bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early corneal pachymetry maps after cataract surgery and influence of 3D digital visualization system in minimizing corneal oedema
Authors: Sandali Otman , El Sanharawi Mohamed , Tahiri Joutei Hassani Rachid , Roux Hillary , Bouheraoua Nacim , Borderie Vincent
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To describe the early topography of corneal swelling occurring after cataract surgery and to evaluate the impact of the three‐dimensional (3D) digital visualization system in minimizing corneal oedema.

Methods

Prospective observational, single‐centre, consecutive case series of 134 patients undergoing cataract surgery performed by the same surgeon, with either 3D or conventional visualization systems. Eyes were assigned to two groups based on their anterior chamber depth (group ACD ≤3 mm and group ACD >3 mm). Optical coherence tomography was performed to evaluate postoperative corneal swelling.

Results

Three corneal swelling profiles were identified on the first postoperative day type 1, limited corneal oedema near peripheral corneal incisions; type 2, dome‐shaped corneal swelling spreading from the principal corneal incision and reaching the paracentral cornea; type 3, continuous oedema spreading from the principal incision to central cornea, with a generalized oedema predominating in the upper part of the cornea.

On the first day after surgery, in group ACD ≤3 mm, visual acuity was significantly better in patients undergoing surgery with 3D visualization (0.023 vs 0.072 logMar, p = 0.014) with reduced central corneal thickening 17.3 µm (±3.2) in comparison with conventional visualization 44.0 µm (±9.3) (p = 0.0082). In group ACD >3 mm, no significant association was found between the use of the 3D system and pachymetry changes and early visual rehabilitation. On day 21 after surgery, no significant differences in corneal pachymetry values were observed between the two surgical approaches in both groups.

Conclusions

We describe early postoperative corneal map profiles providing insight into the pathogenesis of postoperative corneal swelling and possible prevention strategies. By improving visualization of the narrow surgical space in patients with shallow anterior chambers, the 3D system could help to minimize postoperative corneal oedema.
Acute abdomen in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A systematic review
Authors: Rouva Glykeria , Vergadi Eleni , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: November 2021

Aim

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C), a rare severe complication of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, has been recently reported to mimic acute abdomen and lead to surgical interventions, posing challenges for clinicians. In this systematic review, we evaluated the rate of acute abdomen and abdominal surgical emergencies in children with MIS‐C.

Methods

Systematic review of all MIS‐C cases presented with acute abdomen.

Results

A total of 385 patients with MIS‐C, from 38 studies, were included. Gastrointestinal manifestations were prominent in 233/385 (60.5%) children. Acute abdomen was noted in 72/385 (18.7%) of MIS‐C cases and in 72/233 (30.9%) of MIS‐C cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. Final diagnoses were mostly non‐surgical (55/72, 76.4%), such as mesenteric lymphadenitis (23/72, 31.9%), terminal ileitis/ileocolitis (19/72, 26.4%), free abdominal fluid/ascites (8/72, 11.1%) and paralytic ileus (3/72, 4.2%). Laparotomy was performed in 35/72 (48.6%) of children with MIS‐C, and acute abdomen and was proven unnecessary in 18/35 (51.4%) cases. True abdominal surgical emergencies, such as appendicitis and obstructive ileus, were confirmed in 17/72 (23.6%) cases.

Conclusion

MIS‐C often presents with acute abdomen, mostly due to non‐surgical intestinal inflammatory pathology. However, surgical complications occur in patients with MIS‐C; therefore, a high index of suspicion should remain.
Union membership and the willingness to prioritize environmental protection above growth and jobs: A multi‐level analysis covering 22 European countries
Authors: Ringqvist Josef
Published: November 2021

This article contributes to debates about trade unions and the environment by studying differences between union members and non‐members when asked to prioritize between environmental protection and jobs and economic growth. Differences are explored in a multi‐level framework based on European Values Study data from 2017, covering 22 European countries. The empirical results show that members are more pro‐environmentally inclined than non‐members. This is demonstrated to be attributable to a large extent to the fact that members tend to be more left‐leaning politically, a disposition which tends to be associated positively with environmental concern. While those employed in transport and manufacturing generally are least likely to be willing to prioritize environmental protection, membership has the most pronounced positive effect in this group. The tendency for members to be more pro‐environmentally inclined is consistent across the studied countries. The article also shows that both members and non‐members in countries with higher collective bargaining coverage tend to be more pro‐environmentally inclined. Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of the political nature of collective interest representation with which unions are concerned, broader debates about union renewal and the importance of unions in garnering workers’ support for a greener economy.
The role of molecular profiling in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Lippert Juliane , Fassnacht Martin , Ronchi Cristina L.
Published: November 2021

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive cancer with still partially unknown pathogenesis, heterogenous clinical behaviour and no effective treatment for advanced stages. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical unmet need for better prognostication strategies, innovative therapies and significant improvement of the management of the individual patients. In this review, we summarize available studies on molecular prognostic markers and markers predictive of response to standard therapies as well as newly proposed drug targets in sporadic ACC. We include in vitro studies and available clinical trials, focusing on alterations at the DNA, RNA and epigenetic levels. We also discuss the potential of biomarkers to be implemented in a clinical routine workflow for improved ACC patient care.
Circulating insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels are reduced in very young children with Prader–Willi syndrome independent of anthropometric parameters and nutritional status
Authors: Koizumi Mikiko , Konishi Ayako , Etani Yuri , Ida Shinobu , Kawai Masanobu
Published: November 2021

Objective

Insulin growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is used to evaluate growth hormone (GH) sufficiency and is decreased in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Although IGF‐1 is negatively affected by body size and nutritional status, both of which are impaired in PWS children, these variables are typically not considered when assessing IGF‐1 levels in these subjects. Here, we compared IGF‐1 levels in PWS children to controls matched for age, sex, anthropometric parameters, and nutritional status.

Design/Patients/Measurements

The retrospective analysis included genetically diagnosed PWS subjects (n = 65, median age; 14.0 months) and controls (n = 111, 14.3 months) matched for age, sex, anthropometric parameters (height‐standard deviation score [SDS], weight‐SDS, body mass index‐SDS), and serum albumin levels, a marker for nutritional status. IGF‐1 SDS was compared between PWS subjects and controls after adjustment for confounding variables. The GH provocation test was performed in 29 PWS subjects, and IGF‐1 SDS was compared between GH‐sufficient (n = 20) and GH‐deficient (n = 9) subjects. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was performed to investigate the association between age and IGF‐1 SDS. None had received GH or levothyroxine treatment.

Results

After adjustment for confounding variables, IGF‐1 SDS was significantly lower in PWS subjects than controls (−1.56 vs. −1.01, p = .003), while it was not different between GH‐sufficient and GH‐deficient PWS subjects. Correlation analysis failed to show an association between age and IGF‐1 SDS both in control and PWS groups.

Conclusions

IGF‐1 SDS is lower in very young children with PWS independent of anthropometric parameters and nutritional status, suggesting the presence of hypothalamic dysfunction of GH secretion.
1002. CISTANCHE DESERTICOLA: Orobanchaceae
Authors: Lei Di , Thorogood Chris J. , Tu Pengfei , Song Yuelin , Huang Linfang , Aldughayman Majed , Leon Christine J. , Hawkins Julie A.
Published: November 2021

Cistanche deserticola Ma is illustrated and described. This species is native to China where it has long been valued and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now cultivated extensively for trade. The species is confused easily with closely related species such as Cistanche salsa (C.A. Mey.) Beck. Bract and vascular bundle morphology, and habit, have been used traditionally to discriminate these taxa, which we discuss. Cistanche deserticola and its relatives may have significant global potential as ancillary crops that could be grown with shelter forests planted to halt land degradation.
1003. OROBANCHE RAPUM‐GENISTAE: Orobanchaceae
Authors: J. Thorogood Chris , J. Rumsey Fred
Published: November 2021

The distribution, ecology and taxonomic history of Orobanche rapum‐genistae Thuill. are discussed with particular reference to the British Isles and elsewhere in Europe where the plant has retracted markedly within its former range. The variation present within the species is described and the typical form is illustrated. The outlook for this sharply declining species is considered in the broader context of parasitic plant ecology and conservation.
1006. ANTHORRHIZA ECHINELLA: An ant‐plant of the Rubiaceae
Authors: Campbell Laura C. E. , Huxley Camilla R. , Jebb Matthew , Thorogood Chris J. , Chomicki Guillaume
Published: November 2021

The rare ant‐plantAnthorrhiza echinellaC.R.Huxley & Jebb from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. The outlook of the species and the importance ofex situconservation strategies for this and other ant‐plants are discussed in the context of botanic garden collections. Based on the plant's likely current distribution, we have assessed the species under the IUCN Red List as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii) + 2ab(iii).
Development of auditory cognition in 5‐ to 10‐year‐old children: Focus on musical and verbal short‐term memory
Authors: Ginzburg Jérémie , Moulin Annie , Fornoni Lesly , Talamini Francesca , Tillmann Barbara , Caclin Anne
Published: November 2021

Developmental aspects of auditory cognition were investigated in 5‐to‐10‐year‐old children (n = 100). Musical and verbal short‐term memory (STM) were assessed by means of delayed matching‐to‐sample tasks (DMST) (comparison of two four‐item sequences separated by a silent retention delay), with two levels of difficulty. For musical and verbal materials, children's performance increased from 5 years to about 7 years of age, then remained stable up to 10 years of age, with performance remaining inferior to performance of young adults. Children and adults performed better with verbal material than with musical material. To investigate auditory cognition beyond STM, we assessed speech‐in‐noise perception with a four‐alternative forced‐choice task with two conditions of phonological difficulty and two levels of cocktail‐party noise intensity. Partial correlations, factoring out the effect of age, showed a significant link between musical STM and speech‐in‐noise perception in the condition with increased noise intensity. Our findings reveal that auditory STM improves over development with a critical phase around 6–7 years of age, yet these abilities appear to be still immature at 10 years. Musical and verbal STM might in particular share procedural and serial order processes. Furthermore, musical STM and the ability to perceive relevant speech signals in cocktail‐party noise might rely on shared cognitive resources, possibly related to pitch encoding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that auditory STM is assessed with the same paradigm for musical and verbal material during childhood, providing perspectives regarding diagnosis and remediation in developmental learning disorders.
Cuticular hydrocarbon variation among Rhagoletis fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae): implications for premating reproductive isolation and ecological speciation
Authors: Hood Glen Ray , Jennings Jackson H. , Bruzzese Daniel J. , Beehler Melanie , Schmitt Thomas , Feder Jeffrey L. , Etges William J.
Published: November 2021

1. Fruit flies in the genus Rhagoletis are a model for ecological speciation via sympatric host plant shifting. Rhagoletis mate on or near the fruit of their respective host plants, generating premating reproductive isolation between taxa specialised on different hosts. However, non‐host‐related premating isolation has been observed between some Rhagoletis species associated with morphological differences in body colour and wing patterns.

2. Here, the extent of epicuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) variation as a possible, additional determinant of mate choice in adults of six Rhagoletis taxa, including the apple and hawthorn‐infesting host races of R. pomonella is investigated.

3. Gas‐chromatography‐mass‐spectrometry revealed 36 repeatable and quantifiable hydrocarbon components present on the epicuticles of all six fly taxa, comprised of at least 53 different CHC compounds, with chain lengths varying from 27 to 34 carbon atoms, consisting of n‐alkanes, mono‐, dimethyl‐, and trimethyl‐alkanes, alkenes, and alkadienes. There were significant differences in the relative proportions of CHCs between adult R. cingulata, R. cornivora, R. zephyria, R. mendax, and R. pomonella, as well as between the apple‐ and hawthorn‐infesting host races of R. pomonella. Furthermore, within the R. pomonella host races and R. mendax, significant CHC differences were observed between the sexes and across collecting sites.

4. The results are consistent with variation in CHCs potentially contributing to observed patterns of premating isolation between Rhagoletis taxa, possibly due to combination of sexual and host‐related selection, which will necessitate further, in depth chemical analyses and future mating trials to substantiate.
Changes in wetland habitat use by waterbirds wintering in Czechia are related to diet and distribution changes
Authors: Musilová Zuzana , Musil Petr , Zouhar Jan , Šenkýřová Adéla , Pavón‐Jordán Diego , Nummi Petri
Published: November 2021

Understanding species habitat use and factors affecting changes in their distributions are necessary to promote the conservation of any biological community. We evaluated the changes in wetland use of the non‐breeding waterbird community. Based on long‐term citizen‐science data (1988–2020), we tested the hypotheses that wetland use is associated with species diet and potential range‐shift drivers (the tendency to occupy the same sites in consecutive years—site affinity—and the species' average temperature across its wintering range—species temperature index).

We analysed species‐specific wetland use of 25 species of waterbirds wintering in Czechia over a period of 33 years. The analyses explained variability in trends in numbers of the studied waterbird species across four inland wetland types: reservoirs; fishponds; industrial waters created by flooding of former mining sites; and running waters.

Trends in waterbird abundance positively correlated with species’ diet on fishponds, industrial and running waters. Among the diet groups, invertivores showed the largest increase in abundances on industrial waters, closely followed by herbivores. Herbivores showed the largest increase in abundances in fishponds, and piscivores did so in running waters. Regarding range‐shift drivers, species with higher site affinity showed higher abundances on running waters, while species with low species temperature index (i.e. wintering on average in sites with lower temperature) were more abundant on reservoirs. The abundance of both warm‐dwelling and species with low site affinity increased on fishponds and industrial waters.

Our findings suggest that the increased importance of the wetland types considered here for wintering waterbirds is likely to be linked to diet related changes in habitat use and changes in species distributions; and highlight that wintering waterbirds are expected to select sites with higher availability of food, higher energy content, and lower foraging cost.

Recent and rapid changes in species distributions may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of national and international conservation efforts. When planning conservation measures, it should be kept in mind that climate change does not only imply large‐scale north/north‐eastwards shifts of entire waterbird distributions, but can also modify the use of the habitats by waterbird species inside their traditional wintering range.
Integrative taxonomy–based discovery ofDussumieria modakandaisp. nov. from India
Authors: Singh Mahender , Teena Jayakumar Thazhathe K. , Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan A. , Murali Sanjeev , Mishra Akhilesh , Singh Achal , Lal Kuldeep K.
Published: November 2021

This study is based on integrative taxonomy and reports a new fish speciesDussumieria modakandaisp. nov. from India. The new species differs from three valid species within the genus by a combination of characters such as longer maxilla (9.1%–9.9% standard lengthvs. 8.7% inDussumieria elopsoides, 6.3%–8.5% inDussumieria acuta) and one or two rows of small conical teeth on palatine (vs. several rows inD.elopsoidesandDussumieria albulina). It also differs by the absence of longitudinal striae on the posterior side of body scales (vs. presence inD.acutaandD.albulina) and the absence of parasphenoid teeth (vs. presence inD.acuta). The maxilla length ofD.modakandaisp. nov. is greater than snout length, which distinguishes it from other congeners. The multivariate analysis of morphometric characters using PCA differentiated the new species fromD.elopsoidesandD.acutasamples collected in this study. The molecular analysis, based on cytochrome c oxidase I, distinguished the new species fromD.acuta,D.albulinaandD.elopsoideswith a high genetic distance of 13.73%, 12.22% and 12.74%, respectively. The maximum‐likelihood phylogenetic tree and automatic barcode gap discovery analysis showed the existence of six putative species inDussumieria. Even the exhaustive sub‐clade formation within species and high intra‐species genetic distance inD.acuta(1.59) andD.modakandai(1.95) indicate the possibility of a few more cryptic species. This warrants comprehensive sample collection across the distribution range and integrative taxonomic study of the genusDussumieria.
“Real‐world” eligibility for aducanumab depends on clinical setting and patients' journey
Authors: Padovani Alessandro , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Rozzini Luca , Pilotto Andrea , Benussi Alberto , Tedeschi Gioacchino
Published: November 2021

See related editorial by Lundebjerg et al.
Does the use of a small‐size resectoscope during enucleation prevent transient urinary leakage and urethral stricture following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate?
Authors: Ibis Muhammed Arif , Tokatlı Zafer
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of the use of a small‐size resectoscope for enucleation during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) on the prevention of transient urinary leakage (TUL) and urethral stricture (US).

Methods

One hundred patients were included in a retrospective single‐center study from January 2019 to December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups according to the resectoscope size which was used for enucleation (22F in group A [n = 40] and 26F in group B [n = 60]). Patients were evaluated at 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively for TUL and US. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were implemented to assess the variables which are associated with TUL at 4 weeks.

Results

Baseline characteristics and perioperative data were observed to be well balanced between groups. A statistically significant higher occurrence of TUL was detected at 4 weeks in group B compared to group A (P = .018). Higher improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) was observed in group A at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. On univariate analysis, resectoscope size, specimen weight, and body mass index were significant predictive factors for TUL at 4 weeks. Multivariate analysis illustrated that the resectoscope size was independently associated with TUL at 4 weeks after HoLEP (odds ratio = 3.1 [1.02‐9.38]). One patient in group A (2.5%) and two patients in group B (5%) demonstrated US (P = .648).

Conclusion

Enucleation with a 22F resectoscope provides better QoL and IPSS by reducing TUL rates in the early postoperative period.
Midwifery scale to support shared decision‐making for unplanned pregnancies: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ueno Yoko , Murakami Mari , Hattori Minoru , Fujimoto Saori , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: November 2021

Midwives significantly support women with unplanned pregnancies—promoting a shared perspective on the decision‐making process. This study aimed to develop a scale to support midwives to self‐assess their practice of this vital role. Following the derivation of scale items and pilot testing, the final version of the scale was administered to 531 midwives to establish internal consistency and construct criterion‐related validity. Through exploratory factor analysis, 35 items with a five‐factor structure were retained to form the midwifery practice self‐assessment scale to promote shared decision‐making in women with unplanned pregnancies. These factors illustrate midwives' general aptitude and competencies in understanding environmental factors, collaborating with significant others and the interprofessional group, forming rapport and problem sharing, focusing on consultation content, and promoting autonomous decision‐making. There were high and low scores on the scales after attendance of the workshops to support the decision‐making of women with unplanned pregnancies. The reliability analysis showed acceptable Cronbach's alpha values for the five factors, from 0.85 to 0.87. The scale was demonstrated to be a reliable and valid measure that would help improve the quality of midwives' practice.
Interbrain emotional connection during music performances is driven by physical proximity and individual traits
Authors: Chabin Thibault , Gabriel Damien , Comte Alexandre , Haffen Emmanuel , Moulin Thierry , Pazart Lionel
Published: November 2021

How musical emotions and the pleasure derived from music, regardless of the musical valence, can be shared between individuals is a fascinating question, and investigating it can shed light on the function of musical reward. We carried out our investigations in a natural setting during an international competition for orchestra conductors. Participants (n = 15) used a dedicated smartphone app to report their subjective emotional experiences in real time while we recorded their cerebral activity using electroencephalography and their electrodermal activity. The overall behavioral real‐time behavioral ratings suggest a possible social influence on the reported and felt pleasure. The physically closer the participants, the more similar their reported pleasure. By calculating the interindividual cerebral coherence (n = 21 pairs), we showed that when people simultaneously reported either high or low pleasure, their cerebral activities were closer than for simultaneous neutral pleasure reports. Participants’ skin conductance levels were also more coupled when reporting higher emotional degrees simultaneously. More importantly, the participants who were physically closer had higher cerebral coherence, but only when they simultaneously reported a high level of pleasure. We propose that emotional contagion and/or emotional resonance mechanisms could explain why a form of “emotional connecting force” arises between people during shared appraisal situations.
Conradi‐Hünermann‐Happle syndrome with minimal signs
Authors: Agud‐Dios Manuel , Ortiz Cabrera Nelmar Valentina , Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Hernández‐Martín Angela , Colmenero Isabel , Happle Rudolf , Torrelo Antonio
Published: November 2021

A 4‐year‐old girl presented with congenital patches of scalp alopecia, which on physical examination, was consistent with blaschkolinear alopecic patches with mild epidermal atrophy. Similar atrophic hypopigmented patches were seen on the trunk and proximal extremities. With the clinical suspicion of Conradi‐Hünermann‐Happle syndrome, genetic testing was performed and revealed a mutation in the EBP gene. Despite characteristic cutaneous findings, no skeletal, ocular, or other anomalies were found on further evaluation.
Comparison of life‐history traits and oviposition preferences of Tuta absoluta for 12 common tomato varieties in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Mathieu W. , Dabire Rémy A. , Ahissou Besmer Régis , Bonzi Schémaëza , Somda Irénée , Nacro Souleymane , Martin Clément , Legrève Anne , Verheggen François J.
Published: November 2021

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an economically important insect pest of tomatoes. Since its discovery in Burkina Faso in 2016, the use of synthetic insecticides was favored, with many cases of treatment failure. To explore alternative control methods, we conducted a screening of the 12 main tomato varieties produced in the country to test two hypotheses: (i) Some tomato varieties are less likely to attract gravid females and be used as oviposition site; (ii) Some varieties are unsuitable host plants as they allow slower development and lead to higher mortality. The varieties tested include RomaVF, KanonF1, Cobra 26 F1, FBT1, FBT2, FBT3, RaissaF1, JampacktF1, Mongal, Rio Grande, Tropimech, and Petomech. T. absoluta fitness was largely impacted by the tomato variety, especially egg incubation time and larval and pupal stage durations. As a result, the total T. absoluta life cycle was slower on Cobra 26 F1 and Kanon F1 (24.6 ± 1.8 and 25.8 ± 3.3 days, respectively) and faster on FBT1 and Rio grande (22.6 ± 3.0 and 22.8 ± 2.6 days, respectively). None of the varieties impacted the adult lifespan. All varieties were accepted as hosts by gravid females during multiple‐choice oviposition assays. The number of eggs laid per female was statistically similar among the varieties. We conclude that two varieties, Kanon F1 and Cobra 26 F1, have better abilities to slow T. absoluta development, limiting the number of generations while increasing the probability that natural enemies find and kill their prey.
Epistemic feedback loops (or: how not to get evidence)
Authors: Hughes Nick
Published: November 2021

Epistemologists spend a great deal of time thinking about how we should respond to our evidence. They spend far less time thinking about the ways that evidence can be acquired in the first place. This is an oversight. Some ways of acquiring evidence are better than others. Many normative epistemologies struggle to accommodate this fact. In this article I develop one that can and does. I identify a phenomenon – epistemic feedback loops – in which evidence acquisition has gone awry, with the result that even beliefs based on the evidence are irrational. Examples include evidence acquired under the influence of confirmation bias and evidence acquired under the influence of cognitively penetrated experiences caused by implicit bias. I then develop a theoretical framework which enables us to understand why beliefs that are the outputs of epistemic feedback loops are irrational. Finally, I argue that many popular approaches to epistemic normativity may need to be abandoned on the grounds that they cannot comfortably explain feedback loops. The scope of this last claim is broad: it includes almost all contemporary theories of justified/rational belief and of the epistemology of cognitive penetration.
Political skill in higher military staff: Measurement properties and latent profile analysis
Authors: Ohlsson Alicia , Lindfors Petra , Larsson Gerry , Sverke Magnus
Published: November 2021

Social effectiveness, including political skill, reflects individuals’ ways of handling interpersonal processes at work. Most research has used a variable‐oriented approach to investigate associations between political skill and key organizational factors, including performance, in civil settings. Thus, little is known of whether political skill transfers to a military context and whether there are specific profiles of political skill. Combining variable‐oriented and person‐oriented approaches, this study used self‐reports from two samples of military student officers to: (1) investigate measurement properties of the 18‐item political skill inventory; (2) explore whether it is possible to identify different profiles of political skill; and (3) investigate whether such profiles differ in demographics, personality, and job performance. Exploratory (sample 1: n = 185) and confirmatory (sample 2: n = 183) factor analyses supported a four‐dimensional representation of political skill including networking ability, apparent sincerity, social astuteness, and interpersonal influence. Latent profile analysis (samples 1 and 2: N = 368) identified four distinct combinations of these dimensions, namely: (1) weak political skill; (2) weak political skill with strong sincerity; (3) moderate political skill; and (4) strong political skill. Importantly, profiles differed consistently in networking ability. Subsequent comparisons suggested potentially important differences in demographics, personality, and job performance. Despite needing additional research of how profiles of political skill develop over time, these findings may have practical implications for recruitment and training in organizational settings where social effectiveness is important.
Skin moisture measurement on stripping and pasted water by a handy‐type electrostatic sensor
Authors: Kimoto Akira , Yonekawa Fumiaki , Kawasoe Tomoyuki
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a need to develop a new device to evaluate and monitor the condition of human skin and make it possible to measure the skin in the diary because the current accuracy of water content measurement in the stratum corneum by capacitance and conductance measurement sensor that are used as the gold standard is insufficient.

Materials and methods

The electrostatic sensor is composed of a thin silicone gum sheet and a copper film. In the experiment, skin conditions on six positions such as the forearm, upper arm, and face of a test subject before and after tape stripping are measured by the electrostatic sensor and a commercial sensor. Skin conditions on the forearm of five subjects before and after pasted distilled water were measured by their sensors.

Results

The voltages measured by the electrostatic sensor and moisture measured by a commercial sensor are increased with P < 0.01 before and after skin stripping. There were increases in the voltage and the moisture with P < 0.01 before and after pasted distilled water.

Conclusion

It is suggested that it is possible to measure the moisture on the upper layer of the skin by the electrostatic sensor.
Evaluating diffuse support for state high courts among individuals with varying levels of policy agreement
Authors: Cann Damon , Yates Jeff
Published: November 2021

Background

Courts are unusually vulnerable governing institutions that rely upon deeply seated public support and notions of institutional legitimacy to flourish and remain policy‐relevant. This diffuse support allows courts to be viable policy entities while simultaneously issuing edicts that are counter‐majoritarian. A recent debate centers on whether policy disagreement affects members of the public's diffuse support stores for the nation's High Court.

Objective

Here, we investigate whether policy disagreement between citizens and their state courts influences public perceptions of state court legitimacy (diffuse support). We also examine how those who disagree with state court policy making (policy “losers”) assay the legitimacy of their state courts differently than those who feel that their policy preferences are promoted by state courts (policy “winners”).

Methods

We draw data from the 2012 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), where researcher‐specific content for 1000 respondents allowed us to ask a number of questions about citizens’ perspectives on their state high courts. We employ Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze these citizen views of state legal institutions.

Results

We find that policy agreement is quite relevant to citizens’ levels of diffuse support for their state courts and that the relative drivers of policy “winners” and “losers” assessments of their courts’ legitimacy do evince overlap but in important ways are distinct.

Conclusion

Our findings provide important insight on how citizens view courts and the law. Our investigation also sheds light on the dynamics of citizen disagreement with government outcomes and perceptions of institutional legitimacy.
A method for finding least‐cost corridors in three‐dimensional raster space
Authors: Seegmiller Lindsi , Shirabe Takeshi
Published: November 2021

Optimal routing of a path with a constant width in a two‐dimensional grid of cost‐weighted square cells or pixels is a recent extension of the least‐cost path problem, and models and solutions are available and ready to be integrated into raster‐based geographic information systems. In this article we consider yet another variation of this problem in a three‐dimensional grid of cost‐weighted cubic cells or voxels, which is to find a tubular region of voxels with a constant width, referred to here as “corridor,” connecting two termini while accumulating the least amount of cost. We model a corridor as a sequence of sets of voxels, called “neighborhoods,” that are arranged in a 26‐hedral form, design a heuristic method to find a sequence of such neighborhoods that sweeps the minimum cost‐weighted volume, and test its performance with computer‐generated random data. Results show that the method finds a low‐cost, if not least‐cost, corridor with a specified width in a three‐dimensional cost grid and has a reasonable efficiency as its complexity is O(n2), where n is the number of voxels in the input cost grid and is independent of corridor width. A major drawback is that the corridor found may self‐intersect, which often not only is an undesirable quality but also makes the estimation of its cost‐weighted volume inaccurate.
A new step in understanding stem cell mobilization in patients with Fanconi anemia: A bridge to gene therapy
Authors: Diana Jean‐sébastien , Manceau Sandra , Leblanc Thierry , Magnani Alessandra , Magrin Elisa , Bendavid Matthieu , Couzin Chloe , Joseph Laure , Soulier Jean , Cavazzana Marina , Lefrère Francois
Published: November 2021

Background

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized clinically by congenital abnormalities, progressive bone marrow failure (BMF), and a predisposition to malignancy. Gene therapy (GT) of FA, via the infusion of gene‐corrected peripheral blood (PB) autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), may constitute a cure for BMF. GT bypasses the donor restrictions and adverse events associated with allogenic HSC transplantation. However, adequate harvesting of PB‐HSCs is a crucial determinant of successful engraftment in gene therapy. Harvesting the low numbers of HSCs in patients with FA is particularly challenging.

Study design and methods

This open‐label phase I/II trial evaluates the feasibility and safety of co‐administration of G‐CSF and plerixafor in patients with FA for the mobilization and harvesting of peripheral HSCs, intending to use them in a gene therapy trial. Patients with mutations in the FANCA gene received two subcutaneous injections of G‐CSF (6 μg/kg × 2/d from D1 to D8. Plerixafor (0.24 mg/kg/d) was administered 2 h before apheresis (from D5 onward).

Results

CD34+ cells were mobilized for four patients quickly but transiently after the plerixafor injection. One patient had a CD34+ cell count of over 100/μl; the mobilization peaked 2 h after the injection and lasted for more than 9 h. There were no short‐term adverse events associated with the mobilization or harvesting procedures.

Conclusion

Our data in patients with FA show that the mobilization of HSCs with G‐CSF and plerixafor is safe and more efficient in younger individuals without BMF.
Design and Analysis of a Solar Energy Driven Tri-Generation Plant for Power, Heating, and Refrigeration
Authors: You Dongchuan , Tatli Akif Eren , Ghanavati Ashkan , Metghalchi Hameed
Published: November 2021

A tri-generation plant producing power, heat, and refrigeration has been designed and analyzed. Using solar energy as input. The power side of the plant uses supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) recompression cycle. The refrigeration side includes an aqueous lithium bromide absorption system. Thermal energy has been extracted from many places in the plant for heating purposes. A detailed thermodynamics model has been developed to determine performance of the plant for many different conditions. Thermal efficiency, energy effectiveness, and exergetic efficiency of the system has been calculated for different operating conditions. It turns out that the pressure ratio of the recombination cycle and effectiveness of the energy exchanger for transferring energy from the power side to the refrigeration side play important roles.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Aeroelastic Systems
Authors: Dowell Earl H.
Published: November 2021

Aeroelastic systems are those that involve the coupled interaction between a convecting fluid and a flexible elastic structure. The nonlinear dynamical response of such systems is of great current interest. Existing aircraft are known to encounter limit cycle oscillations (LCO) in certain flight regimes, and relatively simple experimental wind tunnel models have been designed to exhibit LCO as well. In the present paper, the results of these wind tunnel experiments are discussed and compared to comparable results from mathematical models. The physical models include (1) an airfoil and a control surface attached with an elastic spring including free-play and (2) a delta wing with elastic geometrical nonlinearities due to bending and torsional deformations. Both self-excited oscillations such as flutter and LCO, as well as forced oscillations due to an aerodynamic gust, are discussed. The advantages of representing the unsteady aerodynamic flow field in terms of global modes for such studies are emphasized and illustrated.
Geometrically Nonlinear Forced Vibrations of Circular Cylindrical Shells Containing Flowing Fluid
Authors: Pellicano F. , Amabili M. , Païdoussis M. P.
Published: November 2021

The response of a shell conveying fluid to harmonic excitation, in the spectral neighbourhood of one of the lowest natural frequencies, is investigated for different flow velocities. Nonlinearities due to moderately large amplitude shell motion are considered by using the nonlinear Donnell shallow shell theory. Linear potential flow theory is applied to describe the fluid-structure interaction by using the model proposed by Païdoussis and Denise. For different amplitude and frequency of the excitation and for different flow velocities, the following are investigated numerically: (i) periodic response of the system; (ii) unsteady and stochastic motion; (iii) loss of stability by jumps to bifurcated branches. The effect of the flow velocity on the nonlinear periodic response of the system has also been investigated. Poincaré maps and bifurcation diagrams are used to study the unsteady and stochastic dynamics of the system. Amplitude-modulated motions, multi-periodic solutions, chaotic responses and the so-called “blue sky catastrophe” phenomenon have been observed for different values of the system parameters; the latter two have been predicted here probably for the first time for the dynamics of circular cylindrical shells.
The Dynamics of Composite Cylindrical Shells
Authors: Palazotto A. N. , Naboulsi S. K. , Forral A. E.
Published: November 2021

The dynamic collapse behavior of composite cylindrical shells subjected to a transverse point load is considered. The behavior of undamped cylindrical shells are analyzed with a finite element formulation that incorporates all nonlinear Green’s strain terms in the in-plane, directions. A higher order shear theory is also incorporated in the formulation. Characterizations of the chaotic nature of the post collapsed shell are also explored.
Fire Protection Risk Assessment: A Proposed Methodology for Oil and Chemical Facilities
Authors: Roe Donald L.
Published: November 2021

Fire protection is considered only part of a facility’s safety and loss prevention program. Fire protection systems are designed to respond to events after they have occurred, and do not take into consideration other systems in place that prevent the event from occurring in the first place. In many instances, and especially after events have occurred, lawsuits have been filed, regulatory consent orders have been issued, and recommendations from outside experts and insurance companies have been issued, directly pressuring the company to take action. Other companies with similar risks have also felt indirect pressure to install additional protection systems. Good engineering judgment has not always been applied to assure that the money was well spent.

This paper will present a fire protection risk assessment methodology for oil and chemical facilities. In this methodology, not only are fire protection issues considered, but also select management, process safety and engineering systems are reviewed. The systematic review of these factors will assist a facility in establishing its own risk assessment criteria.

ECRC has applied and proven the benefits of this methodology at a Gulf Coast refining and petrochemical complex. This paper will summarize the results of this work.
Development and Application of API Risk Based Inspection Planning for Petroleum and Petrochemical Facilities
Authors: Reynolds John T.
Published: November 2021

This paper describes the status of the API project to develop and maintain Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology for application within the petroleum and chemical industry. The original project has now moved from a “development” phase into an “implement and improve” phase. This paper describes the essential features of API RBI, the most recent enhancements, software features, the future direction for the project, and some user experiences.

This paper also describes the acceptance of RBI by various API codes and standards, by jurisdictional authorities, and it also describes the development of an API recommended practice on RBI (API RP 580) as well as the development of an ASME standard on RBI.
Utility of Maintenance Performance Indicators to Consolidate Operational and Technical Health Beyond the Regulatory Compliance
Authors: Liyanage Jayantha P. , Kumar Uday
Published: November 2021

Performance indicators being a widely accepted criterion and a reliable resort to monitor and to control or to improve core-processes, the strategic importance for a comprehensive performance measurement system in the petroleum sector is ever increasing. But yet, there is a lack of such measurement systems to serve the purpose due to its complexity by nature, however been constantly attempted by many personnel. A focal-effort is to track the degree of performance of maintenance process with reference to specified acceptance criteria in the long run to keep-up with a desired operational and technical health, and to comply with the internal and external requirements for offshore petroleum business to enhance the overall asset performance. There are certain critical watch-worthy factors for such performance measurement systems in general, and increasing fundamental motives behind management concerns to outperform beyond statutory and regulatory requirements. This paper discusses some basic issues regarding the development of operations and maintenance performance indicators for the offshore petroleum industry on the premise of the above.
Thermo-Bimorph Microcilia Arrays for Small Spacecraft Docking
Authors: Reiter Joel , Terry Mason , Böhringer Karl F. , Suh John W. , Kovacs Gregory T. A.
Published: November 2021

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology promises to improve performance of future spacecraft components while reducing mass, cost, and manufacture time. Arrays of microcilia actuators offer a lightweight alternative to conventional docking systems for miniature satellites. Instead of mechanical guiding structures, such a system uses a surface tiled with MEMS actuators to guide the satellite to its docking site.

This paper describes an experimental setup for precision docking of a “picosatellite” with the help of MEMS cilia arrays. Microgravity is simulated with an aluminum puck on an airtable. A series of experiments is performed to characterize the cilia, with the goal to understand the influence of normal force, picosat mass, docking velocity, cilia frequency, interface material, and actuation strategy (“gait”) on the performance of the MEMS docking system.

We demonstrate a 4 cm2 cilia array capable of docking a 45 gram picosat with a 2 mm2 contact area at micrometer precision. It is concluded that current MEMS cilia arrays are useful to position and align miniature satellites with up to several kg of mass.
Heat Transer Enhancement Using Flow-Induced Vibration of a Microfin Array
Authors: Go Jeung Sang , Lim Geunbae , Yun Hayong , Lee Junghyun , Song Inseob , Kim Sung Jin , Pak Y. Eugene
Published: November 2021

Advanced notebook computers are facing thermal engineering challenges from both the high heat generation with rapid performance improvement and the reduction of the available heat removal surface area. Efficient and compact cooling technology is desired to provide the reliable operation of the microelectronic devices. This paper investigates the feasibility of heat transfer enhancement in laminar flow using the flow-induced vibration of a microfin array without the additional consumption of battery power or the extension of heat removal surface area. The microfins are initially bent due to the residual stress difference. A high speed motion analyzer records the flow-induced vibration of the microfin array. Increase in flow velocity provides larger vibrating deflection and higher frequency of the microfin. We measure the thermal resistances to evaluate the thermal performance of the microfin heat sink and compare them with those of the plain-wall heat sink. For the fluid velocity of 4.4m/s, the thermal resistance of the microfin array heat sink is measured to be 4.45°C/W and that of the plain-wall heat sink 4.69°C/W, which indicates 5.5% cooling enhancement. At the flow velocity of 5.5m/s, the thermal resistance of the microfin array heat sink decreases by 11.5%.
Adhesion Studies of Single Living Cells Using MEMS Sensors
Authors: Sager Chad , Saif Taher , LeDuc Phil
Published: November 2021

Adhesion between cells is related to several physiological phenomena such as heart failure (Karila00), how cancer spreads (Ruoslahti99) and if an infection will be fought off. Controlling of these events requires knowledge of how cells adhere. Many previous studies have been conducted with various amounts of success. But none of these methods are independently capable of understanding the adhesion properties of a single living cell. In this article a MEMS sensor has been employed to study, quantitatively and qualitatively, the adhesion properties of a single living bovine endothelial cell. This experiment shows that the strength of a single anchorage site of the endothelial cell to an extracellular matrix coated substrate is 36 nN. Anchorage sites have been observed, in-situ, to be spaced on the order of 1 μm intervals. A model is also proposed for the detachment of a single living cell from a substrate.