bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat and Mass Transfer in an Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamics Al2O3–Water Nanofluid Squeezed Between Two Parallel Radiating Plates Embedded in Porous Media With Chemical Reaction
Authors: Mohamed R. A. , Rida S. Z. , Arafa A. A. M. , Mubarak M. S.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the influence of chemical reaction and heat source/sink on an unsteady magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) nanofluid flow that squeezed between two radiating parallel plates embedded in porous media is investigated analytically. We consider water as base fluid and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) as its nanoparticle. We reduced the basic partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations which are solved by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of the squeeze number, permeability parameter of porous media, Hartmann number, thermal radiation parameter, Prandtl number, heat source/sink parameter, Eckert number, Schmidt number, and scaled parameter of chemical reaction on the flow, heat, and mass transfer are considered and assigned to graphs. The physical quantities such as Sherwood number, Nusselt number, and skin friction coefficient are computed for Al2O3–water, TiO2–water, Ag–water, and Cu–water nanofluids and assigned through graphs.
A Novel Transducer for Measurement of Skin Blood Flow Using Radio Frequency Energy
Authors: I. Latif Saeed , M. Austin Chad , W. Chatham Jeremy , E. Stewart Brent , H. Stubblefield Thomas , A. Nelson David
Published: October 2019

The rate of blood flow in the skin has relevance to several cardiovascular conditions of clinical significance. However, there is no accepted fast, easy way to noninvasively measure the volumetric rate of blood flow per unit tissue volume. Previous work has suggested the potential for using skin heating from radio frequency (RF) energy in the millimeter wave (MMW) band, with simultaneous monitoring of skin surface temperature as a means for noninvasive skin blood flow measurement. This work presents a design and in vitro test results for a simple transducer for MMW blood flow measurement. The transducer consists of a Ka band microstrip antenna and an infrared temperature sensor integrated in a thermoplastic housing. A prototype was tested in a controlled flow chamber, using a commercial tissue phantom material. The device was tested at eight flow rates ranging from 0.25 ml min−1 to 20 ml min−1, equivalent to approximately 10–800 ml min−1·per 100 cm3 of tissue. The differences in temperature increase at exposure time t=60 s were statistically significant (n = 5) so as to allow resolution of flow rates of 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, 10, and 20 ml min−1. The ensemble average of temperature increase versus time over the 60 s exposure window were described by a simple two-parameter lumped model which can be correlated with the flow rate. The flow rate model parameter does not scale directly with the flow in the experimental chamber however. This may suggest limitations either in the model or the experimental procedure.
Stochastic Fatigue Life Prediction Based on a Reduced Data Set
Authors: Celli Dino , Shen M.-H. Herman , Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Holycross Casey , George Tommy
Published: October 2019

The aim of this paper is to provide a novel stochastic life prediction approach capable of predicting the total fatigue life of applied uniaxial stress states from a reduced dataset reliably and efficiently. A previously developed strain energy-based fatigue life prediction method is integrated with the stochastic state space approach for prediction of total cycles to failure. The approach under consideration for this study is the Monte Carlo method (MCM) where input is randomly generated to approximate the output of highly complex systems. The strain energy fatigue life prediction method is used to first approximate SN behavior from a set of two SN data points. This process is repeated with another unique set of SN data points to evaluate and approximate distribution of cycles to failure at a given stress amplitude. Uniform, normal, log-normal, and Weibull distributions are investigated. From the MCM, fatigue data are sampled from the approximated distribution and an SN curve is generated to predict high cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior from low cycle fatigue (LCF) data.
Thermohydrodynamic Performance Evaluation of Recharging, Interrupted and Simple Microchannels: A Comparative Study
Authors: Samal Sangram Kumar , Moharana Manoj Kumar
Published: October 2019

In this study, a three-dimensional numerical investigation on the thermohydrodynamic performance of a recently proposed recharging microchannel (RMC) is carried out. In this design, a straight microchannel is split into more than one smaller length channels (having individual inlet and outlet) placed end to end. This design enhances overall heat transfer and maintains temperature uniformity across the substrate length. The comparison of fluid flow and heat transfer performance of RMC, interrupted microchannel (IMC) and straight microchannel (SMC) with the same hydraulic diameter and substrate length are presented to explore the effect of geometrical configuration on heat transfer enhancement. The parametric variations include the number of channels (n), transverse wall length (Ltw), channel aspect ratio (α), and flow Reynolds number. The results reveal that recharging microchannel shows better thermal performance compared to simple and interrupted microchannel with a maximum performance factor of 1.80. The results also indicate that the performance factor of RMC increases with an increase in the number of small channels, transverse wall length, and channel aspect ratio. The outcome of this study indicates the possible use of recharging microchannel heat sinks for high heat flux removal applications such as electronic cooling.
Simulation of Energy Dissipation and Heat Transfers of a Braking System Using the Discrete Element Method: Role of Roughness and Granular Plateaus
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Dung , Dufrénoy Philippe , Coorevits Patrice
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study focuses on the energy dissipation by friction on the interface of a braking system and the effects of roughness and granular plateaus on heat propagation. Faced with the difficulty of defining velocity accommodation and thermal partition between the two bodies in contact (disk and pad, for example,), the authors model the third body (friction) layer with circular particles detached from the pad. From a numerical point of view, this paper proposes a strategy of storing mechanical calculations in steady-state and using it for successive thermal processing in discrete element method (DEM) code. Thus, the heat is generated due to interparticle friction and is dissipated in the disk/pad interface by conductance. Accordingly, this coupling micro–macro model aims to determine the temperature rise of the pad/disk interface and to identify the equivalent thermal resistance. In line with that, the authors provide discussions of these parameters compared to experimental/empirical data as reported in the literature review and limitations of the model.
Evaluation of Radiation Effects on Residents Living Around the NSRR Under External Hazards
Authors: Motome Yuiko , Akiyama Yoshiya , Murao Hiroyuki
Published: October 2019

The nuclear safety research reactor (NSRR) is a research reactor of training research isotopes general atomics—annular core pulse reactor (TRIGA-ACPR) type, located in the Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI). The NSRR facility has been utilized for fuel irradiation experiments to study the behaviors of nuclear fuels under reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) conditions. Under the new regulation standards, which was established after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, research reactors are regulated based on the risk of the facilities. The graded approach is introduced in the regulation. To apply the graded approach, the radiation effects on residents living around the NSRR under the external hazards were evaluated, and the level of the risk of the NSRR facility was investigated. This paper summarizes the result of the evaluation in the case where the safety functions are lost due to a tornado, an earthquake followed by a tsunami. There is fuel in the reactor core, fresh fuel storage, and spent fuel storage. As the effects from reactor core, we evaluate the external exposure to radiation and exposure from the release of fission products assuming that loss of function to shut down the reactor, break of cladding tubes, loss of reactor pool water, and collapse of the reactor building. As the effects from fresh fuel storage, we evaluate the internal exposure assuming that the fresh fuel particles released into the air because of breaking into pieces. In addition, we evaluate the critical safety assuming that the critical safety shapes of the fresh fuel storage are lost. As the effects from spent fuel storage, we evaluate the critical safety assuming that the critical safety shapes of the spent fuel storage are lost. All in all, the risk is confirmed to be relatively low, since the effective dose on the residents is found to be below 5 mSv per event due to the loss of the safety functions caused by the tornado, earthquake, and the accompanying tsunami.
Solution of Thermoacoustic Eigenvalue Problems With a Noniterative Method
Authors: Buschmann Philip E. , Mensah Georg A. , Nicoud Franck , Moeck Jonas P.
Published: October 2019

Gas turbine combustors are prone to undesirable combustion dynamics in the form of thermoacoustic oscillations. Analysis of the stability of thermoacoustic systems in the frequency domain leads to nonlinear eigenvalue problems (NLEVP); here, “nonlinear” refers to the fact that the eigenvalue, the complex oscillation frequency, appears in a nonlinear fashion. In this paper, we employ a noniterative strategy based on contour integration in the complex eigenvalue plane, which returns all eigenvalues inside the contour. An introduction to the technique is given, and is complemented with guidelines for the specific application to thermoacoustic problems. Two prototypical nonlinear eigenvalue problems are considered: a network model of the classical Rijke tube with an analytic flame response model and a finite element discretization of an annular model combustor with an experimental flame transfer function (FTF). Computation of all eigenvalues in a domain of interest is vital to assess stability of these systems. We demonstrate that this is generally challenging for iterative strategies. An eigenvalue solver based on contour integration, in contrast, provides a reliable, noniterative method to achieve this goal.
Determining the ultimate resolution of scanning electron microscope-based unbiased roughness measurements. I. Simulating noise
Authors: Mack Chris A. , Lorusso Gian F.
Published: October 2019

Measuring line-edge roughness in a top-down scanning electron microscope (SEM) is complicated by noise in the SEM image, which biases the measured roughness. When either the roughness is small or the noise is large, it can become very difficult to separate noise from roughness to produce an unbiased estimate of the feature roughness. Synthetic SEM images with known roughness and noise properties can be used to explore the ultimate limits of SEM-based roughness metrology, but only if the noise in the synthetic images mimics the noise behavior of real images. By carefully analyzing the properties of experimental SEM images as a function of the number of frames of averaging (which directly modulates SEM noise), a noise model is developed. This model uses a Gamma distribution for the grayscale noise and then scales the image so that no more than 0.3% of the pixels are pegged at the maximum grayscale value of 255. The resulting synthetic SEM images mimic experimental SEM images in both signal and noise and will serve as a valuable tool for studying roughness metrology.
Analysis on coupled vibration of piezoelectric ceramic stack with two piezoelectric ceramic elements
Authors: Meng Xiangdi , Lin Shuyu
Published: October 2019

A longitudinally polarized piezoelectric ceramic stack with two piezoelectric ceramic elements is an important part of sandwich piezoelectric transducers. The three-dimensional coupled vibration of piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed. Since the longitudinal and radial dimensions of particular piezoelectric ceramic stacks are approximately equal, one-dimensional theory cannot be used for analysis. The piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed by the equivalent elastic method, which is an approximate analytical method, and it is considered that the coupled vibration of a piezoelectric ceramic stack is composed of equivalent radial and longitudinal vibrations. These two equivalent vibrations are connected by a mechanical coupling coefficient. The radial and longitudinal electromechanical equivalent circuits are obtained, and the resonance frequency equations are derived. The dependency of the radial and longitudinal resonance frequencies on the geometrical dimensions for piezoelectric ceramic stack is analyzed. The height or radius has a large influence on the longitudinal resonance frequency or the radial resonance frequency. Two sets of piezoelectric ceramic stacks are fabricated. The experimental results, COMSOL simulated results, and theoretical results are in good agreement.
Deep transfer learning for source ranging: Deep-sea experiment results
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Ni Haiyan , Su Lin , Hu Tao , Ren Qunyan , Gerstoft Peter , Ma Li
Published: October 2019

A deep transfer learning for underwater source ranging is proposed, which migrates the predictive ability obtained from synthetic environment (source domain) into an experimental sea area (target domain). A deep neural network is first trained on large synthetic datasets generated from historical environmental data, and then part of the neural network is refined on collected data set for source ranging. Its performance is tested on a deep-sea experiment through comparing with convolutional neural networks of different training datasets. Data processing results demonstrate that the ranging accuracy is considerably improved by the proposed method, which can be easily adapted for related areas.
Muscle Damage During a Soccer World Cup Preparatory and Competition Period
Authors: Bok Daniel , Jukić Igor
Published: October 2019

Purpose: To report creatine kinase ([CK]) responses during a soccer World Cup preparatory and first-leg period and to determine the influence of aerobic fitness on postmatch [CK] responses. Methods: Eleven national-team players were analyzed in this study. A lactate threshold test was performed during the first 3 d, whereas fingertip blood was drawn most mornings (21 out of 30 d) for [CK] measurements. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for determining the effect of time on [CK] measurements, whereas Pearson correlation coefficient was used for assessing associations between the changes in [CK] and velocities associated with blood lactate concentrations of 2 (v2) and 4 mmol·L−1 (v4). Results: Peak [CK] concentrations were consistently reached on the first day after the match with values of 474 (261), 520 (419), and 460 (126) U·L−1 but with no significant differences between them. [CK] concentrations returned to prematch values (331 [201] U·L−1) on the second day after the match. The change in [CK] concentration between prematch and postmatch day was largely correlated (r = .614, P = .044) with v2. Conclusions: Top-level soccer players display low levels of muscle damage during official tournaments, and they recover before the next match. Postmatch muscle damage is greater in players with higher aerobic endurance because this fitness quality enables them to execute high-intensity activities known to be a major contributor to muscle damage.
Assessing the Internal Reliability and Construct Validity of the General Movement Competence Assessment for Children
Authors: Ng Jonathan Leo , Button Chris , Collins Dave , Giblin Susan , Kennedy Gavin
Published: October 2019

Validated assessment tools for movement competence typically involve the isolation and reproduction of specific movement forms, which arguably neglects individuals’ ability to combine and adapt movements to overcome constraints within a dynamic environment. A new movement assessment tool, the General Movement Competence Assessment (GMCA), was developed for this study using Microsoft Kinect. Movement competence of 83 children (36 boys and 47 girls), aged 8–10 years (9.06 ± 0.75 years) was measured using the GMCA. An exploratory approach was undertaken to examine the internal consistency reliability (McDonald’s omega coefficient) and factorial structure of the GMCA for the study sample. Factorial structure was determined using exploratory factor analysis by principal component analysis with varimax rotation. For the sample data, reliability for the GMCA games were acceptable (ω = 0.53–0.89) and indicated that combinations of movement attributes were measured by GMCA games. Factorial analysis extracted four movement constructs accounting for 71.31% of variance. Dexterity was tentatively identified as a new independent construct alongside currently accepted movement constructs (i.e., locomotion, object-control, stability). While further development of the GMCA is still required, initial results are encouraging in view of an objective and theoretically informed approach to assess general movement competence in children.
Creating Ethical Decision Makers: The Influence of Education on Perceptions of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth A. , Jones Gareth J. , McCray Kristy , Hardin Robin
Published: October 2019

The sport industry is ripe for issues of sexual harassment/assault due to the high value placed on masculine characteristics and the power differential between male leaders/coaches and female subordinates/athletes. This culture permeates sport organizations, as issues of sexual harassment/assault committed by athletes and coaches/administrators are commonplace and have recently been mishandled, raising questions about effective education. This study examined the relationship between education on sexual harassment/assault and the endorsement of rape myths by sport management students. Results indicate that training on sexual harassment/assault in sport management classrooms is low and is potentially ineffective at curbing rape myth acceptance, suggesting current curricula are insufficient. These findings have both theoretical and practical contributions related to how sport management departments can prepare future professionals to change the culture of sport.
Synthetic dissipation and cascade fluxes in a turbulent quantum gas
Authors: Navon Nir , Eigen Christoph , Zhang Jinyi , Lopes Raphael , Gaunt Alexander L. , Fujimoto Kazuya , Tsubota Makoto , Smith Robert P. , Hadzibabic Zoran
Published: October 2019

Down and down the energy cascade

Injecting energy into a turbulent system at large length scales results in the energy cascading down and eventually dissipating at a characteristic small length scale. In conventional fluids, this small scale is set by fluid viscosity. Navon
et al.
studied the turbulence energy cascade in a quantum gas, a Bose-Einstein condensate of rubidium-87 atoms held in a uniform trap. Dissipation occurred by atoms escaping from the trap at a scale that could be tuned by varying the height of the trapping potential. Thanks to the flexibility of their setup, the researchers were able to study both the steady state, in which energy is injected at the same rate it is dissipated, and the transient regime preceding the steady state.

Science
, this issue p.
382
Mineralogical control on the fate of continentally derived organic matter in the ocean
Authors: Blattmann T. M. , Liu Z. , Zhang Y. , Zhao Y. , Haghipour N. , Montluçon D. B. , Plötze M. , Eglinton T. I.
Published: October 2019

Bound to rock

Organic matter binds to phyllosilicates, a process which affects both its transport and chemical stability. How does that affect the fate of terrestrial organic carbon that enters the ocean? Blattmann
et al.
show that organic carbon derived from soils is stripped from mineral surfaces upon discharge and dispersal into the ocean, whereas organic matter derived from ancient rocks is preserved there. Their results show that preservation of continentally derived organic matter in marine sediments is controlled largely by phyllosilicate mineralogy.

Science
, this issue p.
742
A metagenomic strategy for harnessing the chemical repertoire of the human microbiome
Authors: Sugimoto Yuki , Camacho Francine R. , Wang Shuo , Chankhamjon Pranatchareeya , Odabas Arman , Biswas Abhishek , Jeffrey Philip D. , Donia Mohamed S.
Published: October 2019

Prospecting for drugs in the microbiome

The microbiome is an important source of natural products that can profoundly influence health and disease in the host. Sugimoto
et al.
constructed a modular, probabilistic strategy called
MetaBGC
to uncover biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in human microbiome samples (see the Perspective by Henke and Clardy). The authors found geographic and strain-specific distributions of BGCs. By zeroing in on two type II aromatic polyketides, the native organisms were identified, the BGCs were reconstructed in
Streptomyces
, and the products were characterized. When expressed in
Bacillus subtilis
, the products resembled currently used anticancer drugs and antibiotics. These polyketides were not cytotoxic but had inhibitory activity against oral Gram-positive bacteria, which may reflect the niche and ecology of the originating organisms.

Science
, this issue p.
eaax9176
; see also p.
1309
A Pharmacology Perspective on Simultaneous Tuberculosis and Hepatitis C Treatment
Authors: Kempker Russell R. , Alghamdi Wael A. , Al-Shaer Mohammad H. , Burch Gena , Peloquin Charles A.
Published: October 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are both major public health problems. Despite high rates of coinfection, there is scarce literature addressing the convergence of the two diseases. One particularly unexplored area is the potential for simultaneous treatment of TB and HCV which would allow for leveraging an extensive global TB treatment infrastructure to help scale up HCV treatment.
Splenic Innate B1 B Cell Plasmablasts Produce Sustained Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor and Interleukin-3 Cytokines during Murine Malaria Infections
Authors: Chin Shu Shien , Chorro Laurent , Chan John , Lauvau Grégoire
Published: October 2019

The physiopathology of malaria, one of the most deadly human parasitic diseases worldwide, is complex, as it is a systemic disease involving multiple parasitic stages and hosts and leads to the activation of numerous immune cells and release of inflammatory mediators.
MgrA Negatively Impacts Staphylococcus aureus Invasion by Regulating Capsule and FnbA
Authors: Lei Mei G. , Gudeta Dereje D. , Luong Thanh T. , Lee Chia Y.
Published: October 2019

Virulence genes are regulated by a complex regulatory network inStaphylococcus aureus. Some of the regulators are global in nature and affect many downstream genes. MgrA is a multiple-gene regulator that has been shown to activate genes involved in capsule biosynthesis and repress surface protein genes. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the biological significance of MgrA regulation of capsule and surface proteins.
Critical Role of B Cells in Toll-Like Receptor 7-Mediated Protection against Listeria monocytogenes Infection
Authors: Kayraklioglu Neslihan , Horuluoglu Begum , Elango Madhivanan , Klinman Dennis M.
Published: October 2019

Toll-like receptors (TLR) trigger the immune system to mount a rapid innate response capable of protecting the host from a wide variety of bacterial and viral pathogens. There is interest in harnessing TLR agonists to reduce the susceptibility of at-risk populations to infection. However, the widespread prophylactic use of TLR agonists has been compromised by the need to administer them by parenteral injection.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals: Latest Trends and Treatments Based on Bacteriophages
Authors: Álvarez Andrea , Fernández Lucía , Gutiérrez Diana , Iglesias Beatriz , Rodríguez Ana , García Pilar
Published: October 2019

Even though antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a natural phenomenon, the alarming increase in pathogenic bacteria refractory to a wide range of antimicrobials is attracting attention worldwide. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published a list of priority pathogens for which new antimicrobial alternatives are urgently needed. Among these pathogens, methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains are perhaps the best known by the general public.
Molecular Diagnosis of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
Pneumonia by Use of Oral Wash Samples in Immunocompromised Patients: Usefulness and Importance of the DNA Target
Authors: Goterris Lidia , Mancebo Fernández Miguel Angel , Aguilar-Company Juan , Falcó Vicenç , Ruiz-Camps Isabel , Martín-Gómez M. Teresa
Published: October 2019

Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia (PJP) is an important cause of pneumonia in the HIV-negative immunocompromised population, for whom the fungal load is low, the differential diagnosis is difficult, and a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample is often not readily available. Molecular techniques have improved the microbiological diagnosis in this scenario.
Variability in Azithromycin Susceptibility Results for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Obtained Using Gradient MIC Strip and Agar Dilution Techniques
Authors: McAuliffe Gary N. , Smith Marian , Cooper Gavin , Forster Rose F. , Roberts Sally A.
Published: October 2019

Azithromycin is a component of empirical treatment regimens for
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
infections, but antimicrobial susceptibility testing for this agent is technically challenging. We compared the intertest variability, MIC values, and CLSI/EUCAST categorization of clinical and reference isolates of
N. gonorrhoeae
treated with azithromycin by testing 107 clinical isolates and nine reference isolates by agar dilution and in duplicates using MIC test strips (Liofilchem, Italy) and Etests (bioMérieux, France).
Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific CD8 T Cells Selectively Infiltrate the Brain in Multiple Sclerosis and Interact Locally with Virus-Infected Cells: Clue for a Virus-Driven Immunopathological Mechanism
Authors: Serafini Barbara , Rosicarelli Barbara , Veroni Caterina , Mazzola Gina Adriana , Aloisi Francesca
Published: October 2019

EBV establishes a lifelong and asymptomatic infection in most individuals and more rarely causes infectious mononucleosis and malignancies, like lymphomas. The virus is also strongly associated with MS, a chronic neuroinflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Infectious mononucleosis increases the risk of developing MS, and immune reactivity toward EBV is higher in persons with MS, indicating inadequate control of the virus. Previous studies have suggested that persistent EBV infection in the CNS stimulates an immunopathological response, causing bystander neural cell damage. To verify this, we need to identify the immune culprits responsible for the detrimental antiviral response in the CNS. In this study, we analyzed postmortem brains donated by persons with MS and show that CD8 cytotoxic T cells recognizing EBV enter the brain and interact locally with the virus-infected cells. This antiviral CD8 T cell-mediated immune response likely contributes to MS pathology.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain AW7, Isolated from a Patient with Bacteremia
Authors: Cameron David R. , Ramette Alban , Prazak Josef , Entenza José , Haenggi Matthias , Que Yok-Ai , Resch Grégory
Published: October 2019

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strain AW7 is a commonly used challenge strain in experimental models of MRSA infection. Here, we report its draft genome sequence.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a Pollen-Associated Virus Belonging to the
Secoviridae
Family Recovered from a Japanese Apricot (
Prunus mume
) Metagenome Data Set
Authors: Fetters Andrea M. , Cantalupo Paul G. , Ashman Tia-Lynn , Pipas James M.
Published: October 2019

We report the coding-complete genome sequence of
Japanese apricot pollen-associated secovirus 1
(JAPSV1), a virus belonging to the
Secoviridae
family, recovered from Japanese apricot (
Prunus mume
) pollen that is closely related to
Peach leaf pitting-associated virus
(PLPAV). This discovery adds to the number of known pollen-associated viruses.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of
Mycobacterium tilburgii
Strain MEPHI
Authors: Saad Jamal , Drancourt Michel , Hannan Margaret M. , Stapleton Patrick J. , Grandjean Lapierre Simon
Published: October 2019

Mycobacterium tilburgii
is a fastidious mycobacterium which has previously been reported to cause severe disseminated infections. Genome sequencing of the
M. tilburgii
MEPHI clinical isolate yielded 3.14 Mb, with 66.3% GC content, and confirmed phylogenetic placement within the
Mycobacterium simiae
complex.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage Finny, Isolated from a Microbacterium foliorum Culture
Authors: Lee Tiffany , Aguirre Michaela , Andrews Shey , Bahr Kayla , Ballard Abigail , Bristerpostma Matthew , Cox Faith , Dowell Leah , Kiker David , Lujan Tiffany , Luka Stacy , Ramirez Abbigal , Sandoval Rheaven , Underhill Kenneth , Murphy Haze , Cabrera Cecilia , Edwards Dustin
Published: October 2019

Actinobacteriophage Finny contains a circularly permuted 40,313-bp double-stranded DNA genome with 63 predicted protein-coding genes. Finny was directly isolated from a soil sample collected in New Braunfels, Texas, that was incubated with
Microbacterium foliorum
SEA B-24224. Finny is closely related to bacteriophages MCubed, Andromedas, ColaCorta, Eleri, and Sansa.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio natriegens Phage Phriendly
Authors: Clark James , Awah Adey , Moreland Russell , Liu Mei , Gill Jason J. , Ramsey Jolene
Published: October 2019

Vibrio natriegens
is a fast-growing marine bacterium of interest for biotechnology applications. Here, we describe the isolation and genome annotation of
V. natriegens
podophage Phriendly. Among the 72 predicted coding genes and 1 tRNA, Phriendly’s 50,218-bp genome has low sequence identity to known phages.
Colorectal cancer screening with faecal immunochemical testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: a microsimulation modelling study
Authors: Buskermolen Maaike , Cenin Dayna R , Helsingen Lise M , Guyatt Gordon , Vandvik Per Olav , Haug Ulrike , Bretthauer Michael , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris
Published: October 2019

Objective

To estimate benefits and harms of different colorectal cancer screening strategies, stratified by (baseline) 15-year colorectal cancer risk.

Design

Microsimulation modelling study using MIcrosimulation SCreening ANalysis-Colon (MISCAN-Colon).

Setting

A parallel guideline committee (
BMJ
Rapid Recommendations) defined the time frame and screening interventions, including selection of outcome measures.

Population

Norwegian men and women aged 50-79 years with varying 15-year colorectal cancer risk (1-7%).

Comparisons

Four screening strategies were compared with no screening: biennial or annual faecal immunochemical test (FIT) or single sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at 100% adherence.

Main outcome measures

Colorectal cancer mortality and incidence, burdens, and harms over 15 years of follow-up. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

Results

Over 15 years of follow-up, screening individuals aged 50-79 at 3% risk of colorectal cancer with annual FIT or single colonoscopy reduced colorectal cancer mortality by 6 per 1000 individuals. Single sigmoidoscopy and biennial FIT reduced it by 5 per 1000 individuals. Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and annual FIT reduced colorectal cancer incidence by 10, 8, and 4 per 1000 individuals, respectively. The estimated incidence reduction for biennial FIT was 1 per 1000 individuals. Serious harms were estimated to be between 3 per 1000 (biennial FIT) and 5 per 1000 individuals (colonoscopy); harms increased with older age. The absolute benefits of screening increased with increasing colorectal cancer risk, while harms were less affected by baseline risk. Results were sensitive to the setting defined by the guideline panel. Because of uncertainty associated with modelling assumptions, we applied a GRADE rating of low certainty evidence to all estimates.

Conclusions

Over a 15 year period, all screening strategies may reduce colorectal cancer mortality to a similar extent. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy may also reduce colorectal cancer incidence, while FIT shows a smaller incidence reduction. Harms are rare and of similar magnitude for all screening strategies.
Bereavement support effectiveness for parents of infants and children: a systematic review
Authors: Ainscough Tom , Fraser Lorna , Taylor Joanna , Beresford Bryony , Booth Alison
Published: October 2019

Objectives

This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of bereavement support interventions (BSIs) for parents of an infant or a child who has died from a medical condition or in unforeseen circumstances.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL (1980 to January 2018) was performed to identify studies investigating BSIs for the parents of children who died between the ages of 24 weeks gestation and 30 years. Due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity between studies, a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

The database searches returned 24 550 records, with a further 6 identified through other sources. Of these, eight studies, reported in nine papers, met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in the USA (n=5) and in perinatal/neonatal deaths (n=6). Five of the included studies were randomised controlled trials and three were non-randomised comparative studies. Interventions were delivered to groups, individuals or families. Outcomes of interest were grief, mental health, physical health and ‘others’. There were major concerns over the quality of study methods and reporting. Only three of the nine studies reported a significant difference between experimental and control arm participants in any outcomes, despite a total of 23 outcomes being measured.

Conclusions

Poor methodology and reporting of the few studies which have assessed BSIs for parents limit any conclusions on their effectiveness. Agreement on core outcomes and more robust study methodology are required in this neglected area of research.
Long-term analgesic pharmacotherapy in addiction to intranasal fentanyl
Authors: Olczak Bartlomiej , Zaforemska Anna , Cialkowska-Rysz Aleksandra
Published: October 2019

Objective

The risk of inappropriate use of opioid drugs increases, especially the short-acting ones. The risk of addiction in patients with cancer with a relatively good prognosis is a challenge. The aim of the study is to evaluate the decision to continue therapy with a short-acting fentanyl.

Methods

The study concerns a 49-year-old male patient with an advanced neuroendocrine tumour in the pre-sacral region. The research method includes the medical history and physical examination, an analysis of the patient’s medical record and a self-designed questionnaire to assess the degree of dependence on opioid drugs.

Results

The analysis of the results of the survey confirmed the patient’s dependence on opioid drugs. He gave positive answers to 16 out of 19 questions in the survey.

Conclusion

Despite an addiction, the improvement of life quality is of the utmost importance. Therefore, decision to continue the intranasal fentanyl therapy is justified because of toleration and a high satisfactory effect.
Physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical services augment ground ambulance paediatric airway management in urban areas: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Garner Alan A , Bennett Nicholas , Weatherall Andrew , Lee Anna
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Paediatric intubation is a high-risk procedure for ground emergency medical services (GEMS). Physician-staffed helicopter EMS (PS-HEMS) may bring additional skills, drugs and equipment to the scene including advanced airway management beyond the scope of GEMS even in urban areas with short transport times. This study aimed to evaluate prehospital paediatric intubation performed by a PS-HEMS when dispatched to assist GEMS in a large urban area and examine how often PS-HEMS provided airway intervention that was not or could not be provided by GEMS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study from July 2011 to December 2016 of a PS-HEMS in a large urban area (Sydney, Australia), which responds in parallel to GEMS. GEMS intubate without adjuvant neuromuscular blockade, whereas the PS-HEMS use neuromuscular blockade and anaesthetic agents. We examined endotracheal intubation success rate, first-look success rate and complications for the PS-HEMS and contrasted this with the advanced airway interventions provided by GEMS prior to PS-HEMS arrival.

Results

Overall intubation success rate was 62/62 (100%) and first-look success was 59/62 (95%) in the PS-HEMS-treated group, whereas the overall success rate was 2/7 (29%) for the GEMS group. Peri-intubation hypoxia was documented in 5/65 (8%) of the PS-HEMS intubation attempts but no other complications were reported. However, 3/7 (43%) of the attempted intubations by GEMS were oesophageal intubations, two of which were unrecognised.

Conclusions

PS-HEMS have high success with low complication rates in paediatric prehospital intubation. Even in urban areas with rapid GEMS response, PS-HEMS activated in parallel can provide safe and timely advanced prehospital airway management for seriously ill and injured children beyond the scope of GEMS practice. Review of GEMS airway management protocols and the PS-HEMS case identification and dispatch system in Sydney is warranted.
CNS Inflammatory Demyelinating Disorders: MS, NMOSD and MOG Antibody Associated Disease
Authors: Rosenthal Jacqueline F , Hoffman Benjamin M , Tyor William R
Published: October 2019

Although Multiple Sclerosis is the most common central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disorder, other CNS inflammatory disorders should be included as diagnostic considerations. Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease are less common but share some clinical characteristics, such as optic neuritis and myelitis, which can make a specific diagnosis challenging. However, these disorders have distinctive and generally different clinical phenotypes, prognosis and management. It is imperative to distinguish each from one another, especially since the treatments (not discussed in this review) can be different. The advent of reliable testing for anti-aquaporin-4 for NMOSD and anti-MOG antibodies has helped significantly; however, diagnosis can remain challenging, especially in sero-negative cases. Clinical indicators are important to guide diagnostic work-up. Careful review of the history, neurological exam, imaging, and/or spinal fluid results are essential to making an accurate diagnosis. In this review, we will examine the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and natural history of these inflammatory CNS disorders.
Survival and fertility of bitches undergoing caesarean section
Authors: Conze Theresa , Jurczak Andrzej , Fux Vanessa , Socha Piotr , Wehrend Axel , Janowski Tomasz
Published: October 2019

Background

With the increasing popularity of planned caesarean section, the need for knowledge regarding this surgery has become increasingly important. The reported death and survival rates for caesarean sections vary widely. Another important aspect is the fertility rate in subsequent oestrous after caesarean section. The aim of this study was to investigate the mortality and survival rate of bitches during caesarean section. Additionally, the fertility of bitches after caesarean sections was determined.

Methods

Caesarean sections which were performed in the years 1997–2009 at two university clinics were evaluated retrospectively. A distinction was made between bitches in which a conservative caesarean section was performed and bitches with a caesarean section followed by an ovariohysterectomy.

Results

A total of 482 caesarean sections were included in the study. The overall mortality rate was 3.11 per cent, with 2.59 per cent during or after a conservative caesarean section and 4.19 per cent during or after caesarean section with ovariohysterectomy. The reason for ovariohysterectomy was the owner's preference in 63 bitches (47.01 per cent); in 71 (52.98 per cent) bitches, ovariohysterectomy was performed due to a medical indication. The fertility rate after caesarean section was 100 per cent.

Conclusion

The results show a high mortality rate during and after caesarean section. On the other hand, caesarean section does not seem to have a big impact on further fertility. Further studies are needed to investigate possible reduction of litter sizes and the suitability of caesarean section in subsequent pregnancies.
Treatment of clinical Brachyspira hyodysenteriae with zinc chelate in pigs: a blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lammers Gerwen , van Berkel Robbert , Roijackers Daisy , Vulders Carly , Brouwer‐Middelesch Henriëtte , van Hout Jobke
Published: October 2019

Background

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection in pigs (‘swine dysentery’) leads to decreased feed conversion, growth losses and mortality. Current countermeasures have the downside of antibiotic resistance (antibiotics) and ecotoxicity (zinc oxide). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel zinc chelate (Intra Dysovinol (ID)) on clinical signs of swine dysentery and shedding of B hyodysenteriae under field conditions.

Methods

In a randomised, double‐blinded, controlled trial under Good Clinical Practice on two commercial farms, 58 B hyodysenteriae positive pigs from 16 pens received drinking water containing ID, or placebo, during six consecutive days. Faecal quality (consistency, colour, additions) was scored and faeces were analysed for presence of B hyodysenteriae by PCR. ID treatment positively affected faecal quality (consistency) and daily growth rates.

Results

At the last treatment day, B hyodysenteriae was not detectable in the faeces of any of the ID‐treated animals, while all placebo animals remained B hyodysenteriae positive by PCR. All ID‐treated animals recovered, while 5 placebo‐treated animals died and 12 placebo pigs required additional treatment before the end of the study (up to 14 days after treatment start).

Conclusion

This non‐antibiotic treatment stopped the clinical signs and shedding of B hyodysenteriae in naturally infected pigs.
‘Longer jail terms are unlikely to be effective’
Authors: Simmons Alick
Published: October 2019

Alick Simmons argues that increasing maximum sentencing for animal welfare offences will not be an effective deterrent and that preventing offences occurring in the first place should be the priority.
Optimizing axillary shoot culture as a short-term conservation method for American chestnut (Castanea dentata)
Authors: Lovat Christie-Anna , Donnelly Danielle J.
Published: October 2019

Protocols were investigated in the short-term conservation of Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. to maximize axillary shoot multiplication rates at the genotype level and to reduce the incidence of shoot tip necrosis (STN). Factors investigated included explant growth stage (embryo, seedling, and mature stages) of the source material and two culture incubation temperatures (21 ± 1 °C and 31 ± 1 °C). Multiplication rate was measured across 22 genotypes. The role of 6-benzylaminopurine (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 μmol·L–1), calcium (3.0 and 6.0 mmol·L–1), boron (0.025 mmol·L–1), magnesium (3.0 mmol·L–1), and gelling agent (agar, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 g·L–1; gellan gum, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 g·L–1) on STN was investigated. Genotypes derived from 4-month-old seedlings had the greatest overall multiplication rate (7.87 ± 0.38 at 6 weeks). Temperature affected multiplication rate in three of eight genotypes tested, with multiplication rate greater at 21 ± 1 °C for one genotype and greater at 31 ± 1 °C for two genotypes. Multiplication rates differed significantly between genotypes and ranged from 1.45× at 12 weeks to 13.25× at 6 weeks. Incidence of STN was decreased to 1.40% ± 0.02% at 4.0 μmol·L–16-benzylaminopurine. The development of an efficient axillary shoot culture system for C. dentata greatly benefits current conservation efforts.
Early seral pathways of vegetation change following repeated short-interval, high-severity wildfire in a low-elevation, mixed conifer – hardwood forest landscape of the Klamath Mountains, California
Authors: McCord Millen , Reilly Matthew J. , Butz Ramona J. , Jules Erik S.
Published: October 2019

We compared early seral development between stands subject to single and repeated high-severity wildfire in low-elevation, mixed conifer – hardwood forests in the Klamath Mountains, California, USA. We used a before–after, control–impact (BACI) approach to assess changes in the density of conifer regeneration and the cover of multiple components of vegetation structure (conifers, hardwoods, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids) and compare pathways of seral development between plots that burned once and plots that burned twice. Fifty-three field plots were established 6 years following a high-severity fire in 2004. Nineteen of these plots experienced a second high-severity wildfire 11 years later (2015), and all plots were remeasured in 2016–2017. Conifer regeneration was abundant following the first fire but was greatly reduced by the second fire. Plots that did not reburn increased in conifer, hardwood, and shrub cover, whereas plots that reburned increased in forb cover and decreased in shrub, hardwood, and conifer cover. Despite conifer loss, we found little evidence of shifts to nonforested states following repeated fire due to resilience of resprouting hardwoods. Our results indicate that repeated high-severity fire has the potential to protract early seral development and catalyze transitions from mixed conifer – hardwood forest to hardwood-dominated early seral conditions.
Soil properties in northern temperate pastures do not vary with management practices and are independent of rangeland health
Authors: Pyle Lysandra A. , Hall Linda M. , Bork Edward W.
Published: October 2019

Studies examining the influence of disturbance and management history on pasture soils across a large sampling area are uncommon. We report on the soil properties found in 102 northern temperate pastures sampled in central Alberta, Canada, and relate these attributes to ongoing pasture management practices compiled from producer surveys and aboveground measures of rangeland health (RH). Tame pastures, typically seeded to introduced forages, were associated with higher soil fertility (total carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter) than semi-native grasslands, which were associated with coarse-textured soils. Soil properties remained independent of most grazing and pasture management practices, including the grazing systems, class of livestock, fertilization, and stocking rate. However, manure application, often combined with harrowing, was associated with improved soil fertility and increased electrical conductivity (salinity). Soils with a fire history reported by land managers, largely in the Boreal natural region, were characterized by a greater soil C:N ratio. Soil surface properties (litter cover, litter depth, and bare soil) were responsive to grazing management, with growing season and year-round grazing associated with a thinner litter layer having less cover, and bare ground twice as high under continuous grazing compared with pastures rotationally grazed. Further, variation in soil surface cover was associated with contrasting RH classes (healthy, healthy with problems, and unhealthy), whereas soil attributes remained unrelated to RH. This study demonstrates that soils within these northern temperate grasslands are relatively insensitive to many pasture management practices, and highlights that existing RH assessments may provide limited insight into differences in mineral soil properties.