bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of kidney transplantations from ≥65‐year‐old deceased donors with acute kidney injury
Authors: Echterdiek Fabian , Kitterer Daniel , Dippon Jürgen , Ott Matthias , Paul Gregor , Latus Joerg , Schwenger Vedat
Published: February 2022

Kidney transplantation (KT) from donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) has been associated with delayed graft function (DGF) but similar graft survival compared with KT from donors without AKI. Kidneys from ≥65‐year‐old donors with comorbidities are more susceptible to cold ischemia time (CIT) and DGF and it is unknown whether such elderly kidneys with AKI can also be transplanted with satisfactory outcomes.

All KTs from ≥65‐year‐old donors performed at our center from 1999 to 2019 (n = 233) were retrospectively analyzed and short‐ as well as long‐term outcomes were compared for KTs from donors with (n = 64) and without AKI (n = 169).

There were no significant differences regarding the frequency of DGF as well as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 1 and 3 years post‐transplant between the no‐AKI and the AKI group (DGF: no‐AKI 30.2% vs. AKI 40.6%, P = .17; eGFR at 1‐year: 31.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 35.5 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = .32; at 3‐years: 33.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 40.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, P = .18; respectively). Death‐censored graft survival and patient survival were also not significantly different. Multivariable Cox regression analysis did not identify AKI as a significant risk factor for graft loss or death.

Following careful donor and recipient selection, kidneys from ≥65‐year‐old AKI donors may potentially be transplanted with satisfactory outcomes.
3D‐Druck‐ und Silikonmodelle der Primäreffloreszenzen für die dermatologische Lehre im Fernstudium
Authors: Clanner‐ Engelshofen Benjamin M. , Frommherz Leonie , Mitwalli Mohammed , Stadler Pia‐Charlotte , French Lars E. , Reinholz Markus
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund und Ziele: Die Corona‐Pandemie betrifft eine Fülle von verschiedenen Lebensaspekten – Herausforderungen in der medizinischen Behandlung sind hier unzweifelhaft von höchster Wichtigkeit. Allerdings muss auch, um die Ausbildung von Studierenden zu gewährleisten, fortlaufende medizinische Lehre stattfinden. Während eines Semesters mit Lockdown‐Phasen und eingeschränktem Patientenkontakt für die Studierenden schickten wir jedem Studierenden ein Silikonmodell zu und baten um die Evaluation dieses Lernwerkzeugs.

Methoden: Mittels zweier vollständig und irreversibel anonymisierter Online‐Fragebögen befragten wir Studierende des Dermatologie‐Semesters (n  =  222) an der Medizinischen Fakultät der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität in München im Wintersemester 2020/2021 – anschließend an Online‐Lehre – zu ihrem Verständnis und der Eigeneinschätzung zu Primäreffloreszenzen vor und nach Erhalt der Silikonübungsmodelle. Diese wurden durch Schichtung verschiedener Silikontypen in negative 3D‐Polylactid‐Formen hergestellt, um bestimmte Festigkeiten und Farben darzustellen.

Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden Fragebögen von 211 (95,0 %) und 213 (95,9 %) der 222 Studierenden analysiert, jeweils vor und nach dem Erhalt der Silikonmodelle. Die Studierenden gaben eine statistisch signifikante Zunahme ihrer Fähigkeiten an (P < 0,001). Ein Großteil der Studierenden evaluierte die Silikonmodelle positiv und berichtete von einem besseren Verständnis und Lernen der Primäreffloreszenzen.

Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Lehrstudie zeigt die Vorzüge der haptischen Erfahrung in der dermatologischen Lehre auf – nicht nur in Zeiten von COVID‐19, sondern auch danach.
FGF–FGFR signaling promotes the development of invasive cervical cancer
Authors: Mateus Duarte , Wiedlocha Antoni
Published: February 2022

Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed gynecological malignancies among women worldwide. The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Mahmood et al. investigated in detail the role of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)–FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling axis in the development of the invasive form of the disease. The presented work clearly indicates the FGFR signaling as an additional but important factor for the development of a highly malignant tumor.

Comment on https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16331
Complications and their management following retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in conjunction with retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Kanno Toru , Kobori Go , Ito Katsuhiro , Nakagawa Hiromichi , Takahashi Toshifumi , Takaoka Naoto , Somiya Shinya , Nagahama Kanji , Ito Masaaki , Megumi Yuzuru , Higashi Yoshihito , Moroi Seiji , Akao Toshiya , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To describe the detailed perioperative complications and their management after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma at three institutions.

Methods

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed on patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma located at the pelvis and/or upper or middle ureter, and its template included the renal hilar and para‐aortic lymph nodes (left side) and the renal hilar, paracaval, retrocaval, and intra‐aortocaval lymph nodes (right side). The lymph nodes and kidneys were removed en bloc. The primary endpoint was postoperative complication rates, and the secondary endpoints were intraoperative findings and chylous leakage management. The associations of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with postoperative complications were examined using logistic regression with propensity score techniques.

Results

Eighty‐eight (31%) and 195 (69%) patients underwent and did not undergo retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications and other perioperative findings in the entire cohort, except for prolonged operation time. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was not statistically significantly associated with total and serious complications in propensity score analyses. Postoperative chylous leakage could be conservatively managed even though it is common in patients with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (14/88 (16%)). The incidence of chylous leakage was significantly lower in patients whose lymphatic vessels were meticulously clipped completely during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (5.3% vs 24%; P = 0.017).

Conclusion

There was no association between retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy and postoperative complications. However, chylous leakage is often observed after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and careful management is highly required. The use of clips during retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is recommended to minimize chylous leakage risk.
Introduction: Worldwide patterns of legal segmentation in employment law
Authors: MÜCKENBERGER Ulrich , DINGELDEY Irene
Published: February 2022

This Special Issue aims to enrich the discussion on individual employment re‐regulation by introducing the concept of legal segmentation from a global perspective and distinguishing between the standard‐setting, privileging and equalizing functions of employment law. This introductory article draws on a new database created by the authors that allows countries worldwide to be clustered into types of legal segmentation. It presents the authors' methodology and initial findings, which are contrasted with the regional and thematic studies in this Special Issue. Together, these contributions provide policy proposals to support the creation and enforcement of inclusive rules protecting all working people worldwide.
Differentiation of human macrophages with anaphylatoxin C3a impairs alternative M2 polarization and decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced cytokine secretion
Authors: Mogilenko Denis A , Danko Katerina , Larionova Ekaterina E , Shavva Vladimir S , Kudriavtsev Igor V , Nekrasova Ekaterina V , Burnusuz Alexandra V , Gorbunov Nikolay P , Trofimov Alexander V , Zhakhov Alexander V , Ivanov Igor A , Orlov Sergey V
Published: February 2022

Anaphylatoxin C3a is a small signaling polypeptide that is generated during complement activation. C3a is involved in the regulation of various innate and adaptive immune system processes; however, the role of C3a in macrophage differentiation and polarization is poorly elucidated. Here we showed that C3a impairs alternative M2 polarization of human macrophages and suppressed CD206, IL1Ra and CCL22 expression. C3a leads to a decrease of nuclear receptor PPARγ expression via the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, resulting in repressed PPARγ‐dependent activation of CD36, FABP4 and LXRα genes and blunted response to an LXR ligand TO901317. Using small interfering RNA and agonist/antagonist approaches we showed that C3a decreases CD206, IL1Ra and CCL22 transcription at least partly in a PPARγ‐dependent manner in M2 macrophages. Moreover, C3a impairs efferocytosis by M2 macrophages and inhibits their migratory activity. By contrast, macrophages treated with C3a during differentiation show blunted response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation owing to downregulation of TLR4 and lipid raft content. At the same time, differentiation of macrophages with C3a does not change M1 polarization in interferon gamma (IFNγ) and IFNγ + lipopolysaccharide–treated macrophages. These data provide a novel role of complement system and C3a in the regulation of M2 macrophage polarizations and suggest crosstalk between C3a, TLR4, PPARγ and LXR signaling pathways.
Democracy and terrorism in Africa
Authors: Iheonu Chimere O. , Asongu Simplice A. , Agbutun Shedrach A. , Ifelunini Innocent A.
Published: February 2022

This study adds to the body of existing literature on the relationship between democracy and terrorism by investigating the impact of democracy on terrorism in 26 African countries. The study utilises a robust measure of democracy known as the varieties of democracy index, which has been observed in literature to be more superior to conventional measures of democracy. A composite index of terrorism was derived from the number of terrorism incidents, the number of terrorist fatalities, and the number of terrorist injuries utilising the principal component analysis. The study utilises a fixed effects regression with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors and accounts for simultaneity utilising the first lags of the regressors as instruments. The results reveal an inverted U‐shaped relationship between democracy and terrorism in the selected African countries. In particular, early stages of democracy are associated with higher levels of terrorism while later stages of democracy are associated with lower levels of terrorism. These findings are robust when the negative binomial regression suitable for count data dependent variables is employed.
Preventing facial pressure injuries among health care staff working in diverse COVID‐19 care environments
Authors: Moore Zena , Moore David , McEvoy Natalie L. , Avsar Pinar , O'Connor Tom , Budri Aglecia , Curley Gerard , Walsh Simone , Burke Frank , Porter‐Armstrong Alison , Chaboyer Wendy , Rice John , Patton Declan
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a specially designed care bundle on the development of facial pressure injuries among frontline health care workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This was a mixed methods study. First, a pre‐posttest observational design was employed to evaluate the impact of the pre‐piloted intervention, a care bundle including skin cleansing and hydration, protective material use, facemask selection and skin inspection, developed in line with international best practice guidelines. Data were collected using survey methodology. Frontline COVID‐19 staff working in acute, community and ambulance services were invited to participate. Then, judgemental and volunteer sampling was used to select participants to undertake semi‐structured interviews to elicit feedback on their perceptions of the care bundle. The sample included 120 acute hospital staff, 60 Ambulance staff, 24 Community Hub staff and 20 COVID‐19 testing centre staff. A survey response rate of 61% was realised (n = 135/224). Of the participants, 32% (n = 43) had a facial pressure ulcer (FPI) pre‐intervention and 13% (n = 18) developed an FPI while using the care bundle. The odds ratio (OR) was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.61; P = .0004), indicating a 77% reduction in the odds of FPI development with use of the care bundle. Analysis of the qualitative data from 22 interviews identified three key themes, the context for the care bundle, the ease of use of the care bundle and the care bundle as a solution to FPI development. The care bundle reduced the incidence of FPI among the participants and was found to be easy to use. Implementation of skin protection for frontline staff continues to be important given the persistently high incidence of COVID‐19 and the ongoing need to wear PPE for protracted durations.
Giardia intestinalis and its endomembrane system*
Authors: Benchimol Marlene , de Souza Wanderley
Published: February 2022

Giardia intestinalis has unique characteristics, even in the absence of certain organelles. For instance, Golgi and mitochondria are not found. On the other hand, there is a network of peripheral vacuoles (PVs) and mitosomes. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), nuclear membrane, peroxisomes, and lipid bodies are present. The peripheral vacuole system seems to play several simultaneous roles. It is involved in the endocytic activity of the trophozoite but also has characteristics of early and late endosomes and even lysosomes, establishing a connection with the ER. Some of the PVs contain small vesicles, acting as multivesicular bodies, including the release of exosomes. The mitosomes are surrounded by two membranes, divide during mitosis, and are distributed throughout the cell. They do not contain DNA, enzymes involved in the citric acid cycle, respiratory chain, or ATP synthesis. However, they contain the iron–sulfur complex and transporters as TOM and TIM. Some mitosomes are linked to flagellar axonemes through a fibrillar connection. During encystation, two types of larger cytoplasmic vesicles appear. One originating from the ER contains the cyst wall proteins. Another contains carbohydrates. Both migrate to the cell periphery and fuse with plasma membrane secreting their contents to give rise to the cell wall.
Synthetic Control Method: A tool for comparative case studies in economic history
Authors: Gilchrist David , Emery Thomas , Garoupa Nuno , Spruk Rok
Published: February 2022

The Synthetic Control Method (SCM) has become a widely used tool in both identifying and estimating the causal impact of policies, shocks, and interventions of interest on economic and social outcomes. The technique has become particularly popular in estimating the effect of these shocks on a single treated unit. As a transparent and data‐driven statistical technique, the goal of the SCM is to construct an artificial control group for the treated unit that has similar pretreatment characteristics but has not undergone the treatment itself thus developing a plausible counterfactual against which impacts resulting from structural changes can be evaluated as part of a historical investigation. The method works well when the control group balances pre‐intervention outcomes and auxiliary covariates as much as possible. In spite of its widespread adoption, the use of the SCM in comparative economic history has lagged behind other areas of economics. In this article, we critically review the properties of the SCM and discuss the necessary conditions for a plausible application of the technique to comparative economic history in support of research designed to answer some of the long‐running historical questions and demonstrate the potential to use SCM in comparative economic history studies by estimating the impact of the oil discovery in the 1920s on Venezuela's long‐term economic growth.
How do initial migrants choose their locations? Interregional migration in Japan from 1899 to 1938
Authors: Igarashi Akira
Published: February 2022

What regional factors determine the size of the immigrant population in a region? Previous studies have identified the immigrant network in a region as a main determinant of immigrants' location choices. However, these studies have not answered the question of how the first groups of immigrants decided where to live in the absence of pre‐existing networks in the destination country. Using Japanese historical data from 1899 to 1938, I test how jobs, quality of life, and gateway areas attracted immigrants to settle. The results of the analysis with regional panel data show that higher income, more employment opportunities in transportation industries, and sunshine increase the size of the immigrant population in a region. Economic opportunities in other growing industries (i.e., silk and cotton industries and commercial sectors) are rather deterrents for immigrants. I discuss the reasons for these findings and the implications for future studies.
Apple flavor and its effects on sensory characteristics and consumer preference
Authors: MacKenzie Jordan R. , Duizer Lisa M. , Bowen Amy J.
Published: February 2022

The focus within the apple industry is to identify varieties most preferred by consumers. To help with this, it is necessary to emphasize the discovery of flavor perceptions responsible for consumer preference in apples. The present study aimed to determine which flavor attributes are associated with different apple varieties, determine which apple varieties consumers prefer, and to determine which flavor attributes are contributing to consumer preference. Over two subsequent years, a trained sensory panel (n = 10, n = 15) evaluated 27 and 28 varieties, respectively. Intensity ratings of taste, flavor, and texture characteristics for each apple variety were recorded. This data was paired with an untrained consumer hedonic evaluation (n = 226) using a subset of apple varieties (n = 16). Results revealed that two large groups of apple consumers exist. Group 1 (29%) emphasized the importance of texture, while Group 2 (49%) was primarily driven by sweet taste, and honey and floral flavors with less focus on texture.

Practical Applications

The results of this research provide insight into the positive and negative preference drivers of apple consumers. By understanding flavors associated with consumer preference, the information can be used as a tool to aid breeding programs in the creation of consumer‐centric apples that will be commercialized. Additionally, through the creation of an external preference map, a point‐of‐reference has been created to serve as a predictor for upcoming apple varieties to the Ontario apple industry.
Recurrence of signs consistent with cervical intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs
Authors: Argent V. , Perillo R. , Jeffery N. , Freeman P.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Report the rate of recurrent clinical signs following successful treatment of cervical intervertebral disc extrusion, and explore the association between treatment method and recurrence.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of dogs with MRI‐ or CT‐confirmed cervical intervertebral disc extrusion were reviewed to verify that they recovered. Type of treatment, site of initial extrusion and whether dogs re‐presented with recurrent clinical signs were recorded. Recurrence was considered presumed if based on clinical signs or confirmed if based on repeat cross‐sectional imaging.

Results

Complete recovery was documented following medical (36/119, 30.3%) or surgical (83/119, 69.7%) management of initial cervical disc extrusion. There was a recurrence of consistent clinical signs in 40 of 119 (34%) cases, of which 27 of 83 (33%) were initially managed surgically and 13 of 36 (36%) medically. In 24 of 40 (60%) cases, there was imaging confirmation of recurrent extrusion; in medically managed dogs, recurrence mostly occurred at the same site, whereas after surgery, recurrence most commonly involved an adjacent disc. Of the 40 recurrences, 32 (80%) occurred within 2 years of diagnosis. Rate of recurrence was similar between treatment methods in both univariable and multivariable time‐to‐event analyses (hazard ratio 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 0.67 to 1.53; P=0.87).

Clinical Significance

Following successful initial medical or surgical treatment, clinical signs consistent with recurrent cervical disc extrusion occurred with similar frequency. Medically treated cases tended to have recurrence at the same site as initial presentation, whereas surgical treatment prevented this. Recurrence usually occurred within 2 years. The retrospective study design, small number of recurrences and lack of imaging confirmation of every recurrence should be considered when interpreting the results.
On the empirical content of the convergence debate: Cross‐country evidence on growth and capacity utilisation
Authors: Gahn Santiago José , González Alejandro
Published: February 2022

The Neo‐Kaleckian model predicts that actual capacity utilisation is endogenous to demand shocks and positively correlated with growth in the short and long run. Competing macroeconomic theories predict that such correlation does not exist in the long run and demand shocks have transitory effects on capacity utilisation. Using a quarterly unbalanced panel of 21 developed and developing countries, we show that taking into account direct survey measures, capacity utilisation is stationary, positively correlated with growth in the short run and uncorrelated with growth in the long run. These results are inconsistent with the long‐run behaviour of the Neo‐Kaleckian model.
Segmental cardiac strain assessment by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography in surviving MIS‐c patients: Correlations with myocardial flow reserve (MFR) by 13 N‐ammonia PET‐CT
Authors: Leal Gabriela Nunes , Astley Camila , Lima Marcos Santos , Diniz Maria de Fátima Rodrigues , Lianza Alessandro Cavalcanti , Sawamura Karen Saori Shiraishi , Menezes Carolina Rocha Brito , Silva Camila Lino Martins Rodrigues da , Bain Vera , Imada Rodrigo , Chalela William , Pereira Maria Fernanda Badue , Marques Heloisa Helena de Sousa , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Gualano Bruno , Silva Clovis Artur
Published: February 2022

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐c) is associated with severe cardiovascular impairment and eventually death. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in myocardial injury were scarcely investigated, and cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain. Autopsy studies suggested that microvascular dysfunction may be relevant to LV impairment.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate segmental LV longitudinal strain by 2DST echocardiography and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) by 13 N‐ammonia PET‐CT, in six surviving MIS‐c patients.

Methods

Each patient generated 34 LV segments for combined 2DST and MRF analysis. MFR was considered abnormal when <2, borderline when between 2 and 2.5 and normal when >2.5.

Results

From July 2020 to February 2021, six patients were admitted with MIS‐c: three males, aged 9.3 (6.6–15.7) years. Time from admission to the follow‐up visit was 6.05 (2–10.3) months. Although all patients were asymptomatic and LV EF was ≥55%, 43/102 (42.1%) LV segments showed MFR <2.5. There was a modest positive correlation between segmental peak systolic longitudinal strain and MFR: r = .36, p = .03 for basal segments; r = .41, p = .022 for mid segments; r = .42, p = .021 for apical segments. Median peak systolic longitudinal strain was different among MRF categories: 18% (12%–24%) for abnormal, 18.5% (11%–35%) for borderline, and 21% (12%–32%) for normal MFR (p = .006).

Conclusion

We provided preliminary evidence that surviving MIS‐c patients may present subclinical impairment of myocardial microcirculation. Segmental cardiac strain assessment 2DST seems useful for MIS‐c cardiovascular follow‐up, given its good correlation with 13 N‐ammonia PET‐CT derived MFR.
Tradeoffs between leaf cooling and hydraulic safety in a dominant arid land riparian tree species
Authors: Blasini Davis E. , Koepke Dan F. , Bush Susan E. , Allan Gerard J. , Gehring Catherine A. , Whitham Thomas G. , Day Thomas A. , Hultine Kevin R.
Published: February 2022

Leaf carbon gain optimization in hot environments requires balancing leaf thermoregulation with avoiding excessive water loss via transpiration and hydraulic failure. The tradeoffs between leaf thermoregulation and transpirational water loss can determine the ecological consequences of heat waves that are increasing in frequency and intensity. We evaluated leaf thermoregulation strategies in warm‐ (>40°C maximum summer temperature) and cool‐adapted (<40°C maximum summer temperature) genotypes of the foundation tree species, Populus fremontii, using a common garden near the mid‐elevational point of its distribution. We measured leaf temperatures and assessed three modes of leaf thermoregulation: leaf morphology, midday canopy stomatal conductance and stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit. Data were used to parameterize a leaf energy balance model to estimate contrasts in midday leaf temperature in warm‐ and cool‐adapted genotypes. Warm‐adapted genotypes had 39% smaller leaves and 38% higher midday stomatal conductance, reflecting a 3.8°C cooler mean leaf temperature than cool‐adapted genotypes. Leaf temperatures modelled over the warmest months were on average 1.1°C cooler in warm‐ relative to cool‐adapted genotypes. Results show that plants adapted to warm environments are predisposed to tightly regulate leaf temperatures during heat waves, potentially at an increased risk of hydraulic failure.
A case of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis complicated by interstitial nephritis related to streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B
Authors: Kanazawa Nobuhiro , Iyoda Masayuki , Hayashi Junichi , Honda Kazuho , Oda Takashi , Honda Hirokazu
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the case of a patient who developed acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome following streptococcal cutaneous infection. He presented with microhematuria, severe proteinuria and systemic edema 5 days after infection. Blood examination showed elevated creatinine level, hypocomplementemia, and elevated anti‐streptolysin O level. Renal biopsy revealed endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Immunofluorescence revealed C3‐dominant glomerular staining, while electron microscopy showed hump‐shaped subepithelial deposits. The patient was therefore diagnosed with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. The unique histological feature was C3 deposition in the tubular basement membrane (TBM), in which we detected streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB), a nephritogenic antigen produced by streptococci. No nephritis‐associated plasmin receptor or plasmin activity was evident in the TBM. These nephritogenic antigens and upregulation of plasmin activity were observed in glomeruli. This case suggests that TIN after poststreptococcal infection might be partially attributable to SpeB toxicity.
Empirical test of increasing genetic variation via inter‐population crossing for native plant restoration in variable environments
Authors: Goebl April M. , Doak Daniel F. , Kane Nolan C.
Published: February 2022

Restoring native plant populations is an essential component of conserving biodiversity, ecological function, and ecosystem services. Restoration using local, ecotypic source materials is largely acknowledged as best practice; however, local populations are not always available or adapted to current or future site conditions. A major challenge in restoration comes from increasingly variable and unpredictable environmental conditions that impose selective pressures and threaten restoration success. Understanding how to conserve and restore populations under changing environments requires attention to within‐species genetic diversity, which can exert a number of population‐level effects. However, given that these effects can be positive and negative, it remains unclear how increasing genetic diversity via mixing distinct populations may ultimately affect restoration in variable environments. To empirically investigate these effects, we established lineages of a native forb, Helianthus petiolaris (prairie sunflower), with higher and lower individual‐ and population‐level genetic diversity by crossing plants using seed from four distinct locations. We planted and tracked a total of 3,200 individual seeds across all lineages in replicated plots in two common gardens representing a range of environmental conditions, and measured fitness components throughout the growing season. We found that populations with increased genetic diversity had intermediate emergence and reproduction, improved survival in the poorest quality plots, and were moderately buffered against environmental variability. Overall, higher diversity led to high or intermediate and stable performance across environments. Our findings support a strategy of increasing genetic diversity when restoring populations, in particular when a lack of information hampers selection of an optimal source population.
Getting on the right track: Interactions between viruses and the cytoskeletal motor proteins
Authors: Río‐Bergé Clàudia , Cong Yingying , Reggiori Fulvio
Published: February 2022

The cytoskeleton is an essential component of the cell and it is involved in multiple physiological functions, including intracellular organization and transport. It is composed of three main families of proteinaceous filaments; microtubules, actin filaments and intermediate filaments and their accessory proteins. Motor proteins, which comprise the dynein, kinesin and myosin superfamilies, are a remarkable group of accessory proteins that mainly mediate the intracellular transport of cargoes along with the cytoskeleton. Like other cellular structures and pathways, viruses can exploit the cytoskeleton to promote different steps of their life cycle through associations with motor proteins. The complexity of the cytoskeleton and the differences among viruses, however, has led to a wide diversity of interactions, which in most cases remain poorly understood. Unveiling the details of these interactions is necessary not only for a better comprehension of specific infections, but may also reveal new potential drug targets to fight dreadful diseases such as rabies disease and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this review, we describe a few examples of the mechanisms that some human viruses, that is, rabies virus, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus, influenza A virus and papillomavirus, have developed to hijack dyneins, kinesins and myosins.
Strategic Incompletion in Clara Schumann's Lieder
Authors: Baker Michael
Published: February 2022

This essay examines two songs by Clara Schumann (1819–1896) that explore the strategic incompletion of the fundamental structure in two interesting ways: (1) delaying the first appearance of the tonic harmony until nearly the end of the song through an expanded auxiliary cadence,
and (2) establishing the tonic harmony early on as expected but concluding the song on the structural dominant, resulting in a "permanent interruption." By purposely suppressing aspects of the fundamental structure through the devices mentioned here, composers can charge music with dramatic
tension and rich expressive potential. These two techniques represent opposite ends of a spectrum, one concerned with incompletion directed at the beginning of the fundamental structure, the other with incompletion directed at its conclusion. More generally, composers may draw upon the abstract
notion of strategic incompletion to depict any number of musico-poetic sentiments in a song.
Finite Element Modeling of Planus and Rectus Foot Types for the Study of First Metatarsophalangeal and First Metatarsocuneiform Joint Contact Mechanics
Authors: Morgan Oliver J. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Bitar Rogerio , Sturnick Daniel , Koff Matthew F. , Ellis Scott J. , Deland Jonathan T. , Hillstrom Rajshree
Published: February 2022

The foot is a highly complex biomechanical system for which finite element (FE) modeling has been used to evaluate its loading environment. However, there is limited knowledge of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and first metatarsocuneiform (MTC) joint contact mechanics. Our goal was to develop a framework for FE modeling of the medial forefoot which could accurately predict experimental measurements of first MTP and first MTC joint loading. Simulations of planus and rectus foot types were conducted for midstance of gait. A custom-built force-controlled cadaveric test-rig was used to derive intracapsular pressure sensor measurements of contact pressure, force, and area during quasi-static loading. The FE model was driven under the same boundary and loading conditions as the cadaver. Mesh sensitivity analyses and best-fit calibrations of moduli for first MTP and first MTC joint cartilage were performed. Consistent with previous experimental research, a lower compressive modulus was best-fit to the first MTP compared to first MTC joint at 10 MPa and 20 MPa, respectively. Mean errors in contact pressures, forces, and areas were 24%, 4%, and 40% at the first MTP joint and 23%, 12%, and 19% at the first MTC joint, respectively. The present developmental framework may provide a basis for future modeling of first MTP and first MTC joint contact mechanics. This study acts as a precursor to validation of realistic physiological loading across gait to investigate joint loading, foot type biomechanics, and surgical interventions of the medial forefoot.
Combination of Morphological and Hemodynamic Parameters for Assessing the Rupture Risk of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Retrospective Study on Mirror Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Xin Shangzhe , Chen Yongchun , Zhao Bing , Liang Fuyou
Published: February 2022

Discordant findings were frequently reported by studies dedicated to exploring the association of morphological/hemodynamic factors with the rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), probably owing to insufficient control of confounding factors. In this study, we aimed to minimize the influences of confounding factors by focusing IAs of interest on mirror aneurysms and, meanwhile, modeling IAs together with the cerebral arterial network to improve the physiological fidelity of hemodynamic simulation. Fifty-two mirror aneurysms located at the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 26 patients were retrospectively investigated. Numerical tests performed on two randomly selected patients demonstrated that over truncation of cerebral arteries proximal to the MCA during image-based model reconstruction led to uncertain changes in computed values of intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic parameters, which justified the minimal truncation strategy adopted in our study. Five morphological parameters (i.e., volume (V), height (H), dome area (DA), nonsphericity index (NSI), and size ratio (SR)) and two hemodynamic parameters (i.e., peak wall shear stress (WSS) (peakWSS), and pressure loss coefficient (PLc)) were found to differ significantly between the ruptured and unruptured aneurysms and proved by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to have potential value for differentiating the rupture status of aneurysm with the areas under curve (AUCs) ranging from 0.681 to 0.763. Integrating V, SR, peakWSS, and PLc or some of them into regression models considerably improved the classification of aneurysms, elevating AUC up to 0.864, which indicates that morphological and hemodynamic parameters have complementary roles in assessing the risk of aneurysm rupture.
A Novel Device for the Quantification of Synovial Fluid Viscosity Via Magnetic Deflection
Authors: Armington Samuel L. , Shah Yash Y. , Dobson Jon , Allen Kyle D.
Published: February 2022

Changes in synovial fluid viscosity may be used to detect joint disease; however, methods to evaluate these changes at the point-of-care are currently rudimentary. Previously, we demonstrated that magnetic particle translation through static synovial fluid could serve as a surrogate marker of synovial fluid mechanics. In this work, we examine the magnetic deflection of a stream of particles flowing through a stream of synovial fluid and relate this deflection to changes in fluid mechanics. First, a flow device was designed, where a stream of magnetic particles flows along with synovial fluid. As the particle stream approaches and passes a fixed permanent magnet, the particle stream deflects. Conceptually, as the synovial fluid viscosity decreases, the deflection of the particle stream should increase due to a decreased drag force opposing the force magnetization. To assess this concept, particle deflection was first measured in Newtonian glycerol solutions of known varying viscosity under different flow conditions. Next, the device was used to test bovine synovial fluid viscosity, which had been progressively degraded using ultrasonication. A strong correlation was observed between the deflection of the magnetic particles and the viscosity of the glycerol solutions (R2 = 0.987) and the amount of ultrasonic degradation of synovial fluid (R2 = 0.7045). In the future, the principle of particle deflection may be used to design point-of-care quantification of synovial fluid mechanics, as the assessment does not require particles to be separated from the fluid for quantification and could be conducted under simple flow conditions.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Integrated Internal and Film Cooling Designs Incorporating a Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Horner Matthew J. , Yoon Christopher , Furgeson Michael , Oliver Todd A. , Bogard David G.
Published: February 2022

Few studies in the open literature have studied the effect of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) when used in combination with shaped hole film cooling and enhanced internal cooling techniques. The current study presents Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) conjugate heat transfer simulations that identify trends in cooling design performance as well as experimental measurements of overall effectiveness using a flat-plate matched-Biot number model with a simulated TBC layer of 0.42D thickness, where D is the film cooling hole diameter. Coolant is fed to the film cooling holes in a co-flow configuration, and the results of both the smooth and rib-turbulated channels are compared. At a constant coolant flow rate, enhanced internal cooling was found to provide a 44% increase in spatially-averaged overall effectiveness, ϕ¯¯, without a TBC. The results show that the addition of a TBC can raise ϕ¯¯ on a film-cooled component surface by 47%. The optimum velocity ratio was found to decrease with the addition of enhanced cooling techniques and a TBC as the film provided minimal benefit at the expense of reduced internal cooling. While the computational results closely identified trends in overall system performance without a TBC, the model over-predicted effectiveness on the metal–TBC interface. The results of this study will inform turbine component design as material science advances increase the reliability of the TBC.
Machine Learning Models for Acoustic Data Prediction During Drilling Composite Lithology Formations
Authors: Suleymanov Vagif , Gamal Hany , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Glatz Guenther , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez
Published: February 2022

The rock acoustic data that provide important information about the formation petrophysics and geomechanics are highly needed to design the wells drilling programs, in addition to, reservoir stimulation and field development plans. The acoustic data acquisition through the conventional methods in the petroleum industry either by logging or lab measurements has many drawbacks as the cost of well log operations and the job time. Determining the acoustic data through the common correlations did not provide high accuracy, and there are limitations for using these correlations. The new trend in the petroleum industry with the fourth industrial revolution is to employ machine learning for such problems to provide effective solutions. Therefore, this study utilized the machine learning for developing prediction models for acoustic compressional and shear slowness using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and support vector machines tools. The study presents novel contributions for predicting acoustic slowness from only the surface drilling data while drilling different formations of composite lithology (limestone, sandstone, shale, and carbonate). The study utilized real field data (2800 data points) to build and test the two models through deep sensitivity analysis, in addition, further testing for the models by another 2800 data points from the same field for the validation phase. The obtained results ensured the capability of machine learning for predicting the acoustic slowness with high accuracy as adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) achieved a correlation coefficient (R) higher than 0.98 and error less than 1.43% as average absolute percentage error (AAPE) between the actual and predicted acoustic values. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference model showed the highest accuracy during the model training as R was 1.0; in addition, R for testing results showed 0.98, and AAPE ranged from 0.25% to 0.92%. The validation phase ensured the high performance for the acoustic prediction of the developed models as R is higher than 0.98 and AAPE lower than 1.46%. The machine learning applications through the developed models for the acoustic data will provide cost and time savings for acoustic data acquisition for the field applications.
Laser Zone Texturing of Magnetic Disk Substrates
Authors: Park Hee K. , Kerstens Pieter J. M.
Published: February 2022

This paper reviews the current status of laser texturing in the production of magnetic hard disk media. We first present the physics of laser texturing and bump formation, as well as the engineering development into a manufacturing process tool. Also discussed are related issues on tooling, process design, and effects of substrates and process conditions. Finally this paper concludes with the future challenges of laser texturing. Laser zone texturing shows an example of successful integration of laser-based micromachining technology into a large-scale industrial manufacturing process.
A Smart Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Microvalve With Feedback Control
Authors: Nandakumar Krishnan , Parr Allen G. , Hahm Geon , Huff Michael A. , Phillips Stephen M.
Published: February 2022

The microfluidics group at CWRU has demonstrated a thin film shape memory alloy actuated smart microvalve with feedback control for fluid control. A micromachined flow sensor was designed and fabricated and feedback control electronics were developed and incorporated with a TiNi microvalve to realize the system. The valve is a Titanium Nickel (TiNi) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) thin film actuated micromachined valve capable of modulating 0–250 ml/min of airflow at 2 psi. The flow sensor used is a micromachined, anemometric type flow sensor. By simulation, the smart controller was designed using MATLAB with Simulink and realized with standard integrated circuits. The performance of the smart valve shows flow insensitivity to pressure variations across the valve. This was demonstrated by a constant flow even when the valve is subject to a change in the pressure drop across the valve. This is in contrast to the typical behavior of standard valves without flow sensing and feedback control.
MEMS Micro-Valve Arrays for Fluidic Control
Authors: Wroblewski Donald E. , Horenstein Mark , Vandelli Nelsimar , Velonis Margo , Bifano Thomas
Published: February 2022

A new type of silicon MEMS valve array for micro-fluidic control is described. The device consists of parallel arrays of electrostatically actuated, bi-stable mechanical micro-valves for precision flow control. Five characteristics make these micro-fluidic systems unique. First, they consist of large numbers of simple valves, working cooperatively to achieve precise linear control of flow. Second, they operate using low power, binary electrostatic actuation. Third, they are designed for use in either gases or liquids. Fourth, they are fabricated using conventional silicon micro-machining processes. And finally, they are inherently scalable over a wide range of precision levels and flow rates. Devices were fabricated with 5 micron gaps between the actuator and underlying substrate, with three different actuator sizes — 300 by 300 microns, 400 by 400 microns and 500 by 500 microns. Air-flow tests on fabricated 25-element-array devices have demonstrated the linear relationship between flow rate and number of valves open, indicating flow rates per valve as high as 5.7 ml/min at 10 kPa pressure. The experiments also revealed the strong coupling between the fluid mechanics and mechanical behavior of the valve. An incompressible, continuum-based flow model was developed using lubrication theory. The model was capable of capturing the effects of actuator deflections as large as 5 microns, and predicting flow rates within 10 percent over a range of pressure differentials from 2 to 18 kPa.
Design Analysis of No-Moving-Parts Valves for Micropumps
Authors: Deshpande Manish , Gilbert John R. , Bardell Ron L. , Forster Fred R.
Published: February 2022

A design methodology for extracting component models for fluid dynamic devices is presented. The analysis uses Memcad’s suite of design tools to build the solid model and perform the analysis and post-analysis to extract the parametric variations of interest. In this paper, we demonstrate this capability by analyzing two types of no-moving-parts (NMP) valves used in micropumps: the diffuser type and the Tesla-type valves. The results indicate that the Tesla-type NMP valve has a higher pumping efficiency, and therefore a higher throughput, for the same Reynolds number flow, compared to the diffuser type valve. The parametric behavior reported by Memcad can then be used to generate a reduced-order model for system level simulations in a straightforward manner.
The Fabrication of Flow Conduits in Ceramic Tapes and the Measurement of Fluid Flow Through These Conduits
Authors: Kim Moon , Yi Mingqiang , Zhong Jihua , Bau Haim H. , Hu Howard , Ananthasuresh Suresh G. K.
Published: February 2022

Ceramic tape and thick film technologies provide a convenient and flexible means for the fabrication of three-dimensional flow conduits integrated with sensing and actuating elements. In their pre-fired (green) state, the ceramic tapes are soft, pliable, and easily machinable. CNC, laser, or chemical machining can be used to fabricate fluid conduits. Various conduit geometries were machined ranging from straight conduit segments with various angles between them to arcs to spirals. Subsequent to the machining process, tapes with different planar features were aligned, stacked, and laminated to form complex three-dimensional flow paths. The paper describes the fabrication techniques and capabilities. Additionally, results of preliminary liquid flow measurements and simulations are reported for the pressure drop as a function of conduit geometry and flow rate in straight and L-shaped channels.
Stand Alone Micro Liquid Dosing System
Authors: Roßberg R. , Sandmaier H. , Büttgenbach S.
Published: February 2022

A portable battery powered micro liquid dosing system is presented, which controls the liquid flow from a pressurized reservoir to a capillary output port. The system consists of a capillary buffer volume controlled by a resonant sensor, a micromachined silicon valve driven by a piezoelectrical actuator, an electronic control system comprising of a sensor processing electronics, a DC/DC-converter for controlling the actuator and a pressurized reservoir. Components have been designed, validated and assembled to a complete dosing system. The typical input pressure is in the range of 0 to 0.4 bar, typical flow rates are up to 0.25 ml/min at 0.22 bar.