bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional and patient‐reported outcomes of two surgical approaches for implant‐supported single‐crown restoration: 1‐year results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nielsen Helle Baungaard , Schou Søren , Bruun Niels Henrik , Starch‐Jensen Thomas
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To test whether there is a difference in professional and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) after single‐crown restoration supported by short implants (SI) (6 mm) compared with standard length implants (SLI) (13 mm) in conjunction with maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) after 1 year of functional implant loading.

Material and Methods

Forty patients were randomly allocated to SI or SLI/MSFA. PROM included Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire and subjective assessment of the peri‐implant soft tissue (A), implant crown (B), implant function (C) and overall implant treatment outcome (D) using visual analogue scale (VAS). Professional assessment included pink aesthetic score (PES) and white aesthetic score (WES).

Results

No significant differences in professional or PROM between the two treatment modalities were revealed at any time point (p > .05). OHIP‐14 score decreased at baseline and 1 year after functional implant loading compared with preoperative measurements indicating improved quality of life with both treatment modalities. The 1‐year mean VAS score was 9.4 (A), 9.3 (B), 9.6 (C) and 9.3 (D) for SI compared with 9.3 (A), 9.6 (B), 9.7 (C) and 9.2 (D) for SLI. The 1‐year mean PES/WES scores were 11.3 and 8.1 for SI compared with 11.2 and 8.1 for SLI/MSFA.

Conclusions

Prosthetic rehabilitation of the posterior part of the maxilla with SI or SLI/MSFA revealed no significant differences in professional and PROM after 1 year of implant loading.
Over 80% of Africa's savannah conservation land is failing or deteriorating according to lions as an indicator species
Authors: Robson Ashley , Trimble Morgan , Bauer Dominik , Loveridge Andrew , Thomson Paul , Western Guy , Lindsey Peter
Published: December 2021

Calls to increase the global area under protection for conservation assume existing conservation areas are effective but, without adequate investment, they may not be. We collected survey data from expert respondents on perceived budgets, management, and threats for 516 protected areas and community conservation areas in savannah Africa to create a Conservation Area Performance Index. Combining this index with an indicative biodiversity outcome—population status of African lion, Panthera leo—we found that 82% of the sampled area was in a state of failure or deterioration, with only 10% in a state of success or recovery. A large proportion of succeeding or recovering conservation areas received external support through collaborative management partnerships. That Africa's current conservation area network—the foundation of conservation efforts—is crumbling complicates proposed strategies to protect additional land. We contend that investing in the effective management of existing conservation areas—potentially through well‐structured collaborative management partnerships—should be prioritized urgently.
Quantification of planarian behaviors
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: December 2021

Research on individual behaviors can help to reveal the processes and mechanisms that mediate an animal's habits and interactions with the environment. Importantly, individual behaviors arise as outcomes of genetic programs, morphogenesis, physiological processes, and neural functions; thus, behavioral analyses can be used to detect disorders in these processes. Planarians belong to an early branching bilateral group of organisms that possess a simple central nervous system. Furthermore, planarians display various behavioral responses to the environment via their nervous system. Planarians also have remarkable regenerative abilities, including whole‐brain regeneration. Therefore, the combination of planarians’ phylogenetic position, behavioral properties, regenerative ability, and genetic accessibility provides a unique opportunity to understand the basic mechanisms underlying the anatomical properties of neural morphogenesis and the dynamic physiological processes and neural function. Here, we describe a step‐by‐step protocol for conducting simple behavioral analyses in planarians with the aim of helping to introduce researchers to the utility of performing behavioral analyses in planarians. Since the conditions of planarians impact experimental results and reproducibility, this protocol begins with a method for maintaining planarians. Next, we introduce the behavioral tests as well as the methods for quantifying them using minimal and cost‐effective equipment and materials. Finally, we present a unique RNAi technique that enables conditional silencing of neural activity in the brain of planarians.
The influence of career panels on student perceptions, attitudes, and intentions toward the information systems profession
Authors: Merhout Jeffrey W. , Benamati John ‘Skip’ , Rajkumar T.M.
Published: December 2021

Exposure to role models has been recommended as a way to attract and retain students in Information Systems (IS) programs. One way to accomplish this exposure in IS classrooms is with career panels of alumni professionals who offer a realistic perspective of various IS‐related roles and can frankly answer questions from students. For this study, we developed a comprehensive survey instrument based on published literature in order to examine the perceptions and attitudes of business students pre‐ and post‐ exposure to career panels and to validate that career panels indeed positively influence student perceptions and attitudes about IS. Female role models have also been espoused as a way to mitigate negative stereotypes, such as the IS field being a masculine domain or that a desirable work‐life balance is difficult to achieve. Our experimental design varied the gender mix of professionals between all‐male, all‐female, and mixed panels. We found that perceptions affect attitudes, and attitudes, in turn, influence intention to study IS. We also found that these role models positively influence perceptions of IS and that mixed panels influence perceptions more than all‐female and all‐male panels. In addition, we found that female students do not respond differently than male students to all‐female panels.
Incidental TEE finding of aberrant chordae tendineae insertion into the basal septum
Authors: Spencer Christopher , Heller Scott , Singh Karen
Published: December 2021

A 65‐year‐old female with severe mitral regurgitation presenting for mitral valve replacement was found to have a previously undiagnosed aberrant papillary muscle with thickened chordae tendineae inserting into the basal septum during intra‐operative TEE. Despite its anatomic location, there was no evidence that the aberrant papillary muscle was contributing to the mitral regurgitation or causing left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. The aberrant papillary muscle was resected during the operation and the patient was separated from cardiopulmonary bypass without complications.
Bi‐atrial thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale with bilateral embolization: A therapeutic challenge
Authors: Dattani Abhishek , Safwan Kassem , Ansari Mohammedimran , Somani Riyaz
Published: December 2021

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world and a significant portion of ischemic strokes have a cardiac source. We report a case of a 55‐year‐old male who presented with an ischemic stroke and bilateral pulmonary emboli secondary to an intra‐cardiac thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale, which was clearly seen using transesophageal echocardiography. We discuss the management dilemma associated with this clinical picture given the risk of hemorrhagic transformation in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke. Our case demonstrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach in an area of medicine that lacks clear guidelines.
A semi‐supervised network based on feature embeddings for image classification
Authors: Nuhoho Raphael Elimeli , Wenyu Chen , Baffour Adu Asare
Published: December 2021

Deep learning approaches, including convolutional neural networks, are suitable for image classification tasks with well‐labelled data. Unfortunately, we do not always have sufficiently labelled data. Recent methods attempt to leverage labelled and unlabelled data using fine‐tuning or transfer learning. However, these methods rely on low‐level image features. This article departs from recent works and proposes a new semi‐supervised learning network that constitutes a convolutional branch and a neighbour cluster branch. Also, we introduce a new loss function that carefully optimizes the network according to the labelled/unlabelled data. In this way, we reduce any tendency to rely on low‐level features, which is the case in current methods. We use datasets from three different domains (hand‐written digits, natural images, and objects) to analyse the performance of our method. Experimental analysis shows that the network performs better by learning inherent discrimination features when integrating unlabelled data into the model's training process. Our proposed approach also provides strong generalization in the context of transfer learning. Finally, this study shows that the proposed loss function optimizes the network to produce more efficient feature embeddings for domain adaptation.
Editor Profile: Karl Forchhammer
Authors:   The FEBS Journal Editorial Team, Forchhammer Karl
Published: December 2021

In this special interview series, we profile members of The FEBS Journal editorial board to highlight their research focus, perspectives on the journal and future directions in their field. Since 2007, Karl Forchhammer is the director of the Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions in the University of Tübingen. He has served as an editorial board member of The FEBS Journal since 2008.
Association of childhood vaccination with pediatric lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Bansal Deepty , Kamboj Mala , Anand Rahul , Pandiar Deepak , Narwal Anjali , Sivakumar N. , Devi Anju
Published: December 2021

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic T‐cell‐mediated mucocutaneous inflammatory disease, largely recognized in adults. It is uncommon in children, and the literature present still lacks comprehensive understanding mainly due to underreporting of such cases. LP shows atypical clinical features, when seen in children, mainly affecting the flexor aspect of the wrists, legs, and the oral and genital mucosae. It is largely considered an autoimmune response of the body with various etiologic factors. Its association with vaccination is still an interesting field for research. The focus of the present systematic review was to discover the link of vaccine in the pathogenesis of juvenile LP. An electronic search was carried out using MEDLINE by PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Articles that reported LP in children with prior records for vaccination were selected for the present systematic review. Twenty‐three published articles in the English language were included for the quantitative and qualitative syntheses. The demographic data, specific vaccine history, and clinical details of the lesions were recorded. The existing evidence supports that vaccines could play an important role in etiopathogenesis of pediatric LP.
Visualization and functional characterization of lymphoid organ fibroblasts*
Authors: Onder Lucas , Cheng Hung‐Wei , Ludewig Burkhard
Published: December 2021

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are specialized stromal cells of lymphoid organs that generate the structural foundation of the tissue and actively interact with immune cells. Distinct FRC subsets position lymphocytes and myeloid cells in specialized niches where they present processed or native antigen and provide essential growth factors and cytokines for immune cell activation and differentiation. Niche‐specific functions of FRC subpopulations have been defined using genetic targeting, high‐dimensional transcriptomic analyses, and advanced imaging methods. Here, we review recent findings on FRC‐immune cell interaction and the elaboration of FRC development and differentiation. We discuss how imaging approaches have not only shaped our understanding of FRC biology, but have critically advanced the niche concept of immune cell maintenance and control of immune reactivity.
Neurofilament markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shi Jiaying , Qin Xiaohui , Chang Xueli , Wang Hong , Guo Junhong , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2021

This study aims to determine the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, and to explore their feasibility as valid biomarkers for quantifying disease progression and predicting individual prognosis. 52 patients with ALS and 30 controls with noninflammatory neurological diseases were included. NFL and pNFH levels in serum and CSF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings showed that serum and CSF levels of NFL and pNFH in ALS patients were significantly increased. These values were negatively correlated with disease duration (except CSF NFL with disease duration) and ALSFRS‐r score, and positively correlated with disease progression rate (DPR) and upper motor neuron (UMN) score, but did not correlate with bilateral median and ulnar nerve compound muscle action potential (cMAP) amplitudes (except a weak correlation between CSF NFL and cMAP amplitudes). The optimal cut‐off values with high sensitivity and specificity were obtained in ROC curve analysis to discriminate ALS from controls. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves illustrated that survival was significantly shorter for patients with higher neurofilament levels at diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards regressions confirmed that NFL and pNFH were significant predictors of survival. Overall, NFL and pNFH in serum and CSF can be used as reliable biomarkers in ALS.
The deacetylation of Foxk2 by Sirt1 reduces chemosensitivity to cisplatin
Authors: Wang Xi‐wen , Guo Qi‐qiang , Yu Yang , Zhou Ting‐ting , Zhang Si‐yi , Wang Zhuo , Liu Jing‐wei , Tang Jun , Jiang Xiao‐you , Wang Shan‐shan , Guo Wen‐dong , Xu Hong‐de , Sun Hua‐yi , Li Zi‐wei , Song Xiao‐yu , Zhao Jun‐gang , Cao Liu
Published: December 2021

In multiple types of cancer, decreased tumour cell apoptosis during chemotherapy is indicative of decreased chemosensitivity. Forkhead box K2 (FOXK2), which is essential for cell fate, regulates cancer cell apoptosis through several post‐translational modifications. However, FOXK2 acetylation has not been extensively studied. Here, we evaluated the effects of sirtiun 1 (SIRT1) on FOXK2 deacetylation. Our findings demonstrated that SIRT1 inhibition increased FOXK2‐induced chemosensitivity to cisplatin and that K223 in FOXK2 was acetylated. Furthermore, FOXK2 K223 deacetylation reduced chemosensitivity to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FOXK2 was acetylated by the acetyltransferase cAMP response element binding protein and deacetylated by SIRT1. Furthermore, cisplatin attenuated the interaction between FOXK2 and SIRT1. Cisplatin or SIRT1 inhibition enhanced FOXK2 acetylation, thereby reducing the nuclear distribution of FOXK2. Additionally, FOXK2 K223 acetylation significantly affected the expression of cell cycle–related and apoptosis‐related genes in cisplatin‐stimulated cancer cells, and FOXK2 K223 hyperacetylation promoted mitotic catastrophe, which enhanced chemosensitivity to cisplatin. Overall, our results provided insights into the mechanisms of SIRT1‐mediated FOXK2 deacetylation, which was involved in chemosensitivity to cisplatin.
Essential oils used in dermocosmetics: Review about its biological activities
Authors: Cunha Cassandra , Ribeiro Helena Margarida , Rodrigues Márcio , Araujo André R.T.S.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Currently, the demand for the use of constituents of natural origin in cosmetic formulations in detriment of synthetic compounds is noticeable. Several studies assess the potential of essential oils when incorporated into various cosmetic formulations and study their biological activities. This work intends to prepare a literature review on essential oils tested in dermocosmetic formulations and whose biological activities were evaluated through in vitro and/or in vivo tests. The main objectives for this study were as follows: to identify the essential oils that have been used in cosmetic formulations; and compile information on the main biological activities tested in cosmetic formulations.

Methods

A search was carried out until 2021 in the scientific databases PubMed and Web of Science, using different search terms, and several scientific articles from in vitro and in vivo studies in animals and clinical trials were selected and analyzed of involving development dermocosmetic formulations containing essential oils and the analysis of their biological activities.

Results

These studies demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal) is the one most studied, mainly through in vitro tests. In vivo studies were also carried out either in animals or in clinical studies showing different effects, such as repellent action, inhibition of hair growth, and action against migraine. Regarding formulations, it was evident that creams are the most used.

Conclusions

There is enormous potential for the use of essential oils in future formulations in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, in particular as preservatives, exploring their other biological activities.
Long‐term high densities of African elephants clear the understorey and promote a new stable savanna woodland community
Authors: Ferry Nicolas , Dray Stéphane , Fritz Hervé , Ipavec Audrey , Wigley Benjamin J. , Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Bourgarel Mathieu , Sebele Lovelater , Valeix Marion
Published: December 2021

Questions

Species defined as ecosystem engineers (e.g. elephant) are able to strongly shape their habitat. In African savannas, elephants have often been shown to reduce woody‐plant abundance and diversity. However, recent studies highlight more complex elephant‐induced effects on vegetation. Here, we assessed if long‐term high elephant densities (>2 km−2) in a large open landscape resulted in the depletion of savanna woodland woody communities or if it led to a new alternative equilibrium.

Location

Woodland savanna of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Elephant densities at the study site have remained high for the past two decades (>2 km−²).

Methods

We measured long‐term (>15 years) elephant utilisation of woody‐plant communities and their effects on vegetation structure, species composition and functional traits (e.g. N leaf concentration, specific leaf area) in 12 vegetation plots.

Results

We observed opportunistic foraging behaviour by elephants with only a slight temporal shift in species composition, mainly explained by changes in rare species. Further, we did not observe any modification in mean functional trait values, overall height, and stem diameters of the woody‐plant communities. However, we found differential changes in woody‐plant abundance according to the height layer (decrease in the number of tall plants [>200 cm] and increase in the number of short plants [<50 cm]) and a strong reduction in crown diameter for plants in the 50–200 cm height class.

Conclusion

Our study strongly suggests that long‐term high elephant densities have led to a stable state in savanna woodland vegetation in terms of plant community composition and their functional traits. However, high elephant densities did affect vegetation structure, which would have several important indirect effects on this ecosystem (e.g. predator–prey interactions). We hope that this study stimulates more work on the long‐term effects of ecosystem engineers in large and open ecosystems.
Between the constitution and the clinic: Formal and de facto rights to healthcare
Authors: Heimer Carol A. , Tolman Arielle W.
Published: December 2021

In no domain of global health has there been more talk of rights than in HIV/AIDS, yet little is known about how the right to HIV/AIDS care is mobilized at the clinic level. Drawing on interviews and field observations in the United States, South Africa, Thailand, and Uganda, we analyze the legal consciousness of caregivers in five HIV clinics. We identify three organizational factors—clinics' focus on the distribution rather than the adequacy of existing resources, the duties for caregivers that patients' rights create, and the dominant norms of exchange in healthcare—that help to explain the low penetration of formal rights talk into clinics despite its prevalence outside them. However, we also observe that within clinics, rights may accrue differently than public discourse about rights might lead us to expect. We find that patients often benefit from highly localized, tacit de factorights that develop gradually over time with the support of state health infrastructure, clinic resources, and professional norms and commitments. These rights would be unlikely to stand up in a court of law but nevertheless have substantial impact on patients' access to care.
Israel's Periphery Doctrines: Then and Now
Authors: Guzansky Yoel
Published: December 2021

One of Israel's first political strategies was its establishment of relations with non‐Arab states through its “periphery doctrine.” As a means of balancing pan‐Arabism and outflanking its hostile Arab neighbors, the strategy served to enhance Israel's security and economic ties, and reduce regional isolation. Today, Israel operates under a “reverse periphery doctrine,” having recently formed or improved ties with several Arab Gulf states and Eastern Mediterranean countries. The basis for the current Israeli strategy is the understanding by the involved parties that, despite specific political disagreements, they share certain security and economic interests for which an alliance can provide concrete, mutual benefits, especially countering the growing regional influences of Iran and Turkey. In both peripheries, Israel's diplomatic efforts were largely related to the relative power of Iran and Turkey, countries with which Israel had allied itself in the initial periphery. Their present‐day power is the reason Israel is aligned against them in the reverse periphery. As the United States continues to recede from the Middle East, members of the reverse periphery will be further emboldened to work together in managing shared threats.
Control of pyrethroid‐resistant populations of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, by treating dogs with fluralaner in the Argentine Chaco
Authors: Laiño Mariano Alberto , Cardinal Marta Victoria , Gaspe María Sol , Enriquez Gustavo Fabián , Alvedro Alejandra , Macchiaverna Natalia Paula , Gürtler Ricardo E.
Published: December 2021

We assessed whether fluralaner administered to outbred healthy dogs reduced or supressed site infestation and abundance of pyrethroid‐resistant populations of Triatoma infestans Klug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae). We conducted a placebo‐controlled before‐and‐after efficacy trial in 28 infested sites in Castelli (Argentine Chaco) over 10 months. All 72 dogs initially present received either an oral dose of fluralaner (treated group) or placebo (control group) at month 0 posttreatment (MPT). Preliminary results justified treating all 38 control‐house dogs with fluralaner 1 month later, and 71 of 78 existing dogs at 7 MPT. Site‐level infestation and triatomine abundance were evaluated using timed manual searches with a dislodging aerosol. In the fluralaner‐treated group, infestation dropped significantly from 100% at baseline to 19% over 6–10 MPT whereas mean abundance fell highly significantly from 5.5 to 0.8–0.9 triatomines per unit effort. In the placebo group, site infestation and mean abundance remained stable between 0 and 1 MPT, and strongly declined after fluralaner administration from 13.0−14.7 ‐ triatomines at 0–1 MPT to 4.0–4.2 over 6–10 MPT. Only one of 81 noninfested sites before fluralaner treatment became infested subsequently. Fluralaner significantly reduced the site‐level infestation and abundance of pyrethroid‐resistant T. infestans and should be tested more widely in Phase III efficacy trials.
A review: Inferior alveolar nerve injury related to the impacted wisdom tooth
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Yong
Published: December 2021

Extraction of the impacted wisdom teeth, especially the difficult ones, might lead to postoperative complications, such as pain, swelling, alveolar osteitis, and inferior alveolar nerve injury. Injury of the inferior alveolar nerve is a relatively severe symptom, which could impact patients’ life. It could cause emotional problems, socialising problems, even legal action. Hence, there is very important to assess the therapeutic process with multi‐perspective views. This article systematically reviews the anatomic and iatrogenic factors related to the inferior alveolar nerve injury, introduces the outcomes and treatments, and proposes problem‐solving methods and prospects.
The Short‐ and Mid‐term Follow‐Up of Single‐Column Fixation in Transverse and Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Yang Yun , Sun Jiachen , Xiang Zhou
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of the surgical treatment for transverse and posterior wall fractures using single‐column posterior fixation.

Methods

From January 2009 to January 2018, a total of 24 patients with transverse and posterior wall acetabular fractures in our center were included in this retrospective study, including 17 males and seven females with a mean age of 47 years and a minimum follow‐up of 1 year. All cases were closed fractures. All fractures were fixed with single‐column fixation via the Kocher–Langenbeck approach. Primary outcome measures, including quality of reduction and clinical outcomes, were recorded by an independent observer, who also noted secondary outcome measures, including time to surgery, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (range, 26–74 years) included 17 males and seven females. There were 14 cases on the left side and 10 cases on the right side. The mean time from injury to surgery was 7.1 days. Mean intraoperative blood loss and surgical time were 405.4 mL and 135.8 min, respectively. The mean follow‐up time was 29.5 months (range 12–96 months). All the acetabular fractures united within 5 months after surgery. The quality of reduction was graded as anatomical in 17 cases (70.8%), imperfect in three cases (12.5%), and poor in four cases (16.7%). According to grading system of Merle d’ Aubigne and Postel, clinical outcomes at the final follow‐up were excellent in 10 cases (41.7%), good in six cases (25.0%), fair in five cases (20.5%), and poor in three cases (12.5%). The excellent and good rate was 66.7%. There was a significant relation between the quality of reduction and clinical outcomes (P < 0.05). At follow‐up, there were one case of sciatic nerve injury, one case of wound infection, two cases of deep vein thrombosis, two cases of avascular necrosis, three cases of heterotopic ossification, and five cases of postoperative traumatic arthritis. Three of these patients underwent reoperation, including one with heterotopic ossification affecting hip movement and two with femoral head necrosis.

Conclusions

Our study shows that single‐column posterior fixation of transverse and posterior wall acetabular fracture through the Kocher–Langenbeck approach can obtain satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes if there is adequate indirect reduction of the anterior column.
Different Deformity Origins and Morphological Features in Subtypes of Valgus Knees: A Radiological Classification System
Authors: Yang Dejin , Zhou Yixin , Shao Hongyi , Deng Wang
Published: December 2021

Objective

To analyze the deformity origins and distribution among valgus knees to individualize their morphological features.

Methods

Radiographic images of 105 valgus knees were analyzed. Long‐film radiographs and computed tomography were collected for every knee. A malalignment test was performed on standing long‐film radiographs. The hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKA), the anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), and the anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA) were measured on long‐film radiographs. The distal condylar angle and posterior condylar angle on distal femur were further measured on computed tomography scans. The tibial bone varus angle was measured on long‐film radiographs as well. All the valgus knees were sorted into different subtypes according to the origins of bony deformity, and the prevalence of each subtype was reported. Finally, to examine the inter‐observer reproducibility of this classification system, two observers measured the deformities and did the classification for all the 105 knees independently and then the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated.

Results

Among the 105 knees, 48 knees (45.7%) had apparent deformity from the tibial plateau, and 62 knees (59.0%) had apparent deformity from the supracondylar region of the femur. Eighteen knees (17.1%) had distal condylar angle >7°, among which 11 knees had posterior condylar angle >3° simultaneously. Valgus knees had five subtypes of bone deformity origins—the supracondylar part of the femur, the distal aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, both distal and posterior aspects of the lateral femoral condyle, the tibial plateau, or the metaphyseal segment of the tibia. A valgus knee could be labeled as only one subtype, or a combination of two or more subtypes. Labeling 105 knees with origin of the most severe deformity, the prevalence of each subtype was 40.0%, 5.7%, 9.5%, 28.6%, and 16.2%, respectively. The intra‐observer and inter‐observer ICC of this classification system was 0.992 and 0.976, respectively.

Conclusions

Valgus knees can be classified into different subtypes according to deformity origins. This radiological classification system has satisfactory reproducibility. It helps surgeons better individualize morphological features of valgus knees.
A conserved clathrin‐coated vesicle component, OsSCYL2, regulates plant innate immunity in rice
Authors: Yao Yao , Zhou Jihua , Cheng Can , Niu Fuan , Zhang Anpeng , Sun Bin , Tu Rongjian , Wan Jianing , Li Yao , Huang Yiwen , Xie Kaizhen , Dai Yuting , Zhang Hui , Hong Jing Han , Pan Xiaohua , Zhu Jiaojiao , Zhou Hong , Liu Zhenhua , Cao Liming , Chu Huangwei
Published: December 2021

Clathrin‐mediated vesicle trafficking (CMVT) is a fundamental process in all eukaryotic species, and indispensable to organism's growth and development. Recently, it has been suggested that CMVT also plays important roles in the regulation of plant immunity. However, the molecular link between CMVT and plant immunity is largely unknown. SCY1‐LIKE2 (SCYL2) is evolutionally conserved among the eukaryote species. Loss‐of‐function of SCYL2 in Arabidopsis led to severe growth defects. Here, we show that mutation of OsSCYL2 in rice gave rise to a novel phenotype—hypersensitive response‐like (HR) cell death in a light‐dependent manner. Although mutants of OsSCYL2 showed additional defects in the photosynthetic system, they exhibited enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens. Subcellular localisation showed that OsSCYL2 localized at Golgi, trans‐Golgi network and prevacuolar compartment. OsSCYL2 interacted with OsSPL28, subunit of a clathrin‐associated adaptor protein that is known to regulate HR‐like cell death in rice. We further showed that OsSCYL2–OsSPL28 interaction is mediated by OsCHC1. Collectively, we characterized a novel component of the CMVT pathway in the regulation of plant immunity. Our work also revealed unidentified new functions of the very conserved SCYL2. It thus may provide new breeding targets to achieve both high yield and enhanced resistance in crops.
A proteomic approach to understand the impact of nodulation on salinity stress response in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Y. , Yang P. , Zhou Y. , Hu T. , Zhang P. , Wu Y.
Published: December 2021

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes is an important source of nitrogen supply in sustainable agriculture. Salinity is a key abiotic stress that negatively affects host plant growth, rhizobium–legume symbiosis and nitrogen fixation. This work investigates how the symbiotic relationship impacts plant response to salinity stress.

We assayed the physiological changes and the proteome profile of alfalfa plants with active nodules (NA), inactive nodules (NI) or without nodules (NN) when plants were subjected to salinity stress.

Our data suggest that NA plants respond to salinity stress through some unique signalling regulations. NA plants showed upregulation of proteins related to cell wall remodelling and reactive oxygen species scavenging, and downregulation of proteins involved in protein synthesis and degradation. The data also show that NA plants, together with NI plants, upregulated proteins involved in photosynthesis, carbon fixation and respiration, anion transport and plant defence against pathogens.

The study suggests that the symbiotic relationship gave the host plant a better capacity to adjust key processes, probably to more efficiently use energy and resources, deal with oxidative stress, and maintain ion homeostasis and health during salinity stress.
Harnessing the power of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) for improving fruit quality traits
Authors: Tayal R. , Kumar V. , Irfan M.
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a gaseous molecule and originates endogenously in plants. It is considered a potential signalling agent in various physiological processes of plants. Numerous reports have examined the role of H2S in fruit ripening and in enhancing fruit quality traits. H2S coordinates the fruit antioxidant system, fruit ripening phytohormones, such as ethylene and abscisic acid, together with other ripening‐related signalling molecules, including nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. Although many studies have increased understanding of various aspects of this complex network, there is a gap in understanding crosstalk of H2S with key players of fruit ripening, postharvest senescence and fruit metabolism. This review focused on deciphering fruit H2S metabolism, signalling and its interaction with other ripening‐related signalling molecules during fruit ripening and postharvest storage. Moreover, we also discuss how H2S can be used as a tool for improving fruit quality and productivity and reducing postharvest loss of perishable fruits.
Racial Microaggressions and Coping Mechanisms Among Latina/o College Students
Authors: Ayala María Isabel , Chalupa Young Dana
Published: December 2021

This study investigates Latina/o students’ experiences of racial microaggressions and how they cope with them through semi‐structured and open‐ended interviews with students attending a primarily White higher education institution in the Midwestern United States. Borrowing from Sue et al.’s (2007) categories of racial microaggressions and discussing their relationship to Bonilla‐Silva’s (2014) color‐blind racism, we illustrate the diverse ways in which Latina/o college students experience racial microaggressions and how these experiences varied by gender and skin color. Addressing a gap in the literature that examines Latina/o college students’ coping mechanisms, we develop a coping‐mechanism typology consisting of external coping mechanisms (i.e., interest‐based counterspaces and race‐ and ethnic‐based counterspaces) and internal coping mechanisms (i.e., color‐blind coping mechanism and racially cognizant coping mechanism) that may be useful for future research into how minority populations cope in a variety of settings as well as for higher education institutions that intend to increase educational attainment among Latinas/os.
Impact of different pathogen reduction technologies on the biochemistry, function, and clinical effectiveness of platelet concentrates: An updated view during a pandemic
Authors: Escolar Gines , Diaz‐Ricart Maribel , McCullough Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Standard platelet concentrates (PCs) stored at 22°C have a limited shelf life of 5 days. Because of the storage temperature, bacterial contamination of PCs can result in life‐threatening infections in transfused patients. The potential of blood components to cause infections through contaminating pathogens or transmitting blood‐borne diseases has always been a concern. The current safety practice to prevent pathogen transmission through blood transfusion starts with a stringent screening of donors and regulated testing of blood samples to ensure that known infections cannot reach transfusion products. Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs), initially implemented to ensure the safety of plasma products, have been adapted to treat platelet products. In addition to reducing bacterial contamination, PRT applied to PCs can extend their shelf life up to 7 days, alleviating the impact of their shortage, while providing an additional safety layer against emerging blood‐borne infectious diseases. While a deleterious action of PRTs in quantitative and qualitative aspects of plasma is accepted, the impact of PRTs on the quality, function, and clinical efficacy of PCs has been under constant examination. The potential of PRTs to prevent the possibility of new emerging diseases to reach cellular blood components has been considered more hypothetical than real. In 2019, a coronavirus‐related disease (COVID‐19) became a pandemic. This episode should help when reconsidering the possibility of future blood transmissible threats. The following text intends to evaluate the impact of different PRTs on the quality, function, and clinical effectiveness of platelets within the perspective of a developing pandemic.
Functional shifts in weed community composition following adoption of conservation agriculture
Authors: Derrouch Damien , Chauvel Bruno , Cordeau Stéphane , Dessaint Fabrice
Published: December 2021

To better understand the changes in weed communities following the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA), we investigated the functional composition of weed communities in fields implementing CA continuously from 1 to 21 years. Weed surveys were conducted in 100 winter wheat fields of 53 farmers in the Bourgogne‐Franche‐Comté region, Eastern France. Ten response traits were selected to highlight changes in the functional composition of weed communities, using weighted mean value for quantitative traits and an approach based on composition analysis for qualitative traits. Out of the 10 traits, four were impacted by the time following the adoption of CA significantly, whereas two only showed trends. Specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, seed dispersal mode and soil seedbank longevity did not change over time following adoption of CA, whereas changes were observed for plant type, Raunkiær's life forms, Ellenberg's indicator value for light and, germination and flowering periods. Phanerophyte and geophyte life forms, summer‐germinating species and spring‐ and summer‐flowering species increased with time following adoption of CA. Shade‐tolerant species, not present in fields recently converted to CA, established later. Community‐weighted mean of seed mass and the percentage of graminoids tended to increase with time following adoption of CA. Some functional shifts in weed communities occurred quicker than others (i.e., summer‐germinating species increased after at least 10 years of continuous application of CA principles). These results can be used to inform farmers moving towards CA about expected changes.
Age-structured delayed SIPCV epidemic model of HPV and cervical cancer cells dynamics I. Numerical method
Authors: Akimenko Vitalii , Adi-Kusumo Fajar
Published: December 2021

The numerical method for simulation dynamics of nonlinear epidemic model of age-structured sub-populations of susceptible, infectious, precancerous and cancer cells and unstructured population of human papilloma virus (HPV) is developed (SIPCV model). Cell population dynamics is described by the initial-boundary value problem for the delayed semi-linear hyperbolic equations with age- and time-dependent coefficients and HPV dynamics is described by the initial problem for nonlinear delayed ODE. The model considers two time-delay parameters: the time between viral entry into a target susceptible cell and the production of new virus particles, and duration of the first stage of delayed immune response to HPV population growing. Using the method of characteristics and method of steps we obtain the exact solution of the SIPCV epidemic model in the form of explicit recurrent formulae. The numerical method designed for this solution and used the trapezoidal rule for integrals in recurrent formulae has a second order of accuracy. Numerical experiments with vanished mesh spacing illustrate the second order of accuracy of numerical solution with respect to the benchmark solution and show the dynamical regimes of cell-HPV population with the different phase portraits.
Flow-Induced Vibrations of a Rotated Square Tube Array Subjected to Single-Phase Cross-Flow
Authors: Darwish Sameh , Hadji Abdallah , Pham H. P. , Mureithi Njuki , Cho Minki
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the flow-induced vibration (FIV) and possibility of fluidelastic instability occurrence in a rotated square geometry tube array through a series of experimental tests. All experiments presented here were conducted in water cross-flow. The array's pitch spacing ratio of approximately P/D = 1.64 is somewhat larger than that commonly found in typical steam generators. The stability of a single flexible tube as well as multiple flexible tubes was investigated. The tubes were free to vibrate purely in the streamwise direction or the transverse direction relative to the upstream flow. A single flexible tube, in the otherwise rigid tube array, was found to undergo large amplitude vibrations (up to 40% D) in the transverse direction. Tube vibration frequency analysis indicated the presence of two frequency components related to vorticity shedding in the array. This potential vorticity-induced vibration (VIV) and potential coupling between VIV and fluidelastic instability (FEI) are discussed in the paper. Test results for streamwise flow-induced vibrations are also presented. Results in water flow show a possible effect related to flow periodicity at low velocity. At significantly high flow velocities, the tubes are found to fully restabilize. This restabilization after VIV locking has not been previously reported as an unlocking result. The present results suggest that the flow-induced vibration of tubes in a rotated square array configuration is significantly more complex than in other geometries, particularly for the streamwise vibration case.
Efficiency Scaling: Influence of Reynolds and Mach Numbers on Fan Performance
Authors: Pelz Peter F. , Saul Sebastian , Brötz Johannes
Published: December 2021

The efficiency, pressure ratio, and shaft power of a fan depends on type, size, working medium, and operating condition. For acceptance tests, a dissimilarity in Reynolds number, Mach number, relative roughness, and relative blade tip clearance of the scaled model and prototype is unavoidable. Hence, the efficiency differs between model and prototype. This difference is quantified by scaling methods. This article presents a validated and physics based, i.e., reliable scaling method for the efficiency, pressure ratio, and shaft power of axial and centrifugal fans operating at subsonic conditions. The method is validated using test results gained on standardized test rigs for different fan types, sizes, and operating conditions. For all scenarios, the presented scaling method provides a much reduced scaling uncertainty compared to the reference method described in ISO 13348.
Thermochemical prediction of runaway energetic reactions involving organometallic (Al, In) and silane precursors in deposition tools
Authors: Liu Yicheng , Lim Norleakvisoth , Smith Taylor , Sang Xia , Chang Jane P.
Published: December 2021

In the manufacturing of integrated circuits (ICs), many deposition systems use solid, liquid, and gaseous precursors that can form potentially hazardous by-products in the exhaust lines. To assess the likelihood of an energetic reaction taking place, Gibbs free energy minimization was used to examine the reactions between chemical precursors, such as trimethylaluminum, trimethylindium, silane, and silane derivatives with H2O, O3, and Cl2. For the trimethyl-metal precursors, CH4 is a major by-product in both the O3 and H2O environments, and CH4, HCl, and CCl4 are possible products in the Cl2 environment. For silanes, a small H2O to silane ratio leads predominantly to the formation of H2 and siloxane while a large H2O to silane ratio leads primarily to the formation of H2 and more H2O. In addition to depositing reaction by-products, unreacted precursors may also deposit on the interior surfaces of the exhaust system, narrowing the cross-sectional area of the pipes. These narrowed regions can become temperature, pressure, and concentration hot spots where energetic reactions are more likely to occur. Results from this analysis may be helpful in designing a safer downstream exhaust system that minimizes the risk of energetic events.
Influences of length and position of drive-stacks on the transmitting-voltage-response of the broadband Tonpilz transducer
Authors: Ji Bocheng , Hong Lianjin , Lan Yu
Published: December 2021

Most broadband Tonpilz transducers are achieved by coupling first-order longitudinal mode with other modes introduced by an elaborately designed structure (e.g., flexural mode of the head mass). To further expand the bandwidth is difficult and, even if successful, inevitably makes the structure more complex. Longitudinal modes are the inherent vibration modes of rod-shaped Tonpilz transducers. Using high-order longitudinal modes to achieve broadband performance can retain the simple structure similar to the conventional Tonpilz transducer. However, activating continuous, equal-amplitude longitudinal modes is not easy. The longitudinal length and position of the drive-stacks have significant influences on the generation of resonances and their vibration amplitude. In this paper, these influences are studied using the equivalent circuit method for a rod transducer having two drive-stacks, and finally we provide the drive-stack arrangement that can activate the first-three longitudinal modes to obtain the desired broadband response effectively. We also find that the response value of resonances can be balanced to reduce band fluctuation by adjusting drive lengths. The design procedure for the broadband Tonpilz transducer is proposed. The finite element method is used to design broadband transducers having bandwidth greater than one octave following the procedure. A transducer prototype with a simple structure is fabricated and measured to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Dr. Richard C. Nelson: The Founding Father of Biomechanics
Authors: Zatsiorsky Vladimir
Published: December 2021

Recollections on meetings with Dick Nelson in the 1970s, his interactions with Soviet authorities, his impact on data collection at Olympic Games, and his work as the President of the International Society of Biomechanics.
Dr. Richard C. Nelson: Behind the Scenes
Authors: Miller Doris I.
Published: December 2021

As the first PhD graduate of the Biomechanics Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University under the leadership of Dr. Richard C. Nelson, I reflect on my early experience in sport biomechanics there and its influence on some of my subsequent, and typically unpublished, research challenges.