bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid detection of biofilm with modified alcian blue staining: In‐vitro protocol improvement and validation with clinical cases
Authors: Wu Yu‐Feng , Lee Tyng‐Yuh , Liao Wan‐Ting , Chuan Ho‐Hsien , Cheng Nai‐Chen , Cheng Chao‐Min 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFor chronic wounds, biofilm infection is a critical issue because it can tip the scales toward an unhealing state. Biofilm‐based wound therapy has been extensively advocated. However, point‐of‐care biofilm diagnosis still largely relies on clinical judgment. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid tool for diagnosing wound biofilm presence by alcian blue staining. First, we sought to optimize alcian blue staining using a colorimetric‐based approach to detect the biofilm, specifically targeting polysaccharides in the extracellular polymeric substances. Among examined transfer membranes and cationic detergents at various concentrations, we selected a positively charged nylon transfer membrane for sample loading, and 1% cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC) as the blocking solution. After sample loading and blocking, the membrane was immersed in alcian blue solution for staining, followed by immersion in 1% CTAC to decrease background noise. Each step required only 30 seconds, and the whole procedure was completed within a few minutes. In the second part of this study, we enrolled 31 patients with chronic wounds to investigate the predictive validity of biofilm detection for unhealed wounds at a 1‐month follow‐up visit. Among the 18 cases with positive wound biofilm staining, 15 wounds (83.3%) were not healed at the 1‐month follow‐up visit. Only three unhealed wounds (30%) produced in negative staining cases. This finding indicates that biofilm infection is associated with poor healing outcome for chronic wounds. Moreover, our staining results correlated well with the clinical microbiological culture assessment (83.9% consistency; 95.2% sensitivity, and 60% specificity). In conclusion, the modified alcian blue staining protocol used here represents a rapid and sensitive procedure for detecting biofilm in chronic wounds. This technique provides a practical point‐of‐care approach for detection of wound biofilm, the implementation of which may improve clinical outcomes for chronic wound patients. Additional studies are required to validate this method.
Long‐term follow‐up for the microbiological safety of clinical microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet transplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Shinichi , Wynyard Shaun , Giovannangelo Mariëlla , Hemdev Sneha Lakshmandas , Abalovich Adrian , Carulla Mariana E. , Wechsler Carlos J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEnrollment in three clinical trials for microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet xenotransplantation to treat unstable type 1 diabetic patients concluded in November 2014. In this study, we report a long‐term follow‐up assessment of microbiological safety for these trials. Thirty‐eight type 1 diabetic patients received microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet transplants. Islets were isolated and prepared from the pancreata of New Zealand (NZ) based designated pathogen‐free (DPF) pigs under GMP conditions. Blood samples of thirty‐six patients were collected from 5 to 7 years post‐first transplant and were tested by real‐time PCR for porcine circovirus‐1 (PCV1), porcine circovirus‐2 (PCV2), porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus 1 (PLHV1), porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus 2 (PLHV2), and porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV). To detect porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), specific real‐time PCR and product enhanced reserve transcriptase (PERT) assays were performed. PCV1, PCV2, PLHV1, PLHV2, PCMV, PERV, and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity remained undetected in all tested samples indicating no viral transmission. Except for one patient that died due to complications unrelated to the transplant, there were no significant adverse events. Microbiological safety was demonstrated for microencapsulated neonatal porcine islet xenotransplantation from 5‐7 years post‐transplantation consistent with earlier reports.
Investigation of Flow Around and in Wake of a Heated Circular Cylinder at Moderate Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Michálek P. , Pospíšil S. , Macháček M. , Michalcová V. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The flow around a heated circular cylinder and the wake behind it were studied in wind tunnel flow using two methods of anemometry, i.e., particle image velocimetry (PIV) and constant temperature anemometry (CTA) with a special technique using a rotating slanted hot-wire probe. The Reynolds number ranged from 2000 to 20,000 and the cylinder wall temperatures varied between 27 °C and 177 °C. The wake is characterized by mean wind and fluctuation contour maps. Significant changes in wake patterns were observed while the cylinder was being heated, thus increasing its wall temperatures at low Reynolds numbers. At higher Reynolds numbers, the effects of cylinder heating on wake properties were negligible. The research fills a gap observed in the literature for a certain combination of velocity, cylinder aspect ratio, and cylinder surface temperature.
Multiphase Flow in a Liquid-Ring Vacuum Pump
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Khan Sajid , Dekker Rick , Shih Tom I-P. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A computational study based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes that resolves the gas–liquid interface was performed to examine the unsteady multiphase flow in a liquid-ring pump as a function of its inlet pressure (10, 40, and 80 kPa) and its impeller's rotational speed (1150, 1450, and 1750 rpm). Results obtained show the shape of the liquid ring to play a critical role in creating the expansion ratio needed to draw air into the pump and the compression ratio needed to expel air out of the pump. The dominant processes that determine the shape of the liquid ring was found to be the centrifugal force from rotation, the acceleration and deceleration due to the difference in pressure at the pump's inlet and outlet, and the eccentricity of the impeller relative to the pump's housing. Results are presented to show how the rotational speed of the impeller and the pressure at the pump's inlet affect the nature of the multiphase flow in the pump as well as the pump's effectiveness in creating a vacuum. The effects of heat transfer on the gas phase during the compression and expansion processes were found to be approximated well by polytropic processes. This computational study was validated by comparing computed with measured volumetric flowrates ingested through the suction port and the torque exerted on the pump's impeller.
A Six Parameter Single Diode Model for Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Nacar Mete , Özer Emre , Yılmaz Aysel Ersoy 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe modeling of photovoltaic (PV) systems is substantial for the estimation of energy production and efficiency analysis in the PV systems under the changing environmental conditions. A PV model mathematically expresses the electrical characteristic of the PV modules according to temperature and irradiance. The most popular electrical circuit models are the single-diode model (SDM) and the double-diode model (DDM). Considering accuracy and complexity, SDM was used in this paper. In the equivalent circuit model used to estimate the electrical behavior of the PV modules, the parameter estimating has become an optimization problem. In recent studies, it is seen that metaheuristic algorithms are often employed in solving this optimization problem. In this paper, a new six-parameter PV model is proposed to improve the accuracy of the five-parameter SDM, taking into account the temperature dependence of the series resistance. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a couple of metaheuristic algorithms have been executed to estimate six unknown parameters of the proposed model under standard test conditions (STC: 25 °C, 1000 W/m2, AM1.5) using current–voltage (I–V) data of PV module. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed method under the changing environmental conditions, it was compared with the three methods commonly used in the literature. Accuracy of the proposed model has been indicated by the root mean square error (RMSE) within the range of current data and the model current values. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can predict the I–V curve for the PV modules with high accuracy.
Systematic Analysis of the Impact of Bump Height Manufacturing Errors on the Unbalance Response of a Foil Journal Bearing
Authors: Benchekroun Omar , Arghir Mihai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The present work exhibits the numerical investigation of the bump height-manufacturing errors on the unbalance response of an aerodynamic foil journal bearing. This is the first study on the impact of manufacturing errors based on an important number of samples. A statistical analysis predicts the mean values of the characteristics and the standard errors of the mean. The paper presents the most important aspects of the numerical model that was used and the way it was implemented for the unbalance analysis of a four degrees-of-freedom rotor. It was considered that the bump height-manufacturing errors had a normal distribution (i.e., each bump had a different random height) around the design (mean) height value. The standard deviation of the bump heights (the same for all bumps) is a measure of the magnitude of the manufacturing errors. The results give a qualitative but above all quantitative overview of the impact of machining errors on some characteristics of aerodynamic foil bearings.
Damping Mechanisms in Cable-Harnessed Structures for Space Applications: Analytical Modeling
Authors: Agrawal Pranav , Salehian Armaghan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Recent developments in the aerospace industry have driven focus toward accurately modeling the effects of the cables and electronic cords on space structures. In the past, researchers have modeled the mass and stiffness effects of these cables but primarily overlooked their damping effects through careful analytical model developments. The objective of the current work is to present analytical models for cable-harnessed structures that also include the damping effects in their vibration response. Obtaining simple, low-order and high-fidelity models are highly advantageous in designing robust vibration real-time control algorithms for structures. Additionally, the analytical models are useful tools in providing insight into and better understanding of the dynamics of space structures as they are often difficult to be tested prior to launch due to their large size and at best only a few components may be tested. Motivated by the space applications, this work considers beam structures wrapped with cables which are modeled using beam and string theory assumptions. Two different damping models namely Kelvin–Voigt and hysteretic damping are considered. The homogenization approach is used as a starting point for structures of periodic wrapping patterns. Using the variational principle, the governing partial differential equation for the transverse coordinate of vibrations is found for three cable patterns and the results are compared to those from the distributed transfer function method (DTFM). Finally, the effects of several structural parameters are studied on the overall system damping.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Depressive Symptoms, Functional Dependence, and Physical Activity: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Boisgontier Matthieu P. , Orsholits Dan , von Arx Martina , Sieber Stefan , Miller Matthew W. , Courvoisier Delphine , Iversen Maura D. , Cullati Stéphane , Cheval Boris 
Published: July 2020

Background: Adverse childhood experiences, depressive symptoms, and functional dependence are interrelated. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. The authors investigated the potential of depressive symptoms to mediate the effect of adverse childhood experiences on functional dependence in older age and whether physical activity moderated this mediation. Method: Data from 25,775 adults aged 62 (9) years from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used in adjusted linear mixed-effects models to test whether depressive symptoms mediated the associations between adverse childhood experiences and functional dependence in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) and whether physical activity moderated these mediations. Results: The results showed a graded association between the number of adverse childhood experiences (0 vs 1 and 0 vs ≥2) and the number of functional limitations in both ADL (bs = 0.040 and 0.067) and IADL (bs = 0.046 and 0.076). These associations were mediated by depressive symptoms. Physical activity reduced the effect of adverse childhood experiences on depressive symptoms (bs = −0.179 and −0.515) and tempered the effect of depressive symptoms on functional dependence both in ADL (b = −0.073) and IADL (b = −0.100). As a result of these reductions, the effect of adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms on functional dependence in ADL (Ps > .081) and IADL (Ps > .528) was nonsignificant in physically active participants. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, after age 50, engaging in physical activity more than once a week protects functional independence from the detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences and depression. In inactive individuals, the detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences on functional dependence are mediated by depressive symptoms.
Subannual stable isotope records reveal climate warming and seasonal anoxia associated with two extinction intervals across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary on Seymour Island, Antarctica
Authors: Mohr Rachel C. , Tobin Thomas S. , Petersen Sierra V. , Dutton Andrea , Oliphant Elizabeth 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
High-resolution stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) sclerochronology of accretionary carbonate bivalve shells can provide subannual environmental records useful for understanding intervals of extinction, which are commonly periods of rapid change and instability. Here, we present results from high-resolution serial sampling of Lahillia larseni bivalve shells across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (KPB) on Seymour Island, Antarctica. These data highlight two intervals of anomalous δ18O and δ13C values that coincide with condensed fossil last occurrences: one at the KPB and one at an apparent extinction event 150 k.y. earlier. We interpret these two intervals to represent periods of both climate warming, as indicated by lower δ18O, and seasonal anoxia or euxinia, as evidenced by anomalously low (−21.6‰ to −3.0‰ VPDB [Vienna Peedee belemnite]) δ13C values with high (2‰ to 19‰ in magnitude) seasonal variation. Low-oxygen conditions may have acted as a kill mechanism at the earlier extinction interval and possibly prolonged recovery from the KPB extinction.
Cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: protocol for a mixed-methods study of healthcare provider and public perceptions in Canada
Authors: Honarmand Kimia , Ball Ian , Weiss Matthew , Slessarev Marat , Sibbald Robert , Sarti Aimee , Meade Maureen , D'Aragon Frédérick , Chasse Michael , Basmaji John , Parsons Leigh Jeanna 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionCardiac transplantation remains the best treatment for patients with end-stage heart disease that is refractory to medical or device therapies, however, a major challenge for heart transplantation is the persistent discrepancy between the number of patients on waiting lists and the number of available hearts. While other countries (eg, UK, Australia and Belgium) have explored and implemented alternative models of transplantation, such as cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) to alleviate transplantation wait times, ethical concerns have hindered implementation in some countries. This study aims to explore the attitudes and opinions of healthcare providers and the public about cardiac DCDD in order to identify and describe opportunities and challenges in ensuring that proposed cardiac DCDD procedures in Canada are consistent with Canadian values and ethical norms.Methods and analysisThis study will include two parts that will be conducted concurrently. Part 1 is a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with Canadian healthcare providers who routinely care for organ donors and/or transplant recipients to describe their perceptions about cardiac DCDD. Part 2 is a convergent parallel mixed-methods design consisting of a series of focus groups and follow-up surveys with members of the Canadian general public to describe their perceptions about cardiac DCDD.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board at Western University. The findings will be presented at regional and national conferences and reported in peer-reviewed publications.
HIP (HPA-screening in pregnancy) study: protocol of a nationwide, prospective and observational study to assess incidence and natural history of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and identifying pregnancies at risk
Authors: Winkelhorst Dian , de Vos Thijs W , Kamphuis Marije M , Porcelijn Leendert , Lopriore Enrico , Oepkes Dick , van der Schoot C Ellen , de Haas Masja 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionFetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) may lead to severe fetal or neonatal bleeding and/or perinatal death. Maternal alloantibodies, targeted against fetal human platelet antigens (HPAs), can result thrombocytopenia and bleeding complications. In pregnancies with known immunisation, fetal bleeding can be prevented by weekly maternal intravenous immunoglobulin infusions. Without population-based screening, immunisation is only detected after birth of an affected infant. Affected cases that might have been prevented, when timely identified through population-based screening. Implementation is hampered by the lack of knowledge on incidence, natural history and identification of pregnancies at high risk of bleeding. We designed a study aimed to obtain this missing knowledge.Methods and analysisThe HIP (HPA-screening in pregnancy) study is a nationwide, prospective and observational cohort study aimed to assess incidence and natural history of FNAIT as well as identifying pregnancies at high risk for developing bleeding complications. For logistic reasons, we invite rhesus D-negative or rhesus c-negative pregnant women, who take part in the Dutch population-based prenatal screening programme for erythrocyte immunisation, to participate in our study. Serological HPA-1a typing is performed and a luminex-based multiplex assay will be performed for the detection of anti-HPA-1a antibodies. Results will not be communicated to patients or caregivers. Clinical data of HPA-1a negative women and an HPA-1a positive control group will be collected after birth. Samples of HPA-1a immunised pregnancies with and without signs of bleeding will be compared with identify parameters for identification of pregnancies at high risk for bleeding complications.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study has been obtained from the Medical Ethical Committee Leiden-The Hague-Delft (P16.002). Study enrolment began in March 2017. All pregnant women have to give informed consent for testing according to the protocol. Results of the study will be disseminated through congresses and publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT04067375.
Assessing the impact on intestinal microbiome and clinical outcomes of antibiotherapy optimisation strategies in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: study protocol for the prospective multicentre OptimBioma study
Authors: Jiménez-Jorge Silvia , Labrador-Herrera Gema , Rosso-Fernández Clara M , Rodríguez-Torres Nancy , Pachón-Ibáñez María Eugenia , Smani Younes , Márquez-Malaver Francisco José , Limón Ramos Carmen , Solano Carlos , Vázquez-López Lourdes , Kwon Mi , Mora Barrios Joan Manuel , Aguilar-Guisado Manuela , Espigado Ildefonso 
Published: July 2020

IntroductionHaematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a life-saving treatment for a number of haematological diseases. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is its main complication and hampers survival. There is strong evidence that intestinal microbiota diversity of the recipient may increase the risk of GVHD worsening survival. Antibiotic regimens used during the early phase of the transplant may influence clinical outcomes by reducing intestinal microbiota diversity. Present guidelines of European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia exhort to optimising antibiotic use in haematological patients including HSCT recipients. The present study aims to investigate if, in HSCT recipients, the optimisation of antibacterial use may preserve intestinal microbiota composition reducing the incidence and severity of acute GVHD and improving relevant clinical outcomes.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective longitudinal observational study of two cohorts of HSCT recipients: (1) the intervention cohort includes patients treated in centres in which a predefined strategy of antibiotherapy optimisation is implemented, with the objective of optimising and reducing antibiotic administration according to clinical criteria and (2) the control cohort includes patients treated in centres in which a classic permissive strategy of antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment is used. Adult patient receiving a first HSCT as a treatment for any haematological condition are included. Clinical variables are prospectively recorded and up to five faecal samples are collected for microbiota characterisation at prestablished peritransplant time points. Patients are followed since the preconditioning phase throughout 1-year post-transplant and four follow-up visits are scheduled. Faecal microbiota composition and diversity will be compared between both cohorts along with acute GVHD incidence and severity, severe infections rate, mortality and overall and disease-free survival.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved between 2017 and 2018 by the Ethical Committees of participant centres. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national and international scientific conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03727113