bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Transformation and Innovation Management: A Synthesis of Existing Research and an Agenda for Future Studies
Authors: Appio Francesco Paolo , Frattini Federico , Petruzzelli Antonio Messeni , Neirotti Paolo
Published: January 2021

Management and organizational scholars have paid increasing attention to the interconnections between digital transformation and innovation management in the last decade. However, a highly fragmented understanding of this topic is what we are left with so far. In this editorial, we suggest an approach to open up the black box of the interplay between digital transformation and innovation management by providing a framework that identifies three levels of analyisis (i.e., macro, meso, and micro) along which existing and future research on the topic can be organized. This model encourages scholars to conduct theoretical and empirical studies on how digital transformation affects ecosystems’ structure and governance, how industries and firms compete and organize for innovation in a digitalized world, how the processes for developing new products and services change under the effect of digital technologies, and the implications of digital transformation on managing people and teams involved in the innovation process, among the other topics. We also provide a synthesis of the eight papers published in the Special Issue that this editorial introduces and develop an agenda for future research that will hopefully contribute to encourage and shape future scholarly efforts into this field.
A framework for understanding gene expression plasticity and its influence on stress tolerance
Authors: Rivera Hanny E. , Aichelman Hannah E. , Fifer James E. , Kriefall Nicola G. , Wuitchik Daniel M. , Smith Sara J. , Davies Sarah W.
Published: January 2021

Phenotypic plasticity can serve as a stepping stone towards adaptation. Recently, studies have shown that gene expression contributes to emergent stress responses such as thermal tolerance, with tolerant and susceptible populations showing distinct transcriptional profiles. However, given the dynamic nature of gene expression, interpreting transcriptomic results in a way that elucidates the functional connection between gene expression and the observed stress response is challenging. Here, we present a conceptual framework to guide interpretation of gene expression reaction norms in the context of stress tolerance. We consider the evolutionary and adaptive potential of gene expression reaction norms and discuss the influence of sampling timing, transcriptomic resilience, as well as complexities related to life history when interpreting gene expression dynamics and how these patterns relate to host tolerance. We highlight corals as a case study to demonstrate the value of this framework for non‐model systems. As species face rapidly changing environmental conditions, modulating gene expression can serve as a mechanistic link from genetic and cellular processes to the physiological responses that allow organisms to thrive under novel conditions. Interpreting how or whether a species can employ gene expression plasticity to ensure short‐term survival will be critical for understanding the global impacts of climate change across diverse taxa.
Identification of rye B chromosome‐associated peptides by mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Wei , Liu ZhaoJun , Beier Sebastian , Houben Andreas , Carpentier Sebastien
Published: January 2021

B chromosomes (Bs) are supernumerary dispensable components of the standard genome (A chromosomes, As) that have been found in many eukaryotes. So far, it is unkown whether the B‐derived transcripts translate to proteins or if the host proteome is changed due to the presence of Bs.

Comparative mass spectrometry was performed using the protein samples isolated from shoots of rye plants with and without Bs. We aimed to identify B‐associated peptides and analyzed the effects of Bs on the total proteome.

Our comparative proteome analysis demonstrates that the presence of rye Bs affects the total proteome including different biological function processes. We found 319 of 16 776 quantified features in at least three out of five +B plants but not in 0B plants; 31 of 319 features were identified as B‐associated peptide features. According to our data mining, one B‐specific protein fragment showed similarity to a glycine‐rich RNA binding protein which differed from its A‐paralogue by two amino acid insertions.

Our result represents a milestone in B chromosome research, because this is the first report to demonstrate the existence of Bs changing the proteome of the host.
Diet quality, school attendance, and body weight status in adolescent girls in rural Guatemala
Authors: Chacón Violeta , Liu Qinran , Park Yikyung , Rohloff Peter , Barnoya Joaquin
Published: January 2021

A cluster of factors affects nutritional status among adolescent girls in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). We investigated the association between school attendance and diet quality among 498 rural adolescent girls (352 attending and 146 not attending school) in Tecpán, Guatemala. In a cross‐sectional study, we collected sociodemographic and anthropometric data and characterized the dietary intake using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. We then calculated diet quality using the Healthy Eating Score (HES). Multiple linear regression models were conducted to evaluate the effects of school attendance on diet quality. We found that the overall diet quality among the study participants was poor, according to the HES. However, those who attended school had significantly higher intakes of vitamin A–rich fruits and vegetables (P = 0.04), other fruits (P = 0.01), and milk and milk products (P = 0.004), but a higher intake of fast foods, chips, and saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the effects of school attendance on diet quality were significant after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors (β coefficient = −1.70, 95% CI: −3.30 to −0.11) but was attenuated when further adjusted for weight status (β coefficient = −1.58, 95% CI: −3.17 to 0.02). Our findings suggest that diet quality among girls in rural Guatemala is poor, particularly among those who do not attend school. To advance our understanding of adolescent diet in LMICs, future studies should include adolescents who are out of school.
Discovery of melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1 in brown adipose tissue
Authors: Philippe Cécile , Klebermass Eva‐Maria , Balber Theresa , Kulterer Oana C. , Zeilinger Markus , Egger Gerda , Dumanic Monika , Herz Carsten T. , Kiefer Florian W. , Scheuba Christian , Scherer Thomas , Fürnsinn Clemens , Vraka Chrysoula , Pallitsch Katharina , Spreitzer Helmut , Wadsak Wolfgang , Viernstein Helmut , Hacker Marcus , Mitterhauser Markus
Published: January 2021

Although extensive research on brown adipose tissue (BAT) has stimulated optimism in the battle against obesity and diabetes, BAT physiology and organ crosstalk are not fully understood. Besides BAT, melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and its receptor (MCHR1) play an important role in energy homeostasis. Because of the link between hypothalamic MCH neurons and sympathetic BAT activation via β‐adrenoceptors, we investigated the expression and physiological role of the MCHR1 in BAT. MCHR1 was detected in rodent and human BAT with RT‐qPCR and western blot analyses. In vivo imaging in rats used the glucose analog [18F]FDG and the MCHR1‐tracer [11C]SNAP‐7941. We found that the β3‐adrenoceptor (ADRB3) agonist CL316,243 increased [11C]SNAP‐7941 uptake in BAT. Additionally, a pharmacological concentration of SNAP‐7941—a low‐affinity ADRB3 ligand—stimulated [18F]FDG uptake, reflecting BAT activation. In cultured human adipocytes, CL316,243 induced MCHR1 expression, further supporting a direct interaction between MCHR1 and ADRB3. These findings characterized MCHR1 expression in rodent and human BAT for the first time, including in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating a link between MCHR1 and the β3‐adrenergic system. The presence of MCHR1 in BAT emphasizes the role of BAT in energy homeostasis and may help uncover treatment approaches for obesity.
Directionality and community‐level selection
Authors: Bunin Guy
Published: January 2021

Many ecological community dynamics display some degree of directionality, known as succession patterns. But complex interaction networks frequently tend to non‐directional dynamics such as chaos, unless additional structures or mechanisms impose some form of, often fragile or shot‐lived, directionality. We exhibit here a novel property of emergent long‐lasting directionality in competitive communities, which relies on very minimal assumptions.

We model communities where each species has a few strong competitive interactions, and many weak ones. We find that, at high enough diversity, the dynamics become directional, meaning that the community state can be characterized by a function that increases in time, which we call ‘maturity'. In the presence of noise, the community composition changes toward increasingly stable and productive states. This scenario occupies a middle ground between deterministic succession and purely random species associations: there are many overlapping stable states, with stochastic transitions, that are nevertheless biased in a particular direction. When a spatial dimension is added in the form of a meta‐community, higher‐maturity community states are able to expand in space, replacing others by (exact or approximate) copies of themselves. This leads to community‐level selection, with the same maturity function acting as fitness. Classic concepts from evolutionary dynamics provide a powerful analogy to understand this strictly ecological, community‐level phenomenon of emergent directionality.
Grazing and the vanishing complexity of plant association networks in grasslands
Authors: Génin Alexandre , Dutoit Thierry , Danet Alain , le Priol Alice , Kéfi Sonia
Published: January 2021

Interactions are key drivers of the functioning and fate of plant communities. A traditional way to measure them is to use pairwise experiments, but such experiments do not scale up to species‐rich communities. For those, using association networks based on spatial patterns may provide a more realistic approach. While this method has been successful in abiotically‐stressed environments (alpine and arid ecosystems), it is unclear how well it generalizes to other types of environments.

We help fill this knowledge gap by documenting how the structure of plant communities changes in a Mediterranean dry grassland grazed by sheep using plant spatial association networks. We investigated how the structure of these networks changed with grazing intensity to show the effect of biotic disturbance on community structure.

We found that these grazed grassland communities were mostly dominated by negative associations, suggesting a dominance of interference over facilitation regardless of the disturbance level. The topology of the networks revealed that the number of associations were not evenly‐distributed across species, but rather that a small subset of species established most negative associations under low grazing conditions. All these aspects of spatial organization vanished under high level of grazing as association networks became more similar to null expectations.

Our study shows that grazed herbaceous plant communities display a highly non‐random organization that responds strongly to disturbance and can be measured through association networks. This approach thus appears insightful to test general hypotheses about plant communities, and in particular understand how anthropogenic perturbations affect the organization of ecological communities.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE? – VIOLENT CONFLICT IN FUNNEL‐BEAKER SOCIETIES
Authors: Horn Christian
Published: January 2021

The archaeology of warfare and violent conflict has made many advances over the past three decades. However, the Funnel‐beaker Culture (TRB) is mostly absent from these discussions and the presence of warriors is assigned to the succeeding periods. This contribution takes a new look at a conspicuous object from northern TRB contexts: the so‐called thick flint points or halberds (dan. dolkstaver). Their functionality as a specialized weapon is discussed through their use wear, contexts and European comparisons. Afterwards the evidence for violent conflict in the region is explored thematically, including paleo‐demography, victims, enemies, and fortifications. Based on this it is argued that warfare existed during the TRB culture and that warriors may emerge in a society that seems of a largely egalitarian structure.
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and allergen immunotherapy: Lights and shadows
Authors: Votto Martina , De Filippo Maria , Caminiti Lucia , Carella Francesco , de Castro Giovanna , Landi Massimo , Olcese Roberta , Vernich Mario , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Ciprandi Giorgio , Barberi Salvatore
Published: January 2021

Allergic diseases, such as IgE‐mediated food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, are relevant health problems worldwide and show an increasing prevalence. Therapies for food allergies are food avoidance and the prompt administration of intramuscular epinephrine in anaphylaxis occurring after accidental exposure. However, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is being investigated as a new potential tool for treating severe food allergies. Effective oral immunotherapy (OIT) and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) induce desensitization and restore immune tolerance to the causal allergen. While immediate side effects are well known, the long‐term effects of food AIT are still underestimated. In this regard, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), mainly eosinophilic esophagitis, have been reported as putative complications of OIT for food allergy and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for allergic asthma and rhinitis. Fortunately, these complications are usually reversible and the patient recovers after AIT discontinuation. This review summarizes current knowledge on the possible causative link between eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and AIT, highlighting recent evidence and controversies.
Positional outflow obstruction as a cause of early refractory ascites post–pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Janwadkar Aashika , Nagral Aabha , Marar Shaji , Sonavane Amey , Raut Vikram , Vasanth Suresh , Mirza Darius
Published: January 2021

Refractory ascites post–liver transplantation can be a challenging problem. Causes of refractory ascites include venous outflow anastomotic stenosis, vessel kinking by the regenerating liver, pre‐existing graft disease, and positional outflow obstruction. We present a case report of a child presenting with high drain output and refractory ascites post–LDLT secondary to a positional kinking. Repeating the Doppler studies with patients both supine and sitting may be helpful.
Granadaene Photobleaching Reduces the Virulence and Increases Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Jusuf Sebastian , Dong Pu‐Ting , Hui Jie , Ulloa Erlinda R. , Liu George Y. , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: January 2021

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is increasingly recognized as a major cause of soft tissue and invasive diseases in the elderly and diabetic populations. Antibiotics like penicillin are used with great frequency to treat these infections, although antimicrobial resistance is increasing among GBS strains and underlines a need for alternative methods not reliant on traditional antibiotics. GBS granadaene pigment is related to the hemolysin/cytolysin of GBS, which is critical for the pathogenesis of GBS diseases. Here, we show that photobleaching granadaene dampens the hemolytic activity of GBS. Furthermore, photobleaching of this antioxidant was found to increase GBS susceptibility to killing by reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with light was also shown to affect GBS membrane permeability and contribute to increased susceptibility to the cell membrane‐targeting antibiotic daptomycin. Overall, our study demonstrates dual effects of photobleaching on the virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility of GBS and suggests a novel approach for the treatment of GBS infection.
B cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement: A clinicopathological study of 13 cases
Authors: Zhou Luting , Gu Bin , Shen Xia , Binshen Ouyang , Dong Lei , Zhou Jun , Yi Hongmei , Wang Chaofu
Published: January 2021

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) rearrangement is commonly detected in patients with a range of lymphoproliferative malignancies, including myelomas, large B cell lymphomas and low‐grade B cell neoplasms. However, IRF4 rearrangement is generally a relatively rare finding in these latter two cancer types. In the present article, we describe and summarize the clinicopathological and genetic features of 13 cases of B cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, including 12 cases of large B cell lymphoma and one case of low‐grade lymphoma exhibiting such rearrangement. These cases were detected in six females and seven males between 14 and 71 years of age. From a morphological perspective, large B cell lymphoma tumors included in this analysis exhibited large neoplastic cells in diffuse or follicular patterns, while the case of low‐grade lymphoma mainly composed of small lymphocytes. All analyzed cases exhibited a split in the IRF4 gene consistent with IRF4 translocation. Three of six analyzed large B cell lymphoma cases harbored IGLL5 mutations. Mutations in SAMHD1 were detected in the low‐grade lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement case. In summary, our results offer further insight into the morphological and molecular heterogeneity of cases of B cell lymphoma exhibiting IRF4 rearrangements.
In from the cold: M‐protein light chain glycosylation is positively associated with cold agglutinin titer levels
Authors: Juskewitch Justin E. , Murray Josiah D. , Norgan Andrew P. , Moldenhauer Sheila K. , Tauscher Craig D. , Jacob Eapen K. , Murray David L.
Published: January 2021

Background

Primary cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a monoclonal antibody (M‐protein) and complement‐mediated chronic hemolytic disease process. Antibody glycosylation can play a role in both antibody half‐life and complement fixation. Recently, M‐protein light chain (LC) glycosylation has been shown to be associated with AL amyloidosis. We hypothesized that M‐protein LC glycosylation is also associated with cold agglutinin (CA) titers and CA‐mediated hemolysis.

Study Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study of patients undergoing CA titer evaluation underwent mass spectrometric analysis for M‐proteins and M‐protein LC glycosylation. A subset of serum samples also underwent evaluation for the ability to trigger cold hemolysis in vitro. M‐protein and M‐protein LC glycosylation rates were compared across CA titer groups, clinical diagnosis, direct antiglobulin testing (DAT) results, and cold in vitro hemolysis rates.

Results

Both M‐protein and M‐protein LC glycosylation rates significantly differed across CA titer groups with the highest rates in those with elevated CA titers. M‐protein LC glycosylation occurred almost exclusively on IgM kappa M‐proteins and was significantly associated with positive DAT results and a clinical diagnosis of CAD. Cold in vitro hemolysis was demonstrated in two patients who both had a CA titer of more than 512 but there was no significant association with CA titer group or M‐protein LC glycosylation status.

Conclusion

M‐protein LC glycosylation is significantly associated with higher CA titer levels. Given the role that antibody glycosylation can play in antibody half‐life and complement fixation, further studies are needed to clarify the effects of LC glycosylation within the context of CAD.
Literacia em Saúde e o Autocuidado e Autocontrolo no Idoso com Diabetes Tipo 2
Authors: Rua Castro Maria Edite , Soares Salete
Published: January 2021

Introdução. A diabetes como doença crónica, representa um grave problema de saúde pública a nível mundial, pela sua incidência, e pela elevada taxa de morbilidade e mortalidade com fortes repercussões na vida das pessoas. Objetivo. Conhecer efeito de programa de educação para a saúde sobre o conhecimento da diabetes, capacitação para o autocuidado e literacia em saúde no idoso diabético. Método. Estudo quasi-experimental de grupo único, com amostra de 40 participantes diabéticos tipo 2, com 65 ou mais anos de idade, autónomos. Instrumentos: Questionário Sociodemográfico e Clínico; Questionário de Avaliação de Conhecimentos (DKQ-24) (α = 0.83); Escala Atividades de Autocuidado com a Diabetes (α = 0.62); Questionário Literacia Newest Vital Sign (α = 0.76). Realizou-se uma análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados. Diferenças estatisticamente significativas no conhecimento sobre diabetes entre o 1º e 2º momento de avaliação. Nas atividades de autocuidado com a diabetes encontramos diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas atividades Alimentação, Alimentação Específica e Cuidados com os Pés. A literacia em saúde, na 1ª avaliação, situou-se a um nível de alta probabilidade de literacia limitada e após intervenção evoluiu positivamente, demonstrando um aumento do nível de literacia. Conclusão. Este estudo comprovou a importância dos programas de educação para a saúde como uma ferramenta potente para a capacitação da pessoa diabética. Verificou-se que o nível de conhecimentos sobre a doença na pessoa diabética tipo 2 com mais de 65 anos aumentou de forma significativa, e interferiu positivamente na capacitação do diabético idoso para a gestão das atividades de autocuidado aumentando o nível de literacia em saúde.
Palpation Sensitivity of an Embedded Nodule Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Mukherjee Abhishek , Gupta Abhishek , Sen Shamik , Yan Wenyi , Saigal Anil , Singh Ramesh K.
Published: January 2021

A physician palpates a tissue to detect an embedded tumor nodule by sensing an increase in local tissue stiffness and nodule size. The Hertz contact model, however, is unable to predict the material or physical properties of a tumor nodule embedded in a healthy tissue of finite thickness. In this study, utilizing a hyperelastic material model, we propose a general methodology to analyze the extent to which the stiffness, size, and depth of a nodule embedded in a tissue affect its detectability. Using dimensional analysis, we generate simple power-law relations to predict physical and material properties of tumor nodules embedded in healthy tissue during indentation. Our results indicate that indenter radius and indentation depth are critical parameters in nodule detection and a thin indenter and large indentation depth increase detection sensitivity of an embedded tumor nodule. Our results also show that anisotropic material properties of either a tissue or an embedded nodule render the embedded tumor nodule undetectable using indentation. We define palpation sensitivity maps that can be used to predict material and physical properties of tumor nodules in healthy tissues. The analysis and results presented in this study might increase accuracy and precision in instrumented probe-based laparoscopic or robotic surgeries.
Dimensional Characterizations Using Scanning Electron Microscope and Surface Improvement With Electrochemical Polishing of Additively Manufactured Microchannels
Authors: Min Zheng , Wu Yingjie , Yang Kailai , Xu Jin , Parbat Sarwesh Narayan , Chyu Minking K.
Published: January 2021

Microchannel manufacturing is one of the fastest growing areas in advanced manufacturing with numerous applications, including turbine blade cooling structures, compact microchannel heat exchangers, and electronic cooling devices. Recent development of metallic additive manufacturing (AM) based on direct metal laser sintering technology is capable of fabricating microscale structures with high complexity and design flexibility. However, powder bed laser sintering process produces rough surface characteristics caused by hatch overlaps and particle attachments, leading to channel size reductions and rough surfaces. In this paper, dimensional metrology of cross-sectional views of multirow microchannels made by AM was conducted by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at different locations along the printing direction. Channel size reduction, surface roughness, and circularity tolerance of the as-printed channels were analyzed based on micrographs captured by SEM. Results showed that both channel sizes and hole pitches affected the printing qualities of microchannels. The as-printed channel sizes reduced by more than 15% compared to the designed values. Two approaches were made in this paper to improve printing qualities. The first one was to redesign channel size in computer-aided design (CAD) model to make the as-printed channel sizes closer to the objective values. Electrochemical polishing (ECP) was then applied as a second way using sulfuric acid solutions. Surface roughness value was reduced by more than 40% after the ECP process.
Optimization of CO Turndown for an Axially Staged Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Rivera Jacob E. , Gordon Robert L. , Talei Mohsen , Bourque Gilles
Published: January 2021

This paper reports on an optimization study of the CO turndown behavior of an axially staged combustor, in the context of industrial gas turbines (GTs). The aim of this work is to assess the optimally achievable CO turndown behavior limit given system and operating characteristics, without considering flow-induced behaviors such as mixing quality and flame spatial characteristics. To that end, chemical reactor network (CRN) modeling is used to investigate the impact of various system and operating conditions on the exhaust CO emissions of each combustion stage, as well as at the combustor exit. Different combustor residence time combinations are explored to determine their contribution to the exhaust CO emissions. The two-stage combustor modeled in this study consists of a primary (Py) and a secondary (Sy) combustion stage, followed by a discharge nozzle (DN), which distributes the exhaust to the turbines. The Py is modeled using a freely propagating flame (FPF), with the exhaust gas extracted downstream of the flame front at a specific location corresponding to a specified residence time (tr). These exhaust gases are then mixed and combusted with fresh gases in the Sy, modeled by a perfectly stirred reactor (PSR) operating within a set tr. These combined gases then flow into the DN, which is modeled by a plug flow reactor (PFR) that cools the gas to varying combustor exit temperatures within a constrained tr. Together, these form a simplified CRN model of a two-stage, dry-low emissions (DLEs) combustion system. Using this CRN model, the impact of the tr distribution between the Py, Sy, and DN is explored. A parametric study is conducted to determine how inlet pressure (Pin), inlet temperature (Tin), equivalence ratio (ϕ), and Py–Sy fuel split (FS), individually impact indicative CO turndown behavior. Their coupling throughout engine load is then investigated using a model combustor, and its effect on CO turndown is explored. Thus, this aims to deduce the fundamental, chemically driven parameters considered to be most important for identifying the optimal CO turndown of GT combustors. In this work, a parametric study and a model combustor study are presented. The parametric study consists of changing a single parameter at a time, to observe the independent effect of this change and determine its contribution to CO turndown behavior. The model combustor study uses the same CRN, and varies the parameters simultaneously to mimic their change as an engine moves through its steady-state power curve. The latter study thus elucidates the difference in CO turndown behavior when all operating conditions are coupled, as they are in practical engines. The results of this study aim to demonstrate the parameters that are key for optimizing and improving CO turndown.
The Spinebot—A Robotic Device to Intraoperatively Quantify Spinal Stiffness
Authors: Büchler Philippe , Räber Jonas , Voumard Benjamin , Berger Steve , Bell Brett , Sutter Nino , Funariu Stefan , Hasler Carol , Studer Daniel
Published: January 2021

Degenerative spine problems and spinal deformities have high socio-economic impacts. Current surgical treatment is based on bony fusion that can reduce mobility and function. Precise descriptions of the biomechanics of normal, deformed, and degenerated spinal segments under in vivo conditions are needed to develop new approaches that preserve spine function. This study developed a system that intraoperatively measures the three-dimensional segmental stiffness of patient's spine. SpineBot, a parallel kinematic robot, was developed to transmit loads to adjacent vertebrae. A force/torque load cell mounted on the SpineBot measured the moment applied to the spinal segment and calculated segmental stiffnesses. The accuracy of SpineBot was characterized ex vivo by comparing its stiffness measurement of five ovine specimens to measurements obtained with a reference spinal testing system. The SpineBot can apply torques up to 10 N·m along all anatomical axes with a total range of motion of about 11.5 deg ± 0.5 deg in lateral bending, 4.5 deg ± 0.3 deg in flexion/extension, and 2.6 deg ± 0.5 deg in axial rotation. SpineBot's measurements are noisier than the reference system, but the correlation between SpineBot and reference measurements was high (R2 > 0.8). In conclusion, SpineBot's accuracy is comparable to that of current reference systems but can take intraoperative measurements. SpineBot can improve our understanding of spinal biomechanics in patients who have the pathology of interest, and take these measurements in the natural physiological environment, giving us information essential to developing new “nonfusion” products.
Research of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on Commercial Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection Engine With Intense Tumble Flow
Authors: Yin Congbo , Chen Quanwei , Zhang Zhendong , Zhu Haibing , Shen Kai
Published: January 2021

The application of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology on gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines can suppress knocking, reduce fuel consumption, and reduce NOx emissions. The effects of EGR with enhanced intake tumble flow, on the combustion phase, combustion duration, knock index and combustion cycle variation of the engine, were studied at two speeds of 1500 r/min and 2000 r/min from low to medium and to full load. The research shows that although the commercial engine has been well calibrated and optimized, the optimization of EGR and enhanced tumble flow together with the optimization of the ignition angle can improve the engine's economy and emission characteristics, while maintaining relatively fast burning speed and low combustion cycle variation. From medium to heavy load, the economy can be improved by 2.6–10%, and the minimum fuel consumption can be reduced to 213 g/kW. h. Under heavy load conditions (brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) more than 14 bars), power performance deteriorates due to insufficient boost performance. The 5–20% EGR rate brings 10% power loss. EGR combined with tumble intake has a significant effect on reducing the engine's NOx and CO, with average reductions of 60% and 22%, but HC increased by 32%.
Evaluation of Length Scales and Meshing Requirements for Resolving Two-Phase Flow Regime Transitions Using the Level Set Method
Authors: Zimmer Matthew D. , Bolotnov Igor A.
Published: January 2021

New criteria for fully resolving two-phase flow regime transitions using direct numerical simulation with the level set method for interface capturing are proposed. A series of flows chosen to capture small scale interface phenomena are simulated at different grid refinements. These cases include droplet deformation and breakup in a simple shear field, the thin film around a Taylor bubble, and the rise of a bubble toward a free surface. These cases cover the major small scale phenomena observed in two-phase flows: internal recirculation, interface curvature, interface snapping, flow of liquid in thin films, and drainage/snapping of thin films. The results from these simulations and their associated grid studies were used to develop new meshing requirements for simulation of two-phase flow using interface capturing methods, in particular the level set method. When applicable, the code used in this work, PHASTA, was compared to experiments in order to contribute to the ongoing validation process of the code. Results show that when the solver meets these criteria, with the exception of resolving the nanometer scale liquid film between coalescing bubbles, the code is capable of accurately simulating interface topology changes.
Assessment of testes with two-dimensional Shear Wave Elastography in patients with operated inguinal hernia
Authors: Durmaz Mehmet Sedat , Ates Fatih , Arslan Serdar , Kara Turgay , Durmaz Funda Gökgöz , Eryilmaz Mehmet Ali , Arslan Kemal
Published: January 2021

Aim: We compared the two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) values between the testes with same side operated inguinal hernia (IH) and the contralateral testes, as well as the testes of healthy volunteers without IH. Material and methods: A total of 189 participants (117 unilateral [117 testes] and 8 bilateral operated IH patients [16 testes] and 64 healthy volunteers [128 testes]), providing a total of 378 testicles, were investigated prospectively. All patients underwent B-mode ultrasonography (US) and 2D-SWE examinations. Operation type, the period between diagnosis and operation, the period since the operation, testes volumes, and 2D-SWE values were compared. Results: The B-mode US finding of the testes were normal in all participants. The mean testes’ volume of same side operated IH was significantly lower comparing to contralat-eral testes and the healthy group (p<0.001). The 2D-SWE values of the testes with same side operated IH were significantly higher comparing to the contralateral testes and the healthy group (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between 2D-SWE values and IH severity, as well as the duration of the hernia (p=0.001). There was no significant correlation between the IH severity and testes volume (p=0.285). No significant difference was found between the direct and indirect IH in terms of testicular volume and SWE values and between the duration of the hernia, the time after sugery, testicular volume and SWE values according to operation techniques(p>0.005). Conclusions: The 2D-SWE can be used as an effective imag-ing method to evaluate testicular stiffness with objective numerical values, to estimate the severity of histologic damage in patients with operated IH.
The utility of ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of the posterior ankle joint
Authors: Konarski Wojciech , Poboży Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Sprains are the most common injury of the ankle joint and the most common traumatic injury of the musculoskeletal system. Ultrasound (US) examination of the posterior ankle joint is a challenge for the examiner. This paper focuses on this difficult area and provides guidance on how to effectively perform US examination of the posterior ankle.
Gaze Accuracy Differences During Single-Leg Balance Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Bodkin Stephan G. , Hertel Jay , Hart Joseph M.
Published: January 2021

Context: Individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) demonstrate altered postural stability and functional movement patterns. It is hypothesized that individuals following ACLR may compensate with sensory adaptations with greater reliance on visual mechanisms during activities. It is unknown if visual compensatory strategies are implemented to maintain postural stability during functional tasks. Objective: To examine visual gaze accuracy during a single-leg balance task in individuals following ACLR compared with healthy, active controls. Design: Case control. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Participants: A total of 20 individuals (10 ACLR and 10 healthy controls) participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis: Visual gaze patterns were obtained during 20-second single-leg balance trials while participants were instructed to look at presented targets. During the Stationary Target Task, the visual target was presented in a central location for the duration of the trial. The Moving Target Task included a visual target that randomly moved to 1 of 9 target locations for a period of 2 seconds. Targets were stratified into superior, middle, and inferior levels for the Moving Target Task. Results: The Stationary Target Task demonstrated no differences in visual error between groups (P = .89). The Moving Target Task demonstrated a significant interaction between group and target level (F2,36 = 3.76, P = .033). Individuals following ACLR demonstrated greater visual error for the superior targets (ACLR = .70 [.44] m, healthy = .41 [.21] m, Cohen d = 0.83 [0.06 to 1.60]) and inferior targets (ACLR = .68 [.25] m, healthy = .33 [.16] m, Cohen d = 1.67 [0.81 to 2.52]). Conclusion: Individuals following ACLR demonstrate greater visual error during settings of high or low visual stimuli compared with healthy individuals to maintain single-limb postural stability. This population may rely on visual input to compensate for the somatosensory changes following injury.
A CRISPR-Cas autocatalysis-driven feedback amplification network for supersensitive DNA diagnostics
Authors: Shi Kai , Xie Shiyi , Tian Renyun , Wang Shuo , Lu Qin , Gao Denghui , Lei Chunyang , Zhu Haizhen , Nie Zhou
Published: January 2021

A CRISPR-Cas–driven positive feedback circuit with exponential dynamic enables ultrasensitive detection of genomic DNA.
A thermal activated and differential self-calibrated flexible epidermal biomicrofluidic device for wearable accurate blood glucose monitoring
Authors: Pu Zhihua , Zhang Xingguo , Yu Haixia , Tu Jiaan , Chen Hailong , Liu Yuncong , Su Xiao , Wang Ridong , Zhang Lei , Li Dachao
Published: January 2021

A self-calibrated flexible epidermal biomicrofluidic device is proposed for wearable accurate blood glucose monitoring.
The keratin network of intermediate filaments regulates keratinocyte rigidity sensing and nuclear mechanotransduction
Authors: Laly Ana C. , Sliogeryte Kristina , Pundel Oscar J. , Ross Rosie , Keeling Michael C. , Avisetti Deepa , Waseem Ahmad , Gavara Núria , Connelly John T.
Published: January 2021

Keratin defects associated with blistering skin diseases alter force transmission to the nucleus.
Decoding the multicellular ecosystem of lung adenocarcinoma manifested as pulmonary subsolid nodules by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Xing Xudong , Yang Fan , Huang Qi , Guo Haifa , Li Jiawei , Qiu Mantang , Bai Fan , Wang Jun
Published: January 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as radiological subsolid nodules has distinct cell composition within its tumor microenvironment.
A synthetic mechanogenetic gene circuit for autonomous drug delivery in engineered tissues
Authors: Nims Robert J. , Pferdehirt Lara , Ho Noelani B. , Savadipour Alireza , Lorentz Jeremiah , Sohi Sima , Kassab Jordan , Ross Alison K. , O’Conor Christopher J. , Liedtke Wolfgang B. , Zhang Bo , McNulty Amy L. , Guilak Farshid
Published: January 2021

A mechanogenetic system was developed using a synthetic gene circuit to produce biologic drugs in response to mechanical loading.
Moonstruck sleep: Synchronization of human sleep with the moon cycle under field conditions
Authors: Casiraghi Leandro , Spiousas Ignacio , Dunster Gideon P. , McGlothlen Kaitlyn , Fernández-Duque Eduardo , Valeggia Claudia , de la Iglesia Horacio O.
Published: January 2021

Sleep is delayed and shortened preceding the full moon phase, both in absence of electric light and in modern urban societies.
A chimeric antigen receptor with antigen-independent OX40 signaling mediates potent antitumor activity
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Li Fanlin , Cao Jiang , Wang Xin , Cheng Hai , Qi Kunming , Wang Gang , Xu Kailin , Zheng Junnian , Fu Yang-Xin , Yang Xuanming
Published: January 2021

Integrating full-length OX40 boosts the antitumor activity of CAR-T cells.
Heterologous Expression of
ethA
and
katG
in Mycobacterium marinum Enables the Rapid Identification of New Prodrugs Active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ho Vien Q. T. , Verboom Theo , Rong Mark K. , Habjan Eva , Bitter Wilbert , Speer Alexander
Published: January 2021

Screening strategies for antituberculosis compounds using
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
are time consuming and require biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facilities, which makes the development of high-throughput assays difficult and expensive.
Mycobacterium marinum
, a close genetic relative of
M. tuberculosis
, possesses several advantages as a suitable model for tuberculosis drug screening. However, despite the high genetic similarity, there are some obvious differences in susceptibility to some tuberculosis drugs between these two species, especially for the prodrugs ethionamide and isoniazid.
Pooling of Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples To Overcome a Global Shortage of Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR COVID-19 Test Kits
Authors: More Sunil , Narayanan Sai , Patil Girish , Ghosh Parna , Pushparaj Samuel , Cooper Emily , Ritchey Jerry , Cheruvu Vinay K. , Kaul Anil , Ramachandran Akhilesh
Published: January 2021

The global outbreak and rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created an urgent need for large-scale testing of populations. There is a demand for high-throughput testing protocols that can be used for efficient and rapid testing of clinical specimens. We evaluated a pooled PCR protocol for testing nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs using known positive/negative and untested clinical samples that were assigned to pools of 5 or 10.
Genome Sequencing of a Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Isolate from Iraq
Authors: Al-Rashedi Nihad A. M. , Licastro Danilo , Rajasekharan Sreejith , Dal Monego Simeone , Marcello Alessandro , Munahi Murad G. , Odda Basel Saber , Alabdali Yasir Adil Jabbar , ALObaidi Laith A. H. , Jasim Ali , Abdulzahra Ibrahem A. , Kadhim Karar , Awad Ali , Bachay Mohamed
Published: January 2021

The coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain isolated from an Iraqi patient was sequenced for the first-time using Illumina MiSeq technology. There was a D614G mutation in the spike protein-coding sequence. This report is valuable for better understanding the spread of the virus in Iraq.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acholeplasma laidlawii Isolated from the Conjunctiva of a Heifer with Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Gioia Gloria , Addis Maria F. , Goodman Laura B. , Mitchell Patrick K. , Thompson Belinda , Goodrich Erin , Moroni Paolo
Published: January 2021

Acholeplasma laidlawii
can be isolated from cattle environments and different body sites of bovines. It is still under evaluation if
A. laidlawii
acts as a primary pathogen. Here, we present the whole-genome sequence of
A. laidlawii
isolated from the conjunctiva of a heifer with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.
Targeted Conservative Cointegrate Formation Mediated by IS
26
Family Members Requires Sequence Identity at the Reacting End
Authors: Harmer Christopher J. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: January 2021

The IS
26
family includes the ISs that are commonly found associated with antibiotic resistance genes in multiply resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. IS
26
is most prevalent in Gram-negative species and can generate the clusters of antibiotic resistance genes interspersed with directly oriented IS
26
seen in multiply resistant pathogens.
Lung aspergilloma with pituitary invasive aspergillosis presenting as headache and hyponatraemia
Authors: Choi Eunho , Kim Sun Bean , Kim Jong Hun , Yoon Young Kyung
Published: January 2021

Fungal infections involving the pituitary gland are rare and can be life threatening. A 75-year-old man with hypertension and diabetes mellitus presented with headache and hyponatraemia. Imaging study showed right upper lung mass, and mass resection showed aspergilloma without tissue invasion on histology. The patient developed visual impairment a few weeks later, and MRI of the brain revealed bilateral sphenoid sinusitis and pituitary invasion. The trans-sphenoidal biopsy confirmed invasiveAspergillusinfection. His sphenoidal sinuses were endoscopically debrided, and he was treated with oral voriconazole. Pituitary aspergillosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with lung aspergilloma with headache and sinusitis. Prompt biopsy and antifungal treatment are important due to the high mortality rate of the infection.
Spontaneous subcapsular and perirenal haemorrhage with retroperitoneal haematoma in a patient with ovarian melanoma metastases
Authors: Malmusi Stefania , Airoud Mirvana , Bellafronte Manuela , Galassi Maria Cristina
Published: January 2021

A 47-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic for intensive pain in the left flank region. The transvaginal ultrasound showed a left adnexal solid mass with ascites. She had undergone surgical removal of skin melanoma in 2008, but in September 2019, intracardiac metastasis resulting from it had been discovered. CT performed in March 2020 had been negative for other metastases. A full abdomen ultrasound was not performed. During the night, the patient began to show signs and symptoms of hypovolaemic shock. The patient was urgently transferred to the operating room for a video laparoscopy. A vast left retroperitoneal haematoma was diagnosed along with voluminous enlargement of the left ovary. We proceeded with a left adnexectomy and blood transfusion. Subsequent contrast-enhanced CT revealed a left subcapsular, perirenal haematoma and a voluminous retroperitoneal haematoma. Kidney metastasis was also seen. The final histological diagnosis was metastatic amelanotic malignant melanoma of the ovary.
Effects of modified lipoproteins on human trophoblast cells: a role in pre-eclampsia in pregnancies complicated by diabetes
Authors: McLeese Rebecca Helen , Zhao Jiawu , Fu Dongxu , Yu Jeremy Y , Brazil Derek P , Lyons Timothy J
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is increased ~4-fold by maternal diabetes. Elevated plasma antiangiogenic factors, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG), precede PE onset. We investigated whether diabetes-related stresses, modified lipoproteins and elevated glucose enhance trophoblast sFLT-1 and sENG release and/or alter placental barrier function and whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is in placental tissue.

Research design and methods

HTR8/SVneo cells were exposed to ‘heavily-oxidized, glycated’ LDL (HOG-LDL) versus native LDL (N-LDL) (10–200 mg protein/L) for 24 hours ±pretreatment with glucose (30 mmol/L, 72 hours). Concentrations of sFLT-1 and sENG in supernatants (by ELISA) and expressions ofsFLT-1-I13andsFLT-1-E15Aisoforms,endoglin (ENG) andmatrix metalloproteinase-14(MMP-14; by RT-PCR) were quantified. For barrier studies, JAR cells were cultured in Transwell plates (12–14 days), then exposed to LDL. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured after 6, 12 and 24 hours. In placental sections from women with and without type 1 diabetes, immunostaining of apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB, a marker of LDL), Ox-LDL and lipoxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal was performed.

Results

HOG-LDL (50 mg/L) increased sFLT-1 (2.7-fold, p<0.01) and sENG (6.4-fold, p<0.001) in supernatants versus N-LDL. HOG-LDL increased expression ofsFLT-1-I13(twofold, p<0.05),sFLT-1-E15A(1.9-fold, p<0.05),ENG(1.6-fold, p<0.01) andMMP-14(1.8-fold, p<0.05) versus N-LDL. High glucose did not by itself alter sFLT-1 or sENG concentrations, but potentiated effects of HOG-LDL on sFLT-1 by 1.5-fold (p<0.05) and on sENG by 1.8-fold (p<0.01). HOG-LDL (200 mg/L) induced trophoblast barrier impairment, decreasing TEER at 6 hours (p<0.01), 12 hours (p<0.01) and 24 hours (p<0.05) versus N-LDL. Immunostaining of term placental samples from women both with and without diabetes revealed presence of intravillous modified lipoproteins.

Conclusion

These findings may explain, in part, the high risk for PE in women with diabetes. The trophoblast culture model has potential for evaluating novel therapies targeting barrier dysfunction.