On the large amplitude vibration of shallow sandwich shells with FG-GNPRP core considering initial geometric imperfections

The present study investigates the influence of initial geometric imperfections on large amplitude vibration of shallow sandwich shells with functionally graded graphene nanoplatelets reinforced porous (FG-GNPRP) core embedded between two aluminium facets. The aluminium core is reinforced with graphene nano-platelets (GNP) and the effective properties such as elastic modulus, and mass density, etc. are estimated using Halpin-Tsai and Voigt models, respectively. The continuous functions are adopted to accomplish micro-structural gradation while creating pores which imparts the variation in material properties along thickness direction. The nonlinear governing equations based on higher order shear deformation theory and Sander’s approximation are derived using variational approach. The nonlinearity is introduced in von-Kármán sense and various imperfection modes such as sine, global and local types are considered in transverse direction. The nonlinear results are accessed using finite element method in conjunction with direct iterative technique. The influence of porosity, GNP weight fraction, imperfection amplitude, thickness, side, and radius ratios on the vibration response of the sandwich shells is explored in detail.

On the stochastic natural frequency of graphene reinforced functionally graded porous panels with unconventional boundary conditions

The present study explores the stochastic natural frequency of graphene reinforced functionally graded porous panels with unconventional boundary conditions. The material uncertainty is considered in the parameters associated with constituents that is, metal and graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs) individually and simultaneously. The metal matrix is reinforced with ultra-lightweight and high stiffness carbonaceous nanofiller, that is, GPLs. Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model is adopted to estimate effective Young’s modulus of the metal-GPLs composite whereas effective mass density and Poisson’s ratio are calculated using the Voigt model. The micro-structural gradation by creating pores is accomplished along the thickness direction of the panel employing certain continuous functions. These functions describe symmetric and asymmetric porosity distributions and associated patterns of GPLs. The equation of motion is developed using Euler-Lagrange’s equation which is based on C 0-continuous structural kinematics with 7 degrees of freedom. Finite element modeling in conjunction with the first-order perturbation technique has been applied to quantify the stochastic natural frequency in terms of the mean and standard deviation of the natural frequency. Various results have been examined to highlight the influence of parameters especially related to porosity, and graphene nanoplatelets on the stochastic natural frequency of FG-GPLs porous panel constrained with conventional and unconventional boundary conditions.

Assessing growth performance, morphometric traits, meat chemical composition and cholesterol content in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken

The present study was conducted to assess the growth performance, morphometric traits, muscle chemical composition and cholesterol content in four phenotypes of naked neck chicken (black, white-black, light brown and dark brown). A total of 320-day-old chicks, 80 from each phenotype, were randomly stratified into 20 replicates (16/replicate), according to a completely randomized design. The results showed higher final body weight, weight gain, and better FCR in both light brown and dark brown phenotypes whereas time of gains was found to be greater in dark brown phenotype. Keel length and shank circumference were greater in dark brown whereas wing spread was found to be higher in light brown phenotype. Drumstick circumference and body length did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05) across the phenotypes. Dry matter was found to be higher in white black, crude protein in black, white black and dark brown, moisture in light brown, and cholesterol content in black whereas ether extract and ash content were found to be greater in black and white black phenotypes. In conclusion, both light brown and dark brown phenotypes showed superior growth performance and morphometric traits. Similarly, from a health point of view, the dark brown and light brown phenotypes seem superior because their cholesterol content was low. Thus, it is strongly recommended that there should be a conscious effort to improve economically important traits of the light and dark brown birds to be used as dual-purpose slow growing chicken, especially in developing countries.

Influence of Material Stochasticity on Buckling Characteristics of Initially Imperfect Higher-Order Shear Deformable Gradient Plates

This paper demonstrates the influence of material stochasticity on buckling characteristics of higher-order shear deformable gradient plates with initial geometric imperfections. The gradient plates are assessed by smooth variation in the volume fraction of the constituents (i.e. ceramic and metal) as power-law distribution function in the thickness direction. The effective material properties are achieved by means of the Voigt model. Plate kinematic based on Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) associated with initial geometric imperfection in the transverse direction is employed. The governing differential equation is produced using a variational approach. The mean and standard deviation of the critical buckling load are evaluated using finite element method and a mean-centered first-order perturbation technique in order to highlight the variation in buckling response. Numerical results are compared both in deterministic and probabilistic frameworks along with convergence in support of efficacy and performance of the proposed model. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the combined influence of geometric imperfection and uncertain material properties prominently affect the buckling response of the gradient plates.

Adaptive Immune Responses in Humans During Nipah Virus Acute and Convalescent Phases of Infection

BACKGROUND

Nipah virus (NiV) is 1 of 10 potential causes of imminent public health emergencies of international concern. We investigated the NiV outbreak that occurred in May 2018 in Kerala, India. Here we describe the longitudinal characteristics of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses to NiV infection during the acute and convalescent phases in 2 human survivors.

METHODS

Serial blood samples were obtained from the only 2 survivors of the NiV outbreak in Kerala. We used flow cytometry to determine the absolute T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte counts and the phenotypes of both T and B cells. We also detected and quantitated the humoral immune response to NiV by virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Absolute numbers of T lymphocytes remained within normal limits throughout the period of illness studied in both survivors. However, a marked elevation of activated CD8 T cells was observed in both cases. More than 30% of total CD8 T cells expressed Ki67, indicating active proliferation. Proliferating (Ki-67+) CD8 T cells expressed high levels of granzyme B and PD-1, consistent with the profile of acute effector cells. Total B-lymphocyte, activated B-cell, and plasmablast counts were also elevated in NiV survivors. These individuals developed detectable NiV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies within a week of disease onset. Clearance of NiV RNA from blood preceded the appearance of virus-specific IgG and coincided with the peak of activated CD8 T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe for the first time longitudinal kinetic data on the activation status of human B- and T-cell populations during acute NiV infection. While marked CD8 T-cell activation was observed with effector characteristics, activated CD4 T cells were less prominent.

SAT-568 Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis in a Pregnant Female Treated with Plasmapheresis

Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis in a Pregnant Female Treated with Plasmapheresis

Background: Gestational hypertriglyceridemia can lead to critical and even life-threatening consequences to both mother and fetus. A well-known consequence is hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis. Few case reports described the successful management of triglyceride (TG) induced pancreatitis in pregnant women using plasmapheresis.

Clinical Case:

A 28-year-old primigravida patient, in the 29^th week of gestation, was admitted with acute onset of epigastric pain and nausea for 24 hours. Laboratory findings were remarkable for an elevated serum lipase of 505 U/L (ref 23–300) and an abnormal lipid profile. Her total cholesterol was 1651 mg/dl and triglycerides (TG) from an undiluted sample was 1361 mg/dl. When a 1:5 dilution was performed the result was higher at >4000 mg/dl. She was transferred to the ICU for treatment of acute pancreatitis. She has no family history of hypertriglyceridemia. No MRI was obtained. Gemfibrozil, Lovaza™ (omega-3-acid ethyl esters), and an insulin infusion were started but serum TG levels did not improve. On hospital day 2 she developed worsening tachycardia, tachypnea with laboratory findings of metabolic acidosis and hypocalcemia. As there was no reduction in triglyceride levels with medical therapy and her clinical status was deteriorating, the treating multidisciplinary team decided to initiate plasmapheresis. After one session, TG levels decreased from >4000 mg/dl to 1829 mg/dl and continued to decline to 721 mg/dl. Hospital day 6 her TG level rose to 1245 mg/dl prompting a second plasmapheresis. TG levels decreased to 770 mg/dl shortly after but rose the next day to 1365 mg/dl. She underwent a 3^rd plasmapheresis after which her TG ranged from 400–700 mg/dl for the remainder of her hospitalization. On the day of discharge, her TG level was 733 mg/dl. She was advised to restrict fat intake and continue both gemfibrozil and Lovaza™ but despite this her TGs again increased to 1693 mg/dl. From that point she started weekly sessions of plasmapheresis for a total of 8 sessions prior to an uneventful vaginal delivery at 36 weeks of gestation. One month later her lipid profile dramatically improved. Total cholesterol was 233 mg/dl and triglycerides were 304 mg/dl while on lipid lowering therapy.

Conclusion: Pancreatitis during pregnancy is associated with a high maternal and fetal death rate. Early treatment is important for the survival of the mother and fetus. Plasmapheresis is an alternative and safe treatment for cases that are not responsive to medical therapy. It can be administered safely to reduce triglyceride levels and diminish the systemic inflammatory response leading to a shortened hospital stay and better outcomes.

On the Dynamic Response of Imperfection Sensitive Higher Order Functionally Graded Plates with Random System Parameters

This paper presents the influence of various random system parameters on dynamics response of imperfection sensitive higher order shear deformable functionally graded material (FGM) plates. Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratio and volume fraction index are considered as random system parameters. The material properties of the FGM plates are assumed to vary along the thickness direction using simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fraction of the constituents. The plate kinematics is based on Reddy’s higher order shear deformation theory. Finite element method (FEM) is employed in conjunction with first-order perturbation technique (FOPT) and Newmark integration scheme to explore the influence of different system parameters, like volume fraction indices, aspect ratio, material uncertainties, and imperfection amplitude on the dynamic responses of the FGM plates.

Quality of life and its determinants in people with epilepsy in basrah, iraq

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) in people with epilepsy and to evaluate various factors affecting their QOL.

METHODS

A total of 116 patients with epilepsy and a control group of 116 apparently healthy persons were included in this case-control study which was conducted at the neurology outpatient clinic of Basrah General Hospital, Iraq. An interview was performed with the use of a special questionnaire, which included data pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics, and clinical characteristics (for patients with epilepsy only). The QOL was assessed with the use of a Short Form (SF-36) health survey.

RESULTS

Epileptic patients showed lower overall QOL scores as compared to controls. In the univariate analysis, patients who were older, from rural areas, and with low education and income levels had low er overall QOL scores. Frequent seizures as well as increased duration of epilepsy were also significant factors associated with reduction in QOL scores. In the multivariate regression analysis, age, educational level, income and frequency of seizures were significant determinants of QOL.

CONCLUSION

Certain socio-demographic factors as well as clinical factors were crucial in determining QOL in epilepsy patients. Recognition of these factors will lead health professionals to develop different strategies to improve the QOL of those patients.

Culturally competent occupational therapy in a diversely populated mental health setting

Cultural sensitivity is a crucial component of health care provision, particularly in psychiatric settings. As society becomes more multicultural, it is essential for occupational therapists to continue to develop cultural competence, which is defined in this paper as an awareness of, sensitivity to, and knowledge of the meaning of culture. At San Francisco General Hospital, an innovative multicultural model consisting of special focus programs is used. The key to the success of such programs is a culturally competent professional staff.

Thymic carcinoid in association with MEN syndromes

Although carcinoid tumors in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MEN) has been well described, thymic carcinoid in association with MEN is extremely rare (only 23 cases in the world literature). A patient with thymic carcinoid and MEN-I was treated with surgical resection and postoperative radiation therapy, which was later followed by subtotal parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism. Four years later, a symptomatic recurrence of his thymic carcinoid was resected from below his right clavicle. Six years after his original operation, the patient came to the hospital with pancreatitis, and a 5 cm, distal, pancreatic metastasis was resected. He now has symptomatic paraspinal and pleural metastases and is receiving somatostatin. Review of the world's literature shows that the majority of patients with thymic carcinoid and MEN-I are men with an average age of 37 years. Their clinical course is indolent, and surgery represents the only means of cure. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy confer no survival advantage. The surgical decision making involved in treating a patient with thymic carcinoid and hyperparathyroidism associated with MEN is also discussed.