bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental vulnerability and resilience: Social differentiation in short‐ and long‐term flood impacts
Authors: Houston Donald , Werritty Alan , Ball Tom , Black Andrew
Published: September 2020

This paper finds that social differentiation in flood impacts is relatively small soon after a flood, with some surprising results such as professionals and homeowners badly affected in the short‐term – but widens over time, with socially disadvantaged groups displaying less recovery. The paper concludes that vulnerability and resilience to flooding are sensitive to financial resources, institutional support (chiefly from a landlord), and capacity to deal with disruption (chiefly time availability, which is low among professionals and high among retired people). An implication of these findings is that existing indices of flood vulnerability that use multiple measures of social deprivation should be used with caution, as not all conventional aspects of social deprivation are necessarily associated with greater vulnerability to flood impacts.
The Effect of Heat Transfer on Turbine Performance
Authors: Jardine Lachlan J. , Miller Robert J.
Published: September 2020

For over 50 years, high-pressure gas turbine blades have been cooled using air bled from the compressor. This cooling results in very high rates of heat transfer, both within the fluid and within the blade, shown in figure 1. The heat transfer often occurs across large temperature differences and is thus highly irreversible. It is therefore surprising that little is understood about the effect of this heat transfer on turbine performance.
Effect of Binder Constituents and Solids Loading on the Rheological Behavior of Irregular Iron-Based Feedstocks
Authors: Tafti Atefeh A. , Demers Vincent , Vachon Guillem , Brailovski Vladimir
Published: September 2020

This work presents an experimental approach used to evaluate the influence of binder constituents and solids loading on the rheological behavior and molding properties of irregular shape iron-based feedstocks used in low-pressure powder injection molding (LPIM). Thirty-six (36) different feedstocks formulated from one new in-development iron-based powder and different wax-based binder systems (paraffin wax (PW) with surfactant and thickening agents) were obtained for solids loading varying from 50 to 68 vol%. The viscosity profiles were experimentally measured at different temperatures using a rotational rheometer in order to quantify the threshold proportions of each ingredient in the binder systems, identify the best feedstock candidates, and calculate their moldability indices, which were finally validated using real-scale injections. Results confirmed that the best feedstock formulation was the one containing paraffin wax with 1 vol% stearic acid (SA) used as a surfactant, 2 vol% ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) used as a thickening agent, and 2 vol% carnauba wax (CW) used as a shrinking agent. An irregular shape iron-based feedstock with maximum solids loading of 58 vol% was successfully injected.
Antiwear Properties of Commercial Grease as a Function of Particle Morphology and Uniformity of the As-Synthesized Calcium Carbonate Additive
Authors: Akhtar Khalida , Yousafzai Saniya
Published: September 2020

Calcium carbonate powder comprising uniform nanoparticles of novel morphology was synthesized under extensively optimized trial parameters. The as-prepared ultrafine rod shape CaCO3 particles after characterizations were used as an antiwear/antifriction additive in commercial lithium grease (CLG) of different specifications. The effect of the added particles on the antifriction and antiwear properties of the blended commercial greases was explored by using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The observed data were compared with the additized grease having commercially available CaCO3 powder. Results exposed that uniformity in particle size and shape is a key factor for the improvement of tribological properties and reproducibility of the experimental results. Therefore, the as-prepared monodispersed rod shapes CaCO3 particles as additives considerably improved the tribological properties of the CLG as compared with the irregular particles of the commercial calcium carbonate. These blends showed the best results at the optimum amount of 3 wt% of the added CaCO3 particles. Among the three selected greases, the additized Momin grease exhibited best antiwear/antifriction performance as compared with the additized Awami and Sinopec greases.
Effect of Transfer Films on Friction of PTFE/PEEK Composite
Authors: Qu Shuren , Lo King Him , Wang Su Su
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the effect of transfer films on friction coefficient of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite. Friction experiments were carried out first to investigate transfer-film development during sliding contact of PTFE/PEEK composite with different PTFE volume fractions on a steel counterface. Quantitative relationships between PTFE/PEEK composite friction coefficient and constituent material mechanical properties are then established to facilitate the subsequent investigation of friction mechanisms and influence of transfer films on the composite friction. A micromechanics-based friction theory is developed for predicting PTFE/PEEK composite friction coefficient. The effect of transfer films on composite friction is accounted for based on two distinctly different mechanisms—one with solid-state film lubrication and the other with PTFE as a solid-state lubricant on the top surface of transfer films. The friction theory is first validated through the excellent agreement obtained between the theoretical predictions and the in-house experimental results on PTFE/PEEK composite with up to 20% PTFE (by volume). The validity of the theory is further demonstrated by comparing the theoretical predictions with the test data reported by other researchers in the literature.
Investigation of Tangential Contact Damping of Rough Surfaces From the Perspective of Viscous Damping Mechanism
Authors: Pan Wujiu , Li Hongshuang , Qu Haoyong , Ling Liangyu , Wang Linlin
Published: September 2020

The contact damping between rough surfaces has an important influence on the wear, vibration, contact fatigue, and energy dissipation between interfaces. In this paper, based on contact theory, a tangential damping mathematical model of rough surfaces is established from the point of view of viscous contact damping energy dissipation mechanism of asperities and considering the fractal characteristics of three-dimensional topography of rough surfaces. Through the combination of micro-contact modeling and macro dynamic testing of composite beams, the analysis results show that there are important evolution rules between tangential damping and surface fractal parameters and material parameters. The nonlinear relations between them are as follows: tangential contact damping is positively correlated with normal load, load ratio, and maximum contact area of asperity, and negatively correlated with fractal roughness; tangential contact damping increases first and then decreases with the increase of three-dimensional fractal dimension. The results of computational and experimental modal analysis show that the established mathematical model is feasible for predicting tangential damping. The study of tangential contact damping between surfaces can lay a foundation for improving the performance of assembly interfaces.
Trajectory Tracking Control for Rotary Drilling Systems Via Integral Sliding Mode Control Approach
Authors: Weng Chien-Chih , Karkoub Mansour , Yu Wen-Shyong , Her Ming-Guo , Chen Hsuan-Yi
Published: September 2020

Active and passive control techniques have been devised over the years to mitigate the effect of vibrations on drill-string life with varying degrees of success. Here, it is proposed to design a robust trajectory tracking controller, which ultimately forces the rotary table and the drill-bit to move with the same speed (speed synchronization), hence reducing/eliminating torsional vibrations from the drill pipes. A model of the rotary drilling system, which includes torsional stick-slip, is first developed; then, an integral sliding mode control with time-varying exponent (ISMC-TVE) scheme is developed such that the bit motion tracks that of the rotary table to mitigate the effects of the induced vibrations. The ISMC-TVE is able to control the transient stage of the drill-string system’s response, maintain the system in the sliding state even under abrupt or existing external disturbances, and guarantee asymptotic stability of the rotary drilling system. The Lyapunov stability theorem is used here to analyze the performance of the closed-loop system, and the simulation results showed that the ISMC-TVE law is capable of accurately synchronizing the bit and rotary table speeds.
An Efficient Aeroelastic Eigenvalue Method for Analyzing Coupled-Mode Flutter in Turbomachinery
Authors: Huang Huang , Liu Wei , Petrie-Repar Paul , Wang Dingxi
Published: September 2020

In this paper, a method for analyzing flutter for a turbomachinery row with aerodynamically coupled structural modes is presented. The majority of observed turbomachinery flutter incidents involve only one structural mode family due to high mass ratio, high solidity and significant natural frequency separation for blades of traditional design. However, with the trend of higher aerodynamic loading, the wide usage of light weight composite materials and lower blade counts, the likelihood of coupled-mode flutter increases, particularly for turbofans or open rotors. Under such circumstances, the widely used energy method for flutter analysis is not valid. To model this situation, a novel aeroelastic eigenvalue method that is capable of modeling both single- and coupled-mode flutter is proposed. This method takes into account the aerodynamic coupling effects between different vibration modes through the influence coefficient cross sub-matrices, which can be efficiently computed by a harmonic balance solver. The new method is efficient as the required computational effort is only two times that of the traditional single mode analysis approach. The new method is demonstrated and validated by presenting results for Standard Configuration Eleven and NASA Rotor 67 flutter test cases in this paper.
Designing Representative Model Worlds to Study Socio-Technical Phenomena: A Case Study of Communication Patterns in Engineering Systems Design
Authors: Chaudhari Ashish M. , Gralla Erica L. , Szajnfarber Zoe , Grogan Paul T. , Panchal Jitesh H.
Published: September 2020

The engineering of complex systems, such as aircraft and spacecraft, involves large number of individuals within multiple organizations spanning multiple years. Since it is challenging to perform empirical studies directly on real organizations at scale, some researchers in systems engineering and design have begun relying on abstracted model worlds that aim to be representative of the reference socio-technical system, but only preserve some aspects of it. However, there is a lack of corresponding knowledge on how to design representative model worlds for socio-technical research. Our objective is to create such knowledge through a reflective case study of the development of a model world. This “inner” study examines how two factors influence interdisciplinary communication during a concurrent design process. The reference real world system is a mission design laboratory (MDL) at NASA, and the model world is a simplified engine design problem in an undergraduate classroom environment. Our analysis focuses on the thought process followed, the key model world design decisions made, and a critical assessment of the extent to which communication phenomena in the model world (engine experiment) are representative of the real world (NASA’s MDL). We find that the engine experiment preserves some but not all of the communication patterns of interest, and we present case-specific lessons learned for achieving and increasing representativeness in this type of study. More generally, we find that representativeness depends not on matching subjects, tasks, and context separately, but rather on the behavior that emerges from the interplay of these three dimensions.
On Design and Analysis of Electrostatic Arch Micro-Tweezers
Authors: Alneamy Ayman M. , Heppler Glenn R. , Abdel-Rahman Eihab M. , Khater Mahmoud E.
Published: September 2020

This article provides criteria for the design of electrostatic arch micro-tweezers. The tweezers can be operated in two modes: a traditional quasi-static mode where a direct current voltage commands the tweezers arms along a trajectory to manipulate objects and dynamic mode where a harmonic signal commands release or characterization of objects. While the arms are rigid and move in tandem in the static mode, this is not guaranteed in the dynamic mode. To satisfy this, we carried out modal analysis of the tweezers using a finite element model (FEM) and a reduced-order model (ROM). The results show that the arms kinetic and potential energies divide the beam span into a middle sub-span between the arms and two outer sub-spans and result in significant changes in the relative compliance of the sub-spans. The changes in the platform compliance place limitation on the tweezers dynamic operation, such that only the first symmetrical mode shape of the tweezers satisfies the design criteria. We also investigate the adequacy of an ROM using straight unbuckled beam mode shapes as basis functions to represent the tweezers response by comparing its results with those of FEM. A five-mode ROM is found adequate to represent small motions in the vicinity of the tweezers initial curvature. It is inadequate for larger motions involving snap-though motions between the initial and counter curvatures. To capture larger motions, ROM should be improved by incorporating higher order straight beam modes or using the actual tweezers modes.
Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact of Using a Photovoltaic System to Secure Relays of Mobile Communication Systems
Authors: Bentouba Saïd , Bourouis Mahmoud
Published: September 2020

Renewable energy sources are being considered an alternative for the provision of an uninterrupted supply of power to cover the extensive mobile services. The main purpose of this study is to determine a cost-effective way of achieving environmental sustainability of electricity supply in Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications mobile phone applications using photovoltaic systems. A specific installation of base transceiver stations and base station located in an arid and remote area was used as a case study. Using PV solar systems to secure a GSM relay in remote areas with hot climate is a very attractive alternative because of the solar irradiation accessible in the desert. The economic study carried out using the “Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable” simulation tool showed that the best configuration of the solar photovoltaic system for the case study in the present work consisted of 6 kW photovoltaic panels, 4 kW converter, and 24 storage batteries. The solar energy contribution in the electricity consumption was around 38%, and the other 62% was supplied by the power grid. The total net present cost (NPC) of the solar system was 43,946$. Regarding the environmental impact, all energy scenarios investigated showed a significant improvement in the environmental life cycle; especially the emissions of carbon dioxide were reduced by 65% by replacing the diesel generator backup system with the photovoltaic-assisted system.
Comparative Study of 16 Clear-Sky Radiative Transfer Models to Estimate Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) in Botucatu, Brazil
Authors: Manoel dos Santos Cícero , Escobedo João Francisco , de Souza Amaury , Ihaddadene Razika , Gomes Eduardo Nardini , da Silva Maurício Bruno Prado
Published: September 2020

The interest of the direct normal irradiation (DNI) estimation is important in the evaluation of the solar potential and, consequently, for data correction and expansion of the historical series. In this study, a review of the performance of 16 models of radiative transfer was performed. These models are used to estimate DNI on a clear day in Botucatu/SP region located in Brazil. The revised models are categorized into two classes: simple models (11 models: ASH, MAJ, ALLEN, GH, P1, HLJ, FU, KU, H1, IP, and INC) and complex models (five models: BIRD, IQ, MRM5, P2, and YANG). The evaluation methodology used here is consistent with the literature. The input parameters were estimated and a statistical analysis using relative-mean-bias-error (rMBE), root-mean-square-error (rRMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) indicators were performed to validate those models. The results indicate that the complex models (that require more atmospheric inputs) generally performed better than simpler models. Despite the consistent limitations in the use of estimated parameters, the performance of the models can be considered satisfactory. The best performances are highlighted for models MRM5 and YANG. Simple models ASH and IP performed similar to complex models. These results were confirmed using frequency distribution and the cumulative frequency analysis. These results are important for engineers of solar systems to use the best model and select the most suitable locations for installing a small or large solar plant.
Numerical Simulation of Direct Solar Vapor Generation of Acetone for an Organic Rankine Cycle Using an Evacuated Tube Collector
Authors: Dami Kajewole Emmanuel , Beltran-Chacon Ricardo , Islas Saul , Leal-Chavez Daniel
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes the direct solar vapor generation of acetone by solar radiation falling on the heat pipes of an evacuated tube collector (ETC) that can activate a domestic scale organic Rankine cycle (ORC). The irradiance from the sun determines the mass flow of acetone along the horizontal manifold of the ETC to produce vapor at the collector outlet. A scilab code is developed to simulate the flow of acetone inside the manifold where subcooled acetone undergoes heating and evaporation process. Simulation is run from 60 °C to a saturation temperature of 120 °C at a pressure of 604 kPa, vapor qualities from 1% to 100%, and solar radiation from 300 to 1100 W/m2. The Kattan–Thome–Favrat flow boiling model is used to obtain the two-phase local heat transfer coefficients along the horizontal manifold, and it is validated with the numerical and experimental values of ammonia. The ORC system can generate 218 kWh/year of electrical energy, a thermal power capacity of 1616 kWh/year and achieve an ORC efficiency of 84.4%. The solar-ORC has a thermal efficiency of 3.25% and an exergy efficiency of 21.3% with a solar collector of 2.84 m2.
General ADRC Design for Systems With Periodic Disturbances of Unknown and Varying Frequencies
Authors: Madonski Rafal , Stankovic Momir , Ferdjali Abdellah , Shao Sally , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: September 2020

A new active disturbance rejection control-based (ADRC) scheme is proposed in this work to address the problem of tracking/rejecting periodic signals of unknown and varying frequencies. The frequencies are obtained online with a dedicated adaptive estimator and used in real-time as partial model information to an observer that reconstructs (among other things) the negative influence of periodic terms on the controlled output. A continuously updated two-tier control action is then applied to compensate the periodic interference and govern the resultant (simplified) plant dynamics. The proposed control topology is derived here in its general form and validated with an experimental case study.
Experimental Validation of an Intelligent Hybrid Plain Bearing Active Control
Authors: Eberhardt Clément , Kurth Robin , Kraft Christian , Schwarze Hubert , Päßler Thomas , Bergmann Markus , Putz Matthias
Published: September 2020

The replacement of damaged journal bearings in forming machines eventuates in very high personal and material costs as well as long-term downtime. Moreover, new discontinuous forming processes (e.g., press hardening and pendulum operations) have a negative effect on the hydrodynamic pressure built up in the bearing and can lead to failure. Therefore, users and manufacturers of forming presses are looking for ways to improve the safety of this key component. In this paper, the concept of an intelligent hybrid plain bearing (IHPB) that combines hydrodynamic and hydrostatic characteristics, presented by Kurth et al., (2019, “Forming 4.0: Smart Machine Components Applied as a Hybrid Plain Bearing and a Tool Clamping System,” Proc. Manuf., 27, pp. 65–71), is detailed and validated on a test rig. The clearance state of the journal bearing is monitored through eddy current sensors and a controlled hydrostatic support is activated, when this state is evaluated as critical. The results show a strong increase in the load capacity and in the minimal lubrication gap of the IHPB within three series of tested experiments: stationary, nonstationary, and press-typical load cases.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model to Simulate Third Body Effects on Fretting Wear of Hertzian Point Contact in Partial Slip
Authors: Ahmadi Arman , Sadeghi Farshid
Published: September 2020

In this investigation, a finite element (FE) model was developed to study the third body effects on the fretting wear of Hertzian contacts in the partial slip regime. An FE three-dimensional Hertzian point contact model operating in the presence of spherical third bodies was developed. Both first bodies and third bodies were modeled as elastic–plastic materials. The effect of the third body particles on contact stresses and stick-slip behavior was investigated. The influence of the number of third body particles and material properties including modulus of elasticity, hardening modulus, and yield strength were analyzed. Fretting loops in the presence and absence of wear particles were compared, and the relation between the number of cycles and the hardening process was evaluated. The results indicated that by increasing the number of particles in contact, more load was carried by the wear particles which affect the wear-rate of the material. In addition, due to the high plastic deformation of the debris, the wear particles deformed and took a platelet shape. Local stick-slip behavior over the third body particles was also observed. The results of having wear debris with different material properties than the first bodies indicated that harder wear particles have a higher contact pressure and lower slip at the location of particles which affects the wear-rate.
Modeling and Analysis of Phononic Crystal With Coupled Lanes for Enhanced Elastic Wave Attenuation
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Hu Guobiao , Tang Lihua , Zhang Yumin , Yan Ruqiang
Published: September 2020

Phononic crystals and metamaterials have attractive potential in elastic wave attenuation and guiding over specific frequency ranges. Different from traditional phononic crystals/metamaterials consisting of identical unit cells, a phononic crystal with coupled lanes is reported in this article for enhanced elastic wave attenuation in the low-frequency regime. The proposed phononic crystal takes advantages of destructive interference mechanism. A finitely length phononic crystal plate consisting of coupled lanes is considered for conceptual verification. The coupled lanes are designed to split the incident elastic wave into separated parts with a phase difference to produce destructive interference. Theoretical modeling and finite element method (FEM) analysis are presented. It is illustrated that significant elastic wave attenuation is realized when the phase difference of elastic waves propagating through the coupled lanes approximates π. Besides, multiple valleys in the transmission can be achieved in a broad frequency range with one at a frequency as low as 1.85 kHz with unit cells’ width and length of 25 mm and ten unit cells in one lane.
Introduction to lateral resolution and analysis area measurements in XPS
Authors: Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Stockmann Jörg M. , Senoner Mathias , Weimann Thomas , Bütefisch Sebastian , Passiu Cristiana , Spencer Nicholas D. , Rossi Antonella
Published: September 2020

Imaging and small-spot (small area) XPS have become increasingly important components of surface chemical analysis during the last three decades, and its use is growing. Some ambiguity in the use of terminology, understanding of concepts, and lack of appropriate reference materials leads to confusing and not always reproducible data. In this paper, it is shown that by using existing knowledge, appropriate test specimens, and standardized approaches, problems of comparability and such reproducibility issues recently observed for XPS data reported in the scientific literature can be overcome. The standardized methods of ISO 18516:2019, (i) the straight-edge, (ii) the narrow-line, and (iii) the grating method, can be used to characterize and compare the lateral resolution achieved by imaging XPS instruments and are described by reporting examples. The respective measurements are made using new test specimens. When running an XPS instrument in the small-spot (small area) mode for a quantitative analysis of a feature of interest, the question arises as to what contribution to the intensity originates from outside the analysis area. A valid measurement approach to control the intensity from outside the nominal analysis area is also described. As always, the relevant resolution depends on the specific question that needs to be addressed. The strengths and limitations of methods defining resolution are indicated.
Gender, Self-Assessment, and Classroom Experiences in AP Physics 1
Authors: Stoeckel Marta R.
Published: September 2020

One of the many ways issues of underrepresentation appear in the physics classroom is female students frequently have a lower perception of their performance and ability than their male peers. Understanding how classroom experiences impact students’ confidence, especially for underrepresented students, can provide an important guide to designing physics classrooms where every student sees themselves as capable of learning and doing physics. To explore these issues in my AP Physics 1 classroom, I started asking my students to self-assess as part of my assessment process, allowing me to collect data comparing students’ perceptions to their actual performance. I also conducted interviews and collected student reflections to gain insights into the classroom experiences that impacted students’ confidence in physics. My students made it clear that discovering concepts in the lab contributed to their confidence. Girls also built confidence from teacher feedback, even on assessments where they scored poorly, while boys saw peer interactions as a source of confidence.
Catapult Description of Magnetic Fields and Forces
Authors: McCall Martin , Kinsler Paul , Tymms Vijay
Published: September 2020

In many high school teaching materials the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field is discussed using an idea based on a so-called “catapult field” (cf. Fig. 1), an engaging depiction of magnetic forces, albeit one which, to the best of our knowledge, has neither been used in college-level educational material or scrutinized in academic journals. Here we examine carefully the physical basis of the “catapult field” concept, and find both its accuracy and utility seriously questionable.
Novel Antibiotics May Be Noninferior but Are They Becoming Less Effective?: a Systematic Review
Authors: Bai Anthony D. , Komorowski Adam S. , Lo Carson K. L. , Tandon Pranav , Li Xena X. , Mokashi Vaibhav , Cvetkovic Anna , Findlater Aidan , Liang Laurel , Loeb Mark , Mertz Dominik
Published: September 2020

Novel antibiotics approved by noninferiority trials may become less effective over time in two scenarios: (i) the treatment effect in studies of novel antibiotics may be consistently worse than studies of older antibiotics; (ii) when a decreasingly effective control arm is used in a series of noninferiority trials. Our systematic review of 175 noninferiority antibiotic trials found these scenarios to be rare.
Active Packaging of Immobilized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Controls Campylobacter jejuni in Raw Chicken Meat
Authors: Hakeem Mohammed J. , Feng Jinsong , Nilghaz Azadeh , Ma Luyao , Seah Hwai Chuin , Konkel Michael E. , Lu Xiaonan
Published: September 2020

Prevalence of
Campylobacter
in raw poultry remains a major food microbiological safety challenge. Novel mitigation strategies are required to ensure the safety and quality of poultry products. Active food packaging can control pathogens without directly adding antimicrobials into the food matrix and extend the food’s shelf life. The functionalized absorbing pad with ZnO NPs developed in this study was able to inactivate
C. jejuni
in raw chicken meat and keep the meat free from
C. jejuni
contamination during shelf life without any observed migration of nanoparticles. The controllable conversion of immobilized ZnO NPs to free Zn
2+
makes this approach safe and eco-friendly and paves the way for developing a novel intervention strategy for other high-risk foods. Our study applied nanotechnology to exploit an effective approach for
Campylobacter
control in raw chicken meat products.
Impact of Diabetes on the Gut and Salivary IgA Microbiomes
Authors: Brown Eric L. , Essigmann Heather T. , Hoffman Kristi L. , Palm Noah W. , Gunter Sarah M. , Sederstrom Joel M. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Jun Goo , Aguilar David , Perkison William B. , Hanis Craig L. , DuPont Herbert L.
Published: September 2020

Mucosal surfaces like those present in the lung, gut, and mouth interface with distinct external environments. These mucosal gateways are not only portals of entry for potential pathogens but also homes to microbial communities that impact host health. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is the single most abundant acquired immune component secreted onto mucosal surfaces and, via the process of immune exclusion, shapes the architecture of these microbiomes. Not all microorganisms at mucosal surfaces are targeted by SIgA; therefore, a better understanding of the SIgA-coated fraction may identify the microbial constituents that stimulate host immune responses in the context of health and disease.
Subcellular Localization of MxB Determines Its Antiviral Potential against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Steiner Fiona , Pavlovic Jovan
Published: September 2020

The interferon system plays a pivotal role in the defense against viral infections. The dynamin-related Mx proteins form a small family of interferon-induced effector proteins with distinct antiviral specificities and subcellular localizations. So far, it is not clear whether the different virus specificities of Mx proteins are the result of distinct mechanisms of action or are due rather to their different subcellular localization. We show here that the human MxB protein, normally localized to the outer membrane of the cell nucleus, acquires antiviral activity against IAV when redirected to the nucleus or cytoplasm, subcellular sites where other members of the Mx protein family efficiently interfere with IAV replication. Our findings thus strongly suggest that Mx proteins act primarily through a common mechanism and that their viral specificity is at least in part determined by their individual subcellular localization.
Loss of the Nuclear Protein RTF2 Enhances Influenza Virus Replication
Authors: Chia Bing Shao , Li Bo , Cui Ang , Eisenhaure Thomas , Raychowdhury Raktima , Lieb David , Hacohen Nir
Published: September 2020

Viral infection triggers the secretion of type I interferons, which in turn induce the expression of hundreds of antiviral genes. However, the roles of these induced genes in controlling viral infections remain largely unknown, limiting our ability to develop host-based antiviral therapeutics against pathogenic viruses, such as influenza virus. Here, we performed a loss-of-function genetic CRISPR screen in cells prestimulated with type I interferon to identify antiviral genes that restrict influenza A virus replication. Besides finding key components of the interferon signaling pathway, we discovered a new restriction factor, RTF2, which acts in the nucleus, restricts influenza virus transcription, and contributes to the interferon-induced upregulation of known restriction factors. Our work contributes to the field of antiviral immunology by discovering and characterizing a novel restriction factor of influenza virus and may ultimately be useful for understanding how to control a virus that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa XN-1, Isolated from the Sputum of a Severe Pneumonia Patient
Authors: Gao Chen , Wang Ying , Zhang Yi , Wei Jinning , Cheng Xin , Zhang Jin , Zou Quanming , Gu Jiang
Published: September 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important opportunistic pathogen with strong virulence and an invasive nature. Here, we report the complete genome of strain XN-1, which was isolated from the sputum of a severe pneumonia patient. The complete genome consists of one chromosome with 6,340,573 bp. Genome annotation predicts 5,974 coding sequences, 64 tRNAs, and 12 rRNAs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus agalactiae Strain 01173, Isolated from Kuwaiti Wild Fish
Authors: Santi Morena , Egan Sharon A. , Leigh James A. , Verner-Jeffreys David W. , Blanchard Adam M.
Published: September 2020

Here, we report the complete genome of piscine
Streptococcus agalactiae
01173 serotype Ia, which was generated using long-read sequencing technology. The bacteria were isolated from wild fish displaying signs of streptococcosis, from a fish kill incident in Kuwait.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Lactococcus lactis 11/19-B1 Strain, Isolated from Kiwifruit
Authors: Ishioka Ken , Nishiyama Kyoko , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: September 2020

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
strain 11/19-B1, isolated from kiwifruit. The 11/19-B1 strain possesses one chromosome and five plasmids and has a predicted 2,429 protein-coding sequences. DFAST annotation and a BLASTp homology search estimated that 11/19-B1 possesses three bacteriocin immunity proteins and four bacteriocin proteins.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Diaporthe
sp. Strain HANT25, an Endophytic Fungus Producing Mycoepoxydiene
Authors: Tulsook Kan , Isarangkul Duangnate , Sriubolmas Nongluksna , Kittakoop Prasat , Wiyakrutta Suthep
Published: September 2020

Diaporthe
sp. strain HANT25 is an endophytic fungus that produces mycoepoxydiene, a rare bioactive natural compound. Here, we report the genome sequence of
Diaporthe
sp. HANT25, comprising 55.3 Mb in 80 scaffolds. The genome sequence should enhance understanding of the biology and bioactive compound production potential of the genus
Diaporthe
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Nitrogen-Fixing
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain URB8-2, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Wild Grass
Authors: Kita Kyosuke , Ishikawa Shu , Yoshida Ken-ichi
Published: September 2020

We report here the complete genome sequence of nitrogen-fixing
Paenibacillus
sp. strain URB8-2, isolated from the rhizosphere of wild grass in Kobe, Japan, revealing that this bacterium is related to
Paenibacillus rhizophilus
7197, a novel species collected recently in Inner Mongolia, China, and that it possesses two gene clusters for distinct types of nitrogenases.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium hippocampi DL, Isolated from European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Stathopoulou Panagiota , Asimakis Elias , Petropoulos Yiannis , Tsiamis George
Published: September 2020

Mycobacterium hippocampi
is an acid-fast opportunistic pathogen associated with infections in aquatic animals. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
M. hippocampi
strain DL, an isolate from cultured European sea bass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
) associated with systemic symptomatology.
Prevalence and predictors of myopic macular degeneration among Asian adults: pooled analysis from the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium
Authors: Wong Yee Ling , Zhu Xiangjia , Tham Yih Chung , Yam Jason C S , Zhang Keke , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Lanca Carla , Zhang Xiujuan , Han So Young , He Wenwen , Susvar Pradeep , Trivedi Mihir , Yuan Nan , Lambat Sarang , Raman Rajiv , Song Su Jeong , Wang Ya Xing , Bikbov Mukharram M , Nangia Vinay , Chen Li Jia , Wong Tien Yin , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc , Pang Chi-Pui , Cheng Ching Yu , Lu Yi , Jonas Jost B , Saw Seang Mei
Published: September 2020

Aims

To determine the prevalence and predictors of myopic macular degeneration (MMD) in a consortium of Asian studies.

Methods

Individual-level data from 19 885 participants from four population-based studies, and 1379 highly myopic participants (defined as axial length (AL) >26.0 mm) from three clinic-based/school-based studies of the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium were pooled. MMD was graded from fundus photographs following the meta-analysis for pathologic myopia classification and defined as the presence of diffuse choroidal atrophy, patchy chorioretinal atrophy, macular atrophy, with or without ‘plus’ lesion (lacquer crack, choroidal neovascularisation or Fuchs’ spot). Area under the curve (AUC) evaluation for predictors was performed for the population-based studies.

Results

The prevalence of MMD was 0.4%, 0.5%, 1.5% and 5.2% among Asians in rural India, Beijing, Russia and Singapore, respectively. In the population-based studies, older age (per year; OR=1.13), female (OR=2.0), spherical equivalent (SE; per negative diopter; OR=1.7), longer AL (per mm; OR=3.1) and lower education (OR=1.9) were associated with MMD after multivariable adjustment (all p<0.001). Similarly, in the clinic-based/school-based studies, older age (OR=1.07; p<0.001), female (OR=2.1; p<0.001), longer AL (OR=2.1; p<0.001) and lower education (OR=1.7; p=0.005) were associated with MMD after multivariable adjustment. SE had the highest AUC of 0.92, followed by AL (AUC=0.87). The combination of SE, age, education and gender had a marginally higher AUC (0.94).

Conclusion

In this pooled analysis of multiple Asian studies, older age, female, lower education, greater myopia severity and longer AL were risk factors of MMD, and myopic SE was the strongest single predictor of MMD.
Custom insoles versus sham and GP-led usual care in patients with plantar heel pain: results of the STAP-study - a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rasenberg Nadine , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , Fuit Lars , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Dieker Amy , van Veldhoven Peter , Bindels Patrick J E , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To compare custom-made insoles to sham insoles and general practice (GP)-led usual care in terms of pain at rest and during activity at 12 weeks follow-up in individuals with plantar heel pain.

Methods

In this randomised clinical trial 185 patients aged 18 to 65 years, with a clinical diagnosis of plantar heel pain for at least 2 weeks, but no longer than 2 years were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: (1) GP-led treatment, plus an information booklet with exercises (usual care; n=46), (2) referral to a podiatrist for treatment with a custom-made insole plus an information booklet with exercises (custom-made insole; n=70) and (3) referral to a podiatrist and treatment with a sham insole plus an information booklet with exercises (sham insole; n=69). As well as the primary outcome of pain severity (11-point Numerical Rating Scale) we used the Foot Function Index (0 to 100) as a secondary outcome.

Results

Of 185 randomised participants, 176 completed the 12-week follow-up. There was no difference in pain or function between the insole and the sham groups at 12 weeks. Participants in the GP-led usual care group reported less pain during activity at 12 weeks, (mean difference (MD) 0.94, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.65), less first step pain (MD 1.48, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.31), better function (MD 7.37, 95% CI 1.27 to 13.46) and higher recovery rates (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.96) compared with participants in the custom insole group.

Conclusions

Referral to a podiatrist for a custom-made insole does not lead to a better outcome compared to sham insoles or compared to GP-led usual care.

Trial registration number

NTR5346.
Identifying integrated health services and social care research priorities in kidney disease in Wales: research prioritisation exercise
Authors: Mc Laughlin Leah , Spence Susan , Noyes Jane
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To identify the shared research priorities of patients, caregivers and multidisciplinary renal health and social care professionals across Wales for integrated renal health and social care in Wales.

Design

Research priority setting exercise adapted from the James Lind Alliance national priority setting partnership framework in UK healthcare.

Setting

Two workshops: one in North Wales with patients, caregivers and multidisciplinary renal health and social care professionals and one in South Wales with the Welsh Renal Clinical Network (commissioners of renal services in Wales). Additional input provided from stakeholders via email correspondence and face to face communications.

Participants

Academics n=14, patients n=16, family/carers n=6, multidisciplinary renal healthcare professionals n=40, local authority councils n=3, renal charities n=6 wider third sector organisations n=8, renal industries n=4, Welsh government social care n=3, renal service commissioners n=8.

Results

38 research priority questions grouped into 10 themes were agreed. The themes included: (1) integrating health and social care, (2) education, (3) acute kidney injury, (4) chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, (5) transplantation, (6) dialysis, (7) personalised medicines, (8) cross-cutting priorities, (9) specific social contexts and (10) transitional services and children. Research questions were broad and covered a range of health and social care topics. Patient and professional perspectives broadly overlapped. Research priority setting activities revealed gaps in knowledge in overall service provision and potential areas for service improvement.

Conclusions

Mapping priorities in health services and social care highlighted the research needed to support renal health services delivery and commissioning in Wales.
Protocol for project recovery after cardiac surgery: a single-center cohort study leveraging digital platform to characterise longitudinal patient-reported postoperative recovery patterns
Authors: Mori Makoto , Brooks Cornell , Spatz Erica , Mortazavi Bobak J , Dhruva Sanket S , Linderman George C , Grab Lawrence A , Zhang Yawei , Geirsson Arnar , Chaudhry Sarwat I , Krumholz Harlan M
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Improving postoperative patient recovery after cardiac surgery is a priority, but our current understanding of individual variations in recovery and factors associated with poor recovery is limited. We are using a health-information exchange platform to collect patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and wearable device data to phenotype recovery patterns in the 30-day period after cardiac surgery hospital discharge, to identify factors associated with these phenotypes and to investigate phenotype associations with clinical outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We designed a prospective cohort study to enrol 200 patients undergoing valve, coronary artery bypass graft or aortic surgery at a tertiary centre in the USA. We are enrolling patients postoperatively after the intensive care unit discharge and delivering electronic surveys directly to patients every 3 days for 30 days after hospital discharge. We will conduct medical record reviews to collect patient demographics, comorbidity, operative details and hospital course using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons data definitions. We will use phone interview and medical record review data for adjudication of survival, readmission and complications. We will apply group-based trajectory modelling to the time-series PROM and device data to classify patients into distinct categories of recovery trajectories. We will evaluate whether certain recovery pattern predicts death or hospital readmissions, as well as whether clinical factors predict a patient having poor recovery trajectories. We will evaluate whether early recovery patterns predict the overall trajectory at the patient-level.

Ethics and dissemination

The Yale Institutional Review Board approved this study. Following the description of the study procedure, we obtain written informed consent from all study participants. The consent form states that all personal information, survey response and any medical records are confidential, will not be shared and are stored in an encrypted database. We plan to publish our study findings in peer-reviewed journals.
US-county level variation in intersecting individual, household and community characteristics relevant to COVID-19 and planning an equitable response: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Chin Taylor , Kahn Rebecca , Li Ruoran , Chen Jarvis T , Krieger Nancy , Buckee Caroline O , Balsari Satchit , Kiang Mathew V
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To illustrate the intersections of, and intercounty variation in, individual, household and community factors that influence the impact of COVID-19 on US counties and their ability to respond.

Design

We identified key individual, household and community characteristics influencing COVID-19 risks of infection and survival, guided by international experiences and consideration of epidemiological parameters of importance. Using publicly available data, we developed an open-access online tool that allows county-specific querying and mapping of risk factors. As an illustrative example, we assess the pairwise intersections of age (individual level), poverty (household level) and prevalence of group homes (community-level) in US counties. We also examine how these factors intersect with the proportion of the population that is people of colour (ie, not non-Hispanic white), a metric that reflects histories of US race relations. We defined ‘high’ risk counties as those above the 75th percentile. This threshold can be changed using the online tool.

Setting

US counties.

Participants

Analyses are based on publicly available county-level data from the Area Health Resources Files, American Community Survey, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlas file, National Center for Health Statistic and RWJF Community Health Rankings.

Results

Our findings demonstrate significant intercounty variation in the distribution of individual, household and community characteristics that affect risks of infection, severe disease or mortality from COVID-19. About 9% of counties, affecting 10 million residents, are in higher risk categories for both age and group quarters. About 14% of counties, affecting 31 million residents, have both high levels of poverty and a high proportion of people of colour.

Conclusion

Federal and state governments will benefit from recognising high intrastate, intercounty variation in population risks and response capacity. Equitable responses to the pandemic require strategies to protect those in counties at highest risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes and their social and economic impacts.