bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Behavior of a Prototype Centrifugal Pump with Abrupt Decreasing Flow Rate
Authors: Zhao Yan-Juan , Zhang Yu-Liang
Published: April 2021

Centrifugal pump often operates at different working flow rates to meet engineering requirement. To better reveal the transient behavior of centrifugal pump in the process of decreasing flow rate, the finite volume method (FVM), RNG k‐ε turbulence model, sliding mesh technology, and user‐defined functions (UDF) were employed to simulate the three‐dimensional unsteady viscous incompressible flow in a low‐specific‐speed centrifugal pump during the abrupt valve‐off period. The results show that the differences are very obvious between transient and quasi‐steady calculations. The velocity is maximum on the wall of hub and shroud, while the velocity is minimum and uniform distribution at middle positions. The transient flow field lags behind the quasi‐steady flow field, which may be related to the reasons; namely, kinetic energy cannot convert pressure energy in time.
Concise and Informative Article Title Throughput Maximization through Joint User Association and Power Allocation for a UAV‐Integrated H‐CRAN
Authors: Ma Yingteng , Wang Haijun , Xiong Jun , Ma Dongtang , Zhao Haitao
Published: April 2021

The heterogeneous cloud radio access network (H‐CRAN) is considered a promising solution to expand the coverage and capacity required by fifth‐generation (5G) networks. UAV, also known as wireless aerial platforms, can be employed to improve both the network coverage and capacity. In this paper, we integrate small drone cells into a H‐CRAN. However, new complications and challenges, including 3D drone deployment, user association, admission control, and power allocation, emerge. In order to address these issues, we formulate the problem by maximizing the network throughput through jointly optimizing UAV 3D positions, user association, admission control, and power allocation in H‐CRAN networks. However, the formulated problem is a mixed integer nonlinear problem (MINLP), which is NP‐hard. In this regard, we propose an algorithm that combines the genetic convex optimization algorithm (GCOA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach to obtain an accurate solution. Simulation results validate the feasibility of our proposed algorithm, and it outperforms the traditional genetic and K‐means algorithms.
The Effect of Particle Size on the Interpretation of Pore Structure of Shale by N2 Adsorption
Authors: Lyu Chengfu , Zhou Xinmao , Lu Xuesong , Zhang Ying , Li Chao , Zhou Qianshan , Sun Zhaotong , Chen Guojun
Published: April 2021

Gas adsorption experiments are becoming one of the most common methods to quantify and analyze the pore structures of shale samples in the petroleum industry. In this regard, particle size of the specimen plays an important role in the results that could ultimately affect the pore structure interpretation. Hence, in this study, five shale samples at different thermal maturity levels are picked, and all are crushed into different groups of particle sizes: less than 40 mesh (<375 μm), less than 60 mesh (<250 μm), less than 80 mesh (<187.5 μm), and less than 100 mesh (<150 μm). Next, N2 adsorption is used to characterize the pore structures of the samples within different particle sizes. Furthermore, to interpret the data, several attributes such as the pore volume, surface area, fractal dimension (from the fractal analysis), and heterogeneity index (from the multifractal analysis), are studied and compared between the samples and particle size intervals to provide us with the effect that particle size could have on the pore structure analysis. The results showed that as the particle size varies, the pore structures of the shale samples could get affected. Based on the comparison of the results, it is recommended that a suitable particle size for the shale pore structure characterization in N2 adsorption experiments should be less than 60 mesh (<250 μm).
Coal Mine Gas Explosion Vulnerability Assessment Based on the “Glass Heart” Model
Authors: Tian Shuicheng , Yang Pengfei , Tang Kai
Published: April 2021

Gas explosion, which is the main type of accidents reported in coal mines, comes with serious economic and safety consequences. The present work adopts the “glass heart” model for assessing the vulnerability of coal mines to gas explosions based on a constructed gas explosion vulnerability assessment index system. The proposed index system is applied to a coal mine in Henan Province, China, as an example. The original disturbance index is augmented by including the energy release index factor. The Delphi method is employed by six experts to score the index factors according to a scoring standard. Data analysis and processing yield a gas explosion vulnerability score of 0.431 for the example mine. Accordingly, the mine is classified as grade II, indicating that the mine is likely to result in casualties and/or property loss. A comparison of the assessment results with those obtained via an analysis of records pertaining to previous gas explosion accidents indicates that the proposed assessment of gas explosion vulnerability by means of the “glass heart” assessment model is realistic. The “glass heart” vulnerability assessment method offers a new perspective and methodology for assessing the vulnerability of coal mines to gas explosion and conducting coal mine risk classification.
A Trust from the Ancestors: Islamic Ethics and Local Tradition in a Syncretistic Ritual in East-Central Sulawesi
Authors: Szombathy Zoltán
Published: April 2021

Molabot Tumpe is a unique traditional ritual that binds together Batui and Banggai, two geographically distant Muslim communities of East-Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The ritual consists of an annual offering of maleo bird eggs by the inhabitants of Batui to the élite of the old Banggai sultanate. Originating in tribute-giving ceremonies and ancestral cults, the purpose of the ritual is now understood and explained in thoroughly Islamised ethical terms. However, both the general purpose and the precise details of the ritual have been contested by environmentalists, by part of the traditional local élite, and by proponents of Islamic reformism, the last of whom question the accepted interpretation of the ritual’s purpose, as well as its moral foundations, and object to crucial elements of the ceremonies, especially the idea of possession by ancestral spirits. Besides giving an ethnographic description of the ritual, the article addresses the general issue of religious syncretism in Islam.
Iranian Religious Elements in Chinese Medieval Art: Remarks on “Zoroastrian Protective Spirits”
Authors: Sifei Li
Published: April 2021

This article aims at discussing the possible origin and meaning of winged fantastic creatures, which appear quite often in the 6th century A.D. Sogdian funerary monuments in China and specifically on the Shi Jun 史君 one (580 A.D.). It cannot be ruled out that composite creatures like the one on the Shi Jun funerary monument originated from the Greek ketos and hippocampus that were introduced into Persia, Central Asia and northwestern India after the conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great. The impact of Chinese cultural elements on this little investigated group of funerary monuments contributed to create a long forgotten unique and still enigmatic artistic production that scholars called “Sino-Sogdian”.
Tracing the International Dimensions of Iranian Nationalism: The Era of Mohammad Reza Shah
Authors: Özdemir Zelal
Published: April 2021

This study explores the reconstruction of Iranian national identity during the Mohammad Reza Shah era (1953 to 1979). Drawing on materials collected from the memoirs and statements of the Shah and the key actors of the era and using Historical Sociology in International Relations as its theoretical backbone, it aims to unravel the constitutive role of the international on the formation of Iranian state nationalism. It argues that in order to understand the meaning attached to being Iranian, we should look into the specifics of international- domestic interaction, as Iranian national identity has been framed and re-framed by the Shah alongside the changing dynamics born out of specific interaction between the domestic and international dynamics. The Shah’s interpretation of Iranian identity emerged and evolved at the intersection of his endeavours for gaining legitimacy against the legacy of Mosaddeq and his popular nationalism at the domestic level and for reclaiming the actorness of Iran during the Cold War at the international level. Playing inwards and outwards, the Shah sought to deconstruct the content of Iranian nationalism articulated by Mosaddeq and to give a new meaning to Iranian nationalism. Serving as the ideological glue of his state building, it was characterized by a strong belief in the rapid industrialization, emphasis on unity rather than diversity, uniqueness of Iranian identity vis-à-vis the East and the West, and presentation of the Shah as the real and moral representative of the Iranian people.
Guaranteed cost and finite-time event-triggered control of fractional-order switched systems
Authors: Shang Yilin , Liu Leipo , Di Yifan , Fu Zhumu , Fan Bo
Published: April 2021

This paper considers the problem of guaranteed cost and finite-time event-triggered control of fractional-order switched systems. Firstly, an event-triggered scheme including both the information of current state and an exponential decay function is proposed, and a novel cost function that adopts the characteristics of fractional-order integration is presented. Secondly, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that the corresponding closed-loop system is finite-time stable with a certain cost upper bound, using multiple Lyapunov functions and average dwell time approach. Meanwhile, the event-triggered parameters and state feedback gains are simultaneously obtained via solving linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, Zeno behavior does not exist by finding a positive lower bound of the triggered interval. Finally, an example about fractional-order switched electrical circuit is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Transmission rate conditions for distributed filtering in sensor networks against eavesdropper
Authors: Zhao Bingya , Zhang Ya
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the distributed secure estimation problem of sensor networks (SNs) in the presence of eavesdroppers. In an SN, sensors communicate with each other through digital communication channels, and the eavesdropper overhears the messages transmitted by the sensors over fading wiretap channels. The increasing transmission rate plays a positive role in the detectability of the network while playing a negative role in the secrecy. Two types of SNs under two cooperative filtering algorithms are considered. For networks with collectively observable nodes and the Kalman filtering algorithm, by studying the topological entropy of sensing measurements, a sufficient condition of distributed detectability and secrecy, under which there exists a code–decode strategy such that the sensors’ estimation errors are bounded while the eavesdropper’s error grows unbounded, is given. For collectively observable SNs under the consensus Kalman filtering algorithm, by studying the topological entropy of the sensors’ covariance matrices, a necessary condition of distributed detectability and secrecy is provided. A simulation example is given to illustrate the results.
Ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer with simultaneous boost to the dominant intraprostatic lesion: a plan comparison
Authors: Cambria Raffaella , Ciardo Delia , Bazani Alessia , Pansini Floriana , Rondi Elena , Maestri Davide , Zerini Dario , Marvaso Giulia , Romanelli Pola , Timon Giorgia , Fodor Cristiana , Petralia Giuseppe , Alessi Sarah , Pricolo Paola , Vischioni Barbara , Fossati Piero , Molinelli Sivia , Russo Stefania , Ciocca Mario , De Cobelli Ottavio , Renne Giuseppe , Orecchia Roberto , Cattani Federica , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara A.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To compare different stereotactic body techniques—intensity-modulated radiotherapy with photons and protons, applied to radiotherapy of prostatic cancer—with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) on the dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL).

Methods:

Ten patients were selected for this planning study. Dosimetric results were compared between volumetric modulated arc therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and intensity-modulated proton therapy both with two (IMPT 2F) and five fields (IMPT 5F) planning while applying the prescription schemes of 7.25 Gy/fraction to the prostate gland and 7.5 Gy/fraction to the DIL in 5 fractions.

Results:

Comparison of the coverages of the planning target volumes showed that small differences exist. The IMPT-2F-5F techniques allowed higher doses in the targets; conformal indexes resulted similar; homogeneity was better in the photon techniques (2%–5%). Regarding the organs at risk, all the techniques were able to maintain the dose well below the prescribed constraints: in the rectum, the IMPT-2F-5F and IMRT were more efficient in lowering the intermediate doses; in the bladder, the median dose was significantly better in the case of IMPT (2F–5F). In the urethra, the best sparing was achieved only by IMPT-5F.

Conclusions:

Stereotactic radiotherapy with SIB for localized prostate cancer is feasible with all the investigated techniques. Concerning IMPT, the two-beam technique does not seem to have a greater advantage compared to the standard techniques; the 5-beam technique seems more promising also accounting for the range uncertainty.
Does endometrioma surgery affect assisted reproductive technologies cycle outcome in patients with decreased ovarian reserve diagnosed by Bologna criteria?
Authors: Kahyaoglu Inci , Gülerman Cavidan , Yılmaz Nafiye , Ceran Mehmet Ufuk , Ozgu-Erdinc Ayşe Seval , Kahyaoglu Serkan , Bardakcı Yesim , Engin Üstün Yaprak
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Data regarding whether the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcome of patients with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) secondary to an endometrioma surgery differs from that of patients with DOR secondary to other etiologies is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the ART outcomes of DOR patients diagnosed by Bologna criteria secondary to a previous endometrioma surgery with DOR patients without a history of an endometrioma surgery.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the assisted reproduction unit of a tertiary research and education hospital. Medical records of the patients with DOR were reviewed retrospectively. Group I included 23 cycles of DOR patients secondary to a previous endometrioma surgery and Group II consisted of 260 cycles of DOR patients without a history of endometrioma surgery.

Results:

No significant difference was demonstrated between groups regarding demographic features except for the age (32 (24–41) in Group I vs 35 (23–47) in Group II, p = 0.031). The data comparing the controlled ovarian stimulation parameters and ART outcomes showed similar results in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding pregnancy rates per transfer (23% vs 22.2 %) and per cycle (13% vs 15.4%) ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Cycle outcomes of DOR patients secondary to an endometrioma surgery did not differ from that of DOR without an endometrioma surgery history.
Platelet MHC class I mediates CD8+ T-cell suppression during sepsis
Authors: Guo Li , Shen Sikui , Rowley Jesse W. , Tolley Neal D. , Jia Wenwen , Manne Bhanu Kanth , McComas Kyra N. , Bolingbroke Ben , Kosaka Yasuhiro , Krauel Krystin , Denorme Frederik , Jacob Shancy P. , Eustes Alicia S. , Campbell Robert A. , Middleton Elizabeth A. , He Xiao , Brown Samuel M. , Morrell Craig N. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Rondina Matthew T.
Published: April 2021

Circulating platelets interact with leukocytes to modulate host immune and thrombotic responses. In sepsis, platelet-leukocyte interactions are increased and have been associated with adverse clinical events, including increased platelet–T-cell interactions. Sepsis is associated with reduced CD8+ T-cell numbers and functional responses, but whether platelets regulate CD8+ T-cell responses during sepsis remains unknown. In our current study, we systemically evaluated platelet antigen internalization and presentation through major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and their effects on antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in sepsis in vivo and ex vivo. We discovered that both human and murine platelets internalize and proteolyze exogenous antigens, generating peptides that are loaded onto MHC-I. The expression of platelet MHC-I, but not platelet MHC-II, is significantly increased in human and murine platelets during sepsis and in human megakaryocytes stimulated with agonists generated systemically during sepsis (eg, interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide). Upregulation of platelet MHC-I during sepsis increases antigen cross-presentation and interactions with CD8+ T cells in an antigen-specific manner. Using a platelet lineage–specific MHC-I–deficient mouse strain (B2Mf/f-Pf4Cre), we demonstrate that platelet MHC-I regulates antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell proliferation in vitro, as well as the number and functional responses of CD8+ T cells in vivo, during sepsis. Loss of platelet MHC-I reduces sepsis-associated mortality in mice in an antigen-specific setting. These data identify a new mechanism by which platelets, through MHC-I, process and cross-present antigens, engage antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, and regulate CD8+ T-cell numbers, functional responses, and outcomes during sepsis.
RNF217 regulates iron homeostasis through its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity by modulating ferroportin degradation
Authors: Jiang Li , Wang Jiaming , Wang Kai , Wang Hao , Wu Qian , Yang Cong , Yu Yingying , Ni Pu , Zhong Yueyang , Song Zijun , Xie Enjun , Hu Ronggui , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: April 2021

Ferroportin (FPN), the body’s sole iron exporter, is essential for maintaining systemic iron homeostasis. In response to either increased iron or inflammation, hepatocyte-secreted hepcidin binds to FPN, inducing its internalization and subsequent degradation. However, the E3 ubiquitin ligase that underlies FPN degradation has not been identified. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a novel mechanism involving the RNF217-mediated degradation of FPN. A combination of 2 different E3 screens revealed that the Rnf217 gene is a target of Tet1, mediating the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of FPN. Interestingly, loss of Tet1 expression causes an accumulation of FPN and an impaired response to iron overload, manifested by increased iron accumulation in the liver together with decreased iron in the spleen and duodenum. Moreover, we found that the degradation and ubiquitination of FPN could be attenuated by mutating RNF217. Finally, using 2 conditional knockout mouse lines, we found that knocking out Rnf217 in macrophages increases splenic iron export by stabilizing FPN, whereas knocking out Rnf217 in intestinal cells appears to increase iron absorption. These findings suggest that the Tet1-RNF217-FPN axis regulates iron homeostasis, revealing new therapeutic targets for FPN-related diseases.
How I treat dysfibrinogenemia
Authors: Casini Alessandro , de Moerloose Philippe
Published: April 2021

Congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) is caused by structural changes in fibrinogen that modify its function. Diagnosis is based on discrepancy between decreased fibrinogen activity and normal fibrinogen antigen levels and is confirmed by genetic testing. CD is caused by monoallelic mutations in fibrinogen genes that lead to clinically heterogenous disorders. Most patients with CD are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis, but the clinical course may be complicated by a tendency toward bleeding and/or thrombosis. Patients with a thrombosis-related fibrinogen variant are particularly at risk, and, in such patients, long-term anticoagulation should be considered. Management of surgery and pregnancy raise important and difficult issues. The mainstay of CD treatment remains fibrinogen supplementation. Antifibrinolytic agents are part of the treatment in some specific clinical settings. In this article, we discuss 5 clinical scenarios to highlight common clinical challenges. We detail our approach to establishing a diagnosis of CD and discuss strategies for the management of bleeding, thrombosis, surgery, and pregnancy.
Molecular classification improves risk assessment in adult BCR-ABL1–negative B-ALL
Authors: Paietta Elisabeth , Roberts Kathryn G. , Wang Victoria , Gu Zhaohui , Buck Georgina A. N. , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Levine Ross L. , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Cheng Zhongshan , Wu Gang , Qu Chunxu , Shi Lei , Pounds Stanley , Willman Cheryl L. , Harvey Richard , Racevskis Janis , Barinka Jan , Zhang Yanming , Dewald Gordon W. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Alejos David , Lazarus Hillard M. , Luger Selina M. , Foroni Letizia , Patel Bela , Fielding Adele K. , Melnick Ari , Marks David I. , Moorman Anthony V. , Wiernik Peter H. , Rowe Jacob M. , Tallman Martin S. , Goldstone Anthony H. , Mullighan Charles G. , Litzow Mark R.
Published: April 2021

Genomic classification has improved risk assignment of pediatric, but not adult B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The international UKALLXII/ECOG-ACRIN E2993 (#NCT00002514) trial accrued 1229 adolescent/adult patients with BCR-ABL1− B-ALL (aged 14 to 65 years). Although 93% of patients achieved remission, 41% relapsed at a median of 13 months (range, 28 days to 12 years). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 42% (95% confidence interval, 39, 44). Transcriptome sequencing, gene expression profiling, cytogenetics, and fusion polymerase chain reaction enabled genomic subtyping of 282 patient samples, of which 264 were eligible for trial, accounting for 64.5% of E2993 patients. Among patients with outcome data, 29.5% with favorable outcomes (5-year OS 65% to 80%) were deemed standard risk (DUX4-rearranged [9.2%], ETV6-RUNX1/-like [2.3%], TCF3-PBX1 [6.9%], PAX5 P80R [4.1%], high-hyperdiploid [6.9%]); 50.2% had high-risk genotypes with 5-year OS of 0% to 27% (Ph-like [21.2%], KMT2A-AFF1 [12%], low-hypodiploid/near-haploid [14.3%], BCL2/MYC-rearranged [2.8%]); 20.3% had intermediate-risk genotypes with 5-year OS of 33% to 45% (PAX5alt [12.4%], ZNF384/-like [5.1%], MEF2D-rearranged [2.8%]). IKZF1 alterations occurred in 86% of Ph-like, and TP53 mutations in patients who were low-hypodiploid (54%) and BCL2/MYC-rearranged (33%) but were not independently associated with outcome. Of patients considered high risk based on presenting age and white blood cell count, 40% harbored subtype-defining genetic alterations associated with standard- or intermediate-risk outcomes. We identified distinct immunophenotypic features for DUX4-rearranged, PAX5 P80R, ZNF384-R/-like, and Ph-like genotypes. These data in a large adult B-ALL cohort treated with a non–risk-adapted approach on a single trial show the prognostic importance of genomic analyses, which may translate into future therapeutic benefits.
Rate of thrombosis in children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C
Authors: Whitworth Hilary , Sartain Sarah E. , Kumar Riten , Armstrong Katherine , Ballester Lance , Betensky Marisol , Cohen Clay T. , Diaz Rosa , Diorio Caroline , Goldenberg Neil A. , Jaffray Julie , Keegan Jacquelyn , Malone Kendra , Randolph Adrienne G. , Rifkin-Zenenberg Stacey , Leung Wendy Seto , Sochet Anthony , Srivaths Lakshmi , Zia Ayesha , Raffini Leslie
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with thrombotic complications in adults, but the incidence of COVID-19-related thrombosis in children and adolescents is unclear. Most children with acute COVID-19 have mild disease, but coagulopathy has been associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a postinfectious complication. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study to determine the incidence of thrombosis in children hospitalized with COVID-19 or MIS-C and evaluate associated risk factors. We classified patients into 1 of 3 groups for analysis: COVID-19, MIS-C, or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2. Among a total of 853 admissions (COVID-19, n = 426; MIS-C, n = 138; and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2, n = 289) in 814 patients, there were 20 patients with thrombotic events (TEs; including 1 stroke). Patients with MIS-C had the highest incidence (9 [6.5%] of 138) vs COVID-19 (9 [2.1%] of 426) or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (2 [0.7%] of 289). In patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C, a majority of TEs (89%) occurred in patients age ≥12 years. Patients age ≥12 years with MIS-C had the highest rate of thrombosis at 19% (9 of 48). Notably, 71% of TEs that were not present on admission occurred despite thromboprophylaxis. Multivariable analysis identified the following as significantly associated with thrombosis: age ≥12 years, cancer, presence of a central venous catheter, and MIS-C. In patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C, hospital mortality was 2.3% (13 of 564), but it was 28% (5 of 18) in patients with TEs. Our findings may help inform pediatric thromboprophylaxis strategies.
Impact of dark tetrad personality traits on nascent entrepreneurial behavior: the mediating role of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Cai Li , Murad Majid , Ashraf Sheikh Farhan , Naz Shumaila
Published: April 2021

The impact of negative personality traits on entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behavior has become a research focus in the field of entrepreneurship. This study aimed to identify the influence of dark tetrad personality traits on the nascent entrepreneurial behavior and the mediating role of entrepreneurial intention. This study used partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses on a sample of 347 undergraduate and postgraduate university students from China. The results of this study revealed that narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism have a positive and significant influence on nascent entrepreneurial behavior and entrepreneurial intention, which significantly partially mediates the relationship between dark tetrad and nascent entrepreneurial behavior. The finding of the study implies China’s higher education and policymakers to unlock the hidden potential of its youth. This study contributes to the emerging literature on psychology and entrepreneurship and provides evidence that individuals with a high level of dark tetrad are more likely to be involved in entrepreneurial action.
Short‐term outcomes in children following emergency department visits for minor injuries sustained at home
Authors: Molloy Matthew J , Shields Wendy , Stevens Molly W , Gielen Andrea C
Published: April 2021

Background

Minor injuries are very common in the pediatric population and often occur in the home environment. Despite its prevalence, little is known about outcomes in children following minor injury at home. Understanding the impact of these injuries on children and their families is important for treatment, prevention, and policy. The objectives of our study were (1) To describe the distribution of short-term outcomes following pediatric minor injuries sustained at home and (2) To explore the relationship of injury type and patient and household demographics with these outcomes.

Methods

Children (n = 102) aged 0–7 years with a minor injury sustained at home were recruited in an urban pediatric emergency department as part of the Child Housing Assessment for a Safer Environment (CHASE) observational study. Each patient had a home visit following the emergency department visit, where five parent-reported outcomes were assessed. Relationships were explored with logistic regression.

Results

The most common type of injury was soft tissue (57.8 %). 13.2 % of children experienced ≥ 7 days of pain, 21.6 % experienced ≥ 7 days of abnormal activity, 8.9 % missed ≥ 5 days of school, 17.8 % of families experienced ≥ 7 days of disruption, and 9.1 % of parents missed ≥ 5 days of work. Families reported a total of 120 missed school days and 120 missed work days. Children who sustained a burn had higher odds of experiencing pain (OR 6.97), abnormal activity (OR 8.01), and missing school (OR 8.71). The parents of children who sustained a burn had higher odds of missing work (OR 14.97).

Conclusions

Families of children suffering a minor injury at home reported prolonged pain and changes in activity as well as significant school and work loss. In this cohort, burns were more likely than other minor injuries to have these negative short-term outcomes reported and represent an important target for interventions. The impact of these injuries on missed school and disruption of parental work warrants further consideration.
Three thousand year paleo-tsunami history of the southern part of the Japan Trench
Authors: Higaki Hokuto , Goto Kazuhisa , Yanagisawa Hideaki , Sugawara Daisuke , Ishizawa Takashi
Published: April 2021

This study conducted a field survey and multiproxy analyses on sediment cores retrieved from the Kobatake-ike pond in Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Kobatake-ike pond is located at a high elevation (i.e., 11 m above present-day sea level) and faces the southern part of the Japan Trench. Three event sand layers were detected within the continuous mud and peat sequences of 3000 years. Based on the multi-proxy analyses, including mineralogical composition, diatom assemblages, and geochemical markers, these sedimentological events were associated with past tsunamis. The most recent event was a sandy layer and is attributed to the AD 1677 Enpo tsunami, which was reported by an earlier study conducted in the pond. Our results demonstrated that two older sand layers are associated with large tsunamis that struck the Choshi area in AD 896–1445 and in BC 488–AD 215. In addition, the age ranges of these events seem to overlap that of large earthquakes and tsunamis known from the central part of the Japan Trench. This implies a possible spatiotemporal relation of earthquake generations between the central and southern parts of the Japan Trench. However, since the error ranges of the ages of tsunami deposits at the southern and central parts of the Japan Trench are still large, further investigation is required to clarify the relations of large earthquakes in both areas.
Does the macro design of an implant affect the accuracy of template-guided implantation? A prospective clinical study
Authors: Schnutenhaus Sigmar , Edelmann Cornelia , Rudolph Heike
Published: April 2021

Background

An implant prosthesis aims to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of function and esthetics following tooth loss. Template-guided insertion is used to achieve an optimal position of the implant with regard to prosthetic restorability, bone availability, and condition of the surrounding soft tissues. The accuracy of template-guided implant placement is subject to various influencing factors.

The clinically achievable accuracy depending on the macro design of the implant body was investigated in this prospective clinical study.

Material and methods

In this prospective clinical study, 20 implants were placed in 20 patients. The implant had a pronounced conical outer geometry (Conelog ProgressiveLine, Camlog Wimsheim, Germany). Data from a study using an implant with a distinct cylindrical outer geometry were used as a comparison group (Conelog ScrewLine, Camlog, Wimsheim, Germany). The clinically achieved implant position was compared with the planned position.

Results

The evaluation of the two-dimensional deviations in direction resulted in the following mean values (standard deviation) at the shoulder: 0.42 mm (0.33) in the buccolingual direction, 0.27 mm (0.25) in the mesiodistal direction, and 0.68 mm (0.55) in the apicocoronal direction. The mean angular deviation was 4.1° (2.3). The three-dimensional (3D) deviation was 0.94 mm (0.53) at the shoulder and 1.36 mm (0.62) at the apex of the implant.

Significant differences between implants with different macro designs were found in the apicocoronal direction. In connection to this, a significant 3D deviation was found at the implant shoulder.

Conclusions

Significant differences in height were found between the groups. The study had shown that the macro design of an implant has no influence on accuracy in all other directions. Overall, the implants showed a high level of accuracy and a low variation in values. The values were in the range determined by the template-guided insertion system in numerous other investigations. This provides good predictability of prosthetic rehabilitation.

Trial registration

German Register for Clinical Studies (DRKS-ID: DRKS000018939). Date of registration: November 11, 2019.
Nutritional status among orphans and vulnerable children aged 6 to 59 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Berr Nina , Nigatu Yemisrach , Dereje Nebiyu
Published: April 2021

Background

Childhood undernutrition is a global problem contributing to more than a third of under-five mortality. Orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) fare worse than children living with their parents. However, the nutritional and healthcare needs of OVC are under-recognized in Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among OVC aged 6 to 59 months. Multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select the households and eligible children included in the study (n = 584). An interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were carried out. The proportions of stunting, wasting and underweight were determined based on the WHO Z-score cut-off. Factors associated with stunting were identified by Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 35.1% (95% CI; 31.3–39.1%), 4.7% (95% CI; 3.2–6.7%) and 12.0% (95% CI; 9.6–14.9%), respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with initiation of complementary feeding after 12 months of age (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI 1.16–14.11), household food insecurity (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.10–3.17), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.90; 95% CI 1.03–3.42), age ≥ 2 years (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.25–2.67), caretaker’s age ≤ 25 years (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.16) and employment of the caretaker (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.26).

Conclusion

The prevalence of all forms of undernutrition among OVC was significantly higher than the national estimate that has been reported by consecutive Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). Policy makers and programmers working on nutritional interventions should give due emphasis to address the unmet need of OVC and focus on interventions which enhance household food security and caretaker’s awareness on child feeding and pregnancy planning.
Genetic polymorphism of HLA-G gene (G*01:03, G*01:04, and G*01:05N) in Iraqi patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)
Authors: Abdul-Hussein Sarah S. , Ali Ekhlass N. , Zaki Neihaya H. , Ad’hiah Ali H.
Published: April 2021

Background

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) has been proposed to influence susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the genetic association between HLA-G alleles and two clinical phenotypes of IBD (ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn’s disease [CD]) was evaluated in Iraqi patients. A case-control study was performed on 50 UC and 50 CD patients and 100 healthy controls (HC). Three HLA-G alleles (G*01:03, G*01:04, and G*01:05N) were determined using sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction assay followed by product digestion with restriction endonucleases (Hinf-I, BseR-I, and PpuM-I, respectively).

Results

The G*01:03 allele was not detected in IBD patients (UC and CD) or HC, while G*01:04 and G*01:05N alleles showed polymorphic frequencies. The allele G*01:04 was significantly associated with susceptibility to UC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–5.13; corrected probability [pc] = 0.018) and CD (OR = 4.45; 95% CI = 2.11–9.41; pc < 0.001). The allele G*01:05N was also associated with increased risk of UC (OR = 4.17; 95% CI = 1.32–13.21; pc = 0.032) and CD (OR = 4.75; 95% CI = 1.53–14.78; pc = 0.014). These associations were more pronounced in IBD (UC + CD), and a significantly increased risk for IBD was found with the alleles G*01:04 (OR = 3.32; 95% CI = 1.86–5.95; pc < 0.001) and G*01:05N (OR = 4.46; 95% CI = 1.59–12.47; pc = 0.008). A stratification of IBD patients according to some demographic and clinical characteristics revealed that frequencies of both alleles showed no significant differences between the subgroups of patients in each stratum. Soluble HLA-G was not influenced by HLA-G alleles in patients or HC. UC was an exception, and the presence of G*01:04 allele was associated with a significantly higher mean of soluble HLA-G compared to patients without the allele (189.6 ± 24.0 vs. 168.6 ± 27.2 ng/mL; p = 0.033).

Conclusion

This study indicated that HLA-G*01:04 and HLA-G*01:05N alleles may influence susceptibility to UC and CD in Iraqi patients.
A new approach reveals syncytia within the visceral musculature ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Klapper Robert , Heuser Sandra , Strasser Thomas , Janning Wilfried
Published: April 2021

In order to reveal syncytia within the visceral musculature of Drosophila melanogaster, we have combined the GAL4/UAS system with the single-cell transplantation technique. After transplantation of single cells from UAS-GFP donor embryos into ubiquitously GAL4-expressing recipients, the expression of the reporter gene was exclusively activated in syncytia containing both donor- and recipient-derived nuclei. In the first trial, we tested the system in the larval somatic musculature, which is already known to consist of syncytia. By this means we could show that most of the larval somatic muscles are generated by clonally non-related cells. Moreover, using this approach we were able to detect syncytia within the visceral musculature – a tissue that has previously been described as consisting of mononuclear cells. Both the longitudinal visceral musculature of the midgut and the circular musculature of the hindgut consist of syncytia and persist through metamorphosis. This novel application of the transplantation technique might be a powerful tool to trace syncytia in any organism using the GAL4/UAS system.
Requirement ofFoxD3-class signaling for neural crest determination inXenopus
Authors: Sasai Noriaki , Mizuseki Kenji , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

Fox factors (winged-helix transcription factors) play important roles in early embryonic patterning. We show here that FoxD3 (Forkhead 6) regulates neural crest determination in Xenopus embryos. Expression of FoxD3 in the presumptive neural crest region starts at the late gastrula stage in a manner similar to that of Slug, and overlaps with that of Zic-r1. When overexpressed in the embryo and in ectodermal explants, FoxD3 induces expression of neural crest markers. Attenuation of FoxD3-related signaling by a dominant-negative FoxD3 construct (FoxD3delN) inhibits neural crest differentiation in vivo without suppressing the CNS marker Sox2. Interestingly, these loss-of-function phenotypes are reversed by coinjecting Slug. In animal cap explants, neural crest differentiation induced by Slug and Wnt3a is also inhibited by FoxD3delN but not by a dominant-negative form of XBF2. Loss-of-function studies using dominant-negative forms of FoxD3 and Slug indicate that Slug induction by Zic factors requires FoxD3-related signaling, and that FoxD3 and Slug have different requirements in inducing downstream neural crest markers. These data demonstrate that FoxD3 (or its closely related factor) is an essential upstream regulator of neural crest determination.
XenopusDishevelled signaling regulates both neural and mesodermal convergent extension: parallel forces elongating the body axis
Authors: Wallingford John B. , Harland Richard M.
Published: April 2021

During amphibian development, non-canonical Wnt signals regulate the polarity of intercalating dorsal mesoderm cells during convergent extension. Cells of the overlying posterior neural ectoderm engage in similar morphogenetic cell movements. Important differences have been discerned in the cell behaviors associated with neural and mesodermal cell intercalation, raising the possibility that different mechanisms may control intercalations in these two tissues. In this report, targeted expression of mutants of Xenopus Dishevelled (Xdsh) to neural or mesodermal tissues elicited different defects that were consistent with inhibition of either neural or mesodermal convergent extension. Expression of mutant Xdsh also inhibited elongation of neural tissues in vitro in Keller sandwich explants and in vivo in neural plate grafts. Targeted expression of other Wnt signaling antagonists also inhibited neural convergent extension in whole embryos. In situ hybridization indicated that these defects were not due to changes in cell fate. Examination of embryonic phenotypes after inhibition of convergent extension in different tissues reveals a primary role for mesodermal convergent extension in axial elongation, and a role for neural convergent extension as an equalizing force to produce a straight axis. This study demonstrates that non-canonical Wnt signaling is a common mechanism controlling convergent extension in two very different tissues in the Xenopus embryo and may reflect a general conservation of control mechanisms in vertebrate convergent extension.
A UAS site substitution approach to the in vivo dissection of promoters: interplay between the GATAb activator and the AEF-1 repressor at aDrosophilaecdysone response unit
Authors: Brodu Véronique , Mugat Bruno , Fichelson Pierre , Lepesant Jean-Antoine , Antoniewski Christophe
Published: April 2021

An ecdysone response unit (EcRU) directs the expression of the Fat body protein 1 (Fbp1) gene in the third instar larval Drosophila fat body. The tissue-specific activity of this regulatory element necessitates the binding of both the ligand-activated EcR/USP ecdysone receptor and GATAb. To analyze the role played by GATAb in the regulation of the Fbp1 EcRU activity, we have replaced the GATA-binding sites GBS1, GBS2 and GBS3 in the Fbp1 EcRU with UAS sites for the yeast GAL4 activator and tested the activity of the mutagenized Fbp1 EcRUs in transgenic lines, either in the presence or absence of ubiquitously expressed GAL4. Our results reveal that GATAb plays two distinguishable roles at the Fbp1 EcRU that contribute to the tissue-specific activity of this regulatory element. On the one hand, GATAb mediates a fat body-specific transcriptional activation. On the other hand, it antagonizes specifically in the fat body a ubiquitous repressor that maintains the Fbp1 EcRU in an inactive state, refractory to activation by GAL4. We identified this repressor as AEF-1, a factor previously shown to be involved in the regulation of the Drosophila Adh and yp1-yp2 genes. These results show that, for a functional dissection of complex promoter-dependent regulatory pathways, the replacement of specific regulatory target sites by UAS GAL4 binding sites is a powerful alternative to the widely used disruption approach.
A large-scale analysis of mRNAs expressed by primary mesenchyme cells of the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Mahairas Gregory , Illies Michele , Cameron R. Andrew , Davidson Eric H. , Ettensohn Charles A.
Published: April 2021

The primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) of the sea urchin embryo have been an important model system for the analysis of cell behavior during gastrulation. To gain an improved understanding of the molecular basis of PMC behavior, a set of 8293 expressed sequenced tags (ESTs) was derived from an enriched population of mid-gastrula stage PMCs. These ESTs represented approximately 1200 distinct proteins, or about 15% of the mRNAs expressed by the gastrula stage embryo. 655 proteins were similar (P<10−7 by BLAST comparisons) to other proteins in GenBank, for which some information is available concerning expression and/or function. Another 116 were similar to ESTs identified in other organisms, but not further characterized. We conservatively estimate that sequences encoding at least 435 additional proteins were included in the pool of ESTs that did not yield matches by BLAST analysis. The collection of newly identified proteins includes many candidate regulators of primary mesenchyme morphogenesis, including PMC-specific extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface proteins, spicule matrix proteins and transcription factors. This work provides a basis for linking specific molecular changes to specific cell behaviors during gastrulation. Our analysis has also led to the cloning of several key components of signaling pathways that play crucial roles in early sea urchin development.
Clonal separation and regionalisation during formation of the medial and lateral myotomes in the mouse embryo
Authors: Eloy-Trinquet Sophie , Nicolas Jean-François
Published: April 2021

In vertebrates, muscles of the back (epaxial) and of the body wall and limbs (hypaxial) derive from precursor cells located in the dermomyotome of the somites. In this paper, we investigate the mediolateral regionalisation of epaxial and hypaxial muscle precursor cells during segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm and myotome formation, using mouse LaacZ/LacZ chimeras. We demonstrate that precursors of medial and lateral myotomes are clonally separated in the mouse somite, consistent with earlier studies in birds. This clonal separation occurs after segmentation of the paraxial mesoderm. We then show that myotome precursors are mediolaterally regionalised and that this regionalisation precedes clonal separation between medial and lateral precursors. Strikingly, the properties of myotome precursors are remarkably similar in the medial and lateral domains. Finally, detailed analysis of our clones demonstrates a direct spatial relationship between the myocytes in the myotome and their precursors in the dermomyotome, and earlier in the somite and presomitic mesoderm, refuting several models of myotome formation, based on permanent stem cell systems or extensive cell mingling. This progressive mediolateral regionalisation of the myotome at the cellular level correlates with progressive changes in gene expression in the dermomyotome and myotome.
Eyes closed, aDrosophilap47 homolog, is essential for photoreceptor morphogenesis
Authors: Sang Tzu-Kang , Ready Donald F.
Published: April 2021

Starting with a mutation impacting photoreceptor morphogenesis, we identify here a Drosophila gene, eyes closed (eyc), as a fly homolog of p47, a protein co-factor of the p97 ATPase implicated in membrane fusion. Temporal misexpression of Eyc during rhabdomere extension early in pupal life results in inappropriate retention of normally transient adhesions between developing rhabdomeres. Later Eyc misexpression results in endoplasmic reticulum proliferation and inhibits rhodopsin transport to the developing photosensitive membrane. Loss of Eyc function results in a lethal failure of nuclear envelope assembly in early zygotic divisions. Phenotypes resulting from eyc mutations provide the first in vivo evidence for a role for p47 in membrane biogenesis.

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