bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase III long‐term study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ulipristal acetate in Japanese patients with uterine fibroids
Authors: Osuga Yutaka , Nakano Yasuaki , Yamauchi Yuji , Murakawa Hitoshi
Published: June 2021

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of long‐term intermittent administration of 10‐mg ulipristal acetate (UPA) for symptomatic uterine fibroids in Japanese women.

Methods

Open‐label, noncomparative study (Japan Primary Registries Network identifier: JapicCTI‐173737) conducted at 32 gynecological centers (November 2017–December 2019). Premenopausal women diagnosed with uterine fibroids associated with heavy menstrual bleeding received three 12‐week courses of 10‐mg UPA once daily. Amenorrhea, fibroid volume, endometrial histology, and safety were assessed.

Results

Of 155 patients enrolled, 140 received ≥1 dose of UPA and were analyzed. Across all courses, the rates of patients with amenorrhea for 35 days were >90%, and >99% of patients achieved uterine bleeding normalization. Median time to amenorrhea after each course started was 4–5 days; menstruation returned after treatment within a median of 25–27 days. Mean changes in fibroid volume from baseline were −21.5%, −31.4%, and −35.0% for Courses 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Patients experienced sustained improvements in anemia, pain, and quality of life during treatment. Most adverse events were mild/moderate in severity and decreased in frequency with each course. Seven serious adverse events (six patients) were reported; anemia, embolic cerebral infarction, and pituitary apoplexy (one patient each) were considered UPA‐related. Nonphysiological changes in endometrial histology were transient and benign. No safety concerns were detected in hormone concentrations or liver function tests.

Conclusions

Long‐term administration of 10‐mg UPA is effective for reducing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids in Japanese women. UPA was well tolerated and few safety concerns were reported.
Estimating in vitro ruminal ammonia‐N using multiple linear models and artificial neural networks based on the CNCPS nitrogenous fractions of cattle rations with low concentrate/roughage ratios
Authors: Dong Ruilan , Sun Guoqiang , Yu Guanghui
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the in vitro ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) concentration and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) N‐fractions of feeds for cattle and further compare the performance of developing multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models in estimating the NH3‐N concentration in rumen fermentation. Two data sets were established, of which the training data set containing forty‐five rations for cattle with concentrate/roughage ratios of 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80 and 10:90 used for developing models and the test data set containing ten other rations with the same concentrate/roughage ratios with the training data set were used for validating of models. The NH3‐N concentrations of feed samples were measured using an in vitro incubation technique. The CNCPS N‐fractions (g), for example PB1 (rapidly degraded true protein), PB2 (neutral detergent soluble nitrogen), PB3 (acid detergent soluble nitrogen) of rations, were calculated based on chemical analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that the NH3‐N concentration (mg) was significantly correlated with the CNCPS N‐fractions (g) PB1, PB2 and PB3 in a multiple linear pattern: NH3‐N = (130.70±33.80) PB1 + (155.83±17.89) PB2 ‐ (85.44±37.69) PB3 + (42.43±1.05), R2 = 0.77, p < 0.0001, n = 45. The results indicated that both MLR and ANN models were suitable for predicting in vitro NH3‐N concentration of rations using CNCPS N‐fractions PB1, PB2, and PB3 as independent variables while the neural network model showed better performance in terms of greater r2, CCC and lower RMSPE between the observed and predicted values.
Aquinas on the Role of Another in Perfect Self‐Knowledge
Authors: Higgins Michael Joseph
Published: June 2021

Aquinas is clear that human intellect can only know itself through knowing others. Yet he seems to treat this need for others as a mark of imperfection: both angels and God can know themselves through themselves, and their intellects seem therefore to be more perfect than ours. In this article, however, I focus first on Thomas’s teaching on angels’ morning and evening knowledge, where he suggests that angels only know themselves perfectly if they know themselves in Another. Second, I turn to his theology of the Word, where he suggests that the Father only ever knows Himself in knowing another Person. By exploring these areas of Thomas’s thought, I argue that to know oneself perfectly is to know oneself in another.
Young's Modulus of Bilateral Infraspinatus Tendon Measured in Different Postures by Shear Wave Elastography Before and After Exercise
Authors: Yu Menglei , Wu Jiayi , Hou Jingyi , Tang Yiyong , Li Fangqi , Zhou Chuanhai , Li Qingyue , Long Yi , Zhang Congda , Zhang Yuanhao , Alike Yamuhanmode , Ou Bing , Yang Rui
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the Young's modulus value of infraspinatus tendons using shear wave elastography (SWE) technique in normal adults, and to analyze the influence of gender, postures, exercise, and dominant side on Young's modulus of infraspinatus tendons.

Methods

This is a prospective cross‐sectional study. From January 2019 to July 2020, 14 healthy subjects were identified, including seven males and seven females aged between 24 to 34, with a mean age of 27.67 ± 3.08 years. The Young's modulus of their infraspinatus tendons was measured by two operators using SWE in neutral and maximum external rotation positions of both sides before exercise and the dominant side after exercise. The Young's modulus values in different sexes, different postures, before vs after exercise, and dominant vs non‐dominant side were statistically analyzed.

Results

All 14 subjects completed the data collection process. The mean Young's modulus values of infraspinatus tendon for dominant sides in neutral position were 33.04 ± 3.01 kPa for males and 28.76 ± 3.09 kPa for females. And for non‐dominant sides in the neutral position, the values were 33.02 ± 2.38 kPa for males and 28.86 ± 2.47 kPa for females. In the maximum external rotation position, the values for dominant sides were 50.19 ± 4.86 kPa for males and 42.79 ± 4.44 kPa for females, and for non‐dominant sides were 50.95 ± 3.24 kPa for males and 42.42 ± 3.66 kPa for females. After exercise, the mean Young's modulus values of infraspinatus tendon for dominant sides in neutral position were 54.56 ± 3.76 kPa for males and 46.66 ± 5.99 kPa for females. And for the maximum external rotation position, the values were 59.13 ± 3.78 kPa for males and 54.49 ± 5.67 kPa for females. The Young's modulus of infraspinatus tendon in the neutral and maximum external rotation positions showed statistically significant differences in males and females, as well as before and after exercise (P < 0.05). However, the difference in Young's modulus between the dominant and non‐dominant sides was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Intergroup reliability between both operators was excellent (ICC > 0.85).

Conclusion

There are gender‐related differences and post‐exercise increase in Young's modulus, yet such a difference cannot be witnessed between the dominant and non‐dominant sides.
Expansion of Spinal Canal with Lift‐Open Laminoplasty: A New Method for Compression Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study is to introduce lift‐open laminoplasty and verify the increase of the spinal canal area following this surgical technique according to the preoperative anatomical measurement.

Methods

There are 82 patients (43 male and 39 female) analyzed in our study from January 2019 to December 2020. The average age was 63.2 ± 3.21 years (from 41 to 84 years). All of them were treated with open‐door laminoplasty, with a decompression segment range from C3 to C6. The increase of the spinal canal area after open‐door laminoplasty was measured on postoperative CT images of the patients, and the distances between both lamina‐facet junctions and lamina length was measured on preoperative CT images. Using the Pythagorean theorem for the equation of calculation area after the expansile open‐door laminoplasty. Based on previous measurement parameters, spinous process length, lateral mass width, distance between osteotomy line and lamina‐facet junctions line were additionally measured on preoperative CT images. Pythagorean theorem was used for calculating the area after the expansile lift‐open laminoplasty. The results were recorded and a statistical analysis was undertaken. Then, there were six patients (five male and one female) treated with lift‐open laminoplasty on C6, open‐door on C3–C5, who suffer from cervical spondylotic myelopathy from December 2020 to January 2021. The average age was 60.3 ± 1.7 years (from 56 to 71 years). Operation time, blood loss, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score recovery rate were recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed.

Results

The increase of the spinal canal area after open‐door laminoplasty measured on postoperative CT images was 123.01 ± 17.06 mm2 and the calculation of the increase of the spinal canal areausing the Pythagorean theorem after open‐door laminoplasty was 122.86 ± 15.86 mm2. A comparison of the actual value with calculative value showed no significant difference (T value = 0.057, P value = 0.955). The calculation of the increase of the spinal canal area after lift‐open laminoplasty was 183.57 ± 62.99 mm2, which was larger than that after open‐door laminoplasty (T value = 8.462, P value < 0.001). Mean operation time was 153.3 min and operative blood loss was 600 mL of the six patients treated with lift‐open laminoplasty. At 1 month follow‐up, all patients had recovered well. JOA score recovery rate was 37.6% and no intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

Lift‐open laminoplasty could preserve nearly 100% of extensor muscle, avoid damaging C7 paraspinal muscles and C6‐7 posterior muscle‐ligament complex, reconstruct the spinous process firmly in the midline, and expand adequate spinal canal area after operation. These advantages could reduce the incidence rate of complications and bring better clinical results than traditional laminoplasty.
Modulation of polyamine metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana by salicylic acid
Authors: Rossi Franco R. , Gárriz Andrés , Marina María , Pieckenstain Fernando L.
Published: June 2021

Polyamines (PAs) play important roles in plant defense against pathogens, but the regulation of PA metabolism by hormone‐mediated defense signaling pathways has not been studied in depth. In this study, the modulation of PA metabolism by salicylic acid (SA) was analyzed in Arabidopsis by combining the exogenous application of this hormone with PA biosynthesis and SA synthesis/signaling mutants. SA induced notable modifications of PA metabolism, mainly consisting in putrescine (Put) accumulation both in whole‐plant extracts and apoplastic fluids. Put was accumulated at the expense of increased biosynthesis by ARGININE DECARBOXYLASE 2 and decreased oxidation by copper amine oxidase. Enhancement of Put levels by SA was independent of the regulatory protein NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENES 1 (NPR1) and the signaling kinases MKK4 and MPK3, but depended on MPK6. However, plant infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 elicited Put accumulation in an SA‐dependent way. The present study demonstrates a clear connection between SA signaling and plant PA metabolism in Arabidopsis and contributes to understanding the mechanisms by which SA modulates PA levels during plant‐pathogen interactions.
Anti‐IgE therapy inhibits chemotaxis, proliferation and transformation of circulating fibrocytes in patients with severe allergic asthma
Authors: Wang Chun‐Hua , Weng Chih‐Ming , Huang Tzu‐Ting , Lee Meng‐Jung , Lo Chun‐Yu , Chen Mei‐Chuan , Chou Chun‐Liang , Kuo Han‐Pin
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

Circulating fibrocytes act as precursors of myofibroblasts, contribute to airway remodelling in chronic asthma and migrate to injured tissues by expressing CXCR4 and CCR7. Anti‐IgE therapy improves severe allergic asthma (SAA) control and airway remodelling in T2‐high SAA. The effects of anti‐IgE therapy on fibrocyte activities were investigated in this study.

Methods

The expression of CCR7, CXCR4, ST2 and α‐SMA (α‐smooth muscle actin) in both circulating and cultured fibrocytes from all patients with asthma was measured, and was repeated after omalizumab treatment in SAA. Fibrocytes recruitment, proliferation and transformation were also measured in response to anti‐IgE therapy.

Results

Omalizumab effectively improved asthma control and pulmonary function in T2‐high SAA, associated with a decline in serum levels of IL‐33 and IL‐13. Omalizumab down‐regulates CXCR4 and CCR7 expression of fibrocytes, which could suppress fibrocyte recruitment into the lungs. Omalizumab also suppressed the increased number of fibrocytes and α‐SMA+ fibrocytes within the cultured non‐adherent non‐T (NANT) cells after 3–7 days of culture. The decrease in serum levels of IL‐33 by omalizumab contributed to the effectiveness in inhibiting fibrocyte recruitment, proliferation and myofibroblast transformation through IL‐33/ST2 axis. The elevated IL‐13 expression in SAA patients potentiated the effects of IL‐33 by increasing ST2 expression.

Conclusion

Omalizumab reduced the number of circulating fibrocytes, cell and number of fibrocytes as well as α‐SMA+ fibrocytes after 3–7 days of culture in SAA patients. IL‐33 and IL‐13 may be implicated in the effectiveness of omalizumab in inhibiting fibrocyte activation contributing partly to the clinical benefits in reducing lamina propria and basement membrane thickening.
Anti‐pollution effects of two antioxidants and a chelator—Ex vivo electron spin resonance and in vivo cigarette smoke model assessments in human skin
Authors: Bielfeldt Stephan , Jung Katinka , Laing Sabrina , Moga Alain , Wilhelm Klaus‐Peter
Published: June 2021

Background

Skin damage arising from pollutants in gaseous and particulate matter forms is mainly mediated by oxidative stress. The pollutants directly or indirectly generate free radicals on and in the skin, leading, for example, to MMP up‐regulation and damage of collagen fibers. Antioxidants and chelators are used in anti‐pollution cosmetics to reduce the harmful effects of free radical generation.

Materials and Methods

We investigated the efficacy of two antioxidants and one chelator in an anti‐pollution cigarette smoke model. Free radical generation was measured directly after UV and cigarette smoke exposure ex vivo on pig skin (slaughterhouse waste), by use of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). Effects of cigarette smoke were compared to those of Urban Dust (NIST‐standard). ESR was also used to measure the copper chelation activity of the test products. Following cigarette smoke application in vivo, two markers of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA), and squalene monohydroperoxide (SQOOH), were measured from swab solutions taken from the smoke‐exposed skin sites.

Results

EDTA generated no effect and the non‐chelator antioxidant Tocopherol only small antioxidant effects after exposed to cigarette smoke ex vivo as well as in vivo. Only the hydrophilic phenylethanoid H1 showed significant effects. A clear reduction of free radicals ex vivo and further a significant reduction of in vivo lipid peroxide formation was measured.

Conclusion

The cigarette smoke model is an ideal method for in vivo assessment of anti‐pollution efficacy of topical products with close relation to the real situation of subjects exposed to urban pollution. Further research is required to better understand the role of chelators in anti‐pollution cosmetics.
Automatic recognition method of primary path for an anastomosing river based on its typical features
Authors: Wu Wei , Li Chengming , Wu Zheng , Yin Yong
Published: June 2021

Primary path recognition is a prerequisite for effective river network generalization. In a river network with a large spatial region, anastomosing rivers refer to those with intertwined river channels. Dense reaches with similar semantic information usually form complex spatial structures, which creates special challenges for accurately delineating the primary path. The recognition of the primary path for anastomosing rivers has not received much attention in the literature. Traditional methods rely on empirical thresholds to determine the basin including the primary path, and do not consider the overall spatial structure features of rivers, which lower the flexibility and accuracy of the primary path recognition. Therefore, this article proposes an automatic recognition method for the primary path of an anastomosing river based on its typical features. First, a directed topology of the river network is constructed to detect the key nodes in forming the anastomosing rivers in the river network, which are the nodes with multiple outflow reaches and are defined as redundant nodes. Second, by considering the flow direction, the effective topological boundary of each redundant node is identified to determine the basin of the anastomosing rivers automatically. Finally, a hierarchical tree is constructed to describe the spatial relationships among redundant nodes and based on the hierarchical tree and other typical features of anastomosing rivers, the optimal connection path between each redundant node and downstream node is calculated to identify the primary path. 1:10,000 topographic river data of the experimental region in Hubei Province, China, were used for validation. The experiment reveals that compared with the state‐of‐the‐art Buttenfield method, the primary path identified by the proposed method is more similar to that obtained manually. The inclination angle difference between the result obtained using the Buttenfield method and the artificial identification result is four times larger than that obtained by the proposed method; moreover, the shape of the primary path detected by the proposed method is more natural and smoother.
Missense RHD single nucleotide variants induce weakened D antigen expression by altering splicing and/or protein expression
Authors: Raud Loann , Le Tertre Marlène , Vigneron Léonie , Ka Chandran , Richard Gaëlle , Callebaut Isabelle , Chen Jian‐Min , Férec Claude , Le Gac Gérald , Fichou Yann
Published: June 2021

Background

Although D variant phenotype is known to be due to genetic defects, including rare missense single nucleotide variants (SNVs), within the RHD gene, few studies have addressed the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving this altered expression. We and others showed previously that splicing is commonly disrupted by SNVs in constitutive splice sites and their vicinity. We thus sought to investigate whether rare missense SNVs located in “deep” exonic regions could also impair this mechanism.

Study design and methods

Forty‐six missense SNVs reported within exons 6 and 7 were first selected from the Human RhesusBase. Their respective effect on splicing was assessed by using an in vitro assay. An RhD‐negative cell model was further generated by using the CRISPR‐Cas9 approach. RhD‐mutated proteins were overexpressed in the newly created model, and cell membrane expression of the D antigen was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Minigene splicing assay showed that 14 of 46 (30.4%) missense SNVs alter splicing. Very interestingly, further investigation of two missense SNVs, which both affect codon 338 and confer a weak D phenotype, showed various mechanisms: c.1012C>G (p.Leu338Val) disrupts splicing only, while c.1013T>C (p.Leu338Pro) alters only the protein structure, in agreement with in silico prediction tools and 3D protein structure visualization.

Conclusion

Our functional data set suggests that missense SNVs damage quantitatively D antigen expression by, at least, two different mechanisms (splicing alteration and protein destabilization) that may act independently. These data thereby contribute to extend the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms governing weakened D expression.
An echocardiographic study of breed‐specific reference ranges in healthy French Bulldogs
Authors: Vurucu Murat , Ekinci Gencay , Gunes Vehbi
Published: June 2021

Echocardiography is a standard diagnostic tool for assessment of cardiac functions and cardiovascular diseases in dogs, however published echocardiographic measurements have varied widely based on dog breeds. The objective of this prospective reference interval study was to provide breed‐specific echocardiographic values for healthy French Bulldogs. A total of 42 healthy French Bulldogs of both sexes (23 females and 19 males) were sampled. Furthermore, measurements for a control group (n = 16) were also conducted in four other dog breeds (Cocker Spaniel [n = 2], Cavalier King Charles Spaniel [n = 4], Terrier [n = 5], and Crossbreed [n = 5]). Standard M‐mode, two‐dimensional (2D), pulse wave (PW) Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiographic measurements were obtained from healthy French Bulldogs. The M‐mode echocardiographic data obtained from French Bulldogs were compared to the data obtained from the control group. The left ventricular internal dimension at end‐diastole (LVIDd; cm)/body surface area (BSA) (m2) ratio for the study group was 3.35/0.53 = 6.32. Left ventricular measurements for French bulldogs and internal dimension at end‐systole (21.23 ± 3.50 mm) and at end‐diastole (33.50 ± 4.12 mm) were found to be significantly higher (P < .001) compared to control group values (left ventricular internal dimension at end‐systole [LVIDs]; 17.46 ± 2.85 mm, LVIDd; 27.16 ± 4.20 mm, respectively). A significantly positive correlation in the French Bulldog group was noted between body weight and M‐mode measurements (EPSS, IVSd, IVSs, LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd). French bulldogs had a greater systolic and diastolic left ventricular volume than the control group. As a result, values reported in this study could be used as specific reference ranges in French Bulldogs.
Response of Beams and Plates to Random Loads
Authors: Eringen A. C.
Published: June 2021

With the use of generalized harmonic analysis the problem of vibrating damped beams and plates under stochastic loading is solved. The resulting equations give the cross-correlation functions for displacements, stresses, moments, and so on, in terms of the cross-correlation function of external pressure. Mean square values of these functions are special cases of these results. Using a method due to Rice, we also calculate the probable number of times per unit time the random displacements or stresses will exceed a given value. The case of simply supported bars, cantilever bars, clamped circular plates, and simply supported rectangular plates are worked out in detail.
Some New Data on High-Speed Impact Phenomena
Authors: Huth J. H. , Thompson J. S. , Van Valkenburg M. E.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a summary of some recent experimental work aimed at evaluating the role of various physical parameters in high-speed impact phenomena. It is shown that penetration into thick targets by projectiles of the same material, for certain common metals, can be expressed approximately through a single relationship of the form (p/d) = 2.5(V/c)1.4 in a range of about 0.1 ≤ (V/c) ≤ 1.0. Here p represents penetration (crater depth) measured from the initial target surface, d a characteristic dimension of the projectile, and V the impact velocity. c is the “sonic” velocity in the projectile and target material as expressed by the formula c = E / ρ , where E is Young’s modulus and ρ the density. Experimental results are given for steel, aluminum, brass, lead, magnesium, and a magnesium-lithium alloy.
A New Method for the Construction of Hencky-Prandtl Nets
Authors: Thomsen E. G.
Published: June 2021

A graphical method for the rapid construction of Hencky-Prandtl nets has been developed. The principle employed has been stated in a theorem. It is shown that the method may be used for nets on both the physical plane and on the velocity plane or hodograph. The use is illustrated by examples.
A Mixed Boundary-Value Problem of Elasticity With Parabolic Boundary
Authors: Paria Gunadhar
Published: June 2021

The problem of finding the stress distribution in a two-dimensional elastic body with parabolic boundary, subject to mixed boundary conditions, has been reduced to the solution of the nonhomogeneous Hilbert problem following the method of complex variable. The result has been compared with that for a straight boundary.
Min-Max Solutions for the Linear Mass-Spring System
Authors: Sevin Eugene
Published: June 2021

Absolute upper and lower bounds have been determined for the maximum displacement of an undamped linear mass-spring system acted on by a non-negative forcing function characterized only by total impulse and duration. The upper bound is shown to result from applying the total impulse to the mass as an initial blow. The lower bound is shown to depend upon the ratio of load duration to natural period of the system, and this response results from a forcing function consisting of an initial and final impulse and an intermediate constant force. In the latter case, for sufficiently short durations, the forcing function reduces simply to equal initial and final impulses.
Reflection of Dilatational Waves at the Edge of a Plate
Authors: Kane T. R.
Published: June 2021

The reflection of straight-crested dilatational waves at the edge of a semi-inflnite plate is studied in terms of a two-dimensional plate theory and in terms of the theory of generalized plane stress. It is found that, in general, a dilatational wave propagated toward the edge at an arbitrary angle of incidence gives rise to three reflected waves; namely, two dilatational waves and a shear wave. A number of special cases are investigated in detail.
An Improvement of the Holzer Table Based on a Suggestion of Rayleigh’s
Authors: Crandall S. H. , Strang W. G.
Published: June 2021

The calculation of torsional natural frequencies is considerably facilitated by a simple auxiliary computation used in conjunction with the well-known Holzer table. The procedure is described and illustrated and several practical suggestions are given. In many cases the total computation time can be cut in half by adopting this method. Mathematical justification for the process is given in the Appendix.
The Response of Mechanical Systems to Random Excitation
Authors: Thomson W. T. , Barton M. V.
Published: June 2021

Mechanical systems are not always excited by a harmonic force of fixed frequency and amplitude. Often the excitation input is of random nature, and the response of the system displays no orderly trends. Instantaneous values and phase are meaningless in such cases, and the problem must be treated statistically. It is the purpose of this paper to outline such an approach as related to the dynamic response of structures.
Dislocation Over a Bounded Plane Area in an Infinite Solid
Authors: Rongved L.
Published: June 2021

The Papkovitch functions are determined for an infinite isotropic elastic solid with an arbitrary displacement discontinuity over a bounded plane area. A solution, in closed form, is given for the case of a constant discontinuity in the displacement over a rectangular area.
A Theory of Adhesive Scarf Joints
Authors: Lubkin J. L.
Published: June 2021

This paper establishes conditions under which a wide or narrow adhesive scarf joint can have uniformly distributed adhesive stresses, and gives formulas for these stresses. The results are rigorously limited to linear adhesive stress-strain relations, but are such that they sometimes may be applicable in analyzing scarf-joint tests to destruction, even when appreciable inelastic deformation occurs. Previously published test data are found to have one of the failure-load variations with scarf angle to be considered in this paper. The analysis therefore should prove useful in design work within the elastic limit, and in some cases beyond it.
General Instability of a Ring-Stiffened, Circular Cylindrical Shell Under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Bodner S. R.
Published: June 2021

The general instability load of a ring-stiffened, circular cylindrical shell under hydrostatic pressure is determined by analyzing an equivalent orthotropic shell. A set of differential equations for the stability of an orthotropic shell is derived and solved for the case of a shell with simple end supports. The solution is presented in terms of parameters of the ring-stiffened, isotropic shell, and a relatively simple expression for the general instability load is obtained. Some numerical examples and graphs of results are presented. In addition, an energy-method solution to the problem is outlined, and the energy and displacement functions that could be used in carrying out a Rayleigh-Ritz approximation are indicated.
On Radial Deflections of a Cylinder Subjected to Equal and Opposite Concentrated Radial Loads: Infinitely Long Cylinder and Finite-Length Cylinder With Simply Supported Ends
Authors: Yuan S. W. , Ting L.
Published: June 2021

The radial deformations of a thin-walled circular cylindrical shell subjected to a pair of equal and opposite concentrated radial loads were obtained in (1) for the cases of infinitely long cylinders and cylinders of finite length simply supported at the ends. Based on the mathematical method given in (1) this problem is reexamined in the present paper by using Flügge’s equations (2, 3). It is found that the results obtained in (1) are quite satisfactory for short-length cylinders (L/α ≤ 10) with simply supported ends but not satisfactory for infinitely long cylinders.
Unsteady Flow of Gas Through a Semi-Infinite Porous Medium
Authors: Kidder R. E.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an analytic solution to a problem of the transient flow of gas within a one-dimensional semi-infinite porous medium. A perturbation method, carried out to include terms of the second order, is employed to obtain a solution of the nonlinear partial differential equation describing the flow of gas. The zero-order term of the solution represents the solution of the linearized partial differential equation of gas flow in porous media given by Green and Wilts (1).
Stresses in a Perforated Strip
Authors: Ling Chih-Bing
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an analytic solution of the classical problem dealing with the stresses in an infinite strip having an unsymmetrically located perforating hole. The solution is applicable to any stress system acting in the strip, which is symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry of the strip. The required stress function is constructed by using four series of biharmonic functions and a bihamonic integral. The four series of biharmonic functions are formed from a class of periodic harmonic functions specially constructed for the purpose. The solution can be regarded as a complete solution of the problem in the sense that, unlike the previous solutions by Howland, Stevenson, and Knight for a symmetrically perforated strip, it is valid in the entire strip. Numerical examples are given for the fundamental cases of longitudinal tension and transverse bending.
Finite Twisting and Bending of Thin Rectangular Elastic Plates
Authors: Reissner Eric
Published: June 2021

An exact solution is obtained of the nonlinear equations for finite deflections of thin elastic plates, for a rectangular plate acted upon by twisting moments T and bending moments M simultaneously applied to two opposite edges of the plate. The principal results of the paper are relations between the moments T and M, on the one hand, and the angle of twist per unit of length θ, and the curvature k of the plate, on the other hand. These relations which are of the form T = T(θ, k) and M = M(θ, k) generalize previously known relations for the special cases for which either k = 0 or θ = 0. A numerical evaluation of the functions T(θ, k) and M(θ, k) reveals the existence of a characteristic jump phenomenon.
Deformation of Elastic Paraboloidal Shells of Revolution
Authors: De Silva C. Nevin
Published: June 2021

The present paper, using the contributions to the theory of shells of revolution given recently by Naghdi (1), is concerned with the axisymmetric problem of thin elastic paraboloidal shells of revolution which includes the effect of transverse-shear deformation. Following the general scheme given in (1), an asymptotic solution is obtained for paraboloidal shells of uniform thickness and is valid at the apex of the shell. In the limit, these results reduce to the predictions of the classical theory of H. Reissner-Meissner. Solutions are given by both theories for a specific example, namely, a second-degree paraboloidal shell loaded uniformly over a small region about the apex when the open edge is clamped.
The Specific Damping Energy of Fixed-Fixed Beam Specimens
Authors: Hagel W. C. , Clark J. W.
Published: June 2021

The internal-damping effects of varying composition, heat-treatment, cold work, magnetic-field strength, stress history, and static tension stress have been studied at room temperature using fixed-fixed beam specimens supported in a new bending vibration-decay apparatus. Experimental logarithmic decrements are converted to specific damping energies by a straightforward numerical method; such information is needed to extend a fundamental understanding of the physical nature of damping and to provide useful engineering-design data. Changing hardness from 225 to 388 Bhn was found to cause a wider variation in AISI 403 specimen damping than the application of a static tension stress or d-c magnetic field. Even at relatively low vibration stresses, considerable energy dissipation originates from microscopic plastic flow in soft materials.
On the Plane Plastic Flow of an Inset Block
Authors: Ross E. W.
Published: June 2021

The yield-point pressure is found for the plane-flow problem of a rectangular metal block, set into a rough entrenchment and squashed from above by a flat, smooth die. The pressure is a function of both the block width and depth, and for large ratios of width/depth approaches the linear pressure variation associated with the Prandtl (cycloidal) stress distribution.
Influence of Width on Velocities of Long Waves in Plates
Authors: Gazis D. C. , Mindlin R. D.
Published: June 2021

This paper contains a discussion of the velocities of propagation of long flexural and extensional waves in a plate or bar in the transition region between the states of generalized plane stress and plane strain; i.e., for arbitrary width-thickness ratios (h/a) of rectangular sections. The investigations are carried out mathematically on the basis of approximate equations of motion. It is found that, for flexural waves, as h/a increases from zero, the velocity remains close to that for generalized plane stress until quite large values of h/a are reached, after which the velocity rises asymptotically toward that for plane strain. For extensional waves the velocity is slightly smaller than that for generalized plane stress for all h/a > 0.
Cylindrical Shells Under Line Load
Authors: Cooper R. M.
Published: June 2021

The problem of a line load along a segment of a generator of a simply supported circular cylindrical shell is treated using shallow cylindrical shell equations which include the effect of transverse-shear deformation. The line load is first treated as a sinusoidally-varying edge load over the length of the shell, with boundary conditions prescribed along the loaded generator such that the continuity of the shell is maintained. The solution for the problem of a uniform line load over a segment of a generator is obtained from the preceding solution, using the principle of superposition. By means of a numerical example it is shown that the results predicted by the Donnell equations for the stresses are in excellent agreement with those obtained from the system of equations employed here. However, the radial displacement predicted by the Donnell equations is in error by as much as 20 per cent in the range of shell geometry considered.
Behavior of Cylinders With Initial Shell Deflection
Authors: Lunchick M. E. , Short R. D.
Published: June 2021

Evidence is presented which indicates that, for stiffened cylinders fabricated by welding, initial deflections exist for the shell between frames. The initial deflections of the shell of a stiffened cylinder were measured and found to be approximated closely by a second-degree curve. Using the mathematical expression for the initial deflection curve, a theoretical analysis was made for a cylinder subjected to external hydrostatic pressure, resulting in expressions for the additional deflections and stresses caused by the initial deflection of the shell. Since the initial deflections of the shell for internally and externally framed cylinders were found to be of opposite sign, the theory is offered as a possible explanation of the observed differences in behavior between internally and externally framed cylinders.
Calendering of a Viscoelastic Material
Authors: Paslay P. R.
Published: June 2021

The solution of the calendering problem for viscous materials is extended to include the first effects of elasticity. A numerical procedure for the solution of the approximate equations is contained in the Appendix.
Post-Test Analyses of the CMMR-4 Test
Authors: Yamashita Takuya , Madokoro Hiroshi , Sato Ikken
Published: June 2021

Understanding the final distribution of core materials and their characteristics is important for decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (1F). Such characteristics depend on the accident progression in each unit. However, boiling water reactor (BWR) accident progression involves great uncertainty. This uncertainty, which was clarified by MAAP-MELCOR crosswalk, cannot be resolved with existing knowledge and was thus addressed in this work through core material melting and relocation (CMMR) tests. For the test bundle, ZrO2 pellets were installed instead of UO2 pellets. A plasma heating system was used for the tests. In the CMMR-4 test, useful information was obtained on the core state just before slumping. The presence of macroscopic gas permeability of the core approaching ceramic fuel melting was confirmed, and the fuel columns remained standing, suggesting that the collapse of fuel columns, which is likely in the reactor condition, would not allow effective relocation of the hottest fuel away from the bottom of the core. This information will help us comprehend core degradation in boiling water reactors, similar to those in 1F. In addition, useful information on abrasive water suspension jet (AWSJ) cutting for debris-containing boride was obtained in the process of dismantling the test bundle. When the mixing debris that contains oxide, metal, and boride material is cut, AWSJ may be repelled by the boride in the debris, which may cut unexpected parts, thus generating a large amount of waste in cutting the boride part in the targeted debris. This information will help the decommissioning of 1F.
A structured Endoscopic Ultrasound training program in Germany improves knowledge and competence
Authors: Götzberger Manuela , Kaiser Christoph , Jenssen Christian , Dollhopf Markus , Faiss Siegbert , Burmester Eike , Schöppe Franziska , Gülberg Veit , Fischer Martin R.
Published: June 2021

Aims: Limited evidence on how to organize pre-patient training in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and how to evaluate its effect on knowledge and skills are available. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a structured multi-site training program on EUS competence in Germany. Material and methods: In a prospective study design, evaluation of 64 trainees was conducted during four three-day training courses with equal curricula at three sites. Participants completed a structured pre- and post-test questionnaire consisting of 4 items to evaluate the relevance and acceptance of the training components (theoretical teaching, video sessions, live demonstration, hands-on experience) on a 5-point Likert scale, as well as a Likert scale to judge the self-rated improvement in EUS competence. To assess knowledge, 12 multiple choice (MC) questions had to be answered by all participants in a pre- and a post-test design. Also differences between beginners and advanced learners were analysed. Results: Overall evaluation on acceptance received above-average results with a median of 4 or 5 (IQR 1-2) on Likert scale (1=completely disagree, 5=completely agree). In the post-test self-rated EUS skills improved from 4 to 2 on the Likert scale (IQR=1, p=0.001, 1=excellent EUS skills, 5=no EUS skills). Results of the MC-test of all trainees showed significant improvement in theoretical knowledge from 7.9±1.9 to 8.8±1.9 points (mean±SD, p=0.001). Conclusions: Our study provides arguments for the usefulness of a structured EUS training program resulting in a positive acceptance and high self-rated EUS competence by the participants and significant improvements in knowledge.
Energy Expenditure of Level Overground Walking in Young Adults: Comparison With Prediction Equations
Authors: Xue Jingjing , Li Shuo , Wen Rou , Hong Ping
Published: June 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the published prediction equations for determining level overground walking energy cost in young adults. Methods: In total, 148 healthy young adults volunteered to participate in this study. Resting metabolic rate and energy expenditure variables at speeds of 4, 5, and 6 km/h were measured by indirect calorimetry, walking energy expenditure was estimated by 3 published equations. Results: The gross and net metabolic rate per mile of level overground walking increased with increased speed (all P < .01). Females were less economical than males. The present findings revealed that the American College of Sports Medicine and Pandolf et al equations significantly underestimated the energy cost of overground walking at all speeds (all P < .01) in young adults. The percentage mean bias for American College of Sports Medicine, Pandolf et al, and Weyand et al was 12.4%, 16.8%, 1.4% (4 km/h); 21.6%, 15.8%, 7.1% (5 km/h); and 27.6%, 12%, 6.6% (6 km/h). Bland–Altman plots and prediction error analysis showed that the Weyand et al was the most accurate in 3 existing equations. Conclusions: The Weyand et al equation appears to be the most suitable for the prediction of overground walking energy expenditure in young adults.
Polθ reverse transcribes RNA and promotes RNA-templated DNA repair
Authors: Chandramouly Gurushankar , Zhao Jiemin , McDevitt Shane , Rusanov Timur , Hoang Trung , Borisonnik Nikita , Treddinick Taylor , Lopezcolorado Felicia Wednesday , Kent Tatiana , Siddique Labiba A. , Mallon Joseph , Huhn Jacklyn , Shoda Zainab , Kashkina Ekaterina , Brambati Alessandra , Stark Jeremy M. , Chen Xiaojiang S. , Pomerantz Richard T.
Published: June 2021

Polθ reverse transcribes RNA by undergoing a significant conformational change and promotes RNA-templated DNA repair.
Quantitative description of a contractile macromolecular machine
Authors: Fraser Alec , Prokhorov Nikolai S. , Jiao Fang , Pettitt B. Montgomery , Scheuring Simon , Leiman Petr G.
Published: June 2021

Contractile injection systems generate 500 pN forces for membrane puncture by a domino-like collapse of sheath subunits.
Ice-shelf retreat drives recent Pine Island Glacier speedup
Authors: Joughin Ian , Shapero Daniel , Smith Ben , Dutrieux Pierre , Barham Mark
Published: June 2021

Antarctica’s largest contributor to sea level has sped up further as a major section of its floating ice shelf collapsed.
Mixing vaccines may boost immune responses
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: June 2021

Findings from combination studies support measures to stretch supplies, avoid side effects.
New science adviser looks ahead to shaping Biden agenda
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Eric Lander to face issues including research security.
Supplements to treat prediabetes
Authors: Hepler Chelsea , Bass Joseph
Published: June 2021

Boosting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) improves health in a clinical study
Characterization of Differentially Detectable Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Sputum of Subjects with Drug-Sensitive or Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis before and after Two Months of Therapy
Authors: Zainabadi Kayvan , Walsh Kathleen Frances , Vilbrun Stalz Charles , Mathurin Laurent Daniel , Lee Myung Hee , Saito Kohta , Mishra Saurabh , Ocheretina Oksana , Pape Jean William , Nathan Carl , Fitzgerald Daniel W.
Published: June 2021

Standard methods for enumerating
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in patient sputum can miss large populations of viable
M. tuberculosis
cells that are unable to grow either on solid medium or in liquid medium unless the medium has been extensively diluted. Because these bacteria can be detected in liquid medium after limiting dilution, they have been termed differentially culturable or differentially detectable
M. tuberculosis
(DD-
Mtb
). Treatment with isoniazid (H), rifampin (R), pyrazinamide (Z), and ethambutol (E) (HRZE) for 1 to 2 weeks has been shown to increase the representation of DD-
Mtb
in the sputum of drug-sensitive (DS) tuberculosis (TB) patients.
The Simple One-Step (SOS) Stool Processing Method for Use with the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay for a Child-Friendly Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Closer to the Point of Care
Authors: de Haas Petra , Yenew Bazezew , Mengesha Endale , Slyzkyi Andrii , Gashu Zewdu , Lounnas Manon , Tesfaye Ephrem , Bedru Ahmed , Tiemersma Edine , Kremer Kristin , Amare Misikir , Diriba Getu , Zerihun Betselot , Gudina Tilaye , Tegegn Ben , Bonnet Maryline , Negeri Challa , Klinkenberg Eveline
Published: June 2021

Young children cannot easily produce sputum for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Alternatively,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex bacilli can be detected in stool by using the Xpert MTB/RIF (Ultra) assay (Xpert).
A Novel Multiplexed Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of IgG Seroreactivity to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL144
Authors: Miller H. , Simpson P. , Forman M. , Prigan A. , Kehl S. , Mesich B. , Faron M. , Ledeboer N. , Arav-Boger R.
Published: June 2021

Infection with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is common and may have grave consequences in transplant recipients and congenitally infected children. Diagnosis of CMV infection is based on detection of specific antibodies and molecular assays.
At-Home Specimen Self-Collection and Self-Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Demand Accelerated by the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of Laboratory Implementation Issues
Authors: Kersh Ellen N. , Shukla Mayur , Raphael Brian H. , Habel Melissa , Park Ina
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reduced the sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing volume due to social-distancing and stay-at-home orders, among other reasons. These events highlighted previously known benefits of at-home STI self-testing or specimen self-collection and accelerated testing demand via telemedicine.
Stability of pseudorabies virus during freeze-drying and storage: effect of suspending media
Authors: Scott E M , Woodside W
Published: June 2021

The effect of suspending media on the stability of pseudorabies virus upon freeze-drying and subsequent storage was studied. A variety of media was tested, including: sodium glutamate; sucrose; lactose; lactalbumin hydrolysate; peptone; a combination of sucrose, dextran, and glutamate; and various combinations of sucrose, glutamate, and potassium phosphates. Suspending media containing glutamate, either alone or in combination with sucrose and either dextran or phosphates, afforded the greatest degree of protection during the freeze-drying process and upon storage. Some possible functions of these additives in preventing injury to the virus during freezing and drying have been suggested.