bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Gas Flow on the Temperature Rise of a Micro-Beam-Type Thermal Conductivity Detector
Authors: Takamatsu Hiroshi , Hisada Kosuke , Fukunaga Takanobu , Kurata Kosaku 
Published: July 2018

We have proposed a “micro-beam” MEMS sensor for measuring the thermal conductivity of gases and liquids. It is a beam-shaped metallic foil sensor, approximately 10 μm in length, that is built over a trench on a silicon substrate. The principle of the measurement is to determine the thermal conductivity of a sample from the temperature rise of the sensor at a steady state, which is achieved within a millisecond. Potential application of the sensor would be gas sensors and gas chromatography, where the sensor is exposed to a gas flow. Hence the objective of the present study is to examine the effect of flow on the temperature of the sensor.
A chip with a platinum sensor fabricated on its surface was embedded in a flat PVC plate and placed in the potential core of an air flow from a nozzle. The electrical resistance of the sensor was measured by a four-wire technique with heating the sensor with DC current. The results showed that the temperature rise at a given heating rate, which indicates the heat dissipating potential to the air, did not change with increasing the air velocity. It also agreed well each other irrespective of the angle of attack or the length from the leading edge. The results demonstrated that the temperature rise of the sensor was independent of the air flow, suggesting that the heat dissipation was governed only by the heat conduction to the air.
Characterisation of Residual Shear Strength at the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm
Authors: Le Thi Minh Hue , Eiksund Gudmund Reidar , Strøm Pål Johannes 
Published: July 2018

For offshore foundations, the residual shear strength is an important soil parameter for the evaluation of installation resistance and axial pile capacity (for jacket foundation). Estimation of residual shear strength can be conducted in a shear box test in the conventional way, or with the introduction of an interface to evaluate the change in residual shear strength under influence of friction between soil and the interface. In addition, the residual effective friction angle can be measured in the ring shear test using the Bromhead apparatus. In this study, the three above-mentioned methods are employed to estimate the values of residual shear strength of two soil units: the Swarte Bank Formation and the Chalk Unit sampled from the Sheringham Shoal offshore wind farms. The Swarte Bank Formation is dominated by heavily over-consolidated stiff clay, while the Chalk Unit is characterized by putty white chalk which behaves in a similar manner to stiff clay if weathered, or to soft rock if unweathered. These soil units are located at the bottom of the soil profile at the Sheringham Shoal wind farm and hence are important in providing axial capacity to the foundation.
Samples from the two soil units are tested and compared at different rates of shearing to evaluate the change in axial capacity and installation resistance of the offshore wind turbine foundations under various possible loading and drainage conditions. Comparison is also made between residual shear strength with and without a reconsolidation period to assess the potential for soil set-up and its influence on the soil capacity. The results show that, for both the clay and the chalk, the estimated residual shear strengths are quite similar between the conventional and interface shear tests and tend to increase with increasing shearing rate. This can be attributed to the increasing dominance of the turbulent shearing mode. Relative to the peak shear strength, the values of residual shear strength are approximately 5 to 35% lower in most cases. Reconsolidation for a period of 24 hours appears to have, if any, marginal positive effect on residual shear strength of the two soils in both shear box and interface shear box tests. The residual friction angles derived from the shear box and ring shear tests are comparable and fall in the immediate range of shear strength. The various test results imply that the pile foundations at the Sheringham Shoal would have considerably large axial capacity, assuming that the horizontal stress is similar to the normal stress used in testing. The test data however should be used with caution and combined with piling experience in comparable soils where possible. The study aims to provide a source of reference for design of pile foundations for sites with similar soil conditions.
Migration of Type III Secretion System Transcriptional Regulators Links Gene Expression to Secretion
Authors: Charova Spyridoula N. , Gazi Anastasia D. , Mylonas Efstratios , Pozidis Charalambos , Sabarit Blanca , Anagnostou Dimitrios , Psatha Konstantina , Aivaliotis Michalis , Beuzon Carmen R. , Panopoulos Nickolas J. , Kokkinidis Michael 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Many plant-pathogenic bacteria of considerable economic importance rely on type III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the Hrc-Hrp 1 family to subvert their plant hosts. T3SS gene expression is regulated through the HrpG and HrpV proteins, while secretion is controlled by the gatekeeper HrpJ. A link between the two mechanisms was so far unknown. Here, we show that a mechanistic coupling exists between the expression and secretion cascades through the direct binding of the HrpG/HrpV heterodimer, acting as a T3SS chaperone, to HrpJ. The ternary complex is docked to the cytoplasmic side of the inner bacterial membrane and orchestrates intermediate substrate secretion, without affecting early substrate secretion. The anchoring of the ternary complex to the membranes potentially keeps HrpG/HrpV away from DNA. In their multiple roles as transcriptional regulators and gatekeeper chaperones, HrpV/HrpG provide along with HrpJ potentially attractive targets for antibacterial strategies.

IMPORTANCE
On the basis of scientific/economic importance,
Pseudomonas syringae
and
Erwinia amylovora
are considered among the top 10 plant-pathogenic bacteria in molecular plant pathology. Both employ type III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the Hrc-Hrp 1 family to subvert their plant hosts. For Hrc-Hrp 1, no functional link was known between the key processes of T3SS gene expression and secretion. Here, we show that a mechanistic coupling exists between expression and secretion cascades, through formation of a ternary complex involving the T3SS proteins HrpG, HrpV, and HrpJ. Our results highlight the functional and structural properties of a hitherto-unknown complex which orchestrates intermediate T3SS substrate secretion and may lead to better pathogen control through novel targets for antibacterial strategies.
Monoassociation with Lactobacillus plantarum Disrupts Intestinal Homeostasis in Adult Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fast David , Duggal Aashna , Foley Edan 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Adult
Drosophila melanogaster
raised in the absence of symbiotic bacteria have fewer intestinal stem cell divisions and a longer life span than their conventionally reared counterparts. However, we do not know if increased stem cell divisions are essential for symbiont-dependent regulation of longevity. To determine if individual symbionts cause aging-dependent death in
Drosophila
, we examined the impacts of common symbionts on host longevity. We found that monoassociation of adult
Drosophila
with
Lactobacillus plantarum
, a widely reported fly symbiont and member of the probiotic
Lactobacillus
genus, curtails adult longevity relative to germfree counterparts. The effects of
Lactobacillus plantarum
on life span were independent of intestinal aging. Instead, we found that association with
Lactobacillus plantarum
causes an extensive intestinal pathology within the host, characterized by loss of stem cells, impaired epithelial renewal, and a gradual erosion of epithelial ultrastructure. Our study uncovers an unknown aspect of
Lactobacillus plantarum
-
Drosophila
interactions and establishes a simple model to characterize symbiont-dependent disruption of intestinal homeostasis.

IMPORTANCE
Under homeostatic conditions, gut bacteria provide molecular signals that support the organization and function of the host intestine. Sudden shifts in the composition or distribution of gut bacterial communities impact host receipt of bacterial cues and disrupt tightly regulated homeostatic networks. We used the
Drosophila melanogaster
model to determine the effects of prominent fly symbionts on host longevity and intestinal homeostasis. We found that monoassociation with
Lactobacillus plantarum
leads to a loss of intestinal progenitor cells, impaired epithelial renewal, and disruption of gut architecture as flies age. These observations uncover a novel phenotype caused by monoassociation of a germfree host with a common symbiont and establish a simple model to characterize symbiont-dependent loss of intestinal homeostasis.
Reverse Genetics for Type I Feline Coronavirus Field Isolate To Study the Molecular Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Authors: Ehmann Rosina , Kristen-Burmann Claudia , Bank-Wolf Barbara , König Matthias , Herden Christiane , Hain Torsten , Thiel Heinz-Jürgen , Ziebuhr John , Tekes Gergely 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTFeline infectious peritonitis (FIP), one of the most important lethal infections of cats, is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the high-virulence biotype of feline coronaviruses (FCoVs). FIPVs are suggested to emerge from feline enteric coronaviruses (FECVs) by acquiring mutations in specific genes in the course of persistent infections. Although numerous studies identified mutations predicted to be responsible for the FECV-FIPV biotype switch, the presumed roles of specific genetic changes in FIP pathogenesis have not been confirmed experimentally. Reverse genetics systems established previously for serotype I and the less common serotype II FCoVs were based on cell culture-adapted FIPV strains which, however, were shown to be unsuitable for FIP pathogenesis studiesin vivo. To date, systems to produce and manipulate recombinant serotype I field viruses have not been developed, mainly because these viruses cannot be grownin vitro. Here, we report the first reverse genetics system based on a serotype I FECV field isolate that is suitable to produce high-titer stocks of recombinant FECVs. We demonstrate that these recombinant viruses cause productive persistent infections in cats that are similar to what is observed in natural infections. The system provides an excellent tool for studying FCoVs that do not grow in standard cell culture systems and will greatly facilitate studies into the molecular pathogenesis of FIP. Importantly, the system could also be adapted for studies of other RNA viruses with large genomes whose production and characterizationin vivoare currently hampered by the lack ofin vitropropagation systems.IMPORTANCEThe availability of recombinant serotype I FCoV field isolates that are amenable to genetic manipulation is key to studying the molecular pathogenesis of FIP, especially since previous studies using cell culture-adapted FIPVs had proven unsuccessful. To our knowledge, we report the first serotype I FECV field isolate-based reverse genetics system that allows the production of high-titer recombinant virus stocks that can be used for subsequentin vivostudies in cats. The system represents a milestone in FCoV research. It provides an essential tool for studying the molecular pathogenesis of FIP and, more specifically, the functions of specific gene products in causing a fundamentally different progression of disease following acquisition of specific mutations. The system developed in this study will also be useful for studying other coronaviruses or more distantly related RNA viruses with large genomes for which suitablein vitroculture systems are not available.
On-the-farm cardiovascular risk screening among migrant agricultural workers in Southeast Minnesota: a pilot prospective study
Authors: Rajjo Tamim , Mohammed Khaled , Rho Jennifer , Murad M. Hassan 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionAccessibility to healthcare services is a major concern facing migrant agricultural workers (MAWs) in the USA. We aimed to test the feasibility of implementing cardiovascular risk screening at farm sites.MethodsThis was a pilot prospective cohort study providing on-site monthly screenings of cardiovascular risk factors. We estimated the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and evaluated the success of this approach via modified validated satisfaction surveys.ResultsWe enrolled 38 MAWs and diagnosed 18 cases of pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia in 15 subjects (39.4%). Mean scores of workers’ satisfaction were high (≥4) on a 5-point scale except ‘Time spent with provider’. Over 80% of workers were likely to use this model if it was permanently available on the farm. Only 8.7% of workers were able to follow up after referral to a clinic.ConclusionsCardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in MAWs. On-the-farm screening is a feasible and satisfactory model of healthcare delivery; however, other barriers continue to hinder MAWs from receiving follow-up care.Trial registration numberNCT02418637. Results.
Retrospective review of the management of acute infections and the indications for antibiotic prescription in primary care in northern Thailand
Authors: Greer Rachel C , Intralawan Daranee , Mukaka Mavuto , Wannapinij Prapass , Day Nicholas P J , Nedsuwan Supalert , Lubell Yoel 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionAntibiotic use in low-income and middle-income countries continues to rise despite the knowledge that antibiotic overuse can lead to antimicrobial resistance. There is a paucity of detailed data on the use of antibiotics in primary care in low-resource settings.ObjectiveTo describe the presentation of acute infections and the indications for antibiotic prescription.DesignA 2-year retrospective review of routinely collected data.SettingAll 32 primary care units in one district in northern Thailand.ParticipantsPatients attending primary care with a history of fever, documented temperature, International Statistical Classification of Diseases 10 code for infection or prescribed a systemic antibiotic. Patients attending after the initiation of a study on C-reactive protein testing in four centres were excluded.Outcome measuresThe proportion of patients prescribed an antibiotic and the frequency of clinical presentations.Results762 868 patients attended the health centres, of whom 103 196 met the inclusion criteria, 5966 were excluded resulting in 97 230 attendances consisting of 83 661 illness episodes.46.9% (39 242) of the patients were prescribed an antibiotic during their illness. Indications for antibiotic prescription in the multivariable logistic regression analysis included male sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.21 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.28), p<0.001), adults (aOR 1.77 (95% CI 1.57 to 2), p<0.001) and a temperature >37.5°C (aOR 1.24 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.48), p=0.020). 77.9% of the presentations were for respiratory-related problems, of which 98.6% were upper respiratory tract infections. The leading infection diagnoses were common cold (50%), acute pharyngitis (18.9%) and acute tonsillitis (5%) which were prescribed antibiotics in 10.5%, 88.7% and 87.1% of cases, respectively. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic.ConclusionsNearly half of the patients received an antibiotic, the majority of whom had a respiratory infection. The results can be used to plan interventions to improve the rational use of antibiotics. Further studies in private facilities, pharmacies and dental clinics are required.
Prospective investigation of folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy and paediatric and adult cancers in the Chinese children and families cohort: a pilot study in a sample of rural and urban families
Authors: Linet Martha S , Wang Linhong , Wang Ning , Berry Robert J , Chao Ann , Hao Ling , Li Zhu , Fang Liwen , Yin Peng , Potischman Nancy , Sun Xin , Meng Fanweng , Yang Ruilan , Cong Shu , Fan Jing , Kitahara Cari M , Liang Xiaofeng , Liu Fang , Lu Xiaojun , Lv Fan , Mu Chunhua , Sampson Joshua , Tang Yongmin , Wan Weiqing , Wang Baohua , Wang Hongsheng , Zhang Leping , Wang Yu 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of long-term prospective follow-up and ascertainment of cancer in offspring and mothers from the 1993–1995 Chinese Community Intervention Program that provided folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects.DesignFeasibility pilot study for a prospective cohort study.SettingFamilies residing during 2012–2013 in one rural and one urban county from 21 counties in 3 provinces in China included in the Community Intervention Program campaign.ParticipantsThe feasibility study targeted 560 families, including 280 from the rural and 280 from the urban county included in the large original study; about half of mothers in each group had taken and half had not taken folic acid supplements.InterventionThe planned new study is observational.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary: incidence of paediatric cancers in offspring; secondary: other chronic diseases in offspring and chronic diseases in mothersResultsOnly 3.4% of pilot study families could not be found, 3.9% had moved out of the study area and 8.8% refused to participate. Interviews were completed by 82% of mothers, 79% of fathers and 83% of offspring in the 560 families. Almost all mothers and offspring who were interviewed also participated in anthropometric measurements. We found notable urban–rural differences in sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics of the parents, but fewer differences among the offspring. In eight catchment area hospitals, we identified a broad range of paediatric cancers diagnosed during 1994–2013, although paediatric brain tumours, lymphomas and rarer cancers were likely under-represented.ConclusionsOverall, 20 years after the original Community Intervention Program, the pilot study achieved high levels of follow-up and family member interview participation, and identified substantial numbers of paediatric malignancies during 1994–2013 in catchment area hospitals. Next steps and strategies for overcoming limitations are described.
Sleeping habits of adolescents in relation to their physical activity and exercise output: results from the ELSPAC study
Authors: Máchal Jan , Zlámal Filip , Kukla Lubomír , Švancara Jan , Pikhart Hynek , Bienertová-Vašků Julie 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of physical activity and fitness on sleep timing parameters in adolescence.MethodsWe investigated the development of sleep timing between age 8 and 15 and its association with physical fitness at age 15 in 787 adolescents (408 males, 379 females). Physical fitness was measured using the physical work capacity (PWC) protocol. Information on sport activity was collected at ages 11 and 15. Finally, the contribution of other covariates (sex, body mass index (BMI), parental education and occupational skill level) to the association between sleep parameters and physical fitness was evaluated. The correlation of BMI and physical fitness was assessed separately.ResultsMild correlation of sleep duration at ages 8 and 15 was observed (r=0.08–0.16). Higher sport activity participation and physical fitness were found to be mildly associated with delayed bedtime and reduced sleep duration; the association with bedtime was significant after adjustment for all covariates. Sport activity at age 11 was not associated with sleep timing at age 15. Interestingly, higher BMI was linked to delayed bedtime and higher physical fitness.ConclusionOur findings do not support existing hypotheses suggesting the association of low physical activity and fitness with shorter sleep duration and high BMI in a generally non-obese adolescent population without severe sleep restriction.
Point-of-care biliary ultrasound in the emergency department (BUSED): implications for surgical referral and emergency department wait times
Authors: Hilsden Richard , Leeper Rob , Koichopolos Jennifer , Vandelinde Jeremy Derek , Parry Neil , Thompson Drew , Myslik Frank 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundPatients with uncomplicated biliary disease frequently present to the emergency department for assessment. To improve bedside clinical decision making, biliary point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency department has emerged as a diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study is to analyze the usefulness of POCUS in predicting the need for surgical intervention in biliary disease.MethodsA retrospective study of patients visiting the emergency department who received a biliary POCUS from December 1, 2016 to July 15, 2017 was performed. The physician interpretations of the biliary POCUS scans were collected, as well as data from the electronic health records including lab values, the subsequent use of diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation or intervention, and 28 days follow-up for representation or complication.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty-three patients were identified as having received biliary POCUS. Of the patients referred to general surgery who received biliary POCUS 43% received a cholecystectomy. For the outcome of cholecystectomy, the finding of gallstones on POCUS was 55% sensitive (95% CI 40% to 70%) and 92% specific (95% CI 87% to 95%). A sonographic Murphy’s sign was 16% sensitive (95% CI 7% to 30%) but 95% specific (95% CI 92% to 97%) and, gallbladder wall thickness was 18% sensitive (95% CI 9% to 33%) and 98% specific (95% CI 95% to 99%). Patients who received POCUS but did not proceed to confirmatory radiology department imaging had a shorter length of stay (433 min ± 50 min vs. 309 min ± 30 min, P<0.001).DiscussionPoint-of-care biliary ultrasound performed by emergency physicians provides timely access to diagnostic information. Positive findings of gallstones and increased gallbladder wall thickness are highly predictive of the need for surgical intervention, and use of POCUS is associated with shorter ER visits.Level of evidenceRetrospective cohort study, level III.