bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretransplant left ventricular hypertrophy in association with postoperative myocardial injury in liver transplantation
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Yun , Yan Min , Xia Victor W.
Published: February 2020

Pretransplant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common finding during preoperative cardiac evaluation. We hypothesized that patients with pretransplant LVH were associated with a higher risk of postoperative myocardial injury (PMI) in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). A retrospective cohort analysis was performed by reviewing the medical records of adult patients who underwent LT between January 2006 and October 2013. Of 893 patients, the incidences of mild, moderate, and severe LVH were 7.8%, 5.6%, and 2.5%, respectively. Propensity match was used to eliminate the pretransplant imbalance between the LVH and non‐LVH groups. In after‐match patients, 23.5% of LVH patients developed PMI compared to 11.8% in the control group (P = .011). The incidence of PMI in patients with moderate‐severe degrees of LVH was significantly higher compared with that in patients with mild LVH (27.9% vs 19.1%, P = .016). When controlling intraoperative variables, patients with LVH had 4.5 higher odds of developing PMI (95% CI1.18‐17.19, P = .028). Patients experiencing PMI had significantly higher 1‐year mortality (37.5% vs 15.7%, log‐rank test P < .001). Our results suggest that patients with pretransplant LVH were at a high risk of developing PMI and should be monitored closely in the perioperative period. More studies are warranted.
Risk factors associated with progression to referable retinopathy: a type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort study in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Smith J. J. , Wright D. M. , Scanlon P. , Lois N.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To determine factors associated with progression to referable diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes in the Republic of Ireland.

Research design and methods

The study was conducted in a dynamic cohort of 2770 people with type 2 diabetes, recruited between April 2005 and July 2013. Systemic factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid levels, BMI) and baseline diabetic retinopathy grading results were evaluated at 4‐monthly and yearly intervals, respectively. Associations between risk factors (most recently recorded value, and rate of change in value between pairs of consecutive systemic evaluations) and development of referable diabetic retinopathy were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

There was a fourfold increased risk of progression to referral when retinopathy was present at baseline vs no retinopathy at baseline (hazard ratio 4.02, 95% CI 2.80–5.78; P<0.001). Higher current values of HbA1c (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.34; P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.15–1.45; P<0.001) and triglycerides (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.03–1.18; P=0.004) were associated with increased risk of referral. Higher current BMI (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.95; P=0.007) and diastolic blood pressure (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97; P=0.006) were associated with reduced risk of referral.

Conclusions

Presence of retinopathy at baseline was strongly associated with increased risk of referral. Modest associations between systemic factors and risk of progression to referable retinopathy were detected.
Quantitative readability analysis of websites providing information on traumatic brain injury and epilepsy: A need for clear communication
Authors: Correa Daniel José , Milano Lindsey , Kwon Churl‐Su , Jetté Nathalie , Dlugos Dennis , Harte‐Hargrove Lauren , Pugh Mary Jo , Smith Jessica K. , Moshé Solomon L.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The use of the Internet for health‐related questions is increasing, but it is not clear whether individuals can understand the information available online. Most health organizations recommend that health educational materials (HEMs) be written below the sixth grade reading level. This study was designed to evaluate the readability level of available online HEMs pertaining to traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, and posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE).

Methods

This cross‐sectional readability assessment included HEMs from TBI and epilepsy stakeholder organizations and those obtained from four Internet searches. The search strategy was designed to replicate a nonmedical individual's keyword searches. Each HEM was assessed with an online automated readability tool using three indices (Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook). Findings were compared as a function of organization type (journalistic news or health organization), targeted medical condition (TBI, epilepsy, or PTE), or content topic (patient health education, clinical research education, or both).

Results

Readability analysis of 405 identified HEMs revealed scores above the sixth grade reading level recommendation. Only 6.2% of individual HEMs met the sixth grade recommendation. Journalistic news organizations’ HEMs had similar readability levels to health organizations’ HEMs. PTE‐related HEMs required the highest readability level, >11th grade (P < .001). There were significant differences in the readability scores (P < .01 for all indices) among HEMs with information on health education, research education, or both topics. The highest required readability level (>12 grade level) was for HEMs that included both health and research education.

Significance

The majority of TBI‐, epilepsy‐, and PTE‐related online HEMs do not meet the sixth grade reading recommendation. Improving the readability of HEMs may advance health literacy around TBI, epilepsy, and PTE, leading to more effective participant recruitment/retention strategies for future antiepileptogenesis trials in persons with TBI and perhaps better patient‐centered outcomes.
Using a mouse model to gain insights into developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Gill Kamaldeep K. , Rajan Jeffy Rajan Soundara , Goldowitz Daniel , Zwicker Jill G.
Published: February 2020

Motor impairments are a common feature of many neurodevelopmental disorders; in fact, over 50% of children with Attentional Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder may have a co‐occurring diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). DCD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology that affects motor coordination and learning, significantly impacting a child's ability to carry out everyday activities. Animal models play an important role in scientific investigation of behaviour and the mechanisms and processes that are involved in control of motor actions. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach in the mouse directed to gain behavioral and genetic insights into DCD that is designed with high face validity, construct validity and predictive validity. Pre‐clinical and clinical expertise is used to establish a set of scientific criteria that the model will meet in order to investigate the potential underlying causes of DCD.
From policies as entities to policies as engagements: Transforming English language teachers into ELF‐aware practitioners
Authors: Sugiharto Setiono
Published: February 2020

Contemporary perspectives of English as a lingua franca (ELF)vis‐à‐visits traditional conceptualization have yet to be informed, and made aware to the Indonesian teachers who teach English as a foreign language in Indonesia. While burgeoning current literature on ELF has cast crucial insights into how English needs to be taught in multilingual contexts, the teaching of the language in the country still succumbs to the traditional ELF practices, which view English as a mere monolithic, standard, and international language of global interaction. This article argues that local language teachers need not only be informed about ELF, but also be made ELF‐aware through ELF‐aware teacher education program. This program can assist them in shifting their orientation and conviction to a more dynamic, inclusive, plurilithic and situated perspective of ELF communication. The article then proceeds by envisaging how this ELF awareness can also be raised through teachers' continuous efforts to negotiate the imposed language policy, to create their own spaces for engaging with this policy, and finally to venture into the art of articulation.
Maternal intrusiveness predicts infants’ event‐related potential responses to angry and happy prosody independent of infant frontal asymmetry
Authors: Huffmeijer Rens , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Gervain Judit
Published: February 2020

Infants’ social‐cognitive skills first develop within the parent–infant relationship, but large differences between parents exist in the way they approach and interact with their infant. These may have important consequences for infants’ social‐cognitive development. The current study investigated effects of maternal sensitive and intrusive behavior on 6‐ to 7‐month‐old infants’ ERP responses to a socio‐emotional cue that infants are often confronted with from an early age: emotional prosody in infant‐directed speech. Infants may differ in their sensitivity to environmental (including parenting) influences on development, and the current study also explored whether infants’ resting frontal asymmetry conveys differential susceptibility to effects of maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness. Results revealed that maternal intrusiveness was related to the difference in infants’ ERP responses to happy and angry utterances. Specifically, P2 amplitudes in response to angry sounds were less positive than those in response to happy sounds for infants with less intrusive mothers. Whether this difference reflects an enhanced sensitivity to emotional prosody or a (processing) preference remains to be investigated. No evidence for differential susceptibility was found, as infant frontal asymmetry did not moderate effects of sensitivity or intrusiveness.
The influence of modifier cations on the Raman stretching modes of Qn species in alkali silicate glasses
Authors: O’Shaughnessy Cedrick , Henderson Grant S. , Nesbitt H. Wayne , Bancroft G. Michael , Neuville Daniel R.
Published: February 2020

The Raman spectra of alkali silicate glasses containing 5 to 30 mol % M2O (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) have been fit successfully with pseudo‐Voigt lineshapes of dominantly Lorentzian character in order to quantify the Qn species distributions. This differs from the more popular Gaussian lineshapes which have been used for the past four decades. There is an increase in asymmetry in the Q3 band, with increasing M2O content which appears to result from the weakened Si‐O force constants of some Q3 bands due to charge transfer via M‐BO bonds. With charge transfer to the tetrahedra, the negative charge accumulates preferentially on Si atoms thus decreasing Si‐O Coulombic interactions, weakening Si‐O force constants, and shifting the Qn A1 symmetric stretch vibrational frequencies to lower values (eg, from ∼1100 cm−1 to ∼1050 cm−1). The fraction of affected Q3 species increases with alkali content, as does the Q3 peak asymmetry. We propose that this extends through to all the Qn species and postulate that there are multiple vibrational modes for each Qn species which are dictated by their proximity to network modifier cations.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing: From basic research to translational medicine
Authors: Jacinto Filipe V. , Link Wolfgang , Ferreira Bibiana I.
Published: February 2020

The recent development of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as an efficient and accessible programmable genome‐editing tool has revolutionized basic science research. CRISPR/Cas9 system‐based technologies have armed researchers with new powerful tools to unveil the impact of genetics on disease development by enabling the creation of precise cellular and animal models of human diseases. The therapeutic potential of these technologies is tremendous, particularly in gene therapy, in which a patient‐specific mutation is genetically corrected in order to treat human diseases that are untreatable with conventional therapies. However, the translation of CRISPR/Cas9 into the clinics will be challenging, since we still need to improve the efficiency, specificity and delivery of this technology. In this review, we focus on several in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in human disease‐focused research, explore the potential of this technology in translational medicine and discuss some of the major challenges for its future use in patients.
Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing implant sites augmented with a volume‐stable collagen matrix or an autogenous connective tissue graft: 3‐year data after insertion of reconstructions
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Gasser Thomas J. W. , Jung Ronald E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To assess mid‐term clinical, radiographic and profilometric outcomes at implant sites, previously grafted with a volume‐stable collagen matrix (VCMX) or an autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).

Methods

VCMX or SCTG were randomly applied to single implant sites in 20 patients. Following abutment connection and insertion of final reconstructions (baseline), patients were re‐examined at 6 months (6M), at 1 year (FU‐1) and at 3 years (FU‐3). Measurements included the following: clinical data, radiographic measurement of first bone to implant contact (fBIC), soft tissue thickness and volumetric outcomes. Non‐parametric tests and estimates were applied for the statistical analysis.

Results

The median buccal mucosal thickness increased by 0.5 mm (Q1: ‐0.5; Q3: 1.25) (VCMX) (p = .281) and by 0.8 mm (Q1: 0.0; Q3: 2.5) (SCTG) (p = .047) between BL and FU‐3 (intergroup p = .303). The profilometric changes of the buccal soft tissues demonstrated a median decrease between BL and FU‐3 of −0.2 mm (Q1: −0.5; Q3: −0.1) (p = .039) for VCMX and a decrease of −0.1 mm (Q1: −0.8; Q3: 0.1) (p = .020) for SCTG, respectively (intergroup p = .596). Peri‐implant soft tissues and bone levels remained healthy throughout the entire study period. PROMs did not show any significant differences between the groups nor significant changes over time.

Conclusion

Minimal changes of the peri‐implant tissue contour as well as of the soft tissue thickness were observed at implant sites previously grafted with VCMX or SCTG.
Self‐Administered Acupressure for Caregivers of Older Family Members: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Tiwari Agnes , Yeung Wing‐Fai , Yu Doris Sau Fung , So Mike Ka Pui , Chau Pui Hing , Wang Xiao‐Min , Lum Terry Yat Sang , Yuk Fung Helina Yin King , Ng Benson Yuk Ming , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Lao Lixing
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVE

To test whether self‐administered acupressure reduces stress and stress‐related symptoms in caregivers of older family members.

DESIGN

In this randomized, assessor‐blind, controlled trial, 207 participants were randomized (1:1) to an acupressure intervention or a wait‐list control group.

SETTING

Community centers in Hong Kong, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Primary caregivers of an older family member who screened positive for caregiver stress with symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, or depression.

INTERVENTION

The 8‐week intervention comprised four training sessions on self‐administered acupressure, two follow‐up sessions for learning reinforcement, and daily self‐practice of self‐administered acupressure.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was caregiver stress (Caregiver Burden Inventory). Secondary outcomes included fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale), insomnia (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire), and health‐related quality of life (QoL) (12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey version 2). An intention‐to‐treat analysis was adopted.

RESULTS

Of 207 participants, 201 completed the study. Caregiver stress in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group after 8 weeks (difference = −8.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −13.20 to −3.04; P = .002) and at 12‐week follow‐up (difference = −8.52; 95% CI = −13.91 to −3.12; P = .002). The intervention group, relative to the control group, also had significantly improved secondary outcomes of fatigue (difference = −0.84; 95% CI = −1.59 to −0.08; P = .031), insomnia (difference = −1.34; 95% CI = −2.40 to −0.27; P = .014), depression (difference = −1.76; 95% CI = −3.30 to −0.23; P = .025), and physical health‐related QoL (difference = 3.08; 95% CI = 0.28‐5.88; P = .032) after 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Self‐administered acupressure intervention significantly relieves self‐reported caregiver stress and co‐occurring symptoms in those caring for older family members. Further studies are needed to measure the symptoms objectively and to examine the clinical importance of the observed improvement in caregiver stress. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1193–1201, 2020.
Voltage‐induced Ca2+release by ryanodine receptors causes neuropeptide secretion from nerve terminals
Authors: Velázquez‐Marrero Cristina , Custer Edward E. , Marrero Héctor , Ortiz‐Miranda Sonia , Lemos José R.
Published: February 2020

Depolarisation‐secretion coupling is assumed to be dependent only on extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o). Ryanodine receptor (RyR)‐sensitive stores in hypothalamic neurohypophysial system (HNS) terminals produce sparks of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) that are voltage‐dependent. We hypothesised that voltage‐elicited increases in intraterminal calcium are crucial for neuropeptide secretion from presynaptic terminals, whether from influx through voltage‐gated calcium channels and/or from such voltage‐sensitive ryanodine‐mediated calcium stores. Increases in [Ca2+]iupon depolarisation in the presence of voltage‐gated calcium channel blockers, or in the absence of [Ca2+]o, still give rise to neuropeptide secretion from HNS terminals. Even in 0 [Ca2+]o, there was nonetheless an increase in capacitance suggesting exocytosis upon depolarisation. This was blocked by antagonist concentrations of ryanodine, as was peptide secretion elicited by high K+in 0 [Ca2+]o. Furthermore, such depolarisations lead to increases in [Ca2+]i. Pre‐incubation with BAPTA‐AM resulted in > 50% inhibition of peptide secretion elicited by high K+in 0 [Ca2+]o. Nifedipine but not nicardipine inhibited both the high K+response for neuropeptide secretion and intraterminal calcium, suggesting the involvement of CaV1.1 type channels as sensors in voltage‐induced calcium release. Importantly, RyR antagonists also modulate neuropeptide release under normal physiological conditions. In conclusion, our results indicate that depolarisation‐induced neuropeptide secretion is present in the absence of external calcium, and calcium release from ryanodine‐sensitive internal stores is a significant physiological contributor to neuropeptide secretion from HNS terminals.
Pitfalls in acute febrile illness diagnosis: Interobserver agreement of signs and symptoms during a dengue outbreak
Authors: Buonora Sibelle Nogueira , Passos Sonia Regina Lambert , Daumas Regina Paiva , Machado Matheus Garcia Lago , Berardinelli Guilherme Miguéis , de Oliveira Diana Neves Rodrigues , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes
Published: February 2020

Aims and objectives

To compare and evaluate interobserver (nurses and physicians) agreement for dengue clinical signs and symptoms, including the World Health Organization diagnostic algorithm.

Background

Agreement of clinical history defines the capacity of the examiner to measure a given clinical parameter in a reproducible and consistent manner, which is prerequisite for diagnosis validity. Nurses play a major role in the triage and care of dengue patients in many countries.

Study design

This is a sub‐study on interobserver agreement performed as part of a cross‐sectional diagnostic accuracy study for acute febrile illness (AFI) using the checklist STARD.

Methods

A previously validated semi‐structured sign and symptom standardised questionnaire for AFI was independently administered to 374 patients by physician and nurse pairs. The interobserver agreement was estimated using kappa statistics.

Results

For a set of 27 signs and symptoms, we found six interobserver discrepancies (examiner detected red eyes, lethargy, exanthema, dyspnoea, bleeding and myalgia) as identified by regular and moderate kappa indexes. Four signs (patient observed red eyes, cough, diarrhoea and vomiting) and one symptom (earache) had near‐perfect agreement. Most signs and symptoms showed substantial agreement. The WHO (Dengue guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control: new edition, World Health Organization, 2009) clinical criteria for dengue comprise a group of symptoms known as “pains and aches.” Interobserver agreement for abdominal pain, retro‐orbital pain and arthralgia exceed that found for headache and myalgia.

Conclusions

During a dengue outbreak, the interobserver agreement for most of the signs and symptoms used to assess AFI was substantial.

Relevance to clinical practice

This result suggests good potential applicability of the tool by health professionals following training. A well‐trained health professional is qualified to apply the standardised questionnaire to evaluate suspected dengue cases during outbreaks.
Dynamics of liver stiffness by transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection receiving direct‐acting antiviral therapy—Results from the German Hepatitis C‐Registry
Authors: Knop Viola , Mauss Stefan , Goeser Tobias , Geier Andreas , Zimmermann Tim , Herzer Kerstin , Postel Nils , Friedrich‐Rust Mireen , Hofmann Wolf Peter ,   German Hepatitis C‐Registry
Published: February 2020

The impact of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies on fibrosis regression remains uncertain. In the current study, we prospectively evaluated dynamics of liver stiffness by transient elastography (TE) in patients with chronic HCV infection receiving DAA‐based treatment. Patients (260) were enrolled in the German Hepatitis C‐Registry (DHC‐R), a national multicentre real‐world cohort. Liver stiffness (LS) was assessed at baseline, end of treatment (EOT) and 24 weeks after EOT (FU24) by TE. Biochemical, virological and clinical data were obtained in parallel. In patients with SVR, there was a significant improvement of LS between baseline (median [range], 8.6 [1.7‐73.5] kPa) and FU24 (7.9 [1.7‐75 kPa]; P < .0001) as well as between EOT (8.4 [1.7‐73.5 kPa]) and FU24 [P < .0001]. Stratified by fibrosis stage, patients classified into F4 had higher magnitude of LS reduction between BL (median [range], 25.1 [13.5‐73.5] kPa) and FU24 (21.5 [3.1‐75] kPa; P = .002) compared to those with F2‐F3 (8.9 [7.1‐12.4] kPa and 8.8 [4.2‐29.1]; P = .060) or F0‐F1 (5.3 [1.7‐7] kPa and 5.2 [1.7‐7.7]; P = .064). In cirrhotic patients, low platelets were significantly associated with lack of liver stiffness improvement, both at EOT (P = .018) and at FU24 (P = .012). LS significantly correlated with ALT (r = .371), AST (r = .552), platelets (r = −.499), GGT (r = .250), bilirubin (r = .230), APRI score (r = .512), FIB‐4 score (r = .517) and FORNS index (r = .562); P < .0001. Liver elastography improved significantly in our real‐world cohort after DAA‐based therapy. As LS correlates similarly with transaminase levels and serum fibrosis markers, it might reflect both reduction of necroinflammation and fibrosis regression.
Turning a green alga red: engineering astaxanthin biosynthesis by intragenic pseudogene revival in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Perozeni Federico , Cazzaniga Stefano , Baier Thomas , Zanoni Francesca , Zoccatelli Gianni , Lauersen Kyle J. , Wobbe Lutz , Ballottari Matteo
Published: February 2020

The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii does not synthesize high‐value ketocarotenoids like canthaxanthin and astaxanthin; however, a β‐carotene ketolase (CrBKT) can be found in its genome. CrBKT is poorly expressed, contains a long C‐terminal extension not found in homologues and likely represents a pseudogene in this alga. Here, we used synthetic redesign of this gene to enable its constitutive overexpression from the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii. Overexpression of the optimized CrBKT extended native carotenoid biosynthesis to generate ketocarotenoids in the algal host causing noticeable changes the green algal colour to reddish‐brown. We found that up to 50% of native carotenoids could be converted into astaxanthin and more than 70% into other ketocarotenoids by robust CrBKT overexpression. Modification of the carotenoid metabolism did not impair growth or biomass productivity of C. reinhardtii, even at high light intensities. Under different growth conditions, the best performing CrBKT overexpression strain was found to reach ketocarotenoid productivities up to 4.3 mg/L/day. Astaxanthin productivity in engineered C. reinhardtii shown here might be competitive with that reported for Haematococcus lacustris (formerly pluvialis) which is currently the main organism cultivated for industrial astaxanthin production. In addition, the extractability and bio‐accessibility of these pigments were much higher in cell wall‐deficient C. reinhardtii than the resting cysts of H. lacustris. Engineered C. reinhardtii strains could thus be a promising alternative to natural astaxanthin producing algal strains and may open the possibility of other tailor‐made pigments from this host.
Co‐expression of human calreticulin significantly improves the production of HIV gp140 and other viral glycoproteins in plants
Authors: Margolin Emmanuel , Oh Youngjun J. , Verbeek Matthew , Naude Jason , Ponndorf Daniel , Meshcheriakova Yulia Alexandrovna , Peyret Hadrien , van Diepen Michiel T. , Chapman Ros , Meyers Ann E. , Lomonossoff George Peter , Matoba Nobuyuki , Williamson Anna‐Lise , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: February 2020

Plant molecular farming (PMF) is rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative to the currently accepted paradigm of producing biologics. While the platform is potentially cheaper and more scalable than conventional manufacturing systems, expression yields and appropriate post‐translational modifications along the plant secretory pathway remain a challenge for certain proteins. Viral fusion glycoproteins in particular are often expressed at low yields in plants and, in some cases, may not be appropriately processed. Recently, however, transiently or stably engineering the host plant has shown promise as a strategy for producing heterologous proteins with more complex maturation requirements. In this study we investigated the co‐expression of a suite of human chaperones to improve the production of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 soluble gp140 vaccine candidate in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The co‐expression of calreticulin (CRT) resulted in a dramatic increase in Env expression and ameliorated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response ‐ as evidenced by lower transcript abundance of representative stress‐responsive genes. The co‐expression of CRT similarly improved accumulation of glycoproteins from Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), suggesting that the endogenous chaperone machinery may impose a bottleneck for their production. We subsequently successfully combined the co‐expression of human CRT with the transient expression of human furin, to enable the production of an appropriately cleaved HIV gp140 antigen. These transient plant host engineering strategies are a promising approach for the production of high yields of appropriately processed and cleaved viral glycoproteins.
The emergence of dyadic pretend play quality during peer play: The role of child competence, play partner competence and dyadic constellation
Authors: Jaggy Ann‐Kathrin , Mainhard Tim , Sticca Fabio , Perren Sonja
Published: February 2020

The quality of social pretend play may have a positive impact on children's development. This study investigated to what degree this quality is a characteristic of a child versus a function of the play partner or the specific pairing of two children. For this purpose, preschool children's general pretend play quality (actor effect), their general influence on their play partner's pretend play quality (partner effect) and the role of the specific constellation between two children (relationship effect) were examined in a dyadic setting. Potential associations of the effects with children's age, gender, social cognitive and social competencies, as well as the dyadic composition of these variables and their friendship were examined. Children completed two to four dyadic pretend play situations with different peers. They were tested for their language ability, theory of mind and emotion understanding. Educators rated children's social competence (cooperation and sociability) and evaluated their friendship with one another. A social relations model analysis was conducted. The results indicated that children's pretend play quality was determined to the same degree by the child and by the specific pairing of two children. Positive associations were found between children's pretend play quality and age, emotion understanding and sociability on the individual level. Further, the quality of children's social pretend play benefited from having older and more advanced play partners.
Calcite U–Pb age of the Cretaceous vertebrate‐bearing Bayn Shire Formation in the Eastern Gobi Desert of Mongolia: Usefulness of caliche for age determination
Authors: Kurumada Yuto , Aoki Shogo , Aoki Kazumasa , Kato Daichi , Saneyoshi Mototaka , Tsogtbaatar Khishigjav , Windley Brian F. , Ishigaki Shinobu
Published: February 2020

To verify the usefulness of calcite U–Pb measurement for vertebrate‐bearing strata in the Eastern Gobi, Mongolia, we performed laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry calcite U–Pb and trace element analyses of three caliche (calcrete) of the Bayn Shire Formation. The trace element analysis demonstrates high concentration of U in the calcites. Two meaningful calcite U–Pb ages were obtained; 95.9 ± 6.0 and 89.6 ± 4.0 Ma, which are consistent with published ages from the Bayn Shire Formation. Our results demonstrate that the calcite U–Pb method can be powerful tool for age determination of vertebrate‐bearing strata in the Gobi that do not contain index fossils or beds, but do contain caliches. This would make it possible for a comparison of biostratigraphy between the Gobi and other areas yielding abundant vertebrate fossils in Asia, North America and Europe, based on chronological data.
Events, Event Prediction, and Predictive Processing
Authors: Hohwy Jakob , Hebblewhite Augustus , Drummond Tom
Published: February 2020

Events and event prediction are pivotal concepts across much of cognitive science, as demonstrated by the papers in this special issue. We first discuss how the study of events and the predictive processing framework may fruitfully inform each other. We then briefly point to some links to broader philosophical questions about events.
Cyanobacterial occurrence and geosmin dynamics in Paldang Lake watershed, South Korea
Authors: Youn Seok Jea , Kim Hun Nyun , Yu Soon Ju , Byeon Myeong‐Seop
Published: February 2020

We investigated the relationship between cyanobacteria and geosmin occurrence in the Paldang Lake watershed, South Korea, by examining samples from the Bukhan and Namhan Rivers weekly from 2011 to 2015. Cyanobacteria were detected in summer, when water temperatures reached 20°C or more.Merismopedia, non‐nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria, dominated the Namhan River, which had high nitrogen concentrations. In the Bukhan River,Dolichospermum, nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria, was dominant. Temporary nitrogen inflow into the Bukhan River due to rainfall transformed the cyanobacterial community from one dominated by nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria (Dolichospermum) to one dominated by non‐nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria (Microcystis). Geosmin was highly correlated withDolichospermumin the Bukhan River (r = 0.947,P < 0.01) and its concentration changed in accordance withDolichospermumcell counts. In theMerismopedia‐dominated Namhan River, geosmin concentrations were low, suggesting that the cyanobacterial community composition affects geosmin levels.
A BWS Application to Identify Factors Affecting User Preferences for Parking Choices at University Campuses
Authors: Orozco-Fontalvo Mauricio Jose , Martínez Sheila , Arellana Julián , Vega Laura
Published: February 2020

Parking around university campuses has become a major issue in recent decades because of nearby congestion impacts. Objective: To determine the factors influencing parking lot selection, which is crucial to propose adequate parking demand management strategies. Materials and Methods: We evaluate different attributes using a best-worst scaling survey applied at Universidad de la Costa (CUC), Colombia. Using discrete choice modeling techniques, we identified the extent to which selected infrastructure attributes influence parking behavior. Results: Security and cover (roof) availability are the most relevant attributes of parking choice in the case study. Conclusions: Based on our results, we strongly recommend implementing a dynamic pricing rate, roof pricing, removing “reserved spots” and investing in security.
Criterios para reparar a las víctimas del conflicto armado desde la perspectiva de la administración pública y del juez administrativo colombiano
Authors: Cárdenas Poveda Margarita
Published: February 2020

Este artículo estudia la manera como la Corte Constitucional y el Consejo de Estado colombianos, durante el periodo 2002 - 2017, a través de su jurisprudencia teniendo en cuenta los regímenes legislativos de responsabilidad administrativa y el artículo 90 de la Constitución Política ha establecido diversos criterios para reparar a las víctimas del conflicto armado por la vía administrativa y por la vía judicial.
Evolución de la definición y naturaleza de la autonomía universitaria en la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional de Colombia
Authors: Gómez Restrepo, S.J. Luis Felipe , Quintana López Enrique , Calderón Bolaños Nicolás Calderón Bolaños
Published: February 2020

En el presente documento se analizará el desarrollo histórico jurisprudencial que ha hecho la Corte Constitucional colombiana sobre la noción de Autonomía Universitaria[1], buscando identificar la naturaleza jurídica de este concepto y su alcance, lo que servirá como contexto para estudiar cómo la Corte Constitucional ha entendido y desarrollado esta institución que le asiste a las universidades del país. Para este efecto, se han estudiado cerca de cien sentencias que la Corte Constitucional ha dictado desde el año de 1992, momento en que inició actividades, hasta el mes de agosto del 2018, teniendo en cuenta sentencias de constitucionalidad, de revisión de tutela y de unificación jurisprudencial, que además han sido sistematizadas de acuerdo con los escenarios constitucionales que plantean[2] y con la frecuencia de citación que hay entre ellas, resultados que se plasman en dos documentos anexos de este artículo.   [1] En adelante en el presente texto se referirá a la Autonomía Universitaria simplemente como AU. [2] Un "escenario constitucional" es el patrón fáctico típico (con su correspondiente campo de intereses contrapuestos) en el que la Corte ha especificado, mediante subreglas, el significado concreto de un principio constitucional abstracto. Véase: Diego López Medina, El Derecho de los Jueces, 2a. ed., Legis, Bogotá, 148 (2006).
El ocaso del contrato: Un estudio desde la doctrina contractual clásica. Problemas en torno a su eficacia
Authors: Tito Añamuro John Alberto
Published: February 2020

Este trabajo examina la vigencia del contrato en la realidad jurídica actual, partiendo de la premisa que la categoría del contrato fue diseñada en época de las codificaciones bajo criterios lógico-formales que rozan con la realidad de los hechos o los intercambios en el mercado actual. Se revisan las distintas posiciones de la doctrina jurídica sobre su validez y aplicación práctica.
Effect of Non-Axisymmetric Endwall Profiling on Heat Transfer and Film Cooling Effectiveness of a Transonic Rotor Blade
Authors: Li Jinjin , Yan Xin , He Kun
Published: February 2020

Effects of non-axisymmetric endwall profiling on total pressure loss, heat transfer, and film cooling effectiveness of a transonic rotor blade were numerically investigated. The numerical methods, including the turbulence model and grid sensitivity, were validated with the existing experimental data. To reduce the thermal load on endwall, non-axisymmetric endwall profiling near leading edge and at pressure-side corner area was performed with a range of contour amplitudes. Heat transfer and flow fields near the profiled endwalls were analyzed and also compared with the plain endwall configuration. On the profiled endwall, three kinds of cooling holes, i.e., cylindrical holes, rounded-rectangular holes, and elliptical holes, were arranged, and film cooling effect was investigated at three blowing ratios. Results indicate that, with endwall profiling, the area-averaged Stanton number on endwall is reduced by 7.71% and total pressure loss in cascade is reduced by 11.07%. Among three kinds of cooling holes, the arrangement of the elliptical hole performs the best film cooling effect on the profiled endwall. Compared with the plain endwall, non-axisymmetric endwall with elliptical cooling holes improves film cooling coverage by 10.87%, reduces the Stanton number by 8.88%, and increases the net heat flux reduction performance by 4% at M = 0.7.
Impact of Varying High- and Low-Pressure Turbine Purge Flows on a Turbine Center Frame and Low-Pressure Turbine System
Authors: Sterzinger P. Z. , Zerobin S. , Merli F. , Wiesinger L. , Peters A. , Maini G. , Dellacasagrande M. , Heitmeir F. , Göttlich E.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the experimental and numerical evaluation and comparison of the different flow fields downstream of a turbine center frame duct and a low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage, generated by varying the inlet flow conditions to the turbine center frame (TCF) duct. The measurements were carried out in an engine-representative two-stage two-spool test turbine facility at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at Graz University of Technology. The rig consists of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) and a LPT turbine stage, connected via a TCF with non-turning struts. Four individual high-pressure turbine purge flowrates and two low-pressure turbine purge flowrates were varied to achieve different engine-relevant TCF and LPT inlet flow conditions. The experimental data were acquired by means of five-hole-probe (5HP) area traverses upstream and downstream of the TCF and downstream of the LPT. A steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulation taking all purge flows in account was used for comparison, and additional insights are gained from a numerical variation of the HPT and LPT purge flowrates. The focus of this study is on the impact of the variations in TCF inlet conditions on the secondary flow generation through the TCF duct and the carryover effects on the exit flow field and performance of the LPT stage. Existing work is limited by either investigating multistage LPT configurations with generally very few measurements behind the first stage or by not including relevant HPT secondary flow structures in setting up the LPT inflow conditions. This work addresses both of these shortcomings and presents new insight into the TCF and LPT aerodynamic behavior at varying the HPT and LPT purge flows. The results demonstrate the importance of the HPT flow structures and their evolution through the TCF duct for setting up the LPT inflow conditions and ultimately for assessing the performance of the first LPT stage.
Unsteady Flow Interactions Between a High- and Low-Pressure Turbine
Authors: Sterzinger P. Z. , Zerobin S. , Merli F. , Wiesinger L. , Dellacasagrande M. , Peters A. , Maini G. , Heitmeir F. , Göttlich E.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents the unsteady flow interactions between an engine-representative high-pressure turbine (HPT) and low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage, connected by a turbine center frame (TCF) duct with nonturning struts. The setup was tested at the high-speed two-spool test turbine facility at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at Graz University of Technology and includes relevant purge and turbine rotor tip leakage flows. Due to the complexity of such a test, the unsteady component interactions in an HPT–TCF–LPT module have not received much attention in the past and require additional analysis to determine new approaches for further performance improvements on the system level. The flow downstream of an HPT is highly unsteady and dominated by stator–rotor interactions, which affect the flow behavior through the downstream TCF and LPT. To capture the unsteady flow structures, time-resolved aerodynamic measurements were carried out with a fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe (FRAPP) at three different measurement planes. In this paper, the time-resolved and phase-averaged flow fields with respect to the HPT and LPT trigger are studied. Since the two rotors are uncorrelated, the applied method allows the identification of the flow structures induced by either of them. Upstream of the LPT stage, the HPT flow structures evolving through the TCF duct dominate the flow fields. Downstream of the LPT stage, the flow is affected by both the HPT and the LPT secondary flow structures. The interactions between the various stator rows and the two rotors are detected by means of time-space plots and modal decomposition. To describe the fluctuations induced by both rotors, particularly the rotor–rotor interaction, the rotor synchronic averaging (RSA) is used to analyze the flow field downstream of the LPT. This paper highlights the need to account for the HPT-induced unsteady mechanisms in addition to the LPT flow structures and the interaction of both to arrive at improved LPT designs.
Effect of Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters on Turbine Cooling
Authors: Snyder Jacob C. , Thole Karen A.
Published: February 2020

Turbine cooling is a prime application for additive manufacturing because it enables quick development and implementation of innovative designs optimized for efficient heat removal, especially at the micro-scale. At the micro-scale, however, the surface finish plays a significant role in the heat transfer and pressure loss of any cooling design. Previous research on additively manufactured cooling channels has shown surface roughness increases both heat transfer and pressure loss to similar levels as highly engineered turbine cooling schemes. What has not been shown, however, is whether opportunities exist to tailor additively manufactured surfaces through control of the process parameters to further enhance the desired heat transfer and pressure loss characteristics. The results presented in this paper uniquely show the potential of manipulating the parameters within the additive manufacturing process to control the surface morphology, directly influencing turbine cooling. To determine the effect of parameters on cooling performance, coupons were additively manufactured for common internal and external cooling methods using different laser powers, scan speeds, and scanning strategies. Internal and external cooling tests were performed at engine relevant conditions to measure appropriate metrics of performance. Results showed the process parameters have a significant impact on the surface morphology leading to differences in cooling performance. Specifically, internal and external cooling geometries react differently to changes in parameters, highlighting the opportunity to consider process parameters when implementing additive manufacturing for turbine cooling applications.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Gaseous Cavitation in Lubricating Vane Pumps: An Approach Based on Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Stuppioni Umberto , Suman Alessio , Pinelli Michele , Blum Alessandro
Published: February 2020

This paper addresses the problem of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of gaseous cavitation (GC) in lubricating positive-displacement pumps (PDPs). It is important for designers and analysts to predict the dynamic features of air release/dissolution processes which characterize this phenomenon, along with their effects on filling capability and noise-vibration-harshness behavior of the machine. The focus is on the empirical tuning of the commercial homogeneous-flow cavitation model known as dissolved gas model (DGM). Considering an automotive case study of a balanced vane pump (BVP), the effects of air modeling on numerical predictions of discharge flow/pressure ripple and volumetric efficiency have been studied. The tuning time parameters of the model have been correlated to the machine Reynolds number as part of a simplified theoretical background based on dimensional analysis. Considering experimental data at different operating conditions, the tuned model has shown a good capacity in predicting the pressure ripple and the flowrate at the discharge of the pump.
Improved Inkjet-Printed Pattern Fidelity: Suppressing Bulges by Segmented and Symmetric Drop Placement
Authors: Abunahla Ragheb , Rahman Md Saifur , Naderi Paria , Grau Gerd
Published: February 2020

Inkjet printing is a promising technique for printed micro-electronics due to low cost, customizability and compatibility with large-area, flexible substrates. However, printed line shapes can suffer from bulges at the start of lines and at corner points in 2D line patterns. The printed pattern can be multiple times wider than the designed linewidth. This can severely impact manufacturing accuracy and achievable circuit density. Bulging can be difficult to prevent without changing the ink-substrate-system, the drying conditions or the circuit design, all of which can be undesirable. Here, we demonstrate a novel printing methodology that solves this issue by changing the order in which drops are placed on the substrate. The pattern is split up into segments of three drops where the central drop is printed last. This symmetric printing prevents the unwanted ink flow that causes bulging. Larger bulge-free patterns are created by successively connecting segments. Line formation in both traditional linear printing and our novel segmented and symmetric printing was analyzed to understand and optimize results. The printing of X-, T-, and L-shapes is considerably improved compared with the traditional linear printing methodology.
Kinematic Analysis of the Planar Motion of Vehicles when Traveling Along Tractrix Curves
Authors: Figliolini Giorgio , Lanni Chiara , Angeles Jorge
Published: February 2020

The kinematic analysis of the planar motion of vehicles, such as common cars, buses, and trucks, when traveling along linear and circular tractrices at low speeds, is proposed here based on the fundamentals of the kinematics of planar mechanisms. In particular, the analysis of the vehicle chassis motion, with chassis represented as a drawbar connecting the back and front-wheel centers, is developed and formulated by determining the moving and the fixed centrodes. The proposed formulation was implemented in matlab to simulate and analyze the vehicle motion at low speeds, as the front-wheel center follows a straight line or a circle and, correspondingly, the back-wheel center traces a linear tractrix or one of the inner and outer circular tractrices, according to the exit from or entrance of the vehicle into a roundabout. Significant numerical and graphical results allow the validation of the proposed formulation, which represents useful tool to predict the vehicle behavior at low speeds during parking, changing of lanes, and entering and leaving roundabouts, thereby increasing the safety for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, along with the design of safe roads and highways.