bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hyaluronic acid–enriched transfer medium on frozen–thawed embryo transfer outcomes
Authors: Fu Wei , Yu Min , Zhang Xiao‐Jin
Published: February 2018

Aim

To determine if hyaluronic acid–enriched transfer medium (HETM) affects the implantation rate (IR) and clinical pregnancy rate (PR) in women undergoing frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Methods

The records of women who underwent FET from May 2014 to October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures were IR and PR.

Results

In all 1721 cycles of 1632 patients were included in this study. HETM was used for 347 cycles of 342 patients, and standard medium for 1374 cycles of 1290 patients. Overall, FET outcomes were similar between the groups. For patients undergoing their first FET attempt, the IR (24.3% vs 31.6%, P = 0.042) and clinical PR (34.3% vs 50.1%, P = 0.004) were lower in the HETM group. For patients undergoing their second FET attempt, pregnancy outcomes were similar between the groups. For patients undergoing their third or more FET attempt, HETM was associated with a higher IR (33.3% vs 16.4%, P < 0.001) and higher PR (52.2% vs 27.4%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

HETM can improve the embryo IR and clinical PR in patients with repeated implantation failure in the third or more FET attempt. However, the use of HETM for first and second FET should be done with caution.
What information can change the attitude of teachers toward the human papillomavirus vaccine?
Authors: Kamada Masaharu , Inui Hiroaki , Kagawa Tomohiro , Mineda Ayuka , Tamura Takao , Fujioka Tomohito , Motoki Takahiro , Hirai Hiroki , Ishii Eiichi , Irahara Minoru
Published: February 2018

Aim

We conducted a self‐administered survey on the perception of teachers toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to determine the ways to increase their willingness to encourage its use.

Methods

Answers were obtained both prior to and after having the teachers read five brief information articles: (i) cervical cancer knowledge, (ii) vaccine knowledge, (iii) result of a survey in Nagoya, (iv) news report of the World Health Organization statement and (v) articles written by Dr Muranaka, a journalist.

Results

Most of the respondents (180/247) did not know about the natural history of cervical cancer. Only 36% knew that HPV is the cause of cervical cancer, although 63% knew that HPV vaccine would prevent cervical cancer. Few respondents had knowledge regarding adverse events following immunization and the survey results from Nagoya.

Among those who were initially negative for the HPV vaccine, only 43% revealed that they fully understood its safety and only 29% reversed their opinion to recommend vaccination to their daughters and/or students, even after reading our informational material. The most useful information for changing their attitudes was to increase their understanding of vaccines and informing them about Nagoya city survey results. They mostly wanted a proof of the preventive effects of the vaccine on cervical cancer in Japan.

Conclusion

Gynecologists and pediatricians must proactively communicate accurate scientific information to the government and the media to spread awareness among people in Japan. Also, we must try to demonstrate the capabilities of this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and/or its precancerous lesions.
Prediction and prevention of pre‐eclampsia in Asian subpopulation
Authors: Wataganara Tuangsit , Leetheeragul Jarunee , Pongprasobchai Suchittra , Sutantawibul Anuwat , Phatihattakorn Chayawat , Angsuwathana Surasak
Published: February 2018

The benefit of the early administration of aspirin to reduce preterm pre‐eclampsia among screened positive European women from multivariate algorithmic approach (ASPRE trial) has opened an intense debate on the feasibility of universal screening. This review aims to assess the new perspectives in the combined screening of pre‐eclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy and the chances for prevention using low‐dose aspirin with special emphasis on the particularities of the Asian population. PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched from inception until 15 November 2017 using combinations of the search terms: preeclampsia, Asian, prenatal screening, early prediction, ultrasonography, pregnancy, biomarker, mean arterial pressure, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, placental growth factor, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and pulsatility index. This is not a systematic review or meta‐analysis, so the risk of bias of the selected published articles and heterogeneity among the studies need to be considered. The prevalence of pre‐eclampsia and serum levels of biochemical markers in Asian are different from Caucasian women; hence, Asian ethnicity needs to be corrected for in the algorithmic assessment of multiple variables to improve the screening performance. Aspirin prophylaxis may still be viable in Asian women, but resource implication needs to be considered. Asian ethnicity should be taken into account before implementing pre‐eclampsia screening strategies in the region. The variables included can be mixed and matched to achieve an optimal performance that is appropriate for economical restriction in individual countries.
Ectopic pregnancy in women with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Ticconi Carlo , Capogna Maria V. , Martelli Federica , Borelli Barbara , Bruno Valentina , Ergasti Raffaella , Sorge Roberto , Piccione Emilio , Pietropolli Adalgisa
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between recurrent miscarriage (RM) and ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

In this case–control retrospective study, the clinical cards of women followed as outpatients in the RM and low‐risk pregnancy offices of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at the Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital were carefully reviewed for the occurrence of EP.

Results

Overall, 598 women with RM and 2043 normal women without RM (controls) were included in the study. Among these women, 4974 pregnancies were analyzed, in which 2028 miscarriages occurred. The EP rate (3.51%) was significantly higher in RM than in control women (1.51%) [odds ratio = 2.31 (95% confidence interval: 2.3–2.4)]; it was particularly high in women with primary RM (5.11%). However, when EP rates were calculated not by women but by overall pregnancies, no differences could be found between RM and control women. In control women, the absence of a miscarriage in the reproductive history was associated with a lower rate of EP.

Conclusions

Women with RM, particularly primary RM, are at increased risk of EP. This increased risk seems to be dependent on the high number of pregnancies occurring in women with RM rather than to specific characteristics of these women.
Intrathecal pramoxine causes long-lasting spinal sensory and motor block in rats
Authors: Chou An-Kuo , Chiu Chong-Chi , Han Ming-Ming , Chen Yu-Wen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Hung Ching-Hsia
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The objective of this experiment was to investigate spinal anaesthetic effects of pramoxine and its comparison with bupivacaine, a long-lasting local anaesthetic.

Methods

After intrathecal injection, three neurobehavioural assessments, which consisted of nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block, were constructed in rats. The effects of bupivacaine and pramoxine (four doses of each drug) in a dose-related manner were conducted to obtain the ED50 (50% effective dose). Pramoxine potency and duration at provoking spinal nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block were compared with those of bupivacaine.

Key findings

We manifested that pramoxine provoked dose-relatedly spinal blockades of nociception, proprioception and motor function. Based on the ED50, the rank potency at producing spinal nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block was bupivacaine (0.90 (0.82–1.02), 1.00 (0.92–1.08) and 1.16 (1.02–1.34) μmol/kg) greater (P < 0.01 for the differences) than pramoxine (15.47 (14.04–17.05), 16.46 (15.06–17.99), and 17.77 (16.48–19.15) μmol/kg). The spinal block duration created by bupivacaine was not predominantly different (P > 0.05 for the differences) from that created by pramoxine at the equipotent doses (ED75, ED50 and ED25).

Conclusions

Our preclinical experiment indicated that pramoxine elicited a dose-related spinal block, was less potent than bupivacaine and had a similar duration of spinal block compared with bupivacaine.
Brief school‐based interventions to assist adolescents’ sleep‐onset latency: Comparing mindfulness and constructive worry versus controls
Authors: Bartel Kate , Huang Chao , Maddock Ben , Williamson Paul , Gradisar Michael
Published: February 2018

Difficulties falling asleep are common among adolescents, especially during times of stress. Adolescents may thus benefit from brief techniques (15 min) that decrease pre‐sleep cognitive‐emotional arousal and sleep‐onset latency. The present study used a 3 (intervention: mindfulness bodyscan mp3, constructive worry, control) by 3 (time: baseline, week 1, week 2) mixed‐model design on a school‐based sample of adolescents (N = 232; Mage = 15.9 ± 0.8 years, range = 14–18 years; 19% male), and a sub‐sample of adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency (i.e. ≥30 min; N = 119; Mage = 16.9 ± 0.9 years; 21% male). It was expected that the 15‐min pre‐recorded breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan, and constructive worry, would decrease sleep‐onset latency and pre‐sleep arousal similarly over time, relative to the control condition. A significant interaction was observed among adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency, who completed ≥3 days for at least 1 week (p = .001), where mindfulness decreased sleep‐onset latency relative to constructive worry and the control. Neither technique changed pre‐sleep worry or cognitive‐emotional arousal, or associated daytime functioning (both the whole sample and sub‐sample). A pre‐recorded mp3 breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan technique is a promising means by which adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency can decrease sleep‐onset latency. This simple tool has potential for scalable dissemination by stakeholders (e.g. teachers), unqualified to treat adolescent sleep difficulties. Future studies are needed to determine whether benefits may extend to academic performance and mental health, if performed for a longer time period with increased compliance.
Differences in standard metabolic rate at the range edge versus the center of an expanding invasive population of Xenopus laevis in the West of France
Authors: Louppe V. , Courant J. , Videlier M. , Herrel A.
Published: February 2018

Empirical and theoretical studies have investigated the trade‐offs between reproduction, dispersal and/or survival that may arise between individuals at the range edge of an expanding population. The differential allocation of resources to these life‐history traits may then be constrained by the metabolism of an individual. Previous studies of an invasive expanding population of the frog Xenopus laevis in the West of France showed an increase in allocation of resources to dispersal and a decrease in allocation to reproduction in individuals from the range front. The present study focuses on physiological variation through an analysis of the standard metabolic rate (SMR). SMR was analyzed through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production under resting conditions. Our results show a positive correlation between SMR and individual size and weight, but no difference in body condition is observed between individuals from the center and those from the periphery of the range. Moreover, a decrease in SMR at the periphery was observed in both sexes. Yet, a significant interaction effect between sex and site was observed. Males had a higher SMR than females at the center while females from the periphery showed a higher SMR than males. A lower SMR may allow animals from the periphery to allocate more resources to other functions, such as locomotion, and therefore dispersal. In contrast, the relatively higher SMR in females from the periphery (compared to males) is likely to be driven by the important energetic cost of reproduction in addition to the environmental and demographic constraints at the edge of an expanding population. From the perspective of conservation biology, these results attest to the importance of understanding the biological and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning the selection of traits to estimate the invasive potential of exotic species.
Linking dendroecology and association genetics in natural populations: Stress responses archived in tree rings associate with SNP genotypes in silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)
Authors: Heer K. , Behringer D. , Piermattei A. , Bässler C. , Brandl R. , Fady B. , Jehl H. , Liepelt S. , Lorch S. , Piotti A. , Vendramin G.G. , Weller M. , Ziegenhagen B. , Büntgen U. , Opgenoorth L.
Published: February 2018

Genetic association studies in forest trees would greatly benefit from information on the response of trees to environmental stressors over time, which can be provided by dendroecological analysis. Here, we jointly analysed dendroecological and genetic data of surviving silver fir trees to explore the genetic basis of their response to the iconic stress episode of the 1970s and 1980s that led to large‐scale forest dieback in Central Europe and has been attributed to air pollution. Specifically, we derived dendrophenotypic measures from 190 trees in the Bavarian Forest that characterize the resistance, resilience and recovery during this growth depression, and in the drought year in 1976. By focusing on relative growth changes of trees and by standardizing the dendrophenotypes within stands, we accounted for variation introduced by micro‐ and macroscale environmental differences. We associated the dendrophenotypes with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes using general linear models (GLMs) and the machine learning algorithm random forest with subsequent feature selection. Most trees at our study sites experienced a severe growth decline from 1974 until the mid‐1980s with minimum values during the drought year. Fifteen genes were associated with the dendrophenotypes, including genes linked to photosynthesis and drought stress. With our study, we show that dendrophenotypes can be a powerful resource for genetic association studies that permit to account for micro‐ and macroenvironmental variation when data are derived from natural populations. We call for a wider collaboration of dendroecologists and forest geneticists to integrate individual tree‐level dendrophenotypes in genetic association studies.
Characterization of oily mature skin by biophysical and skin imaging techniques
Authors: de Melo M. O. , Maia Campos P. M. B. G.
Published: February 2018

Background

The skin is a complex biological system and may suffer change according to the environmental factors, as higher temperatures can increase sebum excretion, presenting oiliness and acne. These alterations can persist during the aging and provoke more changes in aged skin. In this study we evaluated the mature oily skin characteristics using biophysical and skin imaging techniques.

Material and methods

Sixty healthy female subjects, aged between 39 and 55 years old were recruited and separated into 2 groups according to their skin type: normal/dry and oily skin. The skin was evaluated in terms of stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) sebum content, dermis thickness and echogenicity, skin microrelief, and pores content.

Results

The mature oily skin presented no significant differences when compared to the normal/dry skin on the stratum corneum water content and TEWL parameters. The sebum content was significantly higher on the oily skin group. The microrelief analysis showed an increase of skin roughness values in the oily skin and increase of scaliness in the normal/dry skin. The oily skin showed lower dermis echogenicity mainly in the frontal region and higher dermis thickness when compared to normal/dry skin.

Conclusion

The mature oily skin showed different characteristics from normal/dry skin in terms of sebum content, microrelief parameters, and dermis thickness. This way, the characterization of mature oily skin in an objective way is very important to development of dermocosmetic products for more effective treatments focused specially on this type of skin.
Potential roles of YCF54 and ferredoxin‐NADPH reductase for magnesium protoporphyrin monomethylester cyclase
Authors: Herbst Josephine , Girke Annabel , Hajirezaei Mohammad Reza , Hanke Guy , Grimm Bernhard
Published: February 2018

Chlorophyll is synthesized from activated glutamate in the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis pathway through at least 20 different enzymatic reactions. Among these, the MgProto monomethylester (MgProtoME) cyclase catalyzes the formation of a fifth isocyclic ring to tetrapyrroles to form protochlorophyllide. The enzyme consists of two proteins. The CHL27 protein is proposed to be the catalytic component, while LCAA/YCF54 likely acts as a scaffolding factor. In comparison to other reactions of chlorophyll biosynthesis, this enzymatic step lacks clear elucidation and it is hardly understood, how electrons are delivered for the NADPH‐dependent cyclization reaction. The present study intends to elucidate more precisely the role of LCAA/YCF54. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines with inactivated and overexpressed YCF54 reveal the mutual stability of YCF54 and CHL27. Among the YCF54‐interacting proteins, the plastidal ferredoxin‐NADPH reductase (FNR) was identified. We showed in N. tabacum and A. thaliana that a deficit of FNR1 or YCF54 caused MgProtoME accumulation, the substrate of the cyclase, and destabilization of the cyclase subunits. It is proposed that FNR serves as a potential donor for electrons required in the cyclase reaction and connects chlorophyll synthesis with photosynthetic activity.
Vascular access for therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Ipe Tina S. , Marques Marisa B.
Published: February 2018

Therapeutic plasma exchange is an apheresis modality in which plasma is separated from the blood cellular components ex vivo, discarded, and replaced with an isosmotic fluid (most commonly 5% albumin) to maintain appropriate oncotic pressure in the patient. Therapeutic plasma exchange is used in the treatment of many diseases and indications. The recent seventh edition of the American Society for Apheresis guidelines indicates approximately 72 diseases and 116 indications for which therapeutic plasma exchange may be effective. One of the critical aspects for the successful performance of therapeutic plasma exchange is appropriate vascular access to provide high blood flow for the collection and return phases of the procedure, especially because most patients who need therapeutic plasma exchange will require more than one treatment over days to weeks. This article provides an overview of the characteristics of therapeutic plasma exchange, the clinical diseases and indications that may be treated with therapeutic plasma exchange, and the different types of vascular access employed, with their advantages and disadvantages. The latter may include peripheral venous access and intravascular or implantable access devices, such as arteriovenous grafts and fistulas, central venous catheters, and central venous catheters tunneled with ports.
Intravascular access devices from an interventional radiology perspective: indications, implantation techniques, and optimizing patency
Authors: Lee Kristen A. , Ramaswamy Raja S.
Published: February 2018

Central venous access has become invaluable in the treatment of patients with a wide array of acute and chronic disease entities. Central venous catheters provide durable, short‐term and long‐term access solutions while saving the patient from repeated peripheral needle sticks. Central venous catheters include: non‐tunneled central venous catheters, tunneled central venous catheters, and port catheters. Typically, the placement of a central venous catheter is performed by Vascular and Interventional Radiologists. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the role of Interventional Radiology in the placement and management of intravascular or implantable access devices, with a focus on discussing indications for central venous catheter placement, implantation techniques, potential complications, and management of catheter dysfunction.
A Review of Thickness-Accommodation Techniques in Origami-Inspired Engineering
Authors: Lang Robert J. , Tolman Kyler A. , Crampton Erica B. , Magleby Spencer P. , Howell Larry L.
Published: February 2018

Origami has served as the inspiration for a number of engineered systems. In most cases, they require nonpaper materials where material thickness is non-negligible. Foldable mechanisms based on origami-like forms present special challenges for preserving kinematics and assuring non-self-intersection when the thickness of the panels must be accommodated. Several design approaches for constructing thick origami mechanisms by beginning with a zero-thickness origami pattern and transforming it into a rigidly foldable mechanism with thick panels are reviewed. The review includes existing approaches and introduces new hybrid approaches. The approaches are compared and contrasted and their manufacturability analyzed.
Design, Development, and Operation of an Integrated Fluidized Carbon Capture Unit Using Polyethylenimine Sorbents
Authors: Breault Ronald W. , Shadle Lawrence J.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the design, development, and operation of a reactor system for CO2 capture. Modifications were implemented to address differences in sorbent from 180 μm Geldart group B to 115 μm Geldart group A material; operational issues were discovered during experimental trials. The major obstacle in system operation was the ability to maintain a constant circulation of a solid sorbent stemming from this change in sorbent material. The system consisted of four fluid beds, through which a polyamine impregnated sorbent was circulated and adsorption, preheat, regeneration, and cooling processes occurred. Pressure transducers, thermocouples, gas flow meters, and gas composition instrumentation were used to characterize thermal, hydrodynamic, and gas adsorption performance in this integrated unit. A series of shakedown tests were performed and the configuration altered to meet the needs of the sorbent performance and achieve desired target capture efficiencies. Methods were identified, tested, and applied to continuously monitor critical operating parameters including solids circulation rate, adsorbed and desorbed CO2, solids inventories, and pressures. The working capacity and CO2 capture efficiency were used to assess sorbent performance while CO2 closure was used to define data quality and approach to steady-state. Testing demonstrated >90% capture efficiencies and identified the regenerator to be the process step limiting throughput. Sorbent performance was found to be related to the reactant stoichiometry. A stochastic model with an exponential dependence on the relative CO2/amine concentration was used to describe 90% of the variance in the data.
Effect of Retarded Injection Timing on Knock Resistance and Cycle to Cycle Variation in Gasoline Direct Injection Engine
Authors: Zhou Lei , Shao Aifang , Hua Jianxiong , Wei Haiqiao , Feng Dengquan
Published: February 2018

In spark ignition engines, gasoline direct injection (GDI) is surely the most attractive technology to achieve the demand of high energy efficiency by directly injecting fuel into combustion chamber. This work, as a preliminary study, investigates the effect of retarded injection timing on knock resistance and cycle-to-cycle variation in gasoline engine by experimental method. The retarded injection timing during compression stroke coupled with increased intake air temperature was employed to concentrate on suppressing knock occurrence with stable combustion. Based on the great advantage of injection timing retard on knock suppression, intake temperature was used in this work to reduce cycle-to-cycle variation. In addition, piezo-electrically actuated injector was employed. The results show that injection timing retard during compression stroke can significantly suppress the knock tendency, but combustion becomes unstable and cycle-to-cycle variation is larger than 10%. Thus, increasing intake temperature decreased the cycle-to-cycle variation but increased significantly the knock tendency, as expect. Meanwhile, rich fuel–air mixture in this work also had the same effect as intake temperature did. It can be concluded that retarded injection timing is of significant potential to suppress the knock in GDI engine, although the high intake temperature causes high probability of large knock occurrence. The percentages of knock at the spark timings of 24 °CA before top dead center (BTDC) and 26 °CA BTDC were significantly reduced from approximately 40% to 7% and from approximately 60% to 10%, respectively. Furthermore, the retarded injection timing not only reduced the probability of knock occurrence, but also decreased the knock intensity obviously.
Statistical Modeling of Hydrogen Production Via Carbonaceous Catalytic Methane Decomposition
Authors: Shilapuram Vidyasagar , Bagchi Bishwadeep , Ozalp Nesrin , Davis Richard
Published: February 2018

Hydrogen production via carbonaceous catalytic methane decomposition is a complex process with simultaneous reaction, catalyst deactivation, and carbon agglomeration. Conventional reaction and deactivation models do not predict the progress of reaction accurately. Thus, statistical modeling using the method of design of experiments (DoEs) was used to design, model, and analyze experiments of methane decomposition to determine the important factors that affect the rates of reaction and deactivation. A variety of statistical models were tested in order to identify the best one agreeing with the experimental data by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical regression models for initial reaction rate, catalyst activity, deactivation rate, and carbon weight gain were developed. The results showed that a quadratic model predicted the experimental findings. The main factors affecting the dynamics of the methane decomposition reaction and the catalyst deactivation rates for this process are partial pressure of methane, reaction temperature, catalytic activity, and residence time.
Effect of CO2/N2 Dilution on Premixed Methane–Air Flame Stability Under Strained Conditions
Authors: Feser Joseph S. , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: February 2018

The effects of adding N2 or CO2 as diluents to a premixed methane–air flames under strain conditions (associated with a stagnation plate) were examined for flame stand-off distance, stability, intensity, and global flame behavior at various equivalence ratios. A stagnation plate was used to simulate the flame behavior near a combustor wall that can help provide some insights into reducing thermal stresses and enhance combustor lifetime. Decrease in equivalence ratio at the same thermal intensity provided larger strain rates while maintaining a stable flame. At stoichiometric condition, a balance was provided between high strain rates and low oxygen concentration flames to mitigate the peak (maximum) flame temperatures, and the associated temperature-dependent pollutants emission, such as NOx, CO, and unburnt hydrocarbons. Higher thermal intensities provided higher strain rates; however, the addition of diluents impacted in destabilization of flame. The flame stand-off behavior occurred at lower strain rates, low thermal intensity, and increased equivalence ratios. CO2 dilution reduced flame intensity, increased flame stand-off distance and overall flame destabilization than that with N2 dilution.
Carbon Nanotube Production From Ethylene in CO2/N2 Environments
Authors: Zhuo Chuanwei , Richter Henning , Levendis Yiannis A.
Published: February 2018

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have high surface areas and excellent mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties, thus they can be useful in applications related to extraction and conversion of energy. They can be readily produced from hydrocarbon feedstocks. In this work, ethylene, the most voluminously produced hydrocarbon, was used as a CNT feedstock. It was pyrolytically decomposed at elevated temperatures (984–1130 K) to generate CNTs, by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on stainless steel substrates. To explore possible utilization of carbon dioxide, a typical combustion byproduct, the ethylene gas was introduced to a preheated CVD reactor at the presence of various amounts of CO2, in a balance of inert nitrogen gas. The ethylene pyrolyzates were assessed at the presence/absence of catalysts and CO2 to identify the gaseous carbon growth agents. Experimental findings were also contrasted to predictions of a detailed chemical kinetic model. It was found that whereas decomposition of ethylene was somewhat inhibited by CO2 at the presence of the catalyst support, its conversion to CNTs was promoted. CNTs consistently formed at 5% CO2. Maximum yields of CNTs occurred at 1130 K, whereas highest CNT quality was achieved at 1080 K. Hydrogen and 1,3-butadiene (C4H6) were experimentally found to be the most abundant species of ethylene thermal decomposition. This was in agreement with the model, which also highlighted the importance of unimolecular hydrogen elimination.
Experimental Study of Hydrogen Production Using Solar Energy in Ouargla (South East Algeria)
Authors: Boualati Yamina , Saouli Salah
Published: February 2018

This paper presents an experimental study of solar hydrogen production via electrolysis of water (conversion of solar energy into chemical energy), and thus, a direct link between the electrolyser (Hoffman voltammeter) and two photovoltaic panels should be present. Sodium hydroxide at a low concentration is used in the experiment. The experimental temperature is the temperature of the ambient environment. The experiment was conducted over 45 days spread over most of the months of the year. This represents the first experiment for the Ouargla region with such a long duration. We focused on measuring four important parameters: solar irradiation, the voltage produced by the two photovoltaic panels, the current used in the electrolysis and the flow of hydrogen; these parameters were evaluated throughout the day from 8 am until sunset. This study shows the changes in solar irradiation, voltage, and current, as well as hydrogen flow during the course of a day, month, and the year. It also demonstrates the extent of the negative effect of seasonal temperature on the efficiency of photovoltaic cells and by contrast, the extent of the positive effect of seasonal temperature on the hydrogen production process.
Application-Driven Reliability Research of Next Generation for Automotive Electronics: Challenges and Approaches
Authors: Rzepka Sven , Otto Alexander , Vogel Dietmar , Dudek Rainer
Published: February 2018

The revolutionary changes in automotive industry toward fully connected automated electrical vehicles necessitate developments in automotive electronics at unprecedented speed. Signal, control, and power electronics will heterogeneously be integrated at minimum space with sensors and actuators to form highly compact and ultra-smart systems for functions like traction, lighting, energy management, computation, and communication. Most of these systems will be highly safety relevant with the requirements in system availability exceeding today's already high automotive standards. Unlike the human drivers of today, passengers in the automated car do not pay constant attention to the driving actions of the vehicle. Hence, reliability research is massively challenged by the new automotive applications. Guaranteeing the specified lifetime at statistical average is no longer sufficient. Assuring that no failure of an individual safety relevant part occurs unexpectedly becomes most important. The paper surveys the priority actions underway to cope with the tremendous challenges. It highlights practical examples in all three directions of reliability research: (i) Experimental reliability tests and physical analyses: New and highly efficient accelerated stress tests are able to cover the complex and multifold loading situation in the field. New analytics techniques can identify the typical failure modes and their physical root causes; (ii) Virtual techniques: Schemes of validated simulations allow capturing the physics of failure (PoF) proactively in the design for reliability (DfR) process; and (iii) Prognostics health management (PHM). A new concept is introduced for adding a minimum of PHM features at various levels of automotive electronics to provide functional safety as required for autonomous vehicles. This way, the new generation of reliability methods will continuously provide estimates of the remaining useful life (RUL) for each relevant part under the actual use conditions to allow triggering maintenance in time
Methodology for Stress-Controlled Fatigue Test Under In-Air and Pressurized Water Reactor Coolant Water Condition and to Evaluate the Effect of Pressurized Water Reactor Water and Loading Rate on Ratcheting
Authors: Barua Bipul , Mohanty Subhasish , Listwan Joseph T. , Majumdar Saurindranath , Natesan Krishnamurti
Published: February 2018

This work investigates the behavior of 316 stainless steel (SS) under stress-controlled low cycle fatigue loading. Several fatigue experiments are conducted under different environment such as in air at 300 °C and primary loop water conditions for a pressurized water reactor (PWR). Two different loading conditions are also employed to examine the effect of stress rate on material hardening and ratcheting. During PWR water test, actuator position measurements are used to determine the strain of the specimen. Under PWR environment, 316 SS is found to ratchet to a significantly greater degree compared with in air. At slow stress rate, higher amount of cyclic hardening is observed in 316 SS, and slow stress rate increases the rate of ratcheting. Results also indicate that 316 SS exhibits asymptotic strain response at higher stress loading which can cause material to behave very differently under same stress cyclic loading.
Abrolophus marianopolicus sp. nov. (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) from Sicily, Italy with notes on other Abrolophus species
Authors: Haitlinger Ryszard , Šundić Miloje
Published: February 2018

Abrolophus marianopolicus sp. nov. (Acari: Erythraeidae) is described from Marianopoli, Sicily, Italy. Abrolophus hieronimi, A. miyatakei and A. trifarius are transferred to the genus Marantelophus. New or corrected data for Abrolophus baardi and A. sardiniensis are given. A key to larval Abrolophus (without comb-like seta on palptarsus) of the world is presented.
New myrmecophilous species of Petalomium (Acari: Pygmephoroidea: Neopygmephoridae) from Brazil
Authors: Silva Rafaela Almeida , Khaustov Alexandr Alexandrovich , Oliveira Anibal Ramadan
Published: February 2018

A new species of Petalomium Cross 1965 (Acari: Heterostigmatina: Neopygmephoridae) with a very large palpal solenidion is described. It was found attached to workers of an ant, Camponotus cingulatus Mayr 1862 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. The inclusion of the new species in Petalomium is discussed. A key to ant associated species of Neopygmephoridae in Neotropical region is provided.
A New Marker of Echinocandin Activity in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model Correlates with an Animal Model of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Siopi Maria , Tsakris Athanassios , Mouton Johan W. , Pournaras Spyros
Published: February 2018

The lack of a quantifiable marker for echinocandin activity hinders
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies for
Aspergillus
spp. We developed an
in vitro
PK/PD model simulating the pharmacokinetics of anidulafungin and assessing its pharmacodynamics against
Aspergillus fumigatus
with a new, easily quantifiable, sensitive, and reproducible marker. Two clinical
A. fumigatus
isolates previously used in animals (AZN8196 and V52-35) with identical anidulafungin EUCAST (0.03 μg/ml) and CLSI (0.015 μg/ml) minimal effective concentrations (MEC) and one isolate (strain AFU79728) with an MEC of >16 μg/ml were tested in a two-compartment PK/PD dialysis/diffusion closed model containing a dialysis membrane (DM) tube inoculated with 10
3
CFU/ml. During anidulafungin exposure, two types of fungal forms were observed inside the DM tube: floating conidia that were quantified by cultures and aberrant mycelia that were quantified by the vertical height of the mycelia attached on the DM tube. No aberrant mycelia were found for the resistant isolate or in the drug-free controls. An
in vitro
exposure-effect relationship was similar to that found in animals using survival as an endpoint, with a free-drug area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (
f
AUC
0–24
) associated with 50% of maximal activity of 2.21 (range, 1.81 to 2.71) mg · h/liter
in vitro
versus 2.62 (range, 1.88 to 3.65) mg · h/liter
in vivo
(
P
= 0.41). The hillslopes were also similar, with 1.96 versus 1.34 (
P
= 0.29). Analysis of each isolate separately showed increased antifungal susceptibility between AZN8196 and V52-35 (
P
< 0.001) even though they have the same CLSI and EUCAST MECs, but the strains have two 2-fold dilutions lower MICs using Etest and the XTT {2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide} method. Dose fractionation studies with all three echinocandins showed that their activities are best described by
f
AUC and not the maximum concentration of free drug (
fC
max
). The new marker correlated with
in vivo
outcome and can be used for
in vitro
PK/PD studies exploring the pharmacodynamics of echinocandins against
Aspergillus
spp.
Draft Reference Genome Sequence of
Corynebacterium mastitidis
16-1433, Isolated from a Mouse
Authors: Cheleuitte-Nieves Christopher , Gulvik Christopher A. , Humrighouse Ben W. , Bell Melissa E. , Villarma Aaron , Westblade Lars F. , Lipman Neil S. , Fischetti Vincent A. , McQuiston John R.
Published: February 2018

We report here a nearly complete draft genome sequence for a
Corynebacterium mastitidis
isolate from a mouse. The total read coverage is 198×, and the genome size is 2,264,319 bp with a 69.04% GC content. This genome complements the only other genome available for
C. mastitidis
, which was obtained from a sheep.
Complete Genome Sequence of the First Isolate of Hibiscus Latent Singapore Virus Detected in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Tetsuya , Kitazawa Yugo , Neriya Yutaro , Hosoe Naoi , Fujimoto Yuji , Hagiwara-Komoda Yuka , Maejima Kensaku , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou
Published: February 2018

The complete genome sequence of the first Japanese isolate of hibiscus latent Singapore virus (HLSV-J) was determined. The genomes of HLSV-J and a reported isolate from Singapore had only 86.7% nucleotide identity, while the encoded proteins shared amino acid identities of more than 95%.
Full-Length Genome Sequences of Two Chinese Porcine Circovirus Type 3 Strains, NWHEB21 and NWHUN2
Authors: Liu Can , Chen Shasha , Meng Fanwei , Chen Rui , Zhang Zhigang , Du Enqi , Xue Qinghong
Published: February 2018

Two porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) strains, named NWHEB21 and NWHUN2, were identified in heart and brain tissues of aborted piglets. Their complete genome sequences were sequenced and analyzed to further characterize PCV3 in China and worldwide.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Listeria monocytogenes
Strain CIIMS-PH-1, a Serovar 4b Isolate from Infant Septicemia
Authors: Kishnani Pooja M. , Tiwari Ankita A. , Gautam Vikas , Sharma Megha , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo B. , Doijad Swapnil P. , Chakraborty Trinad , Nayak Amit R. , Bhartiya Nidhi M. , Daginawala Hatim F. , Singh Lokendra R. , Kashyap Rajpal S.
Published: February 2018

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Listeria monocytogenes
CIIMS-PH-1, an isolate obtained from a 16-day-old infant with septicemia. The draft genome of CIIMS-PH-1 consisted of 2,939,183 bp and is a member of sequence type 308, clonal complex 1, and lineage I.
Characterization of a Vesivirus Associated with an Outbreak of Acute Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Renshaw Randall W. , Griffing Jennifer , Weisman Jaime , Crofton Lisa M. , Laverack Melissa A. , Poston Robert P. , Duhamel Gerald E. , Dubovi Edward J.
Published: February 2018

Four of eleven affected dogs died despite aggressive treatment during a 2015 focal outbreak of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis following a stay in a pet housing facility. Routine diagnostic investigations failed to identify a specific cause. Virus isolation from fresh necropsy tissues yielded a calicivirus with sequence homology to a vesivirus within the group colloquially known as the vesivirus 2117 strains that were originally identified as contaminants in CHO cell bioreactors.
In situ
hybridization and reverse transcription-PCR assays of tissues from the four deceased dogs confirmed the presence of canine vesivirus (CaVV) nucleic acids that localized to endothelial cells of arterial and capillary blood vessels. CaVV nucleic acid corresponded to areas of necrosis and hemorrhage primarily in the intestinal tract, but also in the brain of one dog with nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. This is the first report of an atypical disease association with a putative hypervirulent vesivirus strain in dogs, as all other known strains of CaVV appear to cause nonclinical infections or relatively mild disease. After identification of the CU-296 vesivirus strain from this outbreak, four additional CaVV strains were amplified from unrelated fecal specimens and archived stocks provided by other laboratories. Broader questions include the origins, reservoir(s), and potential for reemergence and spread of these related CaVVs.
Efficacy and safety of the Shexiang Baoxin Pill for the treatment of coronary artery disease not amenable to revascularisation: study protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial
Authors: Tian Pan-pan , Li Jun , Gao Jian , Li Ying
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) not amenable to revascularisation indicates that the coronary arteries have severe diffuse lesions or calcifications, or that CAD is complicated with severe multiple-organ disease. Currently, Western medicines available for the treatment of CAD not amenable to revascularisation are limited. Shexiang Baoxin Pill (SBP), a type of Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used to treat CAD in China for many years. Previous studies have shown that long-term administration of SBP (1–2 pills three times daily, for at least 6 months) for treatment of CAD is effective and safe, with a significant, long-term effect. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SBP in patients with CAD not amenable to revascularisation.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 440 participants will be randomly allocated to two groups: the intervention group and the placebo group. Based on conventional treatment with Western medicine, the intervention group will be treated with SBP and the placebo group will be treated with SBP placebo. The primary outcomes include major adverse cardiovascular events (including angina, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection). The secondary outcomes include C reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, ECG, echocardiographic parameters (ejection fraction percentage and the E/A ratio) and hospital readmission rates due to CAD. Assessments will be performed at baseline (before randomisation) and at 24 weeks after randomisation.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, China (reference: 2016-129-KY-01). The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be used as a basis for a multisite trial.

Trial registration number

NCT03072121; Pre-results.
The possible link between coeliac and Kawasaki diseases in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: dos Santos Domingues Alessandra , Selleski Nicole , Uenishi Rosa Harumi , Medeiros Ribeiro de Magalhães Cristina , Gandolfi Lenora , Pratesi Claudia B
Published: February 2018

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited acute systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology that predominantly affects infants and young children eventually associated with immunological abnormalities. Coeliac disease (CD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterised by a permanent gluten intolerance, which affects genetically susceptible individuals of any age group, and can cause intestinal and systemic symptoms. Association of CD with KD has been previously described in a single study that disclosed a surprisingly high prevalence of CD in children with a history of KD.

Objective

To confirm the existence of a higher prevalence of CD among individuals with a history of KD, which would turn the screening for CD in patients with history of KD highly advisable.

Setting

Children with history of KD, diagnosed and followed at the Rheumatology Clinic of the Children’s Hospital of Brasilia (Brasilia, Brazil).

Participants

This study included 110 children with history of KD and a control group composed of 110 presumably healthy children.

Interventions

Participants underwent anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies tests and genetic typing for the presence of CD predisposing alleles (HLA-DQ2 and DQ8). Jejunal biopsy was performed when necessary, according the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.

Results

Diagnosis of CD was confirmed in one (0.91%) patient with KD by positive serological tests, presence of predisposing alleles and CD typical lesions on duodenal biopsy. All serological tests were negative among the controls. The prevalence of CD predisposing alleles among patients with KD was 29.09%, similar to the prevalence found among controls, 33.64%.

Conclusion

The detected CD prevalence (0.91%) does not confirm the existence of an association between KD and CD since this prevalence is similar to that found in the general population (≃1%).