bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of different Swept’Source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS‐OCTA) slabs for the detection of features of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Tian Meng , Wolf Sebastian , Munk Marion R. , Schaal Karen B.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To compare different Swept‐Source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS‐OCTA) slabs for the detection of features of diabetic retinopathy (DR), to find the most suitable slab for grading.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Consecutive patients with DR were evaluated using SS‐OCTA. The central 12 × 12 mm scan was used to generate the retinal, superficial and deep slab. The grading results of the slabs were then compared to determine if one specific slab is superior to detect respective features.

Results

A total of 348 eyes (190 patients; mean age 58.1 ± 14.5 years) were graded for features of DR. The retinal slab detected most frequently MAs and IRMAs, however with no significant difference compared to the superficial slab (p = 0.93 and p = 0.93, respectively). Small capillary dropout was most frequently found on the superficial slab, but there was no significant difference compared with the retinal (p = 0.78) and deep slab (p = 0.45). The only statistically significant difference was found for large capillary dropout, where the retinal and superficial slab showed a higher detection rate compared with the deep slab (p ≤ 0.0001 and p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The superficial and retinal slabs are equally suitable for grading with no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of the diabetic features examined.
Costs and potential funding of expanded public pension coverage in Asia
Authors: Morgan Peter J. , Long Trinh Quang
Published: October 2019

Public pension burdens in most emerging Asian economies are still relatively small. However, there are a number of reasons to believe that they will increase markedly in the coming years. First, many Asian economies will face rapidly ageing populations, which will raise pension and other old‐age‐related spending dramatically. Second, as economies develop, political pressures to expand the coverage of public pensions and raise pension benefits will likely increase. The first objective of this paper is to identify the potential fiscal burden of public pensions in 23 emerging Asian economies, based on econometric models and forecasts of GDP and demographic trends. Using two different methodologies yields estimated increases in the average share of public pension expenditures in GDP of 1.0 percentage point and 3.6 percentage points by 2030 compared with current levels. We believe the latter estimate is more realistic. The second objective is to recommend policies to provide adequate funding for public pension needs, including enhancing the efficiency of social insurance programs, improving the balance of revenues and expenditures, implementing more explicit fiscal rules and frameworks, and establishing stronger fiscal surveillance at the national and regional levels.
Fleeing mass starvation: what we (do not) know about the famine–migration nexus
Authors: Sadliwala Batul K.
Published: October 2019

The relationship between famine and migration has not been studied adequately to date. A systematic review of scholarship centred on famine and its demographic, political, and socioeconomic effects demonstrates the paucity of academic attention to the issue. This paper surveys the dominant hypotheses and findings regarding the connection between famine and migration. It delineates key questions that an interdisciplinary and case‐based exploration of the subject should address, highlighting gaps in the literature with respect to population‐level analyses. Primary observations about the literature reviewed include tenuous generalisations about the linkage between famine and migration and partial examination of the role of politics in enabling or prohibiting mobility during hunger‐related crises. In addition, disciplinary silos influence which particular aspects of a famine are scrutinised and which are not appraised. In view of these concerns, international legal and humanitarian norms governing migration also need to pay closer attention to its association with famine.
Patterns That Challenge and Sustain Mutuality as Retired Couples Negotiate Gendered Power
Authors: Nice Lindsey , Knudson‐Martin Carmen , Lough Aubrey , Castillo Nakisha , Doe Kimberly
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine how older, heterosexual couples negotiate gendered power when both partners are retired.

Background

After retirement, changes frequently prompt couples to renegotiate traditional, gender‐informed ways of relating. Although a shift toward less gender‐specific division of tasks has been identified in previous studies, it is unclear how underlying gendered power structures may also be transformed.

Method

A constructivist grounded theory analysis was conducted of 18 interviews with a convenience sample of retired older couples (69–91 years of age) in Southern California.

Results

Three patterns were identified that kept couples engaged in stereotypic gendered processes: (a) women's relational responsibility, (b) masked inequality, and (c) men's marketing of traditional gender‐specific processes. In addition, four patterns were identified that moved couples closer to mutuality: (a) equal attunement to one another, (b) mutual decision‐making, (c) connecting with socioemotional context, and (d) recognition of inequality.

Conclusion

Retired couples seeking relational help may be experiencing a gap between ideals of mutuality and the persistence of gendered power.

Implications

This study shows that gendered power dynamics may be somewhat masked among older couples. Practitioners are advised to address the subtle ways that relational dynamics may remain gendered and the extent to which that limits closeness and connection within the relationship. Specific areas therapists should explore with clients are provided.
The crystal structure of the naturally split gp41‐1 intein guides the engineering of orthogonal split inteins from cis‐splicing inteins
Authors: Beyer Hannes M. , Mikula Kornelia M. , Li Mi , Wlodawer Alexander , Iwaï Hideo
Published: October 2019

Protein trans‐splicing catalyzed by split inteins has increasingly become useful as a protein engineering tool. We solved the 1.0 Å‐resolution crystal structure of a fused variant from the naturally split gp41‐1 intein, previously identified from environmental metagenomic sequence data. The structure of the 125‐residue gp41‐1 intein revealed a compact pseudo‐C2‐symmetry commonly found in the Hedgehog/Intein superfamily with extensive charge–charge interactions between the split N‐ and C‐terminal intein fragments that are common among naturally occurring split inteins. We successfully created orthogonal split inteins by engineering a similar charge network into the same region of a cis‐splicing intein. This strategy could be applicable for creating novel natural‐like split inteins from other, more prevalent cis‐splicing inteins.

Database

Structural data are available in the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession number 6QAZ.
Damage behaviour of laminated composites during fatigue loading
Authors: Mahmoudi Ali , Mohammadi Bijan , Hosseini‐Toudeshky Hossein
Published: October 2019

This study deals with the modelling of damage evolution in the carbon/epoxy laminated composites under static and fatigue loading. A cumulative damage model is developed on the basis of damage evolution due to static and fatigue during cyclic loading. A continuum damage mechanics (CDM)‐based damage model coupling with the micromechanics has been utilized to predict the fatigue behaviour of laminate composites. A multicriterion approach has been introduced to predict the damage behaviour in the longitudinal, transverse, and shear direction at the ply scale. Extensive experimental results on T300/EPL1012 carbon/epoxy laminates are prepared to characterize under static and fatigue loading and to evaluate the proposed model in different conditions. The obtained results show that at the beginning of the cyclic loading, the damage grows suddenly and increases until final failure, which justifies the proposed method is able to predict the evolution of the damage due to static and fatigue loading separately during cyclic loading. The obtained results show that considering damage due to static loading leads to more accurate results, particularly in low‐cycle fatigue.
Pyoderma gangrenosum at multiple sites in a post‐colostomy ulcerative colitis patient with chronic hepatitis B virus: A case report
Authors: Wang Ben , Liu Ting , Liu Fang , He Yan‐Ling
Published: October 2019

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon ulcerative cutaneous lesion manifesting as rapidly progressing single or multiple skin ulcers. Permanent stoma in inflammatory bowel disease patients remains an independent risk of pyoderma gangrenosum. In the current report, we describe a case of pyoderma gangrenosum in a post‐colostomy ulcerative colitis patient with chronic hepatitis B. Pyoderma gangrenosum began seemingly as peristomal dermatitis that rapidly developed into painful ulcerations with subsequent appearance of sterile pustules and ulcerations in the left lower leg. The patient significantly improved after active management with prednisolone, antiviral therapy with entecavir, and wound dressings. Our case suggests that physicians and surgeons should have a high index of suspicion of pyoderma gangrenosum in post‐colostomy ulcerative colitis patients who develop peristomal dermatitis.
Cyclic AMP‐dependent positive feedback signaling pathways in the cortex contributes to visceral pain
Authors: Liu Shui‐bing , Wang Xin‐shang , Yue Jiao , Yang Le , Li Xu‐hui , Hu Li‐ning , Lu Jing‐shan , Song Qian , Zhang Kun , Yang Qi , Zhang Ming‐ming , Bernabucci Matteo , Zhao Ming‐gao , Zhuo Min
Published: October 2019

Cortical areas including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play critical roles in different types of chronic pain. Most of previous studies focus on the sensory inputs from somatic areas, and less information about plastic changes in the cortex for visceral pain. In this study, chronic visceral pain animal model was established by injection with zymosan into the colon of adult male C57/BL6 mice. Whole cell patch‐clamp recording, behavioral tests, western blot, and Cannulation and ACC microinjection were employed to explore the role of adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1) in the ACC of C57/BL6 and AC1 knock out mice. Integrative approaches were used to investigate possible changes of neuronal AC1 in the ACC after the injury. We found that AC1, a key enzyme for pain‐related cortical plasticity, was significantly increased in the ACC in an animal model of irritable bowel syndrome. Inhibiting AC1 activity by a selective AC1 inhibitor NB001 significantly reduced the up‐regulation of AC1 protein in the ACC. Furthermore, we found that AC1 is required for NMDA GluN2B receptor up‐regulation and increases of NMDA receptor‐mediated currents. These results suggest that AC1 may form a positive regulation in the cortex during chronic visceral pain. Our findings demonstrate that the up‐regulation of AC1 protein in the cortex may underlie the pathology of chronic visceral pain; and inhibiting AC1 activity may be beneficial for the treatment of visceral pain.

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Solutions to dental access disparity: Blueprint of an innovative community health center‐based model for rurally based communities
Authors: Nycz Gregory , Acharya Amit , Glurich Ingrid
Published: October 2019

Dr. David Satcher issued the first Surgeon General Report on oral health in the United States in 2000, drawing attention to a prevailing oral health access crisis. Dr. Satcher's report resonated in Wisconsin where a statewide growing dental access crisis was in progress and inspired grassroots efforts by a Family Health Center to establish a practice‐based multi‐site dental infrastructure that was integrated into a large regional multi‐specialty medical clinic serving a largely rural population. An overview is provided of fundamental elements and relationships that supported establishment of the infrastructure, services, outreach and expanded access offered inclusively to all patients. Further, this community action report presents a blueprint that delineates key dimensions critical to planning and establishing a regionalized infrastructure offering access to all patients. Feasibility of establishing inclusive dental care is documented, and our model is proposed as a potentially replicable prototype for increasing dental access across other federally qualified health centers. Finally, this report is responsive to Dr. Jerome Adam's solicitations for feedback that will inform his plan for issuing a new Surgeon General report that updates status of oral health in America and progress in reversing oral health access disparities.
A mixed model of the evolution of polygyny and sexual size dimorphism in mammals
Authors: Cassini Marcelo H.
Published: October 2019

The theory of sexual selection is the most widely accepted theory explaining the evolution of mating systems and secondary sexual characters. Polygyny is the most common mating system in mammals, and there is a strong correlation between the degree of polygyny and the degree of sexual size dimorphism skewed towards males. Sexual selection theory posits that polygyny in mammals has evolved through direct, precopulatory, intrasexual selection in males, and that sexual size dimorphism is a result of male competition for mates. New results that are being obtained with the use of molecular techniques and with comparative phylogenetic methods do not appear to support predictions from this classical model in full. In this article, an expansion of the classical model is presented that combines the effects of at least four forms of selection: natural, precopulatory intrasexual, postcopulatory intrasexual, and intersexual selection. This mixed model consists of an initial phase in which natural selection operates on body size, followed by a second phase dominated by sexual selection and involving increases in sexual dimorphism and coercive behaviour of males towards females. Sexual harassment induces female aggregation, thus creating social potential for polygyny. Males compete for access to the groups of females, following two possible evolutionary scenarios, directional or equilibrium sexual selection, both producing similar behavioural polygyny, but with differences in the intensity of intra‐male precopulatory sexual selection. Predictions of the mixed model are as follows: 1) polygyny can exist without high variance in male reproductive success (a fundamental requirement in the classical model); 2) extra‐group fertilisation can be common; 3) sexual size dimorphism evolved prior to polygyny; 4) sexual coercion is widespread; and 5) females reduce levels of sexual coercion by joining groups.
Current and future impacts of nest predation and nest‐site competition by invasive eastern grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis on European birds
Authors: Broughton Richard K.
Published: October 2019

The eastern grey squirrel (hereafter ‘grey squirrel’) is considered one of the most damaging invasive alien species in Europe, with negative effects on native ecosystems. Despite it being widely perceived as a significant predator of bird eggs and chicks and as a competitor for nest sites, evaluation of the grey squirrel’s impact on European bird populations has been hindered by limited empirical data.

The aim was to review the incidence of grey squirrels as nest predators of and nest‐site competitors with European birds, and to use this information to identify species at potential risk of negative effects from within the grey squirrel’s expanding range in continental Europe.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and the data were used alongside additional new data, to assess nest predation and competition by grey squirrels in their current European range. Bird species were grouped by nest‐site type, which was used to predict the impact on similar species groups in regions of continental Europe predicted to be colonised by grey squirrels in the current century.

Camera‐monitoring and field evidence for 12 bird species and 12420 nests in Britain showed that grey squirrels rarely depredated eggs or chicks, affecting just 0.5% of nests. Nest‐site competition was also minor, with grey squirrels occupying 0.8% of 122 small tree cavities and 14% of 57 larger cavities. At least 69 bird species in continental Europe could be exposed to potential nest predation or competition from expanding grey squirrel populations within the current century, but population‐level effects currently appear to be unlikely.

Current evidence shows that grey squirrels are unlikely to be significant predators of or competitors with nesting birds in their present or projected range in Europe. However, further studies of more species in different regions would be valuable, particularly in urban and suburban habitats.
Inference for Biomedical Data by Using Diffusion Models with Covariates and Mixed Effects
Authors: Ruse Mareile Große , Samson Adeline , Ditlevsen Susanne
Published: October 2019

Neurobiological data such as electroencephalography measurements pose a statistical challenge due to low spatial resolution and poor signal-to-noise ratio, as well as large variability from subject to subject. We propose a new modelling framework for this type of data based on stochastic processes. Stochastic differential equations with mixed effects are a popular framework for modelling biomedical data, e.g. in pharmacological studies. Whereas the inherent stochasticity of diffusion models accounts for prevalent model uncertainty or misspecification, random-effects model intersubject variability. The two-layer stochasticity, however, renders parameter inference challenging. Estimates are based on the discretized continuous time likelihood and we investigate finite sample and discretization bias. In applications, the comparison of, for example, treatment effects is often of interest. We discuss hypothesis testing and evaluate by simulations. Finally, we apply the framework to a statistical investigation of electroencephalography recordings from epileptic patients. We close the paper by examining asymptotics (the number of subjects going to ∞) of maximum likelihood estimators in multi-dimensional, non-linear and non-homogeneous stochastic differential equations with random effects and included covariates.
Long‐term efficacy of conditioning training program combined with feedback on kinetics and kinematics in male runners
Authors: Letafatkar Amir , Rabiei Pouya , Farivar Niloufar , Alamouti Gelareh
Published: October 2019

This study was aimed to compare the effects of 8‐week conditioning training (CT) programs with and without feedback on lower limbs' biomechanics and injury incidence in free‐injury male runners and assess their effectiveness across a 1‐year observation. A total of 49 healthy male runners were randomly assigned to one of three groups of CT (n = 16), CT with feedback (n = 17), and placebo (n = 16) group. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were conducted at pre‐intervention, 8 weeks post‐intervention, and 1‐year follow‐up stage. Injury incidence was also measured at pre‐intervention and follow‐up stage. As a result, significant improvement was found in within‐group differences in CT and CT with feedback groups. Moreover, significant difference in CT with feedback group was observed in the kinetic outcome improvement after 8 weeks as compared to CT group. On the other side, there were no significant differences between the CT and CT with feedback groups in kinematic outcomes. However, the percentage of changes in kinematic outcomes were higher in CT with feedback group than those in the CT group. No significant change was observed in the placebo group in all the variables. There was comparative between‐group difference between CT with feedback group and the placebo one, favoring the former group. At 1‐year follow‐up, the injury incidence was reduced by 32% for CT group, 64.6% for CT with feedback group, and 15.5% for placebo. Thus, the CT with feedback was effective in improving biomechanics and reducing injury incidence. Improvements were generally maintained through 1 year, indicating potential for long‐term changes. This study demonstrates the applicability of using feedback with CT to enhance safer movement patterns in runners and may subsequently help prevent or reduce injury risks.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*06:358 allele, identified by Next‐Generation Sequencing in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alanazi Hanan , Alqasem Afnan , Aloufi Faisal , Macpherson Hannah L. , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: October 2019

HLA‐DQB1*06:358 differs from HLA‐DQB1*06:09:01:01 by two single nucleotide substitutions: 2949 C>T and 3001 A>T.
Characterization of the new HLA‐DQB1*06:344 allele by next‐generation sequencing in a Korean individual
Authors: Lim Ha Jin , Choi Hyun‐Jung , Choi So‐Jung , Lee Seung Yeob , Kim Soo Hyun , Shin Myung‐Geun
Published: October 2019

DQB1*06:344 differs from DQB1*06:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at codon 211 in exon 3
Predicting blood donation intention: the importance of fear
Authors: Gilchrist Philippe T. , Masser Barbara M. , Horsley Kristin , Ditto Blaine
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Blood donor recruitment remains an important worldwide challenge due to changes in population demographics and shifts in the demand for blood. Various cognitive models help predict donation intention, although the importance of affective deterrents has become increasingly evident. This study aimed to identify fears that predict donation intention, to explore their relative importance, and to determine if self‐efficacy and attitude mediate this relationship, thus providing possible targets for intervention.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 347 individuals (269 nondonors and 78 donors) living in Québec responded to questionnaires assessing medical fears, psychosocial factors related to donation intention including the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs, anticipated regret, and facilitating factors (i.e., time commitment and rewards). To examine the relative importance of these factors in the context of blood donation, the same questions were also asked about other medical activities that involve salient needle stimuli: flu vaccinations and dental examinations.

RESULTS

Medical fears, especially blood‐related fears, were significantly associated with donation intention. Bootstrapping tests confirmed that this relation was mediated by attitude and self‐efficacy. Underlining the importance of medical fears in the blood donation context, these fears were not associated with attitudes and intentions for dental examinations or flu vaccinations.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that medical fears, especially blood‐related fears, play a key role in predicting donation attitudes and intentions. Mediational pathways provide support for interventions to improve donation intentions by addressing specific fears while also improving a donor's belief in his or her ability to manage donation‐related fears.
Clinical value of carcinoembryonic antigen in mammary neoplasms of bitches
Authors: Senhorello Igor L. S. , Terra Erika M. , Sueiro Felipe A. R. , Firmo Bruna F. , Anai Leticia A. , Goloni Camila , Canavari Isabela C. , Ampuero Roberto A. N. , Pereira Rodrigo S. , Tinucci‐Costa Mirela
Published: October 2019

This study aimed at evaluating the behaviour and understanding the diagnostic value of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in bitches with mammary carcinoma as a tool for monitoring and prognosis of canine cancer patients. Serum samples from 77 bitches were divided into four groups, G1 (n = 21), control group (healthy/neoplasia free bitches); G2 (n = 31), bitches with non‐metastatic mammary carcinoma less than 3 cm; G3 (n = 12), bitches with non‐metastatic mammary carcinoma greater than 3 cm; and, G4 (n = 13) bitches with mammary carcinoma and lymph node metastasis. The marker was dosed once in G1, whereas in G2, G3 and G4, CEA levels were determined before (M0) and 15 days after (M1) mastectomy, using the ELISA kit for humans while reading used ELISYS ONE human. A group of 11 bitches was followed up 45 days after mastectomy (M2). The results for the concentration of markers in blood serum samples at the evaluated times and their relationship with neoplasia biological behaviour and observed clinicopathological changes were evaluated by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The ROC curve was established to find the cut‐off value and calculate the test sensitivity and specificity, the multivariate matching analysis was performed to confirm the association between CEA values and clinicopathological variables. CEA values increased significantly in bitches with mammary carcinoma, metastatic tumours with a diameter larger than 3.0 cm and high grade, compared with healthy ones. In addition, mastectomy reduced the CEA concentration in the blood (P < .05) whereas high CEA levels were associated with unfavourable prognostic factors (P < .05). The biomarker presented good diagnostic value, especially for more aggressive tumours. In conclusion, CEA serum concentrations allowed to follow efficiently the evolution of mammary tumours in bitches, since CEA values increased in bitches with mammary gland tumour and decreased after mastectomy while correlating with prognostic factors such as tumour size, nodal metastasis and histological grade. Further studies are still needed to confirm its diagnostic value for follow‐up of relapse and early metastasis.
Cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs
Authors: Angileri Martina , Furlanello Tommaso , De Lucia Michela
Published: October 2019

Background

Cryotherapy can be used to treat benign skin lesions without general anaesthesia. This technique has only been described in anaesthetized dogs.

Objective

To describe the feasibility, safety and efficacy of cryotherapy to treat benign skin tumours in conscious dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs with 52 skin tumours diagnosed as benign sebaceous neoplasia (46) or follicular cysts (six).

Methods and materials

Cryotherapy was performed in conscious dogs using a liquid nitrogen spray technique with a handheld spray‐release system. If needed, cryotherapy was repeated every three to four weeks until complete cure was achieved or for a maximum of eight treatments. Effectiveness and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Resolution was obtained for 29 of 52 lesions (57%) with a median number of one to two cryotherapy sessions. Eighteen of 52 (35%) lesions shrank to <0.1 cm. In one case, the tumour enlarged after cryotherapy, and histopathological examination of the excisional biopsy revealed an apocrine gland carcinoma. Pain and discomfort during the treatment were the most common adverse effects (33%).

Conclusions and clinical importance

In the present study, cryotherapy was possible in conscious dogs and proved to be effective to cure or reduce the size of benign sebaceous tumours and follicular cysts. The procedure is safe but the degree of pain during the treatment needs to be further investigated. Worsening of the lesion after cryotherapy suggests the need for surgical removal and histopathological examination.
CHARACTERIZATION AND USE OF AGROINDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS IN THE REMOVAL OF METAL IONS IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Authors: Candelaria Tejada-Tovar , Angel Villabona-Ortiz , Erika Ruiz-Paternina , Adriana Herrera-Barros , Rodrigo Ortega-Toro
Published: October 2019

Contamination of surface waters with heavy metals causes concern due to their toxicity, resistance to degradation and adverse effects on human health and aquatic biota. On the other hand, the search for uses and applications of agroindustrial waste has become a priority in the environmental agenda, due to the large volumes generated. Thus, adsorption is presented as an alternative to using these wastes in the treatment of water contaminated with metal ions. The objective of this work was the study of the use and characterisation of adsorbents of an agroindustrial source (palm bagasse) and by-products of the process of obtaining starch (yam and plantain), for its use in the removal of Cr (VI) and Ni (II) ions in a batch system. The adsorption tests were carried out at an initial concentration of 100 ppm ions at 200 rpm using 1 g of material in 100 mL of solution. The adsorbents were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, micro-elemental analysis, physicochemical analysis and surface area measurement by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. From the results, it is established that the palm bagasse has a pore volume twice higher than the other biomaterials. It was determined by the adsorption results, for Cr (VI), were superior in all materials to those obtained for Ni (II). The three agroindustrial residues studied presented high percentages of adsorption efficiency, above 70%, with palm bagasse standing out with an adsorption efficiency of 92%; Therefore, the use of these three biomasses is recommended to treat water contaminated with Cr (VI).
COMBUSTION PERFORMANCE OF SYNGAS FROM PALM KERNEL SHELL IN A GAS BURNER
Authors: Yusoff @ Adnan Asmadib , Rahim Muhammad Roslan , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Othman Norazila , Mohd Ismail Mohd Shuisma , Arifin Kamal , Hasan Mohd Faizal
Published: October 2019

Insufficient and various environmental issues of fossil fuels as the current world dominated energy is now becoming a serious global issue. The rapidly increasing demand for alternative energy sources has contributed to the steady growth of renewable energy. Owing to the fact of the abundant presence of palm kernel shell (PKS) as one of palm biomass wastes in South East Asia region, this paper investigates syngas produced from gasified PKS. The investigation is regarding its composition and combustion performance in a gas burner system. It covers emissions analysis, temperature profile and flame length. The produced syngas from downdraft gasifier was burned in the combustion chamber in air-rich and fuel-rich combustion conditions.  From the experiment, the results showed that the oxidation zone temperature of above 750°C for the downdraft gasifier is suitable for producing syngas. Produced syngas can be classified as pure-carbon monoxide (CO) syngas due to 94.9% CO content with no hydrogen (H2) content and low heating value (LHV) of 10.7 MJ/kg. The wall temperature profiles for burnt syngas produced via downdraft gasification was higher with longer pattern at fuel-rich condition, which signified higher energy of syngas produced from downdraft gasifier compared to fluidised bed gasifier.  The associated flame length was also longer at fuel-rich condition. Produced emission of 56 ppm NOX, 37 ppm CO and 1 ppm SO2 can still be considered as acceptable to human.  It can be concluded that syngas produced from PKS shown a high potential to serve as an alternative source of energy due to its high energy content.
Battery Thermal Management System Design: Role of Influence of Nanofluids, Flow Directions, and Channels
Authors: Srinivaas Sanjay , Li Wei , Garg Akhil , Peng Xiongbin , Gao Liang
Published: October 2019

Lithium-ion batteries are currently being produced and used in large quantities in the automobile sector as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The thermal behavior of the battery pack is a very important criterion, which is not only essential for safety but also has an equally important role in the capacity and life cycle of the batteries. The liquid battery thermal management system is a very efficient type of thermal management system, and mini-channel-based liquid cooling systems are one of the most popular type of the battery thermal management system and have been researched extensively. This paper mainly intends to study the effects of tapering, the addition of grooves to the channel, the use of different nanofluids, and the flow direction of coolant on the thermal performance of the battery pack using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The results suggest that converging channels can be used to control the temperature rise, while diverging channels can be used to control the temperature deviation. The addition of grooves and the use of nanofluids were beneficial in reducing the temperature rise. The final setups were able to reduce the maximum temperature rise by 2.267 K with a substantial pressure drop increase and by 1.513 K with an increase in pressure drop of only 19.92%.
Expanding Cavity Model Combined With Johnson–Cook Constitutive Equation for the Dynamic Indentation Problem
Authors: Ito Kiyohiro , Arai Masayuki
Published: October 2019

The indentation formed on a metallic component by the high-velocity impingement of a small object can fracture the component, and this is known as foreign object damage. In this type of dynamic indentation, it is necessary to consider the effects of work hardening, strain rate hardening, and thermal softening in the impinged material. In this study, in order to consider these effects, the expanding cavity model based on a spherical formulation is modified via the Johnson–Cook constitutive equation for the dynamic indentation problem. Additionally, an equation is developed based on energy conservation and the modified expanding cavity model to predict the size of the indentation formed by an impingement of a solid sphere (EPIS). The distributions of equivalent plastic strain, equivalent plastic strain rate, temperature, and equivalent von Mises stress obtained via the expanding cavity model were in good agreement with the data obtained from the finite element analysis (FEA). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that EPIS accurately predicted the indentation size formed on various metallic materials at several impingement velocities in the range of 50–300 m/s. Consequently, EPIS can be effectively applied to an impingement problem of a hard sphere onto a sufficiently thick ductile material within 300 m/s without any help of FEA.
Influence of Diesel Fuel Injection Characteristics on Dual-Fuel Combustion Modes in a Large-Bore, Medium-Speed Engine
Authors: Klingbeil Adam , Hong Seunghyuck , Primus Roy J.
Published: October 2019

Experiments were conducted on a large bore, medium speed, single cylinder, diesel engine to investigate operation with substitution ratio of natural gas (NG) varying from 0% to 93% by energy. In a previous study by the same group, these data were used to validate an analytical methodology for predicting performance and emissions under a broad spectrum of energy substitution ratios. For this paper, these experimental data are further analyzed to better understand the performance and combustion behavior under NG substitution ratios of 0%, 60%, and 93%. These results show that by transitioning from diesel-only to 60% dual-fuel (DF) (60% NG substitution ratio), an improvement in the NOx-efficiency trade-off was observed that represented a ∼3% improvement in indicated efficiency at constant NOx. Further, the transition from 60% DF to 93% DF (93% NG substitution ratio) resulted in additional efficiency improvement with a simultaneous reduction in NOx emissions. The data suggest that this improvement can be attributed to the premixed nature of the high substitution ratio case. Furthermore, the results show that high cycle-to-cycle variation was observed for some 93% DF combustion tests. Further analysis, along with diesel injection rate measurements, shows that the observed extreme sensitivity of the combustion event can be attributed to critical parameters such as diesel fuel quantity and injection timing. These results suggest a better understanding of the relative importance of combustion system components and operating conditions in controlling cycle-to-cycle variation of combustion process.
A New Methodology to Assess Building Integrated Roof Top Photovoltaic Installations at City Scales: The Tropical Coastal City Case
Authors: Pokhrel Rabindra , Walker Andy , González Jorge E.
Published: October 2019

As a consequence of the warm and humid climate of tropical coastal regions, there is high energy demand year-round due to air conditioning to maintain indoor comfort levels. Past and current practices are focused on mitigating peak cooling demands by improving heat balances by using efficient building envelope technologies, passive systems, and demand side management strategies. In this study, we explore city-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) planning integrating information on climate, building parameters and energy models, and electrical system performance, with added benefits for the tropical coastal city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Energy balance on normal roof, flush-mounted PV roof, and tilted PV roof are used to determine PV power generation, air, and roof surface temperatures. To scale up the application to the whole city, we use the urbanized version of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model with the building effect parameterization (BEP) and the building energy model (BEM). The city topology is represented by the World Urban Database Access Portal Tool (WUDAPT), local climate zones (LCZs) for urban landscapes. The modeled peak roof temperature is maximum for normal roof conditions and minimum when inclined PV is installed on a roof. These trends are followed by the building air conditioning (AC) demand from urbanized WRF, maximum for normal roof and minimum for inclined roof-mounted PV. The net result is a reduced daytime Urban Heat Island (UHI) for horizontal and inclined PV roof and increased nighttime UHI for the horizontal PV roof as compared with the normal roof. The ratio between coincident AC demand and PV production for the entire metropolitan region is further analyzed reaching 20% for compact low rise and open low rise buildings due to adequate roof area but reaches almost 100% for compact high rise and compact midrise buildings class, respectively.
Dynamic locomotion synchronization of bipedal robot and human operator via bilateral feedback teleoperation
Authors: Ramos Joao , Kim Sangbae
Published: October 2019

A bilateral teleoperation system facilitates locomotion synchronization of a human operator and a small bipedal robot.
Prunin suppresses viral IRES activity and is a potential candidate for treating enterovirus A71 infection
Authors: Gunaseelan Saravanan , Wong Kai Zhi , Min Nyo , Sun Jialei , Ismail Nur Khairiah Binte Mohd , Tan Yee Joo , Lee Regina Ching Hua , Chu Justin Jang Hann
Published: October 2019

Prunin suppresses HEVA71 translation in vitro and in vivo by impeding activity of the HEVA71 internal ribosome entry site.
“Bowel on the Bench”: Proof of Concept of a Three-Stage,
In Vitro
Fermentation Model of the Equine Large Intestine
Authors: Leng J. , Walton G. , Swann J. , Darby A. , La Ragione R. , Proudman C.
Published: October 2019

The equine gut model that we have developed and describe has the potential to facilitate the exploration of how the equine gut microbiota is affected by diet, disease, and medication. It is a convenient, cost-effective, and welfare-friendly alternative to
in vivo
research models.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Five Strains of Kocuria rosea, NCTC2676, NCTC7514, NCTC7512, NCTC7528, and NCTC7511
Authors: Turnbull Jake D. , Russell Julie E. , Fazal Mohammed-Abbas , Grayson Nicholas E. , Deheer-Graham Ana , Oliver Karen , Holroyd Nancy , Parkhill Julian , Alexander Sarah
Published: October 2019

Kocuria rosea
is a Gram-positive coccus found in the environment and within normal human skin microbiota, and more recently, it has been potentially implicated as an opportunistic pathogen. Here, we describe the genome sequences of five strains of
K. rosea
(NCTC2676, NCTC7514, NCTC7512, NCTC7528, and NCTC7511).
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio cyclitrophicus NCT10V, Cultivated from the Microbiome of a Marine Copepod
Authors: Nuttall Ryan , Sharma Gaurav , Moisander Pia H.
Published: October 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio cyclitrophicus
NCT10V, cultivated from the copepod
Acartia tonsa
, collected from coastal surface waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean. The assembly is 5,638,575 bp long and has 44 contigs, a GC content of 43.2%, and 5,044 protein coding sequences.
Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis in a paediatric patient with undiagnosed thrombophilia
Authors: Salloum Shafee , Bowens Joseph , Wright Jordan , Ey Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

A previously healthy 8-year-old girl presented to the hospital with right periorbital and forehead swelling in the setting of a 1-week history of upper respiratory symptoms. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed pansinusitis with orbital and frontal abscesses and thrombosis of the anterior portion of the superior sagittal sinus. She was treated with surgical drainage, antibiotics and anticoagulants. After 2 days she developed cranial nerve (CN) VI palsy. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed small epidural abscess, right-sided thrombi of the cavernous sinus, internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein, in addition to the superior sagittal sinus. Thrombophilia workup revealed heterozygosity for factor V Leiden. She underwent 6 weeks of parental antibiotic therapy, 3 months of anticoagulation therapy and 7 days of steroids. With treatment, her visual acuity returned to baseline, CN VI palsy resolved and repeat imaging showed resolution of thrombi and epidural abscess, but persistent narrowing of the internal carotid artery.
Acute ischaemic stroke in secondary polycythaemia due to complex congenital cyanotic heart disease
Authors: Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Sebastian Ivy Anne , Sidhu Ashlee
Published: October 2019

A 65-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an acute onset of left-sided hemiparesis and slurred speech for 6 hours. Physical examination was notable for clubbing and peripheral cyanosis. Brain MRI showed an acute infarct involving the right gangliocapsular region. Investigations showed an elevated haemoglobin level, a haematocrit level of >65% and thrombocytopaenia. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed tricuspid atresia, ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect. A diagnosis of cyanotic congenital heart disease was made. Studies have indicated an association between raised haematocrit and vascular occlusive episodes in patients with polycythaemia vera. However, a relationship between raised haematocrit due to polycythaemia secondary to complex congenital heart disease and vascular thrombosis has not been reported. The improvement of neurological deficits in our patient coincided with a decline in haematocrit. The objective of this report was to highlight an association between elevated haematocrit and ischaemic stroke in patients with secondary polycythaemia due to complex congenital heart disease.
Spontaneous rupture of a non-parasitic splenic cyst
Authors: Res Lodewijk CS , Knook Mireille T T , Hazelbag Hans M , Guicherit Onno R
Published: October 2019

Rupture of a non-parasitic splenic cyst is a rare but possibly dangerous complication with 21 cases described so far. We present a 46-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a spontaneous ruptured splenic cyst that was successfully treated by laparoscopic splenectomy. Histological examination showed characteristics corresponding with a non-parasitic congenital cyst that had lost its epithelial lining. Several treatment options can be considered for splenic cysts, depending on size and location. In case of rupture, the clinical condition of the patient should be taken into account.
Spatial epidemiology of gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland: census-based linkage study
Authors: Skrivankova Veronika , Zwahlen Marcel , Adams Mark , Low Nicola , Kuehni Claudia , Egger Matthias
Published: October 2019

Background

Gestational age and birth weight are strong predictors of infant morbidity and mortality. Understanding spatial variation can inform policies to reduce health inequalities. We examined small-area variation in gestational age and birth weight in Switzerland.

Methods

All singleton live births recorded in the Swiss Live Birth Register 2011 to 2014 were eligible. We deterministically linked the Live Birth Register with census and survey data to create data sets including neonatal and pregnancy-related variables, parental characteristics and geographical variables. We produced maps of 705 areas and fitted linear mixed-effect models to assess to what extent spatial variation was explained by these variables.

Results

We analysed all 315 177 eligible live births. Area-level averages of gestational age varied between 272 and 279 days, and between 3138 and 3467 g for birth weight. The fully adjusted models explained 31% and 87% of spatial variation of gestational age and birth weight, respectively. Language region accounted for most of the explained variation (23% in gestational age and 62% in birth weight), with shorter gestational age (−0.6 days and −0.9 days) and lower birth weight (−1.1% and −1.8%) in French-speaking and Italian-speaking areas, respectively, compared with German-speaking areas. Other variables explaining variation were, for gestational age, the level of urbanisation (10%) and parental nationality (3%). For birth weight, they were gestational age (27%), parental nationality (27%), civil status (10%) and altitude (10%). In a random sample of 81 968 live births with data on parental education, levels of education were only weakly associated with gestational age (−0.9 days for compulsory vs tertiary maternal education) or birth weight (−0.7% for compulsory vs tertiary maternal education).

Conclusions

In Switzerland, small area variation in birth weight is largely explained, and variation in gestational age partially explained, by geocultural, sociodemographic and pregnancy factors.
Executive function and brain development in adolescents with severe congenital heart disease (Teen Heart Study): protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ehrler Melanie , Naef Nadja , Tuura Ruth O'Gorman , Latal Beatrice
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent congenital malformation. With recent advances in medical care, the majority of patients with CHD survive into adulthood. As a result, interest has shifted towards the neurodevelopmental outcome of these patients, and particularly towards the early detection and treatment of developmental problems. A variety of mild to moderate cognitive impairments as well as emotional and behavioural problems has been observed in this population. However, a more detailed assessment of the various domains of executive function and their association with structural and functional brain development is lacking. Therefore, the current study will examine all domains of executive function and brain development in detail in a large sample of children and adolescents with CHD and healthy control children.

Methods and analysis

A total of 192 children and adolescents with CHD aged 10–15 years, who participated in prospective cohort studies at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, will be eligible for this study. As a control group, approximately 100 healthy children will be enrolled. Primary outcome measures will include executive function abilities, while secondary outcomes will consist of other neurodevelopmental measures, including intelligence, processing speed, attention, fine motor abilities and brain development. An MRI will be performed to assess structural and functional brain development. Linear regression analyses will be applied to investigate group differences and associations between executive function performance and neurodevelopmental measures.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF 32003B_172914) and approved by the ethical committee of the Canton Zurich (KEK 2019–00035). Written informed consent will be obtained from all the parents and from children aged 14 years or older. Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences for widespread dissemination of the results.