bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The latitudinal gradient in rates of evolution for bird beaks, a species interaction trait
Authors: Freeman Benjamin G. , Weeks Thomas , Schluter Dolph , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: February 2022

Where is evolution fastest? The biotic interactions hypothesis proposes that greater species richness creates more ecological opportunity, driving faster evolution at low latitudes, whereas the ‘empty niches’ hypothesis proposes that ecological opportunity is greater where diversity is low, spurring faster evolution at high latitudes. We tested these contrasting predictions by analysing rates of beak evolution for a global dataset of 1141 avian sister species. Rates of beak size evolution are similar across latitudes, with some evidence that beak shape evolves faster in the temperate zone, consistent with the empty niches hypothesis. The empty niches hypothesis is further supported by a meta‐analysis showing that rates of trait evolution and recent speciation are generally faster in the temperate zone, whereas rates of molecular evolution are slightly faster in the tropics. Our results suggest that drivers of evolutionary diversification are either similar across latitudes or more potent in the temperate zone, thus calling into question multiple hypotheses that invoke faster tropical evolution to explain the latitudinal diversity gradient.
Global impacts of climate change on avian functional diversity
Authors: Stewart Peter S. , Voskamp Alke , Santini Luca , Biber Matthias F. , Devenish Adam J. M. , Hof Christian , Willis Stephen G. , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: February 2022

Climate change is predicted to drive geographical range shifts, leading to fluctuations in species richness (SR) worldwide. However, the effect of these changes on functional diversity (FD) remains unclear, in part because comprehensive species‐level trait data are generally lacking at global scales. Here, we use morphometric and ecological traits for 8268 bird species to estimate the impact of climate change on avian FD. We show that future bird assemblages are likely to undergo substantial shifts in trait structure, with a magnitude of change greater than predicted from SR alone, and a direction of change varying according to geographical location and trophic guild. For example, our models predict that FD of insect predators will increase at higher latitudes with concurrent losses at mid‐latitudes, whereas FD of seed dispersing birds will fluctuate across the tropics. Our findings highlight the potential for climate change to drive continental‐scale shifts in avian FD with implications for ecosystem function and resilience.
Mitigating coopetition tensions: The forgotten formation stage
Authors: Efrat Kalanit , Souchon Anne L. , Wald Andreas , Hughes Paul , Cai Jinqiu
Published: February 2022

Coopetition entails tensions inherent to collaboration with competitors. This paper focuses on the coopetition formation stage and its effects on the development of tensions. We performed interviews with executives of coopeting firms, create case studies of organizations that initiate and execute coopetition agreements for other firms, and then study firms engaged in mutual coopetition. While this study confirms previous findings that coopetition formation can be deliberate or emergent, it also reveals that the two approaches differ in strategy development patterns, which influence the type and intensity of tensions, as well as the scope and sustainability of the coopetition. The deliberate approach mainly includes tensions due to lack of trust, knowledge exposure and cultural gaps, and the scope and timeframe of the coopetition are clearly delimited. Previous acquaintance and existing trust correspond to a lower intensity of tensions for the emergent approach, and the scope and timeframe are open for extension.
Avian seed dispersal may be insufficient for plants to track future temperature change on tropical mountains
Authors: Nowak Larissa , Schleuning Matthias , Bender Irene M. A. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Dehling D. Matthias , Fritz Susanne A. , Kissling W. Daniel , Mueller Thomas , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Pigot Alex L. , Sorensen Marjorie C. , Donoso Isabel
Published: February 2022

Aim

Climate change causes shifts in species ranges globally. Terrestrial plant species often lag behind temperature shifts, and it is unclear to what extent animal‐dispersed plants can track climate change. Here, we estimate the ability of bird‐dispersed plant species to track future temperature change on a tropical mountain.

Location

Tropical elevational gradient (500–3500 m.a.s.l.) in the Manú biosphere reserve, Peru.

Time period

From 1960–1990 to 2061–2080.

Taxa

Fleshy‐fruited plants and avian frugivores.

Methods

Using simulations based on the functional traits of avian frugivores and fruiting plants, we quantified the number of long‐distance dispersal (LDD) events that woody plant species would require to track projected temperature shifts on a tropical mountain by the year 2070 under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios [representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5]. We applied this approach to 343 bird‐dispersed woody plant species.

Results

Our simulations revealed that bird‐dispersed plants differed in their climate‐tracking ability, with large‐fruited and canopy plants exhibiting a higher climate‐tracking ability. Our simulations also suggested that even under scenarios of strong and intermediate mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP 2.6 and 4.5), sufficient upslope dispersal would require several LDD events by 2070, which is unlikely for the majority of woody plant species. Furthermore, the ability of plant species to track future changes in temperature increased in simulations with a low degree of trait matching between plants and birds, suggesting that plants in generalized seed‐dispersal systems might be more resilient to climate change.

Main conclusion

Our study illustrates how the functional traits of plants and animals can inform predictive models of species dispersal and range shifts under climate change and suggests that the biodiversity of tropical mountain ecosystems is highly vulnerable to future warming. The increasing availability of functional trait data for plants and animals globally will allow parameterization of similar models for many other seed‐dispersal systems.
International spotlight on Botswana and local public opinion: Race factor in the murder trials of Ompatile Tswaipe, Clement Gofhamodimo and Mariette Bosch, 1978–2001
Authors: Makgala Christian John
Published: February 2022

This historical paper engages in a form of discourse analysis of international media reports on three murder trials in Botswana which involved a white person(s) as a victim or perpetrator. First, is the trial of Botswana Defence Force soldier, Sergeant Ompatile Tswaipe, after allegedly ordering his platoon to shoot three suspected white insurgents in the Tuli Block in 1978. Outrage and pressure from apartheid South African and British media and officialdom seems to have led to the prosecution of Tswaipe while public opinion in Botswana solidly stood behind him as a patriot. The second trial involved Clement Gofhamodimo in 1984 who had murdered and robbed a white Swiss tourist, and fled to the United States in 1978. The hierarchy at his alma mater, University of the District of Columbia, mobilized leading African‐American civil rights activists and tried to plead with President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to entreat President Quett Masire of Botswana for clemency. Finally, is the trial of Mariette Bosch, a South African white woman who murdered her South African lady friend in 1996 to marry her husband. While Bosch was on death row in 2001, there was a spirited campaign in some Western and South African quarters for her clemency by President Festus Mogae of Botswana while blacks on death row with her were ignored. The paper observes that the international media reports put Botswana's internationally acclaimed respect for the rule of law and observance of human rights on the spotlight which was challenged by the local public opinion.
The role of seasonality and disturbance in bee–plant interactions in semi‐arid communities of the southern Chihuahuan desert
Authors: Argueta‐Guzmán Magda , Golubov Jordan , Cano‐Santana Zenón , Ayala Ricardo
Published: February 2022

The maintenance of interactions between plants and their floral visitors depends on factors such as resource variability, seasonality, and population dynamics. Changes in water availability along with different types and levels of anthropogenic disturbance may influence how plants and pollinators interact, especially in arid environments.

In a semi‐arid area of the southernmost Chihuahuan Desert (Mexico), we surveyed bee–plant interactions in the dry and rainy season at sites that differed in disturbance type. We used a mutualistic network approach to analyse our data.

We collected 946 bee individuals belonging to 32 bee species, almost a third of the total richness previously reported for Querétaro state. We detected a strong impact of seasonality on the structure of ecological interactions, with more complex and robust interactions among bee and plant species in the rainy season.

We did not find statistical support for a relationship among disturbance, nestedness, or niche overlap. We did find disturbance negatively affected plant robustness to secondary extinctions.

Four plants: Echinocactus platyacanthus, Opuntia stenopetala, Senna wislizeni var. painteri and Cylindropuntia imbricata comprised the core species that were primarily responsible for the resilience of the bee communities. The following bees conformed the generalist core of species: Diadasia rinconis, Lasioglossum (Dialictus) sp. 1, Apis mellifera, and Augochlorella pomoniella.

Overall, network nestedness and robustness differed significantly between seasons but not among sites with different levels of disturbance.
A methodological framework for tackling confounding by indication when assessing the treatment effects of Chinese herbal injections in the real world
Authors: Tan Jing , Liu Chunrong , Li Mingxi , Shang Hongcai , Wang Wen , Li Ling , Xiong Yiquan , Huang Shiyao , Rao Chaolong , Luo Xiaochao , Qi Yana , Wang Jing , Zou Kang , Sun Xin
Published: February 2022

Aim

In the context of integrative medicine, whether Chinese herbal injections are effective in routine practice has become a question of broad interest. However, confounding by indication (i.e., indication bias) is a prevalent and highly challenging methodological issue when using routinely collected health care data to assess the real‐world effectiveness of Chinese herbal injections.

Methods and results

We proposed a methodological approach to tackling confounding by indication in assessing the real‐world effectiveness of Chinese herbal injections, incorporating empirical experiences, a literature review and interactive discussions, and a panel of external experts to finally achieve a consensus. This approach consisted of three cohesive steps, including a full understanding of treatment patterns, construction of fair comparisons by identifying appropriate combination treatments and comparators, and using statistical methods to further control for confounding. In the investigation of treatment patterns, we proposed five domains to identify treatment patterns with Chinese herbal injections, and we offered five patterns of combination treatments to characterize how Chinese herbal injections are used in conjunction with other treatments. In constructing fair comparisons, we suggested the use of both nonuse and active comparators; given the diverse combination treatments, we developed six scenarios that may form fair comparisons. In the statistical analysis, we discussed five statistical models for controlling confounding by indication, including their pros and cons. We also included a practical example to illustrate the usefulness of the methodological approach.

Conclusion

The proposed approach may serve as an effective tool to guide researchers to reliably assess the effectiveness of Chinese herbal injections in the context of integrative medicine.
Explanatory Cognitive Diagnostic Modeling Incorporating Response Times
Authors: Qiao Xin , Jiao Hong
Published: February 2022

This study proposes explanatory cognitive diagnostic model (CDM) jointly incorporating responses and response times (RTs) with the inclusion of item covariates related to both item responses and RTs. The joint modeling of item responses and RTs intends to provide more information for cognitive diagnosis while item covariates can be used to predict item parameters when item calibration is not feasible in diagnostic assessments or item parameter estimation errors could be too large due to small sample sizes for calibration. In addition, the inclusion of the item covariates allows the evaluation of cognitive theories underlying the test design in item development. Model parameter estimation is explored using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to examine the parameter recovery of the proposed model under different simulated conditions in comparison to alternative competing models. Further, the application of the proposed model is illustrated using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 problem‐solving items modeling both item response and RT data. The study results indicate that model parameters can be well recovered using the MCMC algorithm and the explanatory CDM jointly incorporating item responses and RTs with item covariates holds promising applications in digital‐based diagnostic assessments.
Starter feed for carnivorous species as a practical replacement of bloodworms for a vertebrate model organism in ageing, the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Žák Jakub , Roy Koushik , Dyková Iva , Mráz Jan , Reichard Martin
Published: February 2022

The absence of a controlled diet is unfortunate in a promising model organism for ageing, the turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri Jubb, 1971). Currently captive N. furzeri are fed bloodworms but it is not known whether this is an optimal diet. Replacing bloodworms with a practical dry feed would reduce diet variability. In the present study, we estimated the nutritional value of the diet ingested by wild fish and determined the fish‐body amino acid profile as a proxy for their nutritional requirements. We compared the performance of fish fed four commercial feeds containing 46%–64% protein to that achieved with bloodworms and that of wild fish. Wild fish target a high‐protein (60%) diet and this is supported by their superior performance on high‐protein diets in captivity. In contrast, feeds for omnivores led to slower growth, lower fecundity and unnatural liver size. In comparison to wild fish, a bloodworm diet led to lower body condition, overfeeding and male liver enlargement. Out of the four dry feeds tested, the fish fed Aller matched wild fish in body condition and liver size, and was comparable to bloodworms in terms of growth and fecundity. A starter feed for carnivorous species appears to be a practical replacement for bloodworms for N. furzeri. The use of dry feeds improved performance in comparison to bloodworms and thus may contribute to reducing response variability and improving research reproducibility in N. furzeri research.
The normative dimensions of flood risk management: Two types of flood harm
Authors: Chan Jeffrey Kok Hui , Liao Kuei‐Hsien
Published: February 2022

The normative dimensions of flood harm in flood risk management (FRM) have become salient in a milieu of extreme flood events. In this article, two types of flood harm will be discussed. They are namely, risk harm and outcome harm. Whilst risk harm suggests that risk imposition by structural FRM measures is a type of harm that can increase vulnerability and diminish well‐being, outcome harm is manifested in deliberate flooding used to protect certain privileged communities at the expense of harming other less privileged ones. Risk‐imposing parties are required to seek consent for imposing new risks. In contrast, outcome harm as deliberate flooding is far more pernicious and should only be exercised in extreme situations with ample provisions for restitution and recovery. The aim of this article is to foreground and examine these under‐explored notions of flood harm in the FRM discourse and in tandem, to expand the normative dimensions of FRM in a milieu where difficult ethical choices abound.
Geriatric vulnerability and the burden of disability after major surgery
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Murphy Terrence E. , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Leo‐Summers Linda , Becher Robert D.
Published: February 2022

Background

Strong epidemiologic evidence linking indicators of geriatric vulnerability to long‐term functional outcomes after major surgery is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between geriatric vulnerability and the burden of disability after hospital discharge for major surgery.

Methods

From a prospective longitudinal study of 754 nondisabled community‐living persons, aged 70 years or older, 327 admissions for major surgery were identified from 247 participants who were discharged from the hospital from March 1997 to December 2017. The indicators of geriatric vulnerability were ascertained immediately prior to the major surgery or during the prior comprehensive assessment, which was completed every 18 months. Disability in 13 essential, instrumental and mobility activities was assessed each month.

Results

The burden of disability over the 6 months after major surgery was considerably greater for non‐elective than elective surgery. In multivariable analysis, 10 factors were independently associated with disability burden: age 85 years or older, female sex, Black race or Hispanic ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, one or more disabilities, low functional self‐efficacy, smoking, and obesity. The burden of disability increased with each additional vulnerability factor, with mean values (credible intervals) increasing from 1.6 (1.4–1.9) disabilities for 0–1 vulnerability factors to 6.6 (6.0–7.2) disabilities for 7 or more vulnerability factors. The corresponding values were 1.2 (0.9–1.5) and 5.9 (5.0–6.7) disabilities for elective surgery and 2.6 (2.1–3.1) and 8.2 (7.3–9.2) disabilities for non‐elective surgery.

Conclusions

The burden of disability after hospital discharge for major surgery increases progressively as the number of geriatric vulnerability factors increases. These factors can be used to identify older persons who are particularly susceptible to poor functional outcomes after major surgery, and a subset may be amenable to intervention, including frailty, low functional self‐efficacy, smoking, and obesity.
Neuroimaging features of angiocentric glioma: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Kurokawa Ryo , Baba Akira , Emile Pinarbasi , Kurokawa Mariko , Ota Yoshiaki , Kim John , Capizzano Aristides , Srinivasan Ashok , Moritani Toshio
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose

Angiocentric gliomas (AGs) are epileptogenic low‐grade gliomas in young patients. We aimed to investigate the MRI findings of AGs and systematically review previous publications and three new cases.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Elsevier's abstract and citation database, and Embase databases and included 50 patients with pathologically proven AGs with analyzable preoperative MRI including 3 patients from our institution and 47 patients from 38 publications (median age, 13 years [range, 2‐83 years]; 35 men). Two board‐certified radiologists reviewed all images. The relationships between seizure/epilepsy history and MRI findings were statistically analyzed. Moreover, clinical and imaging differences were evaluated between supratentorial and brainstem AGs.

Results

Intratumoral T1‐weighted high‐intensity areas, stalk‐like signs, and regional brain parenchymal atrophy were observed in 23 out of 50 (46.0%), 10 out of 50 (20.0%), and 14 out of 50 (28.0%) patients, respectively. Intratumoral T1‐weighted high‐intensity areas were observed significantly more frequently in patients with stalk‐like signs (positive, 9/10 vs. negative, 14/40, p = .0031) and regional atrophy (13/14 vs. 10/36, p = .0001). There were significant relationships between the length of seizure/epilepsy history and presence of intratumoral T1‐weighted high‐intensity area (median 3 years vs. 0.5 years, p = .0021), stalk‐like sign (13.5 vs. 1 year, p < .0001), and regional atrophy (14 vs. 0.5 years, p < .0001). Patients with brainstem AGs (n = 7) did not have a seizure/epilepsy history and were significantly younger than those with supratentorial AGs (median, 5 vs. 13 years, p < .0001, respectively).

Conclusions

Intratumoral T1‐weighted high‐intensity areas, stalk‐like signs, and regional brain atrophy were frequent imaging features in AG. We also found that affected age was different between supratentorial and brainstem AGs.
Retinoid signaling regulates angiogenesis and blood‐retinal barrier integrity in neonatal mouse retina
Authors: Engelbrecht Eric , Metzler Melissa A. , Sandell Lisa L.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The neonatal mouse retina is a well‐characterized experimental model for investigating factors impacting retinal angiogenesis and inner blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) integrity. Retinoic acid (RA) is an essential signaling molecule. RA is needed for vasculogenic development in embryos and endothelial barrier integrity in zebrafish retina and adult mouse brain; however, the function of this signaling molecule in developing mammalian retinal vasculature remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of RA signaling in angiogenesis and inner BRB integrity in mouse neonatal retina.

Methods

RA distribution in the developing neurovascular retina was assessed in mice carrying an RA‐responsive transgene. RA function in retinal angiogenesis was determined by treating C57BL/6 neonatal pups with a pharmacological inhibitor of RA signaling BMS493 or control vehicle. BRB integrity assessed by monitoring leakage of injected tracer into extravascular retinal tissue.

Results

RA signaling activity is present in peripheral astrocytes in domains corresponding to RA activity of the underlying neural retina. RA inhibition impaired retinal angiogenesis and reduced endothelial cell proliferation. RA inhibition also compromised BRB integrity. Vascular leakage was not associated with altered expression of CLDN5, PLVAP, LEF1, or VEcad.

Conclusions

RA signaling is needed for angiogenesis and integrity of the BRB in the neonatal mouse retina.
Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the submandibular gland: A retrospective analysis of 86 patients
Authors: Liu Shengwen , Lu Hao , Liu Limin , Wu Yifan , Zhu Yun , Xu Wanlin , Yang Wenjun , Zhang Chenping
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic and locoregional metastatic features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of submandibular gland (SMG‐CXPA) and improve the understanding of this uncommon condition.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who were diagnosed with SMG‐CXPA. The survival data of SMG‐CXPA patients were statistically analyzed using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier method. The associations between cervical metastasis and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated using chi‐squared test. Additionally, two different histological categories (histological grade and invasiveness) and their combination were evaluated with the Kaplan–Meier method and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

In total, 86 patients were diagnosed: 38 clinically node‐negative, 31 pathologically node‐negative, and 17 node‐positive patients. Clinical tumor stage and histological grade were two independent prognostic factors for SMG‐CXPA. There were significant correlations between sex, tumor size, clinical tumor stage, clinical lymph node stage, histological grade, invasiveness, malignant components, perineural invasion, and no specific criteria exist for the clinical outcome.

Conclusion

SMG‐CXPA is a high‐grade malignancy with an unfavorable prognosis. Elective neck dissection should be performed in SMG‐CXPA patients with a risk of locoregional metastasis. Histological grade seems to be a more valuable predictor of lymph node involvement than invasiveness.
Non‐Anatomical Arthroscopic All‐Inside Repair of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear to Posterior Cruciate Ligament for Patients with Normal Lower Limb Alignment
Authors: Jiang Jun , Xing Dan , Ni Lei , Chen Jian
Published: February 2022

Objective

To describe a non‐anatomical arthroscopic all‐inside repair of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) to posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) technique for patients with normal lower limb alignment and to evaluate the short‐term clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Methods

MMPRT directly to PCL was repaired with all‐inside horizontal mattress suturing technique rather than by the transtibial pullout suture technique or anchor suturing repair technique in 20 Laparade Type II MMPRT patients with normal lower limb alignment during 2018–2019. The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated retrospectively for at least 2 years follow‐up. The VAS score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow‐up. The status of the medial meniscus posterior root were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively and at the final follow‐up.

Results

Twenty patients (mean age 54.5 ± 19.5 years) were included in the present study. The mean follow‐up duration was 32.5 ± 5.8 months. The VAS score was significantly decreased from preoperative 6.5 ± 1.5 to 2.1 ± 1.4 at the final follow‐up (P < 0.01). The mean Lysholm score was significantly improved from 43.7 ± 10.9 preoperatively to 85.7 ± 10.8 (P < 0.01). The median Tegner activity score was improved from 1.0 (range 1–4) to 3.0 (range 2–4, P < 0.01). On MRI, a total of 12 cases (60%) had complete healing, while eight cases (40%) had partial healing.

Conclusion

Non‐anatomical arthroscopic all‐inside repair of MMPRT to PCL may yield beneficial clinical outcomes and a higher rate of clinical healing in Type II MMPRT patients with normal lower limb alignment. It is an easy and reliable alternative technique to the transtibial pullout suture or anchor suture repair technique.
Abscisic acid‐induced cytoplasmic translocation of constitutive photomorphogenic 1 enhances reactive oxygen species accumulation through the HY5‐ABI5 pathway to modulate seed germination
Authors: Chen Qing‐Bin , Wang Wen‐Jing , Zhang Yue , Zhan Qi‐Di , Liu Kang , Botella José Ramón , Bai Ling , Song Chun‐Peng
Published: February 2022

Seed germination is a physiological process regulated by multiple factors. Abscisic acid (ABA) can inhibit seed germination to improve seedling survival under conditions of abiotic stress, and this process is often regulated by light signals. Constitutive photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) is an upstream core repressor of light signals and is involved in several ABA responses. Here, we demonstrate that COP1 is a negative regulator of the ABA‐mediated inhibition of seed germination. Disruption of COP1 enhanced Arabidopsis seed sensitivity to ABA and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In seeds, ABA induced the translocation of COP1 to the cytoplasm, resulting in enhanced ABA‐induced ROS levels. Genetic evidence indicated that HY5 and ABI5 act downstream of COP1 in the ABA‐mediated inhibition of seed germination. ABA‐induced COP1 cytoplasmic localization increased HY5 and ABI5 protein levels in the nucleus, leading to increased expression of ABI5 target genes and ROS levels in seeds. Together, our results reveal that ABA‐induced cytoplasmic translocation of COP1 activates the HY5‐ABI5 pathway to promote the expression of ABA‐responsive genes and the accumulation of ROS during ABA‐mediated inhibition of seed germination. These findings enhance the role of COP1 in the ABA signal transduction pathway.
Clinical utility of abdominal multidetector CT in 85 goats with suspected abdominal disease
Authors: Stieger‐Vanegas Susanne M. , Caldwell Laurel , Vanegas Jorge A. , McKenzie Erica , Johns Jennifer
Published: February 2022

Diagnosing the cause of abdominal disease in goats can be challenging. Clinical history, physical investigation, and laboratory findings do not always allow definitive identification of intra‐abdominal disease or the underlying cause. Multidetector CT (MDCT) has become more readily available and now often replaces or augments other abdominal imaging techniques. The objective of this retrospective, observational, descriptive study was to investigate the clinical utility of MDCT for evaluation of the abdomen in goats with suspected abdominal disease involving the urinary, gastrointestinal, reproductive tracts and abdominal wall. Medical records (1/2009–12/2017) were reviewed for all goats undergoing an abdominal MDCT. Signalment, clinical history, examination and MDCT findings and outcome were recorded and categorized by abdominal organ system and wall lesion. Clinical problems and MDCT findings were compared in the various abdominal categories. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic odds ratio (OR) were calculated for MDCT, using clinical examination findings as the reference standard. A total of 85 goats underwent an abdominal MDCT examination. The sensitivity of MDCT for detecting urinary, gastrointestinal, reproductive tract, and abdominal wall abnormalities in goats with clinical problems related to these body systems was high at 94.7 %, 78.3%, 94.1%, and 100%, and the specificity was high at 95.6%, 96.7%, 93.9%, and 100%, respectively. The PPV was 94.7%, 90.0 %, 80.0%, and 100.0%, the NPV was 95.6%, 92.1%, 98.4%, and 100%, and the OR were 387.0, 104.4, 248.0, and infinite. In conclusion, findings supported the use of MDCT as an adjunct diagnostic test for assessing goats with abdominal disease.
Evidence of a decrease in sales of antimicrobials of very high importance for humans in dairy herds after a new regulation restricting their use in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Millar Nikky , Aenishaenslin Cécile , Lardé Hélène , Roy Jean‐Philippe , Fourichon Christine , Francoz David , Paradis Marie‐Ève , Dufour Simon
Published: February 2022

In the province of Quebec, Canada, a new regulation restricting usage of antimicrobials of very high importance for human health (Health Canada: category 1 antimicrobials) in production animals is effective since February 2019. The objective of this study was to estimate changes in AM sales in dairy herds after the implementation of the regulation. Therefore, invoice data were extracted from veterinary software, Vet‐Expert, used by most dairy veterinarians in the province of Quebec, and antimicrobial quantities were transformed in Canadian defined course doses for cattle (DCDbovCA). The sum of antimicrobials sales monthly in each herd was estimated in DCDbovCA from June 2016 to May 2020. To evaluate the herd‐level change in AM sales and the impact of different factors, the number of DCDbovCA by herd from June 2017 to May 2018 (pre‐regulation period) were compared with those of June 2019 to May 2020 (post‐regulation period). Total category 1 AM sales of 3,569 Quebec's herds went from a range of 14,258 to 21,528 DCDbovCA/month to a range of 1,494 to 4,707 DCDbovCA/month after the implementation of the new regulation. Moreover, using data from 3,337 herds, we estimated a mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in 19 DCDbovCA/herd‐year (14.8, 24.2), while the pre‐regulation herd‐level category 1 AM sales was 26 DCDbovCA/herd‐year. This reduction was achieved without evidence of an increase in other antimicrobials. Finally, the veterinary facility associated with the herd was an important determinant of the herd‐level reduction in category 1 antimicrobials. This study was the first to quantify a significant reduction in category 1 AM sales following the implementation of a restrictive regulation in dairy production in Canada. These results demonstrate that such an approach is effective to reduce the sales of a specific category of antimicrobial in animal production.
Arterial stiffness and blood pressure are similar in naturally menstruating and oral contraceptive pill‐using women during the higher hormone phases
Authors: Eagan Lauren E. , Chesney Catalina A. , Mascone Sara E. , Ranadive Sushant M.
Published: February 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are there differences in blood pressure, arterial stiffness and indices of pressure waveforms between young oral contraceptive pill‐using and naturally menstruating women during lower and higher hormone phases of their cycles?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and indices of pressure waveforms are influenced similarly by exogenous and endogenous hormones. However, lower levels of exogenous hormones moderately increase blood pressure among oral contraceptive pill‐using women.

Elevations in blood pressure (BP) are understood as having a bidirectional relationship with stiffening of central and peripheral arteries. Arterial stiffness is mitigated by oestrogen, which aides in arterial vasorelaxation. To evaluate whether BP, stiffness, and pressure waveforms were different between young healthy naturally menstruating (non‐OCP) and oral contraceptive pill (OCP)‐using women, we measured brachial and aortic BPs, carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid β‐stiffness, elastic modulus, central augmentation index and augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm, and forward and backward pressure waveforms in 22 women (22 (1) years, OCP: n = 12). To assess phasic differences, women were studied during the early follicular (≤5 days of menstruation onset) and early luteal (4 (2) days post‐ovulation) phases of non‐OCP and compared to the placebo pill (≤5 days of onset) and active pill (≤5 days of highest‐dose active pill) phases of OCP. During the lower hormone phases, OCP users had significantly higher brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) (119.3 (8.3) vs. 110.2 (8.3) mmHg, P = 0.02) and aortic SBP (104.10 (7.44) vs. 96.80 (6.39) mmHg, P = 0.03) as compared to non‐OCP users; however, during the higher hormone phases, there were no differences in measures of brachial or aortic BP, arterial stiffness, or indices of BP waveforms between OCP and non‐OCP users (P ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, exogenous and endogenous hormones have similar influences on BP and arterial stiffness; however, lower levels of exogenous hormones augment both central and peripheral BPs.
Análisis de la traducción de םִיָנְ בָ א y תֺיוָח en Ex 1,15-22 en versiones antiguas y modernas. Aproximación lingüística, recepción y traducción
Authors: Mela Facundo
Published: February 2022

En Ex 1,15-22 se narra el enfrentamiento entre el faraón y las parteras Sifrá y Puá por el don de la descendencia. El monarca ordena asesinar a los varones hebreos recién nacidos y las valientes comadronas desobedecen. En esta perícopa aparecen los términos de םִיָנְ בָ א (Ex 1,16) y תֺיוָח) Ex 1,19), ambos fundamentales en la construcción de los diálogos entre el rey y las parteras.El faraón dictamina matar a los varones y dejar con vida a las niñas hebreas en el parto, ordenando mirar םִיָנְ בָ אָה para determinar el sexo de los recién nacidos. El término utilizado no posee un significado claro en ese contexto, por lo cual ha recibido distintos intentos de explicación a lo largo de la historia.Luego, cuando el monarca reclama a las parteras que su orden no ha sido cumplida, estas responden: “Las mujeres hebreas no son como las egipcias; son más תֺיוָח) “Ex 1,19). El adjetivo que describe a las hebreas posee diferentes matices referidos a la fortaleza, la vitalidad y la animalidad, los cuales han influido en las distintas traducciones e interpretaciones. El siguiente estudio lleva a cabo una aproximación lingüística de ambos términos, analizando las opciones hechas por los traductores, tanto antiguos como modernos, con una particular atención a las realizadas en lengua española: y presenta después la recepción de los mismos en diversas obras y su papel en la construcción de la trama narrativa.
Identifying the Effect of PWHT on Strength of Laser Beam Welding Joints of AA2024 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Rajendran C. , Ben Ruben R. , Ashokavarthanan P. , Mallieswaran K.
Published: February 2022

The corrosion-resistant and strength-to-weight ratios are the primary factors in high-strength aluminum alloy. Hence, the AA2024 alloy is a possible candidate in the critical structural fabrication industry. The traditional joining method is ineffective for welding aluminum alloys. Higher melting point and temperature variations cause alloy isolation; porosity and hot cracking are caused by melting point variations. As a result, to fabricate joints, a light heat source laser beam was used. The weaker area of most fusion-welded joints was the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The post-weld heat treatment was used at HAZ to improve the properties. According to the experimental findings, the joint welded with solution treatment and artificial aging had a maximum tensile strength of 358 MPa. Re-precipitation of precipitates may accomplish in HAZ.
Influence of the Tool Wear on the Quality and Service Life of Gears for the Geared Turbofan Technology Machined by Five-Axis Milling
Authors: Zachert Christoph , Lakner Thomas , Greschert René , Schraknepper Daniel , Bergs Thomas
Published: February 2022

The geared turbofan technology is one essential way to reduce the fuel consumption, the environmental footprint, and the noise pollution of civil aircrafts. An added gearbox between the fan and the low-pressure compressor that reduces the fan speed, which allows higher bypass ratios, achieves the mentioned benefits of geared turbofans. To withstand the high mechanical loads, large double helical gears are used. Gear hobbing and gear grinding require large tool maneuvering spaces. This leads to a larger required space between the single gears of the double helical gear. As a result, the gears are larger and heavier, which lead to a reduced economy of the aircraft. The tool maneuvering space of five-axis milling with solid carbide end mills is much smaller. This enables the design of smaller, lighter, and more efficient aircraft engines. However, manufacturing these gears in tolerances better than IT5 is very challenging on five-axis milling machine tools. This paper presents investigations about finish machining of hardened gears on five-axis machine tools. In the investigations performed, varying tool substrates and tool coatings have been investigated together with tool travel paths in order to reduce the tool wear, which is key to achieve the demanded tolerances. Finally, the five-axis milled gears were compared to conventionally manufactured gears on test benches to enable statements regarding the expectable service lives of the manufactured gears.
Agreement Between Two Methods for Computing the Anterior–Posterior Positions of Native Femoral Condyles Using Three-Dimensional Bone Models With and Without Articular Cartilage and Smoothing
Authors: Simileysky Alexander , Hull M. L.
Published: February 2022

Knowledge of anterior–posterior (AP) movement of the femoral condyles on the tibia in healthy knees serves to assess whether an artificial knee restores natural movement. Two methods for identifying AP positions and hence condylar movements include: (1) the flexion facet center (FFC) and (2) the lowest point (LP) methods. The objectives were to determine (1) agreement between the two methods and (2) whether addition of articular cartilage and/or smoothing significantly affects AP positions. Magnetic resonance (MR) images of healthy knees were obtained from eleven subjects, who subsequently performed a dynamic, weight-bearing deep knee bend under fluoroscopy. Four different types of MR models of the distal femur were created: femur, smoothed femur, femur with articular cartilage, and femur with smoothed articular cartilage. In the medial and lateral compartments for the femur with smoothed articular cartilage at 0 deg flexion, mean AP positions of the LPs were 7.7 mm and 5.4 mm more anterior than those of the FFCs, respectively (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002) and limits of agreement were ±5.5 mm. In the flexion range 30 deg to 90 deg, differences in mean AP positions were 1.5 mm or less and limits of agreement were bounded by ±2.4 mm. Differences in mean AP positions between model types were <1.3 mm for both LPs and FFCs. Since omitting articular cartilage from three-dimensional (3D) models of the femur minimally affected AP positions, faster and less expensive imaging techniques such as computed-tomography (CT) can be used to generate 3D bone models for kinematic analysis. In addition, the LP method is preferred over the FFC method because of its inherent accuracy in indicating the AP position of the instant center of curvature of the femoral condyles which varies with the knee in extension versus flexion.
Effect of Coolant Crossflow on Film Cooling Effectiveness of Diffusion Slot Hole With and Without Ribs
Authors: Li Chen , An Baitao , Liu Jianjun
Published: February 2022

The coolant flow condition at the film hole entrance has a notable effect on film cooling effectiveness. The previous studies about internal ribbed crossflow effects are the hole with a circular inlet cross section. In this study, a diffusion slot hole with a race-track inlet cross section is examined in a low-speed wind tunnel by the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. The film cooling effectiveness of three different hole configurations are investigated: a normal diffusion slot hole, a compound angle diffusion slot hole, and a lateral inclination angle diffusion slot hole. Two internal perpendicular crossflow conditions with and without ribs for the 45 deg inline crossflow and the 135 deg counter crossflow are discussed. The blowing ratios are varied from 0.5 to 2.5 at a constant crossflow-to-mainstream velocity ratio of 0.36. A detailed method for the uncertainty analysis of the PSP is also presented. It is found that the normal diffusion slot hole always shows the best cooling performance than other holes. The ribs under the crossflow condition have a positive effect on the film cooling effectiveness for the normal diffusion slot hole even though the compound angle changes the hole’s orientation. However, the ribs have a negative effect on the film cooling effectiveness for the geometrically asymmetric diffusion slot hole.
Conjugate Heat Transfer and Flow Features of Single-Hole and Combined-Hole Film Cooling With Rib-Roughened Internal Passages
Authors: Zhu Rui , Li Shulei , Xie Gongnan
Published: February 2022

Internal cooling and film cooling, as two main cooling methods in modern gas turbines, work together to protect the high-temperature components of gas turbines. This paper presents the results of a computational study on cooling performance for a flat plate with both film cooling and internal cooling using a conjugate heat transfer analysis. Three internal delivery channel geometries, smooth channel, channel roughened by square ribs (SR), and channel roughened by crescent ribs (CR), are studied with two film cooling geometries, cylindrical hole, and sister holes (SS). The respective conjugate cooling performances are compared. Detailed flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented and discussed. Results show that both film cooling effectiveness and internal cooling performances are influenced by the delivery channel geometry near the hole inlets. The sink flow effects of film cooling enhance the heat transfer coefficient near the film cooling hole inlet. At the same time, film cooling performance is affected by the internal channel as the flow inside the film cooling hole is influenced by the ribs near the hole inlets. When using sister holes, ribs in the internal channels make the anti-kidney vortex structure created by sister holes more effective by changing the mass flow distribution among the three holes.
A Novel Design of Multistable Metastructure With Nonuniform Cross Section
Authors: Hua Jian , Lei Hongshuai , Gao Cun-Fa , Fang Daining
Published: February 2022

Multistable metastructure can be used as a reusable energy-absorbing structure which is usually accompanied by relatively low energy absorption capacity. In this work, a novel structure with variable cross-sectional width was designed to improve the energy dissipation efficiency of multistable structures. To this end, we theoretically obtained the specific optimization configuration of the bistable unit cell structure. Compared to the traditional bistable unit cell structure with uniform curved beam, the as-obtained optimized structure showed improved mechanical properties, while maximum strain remained relatively reduced during deformation. Systematic parameter analyses were carried out through theoretical analysis, finite element simulation, and experimental verification to determine the optimized range of the unit cell structure. Compared to the traditional structure with the same maximum strain during deformation, the mechanical properties like the maximum peak force, minimum negative force, and energy absorption efficiency of the optimized structure increased by at least 155%, 91%, and 136%, respectively.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Analysis of Entropy Generation on Laminar Natural Convection in Enclosures With Partitioned Walls and for Different Heating Positions
Authors: Zemani Farah , Sabeur Amina
Published: February 2022

A numerical investigation is performed to analyze air's steady natural convection phenomena in an enclosure with partial active sidewalls. A partition is attached to the hot wall for different active locations to study the effect of the partition position on the heat transfer. First, a finite volume method solves the coupled equations of continuity, momentum, and energy. The SIMPLE algorithm is used to solve the pressure velocities coupling iteratively. Second, based on the obtained dimensionless velocity and temperature values, the distributions of the local entropy generation due to heat transfer and fluid friction and the total entropy generation are determined for different parameters. The results are presented graphically in streamlines, isotherms, and average Nusselt numbers. Three different configurations of active region arrangement are considered in this study, while the partition length has been changed. In order to identify the optimum location of the partition for better heat transfer, the effect of entropy generation has been studied. The heat transfer rate decreases with the increased partition length, especially for l = L/2. Thus, the maximum average Nusselt number occurs for the middle–middle arrangement, while the minimum one occurs for the bottom–bottom arrangement. The numerical investigations in this analysis are made over a wide range of parameters, Rayleigh number 103 to 105, dimensionless partitions length (l = L/8, L/4, L/2), and irreversibility coefficients 10−4< ϕ < 10−2; however, the Prandtl numbers was fixed to 0.71.
Sim-to-real localization: Environment resilient deep ensemble learning for guided wave damage localization
Authors: Khurjekar Ishan D. , Harley Joel B.
Published: February 2022

Guided ultrasonic wave localization systems use spatially distributed sensor arrays and wave propagation models to detect and locate damage across a structure. Environmental and operational conditions, such as temperature or stress variations, introduce uncertainty into guided wave data and reduce the effectiveness of these localization systems. These uncertainties cause the models used by each localization algorithm to fail to match with reality. This paper addresses this challenge with an ensemble deep neural network that is trained solely with simulated data. Relative to delay-and-sum and matched field processing strategies, this approach is demonstrated to be more robust to temperature variations in experimental data. As a result, this approach demonstrates superior accuracy with small numbers of sensors and greater resilience to spatially nonhomogeneous temperature variations over time.