bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estranged Bodies and Vietnamese Identities
Authors: Thomas Mandy
Published: September 2018

In this paper I will explore both the regulation of migrant bodies as well as the lived experience of migrant embodiment in order to develop an analysis of the body as a vortex of meaning in the displacement process. By examining the way in which the bodies of Vietnamese migrants are simultaneously object and agent, I will indicate how the relations between migrants and the wider society are felt and sensed through the bodily experiences of Vietnamese people. The dynamic between how Vietnamese bodies are represented and how they are experienced reveals the body to be a predominant marker of difference from both within and without, the mediator between experience and signification. I will indicate how the dominant media construction of Vietnamese bodies as defiled has sustained forms of exclusion and distancing which have influenced the way that Vietnamese bodies are lived. I thus explore the means through which the body has particular salience when attempting to understand the nature of migrant identities in Australia.
Paying Our Way: Private and Public Meanings of Migration
Authors: Walker-Birckhead Wendy
Published: September 2018

The typical Dutchman came to Australia and became 'invisible'. It was as if he were a man without and out of history. Yet this same Dutchman's arrival was largely assisted and 'organised' by the Dutch and Australian governments. Drawing on public and life history materials this paper considers the complex meanings around assisted Dutch migration to Australia, and how they have affected Dutch identity and assimilation. Of particular interest are the conflicting meanings associated with being an assisted migrant, the question of acceptance or denial of responsibility for migration, and Dutch as surrogate British.
The effect of an ex vivo boosted immune cell therapy on canine atopic dermatitis: an open, uncontrolled pilot study
Authors: Bae Seulgi , Kim Kijung , Oh Taeho
Published: September 2018

Background

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is associated with an imbalance between multiple T lymphocytes and cytokines. Ex vivo boosted immune cell (EBIC) therapy is the sequential administration of ex vivo cultured and activated lymphocytes to patients to improve immune function.

Objective

This pilot study aimed to assess the safety of EBIC therapy and demonstrate its efficacy as a novel treatment for cAD.

Animals

Ten dogs with AD.

Methods and materials

The phenotypes of the immune cells before and after ex vivo culture were analysed by flow cytometry. EBICs (1.0–5.0 × 108 cells/animal) were administered to dogs every two weeks, with a total of six injections. The cAD extent and severity index (CADESI)‐03 and pruritus scores were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of EBIC therapy for cAD. For safety assessment, regular blood examination was conducted, and any adverse events recorded. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐31 and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) were evaluated.

Results

The cells expanded by an average of 57.52‐fold and the proportions of CD8+ cells and IFN‐γ‐producing cells significantly increased after ex vivo culture. Sequential EBIC therapy improved CADESI‐03, and pruritus scores significantly. After stopping treatment the improvement rates increased for the CADESI score and were maintained for the pruritus score. There were no significant changes in cytokine levels. No significant adverse events were observed.

Conclusions and clinical significance

EBIC therapy is a safe and efficient treatment for cAD. This therapy could correct the immunological imbalance in dogs with AD by infusing activated T lymphocytes.
Distribution patterns of antibiotic residues in an urban river catchment
Authors: Chen Yongshan , Xi Xiuping , Xu Jinghua , Xie Ruijia , Jiang Jinping
Published: September 2018

The residual patterns of 23 target antibiotics in five classes of compound in catchment sediments of a rapidly urbanizing city in east China were studied. A total of 14 antibiotics were detected in the catchment. The dominant classes were tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones and these occurred at substantial concentrations. High environmental risk at the sites sampled may be associated with antibiotics detected at high concentrations. For example, at one site chlortetracycline was found to occur at concentrations ≤ 4496 ng/g. Source traceability indicates that high intensity of urbanization (e.g. hospitals and livestock farms) had a high spatial relationship with sites of high antibiotic contaminations. Urban and suburban areas had some impacts on antibiotic residues in the catchment, especially on veterinary antibiotics such as chlortetracycline in suburban areas. Moreover, antibiotics detected at high concentrations in urban areas included fluoroquinolones associated with human medicine.
On the Thermal Performance of a Microparallel Channels Heat Exchanger
Authors: de Sousa Ivana Fernandes , Naveira Cotta Carolina Palma , Cordeiro Guerrieri Daduí , Tiwari Manish K.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the experimental and theoretical analysis of a micro heat exchanger designed for the waste heat recovery from a high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) system. A test bench was built to analyze the thermal behavior of a heat exchanger targeted to work in a similar condition of an existing HCPV panel. A high power heater was encapsulated inside a copper cartridge, covered by thermal insulation, leading to dissipated heat fluxes around 0.6 MW/m2, representative of the heat flux over the solar cell within the HCPV module. The experimental campaign employed water as the coolant fluid and was performed for three different mass flow rates. An infrared camera was used to nonintrusively measure the temperature field over the micro heat exchanger external surface, while thermocouples were placed at the contact between the heat exchanger and the heater, and at the water inlet and outlet ports. In the theoretical analysis, a hybrid numerical–analytical treatment is implemented, combining the numerical simulation through the comsolmultiphysics finite elements code for the micro heat exchanger, and the analytical solution of a lumped-differential formulation for the electrical heater cartridge, offering a substantial computational cost reduction. Such computational simulations of the three-dimensional conjugated heat transfer problem were critically compared to the experimental results and also permitted to inspect the adequacy of a theoretical correlation based on a simplified prescribed heat flux model without conjugation effects. It has been concluded that the conjugated heat transfer problem modeling should be adopted in future design and optimization tasks. The analysis demonstrates the enhanced heat transfer achieved by the microthermal system and confirms the potential in reusing the recovered heat from HCPV systems in a secondary process.
Empirical Potential Functions for Driving Bioinspired Joint Design
Authors: Bender Matthew , George Aishwarya , Powell Nathan , Kurdila Andrew , Müller Rolf
Published: September 2018

Bioinspired design of robotic systems can offer many potential advantages in comparison to traditional architectures including improved adaptability, maneuverability, or efficiency. Substantial progress has been made in the design and fabrication of bioinspired systems. While many of these systems are bioinspired at a system architecture level, the design of linkage connections often assumes that motion is well approximated by ideal joints subject to designer-specified box constraints. However, such constraints can allow a robot to achieve unnatural and potentially unstable configurations. In contrast, this paper develops a methodology, which identifies the set of admissible configurations from experimental observations and optimizes a compliant structure around the joint such that motions evolve on or close to the observed configuration set. This approach formulates an analytical-empirical (AE) potential energy field, which “pushes” system trajectories toward the set of observations. Then, the strain energy of a compliant structure is optimized to approximate this energy field. While our approach requires that kinematics of a joint be specified by a designer, the optimized compliant structure enforces constraints on joint motion without requiring an explicit definition of box-constraints. To validate our approach, we construct a single degree-of-freedom elbow joint, which closely matches the AE and optimal potential energy functions and admissible motions remain within the observation set.
Uncertainty Quantification Using Generalized Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Nonlinear Dynamical Systems With Mixed State and Parameter Uncertainties
Authors: Bhusal Rajnish , Subbarao Kamesh
Published: September 2018

This paper develops a framework for propagation of uncertainties, governed by different probability distribution functions in a stochastic dynamical system. More specifically, it deals with nonlinear dynamical systems, wherein both the initial state and parametric uncertainty have been taken into consideration and their effects studied in the model response. A sampling-based nonintrusive approach using pseudospectral stochastic collocation is employed to obtain the coefficients required for the generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) expansion in this framework. The samples are generated based on the distribution of the uncertainties, which are basically the cubature nodes to solve expectation integrals. A mixture of one-dimensional Gaussian quadrature techniques in a sparse grid framework is used to produce the required samples to obtain the integrals. The familiar problem of degeneracy with high-order gPC expansions is illustrated and insights into mitigation of such behavior are presented. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed approach, numerical examples of dynamic systems with state and parametric uncertainties are considered which include the simple linear harmonic oscillator system and a two-degree-of-freedom nonlinear aeroelastic system.
Ontology-Based Representation of Meta-Design in Designing Decision Workflows
Authors: Wang Ru , Wang Guoxin , Yan Yan , Sabeghi Maryam , Ming Zhenjun , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh
Published: September 2018

Utilizing the enterprise capital related the knowledge of design processes has become crucial to improve enterprise agility and respond to shifts or changes in markets. The complexity and uncertainty of design raise the challenge of capturing tacit knowledge and the ability to aid in designing design processes. In this paper, ontology is proposed for capturing, representing, and documenting the knowledge related to hierarchical decision workflows in the meta-design of complex engineered systems. The ontology is developed in the context of decision support problem technique (DSPT), considering the requirements being able to guide assistance in designing design workflows, and integrating problem, product, and process information in a design decision-making process. Then, the approach for building procedure of process templates is presented to facilitate the reuse of the populated template instances in future design. Finally, the meta-design of the heat exchanger in a small thermal system is presented as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Review and Comparison of Form Error Simulation Methods for Computer-Aided Tolerancing
Authors: Yan Xingyu , Ballu Alex
Published: September 2018

Computer-aided tolerancing (CAT) aims to predict and control geometrical and dimensional deviations in the early design stage. Former simulation models based on the translation and rotation of nominal features cannot fulfill engineering demands or cover the product lifecycle. Nonideal feature-based simulation methods are, therefore, drawing a great deal of research attention. Two general problems for non-ideal feature-based methods are how to simulate manufacturing defects and how to integrate these defects into tolerance analysis. In this paper, we focus on the first problem. There are already many manufacturing defect simulation methods. Although they are derived from different fields and have different names, they share common characteristics in application. In this study, we collected different simulation methods and classified them as random noise methods, mesh morphing methods, and mode-based methods. The theoretical backgrounds of these methods are introduced, and the simulation examples are conducted on a consistency model to show their differences. Criteria such as multiscale, surface complexity, measurement data integration, parametric control, and calculation complexity are proposed to compare these methods. Based on these analyses, the advantages and drawbacks of each method are pointed out, which may help researchers and engineers to choose suitable methods for their work.
Effective Damage Indicator for Aluminum Alloy (AA6082Zr) Processed by ECAE
Authors: Agwa M.A. , Ali M.N.
Published: September 2018

The present research aims to study the influence of equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) parameters (die channel angle, die corner angle, and friction coefficient) on cracking and fracture tendency. For this type of analysis, a MATLAB code integrated with finite element Abaqus/Explicit model was developed and used. A parametric study is done to investigate how the damage tendency varies with changes of ECAE parameters. The distribution of the damage factor based on Cockcroft–Latham equation for different channel angles, corner angles, and friction coefficients is depicted. It is observed that the appearance of cracks on the upper surface is more likely to occur than on the lower surface. The reduction in friction coefficient does not guarantee minimum damage tendency. Finally, the optimum parameters for reducing the fracture tendency in ECAE are presented.
Determination of Shape and Distribution of Abrasive Grains to Reduce Carbon Emissions of Honing Process
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhou Guang-Hui , Zhao Fu , Li Lei , Ren Ya-Ping
Published: September 2018

Due to the increasing concern on environmental sustainability, many efforts have been made to improve the energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions of manufacturing processes, including abrasive machining processes. Oilstones, as the abrasive tool of honing machines, are the key parts to remove material. However, the theoretical models and methods that can be used to support the selection of oilstone parameters for reduced carbon emissions are lacking. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a method to optimize shape and distribution of abrasive grains for minimized carbon emissions while maintaining surface quality. First, the carbon emissions boundary is defined, and a carbon emissions calculation model is established from a macroperspective. As each grain contributes to the total carbon emissions, the behavior of grains during honing is then described and analyzed to obtain the carbon emissions model from a microperspective. Surface area of oilstones and the required total volume of material removal are kept constant to meet the physical size limit of oilstones and machining requirement of workpiece. Third, a shape and distribution optimization model is developed to minimize carbon emissions. A modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is adopted to solve this problem. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a case study to validate its effectiveness. Results show that carbon emissions can be reduced by up to 30% using the proposed model. The proposed method provides a new green manufacturing strategy for the honing process and a possibility to customize abrasive tools to meet the environmental challenges.
Efficient Collision Detection Method for Flexure Mechanisms Comprising Deflected Leafsprings
Authors: Naves M. , Aarts R. G. K. M. , Brouwer D. M.
Published: September 2018

When designing and optimizing spatial flexure mechanisms, it is hard to predict collision due to 3D motion and large deformations, which compromises the utilization of spatial freedom. A computationally efficient collision test is desirable to assure that feasible mechanism designs are found when algorithmically optimizing the shape of elastic mechanisms, which are prone to collision. In this paper, a method is presented to test for collision specifically suited for flexure mechanisms by taking advantage of the typical slender aspect ratio and shape of the elastic members. Hereby, an efficient collision test is obtained that allows for the computation of a quantitative value for the severeness of collision. This value can then be used to efficiently converge to collision free solutions without excluding good mechanism designs leading to improved mechanisms, which utilize the maximum spatial design freedom.
First- and Second-Order Kinematics-Based Constraint System Analysis and Reconfiguration Identification for the Queer-Square Mechanism
Authors: Kang Xi , Zhang Xinsheng , Dai Jian S.
Published: September 2018

Reconfiguration identification of a mechanism is essential in design and analysis of reconfigurable mechanisms. However, reconfiguration identification of a multiloop reconfigurable mechanism is still a challenge. This paper establishes the first- and second-order kinematic model in the queer-square mechanism to obtain the constraint system by using the sequential operation of the Lie bracket in a bilinear form. Introducing a bilinear form to reduce the complexity of first- and second-order constraints, the constraint system with first- and second-order kinematics of the queer-square mechanism is attained in a simplified form. By obtaining the solutions of the constraint system, six motion branches of the queer-square mechanism are identified and their corresponding geometric conditions are presented. Moreover, the initial configuration space of the mechanism is obtained.
Numerical Optimization, Characterization, and Experimental Investigation of Additively Manufactured Communicating Microchannels
Authors: Kirsch Kathryn L. , Thole Karen A.
Published: September 2018

The degree of complexity in internal cooling designs is tied to the capabilities of the manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing (AM) grants designers increased freedom while offering adequate reproducibility of microsized, unconventional features that can be used to cool the skin of gas turbine components. One such desirable feature can be sourced from nature; a common characteristic of natural transport systems is a network of communicating channels. In an effort to create an engineered design that utilizes the benefits of those natural systems, the current study presents wavy microchannels that were connected using branches. Two different wavelength baseline configurations were designed; then each was numerically optimized using a commercial adjoint-based method. Three objective functions were posed to (1) minimize pressure loss, (2) maximize heat transfer, and (3) maximize the ratio of heat transfer to pressure loss. All baseline and optimized microchannels were manufactured using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) for experimental investigation; pressure loss and heat transfer data were collected over a range of Reynolds numbers. The AM process reproduced the desired optimized geometries faithfully. Surface roughness, however, strongly influenced the experimental results; successful replication of the intended flow and heat transfer performance was tied to the optimized design intent. Even still, certain test coupons yielded performances that correlated well with the simulation results.
Modeling and Parameter Identification of an In-Tank Swimming Robot Performing Floor Inspection
Authors: Hbiri Imen , Karkri Houssem , Ghorbel Fathi H. , Choura Slim
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we develop the equations of motion at low-speed of a swimming robot for tank floor inspection. The proposed dynamic model incorporates a new friction drag force model for low-speed streamlined swimming robots. Based on a boundary layer theory analysis, we prove that for low-speed maneuvering case (Re from 103 to 105), the friction drag force component is nonlinear and is not insignificant, as previously considered. The proposed drag viscous model is derived based on hydrodynamic laws, validated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and then experimental tests. The model hydrodynamic coefficients are estimated through CFD tools. The robot wheels friction LuGre model is experimentally identified. Extensive experimental tests were conducted on the swimming robot in a circular water pool to validate the complete dynamic model. The dynamic model developed in this paper may be useful to design model-based advanced control laws required for accurate maneuverability of floor inspection swimming robots.
Effect of Sand Bed Deposits on the Characteristics of Turbulent Flow of Water in Horizontal Annuli
Authors: Bizhani Majid , Kuru Ergun
Published: September 2018

An experimental program was conducted to investigate turbulent flow of water over the stationary sand bed deposited in horizontal annuli. A large-scale horizontal flow loop equipped with the state-of-the-art particle image velocimetry (PIV) system has been used for the experiments. Experiments were conducted to measure the instantaneous local velocity profiles during turbulent flow and examine the impact of the presence of a stationary sand bed deposits on the local velocity profiles, Reynolds shear stresses and turbulence intensities. Results have shown that the existence of a stationary sand bed causes the volumetric flow to be diverted away from the lower annular gap. Increasing the sand bed height causes further reduction of the volumetric flow rate in the lower annulus. Velocity profiles near the surface of the bed deposits showed a downward shift from the universal law in wall units indicating that the flow is hydraulically rough near the sand bed. The equivalent roughness height varied with flow rates. At flow rates less than the critical flow rate, the Reynolds stress profile near the bed interface had slightly higher peak values than that of the case with no sand bed. At the critical flow rate, however, the peak Reynolds stress values for the flow over the sand bed was lower than that of the case with no bed. This behavior is attributed to the bed load transport of sand particles at the critical flow rate.
Multiphase Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of External Oil Flow From a Journal Bearing
Authors: Berthold Martin , Morvan Hervé , Jefferson-Loveday Richard , Young Colin , Rothwell Benjamin C. , Ambrose Stephen
Published: September 2018

High loads and bearing life requirements make journal bearings a potential choice for use in high power, epicyclic gearboxes in jet engines. Particularly, in a planetary configuration, the kinematic conditions are complex. With the planet gears rotating about their own axes and orbiting around the sun gear, centrifugal forces generated by both motions interact with each other and affect the external flow behavior of the oil exiting the journal bearing. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using the volume of fluid (VoF) method are carried out in ANSYS fluent (ANSYS, 2013, “ANSYS Fluent User's Guide,” ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA) to numerically model the two-phase flow behavior of the oil exiting the bearing and merging into the air surrounding the bearing. This paper presents an investigation of two numerical schemes that are available in ansysfluent to track or capture the air–oil phase interface: the geometric reconstruction scheme and the compressive scheme. Both numerical schemes are used to model the oil outflow behavior in the most simplistic approximation of a journal bearing: a representation, rotating about its own axis, with a circumferentially constant, i.e., concentric, lubricating gap. Based on these simplifications, a three-dimensional (3D) CFD sector model with rotationally periodic boundaries is considered. A comparison of the geometric reconstruction scheme and the compressive scheme is presented with regard to the accuracy of the phase interface reconstruction and the time required to reach steady-state flow-field conditions. The CFD predictions are validated against existing literature data with respect to the flow regime, the direction of the predicted oil flow path, and the oil film thickness. Based on the findings and considerations of industrial requirements, a recommendation is made for the most suitable scheme to be used. With a robust and partially validated CFD model in place, the model fidelity can be enhanced to include journal bearing eccentricity. Due to the convergent-divergent gap and the resultant pressure field within the lubricating oil film, the outflow behavior can be expected to be very different compared to that of a concentric journal bearing. Naturally, the inlet boundary conditions for the oil emerging from the journal bearing into the external environment must be consistent with the outlet conditions from the bearing. The second part of this paper therefore focuses on providing a method to generate appropriate inlet boundary conditions for external oil flow from an eccentric journal bearing.
Benchmark of a Novel Aero-Elastic Simulation Code for Small Scale VAWT Analysis
Authors: Marten David , Lennie Matthew , Pechlivanoglou George , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Bianchini Alessandro , Ferrara Giovanni , Ferrari Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

After almost 20 years of absence from research agendas, interest in the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) technology is presently increasing again, after the research stalled in the mid 90's in favor of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). However, due to the lack of research in past years, there are a significantly lower number of design and certification tools available, many of which are underdeveloped if compared to the corresponding tools for HAWTs. To partially fulfill this gap, a structural finite element analysis (FEA) model, based on the Open Source multiphysics library PROJECT::CHRONO, was recently integrated with the lifting line free vortex wake (LLFVW) method inside the Open Source wind turbine simulation code QBlade and validated against numerical and experimental data of the SANDIA 34 m rotor. In this work, some details about the newly implemented nonlinear structural model and its coupling to the aerodynamic solver are first given. Then, in a continuous effort to assess its accuracy, the code capabilities were here tested on a small-scale, fast-spinning (up to 450 rpm) VAWT. The study turbine is a helix shaped, 1 kW Darrieus turbine, for which other numerical analyses were available from a previous study, including the results coming from both a one-dimensional beam element model and a more sophisticated shell element model. The resulting data represented an excellent basis for comparison and validation of the new aero-elastic coupling in QBlade. Based on the structural and aerodynamic data of the study turbine, an aero-elastic model was then constructed. A purely aerodynamic comparison to experimental data and a blade element momentum (BEM) simulation represented the benchmark for QBlade aerodynamic performance. Then, a purely structural analysis was carried out and compared to the numerical results from the former. After the code validation, an aero-elastically coupled simulation of a rotor self-start has been performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the newly developed model to predict the highly nonlinear transient aerodynamic and structural rotor response.
Response increase of antenna-coupled nanothermocouples by thermal insulation
Authors: Szakmany Gergo P. , Orlov Alexei O. , Bernstein Gary H. , Porod Wolfgang
Published: September 2018

The authors present a 2.5-fold increase in the open-circuit voltage response of antenna-coupled nanothermocouples (ACNTCs) by thermally insulating them from the SiO2/Si substrate using an oxide membrane suspended over a cavity formed from the Si substrate. Polarization-dependent measurements are presented and compared to simulation results. The thermal response of the ACNTCs increases 2.5-fold when they are thermally insulated from the substrate by the cavity. The authors also show that the polarization-dependent response, and hence the polarization ratio, depends on the depth of the cavity.
Theoretical investigation of the enhancement factor for a single field emitter in close proximity to the counter electrode
Authors: Lenk Steve , Lenk Claudia , Rangelow Ivo W.
Published: September 2018

Field emission of electrons enables the patterning process in field-emission scanning probe lithography. A nanotip mounted at an active cantilever is used as an electron field emitter. Since the field enhancement at the tip apex is crucial for the Fowler–Nordheim emission current, the electric field and its enhancement based on a finite-element method (FEM) calculation are studied. The influences of the tip radius, the tip opening angle, and the tip–sample distance are considered. The numerically obtained enhancement factor γp is compared to various models found in the literature. Only three of them agree with the FEM data well. For small ratios of tip–sample distance and tip radius, the data resemble a “hemisphere on a post” model, and for larger ratios, it is better modeled by a “hemiellipsoid on a plane” model despite its “hemisphere on a cone” shape.
The Mitochondrial Ca
2+
Uniporter Complex (MCUC) of Trypanosoma brucei Is a Hetero-oligomer That Contains Novel Subunits Essential for Ca
2+
Uptake
Authors: Huang Guozhong , Docampo Roberto
Published: September 2018

Trypanosoma brucei
causes human African trypanosomiasis and nagana in animals. The finding of a mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) conserved in this parasite was essential for the discovery of the gene encoding the pore subunit. Mitochondrial Ca
2+
transport mediated by the MUC complex is critical in
Trypanosoma brucei
for shaping the dynamics of cytosolic Ca
2+
increases, for the bioenergetics of the cells, and for viability and infectivity. We found that one component of the complex (MCUb) does not act as a dominant negative effector of the channel as in vertebrate cells and that the TbMCUC possesses two unique subunits (MCUc and MCUd) present only in trypanosomatids and required for Ca
2+
transport. The study of the interactions between these four subunits (MCU, MCUb, MCUc, and MCUd) by a variety of techniques that include coimmunoprecipitation, split-ubiquitin membrane-based yeast two-hybrid assays, and site-directed mutagenesis suggests that they interact through their transmembrane helices to form hetero-oligomers.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
bla
KPC-2
-Positive Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain Isolated from the Effluent of an Urban Sewage Treatment Plant in Japan
Authors: Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Yatsu Koji , Inamine Yuba , Segawa Takaya , Nishio Miho , Kishi Norimi , Kuroda Makoto
Published: September 2018

We isolated and determined the complete genome sequence of a KPC-2-producing
K. pneumoniae
strain from a sampling site in Tokyo Bay, Japan, near a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In Japan, the KPC type has been very rarely detected, while IMP is the most predominant type of carbapenemase in clinical carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) isolates. Although laboratory testing thus far suggested that Japan may be virtually free of KPC-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
, we have detected it from effluent from a WWTP. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring of WWTP effluent may contribute to the early detection of future AMR bacterial dissemination in clinical settings and communities; indeed, it will help illuminate the whole picture in which environmental contamination through WWTP effluent plays a part.
Do female elite athletes experience more complicated childbirth than non-athletes? A case–control study
Authors: Sigurdardottir Thorgerdur , Steingrimsdottir Thora , Geirsson Reynir Tomas , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingi , Aspelund Thor , Bø Kari
Published: September 2018

Objective

Previous studies have suggested that female athletes might be at higher risk of experiencing complications such as caesarean sections and perineal tears during labour than non-athletes. Our aim was to study delivery outcomes, including emergency caesarean section rates, length of the first and second stages of labour and severe perineal tears, in first-time pregnant elite athletes compared with non-athletes.

Methods

This is a retrospective case–control study comparing birth outcomes of primiparous female elite athletes engaging in high-impact and low-impact sports compared with non-athletic controls. The athletes had prior to birth competed at a national team level or equivalent. Participant characteristics and frequency of training for at least 3 years before a first pregnancy were collected via a self-administered questionnaire. Information on delivery outcome was retrieved from the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry.

Results

In total, 248 participated, 118 controls, 41 low-impact and 89 high-impact elite athletes. No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to incidence of emergency caesarean section or length of the first and second stages of labour. The incidence of third-degree to fourth-degree perineal tears was significantly higher (23.7%) among low-impact athletes than in the high-impact group (5.1%, p=0.01), but no significant differences were seen when the athletes were compared with the controls (12%; p=0.09 for low-impact and p=0.12 for high-impact athletes).

Conclusion

Participation in competitive sports at the elite level was not related to adverse delivery outcome, including length of labour, the need for caesarean section during delivery and severe perineal tears.
Cardiovascular imaging in Turner syndrome: state-of-the-art practice across the lifespan
Authors: Mortensen Kristian H , Young Luciana , De Backer Julie , Silberbach Michael , Collins Ronnie Thomas , Duijnhouwer Anthonie L , Pandya Bejal , Gravholt Claus H , Lopez Leo , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W
Published: September 2018

Cardiovascular imaging is essential to providing excellent clinical care for girls and women with Turner syndrome (TS). Congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of the lifelong increased risk of premature death in TS. Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment planning, and a systematic and targeted imaging approach should combine echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance and, in select cases, cardiac CT. In recent decades, evidence has mounted for the need to perform cardiovascular imaging in all females with TS irrespective of karyotype and phenotype. This is due to the high incidence of outcome-determining lesions that often remain subclinical and occur in patterns specific to TS. This review provides an overview of state-of-the-art cardiovascular imaging practice in TS, by means of a review of the most recent literature, in the context of a recent consensus statement that has highlighted the role of cardiovascular diseases in these females.
Accuracy of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring by a novel cuffless device in clinical practice
Authors: Krisai Philipp , Vischer Annina Salome , Kilian Leo , Meienberg Andrea , Mayr Michael , Burkard Thilo
Published: September 2018

Objective

Recently, a cuffless blood pressure (BP) measurement device using pulse transit time (PTT) for beat-to-beat calculation of BP values has been validated over a short time period. However, it remains unknown how values obtained with this device compare with standard ambulatory measurements over a 24-hour period. We hypothesised that BP values measured by a cuffless PTT device (TestBP) are comparable with measurements by a standard upper arm cuff-based BP device (RefBP) in clinical practice over 24 hours.

Methods

Between May and December 2017, 71 individuals were prospectively included. Cuffless using the Somnotouch-NIBP (Somnomedics GmbH, Randersacker, Germany) and cuff-based standard 24-hour BP measurements were performed simultaneously on the left and right arm, respectively. The first RefBP measurement was used as calibration measurement for the TestBP.

Results

Mean (±SD) age was 49.3 (15.1) years, and 51% were male. Mean 24-hour BP for TestBP and RefBP were 140.8 (20.0) versus 134.0 (17.3) mm Hg for systolic (p<0.0001) and 85.8 (14.1)versus79.3 (11.7) mm Hg for diastolic (p<0.0001) measurements, respectively. Mean absolute systolic and diastolic disagreements between TestBP and RefBP were 10.2 (7.2) and 8.2 (5.5) mm Hg, respectively. The number (percentage) of absolute differences between the mean 24-hour BP values of the TestBP and RefBP within 5, 10 and 15 mm Hg were 23 (32.4), 43 (60.6) and 54 (74.6) for systolic and 24 (33.8), 51 (71.8) and 65 (91.6) for diastolic measurements, respectively.

Conclusion

In clinical practice over 24 hours, there was a significant difference between the TestBP and RefBP with higher systolic and diastolic BP measured with the cuffless PTT device. Reasons for this difference need to be investigated.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03054688; Results.
Toxicity of cancer therapy: what the cardiologist needs to know about angiogenesis inhibitors
Authors: Dobbin Stephen J H , Cameron Alan C , Petrie Mark C , Jones Robert J , Touyz Rhian M , Lang Ninian N
Published: September 2018

Clinical outcomes for patients with a wide range of malignancies have improved substantially over the last two decades. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are potent signalling cascade inhibitors and have been responsible for significant advances in cancer therapy. By inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-mediated tumour blood vessel growth, VEGFR-TKIs have become a mainstay of treatment for a number of solid malignancies. However, the incidence of VEGFR-TKI-associated cardiovascular toxicity is substantial and previously under-recognised. Almost all patients have an acute rise in blood pressure, and the majority develop hypertension. They are associated with the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), heart failure and myocardial ischaemia and can have effects on myocardial repolarisation. Attention should be given to rigorous baseline assessment of patients prior to commencing VEGFR-TKIs, with careful consideration of baseline cardiovascular risk factors. Baseline blood pressure measurement, ECG and cardiac imaging should be performed routinely. Hypertension management currently follows national guidelines, but there may be a future role forendothelin-1 antagonism in the prevention or treatment of VEGFR-TKI-associated hypertension. VEGFR-TKI-associated LVSD appears to be independent of dose and is reversible. Patients who develop LVSD and heart failure should be managed with conventional heart failure therapies, but the role of prophylactic therapy is yet to be defined. Serial monitoring of left ventricular function and QT interval require better standardisation and coordinated care. Management of these complex patients requires collaborative, cardio-oncology care to allow the true therapeutic potential from cancer treatment while minimising competing cardiovascular effects.
Reagent-saving immunohistochemistry for HER2 using non-contact alternating current electric field mixing
Authors: Hoshino Iku , Imai Kazuhiro , Nanjo Hiroshi , Nakamura Ryuta , Saito Yoshitaro , Fujishima Satoshi , Saito Hajime , Terata Kaori , Wakita Akiyuki , Sato Yusuke , Motoyama Satoru , Akagami Yoichi , Minamiya Yoshihiro
Published: September 2018

Aims

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted agents are an effective approach to treating patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. However, the lack of survival benefit in HER2-negative patients, as well as the toxic effects and high cost of the drugs, highlight the need for accurate and prompt assessment of HER2 status. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel reagent-saving immunohistochemistry method (AC-IHC) that saves HER2 antibody by taking advantage of the non-contact mixing effect in microdroplets subjected to an alternating current electric field.

Methods

Ninety-five specimens were used from patients diagnosed with primary breast cancers identified immunohistochemically as HER2 0/1+, 2+ or 3+ using ASCO/CAP guideline-certified standard IHC. The specimens were all tested using the conventional IHC method (1:50 antibody dilution) as well as AC-IHC (1:50 dilution) and reagent-saving AC-IHC (1:100 dilution).

Results

The reagent-saving AC-IHC produced stable results with less non-specific staining using smaller amounts of labelled antibody. Moreover, the staining and accuracy of HER2 status evaluated with the reagent-saving AC-IHC method was equal to that achieved with standard IHC.

Conclusions

These results suggest reagent-saving AC-IHC could be used as a clinical tool for accurate and stable HER2 IHC, even when reagent concentrations vary.
New occurrences of Palaeopascichnus from the Stáhpogieddi Formation, Arctic Norway, and their bearing on the age of the Varanger Ice Age
Authors: Jensen Sören , Högström Anette E.S. , Høyberget Magne , Meinhold Guido , McIlroy Duncan , Ebbestad Jan Ove R. , Taylor Wendy L. , Agić Heda , Palacios Teodoro
Published: September 2018

We report on new occurrences of the late Ediacaran problematicum Palaeopascichnus (Protista?) from the Stáhpogieddi Formation, Arctic Norway. The stratigraphically lowest occurrences are in beds transitional between the Lillevannet and Indreelva members: the highest in the second cycle of the Manndrapselva Member, stratigraphically close to the lowest occurrences of Cambrian-type trace fossils. This establishes a long stratigraphical range of Palaeopascichnus on the Digermulen Peninsula, as has been previously documented from Newfoundland, South Australia, and elsewhere in Baltica. The age range of Palaeopascichnus in Avalonia and Baltica is from ∼565 to 541 Ma. Since the transition from the Mortensnes Formation to the Stáhpogieddi Formation is without a major break in sedimentation, this supports the inference that the underlying glacigenic Mortensnes Formation is ca. 580 Ma, and therefore Gaskiers-equivalent, or younger.
Engineering root microbiomes for healthier crops and soils using beneficial, environmentally safe bacteria
Authors: Martínez-Hidalgo Pilar , Maymon Maskit , Pule-Meulenberg Flora , Hirsch Ann M.
Published: September 2018

The Green Revolution developed new crop varieties, which greatly improved food security worldwide. However, the growth of these plants relied heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have led to an overuse of synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides with serious environmental consequences and negative effects on human health. Environmentally friendly plant-growth-promoting methods to replace our current reliance on synthetic chemicals and to develop more sustainable agricultural practices to offset the damage caused by many agrochemicals are proposed herein. The increased use of bioinoculants, which consist of microorganisms that establish synergies with target crops and influence production and yield by enhancing plant growth, controlling disease, and providing critical mineral nutrients, is a potential solution. The microorganisms found in bioinoculants are often bacteria or fungi that reside within either external or internal plant microbiomes. However, before they can be used routinely in agriculture, these microbes must be confirmed as nonpathogenic strains that promote plant growth and survival. In this article, besides describing approaches for discovering plant-growth-promoting bacteria in various environments, including phytomicrobiomes and soils, we also discuss methods to evaluate their safety for the environment and for human health.
Structural aspects of human lactoferrin in the iron-binding process studied by molecular dynamics and small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Anghel Lilia , Radulescu Aurel , Erhan Raul Victor
Published: September 2018

Lactoferrin is a non-heme protein known for its ability to bind tightly Fe(III) ions in various physiological environments. Due to this feature lactoferrin plays an important role in the processes of iron regulation at the cellular level preventing the body from damages produced by high levels of free iron ions. The X-ray crystal structure of human lactoferrin shows that the iron-binding process leads to conformational changes within the protein structure. The present study was addressed to conformation stability of human lactoferrin in solution. Using molecular dynamics simulations, it was shown that Arg121 is the key amino acid in the stabilization of the Fe(III) ion in the N-lobe of human lactoferrin. The small-angle neutron scattering method allowed us to detect the structural differences between the open and closed conformation of human lactoferrin in solution. Our results indicate that the radius of gyration of apolactoferrin appears to be smaller than that of the hololactoferrin,$R_{g}=24.16(\pm 0.707)$Rg=24.16(±0.707)Å and$R_{g}= 26.20(\pm 1.191)$Rg=26.20(±1.191)Å, respectively. The low-resolution three-dimensional models computed for both forms of human lactoferrin in solution also show visible differences, both having a more compact conformation compared to the high-resolution structure.

Graphical abstract
A 3D Convolutional Neural Network to Model Retinal Ganglion Cell’s Responses to Light Patterns in Mice
Authors: Lozano Antonio , Soto-Sánchez Cristina , Garrigós Javier , Martínez J. Javier , Ferrández J. Manuel , Fernández Eduardo
Published: September 2018

Deep Learning offers flexible powerful tools that have advanced our understanding of the neural coding of neurosensory systems. In this work, a 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3D CNN) is used to mimic the behavior of a population of mice retinal ganglion cells in response to different light patterns. For this purpose, we projected homogeneous RGB flashes and checkerboards stimuli with variable luminances and wavelength spectrum to mimic a more naturalistic stimuli environment onto the mouse retina. We also used white moving bars in order to localize the spatial position of the recorded cells. Then recorded spikes were smoothed with a Gaussian kernel and used as the output target when training a 3D CNN in a supervised way. To find a suitable model, two hyperparameter search stages were performed. In the first stage, a trial and error process allowed us to obtain a system that is able to fit the neurons firing rates. In the second stage, a systematic procedure was used to compare several gradient-based optimizers, loss functions and the model’s convolutional layers number. We found that a three layered 3D CNN was able to predict the ganglion cells firing rates with high correlations and low prediction error, as measured with Mean Squared Error and Dynamic Time Warping in test sets. These models were either competitive or outperformed other models used already in neuroscience, as Feed Forward Neural Networks and Linear-Nonlinear models. This methodology allowed us to capture the temporal dynamic response patterns in a robust way, even for neurons with high trial-to-trial variable spontaneous firing rates, when providing the peristimulus time histogram as an output to our model.
Maximum PBH mass and primordiality
Authors: Frampton Paul H.
Published: September 2018

In order to avoid unacceptable [Formula: see text]-distortions inconsistent with observational data on the Cosmic Microwave Background, Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) must be less massive than [Formula: see text], quite closely above the highest black hole mass yet observed. This comparableness leads us to posit that all supermassive black holes originate as PBHs.