bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated phosphoinositide 3‐dinase delta syndrome (APDS): An update
Authors: Lougaris Vassilios , Cancrini Caterina , Rivalta Beatrice , Castagnoli Riccardo , Giardino Giuliana , Volpi Stefano , Leonardi Lucia , La Torre Francesco , Federici Silvia , Corrente Stefania , Cinicola Bianca Laura , Soresina Annarosa , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Cardinale Fabio
Published: January 2022

Activated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase delta syndrome (APDS) is a recently described form of inborn error of immunity (IEI) caused by heterozygous mutations in PIK3CD or PIK3R1 genes, respectively, encoding leukocyte‐restricted catalytic p110δ subunit and the ubiquitously expressed regulatory p85 α subunit of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase δ (PI3Kδ). The first described patients with respiratory infections, hypogammaglobulinemia with normal to elevated IgM serum levels, lymphopenia, and lymphoproliferation. Since the original description, it is becoming evident that the onset of disease may be somewhat variable over time, both in terms of age at presentation and in terms of clinical and immunological complications. In many cases, patients are referred to various specialists such as hematologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and others, before an immunological evaluation is performed, leading to delay in diagnosis, which negatively affects their prognosis. The significant heterogeneity in the clinical and immunological features affecting APDS patients requires awareness among clinicians since good results with p110δ inhibitors have been reported, certainly ameliorating these patients’ quality of life and prognosis.
Inherited defects in the complement system
Authors: Leonardi Lucia , La Torre Francesco , Soresina Annarosa , Federici Silvia , Cancrini Caterina , Castagnoli Riccardo , Cinicola Bianca Laura , Corrente Stefania , Giardino Giuliana , Lougaris Vassilios , Volpi Stefano , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Cardinale Fabio ,   the Immunology Task Force of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP)
Published: January 2022

The complement system plays an essential role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Any dysregulation in this system can disturb normal host defense and alter inflammatory response leading to both infections and autoimmune diseases. The complement system can be activated through three different pathways. Inherited complement deficiencies have been described for all complement components and their regulators. Despite being rare diseases, complement deficiencies are often severe, with a frequent onset during childhood. We provide an overview of clinical disorders related to these disorders and describe current diagnostic strategies required for their comprehensive characterization and management.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in pediatric patients: A comparison of three pandemic waves
Authors: Rovida Francesca , Giardina Federica , Ferrari Guglielmo , Paolucci Stefania , Piralla Antonio , Baldanti Fausto
Published: January 2022

The pediatric population seems to be at a lower risk of developing severe clinical symptoms of COVID‐19. However, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID‐19 in children are yet to be fully clarified. This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the frequency of pediatric laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients from February 2020 to April 2021. A total of 740 (5.1% of total) pediatric COVID‐19 cases were observed during the study period. The peak of pediatric cases was observed in November 2020, with 239 cases. During the first wave of pandemics, the frequency of pediatric cases was 0.89% (49/5877 cases), ranging from 0.6% in February 2020 to 1.3% in April 2020. On the contrary, after the beginning of the second wave, the frequency of pediatric cases raised from 5.3% in September 2020 to 9.4%in February 2021, with an overall frequency of 8.2% (690/8416 cases). A different rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 circulation was observed among the pediatric population between the pandemic waves. During the second wave, two peaks of cases were observed. The last peak was associated with the spread of a more transmissive SARS‐CoV‐2 strain (VOC 202012/01).
Who Reclaims Slurs?
Authors: Cepollaro Bianca , López de Sa Dan
Published: January 2022

Reclamation is usually taken to be the phenomenon wherein in‐groups employ a slur to express pride, foster camaraderie, or subvert discriminatory structures. We provide data showing that, under some special circumstances, out‐groups successfully reclaim slurs too. Thus, the mainstream restriction to in‐groups is merely an approximation of the correct extension of the phenomenon – of who does actually reclaim slurs. Removing any such stipulative restriction opens a path towards further theorizing into the nature of reclamation.
Status of school health programs in Asia: National policy and implementation
Authors: Ogasawara Rie , Yamanaka Hiroshi , Kobayashi Jun , Tomokawa Sachi , Sugita Elli , Hirano Takanori , Kigawa Mika , Nishio Akihiro , Akiyama Takeshi , Nam Eun Woo , Gregorio Ernesto R. , Estrada Crystal Amiel M. , Thongthien Pimpimon , Kanyasan Kethsana , Devkota Bhimsen , Hun Jeudyla , Ma Yinghua , Yamamoto Beverley Anne
Published: January 2022

Background

The WHO's Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework is based on an understanding of the reciprocal relationship between health and education, and the need to take a holistic approach to health promotion in schools. We aim to clarify the degree to which the HPS framework is reflected in the national policies of eight target countries and the issues surrounding its successful implementation.

Methods

Date were collected through two expert workshops with participants from eight Asian countries: Cambodia, China, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Nepal, the Philippines, and Thailand. In the first workshop, data collected on national policy were mapped against the HPS framework. From this, key issues were identified, and follow‐up data collection was conducted in each country for a second workshop.

Results

We identified a policy shift toward the HPS framework in six out of the eight countries. Neither Japan nor Korea had changed their national policy frameworks to reflect an HPS approach; however, in the latter, model programs had been introduced at a local level. We identified various barriers to successful implementation, especially in relation to mental health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Given the recent shift toward the HPS approach in six out of the eight countries in this study, there is a need to conduct research to assess the impact of this framework on the health and wellbeing of students and school staff. At the same time, we call for more dialog in the context of Japan to explore the possible benefits of introducing the HPS framework into schools.
Is There a Glass Cliff in Local Government Management? Examining the Hiring and Departure of Women
Authors: Yang Lang Kate , Connolly Laura , Connolly Jennifer M.
Published: January 2022

Women are underrepresented in public sector leadership positions, including municipal management. We examine one explanation that may contribute to gender inequity in the profession—a “glass cliff” phenomenon whereby councils are more likely to hire women as managers during difficult times, increasing the likelihood for women to fail in the position. Using original observational data on municipal managers in Florida, we test whether municipalities are more likely to hire women during times of fiscal stress and whether women are more likely than men to leave the position if municipal finances do not improve. Our results show that increasing budget deficits are associated with municipalities hiring women as managers. Post‐appointment, a lack of improvement in the deficit condition is associated with a higher probability of women, but not men, leaving the position. A glass cliff in municipal management could be one factor that hinders women from advancing within the field.

Evidence for Practice

Municipalities are more likely to hire women as managers when faced with increasing budget deficits.

When deficit conditions fail to improve post‐appointment, women have a higher probability than men of leaving the position.

The glass cliff may be one barrier to women's advancement in the field of municipal management, as a woman who faces a glass cliff may find it more difficult to reach top leadership positions again due to harm to her professional reputation.

Objective evaluation metrics that benchmark the assessment of managers to the organizational condition and trends at the time of hire may be useful for scholars and practitioners alike in mitigating gender biases in municipal personnel decisions.
Fragmented QRS complex on a 12‐lead electrocardiogram predicts cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality in dialysis patients
Authors: Li Xinjian , Shi Bingshuo , Chen Xu , Duan Junying , Liu Xing , Zhang Ruining , Li Guangping
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of mortality in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) has been reported as a helpful marker in evaluating various cardiovascular pathologies. We aimed to investigate the value of the fQRS complex clinical decision of ESRD patients receiving dialysis.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 411 patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) between 2016‐01‐01 and 2020‐12‐31. The primary outcomes were all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.

Results

HD patients have elevated values of fQRS complex compared to CAPD patients (39.1% vs. 28.2%, P = 0.027). Significantly, fQRS complex in the anterior/lateral leads is associated with all‐cause and CV mortality stronger than fQRS in the inferior leads (P = 0.008). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, HD patients with fQRS complex had a higher incidence of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.860; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.032, 3.349]; p = 0.041) and CV mortality (HR = 2.989; 95% CI [1.357, 6.584]; p = 0.007). For CAPD patients, fQRS complex was also associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.593; 95% CI [1.023, 2.580]; p = 0.049) and increased risk of CV mortality (HR = 2.392; 95% CI [1.348, 4.173]; p = 0.013).

Conclusions

The presence of the fQRS complex was an independent predictor of all‐cause and CV mortality in HD and CAPD patients. We suggested a potential role of the fQRS complex in CV risk strata for dialysis patients and the choice of dialysis modality.
Valuing elementary schools: evidence from public school acquisitions in Beijing*
Authors: Su Xuejuan , Yu Huayi
Published: January 2022

We utilize government‐sanctioned public school acquisitions in Beijing to estimate individuals’ willingness to pay for enrollment eligibility in sought‐after elementary schools. The spatial and temporal variation in these acquisitions allows us to estimate a hedonic pricing model in the difference‐in‐difference framework. Comparing regular elementary schools that are acquired by sought‐after schools to those that are not, we find an average price increase of 7 percent for apartments in the catchment areas of acquired schools. This percentage increase is both statistically and economically significant, and it does not vary by the size of the apartment. We also find heterogeneous price effects for different types of acquisitions, defined by their post‐acquisition organizational structures, but these differences are not statistically significant.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1 null allele, HLA‐DRB1*13:298N, in two siblings from Colombia
Authors: Hernández David Guillermo , Ramírez Nathalie Camacho , Martínez Melissa Mosquera , Cendales Paola Andrea , Camacho Bernardo Armando
Published: January 2022

Identification of a novel null allele, HLA‐DRB1*13:298N, resulting from a deletion of two nucleotides.
Thin entities
Authors: Eklund Matti
Published: January 2022

Oystein Linnebo's bookThin Objectsis partly devoted to defending the view that some objects are “thin” in that their existence does not impose any substantive demands on the world. In this paper, I discuss the concern that the defense relies on there being entities that serve as the referents of predicates. Linnebo thus seems to assume the thinness of those entities. In the course of my discussion, I also discuss what Linnebo says about the role of criteria of identity in his discussion of reference and existence.
Common perinatal mental disorders and post‐infancy child development in rural Ethiopia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Dunn Julia Alexandra , Medhin Girmay , Dewey Michael , Alem Atalay , Worku Bogale , Paksarian Diana , Newton Charles R. , Tomlinson Mark , Prince Martin , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate whether maternal common mental disorders (CMD) in the postnatal period are prospectively associated with child development at 2.5 and 3.5 years in a rural low‐income African setting.

Methods

This study was nested within the C‐MaMiE (Child outcomes in relation to Maternal Mental health in Ethiopia) population‐based cohort in Butajira, Ethiopia, and conducted from 2005 to 2006. The sample comprised of 496 women who had recently given birth to living, singleton babies with recorded birth weight measurements, who were 15 to 44 years of age, and residing in six rural sub‐districts. Postnatal CMD measurements were ascertained 2 months after delivery. Language, cognitive, and motor development were obtained from the child 2.5 and 3.5 years after birth using a locally adapted version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd Ed). Maternal CMD symptoms were measured using a locally validated WHO Self‐Reporting Questionnaire. A linear mixed‐effects regression model was used to analyze the relationship between postnatal CMD and child development.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, there was no evidence for an association between postnatal CMD and overall child development or the cognitive sub‐domain in the preschool period. There was no evidence of effect modification by levels of social support, socioeconomic status, stunting, or sex of the child.

Conclusions

Previous studies from predominantly urban and peri‐urban settings in middle‐income countries have established a relationship between maternal CMD and child development, which contrasts with the findings from this study. The risk and protective factors for child development may differ in areas characterized by high social adversity and food insecurity. More studies are needed to investigate maternal CMD’s impact on child development in low‐resource and rural areas.
An Interference Inspection Algorithm of Limb and Hexapod Frame in the Treatment of Lower Limb Deformity
Authors: Li Guotong , Li Jianfeng , Dong Mingjie , Zuo Shiping
Published: January 2022

Pre-operative correction trajectory planning is one of the important aspects of deformity correction. Avoidance of limb–frame interference is essential to verify the implementability of the preplanned correction trajectory, as well as to maintain the continuity and security of the correction strategy. In this study, a novel interference inspection algorithm is developed to investigate the interaction of the limb and hexapod frame in the treatment of lower limb deformities. The algorithm is built on a minimum distance model of the cone frustum busbar and cylindrical axis using vector analysis. A predefined trajectory is generated by Cartesian coordinate path control. Subsequently, an interference case is performed through numerical simulation and motion simulation. The results show that the conclusion of numerical simulation and motion simulation is consistent, which prove the feasibility of the algorithm. The results also show that it is possible to identify the riskiest struts, which are prone to interfere with the limb, and the riskiest positions. The proposed algorithm can support the clinician in selecting the suitable frame configuration to avoid interference. The algorithm solves the problem that the interference can only be judged by clinical observation in the clinic.
A Review of Finite Element Models of Ligaments in the Foot and Considerations for Practical Application
Authors: Zhu Junjun , Forman Jason
Published: January 2022

Finite element (FE) modeling has been used as a research tool for investigating underlying ligaments biomechanics and orthopedic applications. However, FE models of the ligament in the foot have been developed with various configurations, mainly due to their complex three-dimensional geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of finite element modeling approaches that have been used in the field of ligament biomechanics, to discuss their applicability to foot ligament modeling in a practical setting, and also to acknowledge current limitations and challenges. A comprehensive literature search was performed. Each article was analyzed in terms of the methods used for: (a) ligament geometry, (b) material property, (c) boundary and loading condition related to its application, and (d) model verification and validation. Of the reviewed studies, 79.8% of the studies used simplified representations of ligament geometry, the nonlinear mechanical behavior of ligaments was taken into account in only 19.2% of the studies, 33.6% of included studies did not include any kind of validation of the FE model. Further refinement in the functional modeling of ligaments, the microstructure level characteristics, nonlinearity, and time-dependent response, may be warranted to ensure the predictive ability of the models.
Theoretical Modeling of Levitated Clusters of Water Droplets Stabilized by Infrared Irradiation
Authors: Brewster M. Q.
Published: January 2022

This paper shows how clusters of radiation-stabilized water droplets levitated in an upward flow of air and water vapor above a heated water surface can be modeled using Spalding's self-similarity theory of heat and mass transfer and Stefan flow. The model describes equilibrium droplet states, including stability conditions, as well as nonequilibrium (quasi-steady) transient evolution. Equilibrium states are shown to exist when Stefan-flow supersaturation, which has a quadratic-like variation with height above the water surface, and radiation-stabilized equilibrium supersaturation, which is nearly constant with height, are equal. The latter can be predicted by a fundamentally derived function of absorbed radiant flux (linear), droplet radius (linear if opaque), continuum thermal conductivity, and thermodynamic properties. In fact, all of the experimentally observed droplet behavior can be predicted using simple analytical results based on quasi-steady droplet energy and continuum transport. Unsteady droplet energy, Knudsen-layer transport, numerical solutions, and curve-fitting of numerical computations, as used previously in modeling this behavior, are not necessary. An interesting reversal of the usual effect of mass transfer on droplet drag in low-Re flow when levitated droplets are irradiated asymmetrically by significant infrared radiation is also postulated, which relates to the relative importance of normal (pressure) and tangential (shear stress) drag. This theory of radiation-augmented droplet evaporation, condensation, and relative motion in a moving gas has application to conditions in clouds, wherein droplets can experience either net radiative heating or cooling and fluctuating updrafts or downdrafts.
Influence of Geometric Variations of an Inlet Cover Bleed System on Inducer Performance for an Axial Pump Operating Under Cavitating Conditions
Authors: Lundgreen Ryan K. , Maynes Daniel , Gorrell Steve , Oliphant Kerry
Published: January 2022

A stability control device (SCD) is a passive inlet cover treatment that can be applied to high suction performance inducers. Significant improvements in stability have been observed when an inducer operates with an SCD, including suppression of backflow at the leading edge of the inducer at low off-design flow coefficients. This is possible because of a local increase in mass flow at the leading edge of the pump, which allows an inducer to operate with an incidence near the design point value over a wide range of flow coefficients. In this paper, the suction performance of several inducers was explored with several different SCD geometries and at different flow coefficients. Specifically, five different SCD geometries were considered to explore the influence that SCD bleed slot width and resistance to flow through the SCD channel have on inducer performance. Further, removal of tangential velocity of the energized fluid transporting through the SCD channel was considered for some scenarios to highlight the impact of swirl on inducer performance. The results reveal that for all inducers and SCD combinations considered, the most important factor affecting the mass flow through the SCD, and subsequent mass flow gain, is the inlet diffusion of the inducer. This holds for both single-phase and multiphase scenarios. Further, the cavitation number where cavitation first starts to develop in the blade throat passage of the inducer is primarily dependent on the inlet blade angle and not the SCD geometry. Consequently, the shape of the cavitation breakdown curve is largely determined by the inducer blade angle.
Numerical Investigation of Tip Clearance Effects on the Performance and Flow Pattern Within a Sewage Pump
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhou Ling , Bai Ling , Xu Hong , Lv Wanning , Shi Weidong , Wang Hongliang
Published: January 2022

Sewage pumps are one of the most popular types of fluid machinery in municipal, industrial, and environmental engineering and many other fields. The influence of tip clearance size on the pump performance and internal flow field distribution within a sewage pump was investigated in this study based on numerical calculation and test verification. Three models with different tip clearances were obtained by adjusting the assembly structure and simulated by the computational fluid dynamics software to solve the Navier–Stokes equations for three-dimensional steady flow. The accuracy of numerical methods was verified by comparison with the experimental results. The sewage pump performance under different tip clearances was then compared and analyzed. The structure and propagation of the vortices inside the impeller caused by the leakage flow with different tip gaps were also analyzed. The leakage flow in the impeller couples with the cover reflection and secondary flows, forming different vortex structures in various locations of the impeller channel. These vortex structures cause large hydraulic losses near the blade suction surfaces. This finding could provide useful insights for the improvement of the hydraulic performance and operational stability of semi-open sewage pumps.
Aiding Airway Obstruction Diagnosis With Computational Fluid Dynamics and Convolutional Neural Network: A New Perspective and Numerical Case Study
Authors: Hu Pingfan , Cai Changjie , Yi Hang , Zhao Jianan , Feng Yu , Wang Qingsheng
Published: January 2022

It is challenging to locate small-airway obstructions induced by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) directly from visualization using available medical imaging techniques. Accordingly, this study proposes an innovative and noninvasive diagnostic method to detect obstruction locations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and convolutional neural network (CNN). Specifically, expiratory airflow velocity contours were obtained from CFD simulations in a subject-specific 3D tracheobronchial tree. One case representing normal airways and 990 cases associated with different obstruction sites were investigated using CFD. The expiratory airflow velocity contours at a selected cross section in the trachea were labeled and stored as the database for training and testing two CNN models, i.e., ResNet50 and YOLOv4. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) and the Pearson correlation coefficient were employed and calculated to classify small-airway obstruction locations and pulmonary airflow pattern shifts and highlight the highly correlated regions in the contours for locating the obstruction sites. Results indicate that the airflow velocity pattern shifts are difficult to directly visualize based on the comparisons of CFD velocity contours. CNN results show strong relevance exists between the locations of the obstruction and the expiratory airflow velocity contours. The two CNN-based models are both capable of classifying the left lung, right lung, and both lungs obstructions well using the CFD simulated airflow contour images with total accuracy higher than 95.07%. The two automatic classification algorithms are highly transformative to clinical practice for early diagnosis of obstruction locations in the lung using the expiratory airflow velocity distributions, which could be imaged using hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging.
Atomic Force Microscopy Stiffness Mapping in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Petit Claudie , Karkhaneh Yousefi Ali-Akbar , Guilbot Marine , Barnier Vincent , Avril Stéphane
Published: January 2022

Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a vital role in maintaining mechanical homeostasis in the aorta. We recently found that SMCs of aneurysmal aortas apply larger traction forces than SMCs of healthy aortas. This result was explained by the significant increase of hypertrophic SMCs abundance in aneurysms. In this study, we investigate whether the cytoskeleton stiffness of SMCs may also be altered in aneurysmal aortas. For that, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) nano-indentation with a specific mode that allows subcellular-resolution mapping of the local stiffness across a specified region of interest of the cell. Aortic SMCs from a commercial human lineage (AoSMCs, Lonza) and primary aneurysmal SMCs (AnevSMCs) are cultured in conditions promoting the development of their contractile apparatus, and seeded on hydrogels with stiffness properties of 12 kPa and 25 kPa. Results show that all SMCs exhibit globally a lognormal stiffness distribution, with medians in the range 10–30 kPa. The mean of stiffness distributions is 16 kPa in aneurysmal SMCs and 12 kPa in healthy cells, but the differences are not statistically significant due to the large dispersion of AFM nano-indentation stiffness. We conclude that the possible alterations previously found in aneurysmal SMCs do not affect significantly the AFM nano-indentation stiffness of their cytoskeleton.
A Damage Detection and Location Scheme for Offshore Wind Turbine Jacket Structures Based on Global Modal Properties
Authors: Cevasco D. , Tautz-Weinert J. , Richmond M. , Sobey A. , Kolios A. J.
Published: January 2022

Structural failures of offshore wind substructures might be less likely than failures of other equipments of the offshore wind turbines, but they pose a high risk due to the possibility of catastrophic consequences. Significant costs are linked to offshore operations, like inspections and maintenance activities, thus remote monitoring shows promise for a cost-efficient structural integrity management. This work aims to investigate the feasibility of a two-level detection, in terms of anomaly identification and location, in the jacket support structure of an offshore wind turbine. A monitoring scheme is suggested by basing the detection on a database of simulated modal properties of the structure for different failure scenarios. The detection model identifies the correct anomaly based on three types of modal indicators, namely, natural frequency, the modal assurance criterion between mode shapes, and the modal flexibility variation. The supervised Fisher's linear discriminant analysis is applied to transform the modal indicators to maximize the separability of several scenarios. A fuzzy clustering algorithm is then trained to predict the membership of new data to each of the scenarios in the database. In a case study, extreme scour phenomena and jacket members' integrity loss are simulated, together with variations of the structural dynamics for environmental and operating conditions. Cross-validation is used to select the best hyperparameters, and the effectiveness of the clustering is validated with slight variations of the environmental conditions. The results prove that it is feasible to detect and locate the simulated scenarios via the global monitoring of an offshore wind jacket structure.
The Effect of Three-Dimensional Whole, Major, and Small Vasculature on Mouse Brain Strain Under Both Diffuse and Focal Brain Injury Loading
Authors: Lu Lihong , Liu Xingyu , Bian Kewei , Sled John G. , Monson Kenneth , Brown Arthur , Mao Haojie
Published: January 2022

Blood vessels are much stiffer than brain parenchyma and their effects in finite element (FE) brain models need to be investigated. Despite the publication of some comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) brain vasculature models, no mechanical model exists for the mouse brain vasculature. Moreover, how the vasculature affects the mechanical behavior of brain tissue remains controversial. Therefore, we developed FE mouse brain models with detailed 3D vasculature to investigate the effect of the vasculature on brain strains under both diffuse (closed-head impact) and focal injury (controlled cortical impact (CCI)) loading, two commonly laboratory models of traumatic brain injury. The effect of the vasculature was examined by comparing maximum principal strain in mouse brain FE models with and without the vasculature. On average, modeling comprehensive vasculature under diffuse injury loading reduced average brain strain predictions by 32% with nonlinear elastic properties. Nearly three-fourths of the 32% strain reduction was attributable to the effects of the major branches of the vasculature. Meanwhile, during focal open-skull CCI injury loading, the contribution of the vasculature was limited, producing a less than 5% reduction in all cases. Overall, the vasculature, especially the major branches, increased the load-bearing capacity of the brain FE model and thus reduced brain strain predictions.
A Musculoskeletal Model Customized for Sagittal and Frontal Knee Kinematics With Improved Knee Joint Stability
Authors: Giri Shivangi , Tewari Ravi Prakash , Salhi Asma , Lempereur Matthieu , Borotikar Bhushan
Published: January 2022

Current lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) models focus on sagittal plane kinematics. However, abnormal gait is typically associated with sagittal plane motions crossing into other planes, limiting the use of current MSK models. The purpose of this study was twofold, first, to extend the capability of a full-body MSK model from the literature to include frontal knee plane kinematics during healthy gait, and second, to propose and implement a realistic muscle discretization technique. Two MSK model constructs were derived—the first construct (Knee2_SM) allowed two degrees-of-freedom (sagittal and coronal) at the knee and the second construct (Knee2_MM) implemented multiline elements for all the lower limb muscles in conjunction with two knee degrees-of-freedom. Motion analysis data of normal gait cycle from 10 healthy adults were used to compare joint kinematics, muscle moment arms, muscle forces, and muscle activations, between new constructs and the original model. Knee varus-valgus trajectories were estimated with the mean peak values ranging from 9.49 deg valgus to 1.57 deg varus. Knee2_MM predicted a significant difference (p < 0.05) in moment arms and forces in those muscles responsible for medial–lateral stability of the knee. The simulated muscle activations generated by the Knee2_MM model matched more closely to the experimental electromyography (EMG) when qualitatively compared. This study enhances the capability of the sagittal plane full-body MSK model to incorporate knee varus-valgus motion while keeping the joint stability intact and improving muscle prediction.
Global Dynamics and Bifurcation Analysis for the Peristaltic Transport Through Nonuniform Channels
Authors: Hosham Hany A. , Hafez Noha M.
Published: January 2022

The paper provides an analysis of dynamic behavior of peristaltic transport of non-Newtonian fluid in a nonuniform diverging channel with various waveforms. The canonical object of the study is the bifurcation techniques of the physical parameters, from which information on the dynamic response of peristaltic flow can be gained. Special attention is paid to the interaction between local and global dynamics through a nonuniform channel with different wall waveforms, which is shown to generate a range of creative behaviors, involving heteroclinic and homoclinic connections to saddle stagnation points. These closed invariant curves form a novel phenomenon involving different flow scenarios in a finite region, without the need for varying parameters. The bifurcation analytical study is complimented by numerical computations, both of which are used to highlight the impacts predicted on flow parameters, such as Grashof, solute Grashof, heat source/sink, and thermal radiation parameters. We show that properly accounting for the interaction between invariant sets, multiple stagnation points, and streamline patterns leads to unprecedented levels of flow control characteristics. We also compare the bifurcation behaviors of peristaltic transport through uniform and nonuniform channel under different waveforms that will be useful for the topologies controlling stream flow with complex shape.
Local Thermal Nonequilibrium (LTNE) Modeling of a Partially Porous Channel With Spatial Variation in Biot Number
Authors: Krishnan Girish , Parhizi Mohammad , Torabi Mohsen , Jain Ankur
Published: January 2022

The local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) model has been used widely for analyzing heat transfer during internal flow through porous media, including when a channel is only partially filled with a porous medium. In such problems, the Biot number describes the rate of convective heat transfer between solid and fluid phases. While uniform Biot number models are commonly available, recent advances in functionally graded materials necessitate the analysis of spatially varying Biot number in such geometries. This paper presents LTNE-based heat transfer analysis for fully developed flow in a channel partially filled with porous medium and with spatially varying Biot number to describe solid-fluid interactions in the porous medium. Fully uncoupled ordinary differential equations for solid and fluid temperature distributions are derived under three different boundary condition models. Solid and fluid temperature fields are presented for a variety of Biot number distributions, including quadratically and periodically varying functions. An explanation of the nature of temperature distribution predictions for such problems is provided. For special cases, the results presented here are shown to reduce to past work on constant Biot number. This work improves the theoretical understanding of porous media heat transfer and facilitates the use of such theoretical models for functionally graded materials.
Numerical Study of Mitigating Cloud Cavitation Shedding Using Biomimetic Protuberant Stripes
Authors: Qian Zhongdong , Zhang Shaofeng , Xue Longjian
Published: January 2022

Cloud cavitation usually appears on impeller blades of hydraulic machinery. When unsteady cloud cavitation travels downstream to a high-pressure region and collapses, performance drops and cavitation erosion appears. It is important to develop effective methods to mitigate the undesirable effects. By million years of natural selection, bird feather has presented excellent flow performance. As typical characteristic structure of bird feather, a number of barbs are supported by a central hollow shaft. Under inspiration of bird feathers, we presented a method of passive cavitation control. This method of passive cavitation control uses biomimetic protuberant stripes (PSs) mounted on a NACA66 hydrofoil. The effects of various biomimetic PS arrangements on the cavitation pattern, pressure fluctuation, and hydrodynamic load are numerically studied. Then, the cavitation control mechanism of the biomimetic PS is analyzed in detail. We observe that the biomimetic PSs not only inhibit the shedding of large-scale cloud cavitation but also reduce the cavitation size. Moreover, analysis shows that turbulence velocity fluctuation may be mitigated and boundary layer thickness is reduced with biomimetic PSs, which enhances the flow intensity in the main flow direction.
Design and Evaluation of a Handheld Robotic Device for Peripheral Catheterization
Authors: Leipheimer Josh , Balter Max , Chen Alvin , Yarmush Martin
Published: January 2022

Medical robots provide enhanced dexterity, vision, and safety for a broad range of procedures. In this article, we present a handheld, robotic device capable of performing peripheral catheter insertions with high accuracy and repeatability. The device utilizes a combination of ultrasound imaging, miniaturized robotics, and machine learning to safely and efficiently introduce a catheter sheath into a peripheral blood vessel. Here, we present the mechanical design and experimental validation of the device, known as VeniBot. Additionally, we present results on our ultrasound deep learning algorithm for vessel segmentation, and performance on tissue-mimicking phantom models that simulate difficult peripheral catheter placement. Overall, the device achieved first-attempt success rates of 97 ± 4% for vessel punctures and 89 ± 7% for sheath cannulations on the tissue mimicking models (n = 240). The results from these studies demonstrate the viability of a handheld device for performing semi-automated peripheral catheterization. In the future, the use of this device has the potential to improve clinical workflow and reduce patient discomfort by assuring a safe and efficient procedure.
Inverse Heat Conduction Problem in Estimating Nuclear Power Plant Piping Performance
Authors: Cancemi S. A. , Lo Frano R.
Published: January 2022

Most of today's operating nuclear plants that were originally designed for 30 or 40-year life are facing the long-term operation issues. Therefore, it is of meaningful importance to assess the time-dependent degradation and the aging of the relevant nuclear systems, structures, and components because of resulting loss of structural capacity. In this framework, the inverse method is implemented starting from temperatures at an accessible boundary, which are measured through a monitoring system. The reconstruction technique uses the elaborated signal provided by the monitoring system to determine temperature at inaccessible surface: this is the so-called inverse heat transfer problem. The inverse space marching method is applied. Analytical and numerical studies are performed taking into account thermal transient conditions in order to determine thermal loads. In particular, the developed code demonstrates to be able to reconstruct temperature and stress profiles in any section of the pipe with a good accuracy. In addition, the thermal loads obtained suggest that the investigated transient condition is not able to jeopardize the integrity of nuclear power plant, confirming the possibility of the plant extension of life.
Design of broadband Helmholtz resonator arrays using the radiation impedance method
Authors: Rajendran Vidhya , Piacsek Andy , Méndez Echenagucia Tomás
Published: January 2022

This paper describes the design process of a low-frequency sound absorptive panel composed of differently tuned Helmholtz resonators (HRs), considering size and fabrication constraints relevant for applications in the building sector. The paper focuses on cylindrical and spiral resonators with embedded necks that are thin and can achieve high absorption. the mutual interaction between the resonators was modeled based on the radiation impedance method and it plays a key component in enhancing the absorption performance of the array. The differential evolution search algorithm was used to design the resonators and modify their mutual interaction to derive the absorption performance of multiple HR arrays for comparison. Optimizations to the resonator configuration and the neck resistance were implemented to produce a unit panel that has a broadband absorption performance with emphasis on the low to mid frequencies and is thin and light in weight. Unit panels with dimensions of 20 cm×20 cm, consisting of 29 cylindrical HRs designed to absorb in the 25–900 Hz frequency range, were constructed and tested in a custom-built impedance tube. The measured absorption performance of these panels is consistent with the theoretical predictions.
SARS-CoV-2 epidemic after social and economic reopening in three U.S. states reveals shifts in age structure and clinical characteristics
Authors: Wikle Nathan B. , Tran Thu Nguyen-Anh , Gentilesco Bethany , Leighow Scott M. , Albert Emmy , Strong Emily R. , Brinda Karel , Inam Haider , Yang Fuhan , Hossain Sajid , Chan Philip , Hanage William P. , Messick Maria , Pritchard Justin R. , Hanks Ephraim M. , Boni Maciej F.
Published: January 2022

State-level reopenings in late spring 2020 facilitated the resurgence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission. Here, we analyze age-structured case, hospitalization, and death time series from three states—Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania—that had successful reopenings in May 2020 without summer waves of infection. Using 11 daily data streams, we show that from spring to summer, the epidemic shifted from an older to a younger age profile and that elderly individuals were less able to reduce contacts during the lockdown period when compared to younger individuals. Clinical case management improved from spring to summer, resulting in fewer critical care admissions and lower infection fatality rate. Attack rate estimates through 31 August 2020 are 6.2% [95% credible interval (CI), 5.7 to 6.8%] of the total population infected for Rhode Island, 6.7% (95% CI, 5.4 to 7.6%) in Massachusetts, and 2.7% (95% CI, 2.5 to 3.1%) in Pennsylvania.
The transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum–associated E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM13 restrains the pathogenic-DNA–triggered inflammatory response
Authors: Li Xuelian , Yu Zhou , Fang Qian , Yang Mingjin , Huang Jiaying , Li Zheng , Wang Jianli , Chen Taoyong
Published: January 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–localized stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is the core adaptor for the pathogenic-DNA–triggered innate response. Aberrant activation of STING causes autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, raising the concern about how STING is finely tuned during innate response to pathogenic DNAs. Here, we report that the transmembrane domain (TM)–containing ER-localized E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM13 (tripartite motif containing 13) is required for restraining inflammatory response to pathogenic DNAs. TRIM13 deficiency enhances pathogenic-DNA–triggered inflammatory cytokine production, inhibits DNA virus replication, and causes age-related autoinflammation. Mechanistically, TRIM13 interacts with STING via the TM and catalyzes Lys
6
-linked polyubiquitination of STING, leading to decelerated ER exit and accelerated ER-initiated degradation of STING. STING deficiency reverses the enhanced innate anti-DNA virus response in TRIM13 knockout mice. Our study delineates a potential strategy for controlling the homeostasis of STING by transmembrane ER-associated TRIM13 during the pathogenic-DNA–triggered inflammatory response.
Skin and heart allograft rejection solely by long-lived alloreactive T
RM
cells in skin of severe combined immunodeficient mice
Authors: Tian Qianchuan , Zhang Zhaoqi , Tan Liang , Yang Fan , Xu Yanan , Guo Yinan , Wei Dong , Wu Changhong , Cao Peng , Ji Jiawei , Wang Wei , Xie Xubiao , Zhao Yong
Published: January 2022

Whether induced tissue-resident memory T (T
RM
) cells in nonlymphoid organs alone can mediate allograft rejection is unknown. By grafting alloskin or heart into severe combined immunodeficient or Rag2KO mice in which a piece of induced CD4
+
and/or CD8
+
T
RM
cell–containing MHC-matched or syngeneic skin was transplanted in advance, we addressed this issue. The induced CD4
+
T
RM
cells in the skin alone acutely rejected alloskin or heart grafts. RNA-seq analysis showed that induced CD4
+
T
RM
cells in skin favorably differentiated into T
H
17-like polarization during the secondary immune response. Inhibition of the key T
H
17 signaling molecule RORγt attenuated T
RM
cell–mediated graft rejection. Thus, we offer a unique mouse model to specifically study T
RM
cell–mediated allograft rejection without the involvement of lymphocytes in lymphoid organs and tissues. Our study provides strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that long-lived alloreactive T
RM
cells resident in other organs/tissues substantially contribute to organ allograft rejection.
Highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells enabled by low-dimensional perovskitoids
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Yang Yingguo , Dong Hua , Li Jingrui , Zhu Xinyi , Xu Jie , Pan Fang , Yuan Fang , Dai Jinfei , Jiao Bo , Hou Xun , Jen Alex K.-Y. , Wu Zhaoxin
Published: January 2022

Deep traps originated from the defects formed at the surfaces and grain boundaries of the perovskite absorbers during their lattice assembly are the main reasons that cause nonradiative recombination and material degradation, which notably affect efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, we demonstrate the substantially improved PSC performance by capping the photoactive layer with low-dimensional (LD) perovskitoids. The undercoordinated Pb ions and metallic Pb at the surfaces of the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite are effectively passivated via the Pb-I bonding from the favorably lattice-matched 3D/LD interface. The good stability and hydrophobicity of the LD (0D and 1D) perovskitoids allow excellent protection of the 3D active layer under severe environmental conditions. The PSC exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 24.18%, reproduced in an accredited independent photovoltaic testing laboratory. The unencapsulated device maintains 90% of its initial efficiency after 800 hours of continuous illumination under maximum power point operating conditions.
Tumor suppressor CEBPA interacts with and inhibits DNMT3A activity
Authors: Chen Xiufei , Zhou Wenjie , Song Ren-Hua , Liu Shuang , Wang Shu , Chen Yujia , Gao Chao , He Chenxi , Xiao Jianxiong , Zhang Lei , Wang Tianxiang , Liu Peng , Duan Kunlong , Cheng Zhouli , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jinye , Sun Yiping , Jackson Felix , Lan Fei , Liu Yun , Xu Yanhui , Wong Justin Jong-Leong , Wang Pu , Yang Hui , Xiong Yue , Chen Tong , Li Yan , Ye Dan
Published: January 2022

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) catalyze DNA methylation, and their functions in mammalian embryonic development and diseases including cancer have been extensively studied. However, regulation of DNMTs remains under study. Here, we show that CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPA) interacts with the long splice isoform DNMT3A, but not the short isoform DNMT3A2. CEBPA, by interacting with DNMT3A N-terminus, blocks DNMT3A from accessing DNA substrate and thereby inhibits its activity. Recurrent tumor-associated CEBPA mutations, such as preleukemic CEBPA
N321D
mutation, which is particularly potent in causing AML with high mortality, disrupt DNMT3A association and cause aberrant DNA methylation, notably hypermethylation of PRC2 target genes. Consequently, leukemia cells with the CEBPA
N321D
mutation are hypersensitive to hypomethylation agents. Our results provide insights into the functional difference between DNMT3A isoforms and the regulation of de novo DNA methylation at specific loci in the genome. Our study also suggests a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of
CEBPA
-mutated leukemia with DNA-hypomethylating agents.