bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and sex influence the activation‐dependent stiffness of the pectoralis major
Authors: Setlock Cheryl A. , Lulic‐Kuryllo Tea , Leonardis Joshua M. , Kulik Madison , Lipps David B.
Published: May 2021

The pectoralis major fiber regions contribute uniquely to the mobility and the stability of the shoulder complex. It is unknown how age and sex influence the stiffness of these regions during volitional contractions, but this knowledge is critical to inform clinical interventions targeting the pectoralis major. The aim of the present study was to determine if the activation‐dependent stiffness of the pectoralis major fiber regions differs between the sexes and if it is altered with age. Ultrasound shear wave elastography was used to acquire shear wave velocity from the clavicular and the sternocostal fiber regions of 48 healthy participants, including 24 younger (12 males, 12 females, mean ± SD age 25 ± 4.1 years) and 24 older adults (12 males, 12 females, 55 ± 3.6 years). Participants performed vertical adduction and horizontal flexion torques in neutral and 90° externally rotated shoulder positions, and one of the two shoulder abduction positions (60° and 90°) at varying torque magnitudes (passive, 15% and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction). Separate linear mixed‐effects models were run for each fiber region and shoulder position to determine if the activation‐dependent stiffness differed between the sexes and was altered in older adults. Age‐related alterations in stiffness during volitional contractions were observed in both fiber regions and were dependent on the task. Alterations in activation‐dependent stiffness due to age were more pronounced in females than males. Additionally, females had greater stiffness than males during volitional contractions in both fiber regions. The present findings provide the first line of evidence that the activation‐dependent stiffness of the pectoralis major fiber regions is influenced by sex and changes with age.
Evaluating outcomes of pulsed dye laser therapy combined with intralesional triamcinolone injection after surgical removal of hypertrophic cesarean section scars
Authors: Kim Jee‐Woo , Huh Chang‐Hun , Na Jung‐Im , Hong Joon‐Seok , Yoon Park Jee , Shin Jung‐Won
Published: May 2021

Background

Recently, pulsed dye laser (PDL) combined with triamcinolone intralesional injection (TAILI) has been introduced for surgical scar prevention. However, little is known about this procedure's effectiveness in preventing hypertrophic scar following surgical scar removal.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of early intervention using PDL combined with TAILI after surgical removal of hypertrophic cesarean section (CS) scars.

Methods

The medical records of 35 patients who underwent early intervention using PDL and TAILI after removal of hypertrophic CS scars were retrospectively reviewed. The scars’ average Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores before scar removal and 3 months after the final treatment were compared.

Results

The patients received 4.23 treatments on average and were followed up for a mean period of 7.74 months. The mean final VSS was 3.11 ± 1.52 and was significantly lower than that of the previous VSS (9.29 ± 1.74, p = 0.000). VSS of the previous CS scar, and the presence or absence of keloid formation in other areas, was associated with treatment outcome (p = 0.003 and 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions

Early intervention using PDL combined with TAILI could prevent the recurrence or progression of hypertrophic CS scarring after surgical scar removal.
Investigation of dopaminergic signalling in Meis homeobox 1 (Meis1) deficient mice as an animal model of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Cathiard Lucile , Fraulob Valerie , Lam Daniel D. , Torres Miguel , Winkelmann Juliane , Krężel Wojciech
Published: May 2021

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder in which sensorimotor symptoms lead to sleep disturbances with substantial impact on life quality. RLS is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and Meis homeobox 1 (MEIS1) was identified as the main genetic risk factor. The efficacy of dopaminergic agonists, including dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) agonists, for treating RLS led to the hypothesis of dopaminergic impairment. However, it remains unclear whether it is directly involved in the disease aetiology and what the role of MEIS1 is considering its developmental and postnatal expression in the striatum, a critical structure in motor control. We addressed the role of MEIS1 in striatal dopaminergic signalling in Meis1+/− mice, a valid animal model of RLS, and in Meis1Drd2−/− mice carrying a somatic null mutation of Meis1 in Drd2+ neurones. Motor behaviours, pharmacological exploration of DRD2 signalling, and quantitative analyses of DRD2+ and DRD1+ expressing neurones were investigated. Although Meis1+/− mice displayed an RLS‐like phenotype, including motor hyperactivity at the beginning of the rest phase, no reduction of dopaminoceptive neurones was observed in the striatum. Moreover, the null mutation of Meis1 in DRD2+ cells did not lead to RLS‐like symptoms and dysfunction of the DRD2 pathway. These data indicate that MEIS1 does not modulate DRD2‐dependent signalling in a cell‐autonomous manner. Thus, the efficiency of D2‐like agonists may reflect the involvement of other dopaminergic receptors or normalisation of motor circuit abnormalities downstream from defects caused by MEIS1 dysfunction.
Getting real about nominalism again: Special forum introduction
Authors: Datta Ronjon Paul , Hanemaayer Ariane
Published: May 2021

Nominalism, while significantly affecting the history and development of modern western thought since the fourteenth century, has unfortunately been neglected in much recent social theory. In this article, we offer an introduction to this Special Forum on nominalism to help redress this circumstance. In addition to this introductory piece, the Forum consists of three articles respectively covering: questions of nominalism, relativism and universalism in relation to Enlightenment debates over China; tensions over nominalist and realist theoretical visualities in Durkheim and Weber; and a critique of nominalist sensibilities in the sociology of finance combined with the articulation of a novel sociologically realist alternative. Specifically, in this piece, we contextualize the emergence of nominalism, adumbrating how it affects a variety of metatheoretical judgments, especially concerning the nature of social reality and what can possibly be known about it. Michel Foucault’s nominalism and Ian Hacking’s conception of ‘dynamic nominalism’ are also discussed. Finally, it invites critical realists to consider how commitments to humanism might implicate them in nominalism.
An overview of current population genomics methods for the analysis of whole‐genome resequencing data in eukaryotes
Authors: Bourgeois Yann X. C. , Warren Ben H.
Published: May 2021

Characterizing the population history of a species and identifying loci underlying local adaptation is crucial in functional ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation and agronomy. The constant improvement of high‐throughput sequencing techniques has facilitated the production of whole genome data in a wide range of species. Population genomics now provides tools to better integrate selection into a historical framework, and take into account selection when reconstructing demographic history. However, this improvement has come with a profusion of analytical tools that can confuse and discourage users. Such confusion limits the amount of information effectively retrieved from complex genomic data sets, and impairs the diffusion of the most recent analytical tools into fields such as conservation biology. It may also lead to redundancy among methods. To address these isssues, we propose an overview of more than 100 state‐of‐the‐art methods that can deal with whole genome data. We summarize the strategies they use to infer demographic history and selection, and discuss some of their limitations. A website listing these methods is available at www.methodspopgen.com.
Playing with Information: The Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict in the Russian Press
Authors: Strovsky Dmitry , Schleifer Ron
Published: May 2021

This article examines how the modern Russian press covers the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict, both historically and currently. Since print media are some of the most popular sources of information in Russia, such analysis helps us understand the media's priorities in presenting the conflict to Russian society. The article focuses on the inherently manipulative, albeit hidden, essence and layout of this material, which increases the likelihood of information bias. While the quality of the reporting on this conflict demonstrates the proximity of contemporary Russian media to the interests of the country's ruling powers, it also provides opportunities for the government to influence its audience's comprehension of Middle East politics.
A working partnership: A review of shared decision‐making in nephrology
Authors: Amir Noa , McCarthy Hugh J. , Tong Allison
Published: May 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease are required to make difficult decisions, negotiating between the risks, burdens and benefits for any proposed course. This process can be extremely challenging, since these decisions involve inherent risks, which can impact on survival and quality of life. Shared decision‐making offers a patient‐centred approach in partnering with patients to make decisions about their treatment, which reflect their values and preferences. Shared decision‐making can improve patient preparedness, motivation, satisfaction, and adherence to the treatment or decision agreed upon. In this review article, we outline the key principles of shared decision‐making, and provide a framework with communication strategies to facilitate shared decision‐making. We highlight the broad range and context of decisions faced by patients in several areas of nephrology care and discuss patient‐important outcomes, priorities and motivations that underpin their decision‐making. Preserving patient autonomy through shared decision‐making ensures close consideration of patient preferences to enhance satisfaction with the decision reached and optimize outcomes important to patients.
Variables associated with mobility levels in critically ill patients: A cohort study
Authors: Raurell‐Torredà Marta , Arias‐Rivera Susana , Martí Joan Daniel , Frade‐Mera María Jesús , Zaragoza‐García Ignacio , Gallart Elisabet , Velasco‐Sanz Tamara Raquel , San José‐Arribas Alicia , Blazquez‐Martínez Eva ,   MOviPre group
Published: May 2021

Background

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) helps improve patients' functional status at discharge. However, many barriers hinder this practice.

Aim and objectives

To identify mobility levels acquired by critically ill patients and their variables.

Design

A multi‐centre cohort study was conducted in adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.

Methods

The primary outcome was level of mobility according to the ICU mobility scale. The secondary outcome was human resource availability and existence of ABCDEF bundle guidelines. A logistic regression was performed, based on days 3 to 5 of the ICU stay and significant association with active mobility.

Results

Six hundred and forty‐two patients were included from 80 ICUs. Active moving in and out of bed was found on 9.9% of patient‐days from day 8 of the ICU stay. Bed exercises, or passive transfers, and immobility were observed on 45.6% and 42.2% of patient‐days, respectively. Patients achieving active mobility (189/642, 29.4%) were in ICUs with more physiotherapist hours. Active mobility was more likely with a 1:4 nurse‐patient ratio (odds ratio [OR] 3.7 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.2‐11.2]), high MRC sum‐score (OR 1.05 95% CI [1.04‐1.06]) and presence of delirium (OR 1.01 95% CI [1.00‐1.02]). By contrast, active mobility was hindered by higher BMI (OR 0.92 95% CI [0.88‐0.97]), a 1:3 nurse‐patient ratio (OR 0.54 95% CI [0.32‐0.93]), or a shift‐dependent nurse‐patient ratio (OR 0.27 95% CI [0.12‐0.62]).

Conclusions

Immobility and passive mobilization were prevalent. A high MRC sum‐score and presence of delirium are protective factors of mobilization. A 1:4 nurse‐patient ratio shows a stronger association with active mobility than a 1:3 ratio.

Relevance to clinical practice

Severity‐criteria‐based nurse‐patient ratios hinder mobilization. Active mobilization may be enhanced by using nursing‐intervention‐based ratios, increasing physiotherapist hours, and achieving wider application of the ABCDEF bundle, resulting in more awake, cooperative patients.
Polyploid QTL‐seq towards rapid development of tightly linked DNA markers for potato and sweetpotato breeding through whole‐genome resequencing
Authors: Yamakawa Hiromoto , Haque Emdadul , Tanaka Masaru , Takagi Hiroki , Asano Kenji , Shimosaka Etsuo , Akai Kotaro , Okamoto Satoshi , Katayama Kenji , Tamiya Seiji
Published: May 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.), which are nutritionally and commercially important tuberous crops, possess a perplexing heredity because of their autopolyploid genomes. To reduce cross‐breeding efforts for selecting superior cultivars from progenies with innumerable combinations of traits, DNA markers tightly linked to agronomical traits are required. To develop DNA markers, we developed a method for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping using whole‐genome next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in autopolyploid crops. To apply the NGS‐based bulked segregant method, QTL‐seq was modified. (1) Single parent‐specific simplex (unique for one homologous chromosome) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which present a simple segregation ratio in the progenies, were exploited by filtering SNPs by SNP index (allele frequency). (2) Clusters of SNPs, which were inherited unevenly between bulked progenies with opposite phenotypes, especially those with an SNP index of 0 for the bulk that did not display the phenotypes of interest, were explored. These modifications allowed for separate tracking of alleles located on each of the multiple homologous chromosomes. By applying this method, clusters of SNPs linked to the potato cyst nematode resistance H1 gene and storage root anthocyanin (AN) content were identified in tetraploid potato and hexaploid sweetpotato, respectively, and completely linked DNA markers were developed at the site of the presented SNPs. Thus, polyploid QTL‐seq is a versatile method that is free from specialized manipulation for sequencing and construction of elaborate linkage maps and facilitates rapid development of tightly linked DNA markers in autopolyploid crops, such as potato and sweetpotato.
Highly efficient detoxification of dinitrotoluene by transgenic switchgrass overexpressing bacterial nitroreductase
Authors: Su Kunlong , Wu Zhenying , Liu Yuchen , Jiang Shanshan , Ma Dongmei , Wang Yan , Fu Chunxiang
Published: May 2021

Dinitrotoluene (DNT) has been extensively used in manufacturing munitions, polyurethane foams and other important chemical products. However, it is highly toxic and mutagenic to most organisms. Here, we synthesized a codon‐optimized bacterial nitroreductase gene, NfsI, for plant expression. The kinetic analysis indicates that the recombinant NfsI can detoxify both 2,4‐DNT and its sulfonate (DNTS), while it has a 97.6‐fold higher catalytic efficiency for 2,4‐DNT than DNTS. Furthermore, we overexpressed NfsI in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), which is a multiple‐purpose crop used for fodder and biofuel production as well as phytoremediation. The 2,4‐DNT treatment inhibited root elongation of wild‐type switchgrass plants and promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in roots. In contrast, overexpression of NfsI in switchgrass significantly alleviated 2,4‐DNT‐induced root growth inhibition and ROS overproduction. Thus, the NfsI overexpressing transgenic switchgrass plant removed 94.1% 2,4‐DNT after 6 days, whose efficiency was 1.7‐fold higher than control plants. Moreover, the comparative transcriptome analysis suggests that 22.9% of differentially expressed genes induced by 2,4‐DNT may participate in NfsI‐mediated 2,4‐DNT detoxification in switchgrass. Our work sheds light on the function of NfsI during DNT phytoremediation for the first time, revealing the application potential of switchgrass plants engineered with NfsI.
Rice shaker potassium channel OsAKT2 positively regulates salt tolerance and grain yield by mediating K+ redistribution
Authors: Tian Quanxiang , Shen Like , Luan Junxia , Zhou Zhenzhen , Guo Dongshu , Shen Yue , Jing Wen , Zhang Baolong , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua
Published: May 2021

Maintaining Na+/K+ homeostasis is a critical feature for plant survival under salt stress, which depends on the operation of Na+ and K+ transporters. Although some K+ transporters mediating root K+ uptake have been reported to be essential to the maintenance of Na+/K+ homeostasis, the effect of K+ long‐distance translocation via phloem on plant salt tolerance remains unclear. Here, we provide physiological and genetic evidence of the involvement of phloem‐localized OsAKT2 in rice salt tolerance. OsAKT2 is a K+ channel permeable to K+ but not to Na+. Under salt stress, a T‐DNA knock‐out mutant, osakt2 and two CRISPR lines showed a more sensitive phenotype and higher Na+ accumulation than wild type. They also contained more K+ in shoots but less K+ in roots, showing higher Na+/K+ ratios. Disruption of OsAKT2 decreases K+ concentration in phloem sap and inhibits shoot‐to‐root redistribution of K+. In addition, OsAKT2 also regulates the translocation of K+ and sucrose from old leaves to young leaves, and affects grain shape and yield. These results indicate that OsAKT2‐mediated K+ redistribution from shoots to roots contributes to maintenance of Na+/K+ homeostasis and inhibition of root Na+ uptake, providing novel insights into the roles of K+ transporters in plant salt tolerance.
Association of sleep duration on workdays or free days and social jetlag with job stress
Authors: Takaesu Yoshikazu , Shimura Akiyoshi , Komada Yoko , Futenma Kunihiro , Ishii Miho , Sugiura Ko , Watanabe Koichiro , Inoue Yuichi
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sleep problems on job stress in office workers.

Methods

This study included 4645 office workers from 29 companies who completed the study questionnaires between April 2017 and April 2019 in Japan. Sleep duration was assessed based on the participants' subjective sleep schedule on workdays and free days. The midpoint of sleep on free days (sleep‐corrected) and social jetlag were calculated in accordance with the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. To assess job stress, we used the 57‐item Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with high job stress in office workers: a sleep duration <6 h on workdays (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.46–2.15, P < 0.001), a sleep duration <6 h on free days (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05–1.87, P = 0.022), a sleep duration of at least 8 h on free days (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.06–1.60, P = 0.011), and more than 2 h of social jetlag (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.70, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

This study suggests that insufficient sleep, long sleep durations on free days, and social jetlag may be associated with high job stress in office workers.
Comparison of cystatin C, creatinine, and iohexol clearance in pediatric liver transplantation—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bluhme Emil , Malenicka Silvia , Fischler Bjorn , Nemeth Antal , Berg Ulla B. , Jorns Carl
Published: May 2021

Impaired renal function after pediatric (LT) is a recognized problem. Accurate monitoring of (GFR) is imperative to detect declining renal function. GFR can be estimated via s‐creatinine and/or p‐cystatin C or measured by inulin and or/iohexol clearances. We retrospectively compared eGFRcrea and eGFRcyst, to mGFRiohex after LT. Data from 91 children with 312 concomitant measurements of s‐creatinine, p‐cystatin C, and iohexol clearance, obtained between 2007 and 2015, were analyzed. eGFR was calculated by using the p‐cystatin C‐based CAPA and CKD‐EPI formulas, and the s‐creatinine‐based Schwartz‐LYON, FAS, revised Schwartz and MDRD formulas. Also, the arithmetic means of cystatin C‐based and creatinine‐based equations were used. Every calculated eGFR was compared to mGFRiohex in statistical correlation, accuracy, precision, bias, and misclassifications. Among the different equations, p‐cystatin C‐based formulas (CAPA and CKD‐EPI) as well as the s‐creatinine‐based Schwartz‐LYON formula showed the most correct estimates regarding accuracy (84–87.5%), bias (0.19–4.0 ml/min/1.73 m2), and misclassification rate (24.7–25%). In patients with renal function <75 ml/min/1.73 m2, cystatin C‐based formulas were significantly more accurate and less biased than creatinine‐based formulas. In conclusion, S‐creatinine could be used in a clinical setting on a regular basis in liver transplanted pediatric patients, with reliable results, if eGFR is calculated by the Schwartz‐LYON formula. When suspected renal dysfunction, cystatin C‐based eGFR should be calculated, since it gives more accurate and less biased estimates than creatinine‐based eGFR, and should be confirmed by mGFR (iohexol).
Volatile signature indicates viability of dormant orthodox seeds
Authors: Michalak Marcin , Plitta‐Michalak Beata P. , Nadarajan Jayanthi , Colville Louise
Published: May 2021

All seeds eventually die even under optimal storage conditions. The moment of viability loss is difficult to predict and detect. In order to differentiate between dead and viable dormant orthodox seeds, GC–MS analysis was used to non‐invasively evaluate the volatile signature of seeds of Pyrus communis L. and Sorbus aucuparia L. Dormant seeds are capable of extended metabolic depression. However, their low metabolic rate remains largely unquantified, and there are no measurements of metabolites, i.e. volatile organic compounds (VOC) for physiologically dormant seeds during storage. Therefore, to address this issue, seeds were stored at a broad range of moisture content (MC) ranging from 2 to 30% under cryogenic (−196°C), cool (5°C) and elevated (40°C) temperatures. Volatile emission was highly dependent on seed MC and storage temperature and was higher under conditions associated with seed viability loss. However, changes in the emission of volatiles entrapped in seeds and released during 24 h after storage were detected for all conditions, providing insight into the processes occurring in dry dormant seeds. Among the 36 volatiles identified, three (acetaldehyde, ethanol, ethyl acetate) were highly correlated with seed germinability and show potential for the non‐invasive screening of viability. Significantly, all three VOC are derived mostly from glycolysis and peroxidation and were detected even under very low moisture and temperature storage conditions. This is the first study to report on VOC accumulation and emission from physiologically dormant seeds and provide a broader view into their viability.
The breathing brain: The potential of neural oscillations for the understanding of respiratory perception in health and disease
Authors: Jelinčić Valentina , Van Diest Ilse , Torta Diana M. , von Leupoldt Andreas
Published: May 2021

Dyspnea or breathlessness is a symptom occurring in multiple acute and chronic illnesses, however, the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying its subjective experience is limited. In this topical review, we propose neural oscillatory dynamics and cross‐frequency coupling as viable candidates for a neural mechanism underlying respiratory perception, and a technique warranting more attention in respiration research. With the evidence for the potential of neural oscillations in the study of normal and disordered breathing coming from disparate research fields with a limited history of interdisciplinary collaboration, the main objective of the review was to converge the existing research and suggest future directions. The existing findings show that distinct limbic and cortical activations, as measured by hemodynamic responses, underlie dyspnea, however, the time‐scale of these activations is not well understood. The recent findings of oscillatory neural activity coupled with the respiratory rhythm could provide the solution to this problem, however, more research with a focus on dyspnea is needed. We also touch on the findings of distinct spectral patterns underlying the changes in breathing due to experimental manipulations, meditation and disease. Subsequently, we suggest general research directions and specific research designs to supplement the current knowledge using neural oscillation techniques. We argue for the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration and the converging of neuroimaging and behavioral methods to best explain the emergence of the subjective and aversive individual experience of dyspnea.
Living with an ever‐present breathlessness: Women’s experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV
Authors: Ekdahl Ann , Söderberg Siv , Rising‐Holmström Malin
Published: May 2021

Background

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV has a major impact on a person's everyday life. This qualitative study focuses on women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe women's experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV.

Method

A purposive sample of fifteen women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV participated in the study. Data were collected through individual semi‐structured interviews that were subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Findings

One theme was identified, stabilizing an ever‐present breathlessness by restoring strength, and three categories are as follows: managing a restricted everyday life as an expert of their illness, being afraid of contracting infections leading to suffocation and suffering and importance of continuous help and support from significant others and digital media. Breathlessness restricted women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, living with a body they have to wait for. Managing everyday life was adapted to their limited abilities and energy. This required detailed planning, good knowledge of their breathing and body. Women were afraid of contracting life‐threatening infections that caused suffering, especially COVID‐19. The fear leads to isolation and digital media was described as an important means of communication. Significant others gave support and help that was practical and emotional. Women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced lack of continuous help and support from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Stabilizing an ever‐present breathlessness by restoring strength required women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV to conduct detailed planning to manage everyday life. Being afraid of contracting infections and the consequences of suffocation had increased since the pandemic COVID‐19 outbreak, which led to self‐isolation and an inactive everyday life. To get help, support and socialize, women used digital media.
Contribution of integrative taxonomy to tracking interspecific hybridisations between the biological control agent Torymus sinensis and its related taxa
Authors: Viciriuc Ionela‐Mădălina , Thaon Marcel , Moriya Seiichi , Warot Sylvie , Zhang Jinping , Aebi Alexandre , Ris Nicolas , Fusu Lucian , Borowiec Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Native to China, the chestnut gall wasps Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) has invaded several countries on three continents in about half a century. To reduce the negative impact on the chestnut industry, the hymenopteran parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) was firstly translocated from China to Japan and then from Japan to other countries. From an agronomic point of view, this classical biological control programme is perceived as a great success story even if in Japan it was overshadowed by evidence of hybridisation with the indigenous species Torymus beneficus Yasumatsu & Kamijo. Based on numerous specimens collected in France and Italy but also in Asia, as well as on published data, we detected molecular and phenotypic signatures of a possible hybridisation. Our results evidenced for the first time that the European stock of T. sinensis has some rare molecular signatures of historical hybridisation that took place in Japan (0.66% of the mitochondrial haplotypes). Our morphometric study also shows that European and Japanese T. sinensis are morphologically intermediate between the two species that hybridised. The identity of the early‐ and late‐season strains of T. beneficus is discussed. Torymus beneficus late‐season strain (TbL) is considered to be the same as T. sinensis and only the early‐season strain (TbE) is the true T. beneficus. Torymus beneficus is morphologically very close to T. sinensis, and the interspecific distance of COI, though large, is comparable with the larger intraspecific variability found in other Chalcidoidea species. Though the two could be regarded as subspecies, for the stability of nomenclature it is better to continue treating them as distinct species.
Intrauterine contraception
Authors: Ritchie Joanne , Phelan Nicholas , Briggs Paula
Published: May 2021

Key content

An intrauterine device (IUD), also known as intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or intrauterine contraception (IUC) offers reliable long‐acting reversible contraception; however, some patients can be hesitant to choose this option because of misconceptions about side effects and perceived complications. A comprehensive knowledge of IUC is required to allow adequate counselling and to dispel myths.

There are many different methods of IUC, including four different levonorgestrel‐containing intrauterine systems (LNG‐IUS) and multiple different copper intrauterine devices, with different insertion techniques.

Considering contraception is important at several life stages, including post‐delivery, post‐termination of pregnancy and around the menopause; these will require different counselling.

The use of IUC can have noncontraceptive benefits, including relief of heavy menstrual bleeding, management of menopause and premenstrual syndrome and reducing gynaecological cancer risk.

Learning objectives

To learn the different types of IUC, including the different indications and possible complications.

To understand the noncontraceptive benefits of IUC.

To understand the challenges faced when a patient is hesitant to consider IUC.
Design, Simulation, and Experimental Validation of Thermally Infused Hydraulic Ram Pump
Authors: Mebrat Ashenafi Abebe , Tadesse Yilma , Beyene Asfaw
Published: May 2021

Hydraulic ram pump (HRP), also known as hydram, lifts water without using external power input. Its low performance combined with affordability of fuels has put this otherwise longstanding technology in the backburner of science and research for a long time, yielding to electric or fuel powered pumps. However, growing concerns about the impacts of fossil fuel use on the environment as well as the rising price of electricity has generated a renewed interest in such technology. The ram pump's operation in remote areas where power grid is not available adds research value on the technology. In this project, a novel approach, i.e., adding thermal energy to the flow to assist the water hammer pressure was modeled. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted using ansys. The results were validated experimentally in a 32 mm (27 mm internal diameter) drive pipe and a supply head of 2.18 m ram pump. The Analytical approach was more conservative. The results between simulation and experiment were fairly consistent, with only 6.99% error for pressure, and 10.16% for flowrate. The results show that pressure increased from 183.33 kPa to 342.32 kPa when thermally assisted to reach 150 °C. The experimental discharge flow increased from 11.72 l/min to 16.41 l/min for the corresponding temperature, a 42.01% increase.
Improving Pulmonary Nano-Therapeutics Using Helical Aerosol Streams - An In-Silico Study
Authors: Gurumurthy Adithya , Kleinstreuer Clement
Published: May 2021

The increasing prevalence of pulmonary ailments including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), lung tuberculosis and lung cancer, coupled with the success of pulmonary therapy has led to a plethora of scientific research focusing on improving the efficacy of pulmonary drug delivery systems. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanoengineering help achieve this by developing stable, potent, inhalable nano-size drug formulations that potentially increase dosages at target sites with significant therapeutic effects. In this study, we numerically analyze a novel methodology of incorporating helical air-nanoparticle streams for pulmonary nano-therapeutics, using a customized version of the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) toolbox OpenFOAM. As nanoparticles predominantly follow streamlines, helical airflow transports them in a centralized core along the human upper respiratory tract, thereby minimizing deposition and hence waste on the oropharyngeal walls, potentially also reducing the risk of drug-induced toxicity in healthy tissues. Advancing our previous study on micron-particle dynamics, helical streams are shown to improve the delivery of nanodrugs, to deeper lung regions when compared to a purely axial fluid-particle jet. For example, an optimal helical stream featuring a volumetric flow rate of 30 l/min, increased the delivery of 300 nm-particles to regions beyond generation 3 by 5%, in comparison to a conventional axial jet. Results from regional deposition studies are presented, to demonstrate the robustness of helical flows in pulmonary drug delivery; thus, paving the way towards successful implementation of the novel methodology in nanotherapeutics.
Sources of Error When Measuring Achilles Tendon Mechanics During the Stance Phase of Running
Authors: Krikelis Giorgos , Pain Matthew T. G. , Furlong Laura-Anne M.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the use of methods to investigate muscle–tendon unit function that combine motion capture with ultrasound (MoCapUS) has increased. Although several limitations and individual errors of these methods have been reported, the total error from all the potential sources together has not been estimated. The aim of this study was to establish the total error in the Achilles tendon (AT) measurements, specifically its length (ATL), strain (ATS), and moment arm (ATMA) acquired with MoCapUS during running. The total error from digitizing, marker movement, ultrasound calibration, and probe rotation errors caused mean ATL error of 4.2 ± 0.6 mm, mean ATMA error of 0.1 ± 0.1 mm, and could potentially alter measured ATS by a mean 2.9 ± 0.2%. Correcting both the calcaneus insertion position (CIP) and properly synchronizing ultrasound and motion capture data caused changes of up to 5.4 ± 1.7 mm in ATL and 11.6 ± 1.3 mm in ATMA. CIP correction and synchronization caused a similar amount of change in ATL, as well as ATS. However, the ATMA change was almost exclusively due to the CIP correction. Finally, if all sources of error were combined, the total ATL error could reach 13.1 mm, the total ATMA error could reach 14.4 mm, and ATS differences could reach up to  ± 6.7%. The magnitude of such errors emphasizes the fact that MoCapUS-based AT measurements must be interpreted within the scope of their corresponding errors.
Are Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Compressive Forces Different in Uphill Compared to Level Walking for Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Thorsen Tanner , Wen Chen , Zhang Songning
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine how tibiofemoral joint compressive forces and knee joint-spanning muscle forces during uphill walking change compared to level walking in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A musculoskeletal model capable of resolving total (TCF), medial (MCF), and lateral (LCF) tibiofemoral compressive forces was used to determine compressive forces and muscle forces during level and uphill walking on a 10 deg incline for twenty-five post-TKA patients. A 2 × 2 (slope: level and 10 deg × limb: replaced and nonreplaced) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to detect differences in knee contact forces between slope and limb conditions and their interaction. Peak loading-response TCF, MCF, and LCF were greater during uphill walking than level walking for nonreplaced limbs. During uphill walking, peak loading-response TCF was smaller in replaced limbs compared to nonreplaced limbs with no change in MCF or LCF. Peak knee extension moment and knee extensor muscle force were smaller in replaced limbs compared to nonreplaced limbs during uphill walking. During level walking, replaced and nonreplaced limbs experienced rather equal joint loading; however, replaced limb experienced reduced joint loading during uphill walking. Differences in joint loading between replaced and nonreplaced limbs were not present during level walking, suggesting compensation from the replaced limb during the more difficult task. Uphill walking following TKA promotes more balanced loading of replaced limbs during stance; however, these benefits may come at the expense of increased loading on nonreplaced limbs.
Vibratory Conveying by Harmonic Longitudinal and Polyharmonic Normal Vibrations of Inclined Conveying Track
Authors: Ihor Vrublevskyi
Published: May 2021

Vibratory conveying of a material point by harmonic longitudinal and polyharmonic normal vibrations of an inclined conveying surface is considered. The dependence of dimensionless conveying velocity—a ratio of velocity to the product of frequency and amplitude of longitudinal vibration—on several dimensionless parameters is investigated in the moving modes without hopping. Maximal conveying velocity is achieved at the certain values of normal vibration amplitudes and phase difference angle between the longitudinal and normal vibrations, which are called optimal. Their values are dependent on two dimensionless parameters: the inclination angle parameter—a ratio of an inclination angle tangent to a frictional coefficient, the intensive vibration coefficient—a ratio of the longitudinal amplitude of vibration to the amplitude of the first harmonic of normal vibration and frictional coefficient. In a condition of the intensive longitudinal vibration, when its amplitude significantly greater than amplitudes of normal vibration, dimensionless velocity is almost independent of the intensive vibration parameter and it depends only on inclination angle parameter, i.e., on inclination angle and frictional coefficient. The optimal values of harmonics’ amplitudes of polyharmonic normal vibration are determined in dependence of inclination angle parameter with the number of harmonics from 2 to 7. The graphs of considered dependencies are presented and the most important values of parameters are presented in the table. Conclusions are made to determine the optimal vibration parameters and the problems of further research are indicated. The considered vibrations can be used in different vibratory conveying devices with electromagnetic drives.
Active Vibration Control of a Multi-Degree-of-Freedom System via Twin Rotor Damper
Authors: Terrill Richard , Starossek Uwe
Published: May 2021

The twin rotor damper (TRD), an active mass damping device, is used for the vibration control of a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) system of oscillators. A single TRD unit consists of two eccentric control masses rotating about two parallel axes. In its principle mode of operation, the continuous rotation mode (CRM), the control masses rotate with a constant angular velocity in opposite directions; producing a monofrequent harmonic control force in an energy and power efficient manner. Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of the TRD in the CRM for systems with a single dominate mode of vibration. In this paper, the application of a single and multiple TRD units operating in the CRM is investigated for the control of a MDOF system of oscillators. The influence of the monofrequent control force produced by the TRD on the MDOF system of oscillators is investigated analytically. Subsequently, the analysis is inverted and the influence of the MDOF system of oscillators on the TRD is studied, in particular its power efficiency and damping performance. Finally, the power efficiency and damping performance of the TRD for the control of a system with two modes of vibration is analytically compared with that of a conventional active mass damping (CAMD) device. It is shown that in most cases, the TRD achieves greater damping performance in a more power efficient manner than a conventional active mass damper of similar size and mass.
Effect of Ultralow Concentrated Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanofluid on Radiator Performance
Authors: Ponangi Babu Rao , Krishna V. , Seetharamu K. N.
Published: May 2021

Nanocoolants are engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in a conventional coolant (water–ethylene glycol). Use of metals and metallic oxide nanofluids at concentrations greater than 0.01 vol % has been studied in greater detail compared to functionalized graphene nanofluids. In the present work, an experimental investigation is carried out on an automobile radiator by changing the conventional coolant to reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocoolant. The present study focuses on the effect of ultralow nanoparticle concentration (0.002–0.006 vol %), Reynolds number of hot coolant (80–170), Reynolds number of air (210–270), and inlet temperature of hot coolant (40 °C and 60 °C). The effect of these parameters on the performance of the radiator is measured in terms of convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC), Nusselt number, friction factor, and effectiveness. Results indicate that at 0.006 vol % concentration, there is a maximum increase of 100.5% and 111%, respectively, in CHTC and effectiveness, besides a reduction in friction factor. RGO nanocoolant offers great scope for reducing the radiator size and increasing its performance.
The Role of Secondary Flows and Separation in Convective Heat Transfer in a Rotating Radial Vane Brake Disk
Authors: Atkins Michael D. , Kienhöfer Frank W. , Lu Tian Jian , Chang Se-Myong , Kim Tongbeum
Published: May 2021

This study presents, for the first time, distributions of local internal temperature and convective heat transfer in a rotating radial vane brake disk and explains mechanisms in conjunction with secondary flows and flow separation within its ventilated coolant passages. In particular, variations of radial, circumferential (vane-to-vane), and axial (inboard-to-outboard) heat transfer on internal end-wall surfaces, and their alteration due to varying number of radial vanes and rotating speed are experimentally detailed. It has been demonstrated that conventional ventilated radial brake disks where the air inflow is drawn from the inboard face are likely to suffer substantial axial variations of temperature and heat transfer between the inboard and outboard disks, which possibly exacerbates thermal distortion (i.e., coning). Further, for a typical number of vanes (i.e., 36 vanes) used on automobiles, internal thermal distributions are highly nonuniform. However, the thermal end-wall uniformity improves considerably as the number of vanes is increased to say 72 vanes. Specifically, as the number of vanes is increased, secondary flow mixing enhances overall convective heat transfer and improves thermal uniformity. In contrast, separation causes large end-wall thermal nonuniformities in radial and circumferential distributions between the pressure side and the suction side of radial vanes. This effect nonetheless also decreases as the number of vanes is increased.
Cardiovascular Effects of Aerobic Exercise With Self-Selected or Predetermined Intensity in Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Barros Tércio A.R. , do Prado Wagner L. , Tenório Thiago R.S. , Ritti-Dias Raphael M. , Germano-Soares Antônio H. , Balagopal Babu P. , Hill James O. , Freitas-Dias Ricardo
Published: May 2021

This study compared the effects of self-selected exercise intensity (SEI) versus predetermined exercise intensity (PEI) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in adolescents with obesity. A total of 37 adolescents, 14.7 (1.6) years old, body mass index ≥95th percentile were randomly allocated into SEI (n = 18; 12 boys) or PEI (n = 19; 13 boys). Both groups exercised for 35 minutes on a treadmill, 3 times per week, for 12 weeks. The SEI could set the speed at the beginning of the sessions and make changes every 5 minutes. The PEI adolescents were trained at an intensity set at 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve. Brachial and central BP, pulse pressure, augmentation index, and carotid–femoral pulse wave were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups reduced brachial systolic BP (SEI, Δ = −9 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = −4 mm Hg; P < .01), central systolic BP (SEI, Δ = −4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = −4 mm Hg; P = .01), and central pulse pressure (SEI, Δ = −4 mm Hg; PEI, Δ = −3 mm Hg; P = .02) without differences between groups. No changes in the augmentation index and carotid–femoral pulse wave were observed in either group. The SEI induced similar changes in various cardiovascular outcomes compared with PEI in adolescents with obesity.
Pristine quantum criticality in a Kondo semimetal
Authors: Fuhrman Wesley T. , Sidorenko Andrey , Hänel Jonathan , Winkler Hannes , Prokofiev Andrey , Rodriguez-Rivera Jose A. , Qiu Yiming , Blaha Peter , Si Qimiao , Broholm Collin L. , Paschen Silke
Published: May 2021

Thermodynamic and inelastic neutron scattering data evidence dynamical scaling in quantum critical candidate Weyl-Kondo semimetal.
Robotic hand augmentation drives changes in neural body representation
Authors: Kieliba Paulina , Clode Danielle , Maimon-Mor Roni O. , Makin Tamar R.
Published: May 2021

Skillful Third Thumb hand augmentation can be readily learned but may influence user’s body representation and motor control.
Gene therapy restores dopamine transporter expression and ameliorates pathology in iPSC and mouse models of infantile parkinsonism
Authors: Ng Joanne , Barral Serena , De La Fuente Barrigon Carmen , Lignani Gabriele , Erdem Fatma A. , Wallings Rebecca , Privolizzi Riccardo , Rossignoli Giada , Alrashidi Haya , Heasman Sonja , Meyer Esther , Ngoh Adeline , Pope Simon , Karda Rajvinder , Perocheau Dany , Baruteau Julien , Suff Natalie , Antinao Diaz Juan , Schorge Stephanie , Vowles Jane , Marshall Lucy R. , Cowley Sally A. , Sucic Sonja , Freissmuth Michael , Counsell John R. , Wade-Martins Richard , Heales Simon J. R. , Rahim Ahad A. , Bencze Maximilien , Waddington Simon N. , Kurian Manju A.
Published: May 2021

Viral vectors restore dopamine transporter function and ameliorate neuropathology in iPSC-derived neurons and a mouse model of infantile parkinsonism.
cIAP1/2 antagonism eliminates MHC class I–negative tumors through T cell–dependent reprogramming of mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Roehle Kevin , Qiang Li , Ventre Katherine S. , Heid Daniel , Ali Lestat R. , Lenehan Patrick , Heckler Max , Crowley Stephanie J. , Stump Courtney T. , Ro Gabrielle , Godicelj Anže , Bhuiyan Aladdin M. , Yang Annan , Quiles del Rey Maria , Biary Tamara , Luoma Adrienne M. , Bruck Patrick T. , Tegethoff Jana F. , Nopper Svenja L. , Li Jinyang , Byrne Katelyn T. , Pelletier Marc , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Stanger Ben Z. , Akin James J. , Mancias Joseph D. , Agudo Judith , Dougan Michael , Dougan Stephanie K.
Published: May 2021

T cell–dependent reprogramming of intratumoral macrophages by cIAP1/2 inhibition leads to control of MHC class I–negative pancreatic cancer in mice.
Complete Genome Sequence of Longicatena caecimuris Strain 3BBH23, Isolated from Healthy Japanese Feces
Authors: Ogata Yusuke , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya , Hattori Masahira , Suda Wataru
Published: May 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the
Longicatena caecimuris
strain 3BBH23, isolated from a healthy human Japanese feces sample. The genome is composed of a circular chromosome of 3,103,757 bp in length with a 38.3% GC content.