bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream as an anti‐wrinkle treatment: A pilot study
Authors: Altalhab Saad
Published: April 2019

Background

Imiquimod 5% cream is currently approved to treat several dermatologic conditions including actinic keratoses (AK), superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), and genital warts. However, there are numerous studies published on the alternative off‐label uses of imiquimod cream. Photoaging of facial skin is an important use for topical skin treatments, yet few studies have evaluated the effect of imiquimod cream for this dermatological condition.

Methods

This was a prospective, noncomparative pilot study. We included 15 healthy subjects; out of them, 11 subjects completed the study. The subjects were instructed to apply imiquimod 5% cream to the periorbital area on three nonconsecutive days per week for eight consecutive weeks. Photographs were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Improvement in overall periorbital skin appearance was assessed by an independent investigator who compared the baseline and post‐treatment clinical photographs. In addition, post‐treatment self‐assessment was completed by the subjects using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

Eleven of the 15 subjects completed the 8‐week regimen. Eight participants (72.7%) noticed at least a fair improvement in periorbital skin changes based on the self‐assessed 5‐point Likert scale. Quartile score was also assessed by the investigator which indicated that seven subjects (63.6%) had at least 26% improvement. Based on Fitzpatrick wrinkle‐scoring system, there was a significant reduction in the subjects' wrinkle severity following treatment (6.8 [mean] ± 1.7 [SD] vs 4.6 ± 2.5 [P < 0.005]).

Conclusions

Imiquimod 5% cream may be a safe alternative anti‐aging treatment. Larger scale studies are needed to confirm these results.
Effects of guanidinoacetic acid on growth performance, creatine metabolism and plasma amino acid profile in broilers
Authors: He Dongting , Yang Libin , Li Juntao , Dong Bing , Lai Wenqing , Zhang Liying
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, creatine deposition and blood amino acid (AA) profile on broiler chickens. In Exp. 1, a total of 540 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 45.23 ± 0.35 g) were divided randomly into five treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Broilers were fed corn–soybean meal‐basal diets supplemented with 0, 600, 800, 1,000 or 1,200 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Results showed that dietary GAA inclusion increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F) from 1 to 42 days (p < 0.01). However, average daily feed intake was unaffected by dietary supplementation of GAA. As GAA inclusion increased, the contents of creatine in plasma and kidney were increased (linear, p < 0.01), while the contents of GAA and creatine in liver were decreased (linear, p < 0.01). Similarly, GAA supplementation was inversely related to concentrations of most essential AA in plasma. In Exp. 2, a total of 432 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers (average initial body weight, 39.78 ± 0.58 g) were divided randomly into four treatments with six replicates of 18 chicks each. Birds were fed a corn–soybean meal‐basal diet supplemented with 0, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg GAA for 42 days respectively. Dietary inclusion of 600 mg/kg GAA significantly increased ADG and G:F of broilers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600–1,200 mg/kg GAA can effectively improve the growth performance in broiler chickens by affecting creatine metabolism and utilization efficiency of essential AA, and 600 mg/kg GAA is the minimum dose for improving performance.
Relation between ambulatory actigraphy and laboratory polysomnography in insomnia practice and research
Authors: Withrow Dana , Roth Thomas , Koshorek Gail , Roehrs Timothy
Published: April 2019

Actigraphy is increasingly used in practice and research studies because of its relative low cost and decreased subject burden. How multiple nights of at‐home actigraphy compare to one independent night of in‐laboratory polysomnography (PSG) has not been examined in people with insomnia. Using event markers (MARK) to set time in bed (TIB) compared to automatic program analysis (AUTO) has not been systematically evaluated. Subjects (n = 30) meeting DSM‐5 criteria for insomnia and in‐laboratory PSG sleep efficiency (SE) of <85% were studied. Subjects were free of psychiatric, sleep or circadian disorders, other chronic conditions and medications that effect sleep. Subjects had an in‐laboratory PSG, then were sent home for 7 nights with Philips Actiwatch Spectrum Plus. Data were analysed using Philips Actiware version 6. Using the mean of seven nights, TIB, total sleep time (TST), SE, sleep‐onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were examined. Compared to PSG, AUTO showed longer TIB and TST and less WASO. MARK only differed from PSG with decreased WASO. Differences between the PSG night and the following night at home were found, with better sleep on the first night home. Actigraphy in people with insomnia over seven nights is a valid indicator of sleep compared to an independent in‐laboratory PSG. Event markers increased the validity of actigraphy, showing no difference in TIB, TST, SE and SOL. AUTO was representative of SE and SOL. Increased SE and TST without increased TIB suggests possible compensatory sleep the first at night home after in‐laboratory PSG.
Modeling stereotypes and negative self‐stereotypes as a function of interactions among groups with power asymmetries
Authors: Lagos Rodrigo , Canessa Enrique , Chaigneau Sergio E.
Published: April 2019

Stereotypes is one of the most researched topics in social psychology. Within this context, negative self‐stereotypes pose a particular challenge for theories. In the current work, we propose a model that suggests that negative self‐stereotypes can theoretically be accounted for by the need to communicate in a social system made up by groups with unequal power. Because our theory is dynamic, probabilistic, and interactionist, we use a computational simulation technique to show that the proposed model is able to reproduce the phenomenon of interest, to provide novel accounts of related phenomena, and to suggest novel empirical predictions. We describe our computational model, our variables' dynamic behavior and interactions, and link our analyses to the literature on stereotypes and self‐stereotypes, the stability of stereotypes (in particular, gender and racial stereotypes), the effects of power asymmetries, and the effects of intergroup contact.
Deleted in colorectal cancer (netrin‐1 receptor) antibodies and limbic encephalitis in a cat with hippocampal necrosis
Authors: Hasegawa Daisuke , Ohnishi Yumi , Koyama Eiji , Matsunaga Satoru , Ohtani Shouhei , Nakanishi Akio , Shiga Takanori , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Yokoi Norihiko , Fukata Yuko , Fukata Masaki
Published: April 2019

A 7‐year‐old neutered female domestic shorthaired cat born in Poland and then moved to Japan presented to the local clinic with recent onset of convulsive cluster seizures and status epilepticus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral swelling of the hippocampus with T2 hyperintensity and contrast enhancing image, suggesting hippocampal necrosis. The cat completely recovered after treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AED) and administration of prednisolone (1 mg/kg PO q24h for 4 days and tapered). However, cluster seizures reoccurred and developed into status epilepticus despite increasing doses of AED. Although the convulsions were resolved by other AEDs, stupor and renal failure developed, and the cat was euthanized. Pathological findings were consistent with hippocampal necrosis. Immunological analysis for leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoantibodies was negative, but antibodies against DCC (deleted in colorectal carcinoma) known as netrin‐1 receptor were found. This report describes a case of feline autoimmune limbic encephalitis and hippocampal necrosis that were presumably associated with DCC autoantibodies.
ddRAD‐seq data reveal significant genome‐wide population structure and divergent genomic regions that distinguish the mallard and close relatives in North America
Authors: Lavretsky Philip , DaCosta Jeffrey M. , Sorenson Michael D. , McCracken Kevin G. , Peters Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2019

Recently evolved species typically share genetic variation across their genomes due to incomplete lineage sorting and/or ongoing gene flow. Given only subtle allele frequency differences at most loci and the expectation that divergent selection may affect only a tiny fraction of the genome, distinguishing closely related species based on multi‐locus data requires substantial genomic coverage. In this study, we used ddRAD‐seq to sample the genomes of five recently diverged, New World “mallards” (Anas spp.), a group of dabbling duck species characterized by diagnosable phenotypic differences but minimal genetic differentiation. With increased genomic sampling, we aimed to characterize population structure within this group and identify genomic regions that may have experienced divergent selection during speciation. We analyzed 3,017 autosomal ddRAD‐seq loci and 177 loci from the Z‐chromosome. In contrast to previous studies, the ddRAD‐seq data were sufficient to assign individuals to their respective species or subspecies and to generate estimates of gene flow in a phylogenetic framework. We find limited evidence of contemporary gene flow between the dichromatic mallard and several monochromatic taxa, but find evidence for historical gene flow between some monochromatic species pairs. We conclude that the overall genetic similarity of these taxa likely reflects retained ancestral polymorphism rather than recent and extensive gene flow. Thus, despite recurring cases of hybridization in this group, our results challenge the current dogma predicting the genetic extinction of the New World monochromatic dabbling ducks via introgressive hybridization with mallards. Moreover, ddRAD‐seq data were sufficient to identify previously unknown outlier regions across the Z‐chromosome and several autosomal chromosomes that may have been involved in the diversification of species in this recent radiation.
Perception of double‐stranded RNA in plant antiviral immunity
Authors: Niehl Annette , Heinlein Manfred
Published: April 2019

RNA silencing and antiviral pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) both rely on recognition of double‐stranded (ds)RNAs as defence‐inducing signals. While dsRNA recognition by dicer‐like proteins during antiviral RNA silencing is thoroughly investigated, the molecular mechanisms involved in dsRNA perception leading to antiviral PTI are just about to be untangled. Parallels to antimicrobial PTI thereby only partially facilitate our view on antiviral PTI. PTI against microbial pathogens involves plasma membrane bound receptors; however, dsRNAs produced during virus infection occur intracellularly. Hence, how dsRNA may be perceived during this immune response is still an open question. In this short review, we describe recent discoveries in PTI signalling upon sensing of microbial patterns and endogenous ‘danger’ molecules with emphasis on immune signalling‐associated subcellular trafficking processes in plants. Based on these studies, we develop different scenarios how dsRNAs could be sensed during antiviral PTI.
Engineering of hairpin ribozyme variants for RNA recombination and splicing
Authors: Hieronymus Robert , Müller Sabine
Published: April 2019

The hairpin ribozyme is a small, naturally occurring RNA that catalyzes the reversible cleavage of RNA substrates. Among the small endonucleolytic ribozymes, the hairpin ribozyme possesses the unique feature of the internal equilibrium between cleavage and ligation being shifted toward ligation. This allows control of the reaction outcome by structural design: fragments that are strongly bound to the ribozyme are preferentially ligated, whereas substrates that easily dissociate upon cleavage, such that they are not available for religation, are preferentially cleaved. We have made use of this characteristic feature in engineering a number of hairpin ribozyme variants by programmed conformational design that carry out cascades of cleavage and ligation reactions, and as a result mediate more complex RNA processing reactions. Here, we review our work on the engineering of hairpin ribozyme variants for RNA recombination and regular and back‐splicing, and discuss the relevance of such activities in early life.
Apneic nasal oxygenation and safe apnea time during pediatric intubations by learners
Authors: Soneru Codruta N. , Hurt Hans F. , Petersen Timothy R. , Davis Donnis D. , Braude Darren A. , Falcon Ricardo J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Apneic nasal oxygenation (ApOx) prolongs the time to desaturation during intubation of adult patients, but there is limited prospective evidence for apneic oxygenation in pediatric patients.

Aims

We hypothesized that ApOx during operating room intubation of pediatric patients by inexperienced learners would prolong the interval before desaturation.

Methods

This prospective observational study compared intubation data for 196 pediatric surgical patients intubated by learners under baseline practice (no nasal cannula), to 160 patients enrolled after adoption of routine apneic nasal cannula oxygenation at 5 L/min. The primary outcome was elapsed time between anesthetic induction and pulse oximetry (SpO2) falling to 95, if ever.

Results

Nasal cannula oxygenation during intubation by learners delayed desaturation to SpO2 95 (risk ratio for this event before intubation 0.05, 95% CI 0.03‐0.09; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Apneic oxygenation via nasal cannula during intubation of pediatric surgical patients prolongs time before desaturation, thus extending the safe interval for airway management by learners.
Early diagnosis of ploidy status in doubled haploid production of maize by stomata length and flow cytometry measurements
Authors: Molenaar Willem S. , de Oliveira Couto Evellyn Giselly , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Melchinger Albrecht E.
Published: April 2019

Reliable discrimination of haploid (H), doubled haploid (DH) and crossing (C) plants in early growth stages could streamline DH production in maize. By detecting in early growth stages undesirable sterile H plants and undesirable heterozygous C plants, a large proportion of resources required for DH production could be saved. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of early classification of plants in growth stages V3‐V4 as H, DH or C in the context of DH production using flow cytometry and stomata length. As the reference classification, we used a field score based on plant phenotype commonly applied in DH production and research. Our results show that identification of misclassified C seeds is possible because the overlap in distributions of stomata length between H&DH and C plants is small and the association between flow cytometry and the reference field score is high. In contrast, overlap between H and DH distributions is substantial. Consequently, the main application we see for these classification methods in early growth stages is the identification of C seedlings.
Validation of a physician global assessment tool for vitiligo extent: Results of an international vitiligo expert meeting
Authors: van Geel Nanja , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Ezzedine Khaled , Pandya Amit G. , Bekkenk Marcel , Grine Lynda , Van Belle Sarah , Lommerts Janny E. , Hamzavi Iltefat , Harris John E. , Eleftheriadou Viktoria , Esmat Samia , Kang Hee Young , Kumarasinghe Prasad , Lan Cheng‐Che E. , Parsad Davinder , Raboobee Noufal , Flora Xiang Leihong , Suzuki Tamio , Prinsen Cecilia A. , Taieb Alain , Picardo Mauro , Speeckaert Reinhart ,   the participants of the Rome International VGICC /VIS Workshop
Published: April 2019

Currently, vitiligo lacks a validated Physician Global Assessment (PGA) for disease extent. This PGA can be used to stratify and interpret the numeric scores obtained by the Vitiligo Extent Score (VES). We investigated the interrater reliability of a 5‐point PGA scale during an international vitiligo workshop. Vitiligo experts from five different continents rated photographs of non‐segmental vitiligo patients with varying degrees of extent with the PGA score. Good interrater agreements (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.6) were observed between the raters overall and within each continent. All hypotheses to evaluate construct validity were confirmed. Median VES values per category were for limited 1.10 [IQR: 0.21–1.67], moderate 3.17 [IQR: 1.75–6.21], extensive 9.58 [IQR: 6.21–13.03] and very extensive 42.67 [IQR: 21.20–42.67]. Defined categories for vitiligo extent can be valuable for inclusion criteria and may impact future reimbursement criteria.
Disseminated De Novo Myeloid Sarcoma in a 17‐year‐old Boy
Authors: Sandre Matthew K. , Liu Annie , Levy Rebecca
Published: April 2019

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary tumor of malignant myeloid cells often associated with acute myeloid leukemia. We report a case of a 17‐year‐old boy presenting with diffuse red‐brown skin nodules ultimately diagnosed with the scarcely described disseminated, de novo MS. It is important for dermatologists to keep MS on their differential when assessing patients with disseminated red‐brown nodules.
Refusing to Be Governed: Urban Policing, Gang Violence, and the Politics of Evilness in an Afro‐Colombian Shantytown
Authors: Alves Jaime Amparo
Published: April 2019

What is the role of policing within urban contexts marked by economic dispossession, crime, and gang violence? This article grapples with this question by examining both policing practices and the strategies of resistance embraced by residents of El Guayacán, a predominantly black neighborhood in the outskirts of Cali, Colombia. I argue that policing is not only about repression but also about enforcing spatial‐racial boundaries and administering social death. On the one hand, targeting black bodies and black places as the problem of urban security provides police a spatial fix (to borrow from critical geographers) for broad anxieties around crime. On the other hand, the discursive and material production of unruly bodies and ungovernable spaces justifies state disinvestment, social abandonment, and police aggression against racialized others.
Productivity and thallus toughness trade‐off relationship in marine macroalgae from the Japan Sea
Authors: Sakanishi Yoshihiko , Kasai Hiromi , Enomoto Koichiro , Toda Masashi , Tanaka Jiro
Published: April 2019

Trade‐offs are considered key to understanding mechanisms supporting the coexistence of multiple plant species. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying trade‐offs is expected to contribute to conservation and management of macroalgal beds composed of diverse macroalgae of rocky shore ecosystems. To test the occurrence of trade‐offs between productivity and thallus toughness as well as pair‐wise thallus trait relationships that are expected to indirectly relate to any trade‐offs, traits and relationships for 13 species of macroalgae from the central area along the Japan Sea coast of Honshu, Japan were examined. In each species we examined for photosynthetic capacity per unit biomass (as Amass) and nitrogen (i.e., photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency, PNUE), nitrogen content (as Nmass), thallus mass per unit thallus area (as TMA) and force required to penetrate the thallus (as Fp, a common index of leaf toughness in land plants by punch test). A significant negative correlation indicating a trade‐off between productivity and thallus toughness was found between Amass or PNUE and Fp. Pair‐wise relationships that were expected to indirectly relate to the trade‐off were as follows. Amass was positively correlated with Nmass. Thalli with high Nmass extensively utilizing nitrogen in the photosynthetic parts, and consequently exhibiting elevated metabolic rates. Moreover, thalli with high Nmass tended to be associated with low TMA, and Nmass decreased with increasing TMA. A significant negative correlation was observed between TMA and Amass or PNUE because of the linkage of high Amass or PNUE with high Nmass and high Nmass associated with low TMA, while a significant positive correlation was observed between TMA and Fp. The two correlations indicate a physiological and structural trade‐off, which underlies the interdependency of thallus traits. Results of multivariate analyses also indicated that the thallus traits interdependently vary across a single axis based on the trade‐off.
Obesity as a barrier to kidney transplantation: Time to eliminate the body weight bias?
Authors: MacLaughlin Helen L. , Campbell Katrina L.
Published: April 2019

There is clear evidence that survival rates following transplantation far exceed those for remaining on dialysis, regardless of body size measured by body mass index (BMI). Studies over the past 15 years also suggest little to no difference in long‐term outcomes, including graft survival and mortality, irrespective of BMI, in contrast to earlier evidence. However, weight bias still exists, as access to kidney transplantation remains inequitable in centers using arbitrary BMI limits. Clinicians faced with the decision regarding listing based on body size are not helped by conflicting recommendations in national and international guidelines. Therefore, in clinical practice, obesity, and recommendations for weight loss, remain a controversial issue when assessing suitability for kidney transplantation. Obesity management interventions in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), whether for weight loss for transplantation listing or for slowing kidney disease progression, are under‐explored in trial settings. Bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for obesity, but carries increased risk in the ESKD population, and the desired outcome of kidney transplant listing is not guaranteed. Centers that limit transplants to those meeting arbitrary levels of body mass, rather than adopting an individualized assessment approach, may be unfairly depriving many ESKD patients of the survival and quality of life benefits derived from kidney transplantation. However, robotic kidney transplantation surgery holds promise for reducing perioperative risks related to obesity, and may therefore represent an opportunity to remove listing criteria based on size.
Household Determinants of Teen Marriage: Sister Effects Across Four Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Pesando Luca Maria , Abufhele Alejandra
Published: April 2019

This article investigates the household determinants of teen marriage in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam using data from the international Young Lives study tracking a cohort of children from the ages of 8–19 over a 15‐year period. First, we offer a descriptive and comparative overview of the prevalence of teen marriage among girls in geographically selected areas of the four countries, together with their sociodemographic determinants. Second, we place a specific focus on the role of gender and sibling sex‐composition in shaping the probability of getting married by age 19. Drawing on the significant cross‐country heterogeneity in household context, direction of marriage payments, and prevalence of arranged marriage, we test hypotheses relating to the availability of economic resources within the household and cultural norms surrounding the order and timing of marriage. We show that in Ethiopia, India, and Vietnam, presence and number of older sisters in the household are associated with a 30–50 percent lower likelihood of teen marriage, while the association is null in Peru. Also, we show that having a girl as next‐youngest sibling does not significantly affect girls’ likelihood of experiencing teen marriage, except in Ethiopia. Our results combined support theories of family‐level resource constraints over sibling rivalry hypotheses. Our findings enrich and complement existing evidence on the role of sibling sex‐composition on adolescent outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Validation of a novel smartphone application‐enabled, patient‐operated skin barrier device
Authors: Grinich Erin E. , Shah Anuja V. , Simpson Eric L.
Published: April 2019

Background

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and surface capacitance measure skin barrier permeability and stratum corneum (SC) hydration, respectively, and are frequently utilized in atopic dermatitis clinical trials. Many barrier devices are costly and often used only in the academic setting. GPSkin is a low‐cost, patient‐operated device that measures both TEWL and SC hydration. This study aimed to test the reliability of GPSkin and assess its correlation with current industry standards.

Materials and Methods

GPSkin was compared to the Biox AquaFlux (TEWL) and Courage‐Khazaka Corneometer (SC hydration). Participants with healthy skin (n = 50) collected measurements with GPSkin in Trial 1 without any device education and in Trial 2 with additional instruction. In Trial 2, the investigator also performed measurements with GPSkin. Spearman's coefficients (rs) were performed to assess device correlation. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine reliability.

Results

Overall, GPSkin was moderately correlated with current industry device measurements for TEWL (Trial 1 rs:0.48; Trial 2 rs:0.40 participant, 0.34 investigator) and SC hydration (Trial 1 rs:0.63; Trial 2 rs:0.45). GPSkin demonstrated “good” test‐retest reliability for both TEWL (ICC: 0.89) and SC hydration (ICC: 0.85) measurements when participants were provided with some device education. There was no difference in reliability between participants provided with device education and investigators.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, we concluded that GPSkin provides reasonably precise and reliable measurements of SC hydration and TEWL as compared to current devices.
Understanding the Neural Bases of Implicit and Statistical Learning
Authors: Batterink Laura J. , Paller Ken A. , Reber Paul J.
Published: April 2019

Both implicit learning and statistical learning focus on the ability of learners to pick up on patterns in the environment. It has been suggested that these two lines of research may be combined into a single construct of “implicit statistical learning.” However, by comparing the neural processes that give rise to implicit versus statistical learning, we may determine the extent to which these two learning paradigms do indeed describe the same core mechanisms. In this review, we describe current knowledge about neural mechanisms underlying both implicit learning and statistical learning, highlighting converging findings between these two literatures. A common thread across all paradigms is that learning is supported by interactions between the declarative and nondeclarative memory systems of the brain. We conclude by discussing several outstanding research questions and future directions for each of these two research fields. Moving forward, we suggest that the two literatures may interface by defining learning according to experimental paradigm, with “implicit learning” reserved as a specific term to denote learning without awareness, which may potentially occur across all paradigms. By continuing to align these two strands of research, we will be in a better position to characterize the neural bases of both implicit and statistical learning, ultimately improving our understanding of core mechanisms that underlie a wide variety of human cognitive abilities.
Epidemiological investigation of Leptospira spp. in a dairy farming enterprise after the occurrence of three human leptospirosis cases
Authors: Yupiana Yuni , Wilson Peter R. , Weston Jenny F. , Vallée Emilie , Collins‐Emerson Julie M. , Benschop Jackie , Scotland Tim , Heuer Cord
Published: April 2019

An epidemiological investigation was conducted in an unvaccinated dairy farming enterprise in which three workers on one of the milking herds (Herd 1) were diagnosed with leptospirosis due to serovars Hardjo (H) (n = 2) and Pomona (P) (n = 1) between January and March 2015. Blood and urine samples were collected from milking cows in Herd 1 (N = 230) and Herd 2 (N = 400), rising one‐ (R1, N = 125) and rising two‐year‐old (R2, N = 130) replacement heifers, and four pigs associated with Herd 1, in March 2015. Sera were tested using the MAT for serovars H, P, Copenhageni (C), Ballum (B) and Tarassovi (T), and urine samples were tested by qPCR. Seventy‐five per cent of 109 cows in Herd 1 and 36% of 121 in Herd 2 were seropositive (≥48), predominantly to H and P, and 23% of 74 cows in Herd 1 and 1% of 90 cows in Herd 2 were qPCR positive. Fifty‐five per cent of 42 R2 heifers were seropositive to T. No R1 and 17% of 42 R2 heifers were qPCR positive. Subsequently, all cattle were vaccinated for H and P, and Herds 1 and 2 were given amoxicillin. After the booster vaccination, 7% of 91 in Herd 1, 2% of 82 in Herd 2 and 11% of 38 R1 heifers (sampled as R2) were PCR positive. After the amoxicillin treatment, no cows in Herd 1 and 5% of 62 cows in Herd 2 were urine PCR positive. Calves and pigs were seropositive to H, P, C and B. Vaccination and antibiotic treatment appeared effective in reducing the risk of exposure of workers to vaccine serovars. However, evidence of non‐vaccine serovars indicated that workers likely remain at risk of exposure to Leptospira.
Bipedal Model and Hybrid Zero Dynamics of Human Walking With Foot Slip
Authors: Trkov Mitja , Chen Kuo , Yi Jingang
Published: April 2019

Foot slip is one of the major causes of falls in human locomotion. Analytical bipedal models provide an insight into the complex slip dynamics and reactive control strategies for slip-induced fall prevention. Most of the existing bipedal dynamics models are built on no foot slip assumption and cannot be used directly for such analysis. We relax the no-slip assumption and present a new bipedal model to capture and predict human walking locomotion under slip. We first validate the proposed slip walking dynamic model by tuning and optimizing the model parameters to match the experimental results. The results demonstrate that the model successfully predicts both the human walking and recovery gaits with slip. Then, we extend the hybrid zero dynamics (HZD) model and properties to capture human walking with slip. We present the closed-form of the HZD for human walking and discuss the transition between the nonslip and slip states through slip recovery control design. The analysis and design are illustrated through human walking experiments. The models and analysis can be further used to design and control wearable robotic assistive devices to prevent slip-and-fall.
Numerical Study of a Flow Field Near the Bit for a Coiled-Tubing Partial Underbalanced Drilling Method
Authors: Shi Huaizhong , Song Hengyu , Zhao Heqian , Chen Zhenliang
Published: April 2019

A new drilling method called coiled-tubing partial underbalanced drilling (CT-PUBD) was proposed in this paper. The method is not only able to enhance rate of penetration (ROP) just like the conventional underbalanced drilling technology but can also maintain borehole stability in the upper formation. In the new method, the wellbore pressure system is divided into two parts by a packer: (1) normal pressure system in the upper formation used to balance formation pressure and maintain borehole stability and (2) an underbalanced pressure system in the annulus near the bit used to enhance ROP. Because the pressure system and the circulation system are different, the cuttings transportation process of the method is different from the conventional way. Therefore, it is essential to study how to carry cuttings away efficiently. The flow field and cuttings distribution in the annulus near the bit were analyzed by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods. Cuttings transportation trajectory, velocity distribution, and cuttings concentration distribution were obtained under different holes’ parameters of the backflow device (including holes number, diameter, distance, and angle) and different drilling fluid viscosities. The results show that these parameters all have influence on cuttings carrying efficiency, and the most influential parameters are viscosity, angle, and diameter. According to the result of an orthogonal test, a suitable combination of the holes’ parameters was obtained. In the combination, the value of holes number, diameter, distance, and angle is 4, 50 mm, 300 mm, and 120 deg, respectively. This paper provides a theoretical basis for an optimization design of the new method.
Adaptation of Methanol–Dodecanol–Diesel Blend in Diesel Genset Engine
Authors: Agarwal Avinash Kumar , Sharma Nikhil , Singh Akhilendra Pratap , Kumar Vikram , Satsangi Dev Prakash , Patel Chetankumar
Published: April 2019

Miscibility of methanol in mineral diesel and stability of methanol–diesel blends are the main obstacles faced in the utilization of methanol in compression ignition engines. In this experimental study, combustion, performance, emissions, and particulate characteristics of a single-cylinder engine fueled with MD10 (10% v/v methanol blended with 90% v/v mineral diesel) and MD15 (15% v/v methanol blended with 85% v/v mineral diesel) are compared with baseline mineral diesel using a fuel additive (1-dodecanol). The results indicated that methanol blending with mineral diesel resulted in superior combustion, performance, and emission characteristics compared with baseline mineral diesel. MD15 emitted lesser number of particulates and NOx emissions compared with MD10 and mineral diesel. This investigation demonstrated that methanol–diesel blends stabilized using suitable additives can resolve several issues of diesel engines, improve their thermal efficiency, and reduce NOx and particulate emissions simultaneously.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Water Control and Production Increase in a Tight Gas Formation With Polymer
Authors: Liu Guangfeng , Meng Zhan , Li Xuejiao , Gu Daihong , Yang Daoyong , Yin Hang
Published: April 2019

An integrated technique has been developed to experimentally and numerically evaluate water control and production increase in a tight gas formation with polymer. Experimentally, polymer has been appropriately selected and formulated to form a preferentially blocking membrane on the surface of pore and throat in core plugs collected from a tight gas reservoir. The unsteady-state experiments at high temperatures and confining pressures are then conducted to not only measure gas and water relative permeability but also to evaluate the performance of water control and gas production with and without such formulated polymers. The inlet and outlet pressure of the coreholder and flow rates of water and gas are measured throughout the displacement experiments. Theoretically, numerical simulations have been performed to history match the coreflooding experiments and then extended to evaluate well performance in gas fields with and without polymer treatment. Due to the good agreement between the simulated relative permeability and the measured values, the formulated polymer is found to simultaneously control water and increase gas production. Also, it is found from simulation that, after 10 years of production, gas wells after polymer injection show a higher recovery of 10.8% with a lower water-to-gas ratio and a higher formation pressure.
In-Cylinder CO2 Sampling Using Skip-Firing Method
Authors: Duckhouse Matthew , Peckham Mark , Mason Byron , Winward Edward , Hammond Matthew
Published: April 2019

Skip-firing (or cylinder de-activation) was assessed as a method of sampling CO2 directly in the cylinder at higher speeds than previously possible. CO2 was directly sampled from one cylinder of a 1 L three-cylinder gasoline engine to determine the residual gas fraction (RGF) using a fast response CO/CO2 analyzer. Acquisition of data for similar measurements is typically limited to engine speeds of below 1300  revolutions per minute (rpm) to allow full resolution of the sample through the analyzer that has an 8 ms finite response time. In order to sample in-cylinder CO2 at higher engine speeds, a skip-firing method is developed. By shutting off ignition intermittently during engine operation, the residual CO2 from the last firing cycle can be measured at significantly higher engine speeds. Comparison of RGF CO2 at low speeds for normal and skip-fire operation shows good correlation. This suggests that skip-firing is a suitable method for directly measuring internal exhaust gas recirculation up to at least 3000 rpm. The measurements obtained may provide a useful tool for validating internal exhaust gas recirculation models and could be used to calculate combustion air–fuel ratio from the CO and CO2 content of the burned gas. These are typically complicated parameters to predict due to the slow response time and sensitivity to hydrocarbons of wide-band oxygen sensors. A differing pattern of RGF change with increasing speed was seen between normal and skip-fire operation.
Stochastic Finite Element Method Elasto-Plastic Analysis of the
Necking Bar With Material Microdefects
Authors: Strąkowski Michał , Kamiński Marcin
Published: April 2019

The main aim of this work is to study a significance of structural microdefects and their uncertainty in structural steel on its elastoplastic large deformations subjected to tensile test with the use of the generalized stochastic perturbation method. Elastoplastic behavior of the macroscopically homogeneous material is defined by the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) constitutive model, where Young's modulus and this model constants q1 and q2 are consecutively randomized according to the Gauss probability distribution. The stochastic finite element method (SFEM) analysis has been carried out in the system abaqus for the problem of necking under tension to compute the first four probabilistic moments and coefficients of displacements, deformations, and stresses. The tenth-order perturbation scheme has been implemented via statistically optimized least-squares method (LSM) determination of the structural nodal polynomial response functions. A comparison with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) as well as the semi-analytical integral technique based on the same polynomial bases confirms applicability of the method proposed for the input uncertainty not larger than 0.10. Further numerical experiments with this constitutive law including stochastic nucleation and/or coalescence would be necessary to better understand deformations and stresses of stochastic porous plastic materials. This model may find its applications in various stress states of the plastic materials with voids as well as in numerical simulations of the composite materials with imperfect interphases, for instance, where some parameters exhibit initial Gaussian statistical scattering.
Embedded Cooling for Wide Bandgap Power Amplifiers: A Review
Authors: Bar-Cohen A. , Maurer J. J. , Altman D. H.
Published: April 2019

Successful utilization of the inherent capability of wide bandgap materials and architectures for radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers (PAs) necessitates the creation of an alternative thermal management paradigm. Recent “embedded cooling” efforts in the aerospace industry have focused on overcoming the near-junction thermal limitations of conventional electronic materials and enhancing removal of the dissipated power with on-chip cooling. These efforts, focusing on the use of diamond substrates and microfluidic jet impingement, are ushering in a new generation (Gen3) of thermal packaging technology. Following the introduction of a modified Johnson's figure-of-merit (JFOM-k), which includes thermal conductivity to reflect the near-junction thermal limitation, attention is turned to the options, challenges, and techniques associated with the development of embedded thermal management technology (TMT). Record GaN-on-Diamond transistor linear power of 11 W/mm, transistor power fluxes in excess of 50 kW/cm2, and heat fluxes, above 40 kW/cm2, achieved in Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s near-junction thermal transport (NJTT) program, are described. Raytheon's ICECool demonstration monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), which achieved 3.1× the CW RF power output and 4.8× the CW RF power density relative to a baseline design, are used to illustrate the efficacy of Gen3 embedded cooling.
Optimal network topology for responsive collective behavior
Authors: Mateo David , Horsevad Nikolaj , Hassani Vahid , Chamanbaz Mohammadreza , Bouffanais Roland
Published: April 2019

Collectives must tune their interaction network to adapt and respond to external perturbations at different time scales.
Urban heat island: Aerodynamics or imperviousness?
Authors: Li Dan , Liao Weilin , Rigden Angela J. , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Dagang , Malyshev Sergey , Shevliakova Elena
Published: April 2019

Vegetation and moisture play the most important roles in controlling daytime urban heat islands and their spatial variability.
Eastern equatorial Pacific cold tongue evolution since the late Miocene linked to extratropical climate
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Tian Jun , Liu Zhonghui , Herbert Timothy D. , Fedorov Alexey V. , Lyle Mitch
Published: April 2019

The eastern equatorial Pacific cold tongue was only weakly developed to nonexistent before ~4.3 million years ago.
Navigating the complexities of coordinated conservation along the river Nile
Authors: Allan J. R. , Levin N. , Jones K. R. , Abdullah S. , Hongoh J. , Hermoso V. , Kark S.
Published: April 2019

Basin-wide cooperation is crucial for cost-effective conservation of river Nile biodiversity.
Mid-Pleistocene transition in glacial cycles explained by declining CO
2
and regolith removal
Authors: Willeit M. , Ganopolski A. , Calov R. , Brovkin V.
Published: April 2019

Model simulations reveal the importance of atmospheric CO
2
and glacial erosion of regolith for Quaternary climate dynamics.
Earthquakes track subduction fluids from slab source to mantle wedge sink
Authors: Halpaap Felix , Rondenay Stéphane , Perrin Alexander , Goes Saskia , Ottemöller Lars , Austrheim Håkon , Shaw Robert , Eeken Thomas
Published: April 2019

Fluids trigger earthquakes as they flow upward along the subducted slab and escape into the overlying rocks.
Ultra-multiplexed analysis of single-cell dynamics reveals logic rules in differentiation
Authors: Zhang Ce , Tu Hsiung-Lin , Jia Gengjie , Mukhtar Tanzila , Taylor Verdon , Rzhetsky Andrey , Tay Savaş
Published: April 2019

An ultra-multiplexed microfluidic system uncovers signaling logic rules in neural stem cell differentiation and self-renewal.
Modulation of mtDNA copy number ameliorates the pathological consequences of a heteroplasmic mtDNA mutation in the mouse
Authors: Filograna R. , Koolmeister C. , Upadhyay M. , Pajak A. , Clemente P. , Wibom R. , Simard M. L. , Wredenberg A. , Freyer C. , Stewart J. B. , Larsson N. G.
Published: April 2019

The severity of mitochondrial disease caused by mutations of mtDNA does depend on the absolute amount of wild-type mtDNA.
Stress-activated miR-204 governs senescent phenotypes of chondrocytes to promote osteoarthritis development
Authors: Kang Donghyun , Shin Jungkwon , Cho Yongsik , Kim Hyeon-Seop , Gu Young-Ran , Kim Haedong , You Kwon Tae , Chang Moon Jong , Chang Chong Bum , Kang Seung-Baik , Kim Jong-Seo , Kim V. Narry , Kim Jin-Hong
Published: April 2019

Senescence-induced miR-204 alters the proteoglycan biosynthesis pathway and disrupts matrix homeostasis in osteoarthritic cartilage.
Elastin imaging enables noninvasive staging and treatment monitoring of kidney fibrosis
Authors: Sun Qinxue , Baues Maike , Klinkhammer Barbara M. , Ehling Josef , Djudjaj Sonja , Drude Natascha I. , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Kramann Rafael , Kim Hyojin , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Weiskirchen Ralf , Onthank David C. , Botnar Rene M. , Kiessling Fabian , Floege Jürgen , Lammers Twan , Boor Peter
Published: April 2019

Elastin-specific MRI allows quantitative and longitudinal renal fibrosis assessment and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
A window of opportunity for immune imprinting
Authors: Brunner Patrick M.
Published: April 2019

Host immune responses during a short weaning period determine susceptibility to inflammatory pathologies later in life.
Good vibrations to treat inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Weaver Jessica D.
Published: April 2019

Ultrasound stimulation of the vagus nerve via the spleen triggers the neural-immune reflex to dampen inflammatory arthritis.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Pormohammad Ali , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , McHugh Timothy D. , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Bahr Nathan C.
Published: April 2019

The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is difficult and poses a significant challenge to physicians worldwide. Recently, nucleic acid amplification (NAA) tests have shown promise for the diagnosis of TBM, although their performance has been variable.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Stool Xpert MTB/RIF for Detection of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: MacLean Emily , Sulis Giorgia , Denkinger Claudia M. , Johnston James C. , Pai Madhukar , Ahmad Khan Faiz
Published: April 2019

Invasive collection methods are often required to obtain samples for the microbiological evaluation of children with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Nucleic acid amplification testing of easier-to-collect stool samples could be a noninvasive method of diagnosing PTB.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Senecavirus A Isolate from an Asymptomatic Pig in China
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Ni Bo , Zhang Lili , Zhang Hui , Zhang Feng , Liu Shuang , Dong Yaqin , Cui Jin , Wu Faxing , Li Xiaocheng , Huang Baoxu
Published: April 2019

Senecavirus A (SVA) is the single member of the genus
Senecavirus
of the family
Picornaviridae
. Here, we report a complete genome sequence of SVA strain GX2018-92, which was isolated from an asymptomatic piglet in China.
New developments in the mental health of refugee children and adolescents
Authors: Hodes Matthew
Published: April 2019

The increase in refugees globally since 2010 and the arrival of many into Europe since 2015, around 50% of whom are under 18 years, have been the stimulus to greater investigation and publications regarding their mental health. This clinical review summarises selected themes in the field as described in the published literature since 2016. The themes include refugee statistics, premigration and postmigration experiences, psychopathology focusing on parent–child relationships, unaccompanied refugee minors and associations between resettlement, acculturation and mental health. Some important reviews and studies are discussed that address service and treatment provision. While there has been a recent increase in research in this field, more is needed into the course of psychopathology, protective factors and the promotion of integration into resettlement countries, as well as models of service delivery and treatment effectiveness.