-pressures is presented. The virial equation of state is used to determine the amount of substance and its composition in the gaseous phase and at high-pressures. An error-analysis is presented for a best-case error estimate of the method.
Influence of Hydraulic Accumulator Performance on the Hydraulic Hybrid Powertrain
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Feng , Xu Bing , Stelson Kim A.
Published: December 2019

Owing to its high power density, hydraulic hybrid is considered as an effective approach to reducing the fuel consumption of heavy duty vehicles. A gas-charged hydraulic accumulator serves as the power buffer, storing and releasing hydraulic power through gas. An accurate hydraulic accumulator model is crucial to predict its actual performance. There are two widely used accumulator models: isothermal and adiabatic models. Neither of these models are practical to reflect its real performance in the hydraulic hybrid system. Therefore, the influence of an accumulator model considering thermal hysteresis on a hydraulic hybrid wheel loader has been studied in this paper. The difference of three accumulator models (isothermal, adiabatic and energy balance) has been identified. A dynamic simulation model of the hydraulic hybrid wheel loader has been developed. The fuel consumptions of the hydraulic hybrid wheel loader with three accumulator models has been compared. The influence of heat transfer coefficient of the accumulator housing has also been studied.
TiZrN thin films under CO2 and thermal treatment characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Rodriguez-Pereira Jhonatan , Quintero-Orozco Jorge H. , Ospina Rogelio
Published: December 2019

TiZrN thin films were prepared by DC magnetron sputtering on silicon (111) substrates. Samples were subjected to different temperature conditions (200, 400, and 600 °C) under a flow of carbon dioxide to emulate a corrosive atmosphere. Each treatment was performed in situ. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to examine the surface chemical changes on TiZrN thin films before and after the treatments. Survey spectra and C 1s, O 1s, N 1s, Ti 2p, and Zr 3d core level spectra were measured for each sample. Results show remarkable differences in all spectra when the sample was heated over 400 °C. At these temperatures, it is evident that the coating undergoes the greatest chemical change since metals cease to be nitrides and oxidize.
Vancomycin Is Protective in a Neonatal Mouse Model ofStaphylococcus epidermidis-Potentiated Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Lai Jacqueline C. Y. , Svedin Pernilla , Ek C. Joakim , Mottahedin Amin , Wang Xiaoyang , Levy Ofer , Currie Andrew , Strunk Tobias , Mallard Carina
Published: December 2019

Infection is correlated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental sequelae in preterm infants. In modeling neonatal brain injury, Toll-like receptor agonists have often been used to mimic infections and induce inflammation. Using the most common cause of bacteremia in preterm infants,Staphylococcus epidermidis, we present a more clinically relevant neonatal mouse model that addresses the combined effects of bacterial infection together with subsequent hypoxic-ischemic brain insult.
Nonthermal Plasma Induces the Viable-but-Nonculturable State in Staphylococcus aureus via Metabolic Suppression and the Oxidative Stress Response
Authors: Liao Xinyu , Liu Donghong , Ding Tian
Published: December 2019

In recent years, nonthermal plasma (NTP) technology has received a lot of attention as a promising alternative to thermal pasteurization in the food industry. However, little is known about the microbial stress response toward NTP, which could be a potential risk to food safety and impede the development of NTP. A viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state is one of the most common survival strategies employed by microorganisms against external stress. This study investigated the mechanisms of the formation of VBNC
Staphylococcus aureus
by NTP in a more comprehensive and systematic aspect than had been done before. Our work confirmed that the NTP-generated oxidative stress induced changes in energy allocation as a driving force for the formation of VBNC
S. aureus
. This study could provide better knowledge for controlling the occurrence of VBNC
S. aureus
induced by NTP, which could lead to more rational design and ensure the development of safe foods.
Different Degrees of 5'-to-3' DAR Interactions Modulate Zika Virus Genome Cyclization and Host-Specific Replication
Authors: Li Xiao-Dan , Deng Cheng-Lin , Yuan Zhi-Ming , Ye Han-Qing , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2019

Flaviviruses naturally cycle between the mosquito vector and vertebrate hosts. The disparate hosts provide selective pressures that drive virus genome evolution to maintain efficient replication during host alteration. Host adaptation may occur at different stages of the viral life cycle, since host-specific viral protein processing and virion conformations have been reported in the individual hosts. However, the viral determinants and the underlying mechanisms associated with host-specific functions remain obscure. In this study, using Zika virus, we found that the DAR-mediated genome cyclization regulates viral replication differently and is under different selection pressures in mammalian and mosquito cells. A more constrained complementarity of the DAR is required in mosquito cells than in mammalian cells. Since the DAR element is stably maintained among mosquito-borne flaviviruses, our findings could provide new information for understanding the role of flavivirus genome cyclization in viral adaptation and RNA evolution in the two hosts.
Invasion of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 into Murine Dermis: Role of Nectin-1 and Herpesvirus Entry Mediator as Cellular Receptors during Aging
Authors: Wirtz Lisa , Möckel Maureen , Knebel-Mörsdorf Dagmar
Published: December 2019

HSV-1 is a prevalent human pathogen which invades skin and mucocutaneous linings. So far, the underlying mechanisms of how the virus invades tissue, reaches its receptors, and initiates infection are still unresolved. To unravel the mechanical prerequisites that limit or favor viral invasion into tissue, we need to understand the contribution of the receptors that are involved in viral internalization. Here, we investigated the invasion process into murine dermis with the focus on receptor availability and found that infection efficiency decreases in aging mice. Based on studies of the expression of the receptors nectin-1 and HVEM, we suggest that the decreasing number of nectin-1-expressing fibroblasts leads to a delayed onset of infection in the dermis from aged compared to juvenile mice. Our results imply that the level of infection efficiency in murine dermis is closely linked to the availability of the receptor nectin-1 and can change during aging.
Species-Specific Differences in the Susceptibility of Fungi to the Antifungal Protein AFP Depend on C-3 Saturation of Glycosylceramides
Authors: Paege Norman , Warnecke Dirk , Zäuner Simone , Hagen Silke , Rodrigues Ana , Baumann Birgit , Thiess Melanie , Jung Sascha , Meyer Vera
Published: December 2019

Our data suggest a fundamental role of glycosylceramides in the susceptibility of fungi to AFP. We discovered that only a minor structural difference in these molecules—namely, the saturation level of their fatty acid chain, controlled by a 2-hydroxy fatty N-acyl-Δ3(
E
)-desaturase—represents a key to understanding the inhibitory activity of AFP. As glycosylceramides are important components of fungal plasma membranes, we propose a model which links AFP-mediated inhibition of chitin synthesis in fungi with its potential to disturb plasma membrane integrity.
Blocks in Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle of Salmonella enterica Cause Global Perturbation of Carbon Storage, Motility, and Host-Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Noster Janina , Hansmeier Nicole , Persicke Marcus , Chao Tzu-Chiao , Kurre Rainer , Popp Jasmin , Liss Viktoria , Reuter Tatjana , Hensel Michael
Published: December 2019

We performed perturbation analyses of the tricarboxylic acid cycle of the gastrointestinal pathogen
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. The defect of fumarase activity led to accumulation of fumarate but also resulted in a global alteration of carbon fluxes, leading to increased storage of glycogen. Gross alterations were observed in proteome and metabolome compositions of fumarase-deficient
Salmonella
. In turn, these changes were linked to aberrant motility patterns of the mutant strain and resulted in highly increased phagocytic uptake by macrophages. Our findings indicate that basic cellular functions and specific virulence functions in
Salmonella
critically depend on the proper function of the primary metabolism.
Meningeal rheumatoid nodules in a 55-year-old man presenting with chronic headaches and oculomotor nerve palsy: an uncommon extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Omar Muhammad , Jbeli Aiham , Fanciullo Joseph
Published: December 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem inflammatory disease which can involve many organ systems including the central nervous system (CNS). Though not very common, the results can be severely debilitating. The spectrum of the CNS involvement includes meningitis, encephalitis and occasionally rheumatoid nodules. Its presentation is variable, though very rarely it can present as focal neurological deficits. Imaging can be suggestive, but diagnosis usually requires tissue biopsy. Treatment consists of high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants. We describe the case of a 55-year-old male patient with a history of RA presenting with a third nerve palsy and headache who was found to have rheumatoid nodules on biopsy. CNS involvement in RA should be considered in anyone with rheumatoid arthritis who presents with focal neurological deficits, though infections and space-occupying lesions should also be ruled out.
Social relations in late adolescence and incident coronary heart disease: a 38-year follow-up of the Swedish 1969–1970 Conscription Cohort
Authors: Balog Piroska , Janszky Imre , Chen Hua , Rafael Beatrix , Hemmingsson Tomas , László Krisztina D
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Increasing evidence suggests that low social support is associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Earlier studies in this field were conducted in predominantly middle-aged or older samples; thus, the associations reported previously may have been confounded by subclinical manifestations of the disease. We investigated whether social relationships in late adolescence, that is, well before symptoms of subclinical disease manifest, are associated with CHD during a 38-year follow-up.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

Men born 1949–1951 and conscripted for military service in Sweden during 1969–1970 (n=49 321). At conscription, participants completed questionnaires about social relationships, lifestyle and health-related factors and underwent a medical examination.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CHD, acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Results

We found no relationship between having no confidant and frequency of confidential discussions with friends and the risk of CHD or AMI in the first 30 years of follow-up. However, after 30 years, men with no confidant at baseline had increased CHD and AMI risks relative to those having a confidant; the childhood socioeconomic status-adjusted HR and 95% CIs (CI) were 1.25 (1.10 to 1.41) and 1.27 (1.08 to 1.49), respectively. The frequency of confidential discussions with friends had an inverse U-shaped relationship with the outcomes after 30 years; the HR (95% CI) for ‘sometimes’ versus ‘quite often’ was 1.16 (1.04 to 1.29) for CHD and 1.16 (1.01 to 1.33) for AMI. These associations persisted after adjusting for mental ill-health, lifestyle factors and systolic blood pressure. A low number of friends in late adolescence was not related to an increased CHD or AMI risk.

Conclusions

Not having a confidant in late adolescence was associated positively, while the frequency of confidential discussions with friends had an inverse U-shaped relationship with CHD and AMI after 30 years of follow-up, suggesting that these associations are not due to subclinical disease manifestations.
Design choices for observational studies of the effect of exposure on disease incidence
Authors: Gail Mitchell H , Altman Douglas G , Cadarette Suzanne M , Collins Gary , Evans Stephen JW , Sekula Peggy , Williamson Elizabeth , Woodward Mark
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper is to help readers choose an appropriate observational study design for measuring an association between an exposure and disease incidence. We discuss cohort studies, sub-samples from cohorts (case-cohort and nested case-control designs), and population-based or hospital-based case-control studies. Appropriate study design is the foundation of a scientifically valid observational study. Mistakes in design are often irremediable. Key steps are understanding the scientific aims of the study and what is required to achieve them. Some designs will not yield the information required to realise the aims. The choice of design also depends on the availability of source populations and resources. Choosing an appropriate design requires balancing the pros and cons of various designs in view of study aims and practical constraints. We compare various cohort and case-control designs to estimate the effect of an exposure on disease incidence and mention how certain design features can reduce threats to study validity.
Development and validation of a cardiovascular risk score for patients in the community after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Poppe Katrina K , Doughty Rob N , Wells Susan , Wu Billy , Earle Nikki J , Richards A Mark , Troughton Richard W , Jackson Rod , Kerr Andrew J
Published: December 2019

Objective

Following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), patients are managed long-term in the community, yet few tools are available to guide patient-clinician communication about risk management in that setting. We developed a score for predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among patients managed in the community after ACS.

Methods

Adults aged 30–79 years with prior ACS were identified from a New Zealand primary care CVD risk management database (PREDICT) with linkage to national mortality, hospitalisation, pharmaceutical dispensing and regional laboratory data. A Cox model incorporating clinically relevant factors was developed to estimate the time to a subsequent fatal or non-fatal CVD event and transformed into a 5-year risk score. External validation was performed in patients (Coronary Disease Cohort Study) assessed 4 months post-ACS.

Results

The PREDICT-ACS cohort included 13 703 patients with prior hospitalisation for ACS (median 1.9 years prior), 69% men, 58% European, median age 63 years, who experienced 3142 CVD events in the subsequent 5 years. Median estimated 5 year CVD risk was 24% (IQR 17%–35%). The validation cohort consisted of 2014 patients, 72% men, 92% European, median age 67 years, with 712 CVD events in the subsequent 5 years. Median estimated 5-year risk was 33% (IQR 24%–51%). The risk score was well calibrated in the derivation and validation cohorts, and Harrell’s c-statistic was 0.69 and 0.68, respectively.

Conclusions

The PREDICT-ACS risk score uses data routinely available in community care to predict the risk of recurrent clinical events. It was derived and validated in real-world contemporary populations and can inform management decisions with patients living in the community after experiencing an ACS.
Life-course socioeconomic status and lung function in adulthood: a study in the EPIPorto cohort
Authors: Rocha Vânia , Stringhini Silvia , Henriques Ana , Falcão Helena , Barros Henrique , Fraga Sílvia
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association of life-course socioeconomic status (SES) with lung function during adulthood, by exploring the influence of life-course social mobility and of cumulative exposure to low SES.

Methods

Participants were 1458 individuals from EPIPorto study, a population-based cohort of Portuguese adults. The life-course SES was computed using participants’ paternal occupation and own occupation, resulting in four patterns: stable high, upward, downward, stable low. A cumulative life-course SES index was also calculated using the participants’ paternal occupation, own education and occupation. Lung function during adulthood was assessed with forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) percentages predicted (higher percentages are associated with better lung function). Linear regression models were used to estimate beta coefficients and 95% CI for the association of socioeconomic indicators and lung function.

Results

Disadvantaged SES from childhood to adulthood was associated with lower lung function (FEV1:−6.64%,−10.68;−2.60/FVC:−3.77%,−7.45;−0.08), and the greater the socioeconomic disadvantage, the lower the lung function (FEV1:−2.56%,−3.98;−1.15/FVC:−1.54%,−2.83;−0.24) among men, independently of marital status and behavioural factors. Among women, SES effects were only observed in those experiencing a stable low life-course SES at older ages (−5.15%,−10.20;−0.09). Men experiencing a downward social mobility presented the lowest lung function, but there was attenuation to the null after accounting for marital status and behavioural factors.

Conclusion

A life-course disadvantaged SES is an important predictor of lower lung function during adulthood. Downward social mobility was associated with the lowest lung function among men, although this association was mostly explained by behavioural factors.
Identification of critical risks in international engineering procurement construction projects of Chinese contractors from the network perspective
Authors: Ganbat Tsenguun , Chong Heap-yih , Liao Pin-Chao , Leroy Jeremy
Published: December 2019

International engineering procurement construction (IEPC) is a complex subject interconnected with risk transfer. In-depth understanding of risks in IEPC projects is essential for effective risk management and managerial strategies. Most related studies focus on the critical risks based on the perceptions of stakeholders or their direct “contribution” to the project loss. This study aims to investigate risk interconnection in IEPC projects through social network analysis, with a focus on the critical risks, risk interactions, and risk mitigation strategies. Three approaches were employed. First, the risk register and interconnection between IEPC projects were identified through a literature review. Second, the risk register and interrelationships were investigated using a questionnaire to formulate theoretical risk-interdependent networks. Third, practical IEPC projects were analyzed using network metrics to identify mitigation strategies for the associated critical risks. From the obtained results, we concluded that controlling security and contract risks in project management can reduce the occurrence or impact of other risks. Moreover, environmental issues related to contractors are also critical in international construction projects. Investigating relationships between risks has uncovered different risk-propagation mechanics within IEPC projects, thus extending the theoretical knowledge for international construction and risk management.