bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User-Centric Process of Designing a Molecular & Cellular Query Interface for Biomedical Research
Authors: Liaw T. S. , Gehlenborg N.
Published: May 2022

There is a growing demand for the adoption of user-centric design processes for the development of computational biology software as usability becomes a major concern. Our team develops interfaces for a human biomolecular data portal with user-centered design, so we present a case study of the design process of a molecular and cellular query to emphasize the importance of user-centric design and reveal the complications that arise in a complex software development environment. The study follows the design process from user requirement gathering to the prototyping of a minimum viable product.
A Longitudinal Study of Teamwork Quality in Design Teams
Authors: Singh H. , Horvat N. , Škec S. , Becattini N.
Published: May 2022

Teamwork quality (TWQ) is often associated with project success. Therefore, understanding TWQ is crucial to have better design project outcomes. Since most of the studies in the past have presented a cross-sectional analysis of TWQ, the current work focuses on capturing TWQ in a longitudinal way for a project-based learning (PBL) course. The results showed that the 6 facets differed significantly during the first half of the course than towards the end. In later phases of the PBL, TWQ and team performance were positively correlated than at the beginning.
Overcoming Pedagogical Challenges in Product Design Education during the Pandemic
Authors: Thakker U. , Shrivastav S.
Published: May 2022

The education sector got severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the beginning, remote learning posed challenges to teachers and students. However, many new pedagogical experiments demonstrated the potential to continue even in the post-Covid world. This study explains the pedagogical change in product design education from a traditional studio-based model to a virtual environment, without compromising the learning outcomes. The paper also describes the learning experiences of the students and measures the effectiveness of virtual education through qualitative and quantitative studies.
Modularizing Maintenance for Improved Production Impact Clarification
Authors: Agergaard J. K. , Sigsgaard K. V. , Mortensen N. H. , Ge J. , Hansen K. B.
Published: May 2022

Maintenance is an essential aspect to keeping production facilities running and safe. However, without an overview of the maintenance impact on production, gaining clarification of the impact of maintenance is difficult. This paper introduces modularization of maintenance based on the dimensions of maintenance: physical, action, and process. The approach is applied in a case study where maintenance decisions are improved and faster than prior to the introduction of the modularized maintenance.
Transformation Towards Product-Service Systems at the Example of the Wood-Processing Industry
Authors: Cudok A. , Lutz T. , Vietor T.
Published: May 2022

Offering product-service systems instead of technical products is one way for companies to achieve a competitive advantage and stay viable in the future. This paper presents a workshop series created in cooperation between a manufacturer of wood processing production lines and a research institute for engineering design to develop PSS concepts for a plant. Using the finger jointing line as an example, the progress and results of the workshops are presented. Furthermore, it is discussed whether the workshop series is transferable to other products and industries.
Design Rules for Laser Beam Melted Particle Dampers
Authors: Ehlers T. , Lachmayer R.
Published: May 2022

By means of additive manufacturing, especially laser powder bed fusion, particle dampers can be integrated locally into structural components and thus significantly reduce component vibrations. However, detailed design recommendations for additively manufactured particle dampers do not yet exist. The research question in this paper is: How can the effect of particle damping be described as a function of excitation force, cavity width and cavity length? For beams made of AlSi10Mg, it is shown that a powder-filled cavity of 2.5% to 5% is sufficient to increase the damping by more than x10.
Designing a Conversation Support Tool for Quiet Environments by Focusing on the Characteristics of Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Hayashi N. , Matsumoto Y. , Wesugi S.
Published: May 2022

In a quiet environment, even a small noise attracts the attention of the people around. In order to reduce the stress of speakers, listeners, and other people around them, we devised a tool to support conversation by converting voice into ultrasonic waves and outputting them from parametric speakers to deliver the sound to the conversation partner. Since light materials can be used for soundproofing ultrasonic waves, we used cardboard and newspaper as soundproofing materials. We confirmed that the sound converted by the tool can be used for conversation and soundproofed.
Introducing Agility into the Processes of Manufacturing Companies: A Method for Evaluating Success, Support and Applicability
Authors: Heimicke J. , Czech C. , Schoeck M. , Mueller J. , Rapp S. , Albers A.
Published: May 2022

Agile approaches are increasingly being used in appropriate use cases for the development of mechatronic systems.In the process of implementing agile elements in the development processes, the question of the success of the transformation often arises. In order to support the agile transition in measuring process improvement, a framework was developed that evaluates the success of the implementation process by means of interviews at 4 maturity levels in the transformation. The method was evaluated in 3 use cases. On this basis, continuous adaptations can be made to the implementation process.
Design of an Autonomous Trash-Picking Service Robot Focussed on Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Vazhapilli Sureshbabu A. , Martins Pacheco N. M. , Duran Noy L. I. , Zimmermann M.
Published: May 2022

The design of service robots is typically treated as a mechatronic design problem aimed at implementation of its core technical functionalities. Intuitive operation and usability are ignored. We developed a trash-picking service robot with a strong focus on human-robot interaction (HRI) using the double diamond framework. The HRI-focussed hardware features were successfully implemented and tested. The results were shown to satisfy the ease of operation and usability requirements set as development goals for the robot.
New Holistic Approach Towards a Technology-Driven Development-Model in Automotive
Authors: Reichelt F. , Blank D. , Holder D. , Maier T.
Published: May 2022

The use of agile methods can also be advantageous in the development of physical products, as pilot projects have shown so far. However, the transfer of agile methods to the entire organisation is difficult, due to the different, prevailing circumstances of the various development activities. We have therefore defined a new approach subdividing product development into agile technology-driven and traditional product-oriented development. This model considers the methodological characteristics and thus enables the combination of the benefits of both agile and traditional development methods..
Analysing Paradigms for Managing Product Development: Conventional, Agile and Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Rößler L. , Gericke K.
Published: May 2022

As the complexity of products and their development processes increases, a trend emerged where companies try to manage the complexity through implementing agile practices on all or on some levels of the development process. It is not yet clear if an agile approach is the solution or under which circumstances it can be most effective in the development of physical products. This paper aims to compile the information from existing empirical and meta-studies to give an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of conventional, agile and hybrid paradigms.
Validation of a New Evaluation Method of Modular Design Focused on the Prosumer
Authors: Asión-Suñer L. , López-Forniés I.
Published: May 2022

The modular design harbors a potential development in the prosumer scope that has hardly been previously exploited. Their joint application can lead to products focused on user participation through modular design. This work proposes and validates a concept evaluation metric in the design phases that meet these characteristics. To do this, 24 external designers and prosumers evaluate five products using this method. The results and conclusions contribute to the improvement of the method and provide information on how to approach it to the prosumers.
Improving Mixed-Reality Prototyping through a Classification and Characterisation of Fidelity
Authors: Cox C. , Hicks B. , Gopsill J.
Published: May 2022

Prototyping is a vital activity in product development. For reasons of time, cost and level of definition, low fidelity representations of products are used to advance understanding and progress design. With the advent of Mixed Reality prototyping, the ways in which abstractions of different fidelities can be created have multiplied, but there is no guidance on how best to specify this abstraction. In this paper, a taxonomy of the dimensions of product fidelity is proposed so that both designers and researchers can better understand how fidelity can be managed to maximise prototype value.
Truss Parametrization of Topology Optimization Results with Curve Skeletons and Meta Balls
Authors: Denk M. , Rother K. , Paetzold K.
Published: May 2022

Truss-like shapes can occur in topology optimization described by an assembly of finite elements or its boundary represented as a polygon mesh. Such shape description does not cover a common engineering parametrization like the lines of a frame structure and its corresponding cross-section. This article addresses the truss-parametrization of such optimization using curve skeletons and Meta Balls. While the curve skeleton is common in the truss-parametrization, including Meta Balls can lead to an overall implicit and smooth shape description.
Closed-Loop Engineering Approach for Data-Driven Product Planning
Authors: Dickopf T. , Apostolov C.
Published: May 2022

This contribution introduces an approach for data-driven optimization of products and their product generations through a Closed-Loop Engineering approach resulting from the German research project DizRuPt. The approach focuses on data-driven product planning by ensuring data consistency and traceability between product planning, product development, and product operation by combining aspects and functions from Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The presented approach is illustrated and validated by pilot applications from the research project.
A Comparative Analysis of the Engineering Design and Lean Start-Up Innovation Methodologies
Authors: Karia D. , Shah K. , Venkatesh K. , Acharya S. , Arora M.
Published: May 2022

Innovation is a key driver for product success. Engineering design and lean start-up are prominent innovation methodologies well accepted and widely used. There is a lack of availability of pragmatic reflections for innovators to put into practice. The paper addresses this need by undertaking a comparative analysis of the two methodologies, using three case studies of medical device innovation. Directions and insights on how innovators may employ one or both approaches at different stages of their innovation are presented.
Requirements Trade-Off Considerations in Design Evolution
Authors: Fadel G. , Kirschman C. , Gorsich D. , Masoudi N.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents approaches to compare criteria and help designers make decisions based on trade-offs between criteria. The impetus for the paper is to identify possible directions to improve/innovate a product and propose a value shell model displaying various criteria or their combination to represent the effort needed to improve the criteria. The focus is on automotive market and approaches in industry and government are differentiated. Since the effort (manpower, cost and time) needed to improve a product is not public knowledge, the paper leaves the evaluation of the approach to users.
Methodical Support for the New Development of Cyber-Physical Product Families
Authors: Küchenhof J. , Berschik M. C. , Heyden E. , Krause D.
Published: May 2022

The new development of cyber-physical product families currently lacks a methodically supported modularisation approach. This paper provides an approach for module-based mechatronic development, which provides design for future product variety. The state of the art in terms of mechatronic system design and modular product architecture design is presented. A modified V-model is then shown that integrates initial product architecture design and life phase modularisation. The method is applied and evaluated for the development of product family generations of robot units in a teaching course.
Method for Function-Based Identification of Potential AM Components in Conventional Product Architectures
Authors: Molina V. R. , Reyes Rey L. , Werner S. , Göhlich D.
Published: May 2022

The implementation of additive manufacturing enables the the re-thinking of a product towards function-oriented design. This study proposes a method, which uses a set of rules and indicators to implement functional integration, part consolidation, part separation and on-demand manufacturing onto a conventional prodcut architecture to restructure it into an AM-oriented product architecture. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated on an assembly from the field of high temperature applications.
Understanding Working Scenarios of Urban Air Mobility
Authors: Rautray P. , Mathew D. J. , Eisenbart B. , Kuys J.
Published: May 2022

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) can provide new air mobility faster and avoid city traffic with the growth of new technologies. But they need to be co-developed with the city infrastructure. Thus, understanding the working scenarios of UAM and how they will interact with the city and the other modes of transport systems is vital. Storyboarding helps policymakers, city planners, designers, and investors better understand the product's contextual interaction over time. This process allows the design team to be implicit or express a design that is easy to understand, reflect upon, or modify.
Enhancing the Quality of User Research Using Embedded IoT Sensors for Collecting Life Information
Authors: Tanaka T. , Taoka Y. , Saito S.
Published: May 2022

This study aims at developing a new user research method that uses IoT sensors embedded at users' homes to enable users to recall their memories. The proposed method was evaluated by experiments where four participants individually created user journey maps with quantity data that was collected for seven days. The results showed that IoT sensor data increased the quantity, clarity, and accuracy of recalled memories. This study argues that IoT sensors can be an effective approach to increasing user research quality by triggering users' memories without interfering with users' ordinary lives.
The Use of Function Modelling Methods in Industry: Insights from a Large Scale Study with an Automotive OEM
Authors: Yildirim U. , Campean F. , Uddin A.
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an evaluation study for the System State Flow Diagram function modeling framework based on a large-scale study with an automotive OEM. Technical reports are used to evaluate the usage of the framework within the organization. The paper also introduces a list of the type of problems that engineers are interested in in practical function modelling. The findings suggest that there is a widespread uptake of the framework across the organization and it supports the usage of relevant key engineering tools within the context of a broader model-based Failure Mode Analysis methodology.
Identifying Factors Influencing the Design of a Suitable Knowledge Base in Product Engineering Projects
Authors: Kempf C. , Sanke F. , Heimicke J. , Rapp S. , Albers A.
Published: May 2022

During product engineering, engineers draw on existing knowledge as a basis. This knowledge is applied in design processes either by adopting elements, alternating some attributes, or changing the solution principles. While concepts for design reuse exist, the proactive design of a suitable knowledge base is still a challenge. In this paper, we show influencing factors in engineering and their influence on the knowledge base. These factors are of the areas market, company, project, and team. Based on our results, we intent to develop a support for engineers to set up the knowledge base.
How to Assess a Creativity Session
Authors: Coustillac L. , Bazzaro F. , Lobbé J. , Meyer Y.
Published: May 2022

To renew their innovation and creativity practices, companies are now equipping themselves with new specific places: innovation laboratories. These laboratories support project teams during creativity sessions to generate ideas. In order to improve these practices, it is necessary to be able to assess and compare the different sessions organised. By joining the Clean Mobility Lab of Faurecia, we were able to analyse, observe and participate in creativity sessions. This immersion allowed us to develop an assessment grid of forty-eight indicators covering the entire creativity process.
The Inclusive Design Canvas. A Strategic Design Template for Architectural Design Professionals
Authors: Zallio M. , Clarkson P. J.
Published: May 2022

Designing accessible and inclusive buildings is essential if they are to provide enjoyable and inspiring experiences for all their occupants. Research revealed that many architectural design professionals perceive a lack of awareness of the aspects to consider when designing to be a limiting factor in the uptake of Inclusive Design. By involving expert stakeholders this study provides evidence for the demand to create an Inclusive Design Canvas, a strategic design template offering an educational springboard for building industry professionals to embed Inclusive Design in the design process.
An Attempt to Grasp Resonance during Co-Creation with Biosignal Indicators
Authors: Matsumae A. , Shoji K. , Motomura Y.
Published: May 2022

Resonance is known as an important phenomenon where individual creative moments resonate with each other during co-creation. The purpose of this study is to capture this co-creative moment as a resonant cognitive status with biosignal indicators. The authors conducted an experiment in which pairs of participants work on concept generation from two nouns and measured their dynamic creative status both subjectively and objectively with biosignal indicators fEMG and EOG. This study will help to understand co-creative cognitive phenomena and to improve the co-creative design process.
Designing Long-Lasting Products: Barriers for Design Consultancies
Authors: Bendixen A. F. , Jensen C. N. , Schmidt F. , Laursen L. N.
Published: May 2022

Past research shows there are significant barriers for creating long lasting products. In this paper we examine, the distinct collaborative barriers design consultancies face when striving to design long-lasting products for client firms. Data is collected through case studies (four months of observations and interviews) from three projects. Through the study we find indications, that the value chain intricacies, provide distinct interfirm barriers for creating long lasting products. These barriers include vision clashes, misalignment in the aspired manufacturing quality and price position.
Cardiometabolic effects of earlyv. delayed time-restricted eating plus energetic restriction in adults with overweight and obesity: an exploratory randomised clinical trial
Authors: Queiroz Jéssica do Nascimento , Macedo Rodrigo Cauduro Oliveira , dos Santos Gabriela Cristina , Munhoz Samuel Vargas , Machado Carlos Leonardo Figueiredo , de Menezes Rodrigo Leal , Menzem Elisa Nascimento , Moritz Cesar Eduardo Jacintho , Pinto Ronei Silveira , Tinsley Grant M. , de Oliveira Alvaro Reischak
Published: May 2022

This exploratory study investigated the effects of earlyv. delayed time-restricted eating (TRE) plus caloric restriction (CR) on body weight, body composition and cardiometabolic parameters in adults with overweight and obesity. Adults (20–40 years) were randomised to one of three groups for 8 weeks: early time-restricted eating (eTRE; 08.00–16.00) plus CR, delayed time-restricted eating (dTRE; 12.00–20.00) plus CR or only CR (CR; 08.00–20.00). All groups were prescribed a 25 % energy deficit relative to daily energy requirements. Thirteen participants completed the study in the eTRE and CR groups and eleven in the dTRE group (n37). After the interventions, there was no significant difference between the three groups for any of the outcomes. Compared with baseline, significant decreases were observed in the body weight (eTRE group: −4·2 kg; 95 % CI, −5·6, −2·7; dTRE group: −4·8 kg; 95 % CI, −5·9, −3·7; CR: −4·0 kg; 95 % CI, −5·9, −2·1), fat mass (eTRE group: −2·9 kg; 95 % CI, −3·9, −1·9; dTRE group: −3·6 kg; 95 % CI, −4·6, −2·5; CR: −3·1 kg; 95 % CI, −4·3, −1·8) and fasting glucose levels (eTRE group: −4 mg/dl; 95 % CI, −8, −1; dTRE group: −2 mg/dl; 95 % CI, −8, 3; CR: −3 mg/dl; 95 % CI, −8, 2). In a free-living setting, TRE with a energetic deficit, regardless of the time of day, promotes similar benefits in weight loss, body composition and cardiometabolic parameters. However, given the exploratory nature of our study, further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
Use of the Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (‘P-POSSUM’) to predict morbidity in patients undergoing surgery with reconstruction for temporal bone malignancy
Authors: Jones H , Gendre A , McHugh A , Hintze J , O'Sullivan B , Martin F , McConn-Walsh R , O'Neill J P , Shine N
Published: May 2022

Objective

The Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (‘P-POSSUM’) is a two-part scoring system that includes a physiological assessment and a measure of operative severity. This study sought to determine whether risk estimates for this scoring system could be used in major head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Method

A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing resection for a temporal bone malignancy in a single head and neck centre in Dublin, Ireland, from 2002 to 2021.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation morbidity estimate calculated using the scoring system was 47.6 per cent ± 19.5 per cent. The actual rate of complications was 47 per cent. The optimal cut-off for the scoring system was calculated using the Youden index from the receiver operating characteristic curve, which was 40.5 per cent in this case.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity is a useful tool for predicting morbidity risk in patients undergoing head and neck resection with reconstruction for temporal bone malignancies.
Morphological Aspects and Microscopic Analyses of Fibrous Tunic and Uveal Components in Bovine Eye
Authors: Ertaş Tuba Damla , Kahvecioğlu Kifayet Oya , Erdoğan Serkan
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to reveal the anatomical features of the bovine eye by scanning electron and light microscopic methods. For this purpose, a total of 40 eyes were evaluated. Gross and microscopic characteristics of the cornea, sclera, ciliary body, choroid, iris, and lens were determined. Bowman's and Descemet's membranes of the cornea were quite dense and prominent. Collagen lamellae of the cornea were wavy in the periphery and more parallel to the basal and metachromatic fibroblasts were noted. Three to four ciliary plicae merged to form ciliary processes. The presence of prominent intermediate bands connecting the ciliary plicae was determined. The zonular fibrils merged and attached to the lens in the form of thick zonular bands. A dense corpora nigra was present at the rectangular pupillary border of the iris. Tapetum fibrosum, consisting of polygonal tapetal cells, was in blue-yellow-green color and covered most of the choroid. A complex drainage system consisting of trabecular meshwork, angular aqueous plexus, ciliary sinus, and scleral venous vessels localized in a fairly wide iridocorneal angle was identified. Identifying structural features of the bovine eye is very important and useful for pathological evaluations, understanding species-specific physiological mechanisms and for operative interventions of ruminant species.
Intergenerational effects of prenatal hypoxia exposure on uterine artery adaptations to pregnancies in the female offspring
Authors: Wooldridge Amy L. , Hula Nataliia , Kirschenman Raven , Spaans Floor , Cooke Christy-Lynn M. , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: May 2022

Prenatal hypoxia is a common complication of pregnancy and is associated with detrimental health outcomes, such as impaired cardiac and vascular function, in adult offspring. Exposure to prenatal hypoxia reportedly impacts the reproductive system of female offspring. Whether exposure to prenatal hypoxia influences pregnancy adaptations and outcomes in these female offspring is unknown. We hypothesised that prenatal hypoxia impairs uterine artery adaptations in pregnancies of the adult offspring. Pregnancy outcomes and uterine artery function were assessed in 14–16 weeks old non-pregnant and late pregnant (gestational day 20; term = 22 days) adult female offspring born to rats exposed to prenatal normoxia (21% oxygen) or hypoxia (11% oxygen, between days 15–21 of gestation). Compared with normoxia controls, prenatal hypoxia was associated with pregnant adult offspring having reduced placental weights in their litters, and uterine artery circumferential stress that increased with pregnancy. Overall, prenatal hypoxia adversely, albeit mildly, compromised pregnancies of adult offspring.
Development and psychometric validation of new questionnaires assessing experienced discrimination and internalised stigma among people with Covid-19
Authors: Bonetto Chiara , Pace Davide , Bodini Luca , Colombi Morena , Van Bortel Tine , Lasalvia Antonio
Published: May 2022

Aims

To develop and validate two new standardised measures assessing, respectively, experienced discrimination (Covid-19 Experienced DISCrimination scale, CEDISC) and internalised stigma (COvid-19 INternalised Stigma scale, COINS) in people who had been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or had developed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) disease.

Methods

Both the CEDISC and the COINS were developed in Italian and tested for ease of use, comprehension, acceptability, the relevance of items and response options within a focus group session. Online cross-sectional validation survey was conducted among adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 or who developed Covid-19 disease, members of a closed Facebook discussion group in Italy. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with Promax oblique rotation; the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy and the Bartlett's test of sphericity were used to assess the suitability of the sample for factor analysis. Reliability was assessed as internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and as test–retest reliability using weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Precision was examined by Kendall's tau-b coefficient.

Results

Overall, 579 participants completed the CEDISC, 519 also completed the COINS, 155 completed the retest for both scales after two weeks. The 12 items of the CEDISC converged over a 2-factor solution (‘social life’ and ‘close relations’) accounting for 49.2% of the variance (KMO = 0.894; Bartlett's test p < 0.001); the 13 items of the COINS converged over a 3-factor solution (‘self-perception’, ‘close relations’ and ‘social life’) accounting for 67.7% (KMO = 0.827; Bartlett's test p < 0.001). Cronbach's α was 0.848 for the CEDISC, and 0.837 for the COINS. The CEDISC showed three items (25%) with kappa between 0.61 and 0.80 and seven (58.4%) between 0.41 and 0.60, with only two items scoring 0.21 and 0.40; the COINS had ten items (76.9%) with kappa ranging from 0.41 to 0.60, and three items below 0.31. ICC was 0.906 (95% CI, 0.871–0.932) for the, CEDISC and 0.860 (95% CI, 0.808–0.898) for the COINS. Kendall's tau-b ranged from 0.360 to 0.556 (p < 0.001) for the CEDISC and from 0.290 to 0.606 (p < 0.001) for the COINS.

Conclusions

Both the CEDISC and the COINS are two valid and reliable scales to be used in studies examining the role of stigma and discrimination of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19 patients, and in research evaluating interventions designed to mitigate stigma in this population.
On the Variability of Floc Characteristics in a Shallow Estuary
Authors: Egan Galen , Chang Grace , Manning Andrew J. , Monismith Stephen , Fringer Oliver
Published: May 2022

We conducted field work in South San Francisco Bay to examine cohesive sediment flocculation dynamics in a shallow, wave‐ and current‐driven estuarine environment. Drawing on data collected using a suite of acoustic and optical instrumentation over three distinct seasons, we found that the factors driving floc size variability differed substantially when comparing locally sourced sediment (i.e., through wave‐driven resuspension) to suspended sediment advected from upstream. Statistical analysis of our extensive field data revealed additional seasonal variability in these trends, with wave stress promoting floc breakup during the summer and winter months, and biological processes encouraging floc growth during the spring productive period. Combining these data with fractal dimension estimates, we found that seasonally varying floc composition can lead to differences in floc settling velocity by a factor of approximately two to five for a given floc size. Finally, by analyzing co‐located turbulence and sediment flux measurements from the bottom boundary layer, we present evidence that the relationship between floc size and the inverse turbulent Schmidt number varies with floc structure. These results can be used to inform sediment transport modeling parameterizations in estuarine environments.
Mesoscale Moisture Transport in Determining the Location of Daytime Convection Initiations Clustered in Time and Space Over Southern China
Authors: Mai Chuying , Du Yu
Published: May 2022

Convective initiation (CI) episodes are defined as a series of CIs that occur in clusters in time and space, and their prediction remains a challenge due to their complex mechanisms. In the present study, high‐resolution convection‐permitting simulations and observations were conducted to investigate the source of inhomogeneous instability for a cluster of daytime CIs gathering in a northeast‐southwest oriented region in South China where the convergence boundary for lifting was not evident. In the region of the CI episode, low‐level water vapor was enhanced significantly, which thus induced the heterogeneity of convective available potential energy. The enhanced moisture and instability in the CI episode region were caused by a mesoscale anticyclonic moisture channel. Mesoscale moisture transport formed under both the inertial oscillation of ageostrophic winds and the mesoscale high‐pressure disturbances in the daytime. The revealed mechanism is further confirmed by sensitivity experiments, where mesoscale anticyclonic transport is highly sensitive. Water vapor transport was affected by the evolution of mesoscale pressure disturbances and dominated the location and shape of the CI episode. Stronger mesoscale pressure disturbances resulted in the subsequent mesoscale anticyclonic airflow coming from various high‐pressure systems and conveying moisture farther east, and therefore, a CI episode occurred farther east by dozens to hundreds of kilometers. The climatology of the daytime CI episode also showed that the various mesoscale moisture transports confined moisture within the CI episode regions under weak convergence.
Effects of Formation Pathways and Bromide Incorporation on Jarosite Dissolution Rates: Implications for Mars
Authors: Zhou Di‐Sheng , Yu Xiao‐Wen , Chang Rui , Zhao Yu‐Yan Sara , Li Xiongyao , Liu Jianzhong , Lin Honglei , Qi Chao
Published: May 2022

The dissolution rates of jarosite can constrain the duration of aqueous activities on Mars. To date, few studies have considered the influences of formation pathways and anion substitutions on jarosite dissolution rates. Here, we investigated how the formation pathways (Fe(II)‐oxidation and Fe(III)‐forced hydrolysis) and incorporation of bromide influence the dissolution rates of K‐jarosite under eight aqueous conditions combining T (277 K, 298 K, and 323 K) and αw (0.35, 0.75 and 1), except for 277 K−0.35αw. The results show that jarosite dissolution rates are primarily influenced by aqueous T‐αw conditions. Formation pathways and Br contents are secondary factors and only become notable under low T (277 K) and low αw (0.35) conditions. Taking the jarosite formation pathways and Br incorporation into account, the maximum lifetime of jarosite may be slightly longer than that of the halogen‐free counterparts formed via Fe(III)‐forced hydrolysis. Jarosite of the Burns Formation (Meridiani Planum) and the Pahrump Hills member (Gale Crater) are likely formed via Fe(II)‐oxidation and halogen‐bearing. Their estimated field lifetime (∼150 μm–1 mm particles) in low‐T groundwater may last for hundreds of thousand years to a few million years. Jarosite in the Vera Rubin Ridge would share a similar lifespan if low‐T solutions account for jarosite formation and subsequent interactions; otherwise, interactions with hydrothermal fluids (∼100°C) would substantially shorten the jarosite lifetime. We conclude that Martian jarosite may survive continuous aqueous interactions for up to a few million years, indicating an extended duration of aqueous environments than previously thought.
Astronomical tuning of the Aptian stage and its implications for age recalibrations and paleoclimatic events
Authors: Leandro C. G. , Savian J. F. , Kochhann M. V. L. , Franco D. R. , Coccioni R. , Frontalini F. , Gardin S. , Jovane L. , Figueiredo M. , Tedeschi L. R. , Janikian L. , Almeida R. P. , Trindade R. I. F.
Published: May 2022

The Aptian was characterized by dramatic tectonic, oceanographic, climatic and biotic changes and its record is punctuated by Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs). The timing and duration of these events are still contentious, particularly the age of the Barremian-Aptian boundary. This study presents a cyclostratigraphic evaluation of a high-resolution multiproxy dataset (δ13C, δ18O, MS and ARM) from the Poggio le Guaine core. The identification of Milankovitch-band imprints allowed us to construct a 405-kyr astronomically-tuned age model that provides new constraints for the Aptian climato-chronostratigraphic framework. Based on the astronomical tuning, we propose: (i) a timespan of ~7.2 Myr for the Aptian; (ii) a timespan of ~420 kyr for the magnetic polarity Chron M0r and an age of ~120.2 Ma for the Barremian−Aptian boundary; and (iii) new age constraints on the onset and duration of Aptian OAEs and the ‘cold snap’. The new framework significantly impacts the Early Cretaceous geological timescale.
A topological refactoring design strategy yields highly stable granulopoietic proteins
Authors: Skokowa Julia , Hernandez Alvarez Birte , Coles Murray , Ritter Malte , Nasri Masoud , Haaf Jérémy , Aghaallaei Narges , Xu Yun , Mir Perihan , Krahl Ann-Christin , Rogers Katherine W. , Maksymenko Kateryna , Bajoghli Baubak , Welte Karl , Lupas Andrei N. , Müller Patrick , ElGamacy Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Protein therapeutics frequently face major challenges, including complicated production, instability, poor solubility, and aggregation. De novo protein design can readily address these challenges. Here, we demonstrate the utility of a topological refactoring strategy to design novel granulopoietic proteins starting from the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) structure. We change a protein fold by rearranging the sequence and optimising it towards the new fold. Testing four designs, we obtain two that possess nanomolar activity, the most active of which is highly thermostable and protease-resistant, and matches its designed structure to atomic accuracy. While the designs possess starkly different sequence and structure from the native G-CSF, they show specific activity in differentiating primary human haematopoietic stem cells into mature neutrophils. The designs also show significant and specific activity in vivo. Our topological refactoring approach is largely independent of sequence or structural context, and is therefore applicable to a wide range of protein targets.
Tailoring the superradiant and subradiant nature of two coherently coupled quantum emitters
Authors: Trebbia J.-B. , Deplano Q. , Tamarat P. , Lounis B.
Published: May 2022

The control and manipulation of quantum-entangled states is crucial for the development of quantum technologies. A promising route is to couple solid-state quantum emitters through their optical dipole-dipole interactions. Entanglement in itself is challenging, as it requires both nanometric distances between emitters and nearly degenerate electronic transitions. Here we implement hyperspectral imaging to identify pairs of coupled dibenzanthanthrene molecules, and find distinctive spectral signatures of maximally entangled superradiant and subradiant electronic states by tuning the molecular optical resonances with Stark effect. We demonstrate far-field selective excitation of the long-lived subradiant delocalized state with a laser field tailored in amplitude and phase. Optical nanoscopy of the coupled molecules unveils spatial signatures that result from quantum interferences in their excitation pathways and reveal the location of each emitter. Controlled electronic-states superposition will help deciphering more complex physical or biological mechanisms governed by the coherent coupling and developing quantum information schemes.
Anti-TRAP/SSP2 monoclonal antibodies can inhibit sporozoite infection and may enhance protection of anti-CSP monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Wilder Brandon K. , Vigdorovich Vladimir , Carbonetti Sara , Minkah Nana , Hertoghs Nina , Raappana Andrew , Cardamone Hayley , Oliver Brian G. , Trakhimets Olesya , Kumar Sudhir , Dambrauskas Nicholas , Arredondo Silvia A. , Camargo Nelly , Seilie Annette M. , Murphy Sean C. , Kappe Stefan H. I. , Sather D. Noah
Published: May 2022

Vaccine-induced sterilizing protection from infection by Plasmodium parasites, the pathogens that cause malaria, will be essential in the fight against malaria as it would prevent both malaria-related disease and transmission. Stopping the relatively small number of parasites injected by the mosquito before they can migrate from the skin to the liver is an attractive means to this goal. Antibody-eliciting vaccines have been used to pursue this objective by targeting the major parasite surface protein present during this stage, the circumsporozoite protein (CSP). While CSP-based vaccines have recently had encouraging success in disease reduction, this was only achieved with extremely high antibody titers and appeared less effective for a complete block of infection (i.e., sterile protection). While such disease reduction is important, these and other results indicate that strategies focusing on CSP alone may not achieve the high levels of sterile protection needed for malaria eradication. Here, we show that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing another sporozoite protein, TRAP/SSP2, exhibit a range of inhibitory activity and that these mAbs may augment CSP-based protection despite conferring no sterile protection on their own. Therefore, pursuing a multivalent subunit vaccine immunization is a promising strategy for improving infection-blocking malaria vaccines.
Bioarchaeological and palaeogenomic portrait of two Pompeians that died during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD
Authors: Scorrano Gabriele , Viva Serena , Pinotti Thomaz , Fabbri Pier Francesco , Rickards Olga , Macciardi Fabio
Published: May 2022

The archaeological site of Pompeii is one of the 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, thanks to its uniqueness: the town was completely destroyed and buried by a Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. In this work, we present a multidisciplinary approach with bioarchaeological and palaeogenomic analyses of two Pompeian human remains from the Casa del Fabbro. We have been able to characterize the genetic profile of the first Pompeian’ genome, which has strong affinities with the surrounding central Italian population from the Roman Imperial Age. Our findings suggest that, despite the extensive connection between Rome and other Mediterranean populations, a noticeable degree of genetic homogeneity exists in the Italian peninsula at that time. Moreover, palaeopathological analyses identified the presence of spinal tuberculosis and we further investigated the presence of ancient DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the power of a combined approach to investigate ancient humans and confirms the possibility to retrieve ancient DNA from Pompeii human remains. Our initial findings provide a foundation to promote an intensive and extensive paleogenetic analysis in order to reconstruct the genetic history of population from Pompeii, a unique archaeological site.
Influence of the recent winter Arctic sea ice loss in short-term simulations of a regional atmospheric model
Authors: Cho Heeje , Kug Jong-Seong , Jun Sang-Yoon
Published: May 2022

Notable changes in the wintertime Arctic atmospheric circulation have occurred over the last few decades. Despite its importance in understanding the recent changes in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitude climate, it remains unclear whether and how these changes are affected by recent Arctic sea ice loss. In this study, a regional scale model is used to separate the direct sea ice influence from the natural variability of large-scale atmospheric circulation. Results show that, in response to sea ice loss, the increase of geopotential height in the mid-to-upper troposphere is robust across the simulations, but the magnitude of the response is highly dependent on the background state of the atmosphere. In most cases the sea ice loss-induced atmospheric warming is trapped near the surface due to the high vertical stability of winter Arctic lower troposphere, accordingly, resulting in a small response of geopotential height. However, when a low-pressure system is located over the Barents Sea, the relatively weak stability allows an upward transport of the surface warming, causing a significantly larger geopotential height increase. This strong state-dependence of atmospheric response which is also found in recent studies using global-scale model experiments, highlights the importance of accurately representing the atmospheric background state for numerical model assessments of sea ice influence.
Comparison of epitheliotrophic factors in platelet-rich plasma versus autologous serum and their treatment efficacy in dry eye disease
Authors: Metheetrairut Chanatip , Ngowyutagon Panotsom , Tunganuntarat Abhirak , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Kittisares Kulvara , Prabhasawat Pinnita
Published: May 2022

Current treatment of severe dry eye disease (DED) includes blood-derived eye drops, such as autologous serum (AS), which lubricate the eyes and provide factors that improve ocular surface and aid in wound healing. Recent studies indicated that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was also effective. This study aims to compare the concentration and stability of epitheliotrophic factors in AS and PRP and their efficacy in DED patients. Epitheliotrophic factors of interest are epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibronectin, platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). We determined that all epitheliotrophic factors were present in AS and PRP at baseline and did not decrease in concentrations in all storage conditions (4 °C for 1 week and at − 20 °C for 1 and 3 months). However, differences in concentrations in AS and PRP were observed. PRP was also shown not to be inferior to AS in terms of efficacy in DED treatment in a prospective randomized control trial which evaluated ocular surface disease index, dry eye questionnaire, ocular surface staining, tear breakup time, and Schirmer test at baseline and at 1-month follow-up. Therefore, with its shorter preparation time, PRP could be considered as an alternative to AS for the treatment of DED.
A new evaluation model of a water conveyance channel based on Bayesian theory by integrating monitoring and detection information
Authors: Wang Yuan , Wei Zhi-Jian , Ren Jie , Gong Jia-Kun , Feng Di
Published: May 2022

Channels are commonly used in long-distance water transfer projects, where landslides, collapses, or erosion may occur in its course of operation; thus, safety evaluation is conducted through monitoring and detection in its key and potentially hazardous areas. However, monitoring and detection information cannot comprehensively reflect the prominent problems of the safety state of the channel in terms of time and space. Therefore, studying how to realize the integration of monitoring and detection information is an important task for the safety evaluations of channels. In this paper, a method of integrating monitoring and detection information based on Bayesian theory is presented. The research shows that the fusion method of gathering monitoring and detection information based on Bayesian theory successfully captures the safety state of high-filling channels, and it can quantify and reduce uncertainty compared with fuzzy theory and the GA-BP neural network. By studying the influence of monitoring information on the safety of the channel, it is found that the horizontal displacement has a greater impact on the safety of the channel than the vertical displacement. A comparison of the results of fusing seven different monitoring points shows that the comprehensive utilization of horizontal and vertical displacement can improve the accuracy of the evaluation results. Compared to the safety coefficient calculated by the actual exploration, the error rate of the GA-BP neural network is 42.7%, and the fusion method based on Bayesian theory is 2.9%. The proposed method based on Bayesian theory can better use the detection information to recognize and understand the rock and soil in advance; hence, the evaluation results are more reliable and consistent with the actual engineering state.