bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sapwood mycobiome varies across host, plant compartment and environments in Nothofagus forests from Northern Patagonia
Authors: Molina Lucía , Rajchenberg Mario , de Errasti Andrés , Vogel Braian , Coetzee Martin P. A. , Aime Mary Catherine , Pildain María Belén
Published: November 2022

Global forests are increasingly being threatened by altered climatic conditions and increased attacks by pests and pathogens. The complex ecological interactions among pathogens, microbial communities, tree hosts and the environment are important drivers of forest dynamics. Little is known about the ecology of forest pathology and related microbial communities in temperate forests of the southern hemisphere. In this study, we used next‐generation sequencing to characterize sapwood‐inhabiting fungal communities in North Patagonian Nothofagus forests and assessed patterns of diversity of taxa and ecological guilds across climatic, site and host variables (health condition and compartment) as a contribution to Nothofagus autecology. The diversity patterns inferred through the metabarcoding analysis were similar to those obtained through culture‐dependent approaches. However, we detected additional heterogeneity and greater richness with culture‐free methods. Host species was the strongest driver of fungal community structure and composition, while host health status was the weakest. The relative impacts of site, season, plant compartment and health status were different for each tree species; these differences can be interpreted as a matter of water availability. For Nothofagus dombeyi, which is distributed across a wide range of climatic conditions, site was the strongest driver of community composition. The microbiome of N. pumilio varied more with season and temperature, a relevant factor for forest conservation in the present climate change scenario. Both species carry a number of potential fungal pathogens in their sapwood, whether they exhibit symptoms or not. Our results provide insight into the diversity of fungi associated with the complex pathobiome of the dominant Nothofagus species in southern South America.
Discontinuation and reduction of asthma medications after metabolic and bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Luyu , Chandrasekhar Aparajita , DeSantis Stacia M. , Almandoz Jaime P. , de la Cruz‐Muñoz Nestor , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: November 2022

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a safe and effective treatment option for obesity. Weight reduction via MBS, in turn, may improve asthma outcomes and decrease the need for asthma medications. The aim of the systematic review and meta‐analysis is to explore the available evidence focused on the impact of MBS on the improvement of asthma outcomes via the discontinuation and reduction of asthma medications. After a comprehensive search in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases, 15 studies, including pre–post MBS data on asthma medication use among adults, were eligible for the systematic review. Thirteen studies reported the proportion of patient who discontinued asthma medication post‐MBS and was meta‐analyzed using random effects. Results showed 54% patients completely discontinued asthma medications (95% confidence interval 42%–67%, I2 = 86.2%, p < 0.001). The average number of asthma medications was also decreased by approximately 22%–46%. MBS provides strong therapeutic benefits for patients with asthma, as evidenced by the complete discontinuation of asthma medications in over 50% of MBS completers. The inference was limited by the small number, variations in follow‐up time and rates, and heterogeneity of studies. Studies that include more ethnically diverse participant samples are needed to improve generalizability.
Not all durations of preheart transplant mechanical ventilation portend inferior post‐transplant survival in children
Authors: Greenberg Jason W. , Kulshrestha Kevin , Dani Alia , Winlaw David S. , Lehenbauer David G. , Chin Clifford , Lorts Angela , Gist Katja M. , Zafar Farhan , Morales David L. S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Mechanical ventilation prior to pediatric heart transplantation predicts inferior post‐transplant survival, but the impact of ventilation duration on survival is unclear.

Methods

Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing and Pediatric Health Information System were used to identify pediatric (<18 years) heart transplant recipients from 2003 to 2020. Patients ventilated pretransplant were first compared to no ventilation, then ventilation durations were compared across quartiles of ventilation (≤1 week, 8 days–5 weeks, >5 weeks).

Results

At transplant, 11% (511/4506) of patients required ventilation. Ventilated patients were younger, had more congenital heart disease, more urgent listing‐status, and greater rates of nephropathy, TPN‐dependence, and inotrope and ECMO requirements (p < .001 for all). Post‐transplant, previously ventilated patients experienced longer ventilation durations, ICU and hospital stays, and inferior survival (all p < .001). Hospital outcomes and survival worsened with longer pretransplant ventilation. One‐year and overall survival were similar between the no‐ventilation and ≤1 week groups (p = .703 & p = .433, respectively) but were significantly worse for ventilation durations >1 week (p < .001). On multivariable analysis, ventilation ≤1 week did not predict mortality (HR 0.98 [95% CI 0.85–1.43]), whereas ventilation >1 week did (HR: 1.18 [1.01–1.39]).

Conclusions

Longer pretransplant ventilation portends worse outcomes, although only ventilation >1 week predicts mortality. These findings can inform pretransplant prognostication.
Aiding coastal wetland restoration via the belowground soil microbiome: an overview
Authors: Birnbaum Christina , Trevathan‐Tackett Stacey M.
Published: November 2022

The United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration was announced in 2021 to highlight the need for collective efforts to revive degraded ecosystems. Plant above‐ and belowground microbiomes are fundamental to plant health and ecosystem functioning. Plant aboveground microbiomes have received considerably more attention than the belowground microbiome, especially in the context of coastal plant restoration. Thus, there is fundamental gap in our understanding of the role belowground microbiomes play in restoration success in saltmarsh and mangrove ecosystems. Here, we outline potential pathways and challenges associated with including the belowground microbiome in mangrove and saltmarsh restoration via a conceptual framework and an overview of current literature. We highlight the large gap of knowledge that exists in plant–microbe literature as it pertains to coastal restoration warranting future research. More research is needed to significantly advance both fundamental and applied knowledge through better understanding of the importance of coastal microbiomes to restoration success by stakeholders and funding bodies.
The impact of Nepal's earthquake on the health status of rural children
Authors: Pun Khusiman , Villa Kira , Fontenla Matías
Published: November 2022

We study the impact of Nepal's 2015 earthquake on the health status of children aged 0–5 years. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach we find that the earthquake decreased height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) and that this effect is largely driven by females, who experienced an average decline of −0.763 standard deviations in their HAZ. Further, we find that females in the 0–3 years age group and in the least wealthy households are the most vulnerable. This is particularly unfortunate, as the first 3 years of life can impact long‐term health and well‐being, and female undernutrition contributes to the intergenerational transmission of poverty and ill health.
Exploring social exclusion: Where we are and where We're going
Authors: Wesselmann Eric D. , Bradley Eboni , Taggart Rachel S. , Williams Kipling D.
Published: November 2022

Humans naturally have an orientation toward forging social connections, and they suffer both physically and psychologically when denied those connections. Individuals can be denied a sense of social connection in various ways, sometimes via direct negative attention (e.g., rejection) or other times by complete inattention (e.g., ostracism). These diverse experiences can be considered types of social exclusion, broadly defined as being kept apart from others physically or emotionally. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the empirical literature on social exclusion. Then we highlight new areas of research that provide future opportunities to help the literature continue to mature and interface with other research areas, both within psychology and beyond.
“Analytical,” “Angry,” and “(Too) Honest”?! Learners' Stereotypes about Teachers of German
Authors: Rothe Lucian
Published: November 2022

This study investigated stereotypes about teachers of German that 67 novice learners of German at a U.S. university had reportedly encountered. Consequently, the investigation explored the perceived accuracy of clichés associated with native‐speaker and non‐native‐speaker instructors. Students' stereotypical notions were sorted into categories using principles of grounded theory. Statistical analyses showed that respondents were able to list various stereotypes about instructors of German. Responses also reflected societal narratives concerning native‐speaker and non‐native‐speaker teachers' strengths and shortcomings. Last, and of importance to the future of German Studies, participants considered more favorable stereotypes about teachers as more accurate and less‐favorable clichés as more inaccurate. The study discusses implications for teaching, program advertisement, and research on how learners' imagined construct of the language classroom community may benefit the study of German.
Symbolic Competence and Race in “Gute Menschen”: Teaching About Racism in Germany Through a Hip‐Hop Music Video
Authors: Chen Yannleon
Published: November 2022

This observational study examines the use of the German hip‐hop music video, “Gute Menschen” by the band OK KID (2015), as a basis for developing students' symbolic competence regarding contemporary discourse on racism in Germany. Based on earlier investigations (Putnam, 2006; Sosulski, 2013), this article advocates for the use of German music videos to develop students' abilities to decode multimodal symbols (i.e., visual, musical, and lyrical symbols) individually and holistically. Existing research supports the use of target language music videos in beginner‐ and intermediate‐level lessons because of their affective and aesthetic properties (Gullete et al., 2016; Kaiser, 2011; Schier, 2014; Spinner, 2008). Prompted by the lack of adequate discourse on racial and cultural diversity in many widely used textbooks (Ilett, 2009; Risager, 2006), and in the specific German curriculum (at an R1 university located in the Southwest) circa 2019, this project offers an example of internet‐accessible realia that directly addresses discourse on racism in Germany. Resulting findings and discussions are based on students' written assignments from two third‐semester German classes. The results demonstrate that conversations about racism can be successfully taught in beginner‐ and intermediate‐level curricula.
Comparative evaluation of selected serum and urine biomarkers in cats with interstitial and bacterial cystitis
Authors: Gülersoy Erdem , Maden Mehmet , Parlak Tuğba Melike , Sayin Zafer
Published: November 2022

Background

Although feline urine is increasingly submitted for bacterial culture and susceptibility testing in veterinary practice, bacterial cystitis (BC) is relatively uncommon compared with feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), which shares similar clinical manifestations. Therefore, an investigation of certain urothelial (glycosaminoglycan [GAG], tissue inhibition metalloproteinase‐2 [TIMP‐2]), cytokine (interleukin 12 [IL‐12]), and neurotrophic factor (nerve growth factor [NGF]) markers may aid diagnosis.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of selected serum/urine biomarkers in the diagnosis of cats with FIC and BC.

Methods

Twelve healthy cats (Control group) and 24 cats with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) were used, and the cats with FLUTD were divided into FIC and BC groups.

Results

When comparing the three groups, serum GAG, IL‐12, NGF, and TIMP‐2 concentrations were highest in the FIC group; urine GAG, IL‐12, NGF, and TIMP‐2 concentrations were higher in the FIC and BC groups than those in the Control group. Serum NGF concentrations were higher in the FIC group than in all other groups. Also, serum GAG, IL‐12, NGF, and TIMP‐2 concentrations were found to be effective in the differential diagnosis of FIC vs BC.

Conclusions

We showed that serum NGF is a candidate biomarker that could be used in the diagnosis and differentiation of FIC. Urine GAG, IL‐12, NGF, and TIMP‐2 concentrations might be helpful in determining urinary bladder inflammation and/or damage in cats with FIC and BC. ROC analyses revealed that serum and urine biomarkers were effective for diagnosing FIC and that serum biomarkers rather than urine biomarkers were effective for the differential diagnosis of FIC and feline BC.
Bundles in advanced EAL authors’ articles: How do they compare with world Englishes practices?
Authors: Hyland Ken , Jiang Feng (Kevin)
Published: November 2022

With increasing numbers of scholars from around the world now engaged in international publishing to further their careers, many authors for whom English is not their first language worry about the acceptability of their language to journal editors. In this article we explore this issue by focusing on a key component of fluent academic writing: the high frequency fixed‐word collocations known as lexical bundles, strings which are ‘glued together’ and help characterize smooth production. Here we compare their use in the pre‐submission drafts of authors with different first languages with published papers in leading international journals. Our results suggest that language background certainly contributes to the differences between our EAL texts and published papers, but that seniority and discipline also significantly impact these language choices.
Dialogar con autores: construir una voz propia en textos universitarios desde la lectura
Authors: Torres Perdigón Andrea , Moreno Rodríguez Diana Carolina , Carrera Silva Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2022

Este libro plantea algunas respuestas desde dos procesos que se relacionan con la lectura: el diálogo con autores y la construcción de una voz propia. Por esto, propone ejercicios para desarrollar estos procesos desde la especi¬cidad de tres grandes bloques disciplinares: las humanidades y artes, las ingenierías y ciencias naturales, y las ciencias sociales. Esto permite entender la escritura dentro de la universidad como una habilidad esencial y valiosa que facilita y potencia compartir ideas, plasmar opiniones, redactar argumentos y crear conocimiento.
Thermomechanical Constitutive Models of Shape Memory Polymers and Their Composites
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Liwu , Lan Xin , Leng Jinsong , Liu Yanju
Published: November 2022

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and SMP composites (SMPCs) have been widely employed in several fields and exhibit excellent self-actuation, deformation, and self-adaption. Establishing reasonable constitutive models is vital for understanding the shape memory mechanism and expanding its applications. Moreover, the mechanical response of SMPs under different conditions can be predicted, facilitating their precise control. The internal mechanism for the shape memory behavior in most SMPs is thermal actuation. This study reviews the theories of thermally actuated SMPs, rheological and phase transition concept models, and models combining the rheology and phase transition concepts. Furthermore, the constitutive models of particulate-reinforced SMPCs, carbon-fiber-reinforced SMPCs, and the buckling behavior of SMPCs are summarized. This study is expected to help solve the remaining issues rapidly and contribute to the establishment of rational constitutive models for SMPs and SMPCs.
Systematic Assessment of Prosthesis Stiffness on User Biomechanics Using the Lower Leg Trajectory Error Framework and Its Implication for the Design and Evaluation of Ankle-Foot Prostheses
Authors: Prost Victor , Johnson W. Brett , Kent Jenny A. , Major Matthew J. , Winter Amos G.
Published: November 2022

Advances in understanding the effects the mechanical characteristics of prosthetic feet on user biomechanics have enabled passive prostheses to improve the walking pattern of people with lower limb amputation. However, there is no consensus on the design methodology and criteria required to maximize specific user outcomes and fully restore their mobility. The Lower Leg Trajectory Error (LLTE) framework is a novel design methodology based on the replication of lower leg dynamics. The LLTE value evaluates how closely a prosthetic foot replicates a target walking pattern. Designing a prosthesis that minimizes the LLTE value, optimizes its mechanical function to enable users to best replicate the target lower leg trajectory. Here, we conducted a systematic sensitivity investigation of LLTE-optimized prostheses. Five people with unilateral transtibial amputation walked overground at self-selected speeds using five prototype energy storage and return feet with varying LLTE values. The prototypes' LLTE values were varied by changing the stiffness of the participant's LLTE-optimized design by 60%, 80%, 120%, and 167%. Users most closely replicated the target able-bodied walking pattern with the LLTE-optimized stiffness, experimentally demonstrating that the predicted optimum was a true optimum. Additionally, the predicted LLTE values were correlated to the user's ability to replicate the target walking pattern, user preferences, and clinical outcomes including roll-over geometries, trunk sway, prosthetic energy return, and peak push-off power. This study further validates the use of the LLTE framework as a predictive and quantitative tool for designing and evaluating prosthetic feet.
Application of Artificial Neural Network to Nucleic Acid Analysis: Accurate Discrimination for Untypical Real-Time Fluorescence Curves With High Specificity and Sensitivity
Authors: Miao Guijun , Jiang Xiaodan , Tu Yunping , Zhang Lulu , Yu Duli , Qian Shizhi , Qiu Xianbo
Published: November 2022

As a division of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), convective PCR (CPCR) is able to achieve highly efficient thermal cycling based on free thermal convection with pseudo-isothermal heating, which could be beneficial to point-of-care (POC) nucleic acid analysis. Similar to traditional PCR or isothermal amplification, due to a couple of issues, e.g., reagent, primer design, reactor, reaction dynamics, amplification status, temperature and heating condition, and other reasons, in some cases of CPCR tests, untypical real-time fluorescence curves with positive or negative tests will show up. Especially, when parts of the characteristics between untypical low-positive and negative tests are mixed together, it is difficult to discriminate between them using traditional cycle threshold (Ct) value method. To handle this issue which may occur in CPCR, traditional PCR or isothermal amplification, as an example, instead of using complicated mathematical modeling and signal processing strategy, an artificial intelligence (AI) classification method with artificial neural network (ANN) modeling is developed to improve the accuracy of nucleic acid detection. It has been proven that both the detection specificity and sensitivity can be significantly improved even with a simple ANN model. It can be estimated that the developed method based on AI modeling can be adopted to solve similar problem with PCR or isothermal amplification methods.
Designing Cladded Components for High Temperature Nuclear Service: Part II—Design Rules
Authors: Barua B. , Messner M. C. , Jetter R. I. , Sham T.-L.
Published: November 2022

The challenge of using existing ASME Section III, Division 5, class A metallic materials for the construction of structural components of advanced reactors with corrosive coolants could be mitigated by allowing designers to use cladding to protect the base material from corrosion. However, the existing Section III, Division 5 rules provide no guidance on the evaluation of strain accumulation and creep-fatigue damage in cladded components. The availability of design rules for cladded components that do not require long-term clad material testing could promote the application of the cladding approach to accelerate the deployment schedule of these advanced reactor systems. To avoid long-term properties for the clad materials Part I of this work proposes two approximate design analysis methods for two types of clad materials—soft clads that creep much faster and have lower yield stress than the class A base material, and hard clads that creep much slower and have higher yield stress than the class A base material. The proposed analysis methods approximate the response of a soft clad by treating it as perfectly compliant and of a hard clad by treating it as linear elastic. Based on these approximate design analysis strategies this Part II develops a complete set of design rules for class A components cladded with either soft or hard clad materials. Part II discusses the reasoning behind the proposed design rules and uses example finite element analyses of representative reactor components to illustrate the use of these design methods.
Stability Characteristics of Planar Rivlin–Ericksen Fluid Interface With Mass and Heat Transfer
Authors: Shukla Atul Kumar , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

The interface of viscous-Rivlin-Ericksen fluids is analyzed through the linear theory of stability analysis when mass and heat is transferring across the interface. The Rivlin-Ericksen fluid lies in the upper region while the lower region of the interface contains viscous fluid. The gravitational acceleration destabilizes the top-heavy arrangement and interface instability is governed by Rayleigh–Taylor instability. The two-dimensional interface is considered, and the viscous potential flow theory is employed to establish the relationship between perturbation's growth and wave number. This relationship is analyzed, and the perturbation's growth is plotted for various flow parameters. A marginal stability condition is obtained, and it is given in terms of heat transport coefficient Λ and wave number. The marginal stability criterion is analyzed using the well-known Newton–Raphson method. The heat and mass transfer phenomenon drives the unstable interface toward stability. It is pointed out that the viscoelastic coefficient λo influences the interface to be stable while the thickness of the viscoelastic fluid makes the interface unstable. Atwood numbers and Weber numbers show destabilizing behavior.
Pullout Resistance of Beaded Fibers in a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Xu Min , Wagner H. Daniel , An Bingbing
Published: November 2022

Introducing beads on the fibers is a promising design, which can give rise to enhanced strength and toughness of polymer matrix composites. In this study, we propose a computational model for fracture of the composites with beaded fibers, in which fiber breakage, plastic deformation of polymer matrix, friction between the bead and matrix, geometric interlocking between the bead and matrix, and debonding of the fiber–matrix, bead–matrix and fiber–bead interfaces are accounted for; calculations are carried out for pullout of beadless and beaded fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. It is found that the strength and toughness of the beaded-fiber reinforced composites are controlled by the synergistic interactions of operative mechanisms involved in fiber pullout. Compared with beadless fibers, beaded fibers enable the development of lower levels of stresses at the fiber–matrix and bead–matrix interfaces, retarding interfacial debonding. The presence of beads activates large plastic deformation of the polymer matrix and promotes geometric interlocking and frictional dissipation, giving rise to the simultaneous improvement of strength and toughness of the composites. It is identified that the polymer matrix with enhanced strain hardening spreads plastic deformation in the matrix and promotes stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber, thereby amplifying strength and toughness simultaneously. The fibers–matrix interface with intermediate strength levels leads to weak pullout resistance. In addition, we show that the low coefficient of friction plays a crucial role in promoting stress transfer from the matrix to fiber, thereby increasing the pullout resistance of beaded fibers.
Theory-Aided Full Field Strain Measurement Method for the Accurate Characterization of Elastic Contact Deformation
Authors: Sun Chen , Zhang Shaokun , Lin Qianling , Chen Jubing
Published: November 2022

Accurate characterization of contact deformation is of great difficulty especially for the area close to the interface. In this work, a theory-aided strain measurement method by combining modeling and experimental identification is developed for the characterization of contact deformation. The method consists of three procedures including displacement measurement, mechanical modeling, and strain identification. The displacement measurement introduces a modified digital image correlation to acquire the displacement field. In mechanical modeling, a contact model is developed so the relationship between the interfacial stress and the displacement is formulated. Finally, the strain identification procedure is used to optimize the unknown parameters by matching the modeled displacement to the experimental data, and then reconstruct the strain field using the model and the optimal parameters. By developing a discrete interfacial stress model and strain reconstruction algorithm, the proposed method can sensitively identify the strain concentration in the contact vicinity. Both simulation and experiment are carried out, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is discussed in detail.
Compression of Fibrous Assemblies: Revisiting the Stress–Density Relation
Authors: Picu Catalin R. , Negi Vineet
Published: November 2022

Many engineering materials are made from fibers, and fibrous assemblies are often compacted during the fabrication process. Compression leads to the formation of contacts between fibers, and this causes stiffening. The relation between the uniaxial stress, S, and the volume fraction of fibers, φ, is of power law form. The derivation of this relation based on micromechanics considerations takes as input the structural evolution represented by the dependence of the mean segment length of the network, lc, on the current density, ρ (ρ is defined as the total length of fiber per unit volume of the network). In this work, we revisit this problem while considering that the mean segment length should be defined exclusively by fiber contacts that transmit load. We use numerical simulations of the compression of crimped fiber assemblies to show that, when using this definition, ρ∼1/lc2 at large enough strains. Purely geometric considerations require that ρ∼1/lc, and we observe that this applies in the early stages of compaction. In pre-stressed networks, the density–mean segment length scaling is of the form ρ∼1/lc2 at all strains. This has implications for the relation between stress and the fiber volume fraction. For both ρ versus lc scalings, S∼(φn−φ0n), where φ0 is the initial or reference fiber volume fraction; however, n = 3 when ρ∼1/lc and n = 2 for ρ∼1/lc2. These predictions are compared with experimental data from the literature.
The Role of Particle Size Distribution for Fluid Loss Materials on Formation of Filter-Cakes and Avoiding Formation Damage
Authors: Klungtvedt Karl Ronny , Saasen Arild
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies have shown that careful particle size selection is the main parameter for reducing fluid loss when drilling permeable or fractured formations. The methods are generally built around either the D50 or D90 values of the particles in the fluid as a relative size to the pore openings of the formation to minimize fluid loss. A series of studies were conducted with the aim of assessing if analysis of fluid loss could be used to separate the formation of internal and external filter-cakes, thereby enabling a more accurate estimate of the permeabilities of the internal and external filter-cakes. It was concluded that conventional particle size methods were found to be adequate for designing a fluid for wellbore stabilization purposes. This led to higher solids invasion and a more impermeable internal filter-cake. However, for optimization of reservoir drilling fluids, a different particle size selection method was found to be more useful to prevent reservoir formation damage. This method involves selecting particles that are resistant towards shear-degradation and with a D90 particle size ⪞3/2 the pore size of the formation. By analyzing fluid loss regression data and correlating these with indicators of formation damage, such as disc mass and permeability change, it was found that a ratio defined as the relative plugging factor could provide insight into the extent of solids invasion into the formation and potential formation damage.
Laser Com-Texture on Ti6Al4V Surface for Lubricant Transportation to Improve Tribological Properties
Authors: Liu Qi , Kouediatouka Ange Nsilani , Jiang Sen , Yuan Hengdi , Li Jing , Dong Guangneng
Published: November 2022

Artificial joint materials often wear out due to poor lubrication, affecting their service life. A compound texture (com-texture) was prepared, to improve the spreading of lubricant at the friction interface and reduce the friction and wear of artificial joint pairs UHMWPE and Ti6Al4V. The com-texture was divided into rough and smooth parts on the surface. The rough area was a hexagonal convex texture with a texture ratio of 66%, and it was covered with a recoagulated layer left by laser processing to absorb and transport lubricant to the friction interface. The smooth area was a convex texture with a texture ratio of 85%, which was the friction contact area. The texture morphology of the rough region was characterized by SEM and laser focusing microscope. It was found that the edge of the texture was covered with recondensed mountains after laser processing and corroded micro-nano pits, which helped to prepare super-hydrophilic surfaces. Besides, the flow law of simulated body fluid (SBF) on a textured surface was explored, and the motion process was recorded by a high-speed camera. The results showed that the com-texture could transport SBF to the friction region smoothly and quickly. The friction test results indicated that the structure had improved tribological properties.
Contactless interfacial rheology: Probing shear at liquid–liquid interfaces without an interfacial geometry via fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Muntz Iain , Richards James A. , Brown Sam , Schofield Andrew B. , Rey Marcel , Thijssen Job H. J.
Published: November 2022

Interfacial rheology is important for understanding properties such as Pickering emulsion or foam stability. Currently, the response is measured using a probe directly attached to the interface. This can both disturb the interface and is coupled to flow in the bulk phase, limiting its sensitivity. We have developed a contactless interfacial method to perform interfacial shear rheology on liquid/liquid interfaces with no tool attached directly to the interface. This is achieved by shearing one of the liquid phases and measuring the interfacial response via confocal microscopy. Using this method, we have measured steady shear material parameters such as interfacial elastic moduli for interfaces with solidlike behavior and interfacial viscosities for fluidlike interfaces. The accuracy of this method has been verified relative to a double-wall ring geometry. Moreover, using our contactless method, we are able to measure lower interfacial viscosities than those that have previously been reported using a double-wall ring geometry. A further advantage is the simultaneous combination of macroscopic rheological analysis with microscopic structural analysis. Our analysis directly visualizes how the interfacial response is strongly correlated to the particle surface coverage and their interfacial assembly. Furthermore, we capture the evolution and irreversible changes in the particle assembly that correspond with the rheological response to steady shear.
An orally active, small-molecule TNF inhibitor that disrupts the homotrimerization interface improves inflammatory arthritis in mice
Authors: Javaid Nasir , Patra Mahesh Chandra , Cho Da-Eun , Batool Maria , Kim Yoongeun , Choi Gwang Muk , Kim Moon Suk , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Choi Sangdun
Published: November 2022

Excessive signaling by the proinflammatory cytokine TNF is involved in several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, unlike the approved biologics currently used to treat this and other conditions, commercially available small-molecule inhibitors of TNF trimerization are cytotoxic or exhibit low potency. Here, we report a TNF-inhibitory molecule (TIM) that reduced TNF signaling in vitro and was an effective treatment in a mouse model of RA. The initial lead compound, TIM1, attenuated TNF-induced apoptosis of human and mouse cells by delaying the induction of proinflammatory NF-κB and MAPK signaling and caspase 3– and caspase 8–dependent apoptosis. TIM1 inhibited the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by disrupting TNF homotrimerization, thereby preventing its association with the TNF receptor. In a mouse model of collagen-induced polyarthritis, the more potent TIM1 analog TIM1c was orally bioavailable and reduced paw swelling, histological indicators of knee joint pathology, inflammatory infiltration of the joint, and the overall arthritis index. Orally delivered TIM1c showed immunological effects similar to those elicited by intraperitoneal injection of the FDA-approved TNF receptor decoy etanercept. Thus, TIM1c is a promising lead compound for the development of small-molecule therapies for the treatment of RA and other TNF-dependent systemic inflammation disorders.
An evolutionarily conserved coronin-dependent pathway defines cell population size
Authors: Ndinyanka Fabrice Tohnyui , Bianda Christelle , Zhang Haiyan , Jayachandran Rajesh , Ruer-Laventie Julie , Mori Mayumi , Moshous Despina , Fucile Geoffrey , Schmidt Alexander , Pieters Jean
Published: November 2022

Maintenance of cell population size is fundamental to the proper functioning of multicellular organisms. Here, we describe a cell-intrinsic cell density–sensing pathway that enabled T cells to reach and maintain an appropriate population size. This pathway operated “kin-to-kin” or between identical or similar T cell populations occupying a niche within a tissue or organ, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and blood. We showed that this pathway depended on the cell density–dependent abundance of the evolutionarily conserved protein coronin 1, which coordinated prosurvival signaling with the inhibition of cell death until the cell population reached threshold densities. At or above threshold densities, coronin 1 expression peaked and remained stable, thereby resulting in the initiation of apoptosis through kin-to-kin intercellular signaling to return the cell population to the appropriate cell density. This cell population size-controlling pathway was conserved from amoeba to humans, thus providing evidence for the existence of a coronin-regulated, evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which cells are informed of and coordinate their relative population size.
Genetic Diversity and Characterization of Circular Replication (Rep)-Encoding Single-Stranded (CRESS) DNA Viruses
Authors: Desingu Perumal Arumugam , Nagarajan K.
Published: November 2022

The genetic diversity of CRESS-DNA viruses is not fully understood. CRESS-DNA viruses are classified as CRESSV1 to CRESSV6 using only Rep protein.
Short-Term Tomato Consumption Alters the Pig Gut Microbiome toward a More Favorable Profile
Authors: Goggans Mallory L. , Bilbrey Emma A. , Quiroz-Moreno Cristian D. , Francis David M. , Jacobi Sheila K. , Kovac Jasna , Cooperstone Jessica L.
Published: November 2022

The composition of the microorganisms in the gut is a contributor to overall health, prompting the development of strategies to alter the microbiome composition. Studies have investigated the role of the diet on the microbiome, as it is a major modifiable risk factor contributing to health; however, little is known about the causal effects of consumption of specific foods on the gut microbiota.
Supplemental Material: Paleozoic vegetation increased fine sediment in fluvial and tidal channels: Evidence from secular changes to the mudrock content of ancient point bars
Authors: McMahon William , al. et
Published: November 2022

Methodology followed for the database construction and analysis, and Table S1 (reports of inclined heterolithic stratification) 
Supplemental Material: Late Miocene to recent tectonic evolution of the Macquarie Triple Junction
Authors: Gasperini Luca , al. et
Published: November 2022

Tectonic setting of the southwestern Pacific Ocean including kinematics data. 
Fifteen-minute consultation: Investigation and management of hypoglycaemia in the term-born infant
Authors: Cromb Daniel , Radomska Malgorzata , Thalange Nandu , Cawley Paul
Published: November 2022

Hypoglycaemia in term infants is very common. Deciding on appropriate investigations and management is often challenging. The aims of this article are to help with understanding when, how and why to investigate symptoms of hypoglycaemia in full-term infants (born ≥37 weeks’ gestational age).
Ethics of the algorithmic prediction of goal of care preferences: from theory to practice
Authors: Ferrario Andrea , Gloeckler Sophie , Biller-Andorno Nikola
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are quickly gaining ground in healthcare and clinical decision-making. However, it is still unclear in what way AI can or should support decision-making that is based on incapacitated patients’ values and goals of care, which often requires input from clinicians and loved ones. Although the use of algorithms to predict patients’ most likely preferred treatment has been discussed in the medical ethics literature, no example has been realised in clinical practice. This is due, arguably, to the lack of a structured approach to the epistemological, ethical and pragmatic challenges arising from the design and use of such algorithms. The present paper offers a new perspective on the problem by suggesting that preference predicting AIs be viewed as sociotechnical systems with distinctive life-cycles. We explore how both known and novel challenges map onto the different stages of development, highlighting interdisciplinary strategies for their resolution.
Clinicians’ criteria for fetal moral status: viability and relationality, not sentience
Authors: Campo-Engelstein Lisa , Andaya Elise
Published: November 2022

The antiabortion movement is increasingly using ostensibly scientific measurements such as ‘fetal heartbeat’ and ‘fetal pain’ to provide ‘objective’ evidence of the moral status of fetuses. However, there is little knowledge on how clinicians conceptualise and operationalise the moral status of fetuses. We interviewed obstetrician/gynaecologists and neonatologists on this topic since their practice regularly includes clinical management of entities of the same gestational age. Contrary to our expectations, there was consensus among clinicians about conceptions of moral status regardless of specialty. First, clinicians tended to take a gradualist approach to moral status during pregnancy as they developed and viewed viability, the ability to live outside of the uterus, as morally significant. Second, in contrast to ‘fetal pain’ laws and philosophical discussions about the ethical salience of sentience, the clinicians in our study did not consider the ability to feel pain as a morally relevant factor in moral status determinations. Third, during previability and perviability, clinicians viewed moral status as a personal value decision, which should be made by pregnant people and parents of neonates.
Reproduction misconceived: why there is no right to reproduce and the implications for ART access
Authors: Hall Georgina Antonia
Published: November 2022

Reproduction is broadly recognised as fundamental to human flourishing. The presumptive priority of reproductive freedom forms the predominant position in the literature, translating in the non-sexual reproductive realm as an almost inviolable right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART). This position largely condemns refusal or restriction of ART by clinicians or the state as discriminatory. In this paper, I critically analyse the moral rights individuals assert in reproductive pursuit to explore whether reproductive rights entitle hopeful parents to ART. I demonstrate that none of the protected actions performed, or entitlements generated are sui generis ‘reproductive’ rights, leading to the claim that there is no such thing as a right to reproduce. Under scrutiny, the reproductive right is a far narrower and weaker rights assertion than is recognised in the literature. I argue that the predominant position is grounded in a fundamental misunderstanding of the scope and strength of reproductive claims.

I also highlight a significant conceptual inconsistency in the literature. On one hand, there is broad consensus that reproductive rights are predominantly negative, yet access to fertility treatment is framed as a component of the right. This wrongly contorts the negative nature of reproductive rights into a positive claim-right to ART. I conclude that this mistakenly frames ART access as sitting within the scope of reproductive freedom. I offer a revised conceptual paradigm of reproductive rights that has important clinical and policy implications for the provision and regulation of ART.
Prospective validation of the 4C prognostic models for adults
hospitalised with COVID-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation
Protocol
Authors: Knight Stephen R , Gupta Rishi K , Ho Antonia , Pius Riinu , Buchan Iain , Carson Gail , Drake Thomas M , Dunning Jake , Fairfield Cameron J , Gamble Carrol , Green Christopher A , Halpin Sophie , Hardwick Hayley E , Holden Karl A , Horby Peter W , Jackson Clare , Mclean Kenneth A , Merson Laura , Nguyen-Van-Tam Jonathan S , Norman Lisa , Olliaro Piero L , Pritchard Mark G , Russell Clark D , Shaw Catherine A , Sheikh Aziz , Solomon Tom , Sudlow Cathie , Swann Olivia V , Turtle Lance C W , Openshaw Peter J M , Baillie J Kenneth , Docherty Annemarie , Semple Malcolm G , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Harrison Ewen M
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To prospectively validate two risk scores to predict mortality (4C
Mortality) and in-hospital deterioration (4C Deterioration) among adults
hospitalised with COVID-19.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of adults (age ≥18 years)
with confirmed or highly suspected COVID-19 recruited into the
International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infections
Consortium (ISARIC) WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK)
study in 306 hospitals across England, Scotland and Wales. Patients were
recruited between 27 August 2020 and 17 February 2021, with at least
4 weeks follow-up before final data extraction. The main outcome
measures were discrimination and calibration of models for in-hospital
deterioration (defined as any requirement of ventilatory support or
critical care, or death) and mortality, incorporating predefined
subgroups.

Results

76 588 participants were included, of whom 27 352 (37.4%)
deteriorated and 12 581 (17.4%) died. Both the 4C Mortality (0.78 (0.77
to 0.78)) and 4C Deterioration scores (pooled C-statistic 0.76 (95% CI
0.75 to 0.77)) demonstrated consistent discrimination across all nine
National Health Service regions, with similar performance metrics to the
original validation cohorts. Calibration remained stable (4C Mortality:
pooled slope 1.09, pooled calibration-in-the-large 0.12; 4C
Deterioration: 1.00, –0.04), with no need for temporal recalibration
during the second UK pandemic wave of hospital admissions.

Conclusion

Both 4C risk stratification models demonstrate consistent
performance to predict clinical deterioration and mortality in a large
prospective second wave validation cohort of UK patients. Despite recent
advances in the treatment and management of adults hospitalised with
COVID-19, both scores can continue to inform clinical decision
making.

Trial registration number

NCT66726260.
Drought-related changes in water quality surpass effects of experimental flows on trout growth downstream of Lake Powell reservoir
Authors: Korman Josh , Deemer Bridget R. , Yackulic Charles B. , Kennedy Theodore A. , Giardina Mariah
Published: November 2022

Flows released from reservoirs are often modified to mitigate the negative ecosystem effects of dams. We estimated the effects of two experimental flows, fall-timed floods and elimination of sub-daily variation in flows on weekends, on growth rates of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Colorado River downstream from Glen Canyon Dam. Experimental flow effects were compared to effects of water temperature, phosphorous concentration, solar insolation, and competition, by fitting mixed effect von Bertalanffy models to ∼ 10 000 observations of growth from mark-recapture between 2012 and 2021. There was strong support for models predicting faster growth during intervals with higher solar insolation, and lower water temperature and competition for prey. Effects of phosphorus and experimental flows were small and uncertain. Drought-related increases in dam release temperatures during summer and fall were predicted to result in severe weight loss for larger trout and could eventually threaten the viability of the population and the fishery it supports. The effects of water temperature and competition on fish growth substantially exceeded the effects of controlled floods and steadier flows.
A FRACTAL MODIFICATION OF THE UNSTEADY KORTEWEG–DE VRIES MODEL AND ITS GENERALIZED FRACTAL VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE AND DIVERSE EXACT SOLUTIONS
Authors: WANG KANG-JIA
Published: November 2022

Under this work, we derive a new fractal unsteady Korteweg–de Vries model which can model the shallow water with the non-smooth boundary. The generalized fractal variational principle is constructed by employing the semi-inverse method and the fractal two-scale transform. In addition, we also investigate the abundant exact solutions by means of the sub-equation method. The impact of the fractal orders on the behaviors of the solutions is also discussed in detail. The obtained variational principle reveals the energy form of the conservation laws in the fractal space, and the obtained solutions can help the researchers to study the properties of the fractal solitary wave in the extremely small scale of time and space.