bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carriage of the zoonotic organism Streptococcus suis in chicken flocks in Vietnam
Authors: Nhung Nguyen Thi , Yen Nguyen Thi Phuong , Cuong Nguyen , Kiet Bach Tuan , Hien Vo Be , Campbell James , Thwaites Guy , Baker Stephen , Geskus Ronald , Ashton Philip , Carrique‐Mas Juan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractStreptococcus suis infections are an emerging zoonotic agent causing severe disease in humans and a major pig pathogen worldwide. We investigated the colonization of S. suis in healthy chickens in different flocks (n = 59) as well as in‐contact pigs in farms with S. suis‐positive chickens (n = 44) in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Streptococcus suis was isolated from 20 (33.9%) chicken flocks and from all pigs investigated. Chicken isolates formed a distinct genotypic cluster compared with pig and human strains, although two chicken isolates (10%) clustered with pig isolates. Chicken isolates had unusually high levels of resistance against tetracycline (100%), clindamycin (100%) and erythromycin (95%); and intermediate resistance against penicillin (35%) and ceftriaxone (15%). Our findings suggest that chickens may potentially represent a source of S. suis infection to in‐contact humans and pigs.
Comparative Risks of Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Pipeline Testing
Authors: Simpson David A. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
An important step in a pipeline-construction project is confirming that the piping and facilities are adequate for the expected operating pressures via static strength tests. All fluids have mass and internal energy. Fluids under pressure have significantly elevated internal energy. All fluids are compressible to some greater or lesser extent, and the fluid added to raise the pressure of the fluid in the bulk volume adds significant energy. The raw mass of a fluid must be considered when evaluating terrain elements and support elements (i.e., pipe stands and pipe racks). The selection process for a test fluid should always endeavor to minimize the total risk of the entire process. Code-guidance has historically not shown a clear preference for the selection of one particular test medium over another. Some jurisdictions have written regulations that step away from ASME guidance and do show a clear preference for hydrostatic testing over pneumatic testing. This preference manifests itself in several ways, but the primary representation is the requirement in statutes and regulations that a pneumatic test should have an “exclusion zone” around the test to reduce the risk of injury during the test. These documents tend to not have an exclusion-zone requirement for hydrostatic tests. This paper is undertaken to demonstrate the relative risks of liquid versus gaseous test media and presents a background of why pneumatic tests have been singled out by regulators as higher risk and shows why this regulatory preference can result in increasing risk rather than decreasing it.
Influence of Lateral Constraints on Wave Propagation in Finite Granular Crystals
Authors: Kocharyan Hrachya , Karanjgaokar Nikhil 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In the presented work, wave dynamics of 2D finite granular crystals of polyurethane cylinders under low-velocity impact loading was investigated to gain better understanding of the influence of lateral constraints. The deformation of the individual grains in the granular crystals during the impact loading was recorded by a high-speed camera and digital image correlation (DIC) was used to calculate high fidelity kinematic and strain fields in each grain. These grain-scale kinematic and strain fields were utilized for the computation of the intergranular forces at each contact using a granular element method (GEM) based mathematical framework. Since the polyurethane were viscoelastic in nature, the viscoelasticity constitutive law was implemented in the GEM framework and it was shown that linear elasticity using the strain rate-dependent coefficient of elasticity is sufficient to use instead of a viscoelastic framework. These particle-scale kinematic and strain field measurements in conjunction with the interparticle forces also provided some interesting insight into the directional dependence of the wave scattering and attenuation in finite granular crystals. The directional nature of the wave propagation resulted in strong wave reflection from the walls. It was also noteworthy that the two reflected waves from the two opposite sidewalls result in destructive interference. These lateral constraints at different depths leads to significant differences in wave attenuation characteristics and the finite granular crystals can be divided into two regions: upper region, with exponential wave decay rate, and lower region, with higher decay rate.
The Effect of Process Parameters on the Structural Energetic Properties of Additively Manufactured Reactive Structures
Authors: Fleck Trevor J. , Manship Timothy D. , Son Steven F. , Rhoads Jeffrey F. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This paper investigates the ability of an aluminum-fluoropolymer energetic material to act as a multifunctional energetic structural material (MESM). The mechanical properties of the material were determined by performing quasi-static tensile testing of 3D printed dogbones. Samples were prepared with and without particle loading, as well as with different print directions, in order to gain a fundamental understanding of how these parameters affect the mechanical properties of the material. Larger truss samples were printed in order to simulate realistic structural elements. Samples were printed in different directions and burned to determine this parameter’s effect on the combustion performance of the material. The aluminum polyvinylidene fluoride mixtures considered were shown to have viable structural capabilities as well as sufficient combustion performance. The structural energetic capabilities of the formulations considered, paired with the material’s ability to be 3D printed, could enable a number of interesting applications in the aerospace and defense industry.
Scaling Effects in the Mechanical System of the Flexible Epidermal Electronics and the Human Skin
Authors: Liu Guodong , Sun Lijuan , Su Yewang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The “island-bridge” mesh structure is widely adopted for flexible epidermal electronics to simultaneously achieve the electronic functions and mechanical flexibility. Mechanical intuition tells that the small size of the “island” is beneficial to the flexibility of the structure and the adaptability to complex geometric targets. Here, a plane-strain model and an axisymmetric model are established for square “island” and cycle “island,” respectively, to analyze the mechanical system consisting of the flexible epidermal electronics and the human skin. It is found that the pressure between the “island” and the human skin is positive at the inner region and reaches a peak value at the center, while is negative at the outer region and approaches infinite at the boundary of the contact region. With the increase in the size a/R0, the amplitude of the pressure significantly increases, as well as the singular degree of the pressure at the boundary. The reduction of the “island” size is beneficial for the optimization of the “comfort level” of the flexible epidermal electronics. The models degenerate into the famous Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) model for the limit case with extremely hard and thick “island.”
A Method for Measuring Contact Angle and the Influence of Surface-Fluid Parameters on the Boiling Heat Transfer Performance
Authors: da Cunha Alex P. , Mogaji Taye S. , de Souza Reinaldo R. , Cardoso Elaine M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
An experimental apparatus and a computational routine were developed and implemented in order to obtain the sessile drop images and the contact angle measurement for different fluids and surface conditions. Moreover, experimental results of heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) during pool boiling of de-ionized water (DI water), Al2O3-DI water- and Fe2O3-DI water-based nanofluids are presented in this paper. Based on these results, the effect of surface roughness and nanofluid concentration on the surface wettability, contact angle, and the heat transfer coefficient was analyzed. The experiments were performed on copper heating surfaces with different roughness values (corresponding to a smooth surface or a rough surface). The coated surfaces were produced by the nanofluid pool boiling process at two different volumetric concentrations. All surfaces were subjected to metallographic, wettability and roughness tests. For smooth surfaces, in comparison to DI water, heat transfer enhancement up to 60% is observed for both nanofluids at low concentrations. As the concentration of the nanofluid increases, the surface roughness increases and the contact angle decreases, characterizing a hydrophilic behavior. The analyses indicate that the boiling process of nanofluid leads to the deposition of a coating layer on the surface, which influences the heat transfer performance in two-phase systems.
Change in Regional Activity of the Quadratus Lumborum During Bridge Exercises
Authors: Oshikawa Tomoki , Adachi Gen , Akuzawa Hiroshi , Okubo Yu , Kaneoka Koji 
Published: April 2020

Context: The quadratus lumborum (QL) is expected to contribute to segmental motor control of the lumbar spine to prevent low back pain. It has different layers (anterior [QL-a] and posterior [QL-p] layers), whose functional differences are becoming apparent. However, the difference between the QL-a and QL-p activities during bridge exercises utilized in rehabilitation is unclear. Objective: To compare QL-a and QL-p activities during bridge exercises. Design: Repeated-measurement design was used to assess electromyographic activity of trunk muscles recorded during 14 types of bridge exercises. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: A total of 13 healthy men with no history of lumbar spine disorders participated. Intervention: The participants performed 14 types of bridge exercises (3, 3, and 8 types of side bridge, back bridge, and front bridge [FB], respectively). Main Outcome Measures: Fine-wire electromyography was used for QL-a and QL-p activity measurements during bridge exercises. Results: Both QL-a and QL-p showed the highest activity during the side bridge with hip abduction (47.3% [29.5%] and 43.0% [32.9%] maximal voluntary isometric contraction, respectively). The activity of the QL-a was significantly higher than that of the QL-p during back bridge with ipsilateral leg lift and FB elbow–toe with ipsilateral arm and contralateral leg lift (P < .05). With regard to the QL-p, the activity of the FB hand–knee with contralateral arm and ipsilateral leg lift, the FB elbow–knee with contralateral arm and ipsilateral leg lift, and the FB elbow–toe with contralateral arm and ipsilateral leg lift were significantly higher than that of the FB elbow–knee and FB elbow–toe (P < .05). Conclusion: This study indicates different regional activities; the QL-a activated during the back bridge with ipsilateral leg lift and FB with ipsilateral arm lift, and the QL-p activated during the FB with ipsilateral leg lift. These results have implications for the rehabilitation of low back pain or lumbar scoliosis patients based on QL recruitment.
Retinal light sensitivity as outcome measure in recessive Stargardt disease
Authors: Pfau Maximilian , Holz Frank G. , Müller Philipp L. 
Published: April 2020

Background/aimsTo evaluate the applicability of mesopic light sensitivity measurements obtained by fundus-controlled perimetry (FCP, also termed ‘microperimetry’) as clinical trial endpoint in Stargardt disease (STGD1).MethodsIn this retrospective, monocentre cohort study, 271 eyes of 136 patients (age, 37.1 years) with STGD1 and 87 eyes of 54 healthy controls (age, 41.0 years) underwent mesopic FCP, using a pattern of 50 stimuli (achromatic, 400–800 nm) centred on the fovea. The concurrent validity of mesopic FCP testing using the MAIA device (CenterVue, Italy), the retest variability and its determinants, and the progression of sensitivity loss over time were investigated using mixed-model analyses. The main outcomes were the average pointwise sensitivity loss in dependence of patients’ demographic, functional and imaging characteristics, the intrasession 95% coefficient of repeatability, and the pointwise sensitivity loss over time.ResultsPointwise sensitivity loss was on average (estimate (95% CI)) 13.88 dB (12.55 to 15.21) along the horizontal meridian and was significantly associated with the electrophysiological subgroup, presence/absence of foveal sparing, best-corrected visual acuity and disease duration. The 95% coefficient of repeatability was 12.15 dB (10.78 to 13.38) and varied in dependence of the underlying mean sensitivity and local sensitivity slope. The global progression rate for the sensitivity loss was 0.45 dB/year (0.13 to 0.78) and was higher for the central and inner ETDRS subfields compared with more peripheral regions.ConclusionsMesopic light sensitivity measured by FCP is reliable and susceptible for functional changes. It constitutes a potential clinical outcome for both natural history studies as well as future interventional studies in patients with STGD1.
Ethical considerations in global surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Grant Chantalle Lauren , Robinson Tessa , Al Hinai Alreem , Mack Cheryl , Guilfoyle Regan , Saleh Abdullah 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionAn unmet burden of surgical disease exists worldwide and is disproportionately shouldered by low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). As the field of global surgery grows to meet this need, ethical considerations need to be addressed. Currently, there are no formal guidelines to help inform relevant stakeholders of the ethical challenges and considerations facing global surgical collaborations. The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise the existing literature on ethics in global surgery and identify gaps in the current knowledge.MethodsA scoping review of relevant databases to identify the literature pertaining to ethics in global surgery was performed. Eligible articles addressed at least one ethical consideration in global surgery. A grounded theory approach to content analysis was used to identify themes in the included literature and guide the identification of gaps in existing literature.ResultsFour major ethical domains were identified in the literature: clinical care and delivery; education and exchange of trainees; research, monitoring and evaluation; and engagement in collaborations and partnerships. The majority of published literature related to issues of clinical care and delivery of the individual patient. Most of the published literature was published exclusively by authors in high-income countries (HICs) (80%), and the majority of articles were in the form of editorials or commentaries (69.1%). Only 12.7% of articles published were original research studies.ConclusionThe literature on ethics in global surgery remains sparse, with most publications coming from HICs, and focusing on clinical care and short-term surgical missions. Given that LMICs are frequently the recipients of global surgical initiatives, the relative absence of literature from their perspective needs to be addressed. Furthermore, there is a need for more literature focusing on the ethics surrounding sustainable collaborations and partnerships.
Palliative care knowledge test for nurses and physicians: validation and cross-cultural adaptation
Authors: Lopez-Garcia Monica , Rubio Leticia , Gomez-Garcia Rafael , Sanchez-Sanchez Fuensanta , Miyashita Mitsunori , Medina-Abellan Maria Dolores , Perez-Carceles Maria D. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPalliative care knowledge is essential in primary healthcare due to the increasing number of patients who require attention in the final stage of their life. Health professionals (physicians and nurses) need to acquire specific knowledge and abilities to provide high-quality palliative care. The development of education programmes in palliative care is necessary. The Palliative Care Knowledge Test (PCKT) is a questionnaire that evaluates the basic knowledge about palliative care, but it has not been adapted into Spanish, and its effectiveness and utility for Spanish culture have not been analysed.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report the translation into Spanish and a psychometric analysis of the PCKT.MethodsThe questionnaire survey was validated with a group of 561 physicians and nurses. The PCKT Spanish Version (PCKT-SV) was obtained from a process, including translation, back translation and revision by experts and a pilot study. The content validity and reliability of the questionnaire were analysed.ResultsThe results showed internal consistency and reliability indexes similar to those obtained by the original version of PCKT.ConclusionThe PCKT-SV is a useful instrument for measuring Spanish-speaking physician and nurse knowledge of palliative care, and it is suitable to evaluate the effectiveness of training activities in palliative care.
Pulmonary complications for women with sickle cell disease in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Inparaj Sivarajini , Buckingham Mickey , Oakley Laura , Seed Paul T , Lucas Sebastian , Oteng-Ntim Eugene 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a multisystem disease characterised by vaso-occlusive crisis, chronic anaemia and a shorter lifespan. More patients with SCD are living till reproductive age and contemplating pregnancy. Pulmonary complications in pregnancy are significant causes of maternal morbidity and mortality but yet this has not been systematically quantified. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the association between SCD and pulmonary complications in pregnancy.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane and Maternity and Infant Care databases were searched for publications between January 1998 and April 2019. Observational studies involving at least 30 participants were included. Random-effects models were used for statistical meta-analysis.FindingsTwenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis included 3964 pregnancies with SCD and 336 559 controls. Compared with women without SCD, pregnancies complicated by SCD were at increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (relative risk (RR) 7.74; 95% CI 4.65 to 12.89). The estimated prevalence of acute chest syndrome and pneumonia was 6.46% (95% CI 4.66% to 8.25%), with no significant difference between the HbSS and HbSC genotypes (RR 1.42; 95% CI 0.90 to 2.23).InterpretationThis meta-analysis highlighted a strong association between SCD and maternal pulmonary complications. Understanding the risks of and the factors associated with pulmonary complications would aid preconceptual counselling and optimal management of the condition in pregnancy, thereby reducing associated maternal morbidity and mortality.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019124708.
Tool to assess appeal–aversion response to graphic warning labels on cigarette packs among US smokers
Authors: Stone Matthew D , Dimofte Claudiu V , Strong David R , Villasenor Adriana , Pulvers Kim , Messer Karen , Pierce John P 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionGraphic warning labels on cigarette packaging are mandated in 118 countries and are under consideration in the USA. We propose an appeal–aversion assessment tool to help regulators choose among graphic packaging options.MethodsAfter familiarisation with different cigarette packaging, adult daily smokers (n=338) from San Diego, California, USA completed a discrete choice appeal–aversion purchasing task and provided information on nicotine dependence and sociodemographics (2017–2019). The conjoint analysis estimated the importance and price utility for product attributes (ie, packaging, price, tobacco origin and quitline number). The price premiums that smokers would be willing to pay to avoid purchasing graphic packaging were calculated.ResultsAmong purchase determinants, the price was the most important attribute (65.5%), followed by packaging design (27.1%). Compared with blank packaging without marketing, branded industry packs had appeal valuations (US$0.54; 95% CI: US$0.44 to US$0.65), whereas graphic warning packs had aversion valuations that varied with the salience of the image (blindness=−US$2.53, 95% CI: −US$2.76 to −US$2.31; teeth damage=−US$2.90, 95% CI: −US$3.17 to −US$2.63; and gangrenous foot=−US$3.70, 95% CI: −US$4.01 to −US$3.39). The aversion was such that 46.2% of participants were willing to pay a 50+% premium over their current cigarette price to have their branded packs rather than a graphic pack. These appeal–aversion valuations were moderated by sex, income and nicotine dependence (p<0.05).ConclusionsSmokers indicated a willingness to pay substantial premiums to avoid purchasing graphic packaging. Results suggest that mandating graphic warnings on US cigarette packs would induce price aversion and may deter cigarette purchasing. Price valuations from this appeal–aversion tool could be useful for regulators to differentiate between graphic warning labels.
Longitudinal Monitoring of ctDNA in Patients with Melanoma and Brain Metastases Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Lee Jenny H. , Menzies Alexander M. , Carlino Matteo S. , McEvoy Ashleigh C. , Sandhu Shahneen , Weppler Alison M. , Diefenbach Russell J. , Dawson Sarah-Jane , Kefford Richard F. , Millward Michael J. , Al-Ogaili Zeyad , Tra Thien , Gray Elin S. , Wong Stephen Q. , Scolyer Richard A. , Long Georgina V. , Rizos Helen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
Brain involvement occurs in the majority of patients with metastatic melanoma. The potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for surveillance and monitoring systemic therapy response in patients with melanoma brain metastases merits investigation.

Experimental Design:
This study examined circulating BRAF, NRAS, and c-KIT mutations in patients with melanoma with active brain metastases receiving PD-1 inhibitor–based therapy. Intracranial and extracranial disease volumes were measured using the sum of product of diameters, and response assessment performed using RECIST. Longitudinal plasma samples were analyzed for ctDNA over the first 12 weeks of treatment (threshold 2.5 copies/mL plasma).

Results:
Of a total of 72 patients, 13 patients had intracranial metastases only and 59 patients had concurrent intracranial and extracranial metastases. ctDNA detectability was 0% and 64%, respectively, and detectability was associated with extracranial disease volume (P &lt; 0.01). Undetectable ctDNA on-therapy was associated with extracranial response (P &lt; 0.01) but not intracranial response. The median overall survival in patients with undetectable (n = 34) versus detectable (n = 38) ctDNA at baseline was 39.2 versus 10.6 months [HR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28–0.94; P = 0.03] and on-therapy was 39.2 versus 9.2 months (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16–0.63; P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions:
ctDNA remains a strong prognostic biomarker in patients with melanoma with brain metastases, especially in patients with concurrent extracranial disease. However, ctDNA was not able to detect or monitor intracranial disease activity, and we recommend against using ctDNA as a sole test during surveillance and therapeutic monitoring in patients with melanoma.