bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological assessment of the sensilla of the antennal flagellum in different castes of the stingless bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi
Authors: Month-Juris E. , Ravaiano S. Veiga , Lopes D. M. , Fernandes Salomão T. M. , Martins G. F.
Published: October 2019

The antennae of the insects have cuticular structures called sensilla that play a pivotal role in the perception of stimuli and in communication. The morphology of antennal sensilla has been characterized in eusocial bees; however, there is little information on bees of the genus Tetragonisca. Using scanning electron microscopy, 11 types of antennal sensilla were identified in Tetragonisca fiebrigi: trichodea (ST, subtypes I‐VI), placodea, basiconica, coeloconica, ampullacea, and campaniformia. The largest diversity of sensilla was observed in females. The STI was the most abundant, followed by the placodea and the STII. The STI and the sensila placodea were more abundant in males than females, while the STII were more abundant in workers. Significant differences were found in the length of the different types of sensilla among the classes of individuals, with these differences being greater for the STI in males and the STV in queen; for the STII, STIII, and STIV in queen and workers; and for sensila placodea in queens, workers, and soldiers. Multivariate analysis (PCA and UPGMA) showed that the soldier subcaste was separated from the other females. This study advanced our understanding of sensilla morphology, including the number and distribution of sensilla across sexes and castes, and the sensory structures of T. fiebrigi. The results presented provide relevant information for elucidating the communication mechanisms of social insects.
Quantum dots shed light on angiosperm speciation
Authors: Muchhala Nathan
Published: October 2019

This article is a Commentary on Minnaar et al., 224: 1160–1170.
Hamartomas and midline anomalies in association with infantile hemangiomas, PHACE, and LUMBAR syndromes
Authors: Stefanko Nicole S. , Davies Olivia M.T. , Beato Maria Jose , Blei Francine , Drolet Beth A. , Fairley Janet , Frieden Ilona J. , Galligan Eloise R. , Goddard Deborah , Howard Renee , Husain Sameera , Lauren Christine T. , Lopez‐Gutierrez Juan Carlos , MacArthur Carol , Metry Denise W. , Morel Kimberly D. , Niedt George W. , Garzon Maria C. , Sokumbi Olayemi , Siegel Dawn H.
Published: October 2019

Background/Objective

The pathogenesis of infantile hemangiomas (IH), PHACE, and LUMBAR syndromes remains unknown. We aim to describe histopathologic features of midline anomalies associated with IH, including patients with PHACE and LUMBAR syndromes.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with IH, PHACE, and LUMBAR syndrome with histopathologic specimens from sternal or midline anomalies. A total of 18 midline lesions from 13 patients were included. Out of 18, 14 midline lesions underwent both histopathologic and clinical review. Three hamartoma‐like chin plaques and one supraumbilical raphe underwent only clinical review.

Results

All 13 patients had midline lesions and IH. Histopathologic diagnoses were as follows: rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (3), folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (1), fibroepithelial polyp (1), verrucous epidermal hyperplasia with vascular proliferation and fibroplasia (1), congenital midline cervical cleft (1), pericardium with fibrosis (1), fibrous components with increased collagen (1), atrophic skin/membrane (3), angiolipomatous mass with neural components (1), and lipomatous mass (1). Due to the retrospective nature of this study, it was not possible to obtain pathology slides for all midline lesions that had previously been biopsied or resected. We show clinically and histopathologically a new association between PHACE syndrome and rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma (RMH), in addition to demonstrating the association between PHACE syndrome and chin hamartomas. We also display histopathologic findings seen in midline lesions resected from LUMBAR patients.

Conclusion

Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma is thought to be related to aberrations of mesenchymal cells during development; therefore, this may provide clues to the pathogenesis of IH and related syndromes.
Acquired port‐wine stains in six pediatric patients
Authors: Stephens Michael R. , Putterman Elana , Yan Albert C. , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , Perman Marissa J.
Published: October 2019

Background/objectives

Port‐wine stains, also known as capillary malformations, are due to dermal vascular ectasia and dilation and are most commonly congenital; however, acquired port‐wine stains (APWS) developing later in life have been noted in the literature, most commonly in the context of trauma.

Methods/results

This case series presents 6 pediatric patients with APWS who first developed lesions between ages 3 and 11 years in the absence of a traumatic or other etiologic trigger.

Conclusions

The epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment response of these patients are compared to what has been previously described in other cases in the literature.
Optimized peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in children with high‐risk and refractory malignancies
Authors: Furlong Eliska , Jensen Jesper , Woodard Mark , Griffiths Katherine , Knight Geoff , Sturm Marian , Kerr Fiona , Gough Hazel , Bear Natasha , Carter Tina L. , Cole Catherine H. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Ramachandran Shanti
Published: October 2019

Background

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) using hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) has become an important therapeutic modality for patients with high‐risk malignancies. Current literature on standardized method for HPC apheresis in children is sparse and failure rate reported as high as 30%.

Patients/Methods

A retrospective study of 125 pediatric patients with high‐risk malignancies undergoing aHSCT in Western Australia between 1997 and 2016 was conducted.

Results

Mobilization was achieved by means of chemotherapy and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). Patients underwent apheresis the day after CD34+ counts reached ≥20/µL and an additional dose of G‐CSF. Peripheral arterial and intravenous lines were inserted in pediatric intensive care unit under local anesthetic and/or sedation, omitting the need for general anesthesia as well as facilitating an uninterrupted apheresis flow. Larger apheresis total blood volumes were processed in patients weighing ≤20 kg. The minimal dose of ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg was successfully collected in 98.4% of all patients. The optimal dose of 3‐5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg was collected in 96% of patients scheduled for a single aHSCT, 87.5% for tandem, and 100% for triple aHSCT. All HPC collections were completed in one apheresis session. Mobilization after ≤3 chemotherapy cycles and cycles including cyclophosphamide resulted in a significantly higher yield of CD34+ cells.

Conclusion

Our approach to HPC mobilization by means of chemotherapy and single myeloid growth factor combined with optimal collection timing facilitated by continuous apheresis flow resulted in highly effective HPC harvest in children and adolescents with high‐risk cancers.
Interventions that impact weight status in Hispanic preschool children
Authors: Innella Nancy , Jameson Beth E.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The objectives of this systematic review of literature include: (a) describe the intervention strategies; (b) examine the outcomes as they pertain to the child (individual level), families (interpersonal level), and community or culture (organizational level); and (c) develop a foundation of interventional approaches that specifically target obesogenic behaviors in Hispanic preschool‐aged children.

Design

A systematic review of literature was performed. The theoretical framework was the Socioecological Model.

Sample

Twenty‐four total articles were used for this review.

Measurements

The method used was the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Results

Of the 24 studies reviewed, 36% focused on the individual, 56% were interpersonal (focused on parents), and 9% focused on the organizational level.

Conclusion

Interventions that are culturally competent, directed at families, and include healthy dietary intake along with a physical activity component are most effective at lowering obesity in Hispanic preschool children.
Hepatic Campylobacter jejuni infection in patients with Castleman‐Kojima disease (idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease with thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis, and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome)
Authors: Kageyama Chihiro , Igawa Takuro , Gion Yuka , Iwaki Noriko , Tabata Tetsuya , Tanaka Takehiro , Kondo Eisei , Sakai Hajime , Tsuneyama Koichi , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Noguchi Hiroko , Yoshino Tadashi , Yokota Kenji , Sato Yasuharu
Published: October 2019

Castleman‐Kojima disease, also known as idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease with TAFRO syndrome (iMCD‐TAFRO), is a recently recognized systemic inflammatory disorder with a characteristic series of clinical symptoms, including thrombocytopenia (T), anasarca (A), fever (F), reticulin fibrosis (R), and organomegaly (O). Patients with iMCD‐TAFRO often develop severe abdominal pain, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, and systemic inflammation, but the etiological factors are unknown. To investigate the potential role of bacterial infection in the pathogenesis of iMCD‐TAFRO, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the bacterial 16S rRNA gene with DNA extracted from liver specimens of three patients with iMCD‐TAFRO, four patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and seven patients with inflammatory conditions. Sequencing of the PCR product showed 99% DNA sequence identity with Campylobacter jejuni in all three patients with iMCD‐TAFRO and in two patients with inflammatory conditions. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopy analyses could not identify C. jejuni in patients with iMCD‐TAFRO. The findings indicated that C. jejuni infection is not the pathological cause of iMCD‐TAFRO; however, this ubiquitous bacterium may play a role in uncontrolled systemic hypercytokinemia, possibly through the development of cross‐reactive autoantibodies.
Characterising the morphological characters and carbohydrate metabolism of oat culms and their association with lodging resistance
Authors: Zhang R. , Jia Z. , Ma X. , Ma H. , Zhao Y.
Published: October 2019

Lodging resistance can be improved by enhancing the mechanical strength of culms, and culm carbohydrates could improve this mechanical strength. Culm carbohydrates can regulate development of the culm and affect its toughness.

The present study determines the relationship between lodging and carbohydrate content in oat culms. Field experiments were conducted in alpine regions in 2017 and 2018 using three oat varieties with different lodging resistance. Lodging‐related morphological characteristics were directly determined and culm carbohydrate content and enzyme activity related to cellulose synthesis and sucrose metabolism were evaluated with ultraviolet spectrophotometry.

Results showed that the lower the gravity height or the lower ratio of gravity height to plant height, the stronger the lodging resistance of the varieties. Higher culm nonstructural (NSC) and structural (SC) carbohydrate content contributed to the ability of culms to resist lodging, especially the content of cellulose and sucrose. PCA showed that sucrose metabolism and SC content were closely related to lodging resistance. Correlation analysis showed that the lodging index (LI) was significantly negatively correlated with NSC. Sucrose content was highly and significantly positively correlated with NSC. Additionally, the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase (SS) were highly and significantly positively correlated with sucrose and cellulose content.

The relationship between field characters and oat lodging, as well as the regulatory mechanism of carbohydrate content on lodging resistance of the culm are discussed.
Isogenic lines in fish – a critical review
Authors: Franěk Roman , Baloch Abdul Rasheed , Kašpar Vojtěch , Saito Taiju , Fujimoto Takafumi , Arai Katsutoshi , Pšenička Martin
Published: October 2019

An isogenic line is a group of animals with an identical genotype, and its use is widely accepted for bioresearch standardization. Isogenic lines in fish can be generated within two generations via uniparental inheritance and can facilitate studies for which standardization and consistency are required. The availability and use of isogenic lines is limited, but isogenic lines in some fish species have been generated. Their power has been demonstrated in fields including human disease modelling, drug development, toxicology and also sequencing projects. The genetic basis of desired traits in aquaculture species can be identified using isogenic lines, which, in turn, will help to improve fish culture. This review summarized knowledge regarding the present status of isogenic lines in fish including approaches for their generation and verification, as well as challenges and potential applications for basic research and aquaculture.
Age and Tectonic Setting of Mesothermal Magmatic Hydrothermal Vein‐Type Pb–Zn–(Ag) Mineralization in the Xiaohongshilazi Deposit, Central Jilin Province, Northeast China
Authors: Yang Qun , Ren Yunsheng , Li Yong , Hao Yujie , Li Jingmou
Published: October 2019

The Xiaohongshilazi deposit located in central Jilin Province, Northeast China, is a newly discovered and medium‐scale Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit with ore reserves of 34,968 t Pb, 100,150 t Zn, and 158 t Ag. Two‐stage mineralization has been identified in this deposit. Stratiform volcanic‐associated massive sulfide (VMS) Pb–Zn mineralization interbedding with the marine volcanic rocks of the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian Daheshen Formation was controlled by the premineralization E–W‐trending faults. Vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization occurs within or parallel to the granodiorite and diorite porphyries controlled by the major‐mineralization N–S‐trending faults that cut the stratiform mineralization and volcanic rocks. To constrain the age of vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization and determine the relationship between mineralization and magmatism, we conducted LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating on zircon from the ore‐bearing granodiorite and diorite porphyries and Rb–Sr dating on metal sulfide. Granodiorite and diorite porphyries yield zircon U–Pb weighted‐mean 206Pb/238U ages of 203.6 ± 1.8 Ma (Mean Standard Weighted Deviation [MSWD] = 1.8) and 225.6 ± 5.1 Ma (MSWD = 2.3), respectively. Sulfides from four vein‐type ore samples yield a Rb–Sr isochron age of 195 ± 17 Ma (MSWD = 4.0). These results indicate a temporal relationship between the granodiorite porphyry and vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization. The granodiorite associated with vein‐type mineralization has high SiO2 (68.99–70.49 wt.%) and Na2O (3.9–4.2 wt.%; Na2O/K2O = 1.07–1.10) concentrations, and A/CNK values of 0.95–1.04; consequently, the intrusion is classified as a high‐K, calc‐alkaline, metaluminous I‐type granite. The granodiorite porphyry is enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g. Rb, Th, U, and K) and light REE and is depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (e.g. Nb, Ta, P, and Ti) and heavy REE, indicating that it represents a subduction‐related rock that formed at an active continental margin. Furthermore, the granodiorite porphyry has Mg# values of 31–34, indicating a lower crustal source. Based on petrological and geochemical features, we infer that the ore‐bearing granodiorite porphyry was derived from the partial melting of the lower crust. In summary, mineralization characteristics, cross‐cutting relationships, geochronological data, and regional tectonic evolution indicate that the region was the site of VMS Pb–Zn mineralization that produced stratiform orebodies within the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian marine volcanic rocks of the Daheshen Formation, followed by mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein‐type Pb–Zn–(Ag) mineralization associated with granodiorite porphyry induced by the initial subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasia Plate during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic.
Survey of health care personnel's attitudes toward oral hygiene in long‐term care facilities in Finland
Authors: Hiltunen Kaija , Fogelholm Nele , Saarela Riitta K. T. , Mäntylä Päivi
Published: October 2019

Aim

To survey long‐term residences’ health care personnel's opinions and attitudes toward maintenance of older adults’ daily oral hygiene.

Methods and Results

The survey was directed to the health care personnel of three long‐term care facilities in Helsinki, Finland. We analyzed the survey responses focusing on opinions and attitudes toward older adults’ daily oral hygiene. To measure this aspect, a scoring system was developed. When the analysis was based on two specific statements, 60% of responding members of health care personnel had a negative attitude toward older adults’ oral hygiene. They tended to experience more refusals when assisting oral hygiene measures, more often experienced a lack of time, and were willing to get more training related to the task.

Conclusion

The health care personnel of long‐term care facilities considered older adults’ oral health important. Members of the health care personnel who showed a negative attitude with our scoring system toward older adults’ daily oral hygiene indicated in their questionnaire responses the need for additional training and additional time for the task.
Dependent person in self‐care: analysis of care needs
Authors: Dixe Maria dos Anjos Coelho Rodrigues , Frontini Roberta , Sousa Pedro Miguel Lopes , Peralta Teresa de Jesus de Almeida , Teixeira Liliana Fernanda da Conceição , Querido Ana Isabel Fernandes
Published: October 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the self‐care dependency levels of the dependent person at the time of home discharge and its relationship between (1) the degree of dependency of each self‐care domain; (2) the previous dependency levels; and (3) the gender of the dependent person. It also aims to assess the relationship between the degree of dependency of each self‐care domain, the length of admission, the length of dependency and the age of the dependent person at the time of discharge.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised hospitalised adults and elderly in the medical services of a Portuguese hospital during the months of March, April and May of 2018. The data were collected by an interview conducted at the time of home discharge from the hospital medical ward.

Results

The average age of dependent people of the sample is 80.7 years (±10.1) with the majority being women (51.7%), with no statistical difference in the mean age according to gender (U = 2205.500; p > 0.05). They were hospitalised on average 11.4 days (±33.2), most of them (44.0%) due to respiratory problems (85% of which were due to pneumonia). There were no statistically significant differences between the length of the hospital stay, the length of dependency and the participants' gender (U = 2200.500, p > 0.05; U = 1688.000, p > 0.05). Medication intake was the highest dependency domain amongst participants (41.3%), followed by instrumental activities of daily living (40.6%) and bathing (39.9%).

Conclusion

The amount of support required may vary according to the domain that the person is dependent. Thus, it is important to use a robust and reliable assessment tool that will be able to assess the degree of dependency on the various domains of self‐care.
Networks of Opposition: A Structural Analysis of U.S. Climate Change Countermovement Coalitions 1989–2015
Authors: Brulle Robert J.
Published: October 2019

The climate change countermovement (CCCM) in the United States has exerted an important influence on delaying efforts to address climate change. Analyses of this countermovement have primarily focused on the role of conservative think tanks. Expanding this research, this article initiates an examination of the structure of key political coalitions that worked to oppose climate action. In conjunction with their allied trade associations, these coalitions have served as a central coordination mechanism in efforts opposed to mandatory limits on carbon emissions. These coalitions pool resources from a large number of corporations and execute sophisticated political and cultural campaigns designed to oppose efforts to address climate change. Through an analysis of twelve prominent CCCM coalitions from 1989 to 2015, I show that over 2,000 organizations were members of these coalitions and that a core of 179 organizations belonged to multiple coalitions. Organizations from the coal and electrical utility sectors were the most numerous and influential organizations in these coalitions. The article concludes with suggestions for further research to expand understanding of complex social movements and countermovements.
Countersluicing
Authors: Hiraiwa Ken , Kobayashi Yoshiaki
Published: October 2019

Sluicing deletes everything but awhphrase. We document a novel phenomenon in Japanese, what we callcountersluicing, in which everything but awhphrase (and what follows it) survives deletion. Countersluicing lacks an overtwhphrase but nevertheless functions as awhquestion. We propose that both countersluicing and sluicing have a cleft structure as their underlying structure. Countersluicing is derived from applying argument ellipsis to ForceP. This is exactly the opposite of what happens in sluicing in Japanese: argument ellipsis applies to a topicalized FinP. We provide several pieces of evidence for our analysis, involving multiple foci, connectivity effects, the clausemate condition, and island sensitivity.
Transendoscopic correction of epiglottic entrapment with a silicone‐covered laser guide and diode laser in 29 horses
Authors: Beste Karen J. , Ortved Kyla F. , Rossignol Fabrice , Ducharme Norm G.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To describe the use of a silicone‐covered laser guide and diode laser for surgical correction of epiglottic entrapment and report postoperative outcomes in horses with epiglottic entrapment.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses (n = 29) with epiglottic entrapment.

Methods

A silicone‐covered laser guide was placed endoscopically to direct the diode laser cutting action during transection of the entrapping subepiglottic membrane and to act as a physical barrier between the membrane and the epiglottic cartilage. Postoperative complications and trainer satisfaction were recorded via use of a follow‐up questionnaire. Race records were reviewed to determine return to racing and detect differences in the number of starts, wins, or earnings before and after surgery.

Results

The entrapping membrane was successfully released in all horses. Mild postoperative complications such as swelling of the surgical site (12 horses) and coughing or mild nasal discharge (5 horses) were recorded during the first few days after surgery. Ninety‐six percent of trainers were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure; 93% of horses returned to racing.

Conclusion

Laser guide‐assisted transection of the subepiglottic membrane corrected epiglottic entrapment in standing horses.

Clinical significance

Ease of surgical technique, mild postoperative complications, and a good prognosis to return to racing make this a suitable alternative to the traditional laser procedure.
The contribution of TMC1 to adaptation of mechanoelectrical transduction channels in cochlear outer hair cells
Authors: Goldring Adam C. , Beurg Maryline , Fettiplace Robert
Published: October 2019

Key points

Hair cell mechanoelectrical transducer channels are opened by deflections of the hair bundle about a resting position set by incompletely understood adaptation mechanisms.

We used three characteristics to define adaptation in hair cell mutants of transmembrane channel‐like proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, which are considered to be channel constituents.

The results obtained demonstrate that the three characteristics are not equivalent, and raise doubts about simple models in which intracellular Ca2+ regulates adaptation.

Adaptation is faster and more effective in TMC1‐containing than in TMC2‐containing transducer channels. This result ties adaptation to the channel complex, and suggests that TMC1 is a better isoform for use in cochlear hair cells.

We describe a TMC1 point mutation, D569N, that reduces the resting open probability and Ca2+ permeability of the transducer channels, comprising properties that may contribute to the deafness phenotype.

Recordings of mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) currents in cochlear hair cells were made in mice with mutations of transmembrane channel‐like (TMC) protein to examine the effects on fast transducer adaptation. Adaptation was faster and more complete in Tmc2–/– than in Tmc1–/–, although this disparity was not explained by differences in Ca2+ permeability or Ca2+ influx between the two isoforms, with TMC2 having the larger permeability. We made a mouse mutation, Tmc1 p.D569N, homologous to a human DFNA36 deafness mutation, which also had MET channels with lower Ca2+‐permeability but showed better fast adaptation than wild‐type Tmc1+/+ channels. Consistent with the more effective adaptation in Tmc1 p.D569N, the resting probability of MET channel opening was smaller. The three TMC variants studied have comparable single‐channel conductances, although the lack of correlation between channel Ca2+ permeability and adaptation opposes the hypothesis that adaptation is controlled simply by Ca2+ influx through the channels. During the first postnatal week of mouse development, the MET currents amplitude grew, and transducer adaptation became faster and more effective. We attribute changes in adaptation partly to a developmental switch from TMC2‐ to TMC1‐ containing channels and partly to an increase in channel expression. More complete and faster adaptation, coupled with larger MET currents, may account for the sole use of TMC1 in the adult cochlear hair cells.
Thermal Fatigue Evaluation Model of a Microelectronic Chip in Terms of Interfacial Singularity
Authors: Huang Xiaoguang , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2019

Thermal fatigue failure of microelectronic chip often initiates from the interface between solder and substrate, and the service life of the chip is largely dependent on the singular stress–strain at this interface. To provide a reasonable life evaluation method, three thermal fatigue evaluation models, including strain-based and stress–strain based, have been established in terms of the interfacial singular fields. Thermal fatigue lives of different chips under different thermal cycles are obtained by thermal fatigue tests, and the stress and strain intensity factors and singular orders at the solder/substrate interface are computed at the same conditions, to determine the material constants in the established models. The thermal fatigue lives predicted are in acceptable agreement with the experimental results. What is more, the application of these thermal fatigue models demonstrates a fact that the thermal fatigue of the microelectronic chips can be evaluated uniformly no matter what the shapes, dimensions of the chip, and the thermomechanical properties of the solders are, as long as the relevant stress–strain intensity factors and singular orders are obtained.
A Study on the Leakage and Rotordynamic Performance of a Long Labyrinth Seal Under Mainly Air Conditions
Authors: Zhang Min , Childs Dara W.
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the impact of liquid presence in air on the leakage and rotordynamic coefficients of a long (length-to-diameter ratio L/D = 0.747) teeth-on-stator labyrinth seal. The test fluid is a mixture of air and silicone oil (PSF-5cSt). Tests are carried out at inlet pressure Pi = 62.1 bars, three pressure ratios from 0.21 to 0.46, three speeds from 10 to 20 krpm, and six inlet liquid volume fractions (LVFs) from 0% to 15%. Complex dynamic-stiffness coefficients Hij are measured. The real parts of Hij are too frequency dependent to be fitted by frequency-independent stiffness and virtual-mass coefficients. Therefore, this paper presents frequency-dependent direct stiffness KΩ and cross-coupled stiffness kΩ. The imaginary parts of Hij produce frequency-independent direct damping C. Test results show that, under both pure- and mainly air conditions, the leakage mass flowrate m˙ of the test seal steadily increases as inlet LVF increases. KΩ is negative under all test conditions, and the magnitude of KΩ increases as inlet LVF increases, leading to a larger negative centering force on the associated compressor rotor. Under pure-air conditions, kΩ is a small negative value. Injecting oil into the air increases kΩ slightly and make the magnitude of kΩ closer to zero. Under mainly air conditions, increasing inlet LVF from 2% to 15% has little impact on kΩ. C normally increases as inlet LVF increases. The value of the effective damping Ceff = C − kΩ/Ω near 0.5ω is of significant interest to the system stability since an unstable centrifugal compressor may precess at approximately 0.5ω. Ω denotes the excitation frequency. The oil presence in the air has little impact on the value of Ceff near 0.5ω. Also, the liquid presence does not change the insensitiveness of m˙, KΩ, kΩ, C, and Ceff to change in ω; i.e., under both pure- and mainly air conditions, changes in ω has little impact on m˙, KΩ, kΩ, C, and Ceff.
A Comparative Study of Biomechanical and Geometrical Attributes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the Asian and Caucasian Populations
Authors: Canchi Tejas , Patnaik Sourav S. , Nguyen Hong N. , Ng E. Y. K. , Narayanan Sriram , Muluk Satish C. , De Oliveira Victor , Finol Ender A.
Published: October 2019

In this work, we provide a quantitative assessment of the biomechanical and geometric features that characterize abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models generated from 19 Asian and 19 Caucasian diameter-matched AAA patients. 3D patient-specific finite element models were generated and used to compute peak wall stress (PWS), 99th percentile wall stress (99th WS), and spatially averaged wall stress (AWS) for each AAA. In addition, 51 global geometric indices were calculated, which quantify the wall thickness, shape, and curvature of each AAA. The indices were correlated with 99th WS (the only biomechanical metric that exhibited significant association with geometric indices) using Spearman's correlation and subsequently with multivariate linear regression using backward elimination. For the Asian AAA group, 99th WS was highly correlated (R2 = 0.77) with three geometric indices, namely tortuosity, intraluminal thrombus volume, and area-averaged Gaussian curvature. Similarly, 99th WS in the Caucasian AAA group was highly correlated (R2 = 0.87) with six geometric indices, namely maximum AAA diameter, distal neck diameter, diameter–height ratio, minimum wall thickness variance, mode of the wall thickness variance, and area-averaged Gaussian curvature. Significant differences were found between the two groups for ten geometric indices; however, no differences were found for any of their respective biomechanical attributes. Assuming maximum AAA diameter as the most predictive metric for wall stress was found to be imprecise: 24% and 28% accuracy for the Asian and Caucasian groups, respectively. This investigation reveals that geometric indices other than maximum AAA diameter can serve as predictors of wall stress, and potentially for assessment of aneurysm rupture risk, in the Asian and Caucasian AAA populations.
Ex Vivo Mechanical Tests and Multiscale Computational Modeling Highlight the Importance of Intramural Shear Stress in Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Korenczuk Christopher E. , Dhume Rohit Y. , Liao Kenneth K. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: October 2019

Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAAs) are anatomically complex in terms of architecture and geometry, and both complexities contribute to unpredictability of ATAA dissection and rupture in vivo. The goal of this work was to examine the mechanism of ATAA failure using a combination of detailed mechanical tests on human tissue and a multiscale computational model. We used (1) multiple, geometrically diverse, mechanical tests to characterize tissue properties; (2) a multiscale computational model to translate those results into a broadly usable form; and (3) a model-based computer simulation of the response of an ATAA to the stresses generated by the blood pressure. Mechanical tests were performed in uniaxial extension, biaxial extension, shear lap, and peel geometries. ATAA tissue was strongest in circumferential extension and weakest in shear, presumably because of the collagen and elastin in the arterial lamellae. A multiscale, fiber-based model using different fiber properties for collagen, elastin, and interlamellar connections was specified to match all of the experimental data with one parameter set. Finally, this model was used to simulate ATAA inflation using a realistic geometry. The predicted tissue failure occurred in regions of high stress, as expected; initial failure events involved almost entirely interlamellar connections, consistent with arterial dissection—the elastic lamellae remain intact, but the connections between them fail. The failure of the interlamellar connections, paired with the weakness of the tissue under shear loading, is suggestive that shear stress within the tissue may contribute to ATAA dissection.
Determination of the radius of curves and roundabouts with a smartphone
Authors: Fahsl Christoph , Vogt Patrik
Published: October 2019

Based on earlier work, this article describes two further experiments that can be carried out on the road. It will be explained how to determine the radius of curves and roundabouts of public streets using only a smartphone. The first experiment shows how to determine the radius of a curve by driving a car around the curve while sampling the acceleration data of the car. The second experiment shows how to calculate the radius of a roundabout by using the built-in gyroscope sensor in combination with the acceleration sensor of the smartphone. The same procedure was used by Monteiro et al. to examine a merry-go-round.
Cholic Acid-Peptide Conjugates as Potent Antimicrobials against Interkingdom Polymicrobial Biofilms
Authors: Gupta Siddhi , Thakur Jyoti , Pal Sanjay , Gupta Ragini , Mishra Deepakkumar , Kumar Sandeep , Yadav Kavita , Saini Amandeep , Yavvari Prabhu S. , Vedantham Madhukar , Singh Archana , Srivastava Aasheesh , Prasad Rajendra , Bajaj Avinash
Published: October 2019

Interkingdom polymicrobial biofilms formed by Gram-positive
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Candida albicans
pose serious threats of chronic systemic infections due to the absence of any common therapeutic target for their elimination. Herein, we present the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of membrane-targeting cholic acid-peptide conjugates (CAPs) against Gram-positive bacterial and fungal strains.
Cutibacterium acnes Isolates from Deep Tissue Specimens Retrieved during Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty: Similar Colony Morphology Does Not Indicate Clonality
Authors: Bumgarner Roger E. , Harrison Della , Hsu Jason E.
Published: October 2019

Cutibacterium acnes
is the most common bacterium associated with periprosthetic shoulder infections. Sequencing of
C. acnes
has been proposed as a potential rapid diagnostic tool and a method of determining subtypes associated with pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance patterns. When multiple deep samples from the same surgery are culture positive for the same species and the isolates show the same culture phenotype, it is typically assumed that these isolates are clonal.
The Ancestral N-Terminal Domain of Big Defensins Drives Bacterially Triggered Assembly into Antimicrobial Nanonets
Authors: Loth Karine , Vergnes Agnès , Barreto Cairé , Voisin Sébastien N. , Meudal Hervé , Da Silva Jennifer , Bressan Albert , Belmadi Nawal , Bachère Evelyne , Aucagne Vincent , Cazevielle Chantal , Marchandin Hélène , Rosa Rafael Diego , Bulet Philippe , Touqui Lhousseine , Delmas Agnès F. , Destoumieux-Garzón Delphine
Published: October 2019

β-Defensins are host defense peptides controlling infections in species ranging from humans to invertebrates. However, the antimicrobial activity of most human β-defensins is impaired at physiological salt concentrations. We explored the properties of big defensins, the β-defensin ancestors, which have been conserved in a number of marine organisms, mainly mollusks. By focusing on a big defensin from oyster (
Cg-
BigDef1), we showed that the N-terminal domain lost during evolution toward β-defensins confers bactericidal activity to
Cg-
BigDef1, even at high salt concentrations.
Cg-
BigDef1 killed multidrug-resistant human clinical isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
. Moreover, the ancestral N-terminal domain drove the assembly of the big defensin into nanonets in which bacteria are entrapped and killed. This discovery may explain why the ancestral N-terminal domain has been maintained in diverse marine phyla and creates a new path of discovery to design β-defensin derivatives active at physiological and high salt concentrations.
The Microbiota Promotes Arterial Thrombosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Deficient Mice
Authors: Kiouptsi Klytaimnistra , Jäckel Sven , Pontarollo Giulia , Grill Alexandra , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , Wilms Eivor , Weber Christian , Sommer Felix , Nagy Magdolna , Neideck Carlos , Jansen Yvonne , Ascher Stefanie , Formes Henning , Karwot Cornelia , Bayer Franziska , Kollar Bettina , Subramaniam Saravanan , Molitor Michael , Wenzel Philip , Rosenstiel Philip , Todorov Hristo , Gerber Susanne , Walter Ulrich , Jurk Kerstin , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , van der Vorst Emiel P. C. , Döring Yvonne , Reinhardt Christoph
Published: October 2019

Our results demonstrate a functional role for the commensal microbiota in atherothrombosis. In a ferric chloride injury model of the carotid artery, GF C57BL/6J mice had increased occlusion times compared to colonized controls. Interestingly, in late atherosclerosis, HFD-fed GF

Ldlr
−/−

mice had reduced plaque rupture-induced thrombus growth in the carotid artery and diminished
ex vivo
thrombus formation under arterial flow conditions.
Educational impact of a pilot paediatric simulation-based training course in Botswana
Authors: Glomb Nicolaus W , Shah Manish I , Kosoko Adeola A , Doughty Cara B , Galapi Cafen , Laba Bushe , Rus Marideth C
Published: October 2019

Background

As emergency medical services (EMS) systems develop globally in resource-limited settings, equipping providers with paediatric training is essential. Low-fidelity simulation-based training is an effective modality for training healthcare workers, though limited data exist on the impact of such training programmes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the paediatric portion of a simulation-based curriculum for prehospital providers in Botswana.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of EMS providers from more populated regions of Botswana, who attended a 2-day training that included didactic lectures, hands-on skills stations and low-fidelity simulation training. We collected data on participant self-efficacy with paediatric knowledge and skills and performance on both written and simulation-based tests. Self-efficacy and test data were analysed, and qualitative course feedback was summarised.

Results

Thirty-one EMS providers participated in the training. Median self-efficacy levels increased for 13/15 (87%) variables queried. The most notable improvements were observed in airway management, newborn resuscitation and weight estimation. Mean written test scores increased by 10.6%, while mean simulation test scores increased by 21.5% (p<0.0001). One hundred per cent of the participants rated the course as extremely useful or very useful.

Discussion/Conclusion

We have demonstrated that a low-fidelity simulation-based training course based on a rigorous needs assessment may enhance short-term paediatric knowledge and skills for providers in a developing EMS system in a limited-resource setting. Future studies should focus on studying larger groups of learners in similar settings, especially with respect to the impact of educational programmes like these on real-world patient outcomes.
The thermodynamics and phase transition of a rainbow black hole
Authors: Feng Zhong-Wen , Tang De-Ling , Feng Dan-Dan , Yang Shu-Zheng
Published: October 2019

In this work, we construct a new kind of rainbow functions, which has generalized uncertainty principle parameter. Then, we investigate modified thermodynamic quantities and phase transition of rainbow Schwarzschild black hole by employing this new kind of rainbow functions. Our results demonstrate that the rainbow gravity and generalized uncertainty principle have a great effect on the picture of Hawking radiation. They prevent black holes from total evaporation and cause a remnant. In addition, after analyzing the modified local thermodynamic quantities, we find that the effect of rainbow gravity and the generalized uncertainty principle lead to one first-order phase transition, two second-order phase transitions and two Hawking–Page-type phase transitions in the thermodynamic system of rainbow Schwarzschild black hole.
Embedding into flat spacetime and black hole thermodynamics
Authors: Govindarajan T. R. , Chakraborty Sumanta
Published: October 2019

It is known that static and spherically symmetric black hole solutions of general relativity in different spacetimes can be embedded into higher-dimensional flat spacetime. Given this result, we have explored the thermodynamic nature of black holes á la its embedding into flat spacetime. In particular, we have explicitly demonstrated that black hole temperature can indeed be determined starting from the embedding and hence mapping of the static observers in black hole spacetime to Rindler observers in flat spacetime. Furthermore, by considering the dynamics of a scalar field in the flat spacetime, it is indeed possible to arrive at the area scaling law for black hole entropy. Thus, by using the flat spacetime field theory, one can indeed provide a thermodynamic description of black holes. Implications are also discussed.
Berry–Esséen bound for the parameter estimation of fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Chen Yong , Kuang Nenghui , Li Ying
Published: October 2019

For an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process driven by fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index [Formula: see text], we show the Berry–Esséen bound of the least squares estimator of the drift parameter based on the continuous-time observation. We use an approach based on Malliavin calculus given by Kim and Park [Optimal Berry–Esséen bound for statistical estimations and its application to SPDE, J. Multivariate Anal. 155 (2017) 284–304].
Constructing 3D Self-Supporting Surfaces with Isotropic Stress Using 4D Minimal Hypersurfaces of Revolution
Authors: Ma Long , He Ying , Sun Qian , Zhou Yuanfeng , Zhang Caiming , Wang Wenping
Published: October 2019

This article presents a new computational framework for constructing 3D self-supporting surfaces with isotropic stress. Inspired by the self-supporting property of catenary and the fact that catenoid (the surface of revolution of the catenary curve) is a minimal surface, we discover the relation between 3D self-supporting surfaces and 4D minimal hypersurfaces (which are 3-manifolds). Lifting the problem into 4D allows us to convert gravitational forces into tensions and reformulate the equilibrium problem to total potential energy minimization, which can be solved using a variational method. We prove that the hyper-generatrix of a 4D minimal hyper-surface of revolution is a 3D self-supporting surface, implying that constructing a 3D self-supporting surface is equivalent to volume minimization. We show that the energy functional is simply the surface’s gravitational potential energy, which in turn can be converted into a surface reconstruction problem with mean curvature constraint. Armed with our theoretical findings, we develop an iterative algorithm to construct 3D self-supporting surfaces from triangle meshes. Our method guarantees convergence and can produce near-regular triangle meshes, thanks to a local mesh refinement strategy similar to centroidal Voronoi tessellation. It also allows users to tune the geometry via specifying either the zero potential surface or its desired volume. We also develop a finite element method to verify the equilibrium condition on 3D triangle meshes. The existing thrust network analysis methods discretize both geometry and material by approximating the continuous stress field through uniaxial singular stresses, making them an ideal tool for analysis and design of beam structures. In contrast, our method works on piecewise linear surfaces with continuous material. Moreover, our method does not require the 3D-to-2D projection, therefore it also works for both height and non-height fields.
Professional writing tips and techniques
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: October 2019

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Good writing is not easy, but these 12 tips and techniques makes things easier.
Topographic Mechanics and Applications of Liquid Crystalline Solids
Authors: Warner Mark
Published: October 2019

Liquid crystal elastomers and glasses suffer huge length changes on heating, illumination, exposure to humidity, etc. A challenge is to program these changes to give a complex mechanical response for micromachines and soft robotics. Also desirable can be strong response, where bend is avoided in favor of stretch and compression, even in the slender shells that are our subject.

A new mechanics paradigm arises from such materials—spatially programmed anisotropy allows a spatially varying metric to develop upon stimulation, with evolving Gaussian curvature, topography changes, and superstrong actuation. We call this metric mechanics or topographical mechanics. Thus programmed, liquid crystalline solids meet the above aims.

A frontier is the complete programming and control of topography, driving both Gaussian and mean curvature evolution. That, and smart shells, which sense and self-regulate, and exotic new realizations of anisotropic responsive structures, are our concluding themes.
Robotic Self-Replication
Authors: Moses Matthew S. , Chirikjian Gregory S.
Published: October 2019

The concept of an artificial corporeal machine that can reproduce has attracted the attention of researchers from various fields over the past century. Some have approached the topic with a desire to understand biological life and develop artificial versions; others have examined it as a potentially practical way to use material resources from the moon and Mars to bootstrap the exploration and colonization of the solar system. This review considers both bodies of literature, with an emphasis on the underlying principles required to make self-replicating robotic systems from raw materials a reality. We then illustrate these principles with machines from our laboratory and others and discuss how advances in new manufacturing processes such as 3-D printing can have a synergistic effect in advancing the development of such systems.