bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved survival outcomes despite older age at diagnosis: an era‐by‐era analysis of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma treated at a single referral centre in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kaji Furqaan A. , Martinez‐Calle Nicolas , Bishton Mark J. , Figueroa Rocio , Adlington Joanne , O’Donoghue Michael , Smith Stuart , Byrne Paul , Paine Simon , Sovani Vishakha , Auer Dorothee , James Eleanor , Bessell Eric M. , Grainge Matthew J. , Fox Christopher P.
Published: August 2021

Observational studies with long‐term follow‐up of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) are scarce. Patient data over a period of four decades were retrospectively analysed from databases at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, UK. The cohort was delineated by two distinct therapeutic eras; the first from 01/01/1982 to 31/12/2010 (n = 147) and the second 01/01/2011 to 31/07/2020 (n = 125). The median age at diagnosis was significantly older in the second era compared to the first (69 and 65 years respectively, P = 0·003). The 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month overall survival (OS) rates in the second era were significantly higher compared to the first, at 85%, 77%, 62% versus 56%, 49%, 38% respectively (log‐rank test P < 0·0001). On multivariate analysis, high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX)‐based induction protocols employed in the second era were associated with improved OS compared to those used in the first [hazard ratio (HR) 0·40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·28–0·57]. Within the second era, superior OS rates were seen with the use of intensive HD‐MTX protocols (including consolidation with high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation) compared to non‐intensive HD‐MTX schedules (HR 0·47, 95% CI 0·22–0·99). Initiating chemotherapy within 14 days of biopsy and use of rituximab were independently associated with improved OS and progression‐free survival during the second era. These data suggest that prompt treatment initiation and use of intensive HD‐MTX‐ and rituximab‐based protocols have resulted in improved survival outcomes for patients.
Collaborations between young people living with bodily impairments and their multiprofessional teams: The relational dynamics of participation and power
Authors: Skagestad Linn Julie , Østensjø Sigrid , Ulvik Oddbjørg Skjær
Published: August 2021

This paper explores how more or less relationally oriented forms of professional practices could be expressed in collaborations between young people living with bodily impairments and their multiprofessional teams. The analysis was based on life‐mode interviews with young people (16–20 years), individual and focus group interviews with the professionals and participant observation in team meetings. Drawing on sociocultural perspectives on participation and the workings of power, different discourses, subject positions and participatory strategies were recognised and related to the participation of the young people. Finally, the relevance of the findings for practice is reflected on in a participation rights perspective.
Sevoflurane preconditioning protects experimental ischemic stroke by enhancing anti‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages phenotype polarization through GSK‐3β/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Cai Min , Sun Sisi , Wang Jin , Dong Beibei , Yang Qianzi , Tian Li , Dong Hailong , Wang Shiquan , Hou Wugang
Published: August 2021

Aims

Sevoflurane preconditioning (SPC) results in cerebral ischemic tolerance; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Promoting microglia/macrophages polarization from pro‐inflammatory state to anti‐inflammatory phenotype has been indicated as a potential treatment target against ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of SPC on microglia polarization after stroke and which signaling pathway was involved in this transition.

Methods

Mouse primary microglia with SPC were challenged by oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and mice with SPC were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Then, the mRNA and protein levels of pro‐inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory factors were analyzed. GSK‐3β phosphorylation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation were measured. The mRNA and protein expression of pro‐inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory factors, neurological scores, infarct volume, cellular apoptosis, the proportion of pro‐inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages, and the generation of super‐oxidants were examined after SPC or GSK‐3β inhibitor TDZD treatment with or without Nrf2 deficiency.

Results

Sevoflurane preconditioning promoted anti‐inflammatory and inhibited pro‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages phenotype both in vitro and in vivo. GSK‐3β phosphorylation at Ser9 was increased after SPC. Both SPC and TDZD administration enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, reduced pro‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages markers expression, promoted anti‐inflammatory markers level, and elicited a neuroprotective effect. Nrf2 deficiency abolished the promoted anti‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages polarization and ischemic tolerance induced by TDZD treatment. The reduced percentage of pro‐inflammatory positive cells and super‐oxidants generation induced by SFC or TDZD was also reversed by Nrf2 knockdown.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that SPC exerts brain ischemic tolerance and promotes anti‐inflammatory microglia/macrophages polarization by GSK‐3β‐dependent Nrf2 activation, which provides a novel mechanism for SPC‐induced neuroprotection.
Microwave drying effect on drying characteristic and energy consumption of Ficus carica Linn leaves
Authors: Yilmaz Pelin , Demirhan Elcin , Özbek Belma
Published: August 2021

Ficus carica Linn leaves having significant pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐pyretic are available just in season. The effective utilization of nutritional values of leaves with enhanced shelf life has gained attention. Drying is usually the preferred technique to eliminate microbial attacks and increase shelf life of seasonal food products. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of microwave drying conditions on effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy, specific energy consumption (SEC), and energy efficiency were investigated at various microwave output power levels and sample amounts. The seven mathematical models were applied to describe the microwave drying kinetics of leaves and Page model was found as the best model. The maximum effective moisture diffusivity and drying rate constant values were determined as 9.84 × 10−11 m2/s and 1.15 1/min, respectively, at microwave output power level of 900 W and sample amount of 20 g. The activation energy values were estimated using the modified Arrhenius equation associated with effective moisture diffusivity (Ea = 11.41 W/g) and drying rate constant (Ea = 8.28 W/g). Additionally, the minimum SEC and maximum energy efficiency values (%) were found as 5.60 MJ/kg water and 40.31, respectively, at microwave output power level of 360 W and sample amount of 100 g. The results obtained from the present study seemed potentially useful to explore the applicability of microwave drying on Ficus carica Linn leaves to expand the availability of leaves having numerous nutritional ingredients throughout the whole year and take the advantage of their benefits in various industries.

Practical Applications

Even if the benefits of Ficus carica L. leaves have been well presented in various studies in the literature, no study was found particularly which investigated the microwave drying kinetics of these leaves. Apart from the mathematical modeling of the drying characteristic and energy aspects of the leaf samples, the present study also targets to expand the usage area of these leaves with high shelf life and enable people to reach the leaves easily throughout the whole year. Hence, this study has potential for the commercial usage of these leaves for their effective utilization in various industries; such as beverage, bakery, cosmetic, and so on. In that way, the valuable nutritional ingredients of these leaves have been turned in favor of human consumption.
Convolutional neural network‐based object detection model to identify gastrointestinal stromal tumors in endoscopic ultrasound images
Authors: Oh Chang Kyo , Kim Taewan , Cho Yu Kyung , Cheung Dae Young , Lee Bo‐In , Cho Young‐Seok , Kim Jin Il , Choi Myung‐Gyu , Lee Han Hee , Lee Seungchul
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

We aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based object detection model for the discrimination of gastric subepithelial tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and leiomyomas, in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) images.

Methods

We used 376 images from 114 patients with histologically confirmed gastric GIST or leiomyoma to train the EUS‐CNN. We constructed the EUS‐CNN using an EfficientNet CNN model for feature extraction and a weighted bi‐directional feature pyramid network for object detection. We assessed the performance of our EUS‐CNN by calculating its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) using a validation set of 170 images from 54 patients. Four EUS experts and 15 EUS trainees were asked to judge the same validation dataset, and the diagnostic yields were compared between the EUS‐CNN and human assessments.

Results

In the per‐image analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC of our EUS‐CNN were 95.6%, 82.1%, 91.2%, and 0.9234, respectively. In the per‐patient analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC for our object detection model were 100.0%, 85.7%, 96.3%, and 0.9929, respectively. The EUS‐CNN outperformed human assessment in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value.

Conclusions

We developed the EUS‐CNN system, which demonstrated high diagnostic ability for gastric GIST prediction. This EUS‐CNN system can be helpful not only for less‐experienced endoscopists but also for experienced ones. Additional EUS image accumulation and prospective studies are required alongside validation in a large multicenter trial.
Lack of energy is associated with malnutrition in nursing home residents: Results from the INCUR study
Authors: Azzolino Domenico , Marzetti Emanuele , Proietti Marco , Calvani Riccardo , de Souto Barreto Philipe , Rolland Yves , Cesari Matteo
Published: August 2021

Background

Lack of energy is a symptom frequently complained by older people, leading to the inability to continue functioning at the expected level of activity. This study aimed to investigate whether nutritional status was associated with lack of energy in nursing home (NH) residents.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 570 NH residents (72.1% women) in 13 French NHs from the Incidence of pNeumonia and related ConseqUences in nursing home Residents study cohort were included in the study. Lack of energy was measured by the question “Did you feel full of energy during the past week?” from the geriatric depression scale. Nutritional status was evaluated according to Mini Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form (MNA‐SF). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were performed to test the association of nutritional status with lack of energy.

Results

The mean age of participants was 86.5 (SD 7.5) years. A total of 246 NH residents (43.2%) reported a lack of energy. Overall, 71 (12.5%) residents were malnourished and 323 (56.7%) residents were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was significantly associated with lack of energy (OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.92–6.08, P < 0.001), even after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.29–4.52, P = 0.006). Among the single items of the MNA‐SF, decrease in food intake, low mobility, and psychological stress or acute disease were individually associated with lack of energy, independently of potential confounders (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.24–2.77, P = 0.003; OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.10–1.86, P = 0.008; OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.19–1.84, P < 0.001; for each point respectively).

Conclusions

Lack of energy and malnutrition were closely associated. The reporting of lack of energy should lead to a comprehensive assessment of the aging individual (as happening for malnutrition) in order to preventively/promptly act on potentially reversible causes.
Roles of fibroblast growth factor 21 in the control of depression‐like behaviours after social defeat stress in male rodents
Authors: Usui Naoki , Yoshida Masahide , Takayanagi Yuki , Nasanbuyan Naranbat , Inutsuka Ayumu , Kurosu Hiroshi , Mizukami Hiroaki , Mori Yoshiyuki , Kuro‐o Makoto , Onaka Tatsushi
Published: August 2021

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) modulates energy metabolism and neuroendocrine stress responses. FGF21 synthesis is increased after environmental or metabolic challenges. Detailed roles of FGF21 in the control of behavioural disturbances under stressful conditions remain to be clarified. Here, we examined the roles of FGF21 in the control of behavioural changes after social defeat stress in male rodents. Central administration of FGF21 increased the number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive catecholaminergic cells expressing c‐Fos protein, an activity marker of neurones, in the nucleus tractus solitarius and area postrema. Double in situ hybridisation showed that some catecholaminergic neurones in the dorsal medulla oblongata expressed β‐Klotho, an essential co‐receptor for FGF21, in male mice. Social defeat stress increased FGF21 concentrations in the plasma of male mice. FGF21‐deficient male mice showed social avoidance in a social avoidance test with C57BL/6J mice (background strain of FGF21‐deficient mice) and augmented immobility behaviour in a forced swimming test after social defeat stress. On the other hand, overexpression of FGF21 by adeno‐associated virus vectors did not significantly change behaviours either in wild‐type male mice or FGF21‐deficient male mice. The present data are consistent with the view that endogenous FGF21, possibly during the developmental period, has an inhibitory action on stress‐induced depression‐like behaviour in male rodents.
Naming, blaming, claiming: an interview with Bill Felstiner, Rick Abel, and Austin Sarat
Authors: OLESEN ANNETTE , HAMMERSLEV OLE
Published: August 2021

One of the most cited and influential socio‐legal articles is Bill Felstiner, Rick Abel, and Austin Sarat's ‘The Emergence and Transformation of Disputes: Naming, Blaming, Claiming …’, published in 1981. Forty years later, the notions and framework of the article are still highly relevant. We convened Felstiner, Abel, and Sarat for an interview about the background to their article, its reception, and how they view the recent refocus on institutions with respect to the rule of law. The interview follows three narratives. First, it explores the social relation between the authors and the academic and political context from which the article emerged. Second, it addresses questions about the societal impact of research. Third, it points to ways in which we, today, attempt to create access to official channels for problem solving and conflict resolution as well as to new technologies affecting the infrastructure of naming, blaming, and claiming with respect to justiciable problems.
Gastroesophageal intussusception secondary to induction of emesis with subsequent development of septic pericardial effusion after corrective surgery
Authors: Brincin C. , Ryan T. , Harris K.
Published: August 2021

A juvenile boxer dog was diagnosed with gastroesophageal intussusception that occurred after the induction of emesis with apomorphine. A ventral midline coeliotomy and diaphragmotomy were performed and the intussusception was manually reduced. Despite initial satisfactory recovery, the dog was diagnosed with cardiac tamponade 1 week post‐operatively. Escherichia coli was cultured from pericardial and pleural effusion samples. During subtotal pericardiectomy surgery the pericardium was found to be markedly thickened with adhesions to the epicardium, thoracic wall and diaphragm. Substantial haemorrhage and refractory hypotension necessitated the administration of a blood transfusion during surgery. The dog entered cardiac arrest in the immediate post‐operative period and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unfortunately unsuccessful. Gastroesophageal intussusception should be considered a possible severe adverse effect of administering apomorhine to induce emesis in dogs. Additionally, septic pericardial and pleural effusions may occur post‐reduction of gastroesophageal intussusception.
Religion Data from Australia's 2016 Census: The Case of Judaism with Broader Implications for Comparisons with Earlier Census Results
Authors: Graham David J.
Published: August 2021

The number of people reporting “Judaism” in Australia's 2016 Census was 6.5 percent lower than the previous census in 2011. Following a long period of growth, this Jewish population contraction represented an unprecedented turnaround in Jewish demographic fortunes, of concern to Jewish community leaders and service providers alike. However, a detailed examination of multiple data sources indicates this conclusion is incorrect. Rather, the size of Australia's Jewish population remained relatively stable over this period and the apparent contraction can be attributed to changes in the census’ religion question and highly publicized concerns about data privacy in the run‐up to the troubled 2016 Census, culminating in attempted sabotage of the online instrument. These findings may have wider implications for the comparison of 2016 Census data on religion with earlier census data relating to other groups including “No religion.”
Transforming geographies: Performing Indigenous‐Māori ontologies and ethics of more‐than‐human care in an era of ecological emergency
Authors: Yates Amanda Monehu
Published: August 2021

This paper explores how spatial governance models oriented to the well‐being of the more‐than‐human might better enable Indigenous peoples' capacity to live‐well‐with and care for our more‐than‐human whanaunga (kin). The discussion positions Indigenous more‐than‐human ontologies as a cultural framework that supplants human‐centrism with a focus on holistic ecological well‐being. The paper considers how a culture of holistic ecological well‐being might be spatially emplaced through well‐being‐led planning tools that ground these ontologies in neighbourhoods, cities and wider afield. Currently settler‐colonial spatial governance and planning structures hold dominion in Aotearoa New Zealand, inscribing cultural territories fundamentally other to Indigenous norms. Yet the country's Te Tiriti o Waitangi contracts for tino rangatiratanga (Māori sovereignty), and to meet the Tiriti it is imperative that current spatial governance approaches swiftly converge with Indigenous ethical practices for mauri ora holistic well‐being. There is much at stake. The Petrocene—our current era of ecological breakdown, accelerated by a rapacious petrocapitalism—is a time of mass death of our more‐than‐human whanaunga (kin).
Provider perceptions and practices for appearance‐related psychosocial distress caused by dermatologic disease in children
Authors: Chen Vivien , Bellodi Schmidt Fernanda
Published: August 2021

Background/Objectives

Differences in appearance are often stigmatized in society, and dermatologic disease can lead to psychological and social sequelae that significantly impact patient quality of life. However, discrepancy between patient‐reported and physician‐assessed psychological distress raises a question of how clinicians are prepared in recognizing and managing the psychosocial impact of a child's skin condition. We aim to identify current practices among healthcare providers toward properly addressing appearance‐related psychosocial distress in pediatric dermatology patients.

Methods

Surveys assessing provider attitude and practices to appearance‐related distress were distributed to members of the Society of Pediatric Dermatology via the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, and Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

Results

Over half of respondents report encountering appearance‐related psychosocial distress on a daily basis and believe screening to be important. However, only 14% use a validated screening tool and 18% screen all patients. Major obstacles to generalized screening were limited time and staffing. Self‐reported knowledge and management of appearance‐related psychosocial distress includes direct counseling and referrals to local support groups, mental health providers, specialized summer camps, and school‐affiliated resources. Nevertheless, 86% expressed interest in learning more about appearance‐related psychosocial distress, particularly about patient education and resources.

Conclusions

Although clinicians frequently encounter appearance‐related distress with pediatric dermatology patients, screening is selective and lacks standardization. Self‐reported knowledge and management is comprehensive, but there is a need for increased training in patient education and resources.
Feminist curiosity
Authors: Zurn Perry
Published: August 2021

What is feminist curiosity? Or better yet, how is feminist curiosity practiced, where is it practiced, and with whom is it practiced? In this essay, I develop a philosophical account of feminist curiosity by drawing on direct contributions from the feminist philosophical tradition, but also by interweaving scattered testaments to feminist curiosity from critical race theory, intersex studies, disability studies, and trans studies. What surfaces in this inquiry is an account of feminist curiosity that goes far beyond the act of asking feminist questions. Feminist curiosity proper, I suggest, reconfigures not simply what gets asked, but with whom, where, and how inquiry happens. Feminist curiosity is rooted in companionship (with self and others), reorients time (a visionary future, but also a material past and present), and resists oppressive forms of inquiry such as spectacularization and the presumptions of access. As such, feminist curiosity is committed not only to a relational world but to a relational investigation of that world.
Consumer Surplus Under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Cohen Maxime C. , Perakis Georgia , Thraves Charles
Published: August 2021

Consumer Surplus is traditionally defined for the case where demand is a deterministic function of the price. However, demand is usually stochastic and hence stock‐outs can occur. Policy makers who consider the impact of different regulations on Consumer Surplus often ignore the impact of demand uncertainty. We present a definition of the Consumer Surplus under stochastic demand. We then use this definition to study the impact of demand and supply uncertainty on consumers in several cases (additive and multiplicative demand noise). We show that, in many cases, demand uncertainty hurts consumers. We also derive analytical bounds on the ratio of the Consumer Surplus relative to the deterministic setting under linear demand. Our results suggest that ignoring uncertainty may severely impact the Consumer Surplus value.
EEG evidence for enhanced attentional performance during moderate‐intensity exercise
Authors: Dodwell Gordon , Liesefeld Heinrich R. , Conci Markus , Müller Hermann J. , Töllner Thomas
Published: August 2021

Research on attentional control within real‐world contexts has become substantially more feasible and thus frequent over the past decade. However, relatively little is known regarding how these processes may be influenced by common naturalistic behaviors such as engaging in physical activity, which is thought to modulate the availability of neurometabolic resources. Here, we used an event‐related potential (ERP) approach to determine whether various intensities of aerobic exercise might affect the concurrent performance of attentional control mechanisms. Participants performed an additional‐singleton visual search task across three levels of aerobic activity while seated on a stationary bicycle: at rest, during moderate‐intensity exercise, and during vigorous‐intensity exercise. In addition to behavioral measures, attentional processing was assessed via lateralized ERPs referencing target selection (PCN) and distractor suppression (PD) mechanisms. Whereas engaging in exercise resulted in speeded response times overall, moderate‐intensity exercise was found to uniquely eliminate the expression of distractor interference by the PCN while also giving rise to an unanticipated distractor‐elicited Ppc. These findings demonstrate workload‐specific and object‐selective influences of aerobic exercise on attentional processing, providing insights not only for approaching attention in real‐world contexts but also for understanding how attentional resources are used overall.
Orchestrating private investors for development: How the World Bank revitalizes
Authors: Heldt Eugenia C. , Dörfler Thomas
Published: August 2021

Confronted with a new wave of criticism on the in effectiveness of its development programs, the World Bank embarked on a revitalization process, turning to private investors to finance International Development Association projects and widening its mandate. To explain these adaptation strategies of the World Bank to regain relevance, this piece draws on organizational ecology and orchestration scholarship. We contend that international organizations rely on two adaptation mechanisms, orchestration and scope expansion, when they lose their role as focal actors in an issue area. We find that the World Bank has indeed lost market share and has relied on these two mechanisms to revitalize itself. We show that the World Bank responded to changes in the environment by orchestrating a private sector‐oriented capital increase, prioritizing private funding for development through a “cascade approach,” and expanding the scope of its mandate into adjacent domains of transnational governance, including climate change and global health.
Beyond opportunism: Intermediary loyalty in regulation and governance
Authors: Abbott Kenneth W. , Genschel Philipp , Snidal Duncan , Zangl Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Regulators and other governors rely on intermediaries to set and implement policies and to regulate targets. Existing literatures focus heavily on intermediaries of a single type – Opportunists, motivated solely by self‐interest. But intermediaries can also be motivated by different types of loyalty: to leaders (Vassals), to policies (Zealots), or to institutions (Mandarins). While all three types of loyalists are resistant to the traditional problems of opportunism (slacking and capture), each brings pathologies of its own. We explain the behavioral logic of each type of loyalty and analyze the risks and rewards of different intermediary loyalties – both for governors and for the public interest. We illustrate our claims with examples drawn from many different realms of regulation and governance.
Morphological controls on delta‐canyon‐fan systems: Insights from stratigraphic forward models
Authors: Wan Li , Bianchi Valeria , Hurter Suzanne , Salles Tristan , Zhang Zhijie , Yuan Xuanjun
Published: August 2021

Morphology is one of the principal driving forces governing the sedimentology and evolution of delta‐canyon‐fan systems. However, quantified and systematic studies of morphological controls are still very limited. This study applied hydraulic‐based stratigraphic forward modelling to investigate the impacts of morphological parameters on sediment budget partitioning and channel network of delta‐canyon‐fan systems on passive margins. A total of six sets of stratigraphic forward models are built using 47 initial bathymetries with six varying morphological parameters: shelf gradient; shelf width; slope gradient; canyon sinuosity; canyon depth; and basin gradient. The quantified relationships between morphological parameters and sedimentological parameters (dimensions, deposition/erosion volume/area, number of tributaries and slope channels) are investigated. The causes behind the relationships are explored by analyzing the response of qualified sedimentary features to morphological controls, such as grain‐size distribution, channel migration and sequence stratigraphic frame. The results suggest that low shelf gradient, low shelf width, high canyon gradient and low canyon sinuosity are beneficial for sediment budget partitioning into deep basins and turbidity currents to flow inside canyons. Low canyon depth also promotes sediment delivery but results in more channels on canyon flanks. For the delta, channel lateral migration increases then decreases with increasing shelf gradient due to the gradient threshold in determining channel sinuosity; delta size increases then stops increasing with increasing shelf width due to the shelf width threshold in determining the balance between accommodation and sediment supply. For the canyon, low canyon gradient, high canyon sinuosity and low canyon depth have similar effects on canyons, all resulting in significant channel translation and canyon widening but less canyon head retrogradation. This study improves the knowledge of controlling factors and sediment transport regime of a delta–canyon–fan system. Moreover, the observed relationships could provide semi‐quantitative guidelines to predict the dimensions of delta–canyon–fan systems and the distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
GP.MOT: A novel glycophorin variant identified in a Japanese blood donor
Authors: Oda Akira , Suzuki Yumi , Isa Kazumi , Ogasawara Kenichi , Yabe Ryuichi , Kimura Takafumi , Uchikawa Makoto , Tsuno Nelson Hirokazu
Published: August 2021

Background

In this study, we identified a novel glycophorin variant (GP.MOT) in a Mia‐positive Japanese blood donor. The proband with this glycophorin variant was discovered by antigen screening of samples from 475,493 Japanese blood donors using monoclonal anti‐Mia.

Study design and methods

Standard serological techniques and flow cytometry were performed. GP.MOT RBCs were examined by immunoblotting using anti‐GPA, anti‐MUT or anti‐Mur. Genome DNA was extracted from whole blood, and the GYPA/GYPB was analyzed by polymerase chain reactions and Sanger sequencing.

Results

The MNS blood group of the proband was M + N + wS‐s + with the presence of other low‐frequency antigens including Mia, Mur, MUT, and KIPP. A 43‐kDa molecule, which is almost equivalent in size to glycophorin A (GPA), was identified by immunoblotting using monoclonal anti‐MUT and anti‐Mur. Sanger sequencing clearly indicated that the proband had two different GYPA*M alleles at SNP rs62334651 (GYPA*M232 + 55A and GYPA*M232 + 55G), as well as a GYP(B‐A) hybrid allele (GYP*MOT) with breakpoints located on pseudoexon 3 of GYPB from c.210 to c.219.

Discussion

We identified a hybrid glycophorin GP.MOT with the deduced unique amino acid sequence GPB (20–45)‐GPΨB (46–70)‐GPA (71–149), which has not been previously reported.
Association of neurologic signs with high‐field MRI findings in 100 dogs with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Bonelli Marília de Albuquerque , da Costa Luciana Bignardi de Soares Brisola Casimiro , da Costa Ronaldo Casimiro
Published: August 2021

Although osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA‐CSM) findings have been well described using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no large‐scale published studies on the associations between dog size, age, high‐field MRI and neurologic findings. Using a retrospective, observational study design, we aimed to investigate an association between neurologic and high‐field MRI characteristics in OA‐CSM. Records were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with OA‐CSM using high‐field MRI. One‐hundred dogs were included: 73/100 (73%) were giant breeds, 27/100 (27%) large breeds. Mean and median ages were, respectively, 3.1 and 2 years (0.3–9.75 years), with 2.6 and 2 years for giant‐breed; and 4.4 and 4 years for large‐breed dogs. The majority of dogs were male (75%) with chronic presentation (89%), more than one site of spinal cord compression (78%) and foraminal stenosis (91%). Dogs with multiples sites of spinal cord compression were more likely to have severe spinal cord compression (p < 0.001), severe foraminal stenosis (p < 0.001) and ligamentum flavum/soft tissue proliferation (p = 0.03) than those with a single compressive site. There was a weak correlation between neurologic grade and severity of spinal cord compression (r = 0.27; p = 0.007), number of affected sites (r = 0.24; p = 0.0183) and spinal cord T2W hyperintensity (r = 0.24; p = 0.0152). Intervertebral disc degeneration was seen in 80% of dogs. Age did not appear to have a prominent role in the manifestation of OA‐CSM. This study showed that OA‐CSM affects a sizeable proportion of young large‐breed, in addition to giant‐breed dogs.
Numerical Investigation of Spinal Cord Injury After Flexion-Distraction Injuries at the Cervical Spine
Authors: Beauséjour Marie-Hélène , Wagnac Eric , Arnoux Pierre-Jean , Thiong Jean-Marc Mac , Petit Yvan
Published: August 2021

Flexion-distraction injuries frequently cause traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Post-traumatic instability can cause aggravation of the secondary SCI during patient care. However, there is little information on how the pattern of disco-ligamentous injury affects the SCI severity and mechanism. This study objective was to analyze how posterior disco-ligamentous injuries affect spinal cord compression and stress and strain patterns in the spinal cord during post-traumatic flexion and extension. A cervical spine finite element model including the spinal cord was used and different combinations of partial or complete intervertebral disc (IVD) rupture and disruption of various posterior ligaments were modeled at C4–C5, C5–C6, or C6–C7. In flexion, complete IVD rupture combined with posterior ligamentous complex rupture was the most severe injury leading to the highest von Mises stress (47–66 kPa), principal strains p1 (0.32–0.41 in white matter) and p3 (−0.78 to −0.96 in white matter) in the spinal cord and the highest spinal cord compression (35–48%). The main post-trauma SCI mechanism was identified as the compression of the anterior white matter at the injured level combined with distraction of the posterior spinal cord during flexion. There was also a concentration of the maximum stresses in the gray matter during post-traumatic flexion. Finally, in extension, the injuries tested had little impact on the spinal cord. The capsular ligament was the most important structure to protect the spinal cord. Its status should be carefully examined during the patient's management.
Definition and Validation of Cavitating Rocket Turbopump Transmission Matrices for Modular Multi Actuator Disk Approach
Authors: Sales Luca , Pasini Angelo
Published: August 2021

Cavitation-induced instabilities are a critical issue to face in the design process of rocket turbopumps, and reduced-order linear methods still represent a powerful tool to evaluate their onset. The modular multi-actuator disk approach is a successful method developed to study the dynamic behavior of compressors. Recently, it has also been proposed for the assessment of the dynamics of cavitating turbopumps. In this paper, the modular multiactuator disk approach was used as the mathematical framework to implement and validate a well-established model of a cavitating inducer developed in the 90 s for the assessment of azimuthal instabilities with a particular focus on rotating cavitation. The matching between the obtained results and the available data in the open literature for a tapered inducer validated the dynamic model of the cavitating inducer implemented in the new mathematical framework. The flexibility introduced by the new modular approach represents a step toward the study of complex hydrodynamic systems that are not limited to the simplified configuration studied by the actuator disk model proposed in the 1990s.
On Offset Placement of a Compound Droplet in a Channel Flow
Authors: Mahato Jagannath , Srivastava Dhananjay Kumar , Chandraker Dinesh Kumar , Lakkaraju Rajaram
Published: August 2021

We have investigated the dynamics of a simple and a compound droplet separately passing through a two-dimensional Poiseuille channel flow by using the volume-of-fluids method under low Reynolds numbers (Re=1). A simple droplet while passing through the channel shows an elongation in shape in the streamwise direction and compression in the transverse direction. A round symmetric droplet evolves into a pear-like shape with time, if it is released at an off-centre to the channel mid-line. If a compound droplet (which consists of a thin shell separating an inner fluid zone from an outer fluid zone) is released in the channel either at the mid-line or with an offset, we observed the round shape evolves into a slipper-like shape. The inner droplet breaks away from the outer one within a short period. A detailed study of droplet deformation and its breakup has been carried out for different fluid properties and the compound droplet size ratios, and we found the lateral migration is high for the compound droplets when compared to the simple droplets. We also observed that the break time of the compound droplet decreases with the increase in the offset release location exponentially.
Predicting the Amplitude of Thermoacoustic Instability Using Universal Scaling Behavior
Authors: Pavithran Induja , Unni Vishnu R. , Saha Abhishek , Varghese Alan J. , Sujith R. I. , Marwan Norbert , Kurths Jürgen
Published: August 2021

The complex interaction between the turbulent flow, combustion and the acoustic field in gas turbine engines often results in thermoacoustic instability that produces ruinously high-amplitude pressure oscillations. These self-sustained periodic oscillations may result in a sudden failure of engine components and associated electronics, and increased thermal and vibrational loads. Estimating the amplitude of the limit cycle oscillations that are expected during thermoacoustic instability helps in devising strategies to mitigate and to limit the possible damages due to thermoacoustic instability. We propose two methodologies to estimate the amplitude using only the pressure measurements acquired during stable operation. First, we use the universal scaling relation of the amplitude of the dominant mode of oscillations with the Hurst exponent to predict the amplitude of the limit cycle oscillations. We also present a methodology to estimate the amplitudes of different modes of oscillations separately using “spectral measures,” which quantify the sharpening of peaks in the amplitude spectrum. The scaling relation enables us to predict the peak amplitude at thermoacoustic instability, given the data during the safe operating condition. The accuracy of prediction is tested for both methods, using the data acquired from a laboratory-scale turbulent combustor. The estimates are in good agreement with the actual amplitudes.
Delay Identification in Thermoacoustics
Authors: Gant F. , Ghirardo G. , Cuquel A. , Bothien M. R.
Published: August 2021

The stability of thermoacoustic systems is often regulated by the time delay between acoustic perturbations and corresponding heat release fluctuations. An accurate estimate of this value is of great importance in applications since even small modifications can introduce significant changes in the system behavior. Different studies show that the nonlinear delayed dynamics typical of these systems can be well captured with low-order models. In this work, a method is introduced to estimate the most likely value of the time delay of a single thermoacoustic mode from a measured acoustic pressure signal. The mode of interest is modeled by an oscillator equation, with a nonlinear delayed forcing term modeling the deterministic flame contribution and an additive white Gaussian noise to embed the stochastic combustion noise. Additionally, other thermoacoustic relevant parameters are estimated. The model accounts for a flame gain, for a flame saturation coefficient, for linear acoustic damping, and for the background combustion noise intensity. The pressure data time series is statistically analyzed and the set of unknown parameters is identified. Validation is performed with respect to synthetically generated time series and low order model simulations, for which the underlying delay is known a priori. A discussion follows about the accuracy of the method, in particular, a comparison with existing methods is drawn.
Liquid-Cooled Heat Sink Optimization for Thermal Imbalance Mitigation in Wide-Bandgap Power Modules
Authors: Sahu Raj , Gurpinar Emre , Ozpineci Burak
Published: August 2021

Power semiconductor die placement on substrates used in high-power modules is generally optimized to minimize electrical parasitic (e.g., stray inductance, common-mode capacitance), taking into account the minimum spacing between semiconductor dies for thermal decoupling. The layout assumes sufficient heat spreading and transfer from dies to the cooling structure. Insulated metal substrate-based power module designs may lead to asymmetrical thermal resistance across the dies, which may cause significant temperature differences among the devices. Such unintentional thermal asymmetries can lead to oversizing the cooling system design or underusing the semiconductor power processing capability. This article proposes a thermal imbalance mitigation method that uses evolutionary optimized liquid-cooled heat sinks to improve the thermal loading among devices.
Advancement of Chip Stacking Architectures and Interconnect Technologies for Image Sensors
Authors: Lu Mei-Chien
Published: August 2021

Numerous technology breakthroughs have been made in image sensor development in the past two decades. Image sensors have evolved into a technology platform to support many applications. Their successful implementation in mobile devices has accelerated market demand and established a business platform to propel continuous innovation and performance improvement extending to surveillance, medical, and automotive industries. This overview briefs the general camera module and the crucial technology elements of chip stacking architectures and advanced interconnect technologies. This study will also examine the role of pixel electronics in determining the chip stacking architecture and interconnect technology of choice. It is conducted by examining a few examples of CMOS image sensors (CIS) for different functions such as visible light detection, single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) for low light detection, rolling shutter, and global shutter, and depth sensing and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Performance attributes of different architectures of chip stacking are overviewed. Direct bonding followed by Via-last through silicon via (Via-last TSV) and hybrid bonding (HB) technologies are identified as newer and favorable chip-to-chip interconnect technologies for image sensor chip stacking. The state-of-the-art ultrahigh-density interconnect manufacturability is also highlighted.
Assembly Reliability and Molding Material Comparison of Miniature Integrated High Power Module With Insulated Metal Substrate
Authors: Lee Chang-Chun , Kao Kuo-Shu , Wang Chi-Wei , Yu Tai-Jyun , Lee Tai-Kuang , Chiu Po-Kai
Published: August 2021

Given the increasing demand for power density and lightweight specifications, the discrete transistor outline-type package is no longer sufficient for personal vehicle. The new generation of high-power drive needs excellent heat dissipation and miniaturized system simultaneously. However, a traditional architecture of power module, direct bonding copper substrate, has serious warpage deformation and limitation of the heat dissipation. Therefore, a power module with an insulated metal substrate (IMS) is proposed. The proposed power module has a smaller volume, better electrical and thermal performance, and high reliability to be utilized in personal vehicles. A fine-quality assembly process is also presented and verified. Furthermore, two different kinds of molding materials that are widely used in power modules, silicone gel, and epoxy, are utilized. The IMS-type module with silicone gel molding fails the temperature cycling test (TCT) with the delamination of the solder layer. The module with epoxy successfully passes the automotive-grade reliability tests, including TCT, highly accelerated stress test, high-temperature reverse bias, and intermittent operational life test according to the standard of AEC-Q101. The finite element analysis for the IMS power module is presented and analyzed under the condition of TCT to estimate the mechanical behavior of the solder layer. The equivalent plastic strain of solder layer with silicone gel and epoxy is 0.76 and 0.08, respectively, after TCT, separately. The main reason can be attributed to the coefficient of thermal expansion between the IMS and molding material. According to the analyzed results, the effect of molding material should not be ignored in the power modulus.
Emergence of Erythromycin Resistance Methyltransferases in Campylobacter coli Strains in France
Authors: Jehanne Quentin , Bénéjat Lucie , Ducournau Astrid , Domingues-Martins Chloé , Cousinou Théo , Bessède Emilie , Lehours Philippe
Published: August 2021

Antimicrobial resistance in campylobacters has been described worldwide. The emergence of multiresistant isolates, particularly among
Campylobacter coli
isolates, is concerning.
Immunoreactive Protein Repertoires of Ehrlichia chaffeensis and E. canis Reveal the Dominance of Hypothetical Proteins and Conformation-Dependent Antibody Epitopes
Authors: Luo Tian , Patel Jignesh G. , Zhang Xiaofeng , Walker David H. , McBride Jere W.
Published: August 2021

The immunomes of
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
and
Ehrlichia canis
have recently been revised to include immunodominant hypothetical proteins with conformational antibody epitopes. In this study, we examined 216
E. chaffeensis
and 190
E. canis
highly antigenic proteins according to ANTIGENpro and also performed a genome-wide hypothetical protein analysis (
E. chaffeensis
n
 = 104;
E. canis
n
 = 124) for immunoreactivity.
Characterization of Global Gene Expression, Regulation of Metal Ions, and Infection Outcomes in Immune-Competent 129S6 Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Janiszewski Lara N. , Minson Michael , Allen Mary A. , Dowell Robin D. , Palmer Amy E.
Published: August 2021

Nutritional immunity involves cellular and physiological responses to invading pathogens, such as limiting iron, increasing exposure to bactericidal copper, and altering zinc to restrict the growth of pathogens. Here, we examine infection of bone marrow-derived macrophages from 129S6/SvEvTac mice bySalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium.
Investigating the Process of Sheath Maturation in Antifeeding Prophage: a Phage Tail-Like Protein Translocation Structure
Authors: Bhardwaj Pushpanjali , Mitra Alok K. , Hurst Mark R. H.
Published: August 2021

Members of the contractile bacteriophage-related but evolutionarily divergent eCIS contain not one but three sheath proteins, two of which, namely, Afp2 and Afp3 in the Afp, arranged as alternate hexameric stacks constitute the helical sheath. We revealed that Afp2 and Afp3, even though they are highly similar, possess markedly distinct, crucial roles in Afp assembly.
Analysis of the Manganese and MntR Regulon in Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Peng Eric D. , Lyman Lindsey R. , Schmitt Michael P.
Published: August 2021

Mechanisms for metal scavenging are critical to the survival and success of bacterial pathogens, including
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
. Metal import systems in pathogenic bacteria have been studied as possible vaccine components due to high conservation, critical functionality, and surface localization.
Activation of the Type VI Secretion System in the Squid Symbiont
Vibrio fischeri
Requires the Transcriptional Regulator TasR and the Structural Proteins TssM and TssA
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Salvato Fernanda , Garikipati Aditi , Kleiner Manuel , Septer Alecia N.
Published: August 2021

Interbacterial weapons like the T6SS are often located on mobile genetic elements, and their expression is highly regulated. We found that two conserved structural proteins are required for T6SS expression in
Vibrio fischeri
.