bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergence among biological soil crust communities developing under different environmental conditions
Authors: Garibotti Irene A. , Gonzalez Polo Marina
Published: January 2021

Question

The distribution of biological soil crusts (BSCs) is critical for the functioning of dryland ecosystems. Recent studies have proposed alternative successional pathways to explain the spatial variability in BSCs. However, the influence of environmental filtering structuring BSC communities remains unclear. We asked how early BSC assembly varies in response to different abiotic selective factors and whether communities converge or diverge toward the structure of natural communities that develop in different microsites.

Location

Semiarid shrubland in Argentina.

Methods

We used experimental community assembly, starting with a diverse inoculum containing species pools from different microhabitats (vegetated and interspaces), and examined how single‐factor manipulations (water, light and nitrogen) affect community structure under otherwise natural conditions. We repeated the experiment in consecutive years, and evaluated the similarities between the assembled communities and the natural ones from which the inoculum was derived.

Results

Frequent watering was essential for promoting BSC growth, and shading and N fertilization led to divergent community structures formed by BSC groups with different functional strategies. Cyanobacteria and cyanolichens dominated the N fertilizer treatment, while mosses and green algae thrived under shade conditions. These communities were similar to natural communities in interspaces and subcanopy microsites respectively. Differences between treatments in species richness and abundance were consistent across years.

Conclusions

The research presented here represents the first attempt to assemble multispecies BSC communities for testing ecological hypotheses. The results suggest the relevance of environmental filtering determining alternative BSC community configurations, probably related to physiology‐based selection of the BSC components. The existence of divergent assembly patterns does not support the deterministic facilitative model of BSC development that has been widely applied across environments, advancing our previous understanding about BSC dynamics.
The Role of Surface Text Processing in Centrality Deficit and Poor Text Comprehension of Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Think‐Aloud Study
Authors: Yeari Menahem , Lavie Anat
Published: January 2021

The present study employed a think‐aloud method to explore the origin of centrality deficit (i.e., poor recall of central ideas) in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Moreover, utilizing the diverse think‐aloud responses, we examined the overall quality of text processing employed by individuals with ADHD during reading, in order to shed more light on text‐level deficiencies underlying their poor comprehension after reading. To address these goals, adolescents with and without ADHD were asked to state aloud whatever comes to their minds during the reading of two expository texts. After reading, the participants freely recalled text ideas and answered multiple‐choice questions on the texts. Compared to controls, participants with ADHD generated fewer responses that reflect deep, efficient text processing, and reinstated fewer prior text ideas, particularly central ones, during reading. Moreover, the proportions of deep processing responses positively associated with participants’ performance on recall and comprehension tasks. These findings suggest that individuals with ADHD exhibit poor text comprehension and memory, particularly of central ideas, because they construct a low‐quality, less‐connected text representation during reading, and produce fewer, less‐elaborated retrieval cues for subsequent tasks after reading.
Nuclear eDNA estimates population allele frequencies and abundance in experimental mesocosms and field samples
Authors: Andres Kara J. , Sethi Suresh A. , Lodge David M. , Andrés Jose
Published: January 2021

Advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies have led to improvements in the ability to detect species and communities in aquatic environments, yet the majority of studies emphasize biological diversity at the species level by targeting variable sites within the mitochondrial genome. Here, we demonstrate that eDNA approaches also have the capacity to detect intraspecific diversity in the nuclear genome, allowing for assessments of population‐level allele frequencies and estimates of the number of genetic contributors in an eDNA sample. Using a panel of microsatellite loci developed for the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), we tested the similarity between eDNA‐based and individual tissue‐based estimates of allele frequencies from experimental mesocosms and in a field‐based trial. Subsequently, we used a likelihood‐based DNA mixture framework to estimate the number of unique genetic contributors in eDNA samples and in simulated mixtures of alleles. In both mesocosm and field samples, allele frequencies from eDNA were highly correlated with allele frequencies from genotyped round goby tissue samples, indicating nuclear markers can be reliably amplified from water samples. DNA mixture analyses were able to estimate the number of genetic contributors from mesocosm eDNA samples and simulated mixtures of DNA from up to 58 individuals, with the degree of positive or negative bias dependent on the filtering scheme of low‐frequency alleles. With this study we document the application of eDNA and multiple amplicon‐based methods to obtain intraspecific nuclear genetic information and estimate the absolute abundance of a species in eDNA samples. With proper validation, this approach has the potential to advance noninvasive survey methods to characterize populations and detect population‐level genetic diversity.
Meals beyond the bedside: An ethnographic exploration of staffs' perspectives and experiences of communal dining in subacute care
Authors: Jong Jessica , Porter Judi , Palermo Claire , Ottrey Ella
Published: January 2021

Communal dining offers multiple benefits for hospital patients, yet dining rooms may be underutilized in practice. This study aimed to understand and explore staffs' perspectives and experiences of communal dining in subacute care, and the impacts on staff mealtime practice. Using qualitative, ethnographic methodology, 94 hours of fieldwork were conducted across two subacute care wards. Participants were staff involved in nutrition care or present on the ward at mealtimes. Ninety‐one semistructured and ethnographic interviews were conducted with 59 staff, and 54 episodes of observation captured more than 190 staff. Interviews and field notes were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach. Three themes were identified: (i) benefits to patients; (ii) logistical and practical challenges; and (iii) supportive cultural factors. While staff recognized how communal dining benefited patients, logistical and practical challenges impacted their ability to facilitate it in practice. Healthcare organizations seeking to embed communal dining into the mealtime routine should recognize that clear delineation of staff roles and responsibilities, and cultural change involving normalization, setting expectations, and collective advocacy may be needed to optimize benefits for patients.
Chimonocalamus bidoupensis, a new temperate bamboo species (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) from Bidoup National Park, southern Vietnam
Authors: Vinh Tran Thai , Nguyen Hoang Nghia , Duy Nong Van , Tran Van Tien
Published: January 2021

A new temperate wood bamboo endemic to Vietnam is described and illustrated as Chimonocalamus bidoupensis N.H.Nghia & V.T.Tran. The new species is similar to C. baviensis in general appearance, but differs by its densely ciliate culms, culm sheaths that are concave at the apex with dense, white hairs on the abaxial surface of the sheath, and perfect florets 7–8 mm long.
Efficient deletion of multiple circle RNA loci by CRISPR‐Cas9 reveals Os06circ02797 as a putative sponge for OsMIR408 in rice
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Yuan Mingzhu , Zhao Yuxin , Quan Quan , Yu Dong , Yang Han , Tang Xu , Xin Xuhui , Cai Guangze , Qian Qian , Qi Yiping , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2021

CRISPR‐Cas9 is an emerging genome editing tool for reverse genetics in plants. However, its application for functional study of non‐coding RNAs in plants is still at its infancy. Despite being a major class of non‐coding RNAs, the biological roles of circle RNAs (circRNAs) remain largely unknown in plants. Previous plant circRNA studies have focused on identification and annotation of putative circRNAs, with their functions largely uninvestigated by genetic approaches. Here, we applied a multiplexed CRISPR‐Cas9 strategy to efficiently acquire individual null mutants for four circRNAs in rice. We showed each of these rice circRNA loci (Os02circ25329, Os06circ02797, Os03circ00204 and Os05circ02465) can be deleted at 10% or higher efficiency in both protoplasts and stable transgenic T0 lines. Such high efficiency deletion enabled the generation of circRNA null allele plants without the CRISPR‐Cas9 transgene in the T1 generation. Characterization of the mutants reveals these circRNAs’ participation in salt stress response during seed germination and in particular the Os05circ02465 null mutant showed high salt tolerance. Notably, the seedlings of the Os06circ02797 mutant showed rapid growth phenotype after seed germination with the seedlings containing higher chlorophyll A/B content. Further molecular and computational analyses suggested a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network where Os06circ02797 functions to bind and sequester OsMIR408, an important and conserved microRNA in plants. This study not only presents genetic evidence for the first time in plants that certain circRNAs may serve as sponges to negatively regulate miRNAs, a phenomenon previously demonstrated in mammalian cells, but also provides important insights for improving agronomic traits through gene editing of circRNA loci in crops.
New‐onset head and neck dermatitis in adolescent patients after dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis
Authors: Bax Christina E. , Khurana Michele C. , Treat James R. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , Rubin Adam I. , McMahon Patrick J.
Published: January 2021

Background/Objectives

Head and neck dermatitis after dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis has been frequently reported in adults and only rarely in adolescents. No cases detailing disease course and treatment response have previously been described in adolescents.

Methods/Results

This case series presents five adolescent patients who developed new‐onset or worsening head and neck dermatitis after dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis. All five patients improved after oral antifungal therapy.

Conclusions

The clinical features, treatment response, and potential disease pathogenesis in pediatric patients are described. Adolescents with new‐onset head and neck dermatitis after dupilumab therapy may clinically improve with antifungal therapy, suggesting that Malassezia species may be a contributing factor or antifungal therapy may be an effective antiinflammatory agent.
Quit and win contests in community‐dwelling mental and behavioral health populations: A systematic review and pilot feasibility findings
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo T.C. , Abufarsakh Bassema , Otachi Janet K.
Published: January 2021

Background

People with mental illnesses (MI) benefit from incentives to promote tobacco cessation. “Quit and Win” contests are community‐based approaches that incentivize cessation. However, little is known about “Quit and Win” contest effectiveness among people with MI.

Aim

To examine the utility of “Quit and Win” contests among people with MI.

Method

This study had two phases: (a) a systematic literature review to explore the potential effectiveness of “Quit and Win” contests for people with MI and (b) a pilot feasibility study of implementing a “Quit and Win” contest among people with MI from a community mental health program (CMHP).

Results

In phase 1, no reviewed study specifically included people with MI in their sample. Of the four cohort and five randomized controlled studies in the review, the mean reported participant quit rates at the end of “Quit and Win” contests were 76.8% and 28.3%, respectively. In phase 2, within a CMHP, four out of seven participants completed a “Quit and Win” contest, and one individual achieved cessation.

Conclusion

People with MI may benefit from incentive‐based tobacco cessation programs. Implementing a “Quit and Win” contests within a CMHP is important and requires more studies to determine feasibility and effectiveness.
Combined and single effects of elevated CO2 and temperatures on rice bakanae disease under controlled conditions in phytotrons
Authors: Matić Slavica , Garibaldi Angelo , Gullino Maria Lodovica
Published: January 2021

Bakanae disease, caused by Fusarium fujikuroi, was investigated under different CO2 and temperature environments in order to simulate climate changes in the F. fujikuroi–rice pathosystem. F. fujikuroi‐infected plants were grown under six phytotron conditions: low (18/22 °C night/day), medium (22/26 °C), and high (26/30 °C) temperature, at either ambient (450 ppm) or elevated (850 ppm) CO2 concentrations. Bakanae disease index (DI), seedling death incidence, fungal DNA quantity, and chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents varied significantly in infected plants as a consequence of changes in both CO2 and temperature. Plant height and dry weight were only influenced by single factors (temperature for height, and temperature or CO2 for dry weight), and not by the CO2 × temperature interaction. Medium and high temperatures (irrespective of the CO2 level) increased the DI significantly (range from 67.5% to 95.8%) compared to low temperatures (range from 45.8% to 47.5%). Under elevated CO2 levels, noticeable differences in the expression of four rice defence‐related genes and fungal DNA quantity were observed between those plants grown at higher temperatures and those at lower temperatures. Overall, combined and single effects of elevated CO2 and high temperatures seem to be favourable for bakanae disease development in the Mediterranean basin.
A reduced P300 prospectively predicts increased depressive severity in adults with clinical depression
Authors: Santopetro Nicholas J. , Brush C. J. , Bruchnak Alec , Klawohn Julia , Hajcak Greg
Published: January 2021

Neurocognitive impairments commonly observed in depressive disorders are thought to be reflected in reduced P300 amplitudes. To date, depression‐related P300 amplitude reduction has mostly been demonstrated cross‐sectionally, while its clinical implication for the course of depression remains largely unclear. Moreover, the relationship between P300 and specific clinical characteristics of depression is uncertain. To shed light on the functional significance of the P300 in depression, we examined whether initial P300 amplitude prospectively predicted changes in depressive symptoms among a community sample of 58 adults (mean age = 38.86 years old, 81% female) with a current depressive disorder. This sample was assessed at two‐time points, separated by approximately nine months (range = 6.6–15.9). At the initial visit, participants completed clinical interviews, self‐report measures, and a flanker task, while EEG was recorded to derive P300 amplitude. At the follow‐up visit, participants again completed the same clinical interviews and self‐report measures. Results indicated that a reduced P300 amplitude at the initial visit was associated with higher total depressive symptoms at follow‐up, even after controlling for initial depressive symptoms. These data indicate the potential clinical utility for the P300 as a neural marker of disease course among adults with a current depressive disorder. Future research may target P300 in interventions to determine whether depression‐related outcomes can be improved.
Understanding the Role of Public Management and Organizational Stability in an Uncertain Environment: Evidence from Korean Public Corporations
Authors: Ryu Sangyub , Kim Taeyeon
Published: January 2021

Theoretical discussions have emphasized the role of public management, and evidence from various contexts across the globe supports the positive link between public management and organizational outcomes. However, previous research has lacked a comprehensive approach to testing the management–performance link. Furthermore, less is known about the management–performance link in the Asian context. Using a formal model of public management, the present study examines the impacts of Moore's management strategies—managing upward, downward, and outward—on organizational performance. This study also investigates the moderating effect of procedural stability on the negative relationship between environmental uncertainty and organizational performance. Analyses of Korean public corporations partially confirmed the positive impacts of public management on the performance of Korean public corporations. Furthermore, a moderating effect of procedural stability was confirmed. Future studies are expected to comprehensively test the management–performance link.
Integrative Jurisprudence: Legal Scholarship and the Triadic Nature of Law
Authors: Klatt Matthias
Published: January 2021

What is the core of legal scholarship? How can we understand its relation to other disciplines, such as moral and political philosophy, sociology, and economics? I explore these questions by analysing the impact of the dual nature thesis. Criticising established theories of legal scholarship, I defend the ideal of an integrative jurisprudence. Integrative jurisprudence combines the two dimensions of law by employing analytical, empirical, and normative methods. I then discuss three objections and address the problem of how to bridge is and ought. In the course of my analysis of three different bridge theories, I ultimately further develop the dual nature thesis into a triadic nature thesis.
Women on top: Coital positions and gender hierarchies in Renaissance Italy
Authors: Den Hartog Marlisa
Published: January 2021

According to Christian theology, the ‘missionary’ position was the only proper way to have sex. Among clerical as well as secular authors, one of the most serious deviations from this prescription was the position with the woman on top of the man. Although medieval and early modern defences of the woman‐on‐top prohibition are often focused on reproduction or health, modern scholars habitually explain it as a reflection of concern about the inversion of gender roles and hierarchies. Against the background of the hierarchical perspective on sexual intercourse in general, this hypothesis seems almost self‐evident. Thus far, however, it has not been sufficiently supported with relevant source material. This article brings a focused case study of this topic to the historiography by analyzing the discussion of the woman‐on‐top position in Italian sources written between c. 1350‐1550. Theological, medical and literary sources are used to support the hypothesis that the woman‐on‐top prohibition was to an important extent sanctioned by beliefs about gender roles and hierarchies. There were various ways in which the ‘missionary’ position could be defended, ranging from defences of innate male prerogatives to concern about female power.
A Novel Causal Risk‐Based Decision‐Making Methodology: The Case of Coronavirus
Authors: Stavroglou Stavros K. , Ayyub Bilal M. , Kallinterakis Vasileios , Pantelous Athanasios A. , Stanley H. Eugene
Published: January 2021

Either in the form of nature's wrath or a pandemic, catastrophes cause major destructions in societies, thus requiring policy and decisionmakers to take urgent action by evaluating a host of interdependent parameters, and possible scenarios. The primary purpose of this article is to propose a novel risk‐based, decision‐making methodology capable of unveiling causal relationships between pairs of variables. Motivated by the ongoing global emergency of the coronavirus pandemic, the article elaborates on this powerful quantitative framework drawing on data from the United States at the county level aiming at assisting policy and decision makers in taking timely action amid this emergency. This methodology offers a basis for identifying potential scenarios and consequences of the ongoing 2020 pandemic by drawing on weather variables to examine the causal impact of changing weather on the trend of daily coronavirus cases.
Older people and rural eHealth: perceptions of caring relations and their effects on engagement in digital primary health care
Authors: Lindberg Jens , Bhatt Robert , Ferm Anton
Published: January 2021

Background

The aim of this article is to describe older people’s perceptions of caring relations in the context of rural eHealth, as well as to explore how such relations can facilitate engagement in digital primary health care. There is an ongoing implementation of eHealth in Western health care, and rural areas and older people are specifically targeted. eHealth is said to be a solution to emergent problems and a technology that will facilitate people’s opportunities to achieve good and equal health. From this perspective, it is crucial that older people engage in eHealth services, but there are barriers for use, and care providers need to adapt to the preferences of older people.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 19 individuals aged 61‐85 were conducted. The participants were using digital services at two primary healthcare centres located in northern Sweden. Qualitative content analysis was used. An important theoretical tenet was that older people’s perceptions of and engagements in eHealth are affected by the specific rural conditions. Ethical approval for the study has been obtained.

Results

The analysis rendered a total of three themes: in‐person interaction was central to people’s perceptions of good caring relations; patient–nurse relations were particularly emphasised; and caring relations in rural eHealth appeared to be multi‐directional and fuelled by a shared sense of rural community. Altogether, this facilitated participants’ engagement in local eHealth initiatives.

Conclusions

eHealth is an opportunity for primary health care and for rural communities. However, the results provide insight into matters that can affect the quality, access, and equality of rural primary health care. Participants’ engagement in eHealth was almost always facilitated by close caring relations with local Registered Nurses. Digital care needs to be approached as a combination of digital and in‐person presence. Separating digital and physical task assignments among different personnel could make older people refrain from seeking health care.
Initial validation of the Basque version of the Parental Burnout Assessment (B‐PBA)
Authors: Sarrionandia Ainize , Aliri Jone
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to validate the Parental Burnout Assessment in a Basque sample of parents. The Basque version of the PBA (B‐PBA) was administered to 250 parents, with at least one child living at home. We investigated whether the four‐dimensional structure of the PBA held in a sample of male and female parents. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between PBA and several sociodemographic variables such as participants’ age, gender, number of children, family type, level of education, socioeconomic level, being in paid employment, and time spent with children. The results confirm the four‐factor structure of the B‐PBA including exhaustion in one's parental role, contrast with previous parental self, feelings of being fed up, and emotional distancing from one's children. The B‐PBA shows good psychometric properties. Regarding sociodemographic variables, mothers present higher levels of parental burnout in comparison with fathers. In the rest of the sociodemographic variables there are weak relationships regarding parental burnout. In the discussion, we provide feedback on the hypotheses and results obtained and we interpret the results; we highlight the relevance of the parental burnout construct in the Basque Country; and we present practical implications as well as future perspectives.
Policy Innovations and Rationale for Sustainable Energy Transition in the UAE
Authors: Aminjonov Farkhod
Published: January 2021

Objective

The study explains the rationale behind the transition to a renewable energy source in one of the world's leading oil and gas producers. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of the risks that the rentier UAE may encounter in the process of shifting from a hydrocarbon dominated to a sustainable energy driven economy.

Methods

In‐depth expert interviews, secondary sources, and state official websites are used for data collection and analysis.

Results

Despite the successfully implemented several record‐breaking renewable energy projects, the rentier mentality, intermittent nature of the renewables, and geopolitical implications may prevent the UAE from emerging as a clear‐cut winner in the transition.

Conclusion

It is instrumental for the UAE to introduce policy innovations that would encourage stakeholders’ participation beyond the state and turn the system resistant to potential technical and geopolitical disruptions.
An Overview of Innovation in the Arab Gulf States: From Origins and Five‐Year Plans to New Cities and Indices
Authors: Redman James C. A.
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study first contextualizes and then examines the innovation initiatives currently being undertaken by the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Methods

The data presented are a qualitative analysis based on government planning documents from GCC members, which is followed by an assessment of innovation in the GCC using a composite index (Global Innovation Index) and an individual indicator.

Results

The pathways toward innovation in the GCC are traced at local policy‐making levels, but giving meaning to the quantification of these efforts and their results is confounded by the fact that innovation can be an inexact concept with imprecise measurements.

Conclusion

This overview of innovation in the GCC shows how it is being conceptualized and executed as statecraft; however, innovation might be better gauged for the GCC if indigenous socioeconomic conditions—like the welfare models and disproportionate public and service sectors—can be taken into account.
Quantitative evaluation of cumulative plastic damage for ferromagnetic steel under low cycle fatigue based on magnetic memory method
Authors: Su Sanqing , Ma Xiaoping , Wang Wei , Yang Yiyi , Hu Jingyu
Published: January 2021

Cumulative plastic damage caused during the low cycle fatigue (LCF) regime may seriously undermine the safety of the steel members and even lead to serious industrial accidents. Magnetic memory method (MMM), as a novel nondestructive testing technology, has been developed to evaluate the fatigue damage for the ferromagnetic material, but there is the lack of a quantitative description exists for the relationship between magnetic memory signals and cumulative plastic damage yet. In this paper, the strain‐based Jiles–Atherton hysteresis model under cyclic load during the LCF regime was established. Meanwhile, the LCF tests for S355 steel were performed, and the HSF signals on the surface of the specimen were collected under different loading cycles. Finite element (FE) simulations for coupling magnetic memory signals and cumulative plastic strain were carried out by the strain‐based Jiles–Atherton hysteresis model. Comparing with experimental results verifies the feasibility and accuracy of the FE method. The results indicate that the slope of the HSF signals fitting curve, K, as a characteristic parameter, has an exponential decrease as the cumulative plastic damage D increases. A general quantitative expression of the magneto‐damage model was built by discussing the influences of different factors on the K–D relation curves. It can be proved by verification that the magneto‐damage model provides a direct way for the quantitative evaluation of the cumulative plastic damage for the low‐carbon steel under LCF.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*03:11 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Genebrier Steve , Lemal Richard , Texeraud Emeric , Bertrand Gerald , Renac Virginie
Published: January 2021

DQA1*03:11 differs from DQA1*03:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 664 in exon 4.
Time to stop worrying about ABO incompatible cryoprecipitate transfusions in adults
Authors: Khan Jenna , Dunbar Nancy M.
Published: January 2021

See article on page 29–34, in this issue
Hemolytic disease and reticulocytopenia of the newborn attributable to maternal immunoglobulin G anti‐M reacting optimally at cold temperatures
Authors: Andersen Lezlie H. , Jacob Eapen K. , McThenia Sheila S. , Tauscher Craig D. , Patterson Emily R. , Oliveira Jennifer L. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: January 2021

Background

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) attributable to anti‐M is rare, although case reports implicate anti‐M in varying severities of HDFN, including fetal hydrops and intrauterine death.

Case Description

We describe the case of a newborn with HDFN associated with an atypical immunoglobulin (Ig) G anti‐M that reacted best at cold temperatures. The maternal antibody detected in pregnancy was not reactive at 37°C, and a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) on red blood cells (RBCs) from the newborn was negative, suggesting an anti‐M that should not have been clinically relevant. However, the infant developed hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin level, 17.6 mg/dL), hemolytic anemia (hemoglobin nadir, 5.5 g/dL), and reticulocytopenia. Laboratory testing demonstrated the presence of an IgG anti‐M in maternal and neonatal samples reacting best at 4°C. This passively acquired IgG anti‐M provoked hemolytic anemia in the infant and likely suppressed erythropoiesis, resulting in reticulocytopenia with prolonged anemia. He was treated for IgG anti‐M HDFN with 10 intravenous Ig infusions and 10 days of oral prednisone followed by a taper. He required seven transfusions with M− RBCs. His hemoglobin level normalized at 3 months of age. Follow‐up at 2 years revealed no hematologic or neuro‐developmental concerns.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the second report of HDFN attributable to an IgG anti‐M reacting preferentially at cold temperature with no 37°C reactivity. Clinically relevant IgG anti‐M may elude standard testing. Early recognition and testing for cold‐reacting IgG anti‐M should be considered for newborns with hemolysis, a negative DAT, and prolonged anemia.
Resilience to flood hazards: Awareness for the water supply infrastructure
Authors: Sweya Lukuba N. , Manoga Renatus P. , Norbert Joel
Published: January 2021

Tanzania has experienced recurring floods causing injuries, deaths and damage of social service infrastructures. The current study assesses the resilience of water supply physical infrastructure (WSPI) against flood. Questionnaires, interviews and physical observations were conducted to evaluate the problems affecting the WSPI. Most components were found vulnerable to flood impacts. The problems align with the lack of proper maintenance, ageing infrastructures, unplanned settlements, rapid population growth, inefficient communication plans, rapid urbanization and failure of roads infrastructure. Such measures as systematic maintenance coupled with functional critical assets replacement plans, increasing system interconnectedness, ensuring availability of alternative facilities and additional capacities for critical components and clear and functional communication plans with a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) approach will assist in enhancing the system’s capacity to survive disasters. The findings are essential in creating awareness to decision makers on prioritization and budgeting for improving the WSPI resilience to flood.
Composite engineered biomaterial adaptable for repair and regeneration of wounds
Authors: Wu Yidi , Wagner William D.
Published: January 2021

Ongoing investigations in wound repair bring new opportunities and challenges for creating novel composite engineered biomaterials. Efforts have been directed toward using different combinations of biomaterials with the goal of providing an ideal biomimetic substitute for native tissue. A universal formula using collagen, fibroin and a synthetic polymer is proposed. By modifying the ratio of the building blocks, the composite material can be fabricated to match the mechanical property of different types of tissues and be further tuned to carry desirable physical and biological function. The results should provide composite engineered materials comparable to native tissue in order to repair and regenerate a variety of wounds and tissues.
The effects of necrostatin‐1 on the in vitro development and function of young porcine islets over 14‐day prolonged tissue culture
Authors: Lau Hien , Corrales Nicole , Rodriguez Samuel , Park Soomin , Mohammadi Mohammadreza , Li Shiri , Alexander Michael , Lakey Jonathan R.T.
Published: January 2021

Background

Necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1) supplementation to tissue culture media on day 3 has recently been shown to augment the insulin content, endocrine cellular composition, and insulin release of pre‐weaned porcine islets (PPIs); however, its effects were only examined for the first 7 days of tissue culture. The present study examined whether the addition of Nec‐1 on day 3 could further enhance the in vitro development and function of PPIs after 14 days of tissue culture.

Methods

PPIs were isolated from 8‐ to 15‐day‐old, pre‐weaned Yorkshire piglets and cultured in an islet maturation media supplemented with Nec‐1 on day 3. The recovery, viability, insulin content, endocrine cellular composition, GLUT2 expression in beta cells, differentiation and proliferation potential, and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion of PPIs were assessed on days 3, 7, and 14 of tissue culture (n = 5 on each day).

Results

Compared with day 7 of tissue culture, islets on day 14 had a lower recovery, GLUT2 expression in beta cells, proliferation capacity of endocrine cells, and glucose‐induced insulin stimulation index. Prolonging the culture time to 14 days did not affect islet viability, insulin content, proportion of endocrine cells, and differentiation potential.

Conclusion

The growth‐inducing effects of Nec‐1 on PPIs were most effective on day 7 of tissue culture when added on day 3. Our findings support existing evidence that the in vitro activities of Nec‐1 are short‐lived and encourage future studies to explore the use of other novel growth factors during prolonged islet tissue culture.
Assessing the occurrence of the novel zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 in captive squirrels in Germany —A prevalence study
Authors: Allendorf Valerie , Rubbenstroth Dennis , Schlottau Kore , Hoffmann Donata , Frank Christina , Amler Susanne , Beer Martin , Conraths Franz Josef , Homeier‐Bachmann Timo
Published: January 2021

The newly described zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV‐1) in German squirrel holdings has been associated with the death of three private owners and one zoo animal caretaker (confirmed cases). Epidemiological investigations were severely impeded by the general lack of data on holdings of the putative reservoir hosts, the family Sciuridae. To fill this lack of data for detailed epidemiological investigations of the captive squirrel population, a register of private and zoological squirrel holdings was established. The findings show a broad variety of kept species and their frequency distribution. By contacting the different stakeholders via Web‐based social groups and societies, information passed in both directions so that disease awareness could be raised and participants could be recruited for further studies. Cross‐sectional studies revealed a prevalence of VSBV‐1‐positive subpopulations of 0% (95% CI 0%–6.2%) among private squirrel collections and 1.9% (95% CI: 0%–9.9%) among zoos in Germany. The approach presented here can be transferred to other populations of non‐traditional pets, which may be equally difficult to monitor, in the case of an emerging zoonotic infectious disease.
Sex differences in the incidence and mode of death in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Elkholey Khaled , Morris Lynsie , Niewiadomska Monika , Houser Jeremy , Ramirez Michelle , Tang Mulan , Humphrey Mary Beth , Stavrakis Stavros
Published: January 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Prior studies failed to address the role of sex in modifying the pathophysiology and response to therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), potentially introducing bias into translational findings. We aimed to explore sex differences in outcomes and sought to identify the underlying mechanisms in a well‐established rat model of HFpEF.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Male rats with HFpEF exhibited worse survival compared with females and were at a higher risk for sudden death, attributable in part to QT prolongation, autonomic dysregulation and enhanced inflammation. These data might provide the basis for the development of sex‐specific interventions in HFpEF targeting these abnormalities.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for 50% of heart failure, and sudden death is the leading cause of mortality. We aimed to explore sex differences in outcomes in rats with HFpEF and sought to identify the underlying mechanisms. Dahl salt‐sensitive rats of either sex were randomized into high‐salt diet (HS diet; 8% NaCl, n = 46, 50% female) or low‐salt diet (LS diet; 0.3% NaCl; n = 24, 50% female) at 7 weeks of age. After 6 and 10 weeks of LS or HS diets, the ECG, heart rate variability, cytokines and echocardiographic parameters were measured. The animals were monitored daily for development of HFpEF and survival. Over 6 weeks of HS diet, rats developed significant hypertension and signs of HFpEF. Compared with female HS diet‐fed rats, males exhibited more left ventricular dilatation, a longer QT interval, and worse autonomic tone, as assessed by heart rate variability and elevated inflammatory cytokines. Ten of 23 (46%) male rats died during follow‐up, compared with two of 23 (9%) female rats (P = 0.01). There were four sudden deaths in males (with ventricular tachycardia documented in one rat), whereas the females died of heart failure. In conclusion, male rats with HFpEF exhibit worse survival compared with females and are at a higher risk for sudden death, attributable in part to QT prolongation, autonomic dysregulation and enhanced inflammation. These data might provide the basis for the development of sex‐specific interventions in HFpEF targeting these abnormalities.
Age and sex differences in blood pressure responses during hyperpnoea
Authors: Shimizu Kaori , Shiozawa Kana , Ishida Koji , Saito Mitsuru , Mizuno Sahiro , Akima Hiroshi , Katayama Keisho
Published: January 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Increased respiratory muscle activation is associated with neural and cardiovascular consequences via the respiratory muscle‐induced metaboreflex. Does ageing and/or sex influence the arterial blood pressure response during voluntary normocapnic incremental hyperpnoea?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The increase in blood pressure during hyperpnoea was smaller in younger females than in older females, whereas no difference was found between older males and older females. The blunted respiratory muscle‐induced metaboreflex in younger females is normalized with advancing age, whereas ageing has no such effect in males.

We hypothesized that older females (OF) have a greater arterial blood pressure response to increased respiratory muscle work compared with younger females (YF) and that no such difference exists between older males (OM) and younger males (YM). To test these hypotheses, cardiovascular responses during voluntary normocapnic incremental hyperpnoea were evaluated and compared between older and younger subjects. An incremental respiratory endurance test (IRET) was performed as follows: target minute ventilation was initially set at 30% of the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV12) and was increased by 10% of MVV12 every 3 min. The test was terminated when the subject could not maintain the target percentage of MVV12. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded continuously. The increase in MAP from baseline (ΔMAP) during the IRET in OM (+24.0 ± 14.7 mmHg, mean ± SD) did not differ (P = 0.144) from that in YM (+24.3 ± 13.4 mmHg), but it was greater (P = 0.004) in OF (+31.2 ± 11.6 mmHg) than in YF (+10.3 ± 5.5 mmHg). No significant difference in ΔMAP during the IRET was observed between OM and OF (P = 0.975). These results suggest that the respiratory muscle‐induced metaboreflex is blunted in YF, but it could be normalized with advancing age. In males, ageing has little effect on the respiratory muscle‐induced metaboreflex. These results show no sex difference in the respiratory muscle‐induced metaboreflex in older adults.
Demand Side Electric Energy Consumption Optimization in a Smart Household Using Scheduling and Model Predictive Temperature Control
Authors: Taik Salma , Kiss Bálint
Published: January 2021

Utility companies seek to increase energy efficiency and productivity and try to reduce peak loads. This often involves consumer-side demand management in residential areas using dynamic time-of-use (ToU) tariff. Such strategies work if the consumer-side response is at least partly automated using some real-time optimization strategy. Our paper proposes a consumer-side optimization and control framework for scheduling the electric appliances in a smart household and preserving a thermal comfort level through an electric heating system. Our framework consists of two optimization components interacting with each other. The first optimization component schedules the home appliances based on a mixed integer programming approach. An electric vehicle (EV) is considered as a special home appliance with an energy storage capability. The second optimization component is the model predictive control (MPC) strategy for the electric heating system, such that the input constraints are defined by the scheduling results of the first component. Due to outside temperature variations, the input constraints may impede the MPC to maintain the required thermal comfort, which triggers a rescheduling event for the first component. The efficiency of the framework is presented in multiple simulations for scenarios with different consumer behaviors.
Preliminary Experimental Study of Warm Ultrasonic Impact-Assisted Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Song Hanyu , Li Minglang , Wang Muxuan , Wu Benxin , Liu Ze , Ding Hongtao , Liu Weidong
Published: January 2021

A preliminary experimental study on “warm ultrasonic impact-assisted laser metal deposition” (WUI-LMD) is reported, and such a study is rare in literature to the authors’ knowledge. In WUI-LMD, an ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) tip is placed near the laser spot for in-situ treatment of laser-deposited warm solid material, and the UIT and LMD processes proceed simultaneously. Under the conditions investigated, it is found that in-situ UIT during WUI-LMD can be much more effective in reducing porosity than a post-process UIT. Possible underlying mechanisms are analyzed. WUI-LMD has great potential to reduce defects and improve mechanical properties without increasing manufacturing time.
Characteristics and Mechanism of Top Burr Formation in Micro-Milling LF21
Authors: Luan Yihan , Lu Xiaohong , Hou Pengrong , Liang Steven Y.
Published: January 2021

During micro-milling aluminum alloy LF21 process, it tends to produce large top burr usually detected at the top of slot walls. Therefore, the machining accuracy and quality of the micro-parts are difficult to satisfy. To suppress burr and achieve the higher machining quality of machined LF21 micro-parts, this paper using the Johnson–Cook constitutive model establishes a two-dimensional finite element simulation model to obtain a better recognition of burr formation mechanisms and a three-dimensional finite element simulation model to better simulate burr formation process and measure top burr height. Furthermore, effective validation experiments for the proposed models are conducted, good agreements are achieved in the cutting force and top burr height between the experiments and simulation results. The study explores the formation mechanism of top burr in micro-milling LF21 and reveals the influence law of cutting parameters on top burr height based on the simulation and experimental results. The research guides the selection of cutting parameters in micro-milling LF21 process.
Efficient Spot Welding Sequence Simulation in Compliant Variation Simulation
Authors: Sadeghi Tabar Roham , Lorin Samuel , Cromvik Christoffer , Lindkvist Lars , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard
Published: January 2021

Geometrical variation is one of the sources of quality issues in a product. Spot welding is an operation that impacts the final geometrical variation of a sheet metal assembly considerably. Evaluating the outcome of the assembly, considering the existing geometrical variation between the components, can be achieved using the method of influence coefficients (MICs), based on the finite element method (FEM). The sequence with which the spot welding operation is performed influences the final geometrical deformations of the assembly. Finding the optimal sequence that results in the minimum geometrical deformation is a combinatorial problem that is experimentally and computationally expensive. Traditionally, spot welding sequence optimization strategies have been to simulate the geometrical variation of the spot-welded assembly after the assembly has been positioned in an inspection fixture. In this approach, the calculation of deformation after springback is one of the most time-consuming steps. In this paper, a method is proposed where the springback calculation in the inspection fixture is bypassed during the sequence evaluation. The results show a significant correlation between the proposed method of weld relative displacements evaluation in the assembly fixture and the assembly deformation in the inspection fixture. Evaluating the relative weld displacement makes each assembly simulation less time-consuming, and thereby, sequence optimization time can be reduced by up to 30%, compared to the traditional approach.
Design Ideation Through Speculative Fiction: Foundational Principles and Exploratory Study
Authors: Kotecha Maulik C. , Chen Ting-Ju , McAdams Daniel A. , Krishnamurthy Vinayak
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study is to position speculative fiction as a broader framework to stimulate, facilitate, and study engineering design ideation. For this, we first present a comprehensive and detailed review of the literature on how fiction, especially science fiction, has played a role in design and decision-making. To further strengthen the need for speculative fiction for idea stimulation, we further prototype and study a prototype workflow that utilizes excerpts from speculative fiction books as textual stimuli for design ideation. Through a qualitative study of this workflow, we gain insights into the effect of textual stimuli from science fiction narratives on design concepts. Our study reveals that the texts consisting of the terms from the design statement or closely related to the problem boost the idea generation process. We further discover that less directly related stimuli may encourage out-of-the-box and divergent thinking. Using the insights gained from our study, we pose critical questions to initiate speculative fiction-based design ideation as a new research direction in engineering design. Subsequently, we discuss current research directions and domains necessary to take the technical, technological, and methodological steps needed for future research on design methodologies based on speculative fictional inspiration. Finally, we present a practical case to demonstrate how an engineering design workflow could be operationalized by investigating a concrete example of the design of automotive user interfaces (automotive-UI) through the lens of speculative fiction.