bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection of turbine halls of power plants from exposure to high temperatures in fire conditions
Authors: Pykhtin A I , Tomakov M V , Tomakov V I , Anikina E I , Brezhnev A V
Published: June 2020

There are numerous cases when fires in power plant turbine halls causes the collapse of roof metal structures. The use of conventional firefighting equipment in high-bay facilities has proved to be ineffective or unacceptable. In this situation fire robots are the most feasible option. Today the best variant is a fire robot that is based on a traditional fire monitor and equipped with infrared fire seat detectors. Some specific advantages of fire robots include their ability to operate under low visibility with high smoke generation conditions that are typical of a fire in a turbine hall. The program of roof structures cooling down is designed and tested in advance so that fire robots can perform their functions in automatic mode. Fire robots can be included into permanent-type fire safety systems that are designed taking into account specific construction features of a facility and temperature conditions in case of a fire. Such composite system is a multifunctional complex that is able to perform versatile fire protection functions. The most appropriate fire robot types to be used in such complex fire protection system are fire robots based on conventional fire monitors, as they have some notable advantages compared with mobile robots or androids. One of them is their ability to protect big areas starting from 5 and up to 15 thousand square meters with fire suppressing media flow rate range just 20-60 l/sec correspondingly. Water or foam can be delivered via air exactly to the fire seat instead of spraying over the total designed area. Moreover, wetting intensity can be maintained at a level that corresponds to fire seat intensity.
Tests upon Savonius turbine and its usage in street lighting pole
Authors: Rus T
Published: June 2020

The tendency nowadays is to reduce the consumption of conventional energy and to efficiently use renewable energy resources. Thus, the energy independence of the different consumers is tried, along which is the street lighting. There are many applications where street lighting is powered by renewable energy, using photovoltaic panels. This article presents a different solution for powering street lighting, with the help of wind energy, through Savonius turbines. A Savonius wind turbine with the overlap ratio of blades of 0.35 is tested, in order to determine its actual power coefficient and power extracted from the wind. According to the tests, a power coefficient of 0.3 was obtained for wind speeds of 4 and 5 m/s and the maximum power at a wind speed of 7 m/s. With the values obtained, for this type of turbine, different configurations of Savonius turbines have been dimensioned to supply an energy-efficient street lighting pole.
Numerical study of monitoring of early-age concrete strength development using PZT induced stress wave
Authors: Sun W , Fu T Y , Li B , Sun L
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this paper is to verify the validity of concrete strength monitoring method based on piezoelectric wave dynamic technology by the numerical simulation ways. Since the elastic modulus of concrete increases linearly with its strength, the elastic modulus of concrete at different ages is set to simulate its strength growth. The stress wave is transmitted and received by the piezoelectric sensor embedded in concrete, and the stress wave energy value is taken as the strength identification parameter, and its variation trend with the strength is analyzed. The results show that with the increase of concrete strength, the energy value of monitoring signal has a monotonically decreasing trend. In the early stage of concrete, the monitoring signal energy decreases at a large rate and then tends to be flat. In the early stage, the strength growth rate of concrete is faster, and tends to be flat in the later stage. Furthermore, the curve of capability ratio and strength ratio was established, and the two presented good linear lines. The results of this paper show that the concrete strength monitoring method based on pressure wave dynamic technology can be used to monitor the concrete strength.
Analysis of passenger traffic in Bohai Strait Tunnel
Authors: Wang B , Li Y P , Liu F
Published: June 2020

China envisages building a new undersea tunnel called Bohai Strait Tunnel to connect Dalian to Yantai, for the purpose of solving the detour problem in transportation. This paper analyses the passenger traffic in Bohai Strait Tunnel. A modified negative exponent network flow assignment model and an increasing rate method are used to predict the network flow assignment and passenger traffic volume after the completion of Bohai Strait Tunnel in 2050. Two formulas of economic benefits are employed to evaluate the effect of undersea tunnel on passenger traffic. The result indicates that the new undersea tunnel can shorten the distance, reduce the transport cost, save travel time, and produce good economic benefits. Tunnel transportation will attract a large number of passengers and become main transportation way. The analysis result can provide technical storage and references for the future undersea tunnel construction.
Spindle vibration signal extraction method based on improved all phase Fast Fourier Transform
Authors: Wang Z , Du SY , Roşca LC
Published: June 2020

In the modern processing technology, the machine tool plays an irreplaceable role as the main processing tool, and its machining accuracy directly affects the processing quality of the part. Because the spindle vibration caused by the rotor mass imbalance will seriously affect the machining accuracy of the machine tool, it is necessary to dynamically balance the spindle. The key step of dynamic balancing is to accurately extract the characteristics of the vibration signal, the phase of the vibration signal of the spindle was extracted by the all phase fast Fourier transform, the amplitude of vibration signal was extracted by cross correlation analysis, the results are applied to the influence coefficient method to realize the dynamic balance of spindle vibration The results show that the vibration signal feature extraction method combined with the results of the two extraction methods has high precision and stability.
Interaction Effect of Machining Parameters on Material Removal Rate in the Machining of AA6061–T6 Using Minimum Quantity Lubrication Conditions
Authors: Najiha M.S. , Rahman M.M. , Kadirgama K. , Ramasamy D.
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study are to investigate the interaction effect of machining parameters on material removal rate in end milling of aluminium alloy AA6061-T6 with conventional MQL techniques. Uncoated tungsten carbide (WC-Co 6.0%) and PVD TiAlN and TiAlN+TiN coated carbide cutting tools are considered using 23.4-54.0 ml/hr flow rate of commercial mineral oil for MQL machining with different combinations of input cutting parameters. Response surface methodology with central composite design approach is used for the design of experiments. Second-order mathematical models are developed for machining performance measures with different cooling conditions and validated statistically. The developed models show good agreement (< 5 % error) with the experimental results. The metal cutting performance of the TiAlN coated tools relative to uncoated and TiN coated inserts is better at all combinations of input cutting parameters. Hence the superior performance of TiAlN coating makes it more suitable for use with MQL. In case of material removal rate, all the tools show similar behaviour in all the measurements with the depth of cut as the most significant parameter followed by feed rate. Interaction of feed rate and depth of cut is most effective.
Strategic Approach to Develop Solutions for Shaping Complex Workpieces of Exotic Materials
Authors: Almeida Sergio , Mo John , Bil Cees , Ding Songlin , Wang Xiangzhi
Published: June 2020

Exotic materials such as hardened steel and tungsten carbide tool steel have unique resistance and properties that make them hard-to-cut. Thus, research to find better ways to process such materials requires an innovative approach and new ideas. Therefore, the present study investigates the design of a novel WDEM combined with robotic machining to overcome limitations of traditional robotic machining. Wire EDM (WEDM) stands out as a non-traditional machining process able to cut complex profiles of hard-to-cut materials, achieving high dimensional accuracy and superior surface finishing. Unfortunately, WEDM is designed in rigid bed-based CNC machines which restrict design freedom in terms of size, shape and features due to machining envelope constraint. On the other hand, traditional machining processes such as drilling and milling using six-axis industrial robots have been investigated and some applications have successfully delivered cost efficiency, improved envelope and high flexibility. However, due to the structure and strength of the robot arm, accuracy, repeatability and finishing are not comparable to CNC machining outcomes. These researches are also restricted by the power of the robot arm holding the machining tool. This paper explores, identifies and selects suitable configurations and define research actions that must be taken to achieve a highly flexible, accurate machining system for exotic materials.
Case study: Optimization of Case Depth in Induction-hardened 42CrMo Steel Shaft
Authors: Syed R , Wang J G , Jing D Y , Liu X L , Yang Y M , Panhwar M F , Wang K , Chen Q Y
Published: June 2020

Low alloyed high-grade chrome-molybdenum ferritic steel transmission output shaft was investigated. The medium-carbon steel which is commonly used induction hardened transmission components and drive shafts in the automotive industry. The aim of this experiment is achieve the case depth that spline shaft design requirement. The required case depth for design the proper induction hardening coil and varying the parameter of it has been achieved. The results agree well with literatures, that optimum case depth maximizing the strength and fatigue life of spline shaft.
Low Frequency Vibration Isolation Performance of the Plate with Periodic Cylindrical Oscillators
Authors: Zhou Peng , Wan Shui
Published: June 2020

The paper is devoted to the vibration reduction and isolation performance of a periodic structure with cylindrical vibrators. A plate with periodic oscillators was investigated using finite element technic. In the finite element analysis, test specimens were modelled with finite element software. With appropriate geometric and material parameters, the structure can obtain elastic wave band gaps, where vibrations are prohibited. So, the structure can be regarded as a kind of vibration isolation material. The dispersion curve and transmission spectrum of the structure were calculated to find the range of the band gaps. Both the longitudinal vibration and flexural vibration of the plate are studied. The results show that the designed plate with proper parameters has a low frequency range of band gaps. It has a wide application prospect in the field of low frequency vibration isolation.
Experimental Investigation of Heterogeneous Strain Fields Created in Metallic Materials
Authors: Shariat Bashir S
Published: June 2020

This study reports experimental evaluation of inhomogeneous strain fields created in NiTi structures during stress-induced martensitic transformation. A superelastic NiTi thin plate was used to create samples with uniform and non-uniform geometries. Digital image correlation technique was employed to measure the local strain variation in the NiTi samples under mechanical loading. Clear Lüders band formation and propagation were observed during experiments. The local strain contours revealed that the deformation was localised and spatially inhomogeneous in all samples. In the geometrically non-uniform sample, the transformation initiation and propagation were controlled by geometrical gradient. Also, the global deformation behaviour exhibited stress-gradient during forward and reverse transformations because of geometrical non-uniformity.
A Numerical Investigation into the Impact of Icing on the Aerodynamic Performance of Aerofoils
Authors: Bhatia Dinesh , Wahaibi Al Yaqadan Shaaban al
Published: June 2020

Aircraft wings and wind turbine blades are often subjected to harsh and cold climatic conditions. Icing is often observed on wing and blade surfaces in these cold climatic conditions. Wind turbine blades, in particular, are severely impacted by ice accretion which greatly hampers their performance and energy generation efficiency. Ice-accretion patterns are observed to vary with changes in temperature. As the temperature changes, the thickness of the ice accretion, the shape and location of ice-accretion vary greatly. In this paper, three different ice accretion patterns and their impact on the aerofoil efficiency have been investigated using the SST k – ω model in ANSYS CFD. An analysis of the impact of ice-accretion through a comparison of lift and drag coefficients for all three ice accretion patterns indicate that the accretion of ice on an aerofoil can reduce lift generation by 75.3% and increase drag by 280% thereby severely impacting the performance of the aerofoil. The loss in aerodynamic performance is greatly dependent on the ridge height, the extent of ice accretion and the thickness of this ice. The loss in aerodynamic performance has no fixed correlation to the drop in temperature.
Effect of Magnetic Field on Double Diffusive Natural Convection Inside a Square Cavity with Isothermal Hollow Insert
Authors: Mojumder Satyajit , Saha Sourav , Saha Sumon , Rahman Rezwana , Saha Suvash C.
Published: June 2020

A numerical study is carried out to analyze both heat and mass transfer phenomena in the presence of an external magnetic field inside a square cavity with an isothermal hollow circular insert located at the centre of the cavity. In the present work, the effects of Hartmann number, Lewis number and buoyancy ratio at constant Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers are investigated simultaneously to understand the importance of these parameters on the characteristics of double diffusive natural convection. Galerkin finite element method is employed for the numerical simulations. Grid sensitivity test and code validation are performed prior to confirm the numerical accuracy of the solution. Quantitative comparison is presented by showing the influence of Hartmann and Lewis numbers for different buoyancy ratios on average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. It is found that increment of Hartmann number results in lower heat and mass transfer rates. Higher value of Lewis number produces elevated mass transfer rate. However, Lewis number has negative impact on heat transfer rate. Moreover, buoyancy ratio has significant effect on heat and mass transfer inside the cavity.
Automated Driving System Disengagement Analysis and Testing Recommendations
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Capretz Luiz Fernando
Published: June 2020

Automated Driving System refers to a vehicle system where hardware and software are collectively capable of on-road operational and tactical functions. Therefore, appropriate verification and validation procedures should be followed to mitigate unreliability and hazardousness. Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement Reports and Autonomous Vehicle Collision Reports from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), California, USA are collectively used for the purpose of this research. Influencing factors are generated and consolidated from the mentioned reports and are proposed in addition to a Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE International) standard. Stakeholders will benefit from the presented rationales and should consider the suggestive parameters throughout their developing and testing activities. This paper further recommends testing management, especially test driver management and test routes planning, for automated driving systems in accordance with the analytical results and feedback from KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Surveys.
Using Small Displacement Torsor to Simulate the Machining Processes for 3D Tolerance Transfer
Authors: Peng Heping , Peng Zhuoqun
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a method for 3D tolerance transfer by using small displacement torsor (SDT) to simulate the machining processes. In this method, the machining process of a mechanical part is regarded as a mechanism mainly composed of machine tool, part-holders, machined part, and cutting tools. And the small displacement torsors are employed to describe all defects in the machining process including the variation deviations of the machined surfaces of a part with regards to their nominal positions, the gap deviations associated to each joint between two contact surfaces, etc. Then, the 3D manufacturing tolerancing chains based on the functional tolerances can be established to realize 3D tolerance transfer. The proposed method is applied to a machining part to demonstrate its effectiveness.
FEM-based Methodology for Crash Severity Estimation in Frontal Crash Scenarios
Authors: Sequeira Gerald Joy , Patel Akshay , Afraj Shahabaz , Lugner Robert , Brandmeier Thomas
Published: June 2020

With the technological development of forward-looking sensors, researchers are exploring their use not only for advanced driver assistance systems but also to gain important pre-crash information. Based on this pre-crash information, if the occupant motion inside the vehicle structure can be predicted for the oncoming crash scenario, then an optimal restraint strategy can be planned before the crash. This paper introduces a two-step FEM simulation based methodology for predicting the occupant severity in head-on crash scenarios. In the first step, we simulate the vehicle level model with different impact positions and relative approach angles. The results of these simulations, linear velocities in the longitudinal and lateral direction and angular velocities (roll, pitch, and yaw) during in-crash phase are the loading conditions for next simulation step (occupant level). This step simulates the motion of the driver in different crash scenarios. In this paper, we investigate the head, neck, and chest injury risks from vehicle-to-vehicle crash both traveling at 50 kilometers per hour. Prediction of the head injury criterion, identifying the cases where additional deployment of side-airbags and discussion of injury criteria with contour plots are the main outcome of this paper.
Damage state model for fatigue of CFRP
Authors: Siddiqui Amir , Tewari Asim , Guha Anirban
Published: June 2020

Fatigue is the major failure mode for any structure under cyclic loading. In particular, composite materials exhibit highly complex damage mechanisms and are often overdesigned due to lack of understanding under cyclic loading. Many papers have been written on the modelling of fatigue in fiber reinforced composites. All such models they assumed some internal damage parameter which themselves defined by the mechanical property. However, the growth of these damage parameters are themselves defined by the mechanical property degradation. Hence these fatigue models do not give actual stiffness degradation. In this study, actual 3D microstructural damage in CFRP under cyclic loading was quantitatively measured. Damage micromechanisms viz., fiber breakage, matrix microcracking, debonding, and fiber pull-out were estimated and a model to predict the property degradation with these damage mechanisms (parameters) was developed. Thus, the property degradation in CFRP under cyclic loading was modelled with independently measured damage parameters.
Mono-Unit Alar Rim Graft Technique for Tip-Alar Margin Support
Authors: Kim Shin Ae , Jang Yong Ju
Published: June 2020

Background

The appropriate treatment of alar rim deformities, such as alar pinching or concavity, and soft triangle notching is essential for perfecting nasal aesthetics.

Objectives

The authors introduced the “mono-unit alar rim graft” technique as a treatment option for these abnormalities.

Methods

A case series of 29 rhinoplasties conducted by the senior author between May 2017 and June 2019 utilizing the mono-unit alar rim graft technique was retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique involved an open approach with costal cartilage harvesting. The cortical portion of the harvested costal cartilage was sectioned into a 1-mm-thick strip and soaked with saline for about 15 minutes to let the natural warping occur. The curved cartilage graft was then trimmed, and the midportion was sutured to the tip in an onlay fashion. Both ends of the graft were housed in the vestibular pocket. Patient demographic data and pre- and postoperative facial photos were reviewed.

Results

Among the 29 cases analyzed, 14 (48.3%) were men and 15 (51.7%) were women. Ten (34.5%) patients had a preoperative parenthesis deformity, but a near-complete correction was achieved in 8 (80.0%) cases. An alar concavity from the basal view was found in 16 patients, 15 (93.8%) of whom had a partial or near-complete correction. Eleven patients had soft triangle notching, 9 (81.8%) of whom had a partial or near-complete correction. There were no technique-related complications in this patient series.

Conclusions

The mono-unit alar rim graft technique is a viable option for treating various alar rim deformities.

Level of Evidence: 4
Three-Dimensional Description of the Angular Artery in the Nasolabial Fold
Authors: Gelezhe Pavel , Gombolevskiy Victor , Morozov Sergey , Melnikov Dmitry V , Korb Tatiana Aleksandrovna , Aleshina Olga Olegovna , Frank Konstantin , Gotkin Robert H , Green Jeremy B , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: June 2020

Background

Due to its arterial vasculature, the nasolabial sulcus is one of the most challenging facial regions to treat when trying to ameliorate the signs of facial aging.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to provide data on the 3-dimensional course of the angular artery within the nasolabial sulcus in relation to age, gender, and body mass index to increase safety during minimally invasive treatments.

Methods

Thee hundred nasolabial sulci from 75 males and 75 females of Russian Caucasian ethnic background (mean [standard deviation] age, 45.7 [18.7] years; mean body mass index, 25.14 [4.9] kg/m2) were analyzed. Bilateral multiplanar measurements were based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography cranial scans.

Results

Up to 3 arteries could be identified within the nasolabial sulcus: ~90% contained 1 arterial trunk, ~9% had 2 trunks, and ~1% had 3 trunks; females had more arteries than men. The artery is located at mean depths of 21.6 mm at the oral commissure and 8.9 mm at the nasal ala. The angular artery was lateral to the nasolabial sulcus in 100% of cases; the smallest distance between the artery and the nasolabial sulcus was at the oral commissure (11.91 [7.9] mm) and the greatest was at the nasal ala (13.73 [3.9] mm).

Conclusions

In contrast to current concepts, the angular artery is not located strictly subdermal to the nasolabial sulcus but at a variable depth, and in 100% of the investigated cases lateral to the nasolabial sulcus. With increasing age, the depth and lateral distance between arteries and sulci reduces significantly, underscoring the need for special caution when injecting this site.
A Safe Doppler Ultrasound–Guided Method for Nasolabial Fold Correction With Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Authors: Lee Won , Kim Ji-Soo , Moon Hyoung-Jin , Yang Eun-Jung
Published: June 2020

Background

Injection of hyaluronic acid filler, a common procedure for nasolabial fold correction, poses a risk of vascular compromise, which can result in skin necrosis and blindness.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the facial arterial pathway in real time by Doppler ultrasound to avoid arterial complications during filler injections.

Methods

The facial artery pathway of 40 patients (80 nasolabial folds; 2 men and 38 women; mean age, 46.5 years; range, 28-72 years) was examined by Doppler ultrasound before hyaluronic acid filler injection. On the basis of this ultrasound evaluation, the filler injection targeted the subdermal, subcutaneous, and deep to submuscular layers by bypassing the facial artery. The efficacy of the filler injection was evaluated for each patient.

Results

The facial artery was detected lateral to the nasolabial fold in 31% of patients; it was detected beneath the nasolabial fold in the other patients as follows: subdermal layer, 13%; subcutaneous layer, 29%; muscular layer, 24%; and submuscular layer, 4%. The mean [standard deviation] Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale score was 3.68 [0.76] before injection and 2.28 [0.78] at 3 months after injection. Two patients experienced unilateral bruising of the nasolabial fold, which resolved after 2 weeks without treatment.

Conclusions

Doppler ultrasound can be considered as pretreatment tool for the prevention of vascular complications during filler injections to correct nasolabial folds.

Level of Evidence: 4
Florivory defence: are phenolic compounds distributed non-randomly within perianths?
Authors: Nakano Saya , Oguro Michio , Itagaki Tomoyuki , Sakai Satoki
Published: June 2020

Plants might allocate chemical defences unequally within attractive units of flowers including petals, sepals, and bracts because of variations in the probability of florivory. Based on optimal defence theory, which predicts that plants allocate higher chemical defences to tissues with higher probabilities of herbivore attack, we predicted that distal parts and sepals would have higher chemical defence allocations than proximal parts and petals. To test this prediction, we compared total phenolics and condensed tannins concentrations as well as presence of florivory within attractive units of ten angiosperm species. In agreement with the prediction, the overall results showed that the distal parts had higher total phenolics and condensed tannins than the proximal parts. On the other hand, contrary to the prediction, petals and sepals showed no tissue-specific variations. Florivory was more severe on the distal parts than the proximal parts, although statistical support for the variation was slightly weak, while the variations in presence of florivory between petals and sepals differed between the distal and proximal parts. These results may support the prediction of the optimal defence theory because distal parts of attractive units had higher presence of florivory and concentration of chemical defences.
MicroRNA-204-5p regulates apoptosis by targeting Bcl2 in rat ovarian granulosa cells exposed to cadmium†
Authors: Zhong Ping , Liu Jin , Li Hong , Lin Senbin , Zeng Lingfeng , Luo Lingfeng , Wu Minxia , Zhang Wenchang
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether cadmium (Cd) cytotoxicity in rat ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) is mediated through apoptosis or autophagy and to determine the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in Cd cytotoxicity. To test this hypothesis, rat OGCs were exposed to 0, 10, and 20 μM CdCl2 in vitro. As the Cd concentration increased, OGC apoptosis increased. In addition, Cd promoted apoptosis by decreasing the mRNA and protein expression levels of inhibition of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). However, under our experimental conditions, no autophagic changes in rat OGCs were observed, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the autophagic markers microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha (Map1lc3b) and Beclin1 (Becn1) were not changed. Microarray chip analysis, miRNA screening, and bioinformatics approaches were used to further explore the roles of apoptosis regulation-related miRNAs. In total, 19 miRNAs putatively related to Cd-induced apoptosis in rat OGCs were identified. Notably, miR-204-5p, which may target Bcl2, was identified. Then, rat OGCs were cultured in vitro and used to construct the miR-204-5p-knockdown cell line LV2-short hairpin RNA (shRNA). LV2-shRNA cells were exposed to 20 μM Cd for 12 h, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl2 were increased. Our findings suggest that Cd is cytotoxic to rat OGCs, and mitochondrial apoptosis rather than autophagy mediates Cd-induced damage to OGCs. Cd also affects apoptosis-related miRNAs, and the underlying apoptotic mechanism may involve the Bcl2 gene.
Aspartate β-hydroxylase targeting in castration-resistant prostate cancer modulates the NOTCH/HIF1α/GSK3β crosstalk
Authors: Barboro Paola , Benelli Roberto , Tosetti Francesca , Costa Delfina , Capaia Matteo , Astigiano Simonetta , Venè Roberta , Poggi Alessandro , Ferrari Nicoletta
Published: June 2020

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an incurable stage of the disease. A multivariate principal component analysis on CRPC in vitro models identified aspartyl (asparaginyl) β hydrolase (ASPH) as the most relevant molecule associated with the CRPC phenotype. ASPH is overexpressed in various malignant neoplasms and catalyzes the hydroxylation of aspartyl and asparaginyl residues in the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains of proteins like NOTCH receptors and ligands, enhancing cell motility, invasion and metastatic spread. Bioinformatics analyses of ASPH in prostate cancer (PCa) and CRPC datasets indicate that ASPH gene alterations have prognostic value both in PCa and CRPC patients. In CRPC cells, inhibition of ASPH expression obtained through specific small interfering RNA or culturing cells in hypoxic conditions, reduced cell proliferation, invasion and cyclin D1 expression through modulation of the NOTCH signaling. ASPH and HIF1α crosstalk, within a hydroxylation-regulated signaling pathway, might be transiently driven by the oxidative stress evidenced inside CRPC cells. In addition, increased phosphorylation of GSK3β by ASPH silencing demonstrates that ASPH regulates GSK3β activity inhibiting its interactions with upstream kinases. These findings demonstrate the critical involvement of ASPH in CRPC development and may represent an attractive molecular target for therapy.
Clinician Practice Patterns That Result in the Diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis Before or During Hospitalization
Authors: Pu Jie , Donovan Fariba M , Ellingson Kate , Leroy Gondy , Stone Jeff , Bedrick Edward , Galgiani John N
Published: June 2020

Background

Coccidioidomycosis (CM) is common and important within endemic regions, requiring specific testing for diagnosis. Long delays in diagnosis have been ascribed to ambulatory clinicians. However, how their testing practices have impacted patient care has not been systematically unexplored.

Methods

We analyzed practice patterns for CM diagnoses over 3 years within a large Arizona healthcare system, including diagnosis location, patient characteristics, and care-seeking patterns associated with missed diagnosis.

Results

For 2043 CM diagnoses, 72.9% were made during hospital admission, 21.7% in ambulatory clinics, 3.2% in emergency units, and only 0.5% in urgent care units. A 40.6% subgroup of hospitalized patients required neither intensive care unit or hospital-requiring procedures, had a median length of stay of only 3 days, but still incurred both substantial costs ($27.0 million) and unnecessary antibiotic administrations. Prior to hospital diagnosis (median of 32 days), 45.1% of patients had 1 or more visits with symptoms consistent with CM. During those visits, 71.3% were not tested for CM. Diagnoses were delayed a median of 27 days.

Conclusions

Lack of testing for CM in ambulatory care settings within a region endemic for CM resulted in a large number of hospital admissions, attendant costs, and unneeded antibacterial drug use, much of which would otherwise be unnecessary. Improving this practice is challenging since many clinicians did not train where CM is common, resulting in significant inertia to change. Determining the best way to retrain clinicians to diagnose CM earlier is an opportunity to explore which strategies might be the most effective.
The Rise of Majorities and Emerging Existential Threats to India and China
Authors: Castellino Joshua
Published: June 2020

China and India are comparable in size, complexity, and their relatively recent State-building histories. Commencing in 1947 and 1949 respectively, the relatively recent foundations of India and China highlighted a ‘unity in diversity’ message. The significance of this lay as much in ideology as in a pragmatism that was both central and relatively successful in bringing what could be argued as many civilizations into singular modern States. While the messages about diversity have always been contested in some quarters by rival ethno-nationalists, they remained significant in laying the foundations for a strong ‘national’ identity. To the majority populations, Hindu in India and Han in China this called for restraint to any triumphalism or chauvinism; to the minorities, they called for unshakeable loyalty in return for full citizenship rights. In both cases, these messages were backed by constructive affirmative action measures that, irrespective of their efficacy, served to emphasize the ‘unity in diversity’ message, sowing a degree of fealty towards the State over what may have been more prominent and compelling ethno-religious or ethno-linguistic cleavages. In recent years, however, this message has been significantly altered, as political majoritarianism has begun to oust legally or administratively determined minority protections. This article seeks to offer an assessment of the potential impact on this phenomenon on each country, arguing that it has contributed to instability, sowing seeds for the rise of opposing sub-national identities that the founding parents of each State actively sought to counter in their statecraft.
Intestinal fermentation in vitro models to study food-induced gut microbiota shift: an updated review
Authors: Nissen Lorenzo , Casciano Flavia , Gianotti Andrea
Published: June 2020

In vitro gut fermentation models were firstly introduced in nutrition and applied microbiology research back in the 1990s. These models have improved greatly during time, mainly over the resemblance to the complexity of digestion stages, the replication of experimental conditions, the multitude of ecological parameters to assay. The state of the science is that the most competitive models shall include a complex gut microbiota, small working volumes, distinct interconnected compartments and rigorous bio-chemical and ecological settings, controlled by a computer, as well as a free-hands accessibility, not to contaminate the mock microbiota. These models are a useful tool to study the impact of a given diet compound, e.g. prebiotics, on the human gut microbiota. The principal application is to focus on the shift of the core microbial groups and selected species together with their metabolites, assaying their diversity, richness and abundance in the community over time. Besides, it is possible to study how a compound is digested, which metabolic pathways are triggered, and the type and quantity of microbial metabolites produced. Further prospective should focus on challenges with pathogens as well as on ecology of gut syndromes. In this minireview an updated presentation of the most used intestinal models is presented, basing on their concept, technical features, as well as on research applications.
Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone Response to Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Frailty in Older Women
Authors: Le Nina P , Varadhan Ravi , Fried Linda P , Cappola Anne R
Published: June 2020

Background

The response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is poorly characterized in old-old adults and may provide insight into the physiologic response to stress.

Method

We performed a standard 250 µg ACTH stimulation test in a home-based substudy of 51 women aged 85–96 years enrolled in the Women’s Health and Aging Study II who were not taking corticosteroids. We examined the cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) responses at 0, 30, 60, and 120 minutes, overall and by frailty status.

Results

The peak cortisol response to ACTH could not be determined, with the highest levels at the 120-minute time point. Pre- and post-ACTH stimulated cortisol levels did not differ by frailty status over this time frame, with no difference in the characteristics of the dose-response curves. Pre- and post-ACTH stimulated DHEA levels also did not differ by frailty status, though the dose-response curves suggested divergence after stimulation, with a more rapid DHEA response with increasing frailty.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate a robust cortisol response to ACTH challenge testing, but inadequate negative feedback in old-old women, resulting in prolonged exposure to cortisol. Future studies should examine dynamic cortisol and DHEA responses in this age group, using a less potent ACTH stimulus and longer collection period.
Community standards for open cell migration data
Authors: Gonzalez-Beltran Alejandra N , Masuzzo Paola , Ampe Christophe , Bakker Gert-Jan , Besson Sébastien , Eibl Robert H , Friedl Peter , Gunzer Matthias , Kittisopikul Mark , Dévédec Sylvia E Le , Leo Simone , Moore Josh , Paran Yael , Prilusky Jaime , Rocca-Serra Philippe , Roudot Philippe , Schuster Marc , Sergeant Gwendolien , Strömblad Staffan , Swedlow Jason R , van Erp Merijn , Van Troys Marleen , Zaritsky Assaf , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Martens Lennart
Published: June 2020

Cell migration research has become a high-content field. However, the quantitative information encapsulated in these complex and high-dimensional datasets is not fully exploited owing to the diversity of experimental protocols and non-standardized output formats. In addition, typically the datasets are not open for reuse. Making the data open and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) will enable meta-analysis, data integration, and data mining. Standardized data formats and controlled vocabularies are essential for building a suitable infrastructure for that purpose but are not available in the cell migration domain. We here present standardization efforts by the Cell Migration Standardisation Organisation (CMSO), an open community-driven organization to facilitate the development of standards for cell migration data. This work will foster the development of improved algorithms and tools and enable secondary analysis of public datasets, ultimately unlocking new knowledge of the complex biological process of cell migration.
Beyond Visible Entanglements: Connected Histories of the International
Authors: Capan Zeynep Gulsah
Published: June 2020

How to write non-Eurocentric histories has long been a concern in the humanities and the social sciences. Attempts at writing non-Eurocentric histories of the international have been trapped in an absence/presence dichotomy and made making present what was absented from the story of the international their main focal point. The article aims to contribute to these discussions through pointing to the limitations of existing approaches that focus on revealing entanglements and offering an alternative framework for writing “connected histories of the international.” The article will proceed in four sections. The first section will provide a definition of Eurocentrism and elaborate on the way in which writing “connected histories” was offered as a solution. The second section will discuss how Eurocentric narratives have been critiqued within history and International Relations through “entangled narratives.” The third section will introduce the notion of “abyssal lines” and underline how the focus on entanglements has impoverished our understanding of Eurocentrism and the solutions on offer. The final section will illustrate the alternative framework being proposed for writing connected histories of the international (co-present and coeval narratives) that underlines the locations and times of progress and change through a discussion of the Haitian Revolution.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonizing patients on hospital admission in Germany: prevalence and molecular epidemiology
Authors: Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Peter Silke , Tobys David , Behnke Michael , Dinkelacker Ariane G , Eisenbeis Simone , Falgenhauer Jane , Falgenhauer Linda , Fritzenwanker Moritz , Gölz Hannah , Häcker Georg , Higgins Paul G , Imirzalioglu Can , Käding Nadja , Kern Winfried V , Kramme Evelyn , Kola Axel , Mischnik Alexander , Rieg Siegbert , Rohde Anna M , Rupp Jan , Tacconelli Evelina , Vehreschild Maria J G T , Walker Sarah V , Gastmeier Petra , Seifert Harald ,   the DZIF R-Net Study Group, Bader B , Foschi Federico , Gillis Meyke , Hennelly Catriona , Hoffmann Nadine , Hölzl Florian , Lengler Azita , Lenke Dana , Diaz Luis Alberto Peña , Peyerl-Hoffmann Gabriele , Pilarski Georg , Proske Susanna , Schmiedel Judith , Spitznagel Heike , Stelzer Yvonne , Thoma Norbert , Trauth Janina , Vavra Martina , Weber Anna , Wille Julia , Bader B , Foschi Federico , Gillis Meyke , Hennelly Catriona , Hoffmann Nadine , Hölzl Florian , Lengler Azita , Lenke Dana , Diaz Luis Alberto Peña , Peyerl-Hoffmann Gabriele , Pilarski Georg , Proske Susanna , Schmiedel Judith , Spitznagel Heike , Stelzer Yvonne , Thoma Norbert , Trauth Janina , Vavra Martina , Weber Anna , Wille Julia
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To analyse the rectal carriage rate and the molecular epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) recovered from patients upon hospital admission.

Methods

Adult patients were screened at six German university hospitals from five different federal states upon hospital admission for rectal colonization with VREfm between 2014 and 2018. Molecular characterization of VREfm was performed by WGS followed by MLST and core-genome MLST analysis.

Results

Of 16350 patients recruited, 263 were colonized with VREfm, with increasing prevalence rates during the 5 year study period (from 0.8% to 2.6%). In total, 78.5% of the VREfm were vanB positive and 20.2% vanA positive, while 1.2% harboured both vanA and vanB. The predominant ST was ST117 (56.7%) followed by ST80 (15%), ST203 (10.9%), ST78 (5.7%) and ST17 (3.2%). ST117/vanB VREfm isolates formed a large cluster of 96 closely related isolates extending across all six study centres and four smaller clusters comprising 13, 5, 4 and 3 isolates each. In contrast, among the other STs inter-regional clonal relatedness was rarely observed.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the largest admission prevalence and molecular epidemiology study of VREfm. These data provide insight into the epidemiology of VREfm at six German university hospitals and demonstrate the remarkable inter-regional clonal expansion of the ST117/vanB VREfm clone.
Ectoparasites ofDidelphis virginianaFrom Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Canto-Osorio Juan Miguel , Cuxim-Koyoc Alan , Ruiz-Piña Hugo A , Morales-Malacara Juan B , Reyes-Novelo Enrique
Published: June 2020

A faunal study is presented to determine the species of ectoparasites found in the opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Marsupialia: Didelphidae). For this, Tomahawk traps were placed in the peridomiciles of a rural town in Yucatán, to capture individuals of this marsupial and proceed to the collection of their ectoparasites. A total of 3,023 arthropods were collected from 145 opossums. The most frequent ectoparasites were the acarines Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) nr. talaje (64.8%) (Argasidae); Ornithonyssus wernecki Fonseca (53.8%) (Macronyssidae) and Didelphilicus serrifer Fain (25.5%) (Atopomelidae); the ticks Amblyomma parvum Aragão (8.3%) and A. mixtum Koch (10.3%) (Ixodidae); and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (20.7%) and Pulex simulans Baker (8.3%) (Pulicidae). It is concluded that the ectoparasite fauna of this marsupial is mainly composed of euryxenous organisms, which have been documented as vectors of diseases caused by rickettsial bacteria. Since D. virginiana is widely adapted to the peridomiciliary environment in the region, this study allows recognizing those that represent a potential risk for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases.
Chronic Peroneal Tendon Dislocation: A Case Report
Authors: Shazadeh Safavi Kiya , Ratnasingam Saruthija , Janney Cory F
Published: June 2020

We present a unique case of chronic peroneal tendon dislocation in a 47-year-old active duty military member with a 2-mo history of acute onset lateral ankle pain due to sports injury. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed superficial peroneal retinaculum (SPR) disruption, a flattened retrofibular groove, dislocation of the peroneus longus tendon, and a tear of the peroneus brevis tendon. The patient was managed operatively with fibular groove deepening, SPR reconstruction, peroneus brevis debridement, and peroneus longus tubulurization. No complications were observed during the intra- or perioperative periods. At their 3-mo follow-up, the patient reported near complete resolution of pain and the ability to ambulate without any brace or support. He returned to running and was able to deploy fit for full duty 4.5 mo from injury.
A hint on the metal-free star formation rate density from 21-cm-EDGES data
Authors: Chatterjee Atrideb , Dayal Pratika , Choudhury Tirthankar Roy , Schneider Raffaella
Published: June 2020

We aim to provide here the first data-constrained estimate of the metal-free (Population III; Pop III) star formation rate density $\dot{\rho }_{*}^{III}$ required at high redshifts ($z \lower.5ex\hbox{$\,\, \buildrel\gt \over \sim \,\,$}16$) in order to reproduce both the amplitude and the redshift of the EDGES 21-cm global signal. Our model accounts for the Ly α, radio, and X-ray backgrounds from both Pop III and metal-enriched Population II (Pop II) stars. For the latter, we use the star formation rate density estimates (and the Ly α background) from the Delphi semi-analytic model that has been shown to reproduce all key observables for galaxies at $z \lower.5ex\hbox{$\,\, \buildrel\gt \over \sim \,\,$}5$; the radio and X-ray backgrounds are fixed using low-z values. The constraints on the free parameters characterizing the properties of the Pop III stars are obtained using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis. Our results yield a $\dot{\rho }_{*}^{III}$ that while increasing from z ∼ 21 to 16 thereafter shows a sharp decline which is in excellent agreement with the results found by Valiante et al. to simulate the growth of z ∼ 6–7 quasars and their host galaxies, suggesting that the bulk of Pop III star formation occurs in the rarest and most massive metal-poor haloes at z ≲ 20. This allows Pop III stars to produce a rapidly growing Ly α background between z ∼ 21 and 15. Further, Pop III stars are required to provide a radio background that is about 3–4 orders of magnitude higher than that provided by Pop II stars although Pop II stars dominate the X-ray background.
Can narrow discs in the inner Solar system explain the four terrestrial planets?
Authors: Lykawka Patryk Sofia
Published: June 2020

A successful Solar system model must reproduce the four terrestrial planets. Here, we focus on (1) the likelihood of forming Mercury and the four terrestrial planets in the same system (a 4-P system); (2) the orbital properties and masses of each terrestrial planet; and (3) the timing of Earth’s last giant impact and the mass accreted by our planet thereafter. Addressing these constraints, we performed 450 N-body simulations of terrestrial planet formation based on narrow protoplanetary discs with mass confined to 0.7–1.0 au. We identified 164 analogue systems, but only 24 systems contained Mercury analogues, and eight systems were 4-P ones. We found that narrow discs containing a small number of embryos with individual masses comparable to that of Mars and the giant planets on their current orbits yielded the best prospects for satisfying those constraints. However, serious shortcomings remain. The formation of Mercury analogues and 4-P systems was too inefficient (5 per cent and 2 per cent, respectively), and most Venus-to-Earth analogue mass ratios were incorrect. Mercury and Venus analogues also formed too close to each other (∼0.15–0.21 au) compared to reality (0.34 au). Similarly, the mutual distances between the Venus and Earth analogues were greater than those observed (0.34 versus 0.28 au). Furthermore, the Venus–Earth pair was not reproduced in orbital-mass space statistically. Overall, our results suggest serious problems with using narrow discs to explain the inner Solar system. In particular, the formation of Mercury remains an outstanding problem for terrestrial planet formation models.