bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students' privacy concerns in learning analytics: Model development
Authors: Mutimukwe Chantal , Viberg Olga , Oberg Lena‐Maria , Cerratto‐Pargman Teresa
Published: May 2022

Understanding students' privacy concerns is an essential first step toward effective privacy‐enhancing practices in learning analytics (LA). In this study, we develop and validate a model to explore the students' privacy concerns (SPICE) regarding LA practice in higher education. The SPICE model considersprivacy concernsas a central construct between two antecedents—perceived privacy risk and perceived privacy control, and two outcomes—trusting beliefs and non‐self‐disclosure behaviours. To validate the model, data through an online survey were collected, and 132 students from three Swedish universities participated in the study. Partial least square results show that the model accounts for high variance in privacy concerns, trusting beliefs, and non‐self‐disclosure behaviours. They also illustrate that students' perceived privacy risk is a firm predictor of their privacy concerns. The students' privacy concerns and perceived privacy risk were found to affect their non‐self‐disclosure behaviours. Finally, the results show that the students' perceptions of privacy control and privacy risks determine their trusting beliefs. The study results contribute to understand the relationships between students' privacy concerns, trust and non‐self‐disclosure behaviours in the LA context. A set of relevant implications for LA systems' design and privacy‐enhancing practices' development in higher education is offered.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Addressing students' privacy is critical for large‐scale learning analytics (LA) implementation.

Understanding students' privacy concerns is an essential first step to developing effective privacy‐enhancing practices in LA.

Several conceptual, not empirically validated frameworks focus on ethics and privacy in LA.

What this paper adds

The paper offers a validated model to explore the nature of students' privacy concerns in LA in higher education.

It provides an enhanced theoretical understanding of the relationship between privacy concerns, trust and self‐disclosure behaviour in the LA context of higher education.

It offers a set of relevant implications for LA researchers and practitioners.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Students' perceptions of privacy risks and privacy control are antecedents of students' privacy concerns, trust in the higher education institution and the willingness to share personal information.

Enhancing students' perceptions of privacy control and reducing perceptions of privacy risks are essential for LA adoption and success.

Contextual factors that may influence students' privacy concerns should be considered.
What is a biocrust? A refined, contemporary definition for a broadening research community
Authors: Weber Bettina , Belnap Jayne , Büdel Burkhard , Antoninka Anita J. , Barger Nichole N. , Chaudhary V. Bala , Darrouzet‐Nardi Anthony , Eldridge David J. , Faist Akasha M. , Ferrenberg Scott , Havrilla Caroline A. , Huber‐Sannwald Elisabeth , Malam Issa Oumarou , Maestre Fernando T. , Reed Sasha C. , Rodriguez‐Caballero Emilio , Tucker Colin , Young Kristina E. , Zhang Yuanming , Zhao Yunge , Zhou Xiaobing , Bowker Matthew A.
Published: May 2022

Studies of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have proliferated over the last few decades. The biocrust literature has broadened, with more studies assessing and describing the function of a variety of biocrust communities in a broad range of biomes and habitats and across a large spectrum of disciplines, and also by the incorporation of biocrusts into global perspectives and biogeochemical models. As the number of biocrust researchers increases, along with the scope of soil communities defined as ‘biocrust’, it is worth asking whether we all share a clear, universal, and fully articulated definition of what constitutes a biocrust. In this review, we synthesize the literature with the views of new and experienced biocrust researchers, to provide a refined and fully elaborated definition of biocrusts. In doing so, we illustrate the ecological relevance and ecosystem services provided by them. We demonstrate that biocrusts are defined by four distinct elements: physical structure, functional characteristics, habitat, and taxonomic composition. We describe outgroups, which have some, but not all, of the characteristics necessary to be fully consistent with our definition and thus would not be considered biocrusts. We also summarize the wide variety of different types of communities that fall under our definition of biocrusts, in the process of highlighting their global distribution. Finally, we suggest the universal use of the Belnap, Büdel & Lange definition, with minor modifications: Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) result from an intimate association between soil particles and differing proportions of photoautotrophic (e.g. cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, bryophytes) and heterotrophic (e.g. bacteria, fungi, archaea) organisms, which live within, or immediately on top of, the uppermost millimetres of soil. Soil particles are aggregated through the presence and activity of these often extremotolerant biota that desiccate regularly, and the resultant living crust covers the surface of the ground as a coherent layer. With this detailed definition of biocrusts, illustrating their ecological functions and widespread distribution, we hope to stimulate interest in biocrust research and inform various stakeholders (e.g. land managers, land users) on their overall importance to ecosystem and Earth system functioning.
Global status, impacts, and management of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems
Authors: Bell James J. , Micaroni Valerio , Harris Benjamin , Strano Francesca , Broadribb Manon , Rogers Alice
Published: May 2022

The ecology and function of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) remain poorly understood globally despite their widespread distribution. They typically occur at 20–150 m (the limit of photosynthesis), and on rocky substratum they support rich benthic communities and mobile fauna. We determined the distribution of rocky TMEs, their conservation status, and their most characteristic biological groups. Rocky TMEs were dominated by algae, turf‐invertebrate matrices (<50 m only), sponges, bryozoans, and cnidarians. The community composition of TMEs differed significantly from shallow (0–15 m) subtidal reefs. Data were geographically biased and variable, available only from the North and South Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Temperate Australasia. Degree of protection of rocky TMEs varied considerably across the world. The biggest threats to rocky TMEs were identified changes in temperature, sedimentation rates, nutrient concentrations, and certain fishing types. We propose a conservation framework to inform future rocky TME management and conservation, highlighting the need to recognize the importance of these biologically diverse and functionally important ecosystems.
An allied reprogramming, selection, expansion and differentiation platform for creating hiPSC on microcarriers
Authors: Lam Alan Tin Lun , Ho Valerie , Vassilev Svetlan , Reuveny Shaul , Oh Steve Kah Weng
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated by monolayer cultures is plagued by low efficiencies, high levels of manipulation and operator unpredictability. We have developed a platform, reprogramming, expansion, and differentiation on Microcarriers, to solve these challenges.

Materials and Methods

Five sources of human somatic cells were reprogrammed, selected, expanded and differentiated in microcarriers suspension cultures.

Results

Improvement of transduction efficiencies up to 2 times was observed. Accelerated reprogramming in microcarrier cultures was 7 days faster than monolayer, providing between 30 and 50‐fold more clones to choose from fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T cells and CD34+ stem cells. This was observed to be due to an earlier induction of genes (β‐catenin, E‐cadherin and EpCAM) on day 4 versus monolayer cultures which occurred on days 14 or later. Following that, faster induction and earlier stabilization of pluripotency genes occurred during the maturation phase of reprogramming. Integrated expansion without trypsinization and efficient differentiation, without embryoid bodies formation, to the three germ‐layers, cardiomyocytes and haematopoietic stem cells were further demonstrated.

Conclusions

Our method can solve the inherent problems of conventional monolayer cultures. It is highly efficient, cell dissociation free, can be operated with lower labor, and allows testing of differentiation efficiency without trypsinization and generation of embryoid bodies. It is also amenable to automation for processing more samples in a small footprint, alleviating many challenges of manual monolayer selection.
Common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms combined with a genetic risk score provide new insights regarding the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fang Xiangnan , Jin Li , Tang Mengyang , Lu Wenqian , Lai Siyu , Zhang Rong , Zhang Hong , Jiang Feng , Luo Mingjuan , Hu Cheng
Published: May 2022

Aims

Few studies have constructed a genetic risk score (GRS) to predict the risk of gestaional diabetes mellitus (GDM). We tested the hypothesis that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) confirmed for diabetes and obesity and the GRS are associated with GDM.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study comprising 971 GDM cases and 1682 controls from the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital. A total of 1448 SNPs reported with type 2 diabetes (T2D), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and obesity were selected and the GRS based on SNPs associated with GDM was created.

Results

We confirmed that rs10830963 (OR = 1.41,95% CI = 1.25, 1.59) in MTNR1B and rs2206734 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.55) in CDKAL1 were strongly associated with the risk of GDM. Compared with participants with GRS based on T2D SNPs in the low tertile, the ORs of GDM across increasing GRS tertiles were 1.63 (95% CI 1.29, 2.06) and 2.72 (95% CI 2.18, 3.38) in the middle and high tertile, respectively. The positive associations between the GRS and the risk of GDM were also observed in GRS based on obesity/waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR)/body mass index (BMI) SNPs. The resulting GRS for each allele increase was significantly associated with higher glycemic indices and lower HOMA‐B values for GRS based on T2D SNPs, but not for GRS based on T1D SNPs and GRS based on obesity/WHR/BMI SNPs.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that GDM may share a common genetic background with T2D and obesity and that SNPs associated with insulin secretion defects have a vital role in the development of GDM.
Development and validation of the sickle cell stress scale‐adult
Authors: Smith Wally R. , McClish Donna K. , Bovbjerg Viktor E. , Singh Harjot K.
Published: May 2022

Disease‐specific stress can partly explain Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) healthcare utilization. We developed and validated two measures of adult SCD‐specific stress for research and clinical care. A large cohort of adults with SCD completed both the 3‐item Likert‐scale adapted from a previous disease stress measure and a 10‐item Likert‐scale questionnaire drafted specifically to measure SCD stress. They concurrently completed a psychosocial and health‐related quality of life scale battery, then subsequently daily pain diaries. Diaires measured: daily intensity, distress and interference of pain; self‐defined vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC), opioid use, and types of healthcare utilization for up to 24 weeks. Analyses tested Cronbach's alpha, correlation of the three‐item and 10‐item stress scales with the concurrent battery, with percentages of pain days, VOC days, opioid use days, and healthcare utilization days, and correlation of baseline stress and 6‐month stress for the 10‐item scale. Cronbach's alpha was high for both the 3‐item (0.73) and 10‐item (0.83) SCD stress scales, test–retest correlation of 0.55, expected correlation with the concurrent battery, and correlation with diary‐measured healthcare utilization over 6 months. The correlations with the 3‐item scale were stronger, but only statistically significant for depression‐anxiety. The correlation between the two stress scales was 0.59. Both the 3‐item and the 10‐item stress scales exhibited good face, construct, concurrent, and predictive validity as well as moderate test–retest reliability. Further scale validation should determine population norms and response to interventions.
The conundrum in enzymatic reactions related to biosynthesis of d‐amino acids in bacteria
Authors: Pollegioni Loredano , Molla Gianluca
Published: May 2022

d‐Amino acids (d‐AAs) are key components of the peptidoglycan matrix in bacterial cells. Various bacterial species are known to produce d‐AAs by using different enzymes, such as highly specific and broad‐spectrum racemases. Miyamoto et al. studied the biosynthesis of d‐glutamate in the hyperthermophile and anaerobic Gram‐negative bacterium, Thermotoga maritima, which does not possess a broad‐spectrum racemase. The investigated TM0831 enzyme catalyzes both a d‐amino acid aminotransferase reaction producing d‐glutamate and an amino acid racemase activity aimed at generating d‐aspartate and d‐glutamate from the corresponding l‐enantiomers. TM0831 represents an example of natural molecular evolution process favoring the enzyme versatility.

Comment on: https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16452
Tyred out: Natural aging and aesthetic labor in Pirelli's 2017 calendar
Authors: Pritchard Katrina , Whiting Rebecca
Published: May 2022

We review how natural aging is constructed in contemporary media discourse by examining coverage of the 2017 Pirelli calendar. While highly digitized and provocative representations of youthfulness might be readily associated with this calendar, the 2017 edition featured actors aged 28–71, shot in black and white with limited makeup and apparently no digitization. As older women we reflexively examine this exposure of how women might age naturally; and discursively unpack tensions surrounding understandings of beauty and empowerment across media coverage. We suggest the Pirelli calendar is a complex media production, with impact that extends far beyond the product itself, spreading through the economic system and connecting tyres to art in the process. We progress understandings of aesthetic labor across the lifecourse, offer further development of the beauty and empowerment tensions embedded in the aesthetics of natural aging and explain how natural aging facilitates a multi‐layered process of binding.
Effects of overhead power‐lines on the density of ground‐nesting birds in open sub‐arctic habitats
Authors: Pálsdóttir Aldís Erna , Gill Jennifer A. , Pálsson Snæbjörn , Alves José A. , Méndez Verónica , Þórisson Böðvar , Gunnarsson Tómas G.
Published: May 2022

Yearly electricity production has increased steadily worlwide in recent decades and the associated overhead power lines are widespread and occur across urban and natural habitats, and often in remote areas where there is little other anthropogenic influence. Here we assessed the effects of overhead power lines on the density of ground‐nesting birds in the Icelandic lowlands, which host several populations of international importance. The combined breeding density of the eight study species increased significantly from ~ 112 birds/km2 close (< 50 m) to the power lines to ~ 177 birds/km2 away (450–500 m) from the power lines, with two of these species (Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus and Common Redshank Tringa totanus) increasing significantly with distance from power lines and six species (European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis, Black‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Dunlin Calidris alpina and Redwing Turdus iliacus) showing no changes. These findings suggest that power lines can influence the breeding density of ground‐nesting bird species in their vicinity and that accounting for such effects when planning future infrastructure will be imperative.
Durability of left bundle branch area pacing
Authors: Mehta Nikhil A. , Saqi Bilal , Sabzwari Syed R. A. , Gupta Rahul , Vyas Apurva , Gordon Jeffrey , Cossu Sergio , Nazir Talha , Freudenberger Ronald , Bozorgnia Babak
Published: May 2022

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a form of conduction system pacing. Long‐term data on the safety and performance of LBBAP 1 year postdevice implantation has not been well described.

Methods and Results

Sixty‐five patients (49% females) who received LBBAP for bradycardia indications using the SelectSecure 3830 lead (Medtronic) were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical variables were examined. Lead parameters were obtained at implant and during regular follow‐up. Mean age of patients was 75.7 ± 10.1 years with left ventricular ejection fraction 59.8 ± 10.4%. Indications for pacing were atrioventricular block 55%, sinus node dysfunction 19%, tachy‐brady syndrome 15%, atrioventricular node ablation 8%, and bail out cardiac resynchronization therapy 3%. Mean baseline QRS measured 120 ± 38 ms, paced QRS duration was 138 ± 22ms. Paced QRS narrowed by 24 ms in those with pre‐existing left bundle branch block (BBB), increased by 1 ms in those with pre‐existing right BBB, and increased by 42 ms in those with no BBB. LBBAP threshold at implant was 0.521 ± 0.153 V at 0.4 ms, and increased to 0.654 ± 0.186 V at 3 months (+26%), 0.707 ± 0.186 V at 6 months (+36%), and 0.772 ± 0.220 V at 12 months (+48%). Patients with left BBB showed the maximum benefit with QRS narrowing 24 ms. Pacing impedance remained unchanged with no procedure‐related complications.

Conclusion

LBBAP is a durable form of conduction system pacing with pacing thresholds remaining relatively stable over 12 months post device implantation. Patients with left BBB display the narrowest paced QRS.
Effect of ArtemiC in patients with COVID‐19: A Phase II prospective study
Authors: Hellou Elias , Mohsin Jameel , Elemy Ameer , Hakim Fahed , Mustafa‐Hellou Mona , Hamoud Shadi
Published: May 2022

Despite intensive efforts, there is no effective remedy for COVID‐19. Moreover, vaccination efficacy declines over time and may be compromised against new SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for simple, accessible, low‐cost and effective pharmacological anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents. ArtemiC is a medical product comprising artemisinin, curcumin, frankincense and vitamin C, all of which possess anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties. The present Phase II placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, multi‐centred, prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ArtemiC in patients with COVID‐19. The study included 50 hospitalized symptomatic COVID‐19 patients randomized (2:1) to receive ArtemiC or placebo oral spray, twice daily on Days 1 and 2, beside standard care. A physical examination was performed, and vital signs and blood tests were monitored daily until hospital discharge (or Day 15). A PCR assessment of SARS‐CoV‐2 carriage was performed at screening and on last visit. ArtemiC improved NEWS2 in 91% of patients and shortened durations of abnormal SpO2 levels, oxygen supplementation and fever. No treatment‐related adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that ArtemiC curbed deterioration, possibly by limiting cytokine storm of COVID‐19, thus bearing great promise for COVID‐19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities.
Price effects of calling out market power: A study of the COVID‐19 oil price shock
Authors: Barkley Aaron , Byrne David P. , Wu Xiaosong
Published: May 2022

Governments often make public announcements that call into question firms' misuse of market power. Yet little is known about how firms respond to them. We study gasoline retailers' price responses to antitrust announcements shaming them for price gouging during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We identify price effects using a high‐frequency event‐study leveraging unique real‐time station‐level price data and well‐identified, discrete antitrust announcements. We find evidence of announcement effects that depend on firms' preannouncement margins and hence exposure to being publicly shamed. Public statements by antitrust questioning firms' misuse of market power can indeed contain signals that affect equilibrium outcomes.
Diabetes treatment deintensification in nursing homes: When less is more
Authors: Lega Iliana C. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: May 2022

This editorial comments on an article by Lam et al. and an article by Lederle et al. in this issue.
Arabidopsis ROOT ELONGATION RECEPTOR KINASES negatively regulate root growth putatively via altering cell wall remodeling gene expression
Authors: Wang Yanze , Chen Weiyue , Ou Yang , Zhu Yingying , Li Jia
Published: May 2022

Receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) play key roles in regulating various physiological aspects in plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis thaliana, there are at least 223 leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) RLKs. The functions of the majority of RLKs in the LRR XI subfamily were previously revealed. Only three RLKs were not characterized. Here we report that two independent triple mutants of these RLKs, named ROOT ELONGATION RECEPTOR KINASES (REKs), exhibit increased cell numbers in the root apical meristem and enhanced cell size in the elongation and maturation zones. The promoter activities of a number of Quiescent Center marker genes are significantly up‐regulated in the triple mutant. However, the promoter activities of several marker genes known to control root stem cell niche activities are not altered. RNA‐seq analysis revealed that a number of cell wall remodeling genes are significantly up‐regulated in the triple mutant. Our results suggest that these REKs play key roles in regulating root development likely via negatively regulating the expression of a number of key cell wall remodeling genes.
A novel screening tool to predict severe acute malnutrition through automated monitoring of weight‐for‐age growth curves
Authors: Nel Sanja , Feucht Ute D. , Nel André L. , Becker Piet J. , Wenhold Friedeburg A. M.
Published: May 2022

Weight‐for‐age (WFA) growth faltering often precedes severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children, yet it is often missed during routine growth monitoring. Automated interpretation of WFA growth within electronic health records could expedite the identification of children at risk of SAM. This study aimed to develop an automated screening tool to predict SAM risk from WFA growth, and to determine its predictive ability compared with simple changes in weight or WFA z‐score. To develop the screening tool, South African child growth experts (n = 30) rated SAM risk on 100 WFA growth curves, which were then used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) to assess SAM risk from consecutive WFA z‐scores. The ANN was validated in 185 children under five (63 SAM cases; 122 controls) using diagnostic accuracy methodology. The ANN's performance was compared with that of changes in weight or WFA z‐score. Even though experts' SAM risk ratings of the WFA growth curves differed considerably, the ANN achieved a sensitivity of 73.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60.3; 83.4), specificity of 86.1% (95% CI: 78.6; 91.7) and receiver‐operating characteristic curve area of 0.795 (95% CI: 0.732; 0.859) during validation with real cases, outperforming changes in weight or WFA z‐scores. The ANN, as an automated screening tool, could markedly improve the identification of children at risk of SAM using routinely collected WFA growth information.
Stomata on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces contribute differently to leaf gas exchange and photosynthesis in wheat
Authors: Wall Shellie , Vialet‐Chabrand Silvere , Davey Phillip , Van Rie Jeroen , Galle Alexander , Cockram James , Lawson Tracy
Published: May 2022

Although stomata are typically found in greater numbers on the abaxial surface, wheat flag leaves have greater densities on the adaxial surface. We determine the impact of this less common stomatal patterning on gaseous fluxes using a novel chamber that simultaneously measures both leaf surfaces.

Using a combination of differential illuminations and CO2 concentrations at each leaf surface, we found that mesophyll cells associated with the adaxial leaf surface have a higher photosynthetic capacity than those associated with the abaxial leaf surface, which is supported by an increased stomatal conductance (driven by differences in stomatal density).

When vertical gas flux at the abaxial leaf surface was blocked, no compensation by adaxial stomata was observed, suggesting each surface operates independently. Similar stomatal kinetics suggested some co‐ordination between the two surfaces, but factors other than light intensity played a role in these responses.

Higher photosynthetic capacity on the adaxial surface facilitates greater carbon assimilation, along with higher adaxial stomatal conductance, which would also support greater evaporative leaf cooling to maintain optimal leaf temperatures for photosynthesis. Furthermore, abaxial gas exchange contributed c. 50% to leaf photosynthesis and therefore represents an important contributor to overall leaf gas exchange.
Salvage of Chronic Therapy‐Resistant Bilateral Charcot Foot Osteoarthropathy with Signs of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Kidron Ariel , Nguyen Hiep H. , Bayer Jack , Durkin Michael , Harris Daniel , Dang Helen , Diehl Matt , Silver Larry
Published: May 2022

Charcot arthropathy is an insidious condition affecting the lower limbs of diabetic patients. It is a complication of diabetic neuropathy resulting from subsequent Wallerian degeneration of the nerves. This complication may eventually lead to limb amputation and a poor patient prognosis if not diagnosed and treated successfully. Herein, we report the case of a 73‐year‐old female who presented with rapidly progressive bilateral Charcot foot over a 5‐week period, necessitating an exostectomy on the mid foot, specifically on the cuboid bone and the navicular cuneiform joint. Her presentation with rapidly progressing foot ulcers on the plantar aspect prompted initial treatment based on osteomyelitis. The report will therefore serve as a useful guide on how to properly treat Charcot foot, which may present in an atypical manner.
Role of Perforating Artery Pedicled Neurotrophic Flap in the Treatment of Compound Tissue Defect of Tibia Using the Ilizarov Technique
Authors: Wu Yuan‐jian , Zhang Yu‐bo , Hamushan Musha , Zhang Wen‐jun , Zhang Tao , Li Xu‐jun , Han Pei , Lou Teng‐fei
Published: May 2022

Objective

To describe our experience with the combined use of pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis in the management of complex lower extremity injuries with composite bone and soft tissue defects and assess the functional and cosmetic results of this method.

Methods

A pedicled flap with a marked perforator artery was applied for soft tissue coverage after radical debridement and temporary external fixation. In the second stage, the Ilizarov external fixator was used in place of the temporary external fixator for reconstruction of the segmental bone defect by distraction osteogenesis. Twenty‐five patients (16 men and nine women; mean age, 39.2 years) were treated by using this combined technique between 2008 and 2016. All cases were graded initially as Gustilo–Anderson grade IIIB open fractures. The soft tissue defect after radical debridement ranged from 9 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 11 cm, and the average size of segmental defect was 5.2 (Range, 2.5–8.5) cm. Seventeen of these patients had a history of local infection. The bone structure and function were evaluated by two independent evaluators using Paley's criteria.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were followed up for an average of 28.96 (Range, 15–48) months. The distally based sural neurovascular flap was applied in 13 patients, and the greater saphenous neurocutaneous perforator flap in 12 patients. The flap area ranged from 10 cm × 5 cm to 14 cm × 12 cm. Sufficient coverage of soft tissue defect was achieved in all cases. All flaps survived completely without complications. The bone defects were corrected by a mean lengthening of 6.94 (Range, 4.5–9.5) cm. The residual discrepancy was <1 cm in all cases, which was not clinically significant. The function was evaluated as excellent in 12 patients and good in 13 patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in 18 patients and good in seven patients. Complications during treatment included pain, pin tract infections, ankle midfoot joint stiffness, and docking site nonunion. No recurrence of infection was observed in infected patients. All cases achieved successful limb salvage and satisfactory function recovery without recurrence of infection.

Conclusions

The combined technique of a perforator artery pedicled neurotrophic flap and distraction osteogenesis is an effective alternative approach in the salvage treatment of massively traumatized and chronically infected lower extremities.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Risk for recurrence and interventions to optimize outcomes following recurrence
Authors: Harshman Lyndsay A. , Bartosh Sharon , Engen Rachel M.
Published: May 2022

Background

FSGS is a common indication for kidney transplant with a high‐risk of posttransplant recurrence.

Methods

In this review, we summarize current knowledge about FSGS recurrence after kidney transplantation, including epidemiology, pretransplant planning, posttransplant management, and investigational treatments.

Results

FSGS recurs in 14%–60% of first transplants, likely associated with a circulating permeability factor. Pretransplant counseling regarding recurrence is critical, and patients with FSGS should undergo pretransplant genetic screening. Rapid progression to ESKD, initial steroid responsiveness, younger age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, and mesangial hypercellularity or minimal change histology on native biopsy may be associated with recurrence. Living donation is not contraindicated but does not result in improved graft survival relative to deceased donation. Pretransplant nephrectomy may be performed for a variety of reasons, but does not decrease recurrence. Pretransplant therapy with rituximab and/or PE is understudied but not clearly effective at preventing recurrence. Patients with FSGS typically present early with rapid‐onset severe proteinuria. Diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy showing foot process effacement; typical FSGS lesions are not seen on light microscopy in the early stages. There is no established effective treatment for recurrent FSGS, but renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibition and extracorporeal therapies, including PE and IA, are most commonly used. Adjunct or alternative therapies may include rituximab, lipopheresis, and cyclosporine.
Velocity‐based stowage policy for a semiautomated fulfillment system
Authors: Cezik Tolga , Graves Stephen C. , Liu Amy C.
Published: May 2022

Online retail fulfillment is increasingly performed by semiautomated fulfillment systems in which inventory is stored in mobile pods that are moved by robotic drives. In this paper, we develop a model that explores the benefits of velocity‐based stowage policies for semiautomated fulfillment systems, also known as robotic mobile fulfillment systems. The stowage policies decide which pods to replenish with the received inventory. Specifically, we model policies that account for the velocity of the units being stowed. By stowing higher (lower) velocity units on higher (lower) velocity pods, we expect to increase the heterogeneity of the pod velocities. Greater heterogeneity in pod velocities can yield a greater reduction in pod travel distance from velocity‐based storage policies for the pod. Reducing pod travel distance decreases the number of robotic drives that are needed for the system to maintain a certain throughput rate. We analyze an M‐class velocity‐based stowage policy. We stow units from each velocity class onto pods dedicated to that velocity class; each class of pods then has its own storage zone, where the zones are ordered based on the distance to the stationary pick and stow stations. We characterize the pod travel distance as a function of the skewness of the demand distribution and the number and size of the classes. We find that with two or three classes we can achieve most of the benefits possible from a velocity‐based stowage and storage policy. For representative demand distributions, we find that a two‐class policy achieves 75% of the maximum possible travel‐time reduction and that a three‐class policy improves this to 90%.
T cell help in the autoreactive germinal center
Authors: Akama‐Garren Elliot H. , Carroll Michael C.
Published: May 2022

The germinal center serves as a site of B cell selection and affinity maturation, critical processes for productive adaptive immunity. In autoimmune disease tolerance is broken in the germinal center reaction, leading to production of autoreactive B cells that may propagate disease. Follicular T cells are crucial regulators of this process, providing signals necessary for B cell survival in the germinal center. Here, we review the emerging roles of follicular T cells in the autoreactive germinal center. Recent advances in immunological techniques have allowed study of the gene expression profiles and repertoire of follicular T cells at unprecedented resolution. These studies provide insight into the potential role follicular T cells play in preventing or facilitating germinal center loss of tolerance. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of T cell help in autoreactive germinal centers provides novel therapeutic targets for diseases of germinal center dysfunction.
Interactive analysis of big geospatial data with high‐performance computing: A case study of partisan segregation in the United States
Authors: Kakkar Devika , Lewis Ben , Guan Wendy
Published: May 2022

Researchers are increasingly working with large geospatial datasets that contain hundreds of millions of records. At this scale, desktop GIS systems typically fall short and so new approaches and methods are needed. The objective of this work is to develop new approaches to interactively analyze large datasets and then to demonstrate the usefulness of those approaches using a case study looking at voter, or partisan segregation. Historically, the measurement of partisan segregation has been limited to comparing large geographic areas such as counties or states because researchers only had access to aggregated data. In this case study, however, we measure partisan segregation down to the individual for 180 million U.S. voters using advanced geospatial data science and high‐performance computing. This article discusses interactive method development for big geospatial data analysis including techniques used, solutions developed, and processing time statistics.
Inter‐city association pattern recognition by constructing cultural semantic similarity network
Authors: Wang Haoran , Zhang Haiping , Tang Guoan , Zhou Lei , Jiang Shangjing
Published: May 2022

Inter‐city association patterns can be embodied in many aspects, such as transportation, immigration, and the spread of diseases. Among these aspects, culture, as an important content of human society, is also a manifestation of inter‐city association. The recognition of inter‐city cultural association patterns plays an important role in understanding the spatial distribution pattern of culture. This article defines cultural eigenvectors to represent city cultural characteristics by mining the semantics of place names. On this basis, a cultural semantic similarity network (CSSN) is constructed to recognize inter‐city cultural association patterns. Meanwhile, the related algorithm is designed to discover the cultural spatial structures using China as a case study. Finally, four types of cultural hubs, four typical cultural belts, and 13 cultural circles are identified. This article not only recognizes the cultural importance and associations of Chinese cities, but also provides a reference for other city association studies.
Análisis de redes sociales de la red de conocimiento en salud pública del Observatorio Nacional de Salud de Colombia: un análisis de documentos
Authors: Misnaza Castrillón Sandra , Cruz Rivera Erica , Parra Aldo Iván , Salas Quijano Sandra , Giraldo Mayorga Diana Carolina , Santana Rodríguez Diana , Castañeda Orjuela Carlos
Published: May 2022

Introducción: Los análisis de redes sociales (ARS) son útiles para identificar la proximidad entre actores y el grado de conocimiento entre ellos. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un ARS de la red de conocimiento en salud pública (RCSP) del Observatorio Nacional de Salud.
Materiales y métodos: Se recolectaron 78 documentos técnicos de los actores de la red durante el periodo 2015-2019, los cuales fueron analizados empleando técnicas de minería de texto mediante el lenguaje de programación R, a partir de redes dirigidas y analizando indicadores de densidad, diámetro, distancia, centralidad de grado y centralidad de grado de entrada (CGE).
Resultados: El análisis de interacciones indicó que los actores que conformaban la RCSP mostraron mayor interés en la evaluación de políticas públicas (82 nodos) y enfermedades no transmisibles (79 nodos). En estas categorías se presentaron densidades bajas, indicando que hay una baja conectividad entre actores. Las CGE de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) fueron superiores a los actores nacionales.
Conclusiones: el ARS a partir de la minería de texto de producciones documentales, permitió identificar interacciones entre los actores en todas las categorías analizadas, mostrando mayor interacción en cuanto a evaluación e implementación de política y dimensiones del Plan Decenal de Salud Pública (PDSP) asociadas a una alta mortalidad.
Percepciones médicas sobre la atención en el final de la vida en pacientes oncológicos
Authors: De Vries Esther , Arroyo Lucia Ines , Ortega-Lenis Delia , Ardila Liliana , Leal Fabian , Morales Olga , Calvache José Andrés
Published: May 2022

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las percepciones de médicos sobre la atención durante el final de la vida en pacientes oncológicos en tres hospitales de mediana y alta complejidad en Popayán y Bogotá en 2019 y 2020. Se utilizó un diseño de corte transversal descriptivo que consistió en aplicar a médicos un cuestionario auto administrado que mide la percepción de los médicos sobre la atención de fin de vida prestada a pacientes oncológicos durante su último mes de vida. Se identificó el fallecimiento de 341 pacientes y se obtuvieron 261 respuestas de sus médicos tratantes (tasa de respuesta 76,7%). El 70% de los médicos consideró que la muerte no fue consecuencia de intervenciones médicas y el 85% clasificó las estrategias terapéuticas como paliación sintomática. En 87% de los casos los médicos indicaron sentirse tranquilos con respecto a la atención médica brindada durante el proceso de fin de vida de los pacientes. El 48% y el 73% manifestó que no hablaron con los familiares y pacientes respectivamente sobre la posibilidad de acelerar el final de la vida como resultado de las intervenciones o no intervenciones. En conclusión, existe interés médico por el fin de vida de los pacientes oncológicos y tranquilidad con la atención médica brindada. La baja comunicación con el paciente o sus familiares durante este periodo puede ser un área de gran mejoramiento.
Toward the Ultimate Goal on Simulating Multi-Phase Flows, Simulation of Film Boiling at High-Density Ratios
Authors: Mortazavi S.
Published: May 2022

Flow boiling is a common phenomenon in modern technology and industries. A finite difference Front Tracking method is used to study film boiling on a flat plate subject to a constant heat flux. Large density ratios are examined (1000, 2000). The flow structure including the circulation zones, the vortex developing areas, and vortex pair generation are studied in detail. The numerical method is validated by comparing the result with the analytic solution for a simple problem. Large bubbles comparable to the computational domain are formed at large density ratios. The bubble either breaks up and departs from the rest of the gas, or a jet is formed depending on the heat flux imposed. It is found that the Nusselt number depends on the heat flux on the wall. Specifically, the Nusselt number decreases as the heat flux is raised. The Morton number also affects the Nusselt number in agreement with experimental correlations. The Nusselt number increases when the Morton number is raised. The results obtained agree with experimental correlations at relatively low heat fluxes. Agreement gets worse at large heat fluxes. Experimental correlations estimate larger Nusselt numbers compared to the present study. The flow enhances along the direction of the gravitational acceleration at large density ratios (2000). A wide neck is formed that stabilizes at a specific position inside the flow. The microstructure of the flow shows a vortex pair that develops beneath the root of the bubble at a large density ratio (2000).
Efficient Simulation of Convective Ovens in Automotive Paintshops
Authors: Johnson Tomas , Mark Andreas , Sandgren Niklas , Erhardsson Lars , Sandgren Simon , Edelvik Fredrik
Published: May 2022

Heat transfer modeling of large industrial ovens such as those used in automotive paintshops is difficult due to the large and multiple scales and long curing times. The flow inside a convective oven is turbulent, and the process includes large temperature gradients. An efficient simulation requires a simplified and localized model of the heat transfer coupling. We present a novel method with three ingredients: localization using local Nusselt numbers of the oven nozzles, projection of Nusselt number profiles onto the target, and efficient conduction modeling on a coarse background mesh. The approach, which was developed in a research project together with the Swedish automotive industry, makes it possible to accurately simulate a curing oven with close to real-time performance. The simulation results are demonstrated to be in close agreement with measurements from automotive production.
The Development of Bilateral Skill Symmetry: Insights From Gaelic Football Players and Coaches
Authors: Dillon Karol , Kinnerk Paul , Sherwin Ian , Kearney Philip E.
Published: May 2022

Developing players who are adept at using both sides of the body (i.e., bilateral skill) is a challenge for coaches in many sports. With players being required to execute a range of skills with hand and foot on both sides of the body, Gaelic football provides an ideal natural laboratory for the study of laterality. Previous quantitative research has produced equivocal findings regarding the importance of bilateral skill performance in sport. In light of this equivocality, this paper utilized a qualitative approach to distill the beliefs and experiences of 14 players and five coaches who had performed at the highest level in Gaelic football. Three higher order categories were produced from the transcripts: the importance of being bilaterally skilled, the potential to develop bilateral skill, and methods to develop bilateral skills. Overall, this study highlights lessons for the design of future quantitative studies of bilateral skill in sport and should stimulate reflection on current practice regarding both short- and long-term bilateral skill development on the part of researchers, applied sport scientists, and coaches.
Enhanced charge density wave coherence in a light-quenched, high-temperature superconductor
Authors: Wandel S. , Boschini F. , da Silva Neto E. H. , Shen L. , Na M. X. , Zohar S. , Wang Y. , Welch S. B. , Seaberg M. H. , Koralek J. D. , Dakovski G. L. , Hettel W. , Lin M.-F. , Moeller S. P. , Schlotter W. F. , Reid A. H. , Minitti M. P. , Boyle T. , He F. , Sutarto R. , Liang R. , Bonn D. , Hardy W. , Kaindl R. A. , Hawthorn D. G. , Lee J.-S. , Kemper A. F. , Damascelli A. , Giannetti C. , Turner J. J. , Coslovich G.
Published: May 2022

Superconductivity and charge density waves (CDWs) are competitive, yet coexisting, orders in cuprate superconductors. To understand their microscopic interdependence, a probe capable of discerning their interaction on its natural length and time scale is necessary. We use ultrafast resonant soft x-ray scattering to track the transient evolution of CDW correlations in YBa
2
Cu
3
O
6+

x

after the quench of superconductivity by an infrared laser pulse. We observe a nonthermal response of the CDW order characterized by a near doubling of the correlation length within ≈1 picosecond of the superconducting quench. Our results are consistent with a model in which the interaction between superconductivity and CDWs manifests inhomogeneously through disruption of spatial coherence, with superconductivity playing the dominant role in stabilizing CDW topological defects, such as discommensurations.
Human OTULIN haploinsufficiency impairs cell-intrinsic immunity to staphylococcal α-toxin
Authors: Spaan András N. , Neehus Anna-Lena , Laplantine Emmanuel , Staels Frederik , Ogishi Masato , Seeleuthner Yoann , Rapaport Franck , Lacey Keenan A. , Van Nieuwenhove Erika , Chrabieh Maya , Hum David , Migaud Mélanie , Izmiryan Araksya , Lorenzo Lazaro , Kochetkov Tatiana , Heesterbeek Dani A. C. , Bardoel Bart W. , DuMont Ashley L. , Dobbs Kerry , Chardonnet Solenne , Heissel Søren , Baslan Timour , Zhang Peng , Yang Rui , Bogunovic Dusan , Wunderink Herman F. , Haas Pieter-Jan A. , Molina Henrik , Van Buggenhout Griet , Lyonnet Stanislas , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Seppänen Mikko R. J. , Weil Robert , Seminario Gisela , Gomez-Tello Héctor , Wouters Carine , Mesdaghi Mehrnaz , Shahrooei Mohammad , Bossuyt Xavier , Sag Erdal , Topaloglu Rezan , Ozen Seza , Leavis Helen L. , van Eijk Maarten M. J. , Bezrodnik Liliana , Blancas Galicia Lizbeth , Hovnanian Alain , Nassif Aude , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Neven Bénédicte , Meyts Isabelle , Schrijvers Rik , Puel Anne , Bustamante Jacinta , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kastner Daniel L. , Torres Victor J. , Humblet-Baron Stéphanie , Liston Adrian , Abel Laurent , Boisson Bertrand , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: May 2022

The molecular basis of interindividual clinical variability upon infection with
Staphylococcus aureus
is unclear. We describe patients with haploinsufficiency for the linear deubiquitinase OTULIN, encoded by a gene on chromosome 5p. Patients suffer from episodes of life-threatening necrosis, typically triggered by
S. aureus
infection. The disorder is phenocopied in patients with the 5p− (Cri-du-Chat) chromosomal deletion syndrome. OTULIN haploinsufficiency causes an accumulation of linear ubiquitin in dermal fibroblasts, but tumor necrosis factor receptor–mediated nuclear factor κB signaling remains intact. Blood leukocyte subsets are unaffected. The OTULIN-dependent accumulation of caveolin-1 in dermal fibroblasts, but not leukocytes, facilitates the cytotoxic damage inflicted by the staphylococcal virulence factor α-toxin. Naturally elicited antibodies against α-toxin contribute to incomplete clinical penetrance. Human OTULIN haploinsufficiency underlies life-threatening staphylococcal disease by disrupting cell-intrinsic immunity to α-toxin in nonleukocytic cells.