bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydronium ion at the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface: Structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics of ion transfer
Authors: Benjamin Ilan
Published: September 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations including umbrella sampling free energy calculations are used to examine the structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics that accompany the transfer of the classical hydronium ion (H3O+) across the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface. The calculated free energy of transfer (17 ± 1 kcal/mol) is somewhat larger than the experimental value (14 kcal/mol). A detailed examination of the hydration structure is provided, and several dynamical properties as a function of the distance along the interface normal are calculated. In particular, it is shown that the hydronium ion is transferred as an Eigen species, and while the three hydration shell water molecules’ average structure is conserved during the transfer, they may be exchanged with nearby water molecules with a rate that decreases as the ion enters the organic phase.
Resolution enhancement of fluorescence microscopy using encoded patterns from all-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Lee Dasol , Yang Younghwan , Yoon Gwanho , Kim Minkyung , Rho Junsuk
Published: September 2019

Metasurfaces consist of artificially fabricated nanostructures and have shown potential for optical devices due to their precise control of light. Here, we demonstrate a metasurface application to improve the lateral resolution of the optical system in fluorescence microscopy based on patterned illumination. We designed and fabricated all-dielectric metasurfaces to have various encoded illumination patterns in the visible range. Super-resolution images were acquired using the designed metasurfaces in numerical simulations and in experiments. In experiments, we improved the lateral resolution to 1.71-fold of the existing system; this resolution is much finer than the diffraction limit of conventional imaging systems. We expect that our technique can provide insight into guide development of metasurfaces as patterned illumination optical devices.
Improving child immunisation rates in a disadvantaged community in New South Wales, Australia: a process evaluation for research translation
Authors: Thomas Susan , Higgins Helen , Leask Julie , Menning Lisa , Habersaat Katrine , Massey Peter , Taylor Kathryn , Cashman Patrick , Durrheim David N.
Published: September 2019

The World Health Organization’s Tailoring Immunization Programmes approach was used to develop a new strategy to increase child vaccination coverage in a disadvantaged community in New South Wales, Australia, including reminders, outreach and home visiting. After 18 months, the strategy hasn’t been fully implemented. A process evaluation was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators for research translation. Participants included child health nurses, Population Health staff, managers and general practitioners. The Capability–Opportunity–Motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B) was used to develop questions. Twenty-four participants took part in three focus groups and four interviews. Five themes emerged: (i) designing and adopting new ways of working is time-consuming and requires new skills, new ways of thinking and changes in service delivery; (ii) genuine engagement and interaction across fields and institutions helps build capacity and strengthen motivation; (iii) implementation of a new strategy requires clarity; who’s doing what, when and how?; (iv) it is important not to lose sight of research findings related to the needs of disadvantaged families; and (v) trust in the process and perseverance are fundamental. There was strong motivation and opportunity for change, but a need to enhance service capability. Areas requiring support and resources were identified.
Scleral pigmentation leads to conspicuous, not cryptic, eye morphology in chimpanzees
Authors: Perea-García Juan Olvido , Kret Mariska E. , Monteiro Antónia , Hobaiter Catherine
Published: September 2019

Gaze following has been argued to be uniquely human, facilitated by our depigmented, white sclera [M. Tomasello, B. Hare, H. Lehmann, J. Call,
J. Hum. Evol.
52, 314–320 (2007)]—the pale area around the colored iris—and to underpin human-specific behaviors such as language. Today, we know that great apes show diverse patterns of scleral coloration [J. A. Mayhew, J. C. Gómez,
Am. J. Primatol.
77, 869–877 (2015); J. O. Perea García, T. Grenzner, G. Hešková, P. Mitkidis,
Commun. Integr. Biol.
10, e1264545 (2016)]. We compare scleral coloration and its relative contrast with the iris in bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans. Like humans, bonobos’ sclerae are lighter relative to the color of their irises; chimpanzee sclerae are darker than their irises. The relative contrast between the sclera and iris in all 3 species is comparable, suggesting a perceptual mechanism to explain recent evidence that nonhuman great apes also rely on gaze as a social cue.
High‐intensity interval neuromuscular training promotes exercise behavioral regulation, adherence and weight loss in inactive obese women
Authors: Batrakoulis Alexios , Loules Georgios , Georgakouli Kalliopi , Tsimeas Panagiotis , Draganidis Dimitrios , Chatzinikolaou Athanasios , Papanikolaou Konstantinos , Deli Chariklia K. , Syrou Niki , Comoutos Nikolaos , Theodorakis Yiannis , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Fatouros Ioannis G.
Published: September 2019

It is unclear how high‐intensity, interval‐type nontraditional exercise training programmes can be feasible and effective options for inactive obese individuals. This randomized controlled trial investigated the hypothesis that a 10‐month high‐intensity, interval‐type neuromuscular training programme (DoIT) with adjunct portable modalities, performed in a small‐group setting, induces improvements in psychological well‐being, subjective vitality and exercise behavioural regulations in obese women. Associations between adherence, psychological and physiological indicators were also investigated. Forty‐nine previously inactive obese females (36.4 ± 4.4 yrs) were randomly assigned to three groups (control; N = 21, 10‐month training; N = 14, or 5‐month training plus 5 month‐detraining; N = 14). DoIT was a supervised, progressive, and time‐efficient (<30 min) programme that used 10–12 functional/neuromotor exercises and prescribed work and rest time intervals (20–40 sec) in a circuit fashion (1–3 rounds) for 10 months. Questionnaires were used to measure psychological distress, subjective vitality, and behavioural regulations in exercise at pre‐, mid‐, and post‐intervention. The 10‐month training reduced psychological distress (72%, p = 0.001), external regulation (75%, p = 0.011) and increased vitality (53%, p = 0.001), introjected regulation (63%, p = 0.001), intrinsic regulation (33%, p = 0.004), and identified regulation (88%, p = 0.001). A moderate to strong positive relationship was found between adherence rate and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001) and between VO2peak and identified regulation scores (r = 0.59, p = 0.001). A mild dissociation between exercise intensity and perceived exertion was also observed. Our novel findings suggest that a 10‐month implementation of a high‐intensity interval neuromuscular training programme promotes positive psychological adaptations provoking exercise behavioural regulation and adherence while inducing weight loss in inactive obese women.
Impact of Surrounding Soils on Surface Water Quality in Sembrong River
Authors: Nur Fahirah Tuan Besar Syarifah , Sofik Syarifuddin , Mat Daud Azra Munirah
Published: September 2019

Peatlands enclosed around 2.7 million ha in Peninsular Malaysia, 1.66 million ha in Sarawak, 0.8 million ha in Sabah, and are commonly found in Johor. Previous studies showed that waters in the peat soils area are acidic (pH 5.7 and pH 6.6). Anthropogenic activities such as mining and agriculture, will in turn impact water quality. Agriculture activities, through the usage of fertilizers, produces cadmium and zinc. Furthermore, soils in acidic conditions could liberate aluminum into the river. This study aims to characterize acidified peat soils based on geochemical properties (pH and heavy metals concentrations), identify the impact of the geochemical variability on surface water quality, and determine the effects of hydrologic cycle on the geochemical variability. Sembrong River was chosen as the study site; soils and water samples were collected nearby and from the river. Testing methods for soils and water covered both in-situ measurements and laboratory analyses. All parameters were taken thrice in each of the sampling point (labelled as S1, S2 and S3). The data of precipitation a week before sampling was recorded for early prediction of the water level. Real water level (depth of the river) was measured on the day of sampling. Based on the relation between month and geochemical properties according to water depth, results showed that the properties were affected by the rainfall intensities. Results also revealed the increased the water depth, the decreased the pH value for soil and water. The most acidic for pH value is peat soils with pH 2.52. Besides, the concentration of heavy metals in the surface water for Sembrong River followed the sequence: aluminum > iron > zinc. Overall results of this study have indicated that properties of peat soils, anthropogenic activities and hydrologic cycles have a major impacts on surface water quality of Sembrong River.
The Effectiveness of Raw and Dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Seed as Natural Coagulant in Water Treatment
Authors: Mahmood N. A. C , Zaki Z. Z. M
Published: September 2019

Coagulation is one of the process in water treatment that mainly reducing turbidity of water by adding the coagulant such chemical or natural coagulant. Chemical coagulant such as Alum is widely used as it is efficient in removing tubidity. However, there are some adversed impact of chemical as coagulant to human and environment specifically. In this study, the effectiveness of Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed as natural coagulant were measured. There are two types the natural coagulant from Artocarpus Heterophyllus were considered in this study such as raw and dried seed. Besides, two different extraction process of coagulant by using distilled water and Sodium Chloride (1M NaCl) were used to determine the efficiency. The result showed dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (1M NaCl) at 20mg/L achieved the optimum dosage of coagulant compared to dried Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (distilled water), raw Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (distilled water) and raw Artocarpus Heterophyllus seed (1M NaCl) in removing turbidity. It reduced up to 50% turbidity, and 70 %suspended solid after the treatment process. It also showed that salt Sodium Chloride (NaCl) can be used as addictive in treating the water.
Preliminary Assessment of Teknologi Lake Quality Status at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Campus in Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Safwan Miswan Muhammad , Maya Saphira Radin Mohamed Radin , Ali Saeed Al-Gheethi Adel , Hashim Mohd Kassim Amir
Published: September 2019

A study was carried out to determine the status of the water quality condition in UTHM campus area located in Teknologi Lake, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in two different times; the first sampling was in 22 March 2018 and the second sampling in 13 September 2018. A total of ten water quality parameters was selected, analyzed in-situ and exsitu, and classified based on NWQS Classifications. The status of lakes were determined by using Water Quality Index (WQI). Results for in-situ water quality parameters are: pH contents ranged from 6.42 to 6.61; DO from 9.0 to 9.8 mg/L; temperature from 28.7 to 28.9°C. Ex-situ water quality parameters are; BOD was ranged from 105.2 to 106.0 mg/L, COD was ranged from 1 to 19 mg/L, TSS was ranged from 19 to 20 mg/L, turbidity was ranged from 12 to 13 NTU, ammoniacal nitrogen from was ranged 3.6 to 4.3 mg/L, nitrite was ranged from 0.13 to 0.11 mg/L and nitrate was ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 mg/L. The observed values for seven parameters in both sampling period of Teknologi Lake were classified as IIA/B. The results of the lake can be used for recreational purposes and suitable for sensitive aquatic species. However, based on WQI calculated value, the status of the lake during the study period was indicated as slightly polluted for Teknologi Lake. Overall, Teknologi Lake was classified as class IV due to agricultural activites and the water suitable for irrigation uses only.
Green Design for the Comfort Environment of Kindergarten Building in Malaysia: A review
Authors: Mohd Shahli Fitrynadia , Abidin Akasah Zainal
Published: September 2019

Public buildings such as kindergarten can be used as a potential educational spot in promoting environmental sustainability for the children. Most of the public kindergartens in Malaysia are facing uncomfortable issues, such as due to the poor air ventilation and inefficient design at the respective building and facilities. By promoting green design and sustainability, this paper presents the synthesis of other studies, which consist of the factors and aspect approaches towards the application of green design in developing development of kindergarten building. This paper will review different articles and studies, which have published within 2009 until recently from the selected online database. Through green design at kindergarten, it is hoped to be able to promote sustainability for the children and foster designers to design more friendly buildings for them.
Establishing the Level of BIM implementation – A Case Study in Melaka, Malaysia
Authors: Yahya Al-Ashmori Yasser , Bin Othman Idris , Bin Mohamad Hisham , Rahmawati Yani , Napiah Madzlan
Published: September 2019

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Malaysian construction industry is considered very challenging. Although there is significant support from the government to enhance BIM adoption, the implementation of BIM is still in a very low level. Therefore, this paper is evaluating the level of BIM use among Malaysian construction companies. The research is based on a survey and observation conducted in the state of Melaka in which 90 Malaysian companies were surveyed. Based on the evaluation of 90 construction companies, 63 questionnaires were returned and only 46 were valid for further analysis which covered the main objectives of this research. Result revealed that there is a significant drawback of BIM implementation among construction companies due to the lack of awareness of application process and technology concept. The main factor responsible for the lack of awareness was found to be the delay of organizations to use BIM on their project practices. Hence, it is recommended that organizations should be practicing the BIM process within their company. Also, organizations should have the initiative to develop their roadmap for implementation and development of individual transformation plan that gradually overcomes challenges.
Performance of concrete containing mussel shell (Perna viridis) ash under effect of sodium chloride curing
Authors: Shabery Sainudin Muhammad , Hazurina Othman Nor , Shahidan Shahiron
Published: September 2019

Mussel shell is a type of waste that consist large amounts of calcium content (CaCO3) (>95%). It is potentially to be used as concrete filler which can reduce porosity in concrete micro-structure (compacted concrete) and indirectly reduce quantity of water used to maintain concrete workability. This paper investigates the performance of mussel shell waste as an admixture in normal concrete. These waste were crushed using ball mill for 5 hour then sieved with 75μm sieve sizes. Five different percentages of mussel shell ash (MSA) were incorporated in concrete as an admixture 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (S0, S1, S2, S3 and S4) base on w/c 0.5 according to DoE method with total of 90 samples. Specimens then were cured using 2.37% of sodium chloride (NaCl) solution for 7 and 28 days. Data were analysed according to physical, mechanical and its durability properties of materials and its specimens. Particle size analysis (PSD), specific gravity, SEM image and setting time are measured on MSA, OPC and samples MSA concrete included slump analysis for concrete workability. While it’s mechanical and durability properties of MSA concrete were analyses through compressive, split tensile and water capillary absorption. The result showed that increment percentages of MSA could effect on the strength of both compressive and split tensile. However, minimum percentages of MSA of 1% gained higher strength compared to control specimen. The differences between MSA percentages and its curing duration incorporated indicating an improvement while S1 and S3 indicates lower rate of capillary absorption for 7 and 28 days each. Overall, the results to establish concrete strength improvement of MSA in concrete should be limited to 1% uses. While S2 and S4 for concrete permeability and workability. With this percentages, concrete display an improvement behaviours according to its strength and durability towards sodium chloride exposure.
The Effect of Prefabricated Steel Framing System Towards Construction Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Authors: Ariff Mohd Amin Mohamad , Haslinda Abas Nor , Deraman Rafikullah
Published: September 2019

Construction industry is known for its hazardous physical working environments and high accident risks. In reducing risk at the workplace, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an important aspect. It is a standard which are set in legislation with the purpose to eliminate and reduce hazards at workplace. The objectives of this paper are to identify the major activities of the construction process in IBS residential and the OSH risks associated throughout the construction and to compare the impact of IBS construction with conventional method. This study involved field observation to one (1) construction sites that use IBS construction which are ‘prefabricated steel framing system’. Observations were also conducted at the manufacturing facilities of the prefabricated steel framing system. This also involved interview to the executive staff, operatives and supervisors and documenting analysis. The analysis is done by comparing the effect of IBS method with conventional method. In achieving this, one (1) case study was descriptively analyzed and availing a revelation exposure to UV and mobile plant risks as the main risk in IBS construction site. This paper intends to contribute in providing a way to integrate construction process knowledge to eliminate or reduce hazards during construction.
Identification of Construction Waste Generated at Precast Concrete Plants: Case study
Authors: Ashikin Suhaini Nurul , Haslinda Abas Nor , Nagapan Sasitharan , Nadarason Kageishieny
Published: September 2019

The government of Malaysia has introduced Industrialised Building System (IBS) or commonly termed offsite construction in other countries to replace the conventional method of construction, as one of the initiatives to overcome the problems related to waste generation and negative environmental impact in the construction industry. There are few studies of the construction waste generation focus on the offsite, particularly at precast production plant as compared to the construction site. This study aims to investigate the significant type of construction waste generated at precast concrete plants in Johor. In order to identify the type of waste generated in the process of manufacturing the precast concrete component, this study involved field observation to three precast concrete plants in Johor, together with analysing the selected organisation’s document on the waste generation and management record. Interviews were also conducted with the production man-ager/engineer to support the data collection process. The findings revealed that, the types of construction waste that commonly found in the precast concrete plants are concrete and steel. The most significant type of waste generated at precast concrete factory is concrete (total 1,298.56 tonnes for 3 factories, followed by 820 tonnes, 350 tonnes and 128.56 tonnes). This study provides useful information concerning waste assessment data to achieve a better understanding of construction waste in the precast concrete manufacturing industry.
Research on optimization of low-frequency mechanical efficiency of Reciprocating Compressor for Refrigerator
Authors: H J Wei , Xiong K Q , Xu M , Yan Y Z
Published: September 2019

Lubricating oil and bearing clearance are important parameters that affect the lubrication state of the compressor at this time. The main purpose of this paper is to study and optimize the influence of the lubricating oil and bearing clearance on the performance of the compressor. The losses of the different friction parts were obtained through simulation research. At the same time, via analysing the viscosity of the lubricating oil and the bearing clearance, this paper has got the best parameters and greatly improved the compressor low frequency efficiency. Through further experimental analysis, the results are in good agreement with the simulation analysis conclusions. This study is helpful to increase the low frequency efficiency in guiding the design of reciprocating compressors.
The Performance Analysis of R32 Rotary Compressor Used for Room Air Conditioners
Authors: Shi Hongyan , Wu Jianhua
Published: September 2019

R32 has been used as an alternative refrigerant of R410A in room air conditioners for its zero ODP, low GWP, and high performance. In this study, performance of R32 hermetic rotary compressor with high pressure shell was analyzed with a more comprehensive theoretical model. The simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental results. Besides, in order to improve the accuracy, in the theoretical model, the two phase leakage model was chosen in the leakage passage of radial clearance, and the gas leakage was considered in the side of sliding vane when the height of oil level is lower than the upper end face of cylinder. The analysis results show that the main factors that influence the cooling capacity are heating loss and leakage loss, and the main factors that influence the input power are discharge pressure loss, suction heating loss, clearance volume loss, bearing friction loss and sliding vane friction loss. The theoretical model would have great useful for designation and performance optimization of rotary compressor.
CFD simulation of a rotary compressor with gas injection
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Ding Hui , Wang Baolong , Ding Yunchen , Huang Yanfen
Published: September 2019

Rotary compressors are widely used in small capacity refrigeration and heat pump Systems. Gas injection is an effective way to improve compressor efficiency especially when operating under low temperature. A novel design injects gas through the rotary compressor blade, controlled by a built in reed valve. CFD simulation provides valuable insights to help design engineers to verify, to analyze, and to improve the performance of compressors. For this particular application, besides modeling rotary compressor operation, CFD simulation also needs to solve reed valve dynamics with combined movement of the blade. In this paper, a full 3D transient CFD model of a rotary compressor with gas injection is described in detail. Real gas properties is used for the refrigerant. Methodology used to model reed valve dynamics is discussed. Simulation results are validated by experiment data. Effects of gas injection are evaluated by comparing the simulation results for the cases with and without gas injection.
Waste Heat Recovery for Reciprocating Compressors
Authors: Klotsche K , Micus F , Thomas C , Hesse U
Published: September 2019

In many important industries (oil and gas, process gases, chemical process engineering) multi-stage reciprocating compressors are used, especially for high pressure ratios. The gas is compressed in multiple consecutive stages and cooled after each stage in order to reduce the maximum process temperatures. The rejected heat is often dissipated to the environment and the usable part – the exergy – is lost.

The aim of this paper is to show how the waste heat potential of reciprocating compressors can be used. For this purpose, the waste heat available per stage is quantified for different compression scenarios. Based on this, the processes for the waste heat recovery suitable for the temperature range of the discharge gas as heat source are presented – in particular the structure, working principle and characteristics of the waste heat recovery system. It is shown that the waste heat can be used flexibly for different purposes (heating, power generation, cold supply). The potential of the possible methods of waste heat recovery can be estimated with the aid of the given efficiencies of the respective energy conversion processes.
Pathology and Telepathology Methods in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Network
Authors: Martines Roosecelis B , Ritter Jana M , Gary Joy , Shieh Wun-Ju , Ordi Jaume , Hale Martin , Carrilho Carla , Ismail Mamudo , Traore Cheick Boudadari , Ndibile Benjamin Esiaba , Sava Solomon , Arjuman Farida , Kamal Mohammed , Rahman Mohammad Mosiur , Blau Dianna M , Zaki Sherif R
Published: September 2019

This manuscript describes the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network approach to pathologic evaluation of minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) specimens, including guidelines for histopathologic examination and further diagnostics with special stains, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, as performed at the CHAMPS Central Pathology Laboratory (CPL) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as techniques for virtual discussion of these cases (telepathology) with CHAMPS surveillance locations. Based on review of MITS from the early phase of CHAMPS, the CPL has developed standardized histopathology-based algorithms for achieving diagnoses from MITS and telepathology procedures in conjunction with the CHAMPS sites, with the use of whole slide scanners and digital image archives, for maximizing concurrence and knowledge sharing between site and CPL pathologists. These algorithms and procedures, along with lessons learned from initial implementation of these approaches, guide pathologists at the CPL and CHAMPS sites through standardized diagnostics of MITS cases, and allow for productive, real-time case discussions and consultations.
Happy anniversary? States and social revolutions revisited
Authors: Lawson George
Published: September 2019

Forty years after its publication, Theda Skocpol's States and social revolutions remains the pre-eminent book in the study of revolutions. But how should the book be assessed from the vantage point of contemporary world politics? This essay reviews Skocpol's contribution to three main issue-areas: theory, structural approaches and the international. It argues that, rich as it has been, the research agenda initiated by States and social revolutions has run its course. It cannot respond effectively to the different contexts within which revolutions emerge and the diverse forms they take. Its bifurcation between structure and agency cannot capture the relational character of revolutionary action. And, despite its concern for the international components of revolutions, States and social revolutions cannot accommodate the ways in which revolutions are ‘intersocial’ all the way down. A new Skocpol is needed for a new age of revolutions.
Rhythm and Mobilization in International Relations
Authors: Solomon Ty
Published: September 2019

International Relations (IR) has rarely considered rhythm as a topic of analytical attention. Yet rhythms permeate many social and political phenomena, and their study contributes to core debates and empirical insights in contemporary IR. Rhythms are similar to but distinct from other forms of repetitive, iterative social action that have garnered increasing interest in IR, such as practices, habits, and routines. Each of these phenomena has rhythmic elements, but not all rhythmic phenomena are practical, habitual, or routine. Rhythm, then, is a distinct category of iterative action that is effectively positioned to unpack a wider array of practices in a broader range of cases. Moreover, contrary to common conceptions as simple repetition, the multiplicity and dynamism of social rhythms hold the potential to produce novel political formations. This article outlines a framework for the study of rhythms in IR by delineating some key features of social rhythms and three kinds of sociopolitical effects that they have in collective contexts. These theoretical developments are empirically applied to understand neglected aspects of mass mobilization during the Arab uprisings of 2011.
Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue seed and protein supplementation on stocker steers: II. Adaptive and innate immune function
Authors: Poole Rebecca K , Brown Alecia R , Poore Matthew H , Pickworth Carrie L , Poole Daniel H
Published: September 2019

Fescue toxicosis is a multifaceted syndrome common in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue that affects performance; however, little information is available pertaining to its effects on immunity. Recently, it has been shown that supplemental CP can improve performance in weaned steers postvaccination. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental CP on innate and adaptive immune responses in stocker steers chronically exposed to ergovaline. Angus steers (n = 12 pens; 3 steers/pen) were stratified by weight and assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to examine crude protein levels of supplement (14% or 18%) and ergovaline exposure (0 or 185 μg ergovaline/kg BW/d via ground endophyte-free (EF) or endophyte-infected (EI) tall fescue seed, respectively) on immune response. Consumption of low to moderate concentration of ergovaline from EI tall fescue seed was sufficient to induce mild symptoms associated with fescue toxicosis. Blood samples were collected at day 0, 42, and 56 to evaluate infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 1b titers following vaccine challenge. Additionally, serum cytokine concentrations were evaluated using Quantibody Bovine Cytokine Arrays on day 0, 28, and 42. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS with repeated measures. Regardless of treatment, no differences were observed in IBR and BVDV-1b seroconversion following vaccine challenge (P > 0.05). Regardless of crude protein concentration, EI steers had greater concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α), chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, MIG), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, -13, -15, -21), and various growth factors (FGF-1, IGF-1, VEGF-A) when compared to EF steers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, VEGF-A and IGF-1 concentrations were greater in EI-14 steers on day 28 compared to EI-18, EF-14, and EF-18 steers (P < 0.05), however, this difference was not observed on day 0 or 42 (P > 0.05). Based on these data, steers exposed to ergovaline have an increase in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and supplemental CP had minimal impact to mitigate this response. However, in the current study, exposure to ergovaline had little to no effect on adaptive immunity and response to vaccination. Together, chronic exposure to ergovaline results in a hyperactive innate immune response, which may lead to an immuno-compromised animal.
Survey of Occupational and Environmental Exposure Monitoring Solutions
Authors: Horne Kate McElroy , Nichols Jaime E , Logsdon Daniel , Phipps Helen , Sanders Sara , Wojtyniak Martin , McKnight L T C James , Vigneulle Roy , Jackson David , Elliott Joshua
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Service members are exposed to ambient airborne pollutants that have been linked to adverse health effects; however, capabilities to identify and characterize exposures across multi-domain operations are currently lacking. Occupational and environmental exposure monitoring is problematic because there is not a single simple solution, and current technological limitations suggest that simultaneous deployment of multiple devices may be the most effective near-term strategy. Materials and Methods: A broad industry scan of wearable, handheld, or portable occupational and environmental exposure monitoring devices was conducted, and subject matter experts were interviewed about the state of the field. Results: This survey identified limitations including the inability to detect multiple analytes or analyte classes, size and weight, and detection limits, but multiple implementation strategies could be employed to meet a variety of combat needs. Device types could be layered, or specific device types could be deployed in acute toxic exposure environments such as dense urban population centers or subterranean spaces. Conclusions: Evolving technologies and data management strategies may advance personal exposure monitoring in the future. These new devices and methods will likely supplant current technologies, while still using the programmatic and data framework established with early implementation of current commercial off the shelf devices.
Noncontact Speckle Contrast Diffuse Correlation Tomography of Blood Flow Distributions in Burn Wounds: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhao Mingjun , Mazdeyasna Siavash , Huang Chong , Agochukwu-Nwubah Nneamaka , Bonaroti Alisha , Wong Lesley , Yu Guoqiang
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Tissue injuries are often associated with abnormal blood flow (BF). The ability to assess BF distributions in injured tissues enables objective evaluation of interventions and holds the potential to improve the acute management of these injuries on battlefield. Materials and Methods: We have developed a novel speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) system for noncontact 3D imaging of tissue BF distributions. In scDCT, a galvo mirror was used to remotely project near-infrared point light to different source positions and an electron multiplying charge-coupled-device was used to detect boundary diffuse speckle contrasts. The normalized boundary data were then inserted into a modified Near-Infrared Fluorescence and Spectral Tomography program for 3D reconstructions of BF distributions. This article reports the first application of scDCT for noncontact 3D imaging of BF distributions in burn wounds. Results: Significant lower BF values were observed in the burned areas/volumes compared to surrounding normal tissues. Conclusions: The unique noncontact 3D imaging capability makes the scDCT applicable for intraoperative assessment of burns/wounds, without risk of infection and without interfering with sterility of the surgical field. The portable scDCT device holds the potential to be used by surgeons in combat surgical hospitals to improve the acute management of battlefield burn injuries.
Self-report Pain Scale Reliability in Veterans and Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injuries Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Hoot Michelle R , Khokhar Bilal , Walker William C
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Pain in trauma patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may heighten cognitive-behavioral impairment and impede rehabilitation efforts. Multiple self-report pain assessment tools have been shown reliable in cognitively intact adults and children but are understudied in the cognitively impaired, particularly in persons with TBI. The objective of this study was to assess the utility and reliability of four pain assessment instruments among TBI patients during inpatient rehabilitation and the influence of cognitive impairment.

Methods

Participants self-completed four pain intensity measures, the Verbal Descriptor Scale, Faces Pain Scale (Faces), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Color-Enhanced Visual Analog Scale (CAS), during five study visits over a 2-week period. Data were collected on time to completion and most preferred pain measure. To assess scale reliability, participants re-rated their current pain. To assess scale responsiveness, standard mean response was measured across time and a worst past pain experience was rated. Cognitive impairment was assessed with the Memory, Orientation, and Amnesia Test.

Results

The NRS was the most preferred measure by participants at every time point in the study. Mean pain measure completion time for all measures was under 11 seconds and did not significantly change during the study period. All scales showed very high test-retest reliability, with very strong correlations. Standard mean response from day 0 to 14 ranged from 0.387 to 0.532 across the scales. When stratified by cognitive impairment, the mean scores were consistently nominally higher for impaired participants, reaching statistical significance only for the CAS and Faces at baseline. In the cognitive impaired group, reliability for the Faces showed some weakening, as did the VAS to a milder degree.

Conclusions

All four pain measures demonstrated good utility, very high test-retest reliability, and satisfactory responsiveness. Greater cognitive impairment was associated with elevated pain ratings, especially in the Faces and CAS. The NRS was the most preferred by patients, regardless of cognitive impairment level.
Drug therapy of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: is there any evidence?
Authors: Ribero Simone , Stucci Luigia Stefania , Daniels Gregory A. , Borradori Luca
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

There are few randomized controlled studies to guide the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The existing treatments are mostly based on case reports and small case series. Here we review recently available insights concerning the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, with a special emphasis on novel targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Recent findings

Surgery and combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been long considered the gold standard options for advanced squamous cell carcinoma. The detection of clinically relevant driver mutations has opened the door to the use of novel targeted therapies. Recent studies have shown that aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by a very high mutational background. Furthermore, the importance of the defective immunosurveillance in the growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and the critical role of programed cell death protein 1 and programmed death-ligand 1 interaction in skin tumor development provides a rationale for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors have shown to have satisfactory antitumor activity with acceptable side-effect profile. However, their place in management of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma alone or in combination with either radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy needs to be better characterized. The available preliminary findings suggest that immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a potentially valuable alternative in cutaneous aggressive squamous cell carcinoma, promising a further expansion of their indication spectrum. Randomized controlled studies will allow us to better characterize their practical value.
Quality of life after pancreas transplantation: time to look again
Authors: Hanlon Matthew , Cooper Matthew , Abrams Peter
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

To summarize the existing body of literature regarding quality of life after pancreas transplantation, discuss the limitations of existing studies and make an argument for the need for future investigation on this important topic using standard verifiable instruments and utility measurements.

Recent findings

Reinvigorating support for pancreas transplantation as a life-extending and quality-of-life-enhancing treatment for complicated diabetes mellitus remains a work in progress. Over the past two decades, improvements in surgical management, donor selection, recipient selection and immunosuppression have dramatically improved patient and graft outcomes, achieving durable restoration of normal glucose homeostasis in over 90% of patients. These significant advances in the field of pancreas transplantation have presumably had a positive effect on quality of life of pancreas recipients in the current era; however, this remains unconfirmed.

Technical success in pancreas transplantation has improved dramatically since quality of life was last vigorously investigated in pancreas transplant recipients. Comprehensive review of the literature demonstrates the need and potential usefulness of further study substantiating quality of life benefit after pancreas transplantation, as it remains one of the primary considerations for this procedure.
The process of Lewy body formation, rather than simply alpha-synuclein fibrillization, is the major driver of neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies
Authors: Mahul-Mellier Anne-Laure , Burtscher Johannes , Maharjan Niran , Weerens Laura , Croisier Marie , Kuttler Fabien , Leleu Marion , Knott Graham , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: September 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) into intraneuronal inclusions named Lewy bodies (LB). Although it is widely believed that α-syn plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PD and synucleinopathies, the processes that govern α-syn fibrillization and LB formation in the brain remain poorly understood. In this work, we sought to reverse engineer LBs and dissect the spatiotemporal events involved in their biogenesis at the genetic, molecular, biochemical, structural, and cellular levels. Toward this goal, we took advantage of a seeding-based model of α-syn fibril formation in primary neurons and further developed this model to generate the first neuronal model that reproduces the key events leading to LB formation; including seeding, fibrillization, and the formation of LB-like inclusions that recapitulate many of the biochemical, structural, and organizational features of LBs found inpost-mortemhuman PD brain tissues. Next, we applied an integrative approach combining confocal and correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) imaging methods with biochemical profiling of α-syn species and temporal proteomic and transcriptomic analyses to dissect the molecular events associated with LB formation and maturation and to elucidate their contributions to neuronal dysfunctions and neurodegeneration in PD and synucleinopathies. The results from these studies demonstrate that LB formation involves a complex interplay between α-syn fibrillization, post-translational modifications, and interactions between α-syn aggregates and membranous organelles, including mitochondria and the autophagosome and endolysosome. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the process of LB formation and maturation, rather than simply fibril formation, is the major driver of neurodegeneration through disruption of cellular functions and inducing mitochondria damage and deficits, as well as synaptic dysfunctions. Having a neuronal model that allows for unlinking of the key processes involved in LB formation is crucial for elucidating the molecular and cellular determinants of each process and their contributions to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in PD and synucleinopathies. Such a model is essential to efforts to identify and investigate the mode of action and toxicity of drug candidates targeting α-syn aggregation and LB formation.
The functional convergence and heterogeneity of social, episodic, and self-referential thought in the default mode network
Authors: Wen Tanya , Mitchell Daniel J , Duncan John
Published: September 2019

The default mode network (DMN) is engaged in a variety of cognitive settings, including social, semantic, temporal, spatial, and self-related tasks. Andrews-Hanna et al. (2010, 2012) proposed that the DMN consists of three distinct functional-anatomical subsystems – a dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) subsystem that supports social processing and introspection about mental states; a medial temporal lobe (MTL) subsystem that contributes to memory retrieval and construction of mental scenes; and a set of midline core hubs that are involved in processing self-referential information. We examined activity in the DMN subsystems during six different tasks: (1) theory of mind and (2) moral dilemmas (for social cognition), (3) autobiographical memory and (4) spatial navigation (for memory-based construction/simulation), (5) self/other adjective judgement (for self-related cognition), and finally, (6) a rest condition compared to a working memory task. At a broad level, we observed similar whole-brain activity maps for the six contrasts, and some response to every contrast in each of the three subsystems. In more detail, both univariate analysis and multivariate activity patterns showed partial functional separation, much of it in close accord with the proposals of separate dMPFC and MTL subsystems, though with less support for common activity across anterior and posterior regions of a midline core. Integrating social, spatial, self-related, and other aspects of a cognitive situation or episode, multiple components of the DMN may work closely together to provide the broad context for current mental activity.

Significance Statement

Activity in the default mode network (DMN) can been found across a wide range of high-level tasks that involve social, semantic, episodic, or self-referential cognition. Given this diversity, an important proposal is that the DMN can be parcellated into subsystems with different cognitive functions. The current experiment employed a wide range of experimental tasks to directly test for functional convergence and heterogeneity between DMN regions. The results support both partial differentiation and integration; working together, distributed DMN regions may assemble the multiple contextual components of a cognitive situation or episode.
Dominant toxicity of ALS–FTD-associated CHCHD10S59L is mediated by TDP-43 and PINK1
Authors: Baek Minwoo , Choe Yun-Jeong , Dorn Gerald W. , Taylor J. Paul , Kim Nam Chul
Published: September 2019

Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 (CHCHD10) are a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). To elucidate how mutations in CHCHD10 induce disease, we generated a Drosophila melanogaster model of CHCHD10-mediated ALS-FTD. Expression of CHCHD10S59L in Drosophila caused gain-of-function toxicity in eyes, motor neurons, and muscles, in addition to mitochondrial defects in flies and HeLa cells. TDP-43 and PINK1 formed two axes, driving the mutant-dependent phenotypes. CHCHD10S59L expression increased TDP-43 insolubility and mitochondrial translocation. Blocking mitochondrial translocation with a peptide inhibitor reduced CHCHD10S59L-mediated toxicity. PINK1 knockdown rescued CHCHD10S59L-mediated phenotypes in Drosophila and HeLa cells. The two PINK1 substrates mitofusin and mitofilin were genetic modifiers of this phenotype. Mitofusin agonists reversed the CHCHD10S59L-induced phenotypes in Drosophila and HeLa cells and increased ATP production in Drosophila expressing C9orf72 with expanded GGGGCC repeats. Two peptides inhibitors of PINK1 mitigated the mitochondrial defects introduced by CHCHD10S59L expression. These findings indicate that TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation and chronic activation of PINK1-mediated pathways by CHCHD10S59L generate dominant toxicity. Therefore, inhibiting PINK1 activity may provide a therapeutic strategy for CHCHD10-associated disease.

One Sentence Summary

Inhibition of TDP-43 mitochondrial translocation or PINK1 kinase activity mitigates CHCHD10S59L-mediated mitochondrial toxicity.