bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeny of the family Coccidae (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha), with a discussion of their waxy ovisacs
Authors: Choi Jinyeong , Lee Seunghwan
Published: December 2019

Coccidae is one of the major families of scale insects, with many species considered to be serious agricultural or horticultural pests. However, the phylogenetic relationships among coccid subfamilies, tribes and genera are poorly understood because existing hypotheses are based on morphological characters and cladistic analyses. Here, we present the first molecular phylogeny of the family Coccidae based on DNA fragments of a mitochondrial gene (COI), nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S), and elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α). We found that some genera (Coccus Linnaeus and Pulvinaria Targioni Tozzetti), tribes (Coccini, Paralecaniini, Pulvinariini and Saissetiini) and subfamilies (Coccinae and Filippiinae) within the family are nonmonophyletic. Formation of a waxy ovisac and the distribution and structures of ventral tubular ducts have been used to define the tribe Pulvinariini morphologically; however, these were found to be homoplastic traits based on ancestral state reconstruction. Accordingly, we propose a new classification of certain groups as follows: (i) the Paralecaniini is raised to subfamily rank, Paralecaniinae stat.n., except that Neosaissetia Tao, Wong & Chang is retained as a member of Coccinae; (ii) Megapulvinaria Yang and Pulvinarisca Borchsenius are transferred from Coccinae to Pulvinariscinae stat.n.; and (iii) Metaceronema Takahashi is transferred from Filippiinae to Pulvinariscinae stat.n. We provide amended diagnoses for the newly proposed subfamilies.
Local Dynamic Stability of Self-Paced Treadmill Walking Versus Fixed-Speed Treadmill Walking
Authors: Qian Yuyang , Yang Kaiming , Zhu Yu , Wang Wei , Wan Chenhui
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of gait stability induced by treadmill accelerations during self-paced treadmill walking (SPW). Local dynamic stability of three-dimensional (3D) upper body accelerations and hip angles were quantified. The results demonstrated that SPW was more unstable and had higher risk of falling than fixed-speed treadmill walking (FSW) under the impact of treadmill accelerations. The frequency domain analysis of treadmill speed indicated that intrastride treadmill speed variation was the dominating cause of the instability, and self-paced control strategies which can reduce the intrastride variation may achieve higher gait stability during SPW.
Robustness Metric for Robust Design Optimization Under Time- and Space-Dependent Uncertainty Through Metamodeling
Authors: Wei Xinpeng , Du Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

Product performance varies with respect to time and space in many engineering applications. This paper discusses how to measure and evaluate the robustness of a product or component when its quality characteristics (QCs) are functions of random variables, random fields, temporal variables, and spatial variables. At first, the existing time-dependent robustness metric is extended to the present time- and space-dependent problem. The robustness metric is derived using the extreme value of the quality characteristics with respect to temporal and spatial variables for the nominal-the-better type quality characteristics. Then, a metamodel-based numerical procedure is developed to evaluate the new robustness metric. The procedure employs a Gaussian Process regression method to estimate the expected quality loss that involves the extreme quality characteristics. The expected quality loss is obtained directly during the regression model building process. Four examples are used to demonstrate the robustness analysis method. The proposed method can be used for robustness analysis during robust design optimization (RDO) under time- and space-dependent uncertainty.
Aerosol Dynamics Modeling With Chemkin-Pro Surface-Kinetics User-Routines
Authors: Hubbard Joshua A. , Omana Michael A. , Cheng Meng-Dawn
Published: December 2019

The Chemkin-Pro Application Programming Interface (API) was used to implement surface-kinetics user-routines to expand current aerosol dynamics models. Phase change mechanisms were expanded to include homogeneous nucleation in supersaturated environments, and particle size-dependent vapor condensation and evaporation. Homogeneous nucleation of water droplets was modeled with classical nucleation theory (CNT) and a modified form of nucleation theory published by Dillmann, A., and Meier, G. E. A. (1991, “A Refined Droplet Approach to the Problem of Homogeneous Nucleation From the Vapor-Phase,” J. Chem. Phys., 94(5), pp. 3872–3884). The Chemkin-Pro homogeneous nucleation module, developed in this work, was validated against published data for nucleation fluxes at varying pressures, temperatures, and vapor concentrations. A newly released feature in Chemkin-Pro enabled particle size-dependent surface reaction rates. A Chemkin-Pro vapor condensation and evaporation module was written and verified with the formulation published in Hinds, W. C. (1999, Aerosol Technology: Properties, Behavior, and Measurement of Airborne Particles, Wiley, New York). Lastly, Chemkin-Pro results for coagulation in the transition regime were verified with the semi-implicit method developed by Jacobson, M. Z. (1999, Fundamentals of Atmospheric Modeling, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY). Good performance was observed for all three Chemkin-Pro modules. This work illustrates the utility of the Chemkin-Pro API, and the flexibility with which models can be developed using surface-kinetics user-routines. This paper illustrates that Chemkin-Pro can be developed to include more physically representative aerosol dynamics processes where rates are defined based on physical and chemical parameters rather than Arrhenius rates. The methods and modules developed in this work can be applied to industrial problems like material synthesis (e.g., powder production), processes involving phase change like heat exchangers, as well as more fundamental scientific processes like cloud physics.
Development of a Structural Health Monitoring Methodology in Reinforced Concrete Structures Using FBGs and Pattern Recognition Techniques
Authors: Amaya Alejandra , Alvarez-Montoya Joham , Sierra-Pérez Julián
Published: December 2019

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a branch of structural engineering which seeks for the development of monitoring systems that provide relevant information of any alteration that may occur in an engineering structure. This work presents the implementation of an SHM methodology in a prototype structure made of reinforced concrete by using fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), a type of fiber optic sensor capable of measuring strain and temperature changes due to external stimuli. The SHM system includes an interrogation device and signal processing algorithms which are intended to study the physical variations on the FBGs measurements in order to detect anomalies in the structure promoted by a damage occurrence. The structure prototype is a porticoed structure which contains 48 embedded sensors: 32 of them are destinated for the strain measurement and are located in both columns and beams of the structure, 16 are temperature sensors which have been embedded for thermal compensation. Strain datasets for both pristine and damaged conditions were obtained for the structure while it was excited with a mechanical shaker which induced dynamic loading conditions resembling earthquakes. By using classification algorithms based on pattern recognition, it is intended to process the datasets with the aim of reaching the first level of SHM in the structure (damage detection).
Photo-Triggered Soft Materials With Differentiated Diffusive Pathways
Authors: Makhoul-Mansour Michelle M. , Freeman Eric C.
Published: December 2019

Controlled diffusive transport between regions within a compartmentalized structure is an essential feature of cellular-inspired materials. Using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) technique, biomolecular soft materials can be constructed in an oil medium by connecting multiple lipid-coated microdroplets together through interfacial bilayers. While traditionally achieved through the incorporation of pore forming toxins (PFTs), signal propagation within DIB assemblies can be remotely controlled through the integration of photopolymerizable phospholipids (23:2 DiynePC) into the aqueous phase. Since such strategy allows for the formation of UV-C triggered pathways only between droplets both containing DiynePC, polymerizable phospholipids have shown an advantage of reducing undesired diffusion and forming conductive pathways.

The partial polymerization of lipid bilayers formed through the DIB platform is still to this date underexplored in the literature. In a previous work, we have shown that the incorporation of 23:2 DiynePC into lipid bilayers allows for the creation of patterned conductive pathways in a 2D DIB structure. The properties of photosensitive bilayers were also investigated but not their channel activity. The functionalization of bilayers-based photosensitive structures through transmembrane channels remains an under-investigated mean of achieving further differentiated conductive channels. This work explores the reconstitution of several transmembrane channels such as alpha-hemolysin (αHL) and alamethicin (ALM) into partially polymerized lipid bilayers. We believe that the ability to incorporate transmembrane channels into photosensitive DIB soft structures allows for further differentiation of signal propagation pathways by including both edge-defect induced pores as well as more traditional and bio-derived transporters.
Implementation and Investigation of a Compact, Powerful System for Diagnosis and Control of Shape Memory Alloys in Technical Applications
Authors: Kaiser Max , Neblung Nils , Gurka Martin
Published: December 2019

In this paper we present the development, implementation and testing of a compact system for diagnosis and control of actuators based on metallic shape memory alloys (SMA). Using NiTi-SMA, very compact, cost-effective and lightweight actuation systems can be realized. In applications where the SMA is activated by internal Joule heating or its condition is diagnosed by the self-sensing of its electrical resistance, an electrical system capable of reliably measuring very small resistance changes (< 1 ohm) without affecting the phase-state of the SMA is required. In addition, the system must offer the possibility to evaluate the nonlinear, hysteresis-afflicted behavior of the SMA and to handle this difficulty, e.g. utilizing a model-based control. This paper presents a simple compact and adaptive system based on a microcontroller that meets these requirements. Detailed functional tests were carried out with the system to establish a correlation between the change in electrical resistance in the range < 200 mOhm and the current strain state of the actuator. For this purpose, a first series of tests was performed, with the SMA wires working against a constant load. In a second tests series, the SMA wires worked against springs of different stiffness. The use of a microcontroller enables simple implementation of different control strategies. The control system for the non-linear resistance change utilizes a fuzzy logic which divides the control algorithm into three regimes. In the regime of the martensitic phase transformation a PI-controller is used. The state of actuators with an absolute electrical resistance < 1 Ohm and a resistance change < 200 mohm associated with the phase transformation can be precisely measured and controlled with an accuracy < 10 mohm. The system can be configured with little effort for different tasks and shape memory systems of different sizes. Furthermore, it is possible to implement more complex control algorithms up to model-based controllers.
Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control
Authors: Vedant  , Allison James T.
Published: December 2019

The Engineering Systems Design Lab (ESDL) at the University of Illinois introduced Strain-Actuated Solar Arrays (SASAs) as a solution for precise satellite Attitude Control System (ACSs). SASA is designed to provide active mechanical vibration (jitter) cancellation, as well as small slew maneuver capabilities to hold a pose for short time periods. Current SASA implementations utilize piezoelectric distributed actuators to strain deployable structures, and the resulting momentum transfer rotates the spacecraft bus. A core disadvantage, however, is small strain and slew capability. Initial SASA systems could help improve pointing accuracy, but must be coupled with another ACS technology to produce large reorientations. A novel extension of the original SASA system is presented here that overcomes the small-displacement limitation, enabling use of SASA as a sole ACS for some missions, or in conjunction with other ACSs. This extension, known as Multifunctional Structures for Attitude Control (MSAC), can produce arbitrarily-large rotations, and has the potential to scale to large spacecraft. The system utilizes existing flexible deployable structures (such as solar arrays or radiators) as multifunctional devices. This multi-role use of solar panels extends their utility at a low mass penalty, while increasing reliability of the spacecraft ACS.
Nonreciprocal Wave Transmission in Metastable Modular Metastructures Utilizing Asymmetric Dual-Threshold Snap-Through
Authors: Liu Xiang , Cai Guoping , Wang K. W.
Published: December 2019

In this research, the nonreciprocal wave transmission features in one-dimensional and two-dimensional metastable modular metastructures are studied. Unlike previous work, in which the nonreciprocal transmission in metastable metastructures is realized by utilizing the supratransmission phenomenon when the excitation frequency is inside the linearized bandgap, a new approach is explored to achieve nonreciprocal wave transmission exploiting metastability and asymmetric dual-threshold snap-through. It is found that because of the asymmetry of potential energy wells of the equilibria, there will be two excitation amplitude thresholds for a metastable component when it is initially at the high-potential-energy equilibrium with excitation frequency within the passband. When the excitation amplitude increases and exceeds the first threshold, the metastable component will snap to the low-potential-energy equilibrium and maintain intrawell motion around this stable point, which will cause a significant decrease of the wave transmission. And when the excitation amplitude exceeds the second threshold, the metastable component will start to perform interwell motion, and now the wave transmission will increase suddenly. By using this “dual-threshold” phenomenon, nonreciprocal wave transmission in a one-dimensional structure is realized by connecting a metastable chain with a linear periodic part. Because of the wave attenuation effect of the linear part of the system, the excitation amplitude thresholds on different sides of the one-dimensional structure will be discrepant. Therefore, nonreciprocal wave transmission can be developed when the excitation amplitude is within certain ranges. It is interesting to note that the direction of nonreciprocal wave transmission can be changed by setting the excitation amplitude to different values. By changing the configuration of the metastable chain, the operation frequency and excitation amplitude ranges of the nonreciprocal transmission can be tuned. For a two-dimensional metastable metastructure, nonreciprocal wave transmission can be realized by adjusting the parameters of some metastable modules in the metastructure in the manner that the potential energy and energy thresholds of the adjusted modules and the unadjusted modules are different, but the passbands of the adjusted modules and the unadjusted modules will overlap in some frequency regions. Numerical studies provide clear insight of the proposed nonreciprocal wave transmission approach.
An FE Based Surrogate Model for Predicting the Impact of a SMA Twist System on the Helicopter Performance
Authors: Ameduri Salvatore , Concilio Antonio , Majeti Rohin Kumar
Published: December 2019

This work focuses on a surrogate predictive model, conceived to estimate the impact on blade twist law of a Shape Memory Alloy actuation system.

The basic idea is to integrate the pre-existing blade structure with a pre-twisted SMA tube. Due to the specific property of recovering deformation during phase transition, the SMA element can transmit angular deformations and alter the original twist to improve performance when required.

The model includes two main modules. The first one targets the SMA actuator and simulates the transmission of twist against some critical parameters (tube extension and location along the blade span and level of activation). The second module receives as input the modified twist law and the updated mechanical features due to the SMA and gives in output an estimate of the performance produced by the system.

After an overview on input and output parameters and their cross link, a description of the SMA predicting core is provided. A parameterization is then organized to illustrate the impact of the morphing system onto the blade and on the twist law. On this basis, an additional parameterization is implemented, now focusing on the effects on performance of the proposed system.
Surface Bonding Graphene-Based Elastomeric Sensor: Preliminary Characterization of Adhesion Strength
Authors: Ameduri Salvatore , Ciminello Monica
Published: December 2019

This research intends to propose a structural integration methodology for a strain sensor based on nano-filled elastomer and its preliminary bonding strength characterization.

To provide a good strength adhesion onto a structural component, a special mould was designed, made of Acrilonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material and realised with a 3D printing. This specific texture provided the lower surface of the elastomer (PDMS-matrix) with a special micro voids allowing for the adhesive penetration.

The electrodes were made by simple conductive paste. To have a chemically compliant coupling between the elastomer and this paste, an off-the-shelf cheap neutral silicone was used. This paste was then made conductive by adding a low-cost graphite powder, obtained from a pencil lead.

The test was realized with an aluminium beam in cantilever configuration. The load were applied at the free edge by means of calibrated masses of increasing weights. For each mass, the values of tip displacement and the resistance provided by the nano-filled elastomer and a reference strain gauge were logged for a set of 10 cycles. Obtained data clearly revealed that, all sensors exhibit coherent readouts with respect to the reference strain gauges and a quasi linear sensitivity curve in the whole range.
Continuous Operating Elastocaloric Heating and Cooling Device: Air Flow Investigation and Experimental Parameter Study
Authors: Kirsch Susanne-Marie , Welsch Felix , Ehl Lukas , Michaelis Nicolas , Motzki Paul , Schütze Andreas , Seelecke Stefan
Published: December 2019

Elastocaloric cooling uses solid-state NiTi-based shape memory alloy (SMA) as a non-volatile cooling medium and enables a novel environment-friendly cooling technology without global warming potential. Due to the high specific latent heats activated by mechanical loading/unloading, large temperature changes can be generated in the material. Accompanied by a small required work input, a high coefficient of performance is achievable.

Recently, a fully-functional and illustrative continuous operating elastocaloric fluid cooling system based on SMA is developed and realized, using a novel mechanical concept for individual loading and unloading of multiple SMA wire bundles. The fluid-based heat transfer system is designed for efficient heat exchange between the stationary heat source/sink and the SMA elements, operates without any additional heat transfer medium. Rotation frequency and fluid flow-rate are adjustable during operation, which allows adapting the operation point to power- or efficiency-optimized demands.

The versatile placement of the in- and outlets allows different duct lengths and counter-flow or parallel-flow experiments. To investigate the air flow parameters at the in- and outlets, as well as the crossflow between the hot and cold side, a measurement system is developed and integrated. In this contribution, the first measurement results of the output temperatures for inlet air flow variation in combination with different rotation frequencies are presented.
Production and Characterization of a Fully 3D Printed Flexible Bellows Actuator
Authors: Costas Alfonso , Newell Brittany , Garcia Jose
Published: December 2019

Additive manufacturing is an enabling technology that is rapidly advancing with the development of new printers, materials, and processes. The purpose of this research was to design a part that could function similar to a pneumatic piston-cylinder producing small force outputs between 5 and 10 N. The research presented in this paper looks at various types of 3D printing methods to produce flexible linear bellows actuators to achieve this functionality. In particular, stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, digital light processing, and Polyjet printing were examined to produce a variety of test actuators. A successful flexible part was designed and produced using Polyjet printing, the steady state and dynamic responses of constructed actuators were measured and characterized at various loading conditions. The displacement trends at different load conditions followed a non-linear path, exhibiting highly elastic deformation typical of the flexible resins used in this project.
Self-Sensing Composite Materials With Intelligent Fabrics
Authors: Fabriani Federico , Lanzara Giulia
Published: December 2019

The excellent piezoelectric properties of Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVDF), its low cost, ease of workability and high chemical resistance, make it very useful to develop sensing devices for structural health monitoring applications (SHM). However, challenges occur when the devices need to be embedded into a hosting material or structure which could instead be damaged.

In this study, the PVDF device is transformed into an ultralight and porous piezoelectric mat formed by ultra-long and randomly distributed micro fibers. The piezoelectric mat is embedded into a glass fiber (GF) composite by intercalating it with the GF layers during the lay-up process. This approach allows the realization of an intelligent composite that is capable to self-monitor its strain or vibrations during inservice life.
Design and Manufacturing of a Multi-Stable Selectively Stiff Morphing Section Demonstrator
Authors: Boston D. Matthew , Rivas-Padilla Jose R. , Arrieta Andres F.
Published: December 2019

Morphing wings offer potential efficiency and performance benefits for aircraft fulfilling multiple mission requirements. However, the design of shape adaptable wings is limited by the inherent design trade-offs of weight, aerodynamic control authority, and load-carrying capacity. A potential solution to this trilemma is proposed by exploiting the stiffness adaptability of thin, curved structures which geometric instability results in two statically stable states. We design and manufacture a morphing wing section demonstrator composed of two compliant 3D printed ribs monolithically embedded with the proposed bi-stable elements. The demonstrator’s structural response is numerically modelled and compared with experimental results from a static loading test. A deflection field of the response under mechanical actuation is obtained through digital image correlation. Numerical and experimental results indicate the capability of the wing section to achieve four distinct stable configurations with varying global stiffness behavior.
Silicone Material With Enhanced Permittivity Used for Dielectric Elastomer Transducers
Authors: Çabuk Ozan , Maas Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Silicone materials are very appropriate for dielectric elastomer (DE) transducer applications due to their distinguished mechanical and electrical characteristics like high elasticity and an efficient electromechanical behavior. Since the material parameter permittivity influences significantly the work output, Wacker Chemie AG developed a new silicone named ELASTOSIL® Film 5030 with increased permittivity for improving the work output. Within this contribution, the mechanical characteristics including the hyperelasticity and electromechanically coupled behavior is compared to standard silicone material ELASTOSIL® Film 2030 from Wacker Young’s modulus of both materials are obtained conducting tensile tests, while the electromechanical behavior is characterized by investigating a planar single layer DE transducer. The new material has a similar Young’s modulus compared to the standard material. Furthermore, the electrically actuated deformation of the planar single layer DE transducers made form new silicone is proportional larger to its permittivity and inversely proportional to its Young’s modulus under same electrical field applied.
Factors That Influence Participation in Classroom-Based Physical Activity Breaks in Head Start Preschoolers
Authors: Webster E. Kipling , Robinson Leah E. , Wadsworth Danielle D.
Published: December 2019

Background: Activity breaks are an established way physical activity may be incorporated into the preschool day. The purpose of this study was to examine what factors influenced moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during a teacher-implemented classroom-based activity break (CBAB) in a Head Start population.Methods: Ten-minute CBAB was conducted over 2 days in a quasi-experimental design; 99 preschoolers (mean age 3.80 [0.65] y; 49.5% male) from a convenience sample participated. Accelerometers measured MVPA, fundamental motor skill competency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development—second edition, and weight classification status used body mass index percentiles.Results: A significant, moderate regression was found (r = .328,P = .001) between fundamental motor skill and MVPA. There was no significant correlation between body mass index percentile and MVPA during the CBAB. In addition, the locomotor subscale was the best predictor for MVPA for children during the CBAB (r = .32,β = 0.82,P < .001).Conclusions: CBAB equally elicited MVPA for normal and overweight preschoolers. Fundamental motor skill competency was associated with MVPA during the CBAB; in particular, locomotor skills were the best predictor for physical activity. Structured activity opportunities that focus on locomotor skills may be a useful integration to prompt more MVPA in a preschool-age population.
Mating avoidance in female olive baboons (
Papio anubis
) infected by
Treponema pallidum
Authors: Paciência F. M. D. , Rushmore J. , Chuma I. S. , Lipende I. F. , Caillaud D. , Knauf S. , Zinner D.
Published: December 2019

Genital ulcers caused by
Treponema
pallidum
lead to mating avoidance in female olive baboons..
Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in aging induces hyperactivation of TGFβ signaling and chronic yet reversible neural dysfunction
Authors: Senatorov Vladimir V. , Friedman Aaron R. , Milikovsky Dan Z. , Ofer Jonathan , Saar-Ashkenazy Rotem , Charbash Adiel , Jahan Naznin , Chin Gregory , Mihaly Eszter , Lin Jessica M. , Ramsay Harrison J. , Moghbel Ariana , Preininger Marcela K. , Eddings Chelsy R. , Harrison Helen V. , Patel Rishi , Shen Yishuo , Ghanim Hana , Sheng Huanjie , Veksler Ronel , Sudmant Peter H. , Becker Albert , Hart Barry , Rogawski Michael A. , Dillin Andrew , Friedman Alon , Kaufer Daniela
Published: December 2019

Age-related breakdown of blood-brain barrier activates astrocytic TGFβ signaling to cause neural dysfunction and cognitive impairment.
The human tissue-resident CCR5
+
T cell compartment maintains protective and functional properties during inflammation
Authors: Woodward Davis Amanda S. , Roozen Hayley N. , Dufort Matthew J. , DeBerg Hannah A. , Delaney Martha A. , Mair Florian , Erickson Jami R. , Slichter Chloe K. , Berkson Julia D. , Klock Alexis M. , Mack Matthias , Lwo Yu , Ko Alexander , Brand Rhonda M. , McGowan Ian , Linsley Peter S. , Dixon Douglas R. , Prlic Martin
Published: December 2019

Human CD69
+
CCR5
+
T cells in mucosal tissues are poised to maintain barrier immunity in healthy and inflamed tissues.
Stable Establishment ofCardiniumspp. in the Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens despite Decreased Host Fitness
Authors: Li Tong-Pu , Zhou Chun-Ying , Zha Si-Si , Gong Jun-Tao , Xi Zhiyong , Hoffmann Ary A. , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: December 2019

In this study we established aCardinium-infectedN. lugensline that possessed complete maternal transmission.Cardiniumhad a widespread distribution in tissues ofN. lugens, and this infection decreased the fecundity and hatching rate of the host. Our findings emphasize the feasibility of transinfection ofCardiniumin insects, which expands the range of endosymbionts that could be manipulated for pest control.
Monoclonal Antibodies with Neutralizing Activity and Fc-Effector Functions against the Machupo Virus Glycoprotein
Authors: Amanat Fatima , Duehr James , Huang Cheng , Paessler Slobodan , Tan Gene S. , Krammer Florian
Published: December 2019

MACV infections are a significant public health concern and lead to high case fatality rates. No specific treatment or vaccine for MACV infections exist. However, cases of Junin virus infection, a related virus, can be treated with convalescent-phase serum. This indicates that a MAb-based therapy for MACV could be effective. Here, we describe several MAbs that neutralize MACV and could be used for this purpose.
Long-Term Protection of Rhesus Macaques from Zika Virus Reinfection
Authors: Moreno Gage K. , Newman Christina M. , Koenig Michelle R. , Mohns Mariel S. , Weiler Andrea M. , Rybarczyk Sierra , Weisgrau Kim L. , Vosler Logan J. , Pomplun Nicholas , Schultz-Darken Nancy , Rakasz Eva , Dudley Dawn M. , Friedrich Thomas C. , O’Connor David H.
Published: December 2019

ZIKV emerged as a vector-borne pathogen capable of causing illness in infected adults and congenital birth defects in infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy. Despite the decrease in ZIKV cases since the 2015-2016 epidemic, questions concerning the prevalence and longevity of protective immunity have left vulnerable communities fearful that they may become the center of next ZIKV outbreak. Although preexisting herd immunity in regions of past outbreaks may dampen the potential for future outbreaks to occur, we currently do not know the longevity of protective immunity to ZIKV after a person becomes infected. Here, we establish a new experimentally defined minimal length of protective ZIKV immunity. We show that five rhesus macaques initially infected with ZIKV 22 to 28 months prior to rechallenge elicit a durable immune response that protected from detectable plasma viremia. This study establishes a new minimal length of protective immunity.
Extrapulmonary sarcoidosis primarily presenting as cholestatic liver disease
Authors: De Mulder Pieter , Maertens Bert , Hoorens Anne , Vonck An
Published: December 2019

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder associated with non-caseating granulomas in affected organs, most commonly the lungs. Involvement of extrapulmonary organs is common, but lack of pulmonary involvement is rare and is called non-pulmonary sarcoidosis (NPS). Like pulmonary sarcoidosis, a definitive diagnostic test for NPS does not exist. Instead, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis requires the following elements: clinical and radiographic manifestations of sarcoidosis, histopathological detection of non-caseating granulomas and the exclusion of other diseases that may present similarly. Because of the experience with corticosteroids in pulmonary sarcoidosis, they are generally considered first-line therapy for NPS too. Ursodeoxycholic acid can be used to reduce cholestasis in NPS, but is inferior to corticosteroids in reducing inflammation. We hereby present a case that is particularly notable for its rare presentation of NPS as a granulomatous hepatitis with cholestatic liver function tests.
CT-guided percutaneous nephrostomy in an obstructed pelvic pancake kidney: a report of a novel transiliopsoas approach
Authors: Baby Akhil , Kesav Praveen , Kumar Pawan , Madhusudhan Kumble Seetharama
Published: December 2019

Pancake kidney is a rare renal fusion anomaly with increased risk of complications, such as stone disease and infections, due to altered urodynamics. Image-guided (ultrasonography and fluoroscopy) percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is performed to decompress an obstructed pancake kidney. However, routine image guidance may be unable to provide a suitable access in complex clinical scenarios. The approach for PCN in a low-lying fused kidney is difficult due to a limited safe posterior retroperitoneal paraspinal route, and anterior transperitoneal approach poses risks of urine leak and peritonitis. We report a case of an obstructed pancake kidney managed by CT-guided PCN through a transiliopsoas approach.
Synchronous breast and colon cancer: the importance of multidisciplinary team cancer meetings
Authors: Abdulla Hussain Adnan , Almarzooq Raed , Alrayes Amal
Published: December 2019

A 58-year-old female patient presented with left breast lump. Mammography and ultrasonography were performed, which reported lesions suspicious of malignancy in the left breast and axilla. Core biopsy of the lesions revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis. Staging CT scan (thorax, abdomen and pelvis) identified a coexisting neoplasm in the ascending colon. Colonoscopy was performed and the tumour in the ascending colon was biopsied. Histopathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma. In the multidisciplinary team cancer meeting, it was decided to treat the breast cancer first and then the colon cancer, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. In the first operation, left modified radical mastectomy was performed. Two weeks after her initial operation, the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Postoperatively, the patient did not develop any complications and was referred to oncology for chemotherapy.
Impact of metoprolol standard dosing pathway in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome: protocol for a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Li Dandan , Dong Wei , Liu Yuqi , Wang Jingjing , Mu Yang , Zhou Hao , Wang Jing , Zhou Shanshan , Chen Yundai
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Metoprolol is the most frequently used β-receptor blockers; however, the prescribed dose in China is far less than the recommended doses in the guidelines. Based on the Chinese and International guidelines and the Chinese clinical practice, we are conducting this study (NCT03413410) to test the feasibility and tolerability of the metoprolol optimal dosing pathway by observing the percentage of patients achieving target dose in Chinese acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients during hospitalisation.

Methods and analysis

A total of about 1000 patients aged ≥18 years, hospitalised for ACS will be enrolled from ~15 hospital sites in China between February 2018 and April 2019. The percentage of patients achieving the target metoprolol dosage at discharge is the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints included the following: mean heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) of the patients who have achieved target dose at discharge and during the follow-up period, percentage of patients experiencing bradycardia (HR <50 beats/min), hypotension (BP <90/60 mm Hg) and drug-related temporary heart failure worsening during hospitalisation and 1 month after discharge, respectively. We will also assess the proportion of patients reporting metoprolol-related adverse events and the leading causes for metoprolol discontinuation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics committee of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (number: S2017-112-01). Study findings will be disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences and submitted for publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT03413410).
Opt-out screening for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C: observational study of screening acceptance, yield and treatment outcomes
Authors: Grant Conor , O'Connell Sarah , Lillis Darren , Moriarty Anne , Fitzgerald Ian , Dalby Linda , Bannan Ciaran , Tuite Helen , Crowley Brendan , Plunkett Patrick , Kennedy Una , McMahon Geraldine , McKiernan Susan , Norris Suzanne , Hughes Gerard , Shields Darragh , Bergin Colm
Published: December 2019

Background

We initiated an emergency department (ED) opt-out screening programme for HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) at our hospital in Dublin, Ireland. The objective of this study was to determine screening acceptance, yield and the impact on follow-up care.

Methods

From July 2015 through June 2018, ED patients who underwent phlebotomy and could consent to testing were tested for HIV, HBV and HCV using an opt-out approach. We examined acceptance of screening, linkage to care, treatment and viral suppression using screening programme data and electronic health records. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 36 months.

Results

Over the 36-month study period, there were 140 550 ED patient visits, of whom 88 854 (63.2%, 95% CI 63.0% to 63.5%) underwent phlebotomy and 54 817 (61.7%, 95% CI 61.4% to 62.0%) accepted screening for HIV, HBV and HCV, representing 41 535 individual patients. 2202 of these patients had a positive test result. Of these, 267 (12.1%, 95% CI 10.8% to 13.6%) were newly diagnosed with an infection and 1762 (80.0%, 95% CI 78.3% to 81.7%) had known diagnoses. There were 38 new HIV, 47 new HBV and 182 new HCV diagnoses. 81.5% (95% CI 74.9% to 87.0%) of known patients who were not linked were relinked to care after screening. Of the new diagnoses, 86.2% (95% CI 80.4 to 90.8%) were linked to care.

Conclusion

Although high proportions of patients had known diagnoses, our programme was able to identify many new infected patients and link them to care, as well as relink patients with known diagnoses who had been lost to follow-up.
Investigating and treating chronic diarrhoea in dogs
Authors: Walker Joshua , McMahon Lucy
Published: December 2019

Background: Diarrhoea is a common complaint in dogs and may cause significant patient morbidity and owner distress. It can be a clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal disorders (primary enteropathy) or non‐gastrointestinal disorders (secondary enteropathy) and may often be accompanied by other clinical signs such as vomiting, weight loss and changes in appetite. Diarrhoea is considered to be chronic if it lasts more than three weeks or is seen intermittently over a period of one month or more. Effective treatment of chronic diarrhoea benefits from the identification of the underlying disease process.

Aim of the article: This article discusses the investigation, treatment and major causes of chronic diarrhoea in dogs, with a focus on primary enteropathies.
Blood pressure reduction and outcome after endovascular therapy with successful reperfusion: a multicenter study
Authors: Anadani Mohammad , Arthur Adam S , Alawieh Ali , Orabi Yser , Alexandrov Andrei , Goyal Nitin , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Maier Ilko , Kim Joon-tae , Keyrouz Saleh G , de Havenon Adam , Petersen Nils H , Pandhi Abhi , Swisher Christa B , Inamullah Ovais , Liman Jan , Kodali Sreeja , Giles James A , Allen Michelle , Wolfe Stacey Q , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Cagle Bradley A , Oravec Chesney S , Gory Benjamin , De Marini Pierre , Kan Peter , Rahman Shareena , Richard Sébastien , Nascimento Fábio A , Spiotta Alejandro
Published: December 2019

Background

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) correlates with worse outcome. However, the association between SBP reduction (SBPr) and outcome after successful reperfusion with MT is not well established.

Objective

To investigate the association between SBPr in the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion and the functional and safety outcomes of MT.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study, which included 10 comprehensive stroke centers, was carried out. Patients with acute ischemic stroke and anterior circulation large vessel occlusions who achieved successful reperfusion via MT were included. SBPr was calculated using the formula 100×([admission SBP−mean SBP]/admission SBP). Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at 90 days. Safety endpoints included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, mortality, and requirement for hemicraniectomy during admission. A generalized mixed linear model was used to study the association between SBPr and outcomes.

Results

A total of 1361 patients were included in the final analysis. SBPr as a continuous variable was inversely associated with poor outcome (OR=0.97; 95% CI 0.95 to 0.98; p<0.001) but not with the safety outcomes. Subanalysis based on reperfusion status showed that SBPr was associated with lower odds of poor outcome only in patients with complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI 3)) but not in patients with incomplete reperfusion (mTICI 2b). When SBPr was divided into categories (<1%, 1%–10%, 11%–20%, >20%), the rate of poor outcome was highest in the first group.

Conclusion

SBPr in the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion was inversely associated with poor outcome. No association between SBPr and safety outcome was found.
Ethanolic extract of mango seed used in the feeding of broilers: effects on phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and meat quality
Authors: Pereira Farias Nadja Naiara , Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues , Gomes Herbenson Marques , Souza Davyd Herik , Oliveira dos Santos Edibergue , Aguiar Germana Costa , Fernandes Danilo Rodrigues , Santos Araújo Lina Raquel , Watanabe Pedro Henrique
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different levels of ethanolic extract of mango seed (EEMS) in broiler chicken rations on their phenolic compound levels, antioxidant activity, and meat quality. Initially, 756 one-day-old male chicks of the Ross 308 line were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with seven treatments and six replicates of 18 birds. The treatments consisted of (i) a ration without the addition of antioxidants, (ii) a ration with the addition of 200 ppm of the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and (iii) a ration with the addition of 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1000 ppm of EEMS. According to the results, the values of phenolic compounds, the lipid stability of meat (measured by the value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), shear force, loss of cooking water, color, and pH of the meat differed significantly between the treatments. For the antioxidant activity of the meat, there was no significant difference between the treatments by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method; however, by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, the breast meat of broilers fed diets containing EEMS from 600 ppm and up presented higher antioxidant capacity when compared with the meat of the birds fed the control diet. In the ABTS method, there was no significant difference between the use of synthetic antioxidant BHT and the addition of EEMS at different levels. In conclusion, the addition of EEMS does not affect meat quality parameters of broilers, but when a dose of 600 ppm or more is added, the antioxidant capacity of meat measured by the ABTS method increases.
Effects of dietary levan-type fructan on growth performance, blood profiles, fecal noxious gas emissions, and litter performance in lactating sows
Authors: Li Han Lin , Shi Huan , Zhao Pin Yao , Lei Yan , Kim In Ho
Published: December 2019

In total, 28 multiparous sows (n = 7) and their litters were used to determine the effects of levan-type fructan supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and fecal noxious gas emissions. The dietary treatments included (1) CON, basal diet; (2) FC1, CON + 0.1% fructan; (3) FC2, CON + 0.2% fructan; and (4) FC3, CON + 0.3% fructan. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) in body weight (BW), average daily feed intake, or back fat loss in lactating sows among treatments. However, blood lymphocyte concentrates were higher (P < 0.05) in sows fed levan-containing diets than in those fed the CON diet. Weaning BW and overall average daily gain (ADG) of piglets in the FC3 treatment were higher (P < 0.05) than piglets in the CON treatment. Blood lymphocytes and nutrient digestibility of sows, as well as the weaning BW and the ADG of piglets were increased linearly (P < 0.05) as the concentration of levan increased in the diet. The diarrhea score of piglets and the fecal gas emissions of sows decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary levan increased. In conclusion, levan supplementation did not affect feed intake or decrease back fat loss of lactating sows, but it improved nutrient digestibility and immune ability, decreased fecal noxious gas emissions of lactating sows, and it improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea in piglets.
Estimation Procedures of Using Five Alternative Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Credit Card Default
Authors: Teng Huei-Wen , Lee Michael
Published: December 2019

Machine learning has successful applications in credit risk management, portfolio management, automatic trading, and fraud detection, to name a few, in the domain of finance technology. Reformulating and solving these topics adequately and accurately is problem specific and challenging along with the availability of complex and voluminous data. In credit risk management, one major problem is to predict the default of credit card holders using real dataset. We review five machine learning methods: the [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbors decision trees, boosting, support vector machine, and neural networks, and apply them to the above problem. In addition, we give explicit Python scripts to conduct analysis using a dataset of 29,999 instances with 23 features collected from a major bank in Taiwan, downloadable in the UC Irvine Machine Learning Repository. We show that the decision tree performs best among others in terms of validation curves.
Lord–Shulman Nonlinear Generalized Thermoviscoelasticity of a Strip
Authors: Mirzaei M.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the response of a bounded one-dimensional medium (strip) subjected to a thermal shock is investigated. The strip is made of a linear visco-elastic material, of which the time-dependency of the elastic modulus is described by the simple Kelvin–Voigt model. To obtain the displacement, stress and temperature within the strip, the Lord and Shulman theory of generalized thermo-elasticity containing a single relaxation time is used. Three coupled equations, namely, the equation of motion, the modified Fourier law and the second law of thermodynamics, are established in terms of the displacement, temperature and heat flux. It is worth noting that the second law of thermodynamics is not linearized and is kept in the nonlinear form. The equations derived are first represented in a dimensionless presentation. Then, they are discretized using the well-known generalized differential quadrature. To obtain the response of the strip in time, the Newmark time marching scheme is implemented. It should be mentioned that due to the nonlinear nature of the governing equations, the successive Picard algorithm is used. The results of the present study are compared with those available in the literature for an elastic strip. Besides, numerical results are given for a strip made of Kelvin–Voigt visco-elastic material. The effects of visco-elastic parameter, coupling parameter, thermal relaxation time and nonlinearity are discussed in numerical examples.