bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk behaviours of homeless people who inject drugs during an outbreak of hepatitis C, Northern Ireland, 2016‐2017
Authors: Maisa Anna , Semple Susan , Griffiths Alison , Ngui Siew Lin , Verlander Neville Q. , McCaughey Conall , Doherty Lorraine , Jessop Lucy ,   the Outbreak Control Team
Published: July 2019

From July to August 2016, 4 homeless people who injected drugs (PWID) with acute or recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were reported in Belfast. A multidisciplinary team including public health, homeless and addiction services undertook an investigation to identify risk behaviours and interrupt transmission chains. Recent HCV cases were defined as negative test within the previous year, or reported injecting for less than 1 year; acute cases had tested negative within the previous 6 months. Contacts in the injecting networks of cases were identified for testing. We undertook a cross‐sectional survey using structured questionnaires to elicit risk behaviours for PWID and compare behaviours between self‐reported hepatitis C positive and negative subjects. During the outbreak investigation until December 2017, 156 PWID were tested and 45 (29%) cases identified, including 7 (16%) recent and 13 (29%) acute infections. 68 PWID, including 12 cases, were interviewed. All respondents reported using heroin, with 76% injecting once or more daily. Sharing was reported for spoons (58%) and filters (53%), but also needles (27%) and syringes (29%). Hepatitis C positive individuals had higher odds to be injecting in public toilets (AOR 17, 95% CI 0.71‐400, P < .05) when compared with hepatitis C negative individuals. Hepatitis C positive individuals were more likely to inject in public spaces, but all respondents indicated concerning risk behaviours. We recommend active surveillance with ongoing testing, expanding existing harm reduction programmes and access to bespoke services.
Fine‐structures of planar deformation features in shocked olivine: A comparison between Martian meteorites and experimentally shocked basalts as an indicator for shock pressure
Authors: Takenouchi Atsushi , Mikouchi Takashi , Kobayashi Takamichi , Sekine Toshimori , Yamaguchi Akira , Ono Haruka
Published: July 2019

We performed shock recovery experiments on an olivine‐phyric basalt at shock pressures of 22.2–48.5 GPa to compare with shock features in Martian meteorites (RBT 04261 and NWA 1950). Highly shocked olivine in the recovered basalt at 39.5 and 48.5 GPa shows shock‐induced planar deformation features (PDFs) composed of abundant streaks of defects. Similar PDFs were observed in olivine in RBT 04261 and NWA 1950 while those in NWA 1950 were composed of amorphous lamellae. Based on the present results and previous studies, the width and the abundance of lamellar fine‐structures increased with raising shock pressure. Therefore, these features could be used as shock pressure indicators while the estimated pressures may be lower limits due to no information of temperature dependence. For Martian meteorites that experienced heavy shocks, the minimum peak shock pressures of RBT 04261 and NWA 1950 are estimated to be 39.5–48.5 GPa and 48.5–56 GPa, respectively, which are found consistent with those estimated by postshock temperatures expected by the presence of brown olivine. We also investigated shock‐recovered basalts preheated at 750 and 800 °C in order to check the temperature effects on shock features. The results indicate a reduction in vitrifying pressure of plagioclase and a pressure increase for PDFs formation in olivine. Further temperature‐controlled shock recovery experiments will provide us better constraints to understand and to characterize various features found in natural shock events.
What drives energy intensity in Ghana? A test of the Environmental Kuznets hypothesis
Authors: Aboagye Solomon
Published: July 2019

Energy consumption reduction and energy efficiency improvement are recognised as global priorities in the context of the green economy and sustainable development. The energy consumption is a major source of pollution in developing countries like Ghana comes from wood, crop residues, straw and dung, which is often burned in poorly designed stoves within ill‐ventilated huts. In addition, energy consumption is closely linked to the depletion of natural resources such as the forest. Hence, against a milieu of concerns about climate change, peak oil, and energy security issues, reducing energy intensity has gained much popularity in contemporary growth agenda and it is often advocated as a way to at least partially mitigate these impacts. Thus, reducing energy intensity has assumed a central theme in contemporary growth and development agenda of Ghana. Within the modified Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, the study attempts to unravel the major drivers of energy intensity in Ghana using the recent Autoregresive Distributed Lagged dynamic model estimator. There was sufficient long‐run evidence in support of the EKC hypothesis although, low and initial levels of income could be associated with some rise in energy intensity.
Neoadjuvant BRAF‐targeted therapy in regionally advanced and oligometastatic melanoma
Authors: Eroglu Zeynep , Eatrides Jennifer , Naqvi Syeda Mahrukh Hussnain , Kim Youngchul , Rich Jeani , Babacan Nalan Akgul , Brohl Andrew S. , Markowitz Joseph , Sarnaik Amod , Zager Jonathan , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Sondak Vernon K. , Messina Jane
Published: July 2019

Current management of locoregional and oligometastatic melanoma is typically with surgery; however, some patients are unable to undergo resection due to location/size of their tumors and/or the anticipated morbidity of the surgery. While there are currently no established guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in melanoma, neoadjuvant BRAF‐targeted therapy may make resection more feasible. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 23 patients with BRAFV600‐mutant, stage III/IV melanoma treated with BRAF‐targeted therapy prior to surgery, with no adjuvant treatment. Surgical specimens, preoperative imaging, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: Ten of 23 patients (44%) attained a pathologic complete response (pCR), with no correlation between RECIST response based on preoperative imaging and pathologic response. After a median of 43‐month follow‐up, only 1 patient (10%) with a pCR recurred, while 8 of 13 (62%) patients without a pCR recurred. Patients with a pCR had significantly improved relapse‐free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to patients with residual tumor. Neoadjuvant BRAF‐targeted therapy is associated with a high pCR rate in patients with stage III‐IV melanoma, which may correlate with improved RFS and OS.
Digital medicine program with pediatric solid organ transplant patients: Perceived benefits and challenges
Authors: Triplett Kelli N. , El‐Behadli Ana F. , Masood Saba S. , Sullivan Sarah , Desai Dev M.
Published: July 2019

Given the complexity of the pediatric post‐transplant medication regimen and known medication adherence difficulties within the solid organ transplant population, interventions to improve adherence continue to be explored and fine‐tuned. Advances in technology have led to the development of new programs aimed at improving medication adherence and the overall care of transplant patients. This manuscript describes implementation of a DMP where transplant patients' medications were co‐encapsulated with ingestible sensors, and adherence was monitored via a patient mobile application and a provider portal. The benefits and challenges of the DMP as reported by patients, caregivers, and medical providers are explored in this manuscript. Participant feedback regarding best practices highlighted these benefits: ease of use/intuitive technology, sense of improved communication with medical team, increased knowledge and motivation around treatment regimen, and positive self‐reports of medication adherence. Challenges included reluctance to participate (n = 43, 54.43% of patients approached declined participation) and patch wearability difficulties reported by participants (n = 20; 68.97%). Other notable challenges included the following: limited drug profile compatibility with the DMP technology and concerns about privacy and electronic data sharing for patients who chose not to participate. DMP implementation highlighted how technological advances offer novel methods to assess adherence, enhance medical decision‐making, and can potentially improve clinical outcomes. Although numerous benefits of the program were recognized by participants, challenges were identified and the DMP technology and medication panel continues to be refined; further investigation of such programs continues to be warranted.
Seed mix design and first year management influence multifunctionality and cost‐effectiveness in prairie reconstruction
Authors: Meissen Justin C. , Glidden Alec J. , Sherrard Mark E. , Elgersma Kenneth J. , Jackson Laura L.
Published: July 2019

Agricultural intensification continues to diminish many ecosystem services in the North American Corn Belt. Conservation programs may be able to combat these losses more efficiently by developing initiatives that attempt to balance multiple ecological benefits. In this study, we examine how seed mix design and first year management influence three ecosystem services commonly provided by tallgrass prairie reconstructions (erosion control, weed resistance, and pollinator resources). We established research plots with three seed mixes, with and without first year mowing. The grass‐dominated “Economy” mix had 21 species and a 3:1 grass‐to‐forb seeding ratio. The forb‐dominated “Pollinator” mix had 38 species and a 1:3 grass‐to‐forb seeding ratio. The grass:forb balanced “Diversity” mix, which was designed to resemble regional prairie remnants, had 71 species and a 1:1 grass‐to‐forb ratio. To assess ecosystem services, we measured native stem density, cover, inflorescence production, and floral richness from 2015 to 2018. The Economy mix had high native cover and stem density, but produced few inflorescences and had low floral richness. The Pollinator mix had high inflorescence production and floral richness, but also had high bare ground and weed cover. The Diversity mix had high inflorescence production and floral richness (comparable to the Pollinator mix) and high native cover and stem density (comparable to the Economy mix). First year mowing accelerated native plant establishment and inflorescence production, enhancing the provisioning of ecosystem services during the early stages of a reconstruction. Our results indicate that prairie reconstructions with thoughtfully designed seed mixes can effectively address multiple conservation challenges.
Behavioral insurance and economic theory: A literature review
Authors: Harrison Glenn W. , Ng Jia Min
Published: July 2019

Decisions to purchase insurance should be a perfect place to see economic theory at work in general, and behavioral economics at work in particular. We have well‐developed theories of the demand for, and welfare evaluation of, insurance products. These theories extend relatively easily to the insights of behavioral economics. Unfortunately, the empirical literature has not maintained this tight connection. In fact, much of the empirical literature illustrates the dangers of the modern passion with agnostic economics: avoiding theory at all costs to focus on “what works.” We identify these dangers and the implications in the literature.
Organizational Reputation and the Securities and Exchange Commission's Failed Regulatory Revolution
Authors: Gershenson Carl E.
Published: July 2019

When do regulatory innovations fail? I provide a novel organizations‐based answer to this question by developing an institutional‐reputational approach to regulatory politics. Regulators cannot hope to monitor the vast majority of market activities, so they must rely on the regulated to condition their behavior on the regulator's reputation: beliefs and expectations concerning the regulator's goals and capabilities. Regulators thus pursue daily activities while being mindful of how these activities will shape their reputation and thus their ability to achieve future goals. However, even long‐standing reputations are rendered fragile when rival actors use the organization's reputation to cross‐purposes. Thus, while reputation represents a major source of power, reputation also proves fragile when organizations face conflicting reputational demands. The fragility of reputations provides a novel explanation of an understudied phenomenon: failed regulatory revolutions. I develop this theory through the analysis of innovative Securities and Exchange Commission activity in disclosure law following the Watergate investigation.
“Such Hatred Has Never Flourished on Our Soil”: The Politics of Holocaust Memory in Turkey and Spain
Authors: Karakaya Yağmur , Baer Alejandro
Published: July 2019

In this article, we analyze local Holocaust Remembrance Day (HRD) ceremonies promoted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in Spain and Turkey. We investigate whether these memory practices have the potential to lead to a cosmopolitan engagement with the host countries’ own pasts. Focused on the same memorial events in highly contrasting and diverse national contexts, this article examines how supranational memory discourses are adopted and reinterpreted within the nation‐state framework. Our ethnographic observation of the commemorations and analysis of the speeches between 2011 and 2018 in Turkey and 2005 and 2018 in Spain show that the Spanish ceremony can be defined as porous and to a certain degree open to multivocality—given the participation of different mnemonic communities—while the Turkish one is sealed and does not allow for the possibility of disrupting its self‐congratulatory national memory narrative. Paradoxically, in both cases, especially in Turkey, the national legitimation profiles are bolstered by the universal frameworks that Holocaust memory provides. Even though memory travels transnationally, the nation‐state still is the most powerful translator of this past. This results in the rendition of pre‐Holocaust nostalgic pasts as a multicultural heaven where different groups, including the Jewish community, lived in harmony.
Fast and low‐cost direct ELISA for high‐throughput serological HPA‐1a typing
Authors: Winkelhorst Dian , Porcelijn Leendert , Muizelaar Eva , Oldert Gonda , Huiskes Elly , van der Schoot C. Ellen
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is caused by maternal alloantibodies against fetal human platelet antigens (HPAs), mostly caused by anti‐HPA‐1a. Population‐based screening for FNAIT is still a topic of debate. Logistically and financially, the major challenge for implementation is the typing of pregnant women to recognize the 2% HPA‐1a‐negative women. Therefore, there is need for a high‐throughput and low‐cost HPA‐1a‐typing assay.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A sandwich ELISA was developed, using a monoclonal anti‐GPIIIa as coating antibody and horseradish‐peroxidase‐conjugated recombinant anti‐HPA‐1a, as detecting antibody. The ELISA results were compared to an allelic discrimination PCR‐assay. In phase I, samples from unselected consecutive pregnant women were tested with both assays. Phase II was part of a prospective screening study in pregnancy and genotyping was restricted to samples with an arbitrary set, OD < 0.500.

RESULTS

The ELISA was optimized to require no additional handling (swirling or spinning) of stored tubes. During phase I, 506 samples were tested. In phase II, another 62,171 consecutive samples were phenotyped, with supportive genotyping in 1,902. In total 1,585 HPA‐1a negative and 823 HPA‐1a positive women were genotyped. The assay reached 100% sensitivity with a cut‐off OD from 0.160, corresponding with a 99.9% specificity and a false‐HPA‐1a negative rate of 0.03.

CONCLUSION

A high‐throughput, low‐cost, and reliable HPA‐1a phenotyping assay was developed which can be used in population‐based screening to select samples for testing of presence of anti‐HPA‐1a. Because plasma from tubes of 3‐ to 6‐days‐old samples can be used, this assay is applicable to settings with suboptimal conditions.
A comparative ultrastructural study of the pecten oculi in adult, juvenile, and nestling yellow‐legged gulls, Larus michahellis (Naumann, 1840)
Authors: Segovia Yolanda , Victory Noemí , Navarro‐Sempere Alicia , Pinilla Vanessa , García Magdalena
Published: July 2019

This study aimed at examining the histological structure of the pecten oculi in the adult yellow‐legged gull, Larus michahellis, and at two moments of postnatal development: during the posthatch (nestling) and juvenile periods. Particular attention was paid to differences in the diameter of vessels, the thickness of the basement membrane, and ultrastructural features of endothelial and pigmented stromal cells. Capillary endothelial cells displayed numerous microvillous‐like folds projecting from their internal and external surfaces. Intercellular spaces between capillaries were occupied by pigmented stromal cells. The ultrastructure of pecten oculi underwent noticeable changes during postnatal development. The examination of the capillaries in nestlings, juveniles, and adults revealed that the formation process of vessels and pigmented stromal cells did not complete itself in the posthaching phase. The prominent feature of endothelial cells of capillaries in nestlings was that the microvilli were longer than in juvenile and adult cells, and the capillary lumen was therefore reduced. In this sense, their pigmented stromal cells showed fewer melanosomes, lacked intercellular spaces, and cellular junctions could still be observed. These results provide evidence that the pecten oculi during the posthatching phase maintains immature morphological features consistent with a role of pigmented stromal cells in the blood‐retina barrier.
Outcome of phacoemulsification in 71 cats: A multicenter retrospective study (2006‐2017)
Authors: Fenollosa‐Romero Elena , Jeanes Emily , Freitas Ines , Enache Andra‐Elena , Lockhart Rachel , Fleming Lorraine , Knott Timothy N. L. , Dawson Charlotte , Smith Kerry , Busse Claudia
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To assess outcome of phacoemulsification in cats.

Methods

Records of 71 cats (82 eyes) from five referral centers were reviewed. Groups were divided by cause of cataract (congenital/juvenile [n = 32], traumatic [n = 33], and secondary to uveitis [n = 6]), and group comparisons were performed for the most common complications: postoperative ocular hypertension (POH), uveitis, corneal ulceration, synechia/dyscoria, and posterior capsular opacity (PCO) in three different time periods: immediately postoperatively, at 1‐90 days, and at >90 days.

Results

Median follow‐up was 198 days (interquartile range 64‐518 days). The overall visual success rate of the cats with a 12‐month follow‐up was 92.6% (25/27 eyes). POH occurred in 35/82 (42.6%) eyes. Immediately postoperatively, uveitis was the most common complication in 28/82 eyes (34.1%) followed by corneal ulceration in 22/82 eyes (26.8%). At 1‐90 days, uveitis in 41/81 eyes (50.6%) remained the most common complication, followed by synechia/dyscoria in 21/81 eyes (25.9%), corneal ulceration in 16/81 eyes (19.7%), and PCO in 15/81 eyes (18.5%). At >90 days, PCO in 17/47 eyes (36.1%), followed by synechia/dyscoria in 16/47 eyes (34%), was the most common complications. The number of eyes with synechia/dyscoria in the trauma group was higher (13/33 [39.3%]) than in the congenital/juvenile group (5/31 [16.1%]) at 1‐90 days (P = .039). No statistical difference was found for the other group comparisons. Three eyes in total were enucleated owing to endophthalmitis, post‐traumatic ocular sarcoma, and secondary glaucoma.

Conclusion

Uveitis in the short‐term and PCO and synechia/dyscoria in the long‐term were the most common complications following phacoemulsification in cats.
Evaluation of Elementary Science Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Inclusive Education Applications
Authors: İlik Ş. Şenay , Hacieminoglu Esme
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems and suggestions of the elementary science teachers having students with special needs in the inclusive education applications. The present study is a descriptive study which determines the opinions of elementary science teachers regarding inclusive education. Thirty seven in-service science teachers who have been working in schools where inclusive education is applied in different cities of Turkey participated in the study. Data were collected throughstructured interview form. Thirty-seven interview forms were completed with thirty-seven teachers working in the elementary schools. In an explicit coding process, the researchers grouped each data unit under a category according to common features. In the axial coding process, themes with characteristics similar to categories were classified and determined. When the themes emerged and in the selective coding process, the researchers tried to give meaning to these synthesized patterns. After the data was collected and analyzed, the following four main themes emerged: How do they deal with the inclusive student, the problems encountered in the classrooms where there are inclusive students, the methods applied, and the solutions suggested.
Type 2 diabetes causes skeletal muscle atrophy but does not impair resistance training‐mediated myonuclear accretion and muscle mass gain in rats
Authors: Ato Satoru , Kido Kohei , Sato Koji , Fujita Satoshi
Published: July 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes skeletal muscle atrophy; does it affect resistance training (RT)‐mediated molecular adaptations and subsequent muscle hypertrophy?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Although skeletal muscle mass and regulation were not preserved under conditions of T2DM, the response of RT‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy was not impaired in T2DM rat skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that the capacity of RT‐mediated muscle mass gain is not diminished in the T2DM condition.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to cause skeletal muscle atrophy. However, it is not known whether T2DM affects resistance training (RT)‐mediated molecular adaptations and subsequent muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, we investigated the effect of T2DM on response of skeletal muscle hypertrophy to chronic RT using a rat resistance exercise mimetic model. T2DM and healthy control rats were subjected to 18 bouts (3 times per week) of chronic RT on unilateral lower legs. RT significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle mass and myonuclei in both T2DM and healthy control rats to the same extent, even though T2DM caused muscle atrophy in the resting condition. Further, T2DM significantly reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity (phosphorylation of p70S6KThr389 and 4E‐BP1Thr37/46) to insulin stimulation and the number of myonuclei in the untrained basal condition, but RT‐mediated adaptations were not affected by T2DM. These findings suggested that although the skeletal muscle mass and regulation were not preserved under basal conditions of T2DM, the response of RT‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy was not impaired in T2DM rat skeletal muscle.
Adaptive Finite Time Path-Following Control of Underactuated Surface Vehicle With Collision Avoidance
Authors: Ghommam Jawhar , Iftekhar Lamia , Saad Maarouf
Published: July 2019

This paper considers the finite time path-following control problem for an underactuated surface vessel subject to parametric uncertainties, unknown disturbances, and involving input-control saturation. A finite time command filtered backstepping approach is adopted as the main control framework along with the first-order sliding mode differentiator introduced to compute the derivatives of virtual control laws, and the analytical computational burden in the backstepping control is reduced for the design of the control for the underactuated surface vessel. A rigorous proof of the finite time stability of the closed-loop system is derived by utilizing the Lyapunov method. Furthermore, in order to avoid obstacles, a local path replanning technique is designed based on a repulsive potential function that acts directly on the original desired path. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated through numerical simulations.
Variable Speed Control Moment Gyroscope in an Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Trentin João F. S. , da Silva Samuel , Schaub Hanspeter
Published: July 2019

The use of variable speed control moment gyroscope (VSCMG) is an effective way for attitude stabilization of aerospace devices. It is possible to control the oscillation and direction rate of change in rigid bodies in space due to the controlled change of angular momentum rate. Thus, this paper proposes an atypical pendulum configuration controlled by a VSCMG actuator. The idea of the VSCMG pendulum (VSCMGP) is to use both the angular momentum variation in amplitude and direction to implement the control. The controller is designed using Lyapunov theory to stabilize the pendulum in the inverted position. The results illustrate the control using a VSCMG in an inverted pendulum showing how the stabilization of an inverted pendulum is performed using two control actions. Also, the comparison of the proposed pendulum with a classical configuration is presented.
Control of Spatial Wave Profiles in Finite Lattices of Repelling Magnets
Authors: Al Ba'ba'a H. , Nouh M.
Published: July 2019

We report on the control of the spatial wave profile of a chain of lumped magnets arranged in a repelling configuration. The spatial wave attributes are controlled by varying the spacing between the magnets, which in turn affects the equivalent stiffness of the lattice. The dispersion relation for an infinite lattice is first derived for linearized equations of motion to provide an insight into the effect of varying the lattice spacing on the wavelength and sonic speed. The unit cell analysis is verified using analytical spatial wave profiles for a finite magnetic lattice. We conclude the paper with an analytical derivation of a fuel/time optimal controller designed to control the spacing between the magnets, which is necessary for implementation aspects.
Leakage and Cavity Pressures in an Interlocking Labyrinth Gas Seal: Measurements Versus Predictions
Authors: Andrés Luis San , Wu Tingcheng , Barajas-Rivera Jose , Zhang Jiaxin , Kawashita Rimpei
Published: July 2019

Gas labyrinth seals (LS) restrict secondary flows (leakage) in turbomachinery and their impact on the efficiency and rotordynamic stability of high-pressure compressors and steam turbines can hardly be overstated. Among seal types, the interlocking labyrinth seal (ILS), having teeth on both the rotor and the stator, is able to reduce leakage up to 30% compared to other LSs with either all teeth on the rotor (TOR) or all teeth on the stator. This paper introduces a revamped facility to test gas seals for their rotordynamic performance and presents measurements of the leakage and cavity pressures in a five teeth ILS. The seal with overall length/diameter L/D = 0.3 and small tip clearance Cr/D = 0.00133 is supplied with air at T = 298 K and increasing inlet pressure Pin = 0.3–1.3 MPa, while the exit pressure/inlet pressure ratio PR = Pout/Pin is set to range from 0.3 to 0.8. The rotor speed varies from null to 10 krpm (79 m/s max. surface speed). During the tests, instrumentation records the seal mass flow (m˙) and static pressure in each cavity. In parallel, a bulk-flow model (BFM) and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis predict the flow field and deliver the same performance characteristics, namely leakage and cavity pressures. Both measurements and predictions agree closely (within 5%) and demonstrate that the seal mass flow rate is independent of rotor speed. A modified flow factor Φ¯=m˙T/(PinD1−PR2) characterizes best the seal mass flow with a unique magnitude for all pressure conditions, Pin and PR.
Phase Separation in Vertical Header of Microchannel Condensers—A Mechanistic Model
Authors: Li Jun , Hrnjak Pega
Published: July 2019

Phase separation has been proven to increase performance of condensers of energy conversion systems (in vapor compression systems). Instead of conventional design, the inlet to a microchannel condenser prototype is in the middle of the height. After the first pass, in the vertical second header of the condenser, vapor phase separates from liquid phase due to gravity, and sometimes other effects. In ideal case vapor should go to the top and liquid to the bottom, resulting in increased heat transfer. Due to interaction between vapor and liquid, separation is not perfect, expressed through the separation efficiency. A mechanistic model presented in the paper is built to predict the phase separation efficiency based on force balance analysis for the liquid phase and correlations for the two-phase pressure drop. For the force balance criteria, liquid phase is divided into droplets and film and treated separately. Initial agreement with experiment is achieved to be within ±15%. For a second header at one inlet condition of the flow, the liquid separation efficiency is a function of the vapor separation efficiency. Liquid separation efficiency decreases with increasing inlet mass flux.
First-Order Eigen-Perturbation Techniques for Real-Time Damage Detection of Vibrating Systems: Theory and Applications
Authors: Bhowmik Basuraj , Tripura Tapas , Hazra Budhaditya , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: July 2019

This manuscript provides a detailed synopsis of the contemporary advancements in the nascent area of real-time structural damage detection for vibrating systems. The paper mainly focuses on the theoretical development and engineering applications of algorithms that are based on first-order perturbation (FOP) techniques applied to vibration responses. The importance of this work stems from the fact that recent developments in the field of online structural health monitoring (SHM) have given rise to algorithms that are computationally complex and, consequently, are not amenable to real-time implementation. In this paper, we discuss and demonstrate the FOP-based algorithms in the light of all the contemporary nonadaptive/nonrecursive techniques to establish their relevance. We review 216 papers in this regard. The efficacy, efficiency, robustness, and the applicability of the FOP family of algorithms are highlighted in light of several experimental, theoretical, and field studies.
Dynamic Characteristics of Motorized Spindle With Tandem Duplex Angular Contact Ball Bearings
Authors: Lin Shengye , Jiang Shuyun
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics of motorized spindle, in which the tilting effect of tandem duplex angular contact ball bearing is considered. First, the quasi-static model of the duplex angular contact ball bearing is developed based on the Jones's bearing model. Then, the model is numerically solved using the Newton–Raphson method to obtain 16 stiffness coefficients (including the tilting ones). Later, a modified transfer matrix method is used to establish the dynamic model of the motorized spindle system with 16 stiffness coefficients. Finally, experiments have been performed to detect the stiffness of the tandem duplex angular contact ball bearing and the unbalance response of the motorized spindle. Results show that the modified transfer matrix method can be used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the motorized spindle supported on tandem duplex angular contact ball bearings, the tilting effect of the tandem duplex angular contact ball bearing affects the dynamic behaviors of the motorized spindle, and the theoretical dynamic characteristics using the proposed model agree with the experimental ones.
Fluid-Elastic Lock-in of a Cavity Shear Layer Instability With the Modes of a Submerged Cantilevered Beam
Authors: Cody Kristin L. , Jonson Michael L. , Pollack Martin L. , Hambric Stephen A.
Published: July 2019

Lock-in flow tones can occur for many different types of flow instabilities and structural-acoustic resonators at low Mach number. This paper examines the interaction between a shear layer instability generated by flow over a shallow cavity and the modes of an elastic cantilevered beam containing the cavity. A describing function model indicates that a cavity shear layer instability capable of producing lock-in with acoustic pipe resonances cannot achieve lock-in with equivalent structural beam resonances, particularly resonances of submerged structures. Fluid-elastic cavity lock-in is unlikely to occur due to the high level of damping that exists for a submerged structure, the high fluid-loaded modal mass, and the relatively weak source strength a cavity generates. Limited experimentation using pressure, acceleration, and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements has been performed which are consistent with the describing function model. A stronger source produced by a larger scale flow instability—separated flow over a bluff body—was able to lock-in with modes of the same submerged structure, further demonstrating that the concern for lock-in from a cavity shear layer instability is isolated to systems capable of stronger coupling or those dominated by fluid-acoustic resonances.
1
H
-Benzo[
d
]Imidazole Derivatives Affect MmpL3 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Korycka-Machała Małgorzata , Viljoen Albertus , Pawełczyk Jakub , Borówka Paulina , Dziadek Bożena , Gobis Katarzyna , Brzostek Anna , Kawka Malwina , Blaise Mickael , Strapagiel Dominik , Kremer Laurent , Dziadek Jarosław
Published: July 2019

1
H
-benzo[
d
]imidazole derivatives exhibit antitubercular activity
in vitro
at a nanomolar range of concentrations and are not toxic to human cells, but their mode of action remains unknown. Here, we showed that these compounds are active against intracellular
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
.
The Interferon-Inducible Proteoglycan Testican-2/SPOCK2 Functions as a Protective Barrier against Virus Infection of Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ahn Narae , Kim Woo-Jong , Kim Nari , Park Han Wook , Lee Seung-Woo , Yoo Joo-Yeon
Published: July 2019

Here we report a novel proteoglycan protein, testican-2/SPOCK2, that prevents influenza virus infection. Testican-2/SPOCK2 is a complex type of secreted proteoglycan with heparan sulfate GAG chains attached to the core protein. SPOCK2 expression is induced upon virus infection or by interferons, and the protein is secreted to an extracellular compartment, where it acts directly to block virus-cell attachment and entry. Treatment with purified testican-2/SPOCK2 protein can efficiently block influenza virus infection
in vitro
and
in vivo
. We also identified the heparan sulfate moiety as a key regulatory module for this inhibitory effect. Based on its mode of action (cell attachment/entry blocker) and site of action (extracellular compartment), we propose testican-2/SPOCK2 as a potential antiviral agent that can efficiently control influenza virus infection.
On the Emergence of Candida auris: Climate Change, Azoles, Swamps, and Birds
Authors: Casadevall Arturo , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Robert Vincent
Published: July 2019

The most enigmatic aspect of the rise of
Candida auris
as a human pathogen is that it emerged simultaneously on three continents, with each clade being genetically distinct. Although new pathogenic fungal species are described regularly, these are mostly species associated with single cases in individuals who are immunosuppressed.
Linking Microbial Community Structure to Trait Distributions and Functions Using Salinity as an Environmental Filter
Authors: Rath Kristin M. , Maheshwari Arpita , Rousk Johannes
Published: July 2019

Understanding the role of ecological communities in maintaining multiple ecosystem processes is a central challenge in ecology. Soil microbial communities perform vital ecosystem functions, such as the decomposition of organic matter to provide plant nutrition. However, despite the functional importance of soil microorganisms, attribution of ecosystem function to particular constituents of the microbial community has been impeded by a lack of information linking microbial processes to community composition and structure. Here, we apply a conceptual framework to determine how microbial communities influence ecosystem processes, by applying a “top-down” trait-based approach. By determining the dependence of microbial processes on environmental factors (e.g., the tolerance to salinity), we can define the aggregate response trait distribution of the community, which then can be linked to the community structure and the resulting function performed by the microbial community.
Endoscopic duodenal mucosal resurfacing for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: one year results from the first international, open-label, prospective, multicentre study
Authors: van Baar Annieke C G , Holleman Frits , Crenier Laurent , Haidry Rehan , Magee Cormac , Hopkins David , Rodriguez Grunert Leonardo , Galvao Neto Manoel , Vignolo Paulina , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Mertens Ann , Bisschops Raf , Tijssen Jan , Nieuwdorp Max , Guidone Caterina , Costamagna Guido , Devière Jacques , Bergman Jacques J G H M
Published: July 2019

Background

The duodenum has become a metabolic treatment target through bariatric surgery learnings and the specific observation that bypassing, excluding or altering duodenal nutrient exposure elicits favourable metabolic changes. Duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) is a novel endoscopic procedure that has been shown to improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) irrespective of body mass index (BMI) changes. DMR involves catheter-based circumferential mucosal lifting followed by hydrothermal ablation of duodenal mucosa. This multicentre study evaluates safety and feasibility of DMR and its effect on glycaemia at 24 weeks and 12 months.

Methods

International multicentre, open-label study. Patients (BMI 24–40) with T2D (HbA1c 59–86 mmol/mol (7.5%–10.0%)) on stable oral glucose-lowering medication underwent DMR. Glucose-lowering medication was kept stable for at least 24 weeks post DMR. During follow-up, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, hepatic transaminases, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), adverse events (AEs) and treatment satisfaction were determined and analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction.

Results

Forty-six patients were included of whom 37 (80%) underwent complete DMR and 36 were finally analysed; in remaining patients, mainly technical issues were observed. Twenty-four patients had at least one AE (52%) related to DMR. Of these, 81% were mild. One SAE and no unanticipated AEs were reported. Twenty-four weeks post DMR (n=36), HbA1c (−10±2 mmol/mol (−0.9%±0.2%), p<0.001), FPG (−1.7±0.5 mmol/L, p<0.001) and HOMA-IR improved (−2.9±1.1, p<0.001), weight was modestly reduced (−2.5±0.6 kg, p<0.001) and hepatic transaminase levels decreased. Effects were sustained at 12 months. Change in HbA1c did not correlate with modest weight loss. Diabetes treatment satisfaction scores improved significantly.

Conclusions

In this multicentre study, DMR was found to be a feasible and safe endoscopic procedure that elicited durable glycaemic improvement in suboptimally controlled T2D patients using oral glucose-lowering medication irrespective of weight loss. Effects on the liver are examined further.

Trial registration number

NCT02413567
Characteristics of potential concussive events in three elite football tournaments
Authors: Armstrong Nicholas , Rotundo Mario , Aubrey Jason , Tarzi Christopher , Cusimano Michael D
Published: July 2019

Objective

Identify patterns in the nature and characteristics of potential concussive events (PCEs) in football.

Methods

This study analysed the incidence and characteristics of PCEs that occurred during the 2014 and 2018 Fédération Internationale de Football Association World Cups, and the 2016 UEFA Euro Cup. PCEs were defined as direct head collision incidents resulting in the athlete being unable to immediately resume play for at least 5 sec following impact.

Results

A total of 218 incidents were identified in 179 matches (1.22 per match, 36.91 per 1000 hours of exposure). The most common mechanism of PCE was elbow-to-head (28.7%, n=68). The frontal region was the most frequently affected location of impact with 22.8% (n=54).

Conclusion

Our study defined the identification, prevalence and nature of PCEs in professional international soccer tournaments. Our findings indicate the different contexts and mechanisms of head contact and contact to different regions of the head can be associated with varying signs of concussion. The results highlight targets for future injury prevention strategies.
Comparative effect of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors versus other biological agents on cardiovascular risk-associated biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Virone Alexandre , Bastard Jean-Philippe , Fellahi Soraya , Capeau Jacqueline , Rouanet Stéphanie , Sibilia Jean , Ravaud Philippe , Berenbaum Francis , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Sellam Jérémie
Published: July 2019

Background

To comparatively investigate the differential effect of second-line tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) versus other biological agents on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-associated biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We evaluated the serum levels of lipoprotein-associated apoproteins ApoA1 and ApoB100 and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and the leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) as an insulin resistance proxy in patients with RA from the Rotation Or Change (ROC) trial treated with either a second-line TNFi or another biologic (tocilizumab (TCZ), rituximab or abatacept) at baseline and week 24. We compared the changes in biomarker levels in each group and according to the EULAR response.

Results

Of the 300 patients enrolled in the ROC trial, 203 were included in the study, including 96 in the second-line TNFi group and 107 in the other biological group. The measured biomarkers did not deteriorate between baseline and week 24 regardless of the group. A greater improvement in the LAR was noted in the other biological group (median (IQR) −0.12 ng/µg (−0.58 to 0.31) vs 0.04 (−0.19 to 0.43), p=0.033), and a greater improvement in the Lp(a) level was observed following treatment with TCZ than with a TNFi (−0.05 g/L (−0.11 to −0.01) vs −0.01 g/L (−0.02 to 0.01), p<0.001). When considering the patients’ responses to treatment, improved biomarkers were mainly observed in the EULAR responders in each treatment group.

Conclusions

TNFis and non-TNFis were neutral on improved CVD risk-associated biomarkers in patients with RA insufficiently controlled by TNFis. TCZ could be associated with a better improvement concerning Lp(a) and LAR than TNFis. This improvement could be related to a good therapeutic response, thereby supporting the need of good control of RA.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT01000441, registered on 22 October 2009.
Valine and isoleucine supplementation improve performance and serum biochemical concentrations in growing gilts fed low-protein diets
Authors: Ma Wenfeng , Mao Pei , Fan Wenna , Zhu Yanzhi , Guo Liang
Published: July 2019

This study evaluated the effects of valine and isoleucine supplementation in low-crude-protein (CP) diets on performance, serum parameters, and carcass traits in growing gilts. Two-hundred gilts (29.1 ± 1.7 kg) were allotted randomly to one of five diets that included a control CP (177 g kg−1) or four low-CP (135 g kg−1) diets for 45 d. The low-CP diets were added with lysine + threonine + methionine (LCM), LCM+ tryptophan (LCT), LCT + valine (LCV), or LCV + isoleucine (LCI), respectively. Non significant difference in average daily gain was obtained in gilts receiving the control, LCV, or LCI diets, which was higher than that of pigs fed the LCM or LCT diets (P < 0.05). The supplementation of crystalline tryptophan, valine, and isoleucine improved the average daily feed intake and serum levels of total protein, tryptophan, and isoleucine (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.05) and serum valine concentration (linear effect, P < 0.05). The results indicated that the valine supplementation, or the both combination of valine and isoleucine, could further improve the performance in 29–62 kg gilts fed the 135 g kg−1 CP diet.
Application of statistical testing to cadastral survey traverses
Authors: Teskey W.F. , MacLeod J.W.
Published: July 2019

In cadastral survey practice the “ratio” method is commonly used to determine whether or not a given measured traverse is acceptable. The method, however, does not take into account estimated standard deviations (random errors) of traverse observations (angles, distances and in some cases coordinates) or traverse geometry. In this paper the authors propose that a statistical test of the misclosure replace the “ratio” method. The test will indicate, at a chosen confidence level, whether or not a given traverse misclosure should be accepted. All computations required to apply the method are given and two examples are presented to show how the method is applied. Because the method can take into account estimated random errors of coordinates, it is well suited for application to traverses within control networks in which coordinates of control points have previously been established by satellite, inertial, photogrammetric, ground survey or combined methods.
Multi-model techniques in photogrammetry
Authors: Turner Howard
Published: July 2019

The concepts of multi-model photogrammetry are described. Methods of restituting photographs in a multi-model framework are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed. A pilot project is performed to explore the precision of multi-model photogrammetry compared to a traditional bundle block adjust¬ment and the results are presented. Multi-model techniques provide a powerful tool for quality control in an industrial environment.
Investigations in combining ship’s position, radar and chart data on a single electronic display
Authors: Eaton R.M. , Masry S.E. , Shaw B.
Published: July 2019

To explore safety aspects of the Electronic Chart (EC), and to learn about the role of the Hydrographic Office in producing an EC database, the Canadian Hydrographic Service has developed an “EC testbed”, under contract, and is now starting a series of investigations with it. This paper describes the Testbed, and lessons learned in developing and sea-testing it, and out¬lines future plans.
Integration of an inertial system with high-altitude photogrammetry over rugged terrain
Authors: Thyer* N.H. , Blais J.A.R. , Chapman M.A.
Published: July 2019

In aerial photogrammetry, information on camera position and orientation from auxiliary systems can be used to supplement or replace ground control information when the latter is inadequate. High-altiude aerial photography has experimentally been combined with inertial measurement of camera position and orientation over the Rocky Mountains west of Calgary. The inertial system output was compared with corresponding values from various photogrammetric adjustments for analysis purposes.

In this experiment, it was found that the absolute position coordinates and orientation angles, as given by the inertial system without updates, were unsatisfactory. However, the changes in these quantities between consecutive stations agreed with the photogrammetry to a degree at least as close as the reliability of the photogrammetry itself, and even better agreement was obtained for rotation-invariant func-tions of these changes of position and orientation. Agreement was also improved by ignoring those perspective centers whose position coordinates gave the greatest residuals in the photogrammetric adjustment, indicating that inclusion of auxiliary information should improve the quality of the contribution of those images to the adjustment.