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The development of lipid-based mRNA delivery systems has significantly facilitated recent advances in mRNA-based therapeutics. Liposomes, as the pioneering class of mRNA vectors, continue to lead in clinical trials. We previously developed a histidylated liposome that demonstrated efficient nucleic acid delivery. In this study, the liposome preparation process was optimized by freeze-drying followed by extrusion to homogenize size distribution and improve storage stability. A comprehensive characterization of these LYX liposomes was performed, including evaluation in cellular and murine animal models. LYX liposomes can be stored for up to one year at 4 °C, maintaining a stable size (150 ± 10 nm) and polydispersity index (0.10 ± 0.02), while preserving their transfection efficacy. They exhibit high encapsulation efficacy (∼95 %) and protect mRNA from RNase degradation. Lamellar organization was confirmed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering and CryoTEM, and intracellular trafficking was examined using confocal microscopy. LYX-mRNA lipoplexes can transfect both cell lines and primary cells, albeit with a lower transfection efficacy compared to the commercial Lipofectamine MessengerMAX™ vector. Our data suggest that this could be attributed to slower cell uptake and reduced endosomal escape of LYX. LYX liposomes effectively delivered mRNA encoding therapeutic BMP2 and BMP9 molecules, producing significant amounts of functional proteins that successfully induced BMP signaling. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrated the potential of LYX lipoplexes when incorporated into hydrogels and implanted subcutaneously in mice. These findings provided evidence that LYX liposomes are a promising platform for mRNA delivery, offering versatility for multiple applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aplastic anaemia in infants and young children presents unique challenges due to high prevalence of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) in this age group. The objective of this study is assessing clinical characteristics and outcomes of haematopoietic cell transplantation in children ≤5 years with bone marrow failure syndromes. We analysied 106 patients (66% males), median age 4.6 years, including 40 with Fanconi anaemia (FA), 32 with Acquired Severe Aplastic anaemia (aSAA), 15 with Diamond–Blackfan Anaemia, 11 with Amegakaryocytic Purpura and 8 with other IBMFS. Molecular testing was limited (39%), with 25.4% confirmed genetically. Retrospective longitudinal study across three paediatric transplantation centres (1982–2020). Overall survival (OS) was 76.4% over a median 10‐year follow‐up. OS rates were similar between aSAA and IBMFS (FA 77.5%, other IBMFS 76.5%). Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was lower in aSAA (9.4%) compared with IBMFS (16.2%). Recent years showed improved outcomes, with TRM declining post‐2010. Choice of stem cell source impacted OS, favouring bone marrow over umbilical cord, but showing encouraging results with haploidentical. Late complications were common, including endocrine‐metabolic issues and delayed neuropsychomotor development. Diagnosing and managing bone marrow failures in young children pose significant challenges. Despite advancements in transplant practices, ongoing vigilance and comprehensive care are necessary to improve long‐term survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aplastic anaemia in infants and young children presents unique challenges due to high prevalence of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) in this age group. The objective of this study is assessing clinical characteristics and outcomes of haematopoietic cell transplantation in children ≤5 years with bone marrow failure syndromes. We analysied 106 patients (66% males), median age 4.6 years, including 40 with Fanconi anaemia (FA), 32 with Acquired Severe Aplastic anaemia (aSAA), 15 with Diamond–Blackfan Anaemia, 11 with Amegakaryocytic Purpura and 8 with other IBMFS. Molecular testing was limited (39%), with 25.4% confirmed genetically. Retrospective longitudinal study across three paediatric transplantation centres (1982–2020). Overall survival (OS) was 76.4% over a median 10‐year follow‐up. OS rates were similar between aSAA and IBMFS (FA 77.5%, other IBMFS 76.5%). Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was lower in aSAA (9.4%) compared with IBMFS (16.2%). Recent years showed improved outcomes, with TRM declining post‐2010. Choice of stem cell source impacted OS, favouring bone marrow over umbilical cord, but showing encouraging results with haploidentical. Late complications were common, including endocrine‐metabolic issues and delayed neuropsychomotor development. Diagnosing and managing bone marrow failures in young children pose significant challenges. Despite advancements in transplant practices, ongoing vigilance and comprehensive care are necessary to improve long‐term survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining immunity is important because it can prevent infection of various viruses. One way to maintain immunity is by consuming herbal plants. The properties and benefits of several herbal plants that are often used as kitchen spices have been explained scientifically in the book Herbal Spices for Kitchen. In Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, turmeric, which is rich in curcumin, is usually used as a wound medicine by rural communities. Likewise, ginger, which has a spicy taste, is often used by rural communities to warm cold babies by occasionally placing it on the baby's armpit. Meanwhile, lemongrass is usually used to add flavor to dishes at parties. Based on consideration of the local community's experience in using these three plants and combined with scientific studies, it was deemed necessary to analyze the content of phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as antioxidant activity in a mixture of turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass with the ratio of 50% turmeric, 33.33% ginger, 16.67% lemongrass. The distribution of phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, even in the mixture of turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass plants is very strong antioxidant activity as indicated by the IC50 value of the mixture of 4.817 μg/ml. The composition of the mixture of turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass can contribute to maintaining and even strengthening the body's immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hans Blumenberg’s late idea of thoughtfulness, which the philosopher presented as an acceptance speech on the occasion of the Sigmund Freud Prize for Scientific Prose awarded to him in 1981, formulates a (seemingly) simple claim: thoughtfulness means a reduction of the self-evident – beyond the limiting horizon of methodological regulations and conceptuality. But how can we dismantle what is self-evident? How can we describe what is reminiscent of the life-world in the preliminary stage of a concept? This article takes up these open questions and, based on them, attempts to take thoughtfulness seriously as a poietic form of thinking. It becomes clear that Blumenberg’s thoughtfulness is not merely the (self-)reflective reaction to the »speech situation« of a philosophy committed to unambiguity. Rather, it relies – conversely – on the philosophical production of ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The journal for Aesthetics and General Art Studies (ZÄK) published an article titled "Poetics of Phenomenology". The authors Anatol Heller and Robert Loth discuss the linguistic and rhetorical procedures of phenomenology in relation to consciousness, phenomena, and their genesis. They examine the poetological signature of phenomenology and discuss the connection between phenomenology and literature. The articles in the focus illuminate the textual strategies and linguistic detours of phenomenology critically and functionalistically. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: In recent years, the number of elderly cochlear implant (CI) candidates is continuously rising. In addition to the audiological improvement, other positive effects of CI treatment can also be observed in clinical routine. The "quality of life" as a parameter of success directly experienced by the patient is increasingly becoming the focus of clinical research. Although there are already clear indications of a rapid and significant improvement in quality of life, there is still a lack of systematic, prospectively collected longitudinal long-term data in patients over the age of 65. Methods: This prospective longitudinal observational study included 31 patients between the age of 71 and 92 years who had first been treated unilaterally with a CI 6 years ago. In addition to free-field monosyllable recognition, quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale-old (WHOQL-OLD). The results were compared with the data from our previous study, in which we focused on the short- and medium-term effects on quality of life. In both studies, the same patient population was examined. In addition, these study data were compared with an age-matched average population. Results: In speech recognition, there was no significant change from the control 6 months postoperatively compared with the results 6 years postoperatively. No significant changes occurred in the total quality of life score or any of the other six facets of quality of life when comparing the results 6 months postoperatively with the results 6 years postoperatively. In "Social participation", the CI patients even exceed the values of the age-matched average population 6 years after treatment. Conclusion: Improvement in the quality of life and especially in social participation appears stable over many years in elderly patients after hearing rehabilitation with a CI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles proposing a new core with maltodextrin using the coprecipitation method in an alkaline medium, with the potential application in magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment. The syntheses followed a 32 factorial design for optimization, investigating the impact of two parameters: concentrations of Fe2+ and Fe3+ (0.02, 0.06, and 0.1 mol L−1) and maltodextrin mass (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 g). Characterization methods reveal that the synthesized nanoparticles have the magnetite phase (Fe3O4) with an average crystallite size ranging from 6.3 to 12.5 nm, within the expected size range. The nanoparticles show superparamagnetic properties. Despite maltodextrin being present on the nanoparticle surfaces, it was observed to be ineffective in mitigating the aggregation and agglomeration phenomenon. In magnetic hyperthermia tests, the majority of samples reached and surpassed 43 °C during the analyses, corresponding to the therapeutic temperature. Furthermore, the ILP values ranged from 0.02 to 0.16 nH m2 kg−1. Statistical evaluation concluded that optimal synthesis parameters involve a higher concentration of iron precursors and lower amounts of maltodextrin. The M-53 cells exposed to two distinct concentrations of nanoparticles exhibited non-cytotoxicity but displayed limited cellular internalization into the cells. These properties render them a promising material for magnetic hyperthermia in oncological treatment. Further studies are necessary to determine the viability of the new coating route with maltodextrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to quantify the neck-related disability in adult women with Chiari malformation type I and identify the significantly related variables. A total of 70 variables were selected from the self-report history questionnaires (12 variables; n = 474), standardized scales (15 variables; n = 474), and morphometric data (43 variables; n = 293–474) of adult women with Chiari malformation type I. The variables were tested independently to identify those with a significant relationship to the Neck Disability Index (NDI; P < 0.00071) and those that might be associated with the NDI (P < 0.05). A forward selection regression model was constructed to identify the variables contributing unique variance to the NDI. In addition, a mediation analysis was performed to determine whether depression mediated the relationship between pain and disability. Overall, 79.5% of the patients had scored at a moderate level of disability or higher. Independent testing identified 16 significant variables, including symptom duration, tonsillar position, and measures of psychological distress. The short-form McGill pain questionnaire-2 (r = 0.69; P < 0.00001) and CES-D scale for depression (r = 0.56; P < 0.00001) exhibited the highest correlations with the NDI. The forward selection regression model produced an R 2 of 0.6178. Pain and depression accounted for more than one half of the NDI variance. We found that high levels of disability are common among adult women with Chiari malformation type I, independent of surgical status. Pain and depression were the primary factors related to this disability. Depression mediated the relationship between pain intensity and disability at a modest level (5%). Patients who had experienced symptoms for >2 years before diagnosis had had, on average, 77% higher NDI scores, highlighting the importance of a timely diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bilateral cochlear implantation is an effective treatment for patients with bilateral profound hearing loss. In contrast to children, adults mostly choose a sequential surgery. This study addresses whether simultaneous bilateral CI is associated with higher rates of complications compared to sequential implantation. Methods: 169 bilateral CI surgeries were analyzed retrospectively. 34 of the patients were implanted simultaneously (group 1), whereas 135 patients were implanted sequentially (group 2). The duration of surgery, the incidence of minor and major complications and the duration of hospitalization of both groups were compared. Results: In group 1, the total operating room time was significantly shorter. The incidences of minor and major surgical complications showed no statistically significant differences. A fatal non-surgical complication in group 1 was particularly extensively reappraised without evidence of a causal relationship to the chosen mode of care. The duration of hospitalization was 0.7 days longer than in unilateral implantation but 2.8 days shorter than the combined two hospital stays in group 2. Conclusion: In the synopsis of all considered complications and complication-relevant factors, equivalence of simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation in adults in terms of safety was found. However, potential side effects related to longer surgical time in simultaneous surgery must be considered individually. Careful patient selection with special consideration to existing comorbidities and preoperative anesthesiologic evaluation is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a promising diagnostic tool for melanoma diagnosis. With the proposed terahertz biosensor, it was possible to selectively and sensitively detect the early growth response protein 2, a transcription factor with an increased activity in melanoma cells, from a complex sample of cellular proteins. Fundamentally, the sensor belongs to the frequency selective surface type metamaterials and consists of a two-dimensional array of asymmetrically, doubly split ring resonator unit cells. The single elements are slits in a metallic layer and are complemented by an undercut etch. This allows a selective functionalization of the active area of the sensor and increases the sensitivity towards the target analyte. Hereby, specific detection of a defined transcription factor is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The name "miombo" is a vernacular term for the forests in central, southern, and eastern Africa that are dominated by the closely related legume family genera Brachystegia, Julbernardia and/or Isoberlinia. Prescribed burning is a common management practice in most miombo woodland in protected areas that highly influences vegetation structure and composition which in turn influences small mammals' distribution and abundance. This practice if not checked might significantly affect the ecosystems. We investigated the effects of prescribed burning on rodent's ecology in the miombo woodland ecosystem in the Selous game reserve, Tanzania, between July 2018 and June 2020. A total of 473 individuals comprising six rodent species; Acomys ngurui (31.50%), Aethomys chrysophilus (28.96%), Mastomys natalensis (18.82%), Lemniscomys rosalia (14.16%), Mus minutoides (2.33%), Paraxerus flavovittis (0.85%) and two insectivorous shrew species; Petrodromus tetradactylus (3.17%) and Crocidura hitra (0.21%) were captured during 14,112 trap nights. There were no statistically significant differences in the abundance of A. ngurui between burnt and unburnt areas but its abundance was statistically significantly different between seasons. M. natalensis abundance was not statistically significantly different between burnt and unburnt areas or across seasons. The burnt sites had the highest species diversity than the unburnt in both wet and dry seasons. A. ngurui and M. natalensis survival and recruitment between burnt and unburnt sites were not statistically significantly different. The study shows that prescribed burning has an effect on specific species and demographic characteristics both positive and negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While sifting through old archival holdings of the State Geological Survey of Bavaria, a surprising chance find was made in spring 2019: It is a printed call for the founding of a German Geological Society, the existence of which had not been known until then. The document is handwritten and addressed to "Regierungs-Assessor Graff in Speyer" and, in addition to explanations of the society and the names of the persons calling for its foundation, also contains a list of the addressees to whom it was sent! This unique find allows us to shed light on the initial phase of the DGG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to assess if a broad array of factors is predictive of patient-reported surgical impact on symptoms. Sixty-five presurgical factors were selected from the self-report history questionnaires (12 variables, N = 653), standardized scales (14 variables, N = 494–581), and morphometric measurements from magnetic resonance imaging (39 variables, N = 137) data of adult women in the Chiari1000 dataset. The factors were tested independently to identify those that were either significantly different in terms of, or significantly related to, patient-reported surgical impact on symptoms (P < 0.05). These results were then used to build a forward selection regression model. Overall, 74.4% of the patients reported either some level of improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. Independent testing identified 12 significant factors, including having a family member diagnosed with Chiari malformation type I (CMI), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, migraines, duration of symptoms >2 years, multiple surgeries, symptom severity, depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Depression showed the highest correlation (r = 0.36; P < 0.00001) with a negative outcome. The regression model produced an R 2 = 0.346 and identified 5 factors with significant unique variance. The regression model accounted for more than a third of the surgical impact variance. Having a family member diagnosed with CMI contributed the largest unique variance to the model, suggesting that hereditary CMI may represent a unique subset of patients with poorer outcomes. Independent testing showed that psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety, were significant negative predictors, indicating that presurgical screening and treatment for these psychological conditions may improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A computer‐aided process design methodology is used to determine the limits of NH3/H2O mixtures in different heat pump cycles from 20 °C to 150 °C. The evaluation is based on a defined parameter set consisting of the coefficient of performance, total heat transfer area and volumetric heat capacity. Simple cycles with two heat flows were chosen to meet good process integration capabilities. The results are shown in a sink outlet/temperature lift matrix considering current technical limits. R1366mzz(Z) in a standard compression cycle with internal heat exchanger serves as a benchmark. To provide temperatures up to 150 °C the lift of the heat pump has to increase to about 80 K of which only the wet compressions cycle with NH3/H2O is capable of. The working domains of NH3/H2O and R1366mzz(Z) are similar, when a two‐stage compression for NH3/H2O is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Patient-reported physical function (PF) is a key endpoint in cancer clinical trials. Using complex statistical methods, common metrics have been developed to compare scores from different patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, but such methods do not account for possible differences in questionnaire content. Therefore, the aim of our study was a content comparison of frequently used PRO measures for PF in cancer patients. Methods: Relying on the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) we categorized the item content of the physical domains of the following measures: EORTC CAT Core, EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36, PROMIS Cancer Item Bank for Physical Function, PROMIS Short Form for Physical Function 20a, and the FACT-G. Item content was linked to ICF categories by two independent reviewers. Results: The 118 items investigated were assigned to 3 components ('d – Activities and Participation', 'b – Body Functions', and 'e – Environmental Factors') and 11 first-level ICF categories. All PF items of the EORTC measures but one were assigned to the first-level ICF categories 'd4 – Mobility' and 'd5 – Self-care', all within the component 'd – Activities and Participation'. The SF-36 additionally included item content related to 'd9 – Community, social and civic life' and the PROMIS Short Form for Physical Function 20a also included content related to 'd6 – domestic life'. The PROMIS Cancer Item Bank (v1.1) covered, in addition, two first-level categories within the component 'b – Body Functions'. The FACT-G Physical Well-being scale was found to be the most diverse scale with item content partly not covered by the ICF framework. Discussion: Our results provide information about conceptual differences between common PRO measures for the assessment of PF in cancer patients. Our results complement quantitative information on psychometric characteristics of these measures and provide a better understanding of the possibilities of establishing common metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offering relevant, evidence based continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure the continued competence of health professionals is a universal concern. This concern will become even more crucial in a world facing global health threats and in a context of internationalisation of learning environments. While accrediting systems (i.e. external quality assurance systems for CPD) share a common goal to promote high quality CPD, each system is shaped by national history and contexts. An international movement is working to enhance the convergence of accrediting principles and processes. One of the first steps is to know and understand each other. This article serves this goal by offering a descriptive comparison of two seemingly different CPD quality assurance systems – in France and in the USA of America. The descriptions were developed by members of the accrediting bodies in both countries. The main finding of this descriptive study is that, despite stark differences in historical contexts and governance schemes, both regulators share principles of quality and independence of CPD and have endorsed a leadership role in promoting effective strategies, including interprofessional continuing education and practices. The commonalities of goals and values revealed in the study support the efforts of the International Academy for CPD Accreditation related to the globalisation of both health issues and learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our cord blood banking facility planned and executed a transferral of its entire operation to a new site in the South of Brazil. Transporting LN2 freezers is a complex process in which extensive planning is essential to minimize the risks of damaging products or storage units. Methods: To fulfill this objective, we constructed a detailed relocation plan consisting of four phases and risk mitigation measures, collaborated with the representatives of all departments, regulating agencies, and professionals from the transport company, and assembled a validation plan for cryogenic freezers and the viability of cord blood units. Results: The new facility was prepared in accordance with the project plan, local legislation, quality system program requirements, and accreditation agency guidance. A 12‐h operation of moving the cryogenic freezers was conducted successfully, with no loss or damage of client samples or equipment. Conclusion: Through the development and execution of a transferral plan, the engagement of appropriate partners, and compliance with security measures from health and government agencies, a successful transferral of a cord blood banking facility operation in its entirety can be successfully accomplished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) are among the most detrimental insects for agricultural plants, and their management is a great challenge in agronomical research. A new class of proteins, called Bacteriocyte-specific Cysteine-Rich (BCR) peptides, provides an alternative to chemical insecticides for pest control. BCRs were initially identified in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. They are small disulfide bond-rich proteins expressed exclusively in aphid bacteriocytes, the insect cells that host intracellular symbiotic bacteria. Here, we show that one of the A. pisum BCRs, BCR4, displays prominent insecticidal activity against the pea aphid, impairing insect survival and nymphal growth, providing evidence for its potential use as a new biopesticide. Our comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses indicate that BCRs are restricted to the aphid lineage. The 3D structure of BCR4 reveals that this peptide belongs to an as-yet-unknown structural class of peptides and defines a new superfamily of defensins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The treatment with a cochlear implant (CI) is the gold standard in therapy of patients with profound hearing loss or deafness. Successful hearing rehabilitation with a CI is a complex, multi-stage process. In medicine, "Clinical Practice Guidelines" (CPG) are widely accepted for the standardization of such processes. These are supplemented by medical registries in which data regarding the treatment can be collected and evaluated. The aim of this paper is to identify currently existing CI-related CPGs and registries in Europe. Methods: Between 01/2021 and 06/2021, 42 countries on the European continent, including the United Kingdom, Russia and Turkey, were screened using an internet search (search engine: Google) and a key word search in the Pubmed database. Search terms were the respective country name combined with the following terms: "Cochlear Implant", "CI", "Cochlear implant clinical practice guideline", "CI Guideline", "Cochlear Implant Registry", "CI Registry", "Ear nose throat society". The internet search was conducted in English as well as in the corresponding national language. The objective was to identify a CI-related CPG or registry. Results: A CPG was found in 16 of 42 (38%) countries. In terms of population, this accounts for 645 million out of 838 million people (77%). A registry existed in 4 of the 42 (10%) countries assessed. This corresponds to 102 million out of 838 million (12%) people. In total, 4 out of 42 countries (10%) had both a CPG and a registry. Conclusion: Our work shows numerous efforts in Europe to standardize CI care at the national level. While most people in Europe already live in countries with a CPG, this is not the case for CI registries. European-wide consensus on CPGs or registries does not yet exist. The present study thus provides a first assessment of the distribution of CI-related CPGs and registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror-guided self-inspection is seen as a cognitive hallmark purportedly indicating the existence of self-recognition. Only a few species of great apes have been reported to pass a standard mark test for mirror self-recognition in which animals attempt to touch a mark. In addition, evidence for passing the mark test was also reported for Asian elephants, two species of corvids, and a species of cleaner fish. Mirror self-recognition has also been claimed for bottlenose dolphins, using exposure of marked areas to a mirror as evidence. However, what counts as self-directed behaviour to see the mark and what does not has been debated. To avoid this problem, we marked the areas around both eyes of the animals at the same time, one with visible and the other with transparent dye to control for haptic cues. This allowed the animal to see the mark easily and us to investigate what side was exposed to the mirror as an indicator for mark observation. We found that the animals actively chose to inspect their visibly marked side while they did not show an increased interest in a marked conspecific in the pool. These results demonstrate that dolphins use the mirror to inspect their marks and, therefore, likely recognise a distinction between self and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflight icing can occur on gas turbine engines for aircraft when there is significant atmospheric water content coupled with low temperatures. Supercooled droplet icing tends to occur at the front of the engine, and ice crystal icing tends to occur inside the engine (engine core region). The risk associated with engine icing to flight airworthiness and safety has been confirmed with several reported inflight incidents, especially for ice crystal icing. This includes ice accretion on critical components of an engine, followed in some instances by ingestion into the combustor, where engine icing can problematically cause flow blockage, surge/stall, or flameout. This comprehensive survey on engine icing provides a broad discussion of the environmental conditions that cause engine icing, including the atmospheric water phase (supercooled droplets vs ice crystals icing) and the aero-thermal-fluid physics that cause specific types of ice accretion (rime, glaze, etc.). The engine components that are most susceptible to each type of icing and the associated engine icing problems (mechanical, operational, etc.) are also identified, along with key recent developments in understanding the physics and characteristics of ice crystal icing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are interested in the distribution of the number of faces across all the 2 − cell embeddings of a graph, which is equivalent to the distribution of genus by Euler's formula. In order to study this distribution, we consider the local distribution of faces at a single vertex. We show an asymptotic uniformity on this local face distribution which holds for any graph with large vertex degrees. We use this to study the usual face distribution of the complete graph. We show that in this case, the local face distribution determines the face distribution for almost all of the whole graph. We use this result to show that a portion of the complete graph of size (1 − o (1)) | K n | has the same face distribution as the set of all permutations, up to parity. Along the way, we prove new character bounds and an asymptotic uniformity on conjugacy class products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underperforming teachers can have a profound negative impact on their students, principals and co-workers, and the educational quality in their schools. Since little is known about how and why co-workers respond to teacher underperformance, this study aims to build an explanatory framework for different types of co-workers' responses. The results of our survey study indicate that co-workers' responses can partly be explained by how they consider their responsibility and authority to respond, as well as the use of responding. These considerations are, in turn, influenced by different underperformance, underperformer, co-worker, leadership and team characteristics. We discuss how co-workers' responses to teacher underperformance can be facilitated. • Co-workers' responses to teacher underperformance were studied. • They consider their responsibility and authority to respond and the use of responding. • This is influenced by various situational, individual and contextual factors. • School leadership and team factors can facilitate co-worker responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the language of letters of recommendation for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship for possible gender and/or racial bias. To refine methodology for future investigation of gender and language within letters of recommendation for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship. Practicing pediatric otolaryngologists were recruited as survey participants. A total of 10 letters of recommendation were screened to represent an equal number of applicants who identify as male and female and an equal number of applicants who identify as White and applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Names, pronouns, location, and other identifying information were removed from the letters. Survey participants were asked to read each letter and categorize the applicant's gender and race as well as that of the letter writer. The letters were also subject to analysis by WordStat linguistic software. A total of 35 pediatric otolaryngologists participated in the survey. Participants assigned gender of the applicant correctly in 43 % of letters and gender of the letter writer correctly in 53 % of letters. Race of the applicant was judged correctly in 65 % of letters. Participants indicated words such as caring, hard-working, and prepared led them to assume the applicant was female, which was corroborated by linguistic analysis. No such words were identified as predictive of race. This pilot study suggests that while there are certain linguistic associations with gender among applications to pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, they may not impact biases held by the reader. This is relevant given a recent rise in the number of female applicants to this subspecialty and ongoing unfilled fellowship positions. Future studies are needed to determine if such associations exist and ultimately affect match potential and success within the field. These studies will require analysis of more letters and with more survey respondents, along with a higher in-depth linguistic analysis. This pilot study aims to evaluate letters of recommendation for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship applications for gender bias with the goal of outlining future studies. There were certain words associated with a given gender, which could impact applicants' potential to match. NA. • Certain linguistic associations linked to gender can be found in letters of recommendation. • The impact of gender-based linguistic associations on potential reader bias remains unclear. • Pilot study provides framework for in-depth linguistic analysis of gender bias in letters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random 2-cell embeddings of a given graph G are obtained by choosing a random local rotation around every vertex. We analyze the expected number of faces, \mathbb {E}[F_G], of such an embedding which is equivalent to studying its average genus. So far, tight results are known for two families called monopoles and dipoles. We extend the dipole result to a more general family called multistars, i.e., loopless multigraphs in which there is a vertex incident with all the edges. In particular, we show that the expected number of faces of every multistar with n nonleaf edges lies in an interval of length 2/(n+1) centered at the expected number of faces of an n-edge dipole. This allows us to derive bounds on \mathbb {E}[F_G] for any given graph G in terms of vertex degrees. We conjecture that \mathbb {E}[F_G]\le O(n) for any simple n-vertex graph G. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are a leading class of mRNA delivery systems. LNPs are made of an ionizable lipid, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid conjugate and helper lipids. The success of LNPs is due to proprietary ionizable lipids and appropriate helper lipids. Using a benchmark lipid (D-Lin-MC3) we compared the ability of three helper lipids to transfect dendritic cells in cellulo and in vivo. Studies revealed that the choice of helper lipid does not influence the transfection efficiency of immortalized cells but, LNPs prepared with DOPE (dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine) and β-sitosterol were more efficient for mRNA transfection in murine dendritic cells than LNPs containing DSPC (distearoylphosphatidylcholine). This higher potency of DOPE and β-sitosterol LNPs for mRNA expression was also evident in vivo but only at low mRNA doses. Overall, these data provide valuable insight for the design of novel mRNA LNP vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much of the research to-date on food parenting has evaluated typical use of various parent feeding practices via questionnaire. The Real-Time Parent Feeding Practices Measurement survey was developed for use within an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) protocol to capture momentary use of parent feeding practices in real-time. Methods: This manuscript describes the development of the EMA-based Real-Time Parent Feeding Practices survey and highlights initial descriptive data on the real-time use of 22 individual parent feeding practices (e.g., pressure-to-eat, guided choices, etc.) as reported via EMA by parents of preschool-aged children (n = 116) over a 10-day data collection time period. A total of 3382 eating occasions were reported, with an average of 29.2 reported eating occasions per participant. Results: Results revealed that most participants used a variety of food-related parenting practices day-to-day that span four higher-order domains: structure, autonomy support, coercive control and indulgence. Supportive feeding practices, defined as those from the structure and autonomy support domains, were reported most frequently, with one or more structure behavior (e.g., specific mealtime rules/routines) was used at 88.9% of reported eating occasions and one or more autonomy support behavior (e.g., involvement of the child in meal preparation) was used at 87.3% of eating occasions. While unsupportive feeding practices, defined as practices from within the coercive control (e.g., pressure-to-eat) and indulgent (e.g., anticipatory catering) feeding domains, were reported less frequently, one or more behaviors from each of these domains were still reported at over 25% of all eating occasions. Conclusions: Results of the current study take a next step towards deepening our understanding of the use of a broad range of food-related parenting practices in real-time. Findings revealed that the vast majority of practices used by parents fall within the structure and autonomy support domains. However, most parents did not exclusively use supportive or unsupportive practices, rather they used a combination of food-related parenting practices across all domains. Future research should continue to explore a broad range of food-related parenting practices and seek to understand how parent approaches to feeding are associated with long-term child outcomes, including dietary intake, food preferences, and eating patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft-mounted gas turbine engines may need to employ a variety of inlet ducts to perform various missions. An inertial particle separator (IPS) is a type of inlet duct that can remove harmful dust and debris from an engine's flow path. The IPS is a bifurcating duct that is designed to remove particles, but it may also cause undesired flow separation. A novel study on such a bifurcating duct at high Reynolds number is undertaken. This is the first study to perform unsteady, three-dimensional simulations of the flow inside an IPS. The improved delayed detached eddy simulation numerical method is applied to a time-resolved experimental S-duct case to ensure the approach is valid. Results showed highly unsteady, separated flow, consistent with experiments. The time-resolved, three-dimensional structure of flow inside an IPS is visualized for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, biomarker discovery has become a key goal in psychiatry to aid in the more reliable diagnosis and prognosis of heterogeneous psychiatric conditions and the development of tailored therapies. Nevertheless, the prevailing statistical approach is still the mean group comparison between "cases" and "controls," which tends to ignore within-group variability. In this educational article, we used empirical data simulations to investigate how effect size, sample size, and the shape of distributions impact the interpretation of mean group differences for biomarker discovery. We then applied these statistical criteria to evaluate biomarker discovery in one area of psychiatric research—autism research. Across the most influential areas of autism research, effect size estimates ranged from small (d = 0.21, anatomical structure) to medium (d = 0.36 electrophysiology, d = 0.5, eye-tracking) to large (d = 1.1 theory of mind). We show that in normal distributions, this translates to approximately 45% to 63% of cases performing within 1 standard deviation (SD) of the typical range, i.e., they do not have a deficit/atypicality in a statistical sense. For a measure to have diagnostic utility as defined by 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity, Cohen's d of 1.66 is required, with still 40% of cases falling within 1 SD. However, in both normal and nonnormal distributions, 1 (skewness) or 2 (platykurtic, bimodal) biologically plausible subgroups may exist despite small or even nonsignificant mean group differences. This conclusion drastically contrasts the way mean group differences are frequently reported. Over 95% of studies omitted the "on average" when summarising their findings in their abstracts ("autistic people have deficits in X"), which can be misleading as it implies that the group-level difference applies to all individuals in that group. We outline practical approaches and steps for researchers to explore mean group comparisons for the discovery of stratification biomarkers. Author summary: Currently, a striking paradox is often found in neuropsychiatric research. On the one hand, most clinicians and researchers accept that many neuropsychiatric conditions involve tremendous individual variability. On the other hand, the prevailing statistical approach is still the mean group comparison between "cases" and "controls." Statistically significant mean group differences tell us that a given characteristic in brain, behaviour, or genes is on average different between the 2 groups. Yet, they do not delineate variability within groups. Moreover, using autism research as an example, we show that in up to 95% of abstracts, when reporting or interpreting findings, researchers omit the "on average." This can be misleading because it evokes the impression as though the group-level difference would generalise to all individuals with that condition. Here, we used simulations to show that the latter statement is only true at very large effect sizes. We demonstrate that across different areas of autism research, mean group differences with small to large effects indicate that approximately 45% to 68% [cases] do not have an atypicality on cognitive tests or brain structure. However, we also show that across normal and nonnormal distributions, subgroups may exist despite small or nonsignificant overall effects. We propose practical approaches and steps for researchers to use mean group comparisons as the starting point for the discovery of clinically relevant subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For cochlear implants (CI) with removable magnets, a pressure bandage usually is recommended during MR imaging to avoid magnet dislocation. Nevertheless, this complication is regularly observed despite applying a pressure bandage. The aim of this study was to compare various bandaging techniques to avoid magnet displacement. Materials and methods: As an experimental model a force measuring stand was developed and validated, on which the process of magnet dislocation could be simulated on a cochlear implant. In a test series with six combinations of cohesive and elastic bandages with different counter pressure elements (CPE), the forces required to induce magnet dislocation against the resistance of a compression bandage was determined. In addition, the inter- and intraindividual variability of the compression bandages was measured for ten different users. Results: The cohesive bandage had the lowest average holding force of 10.70 N. The elastic bandage developed more than four times the retention force of the cohesive bandage (44.88 N, p < 0.01). By adding a CPE, these values could be increased highly significantly up to factor 3. The optimum combination in terms of fixation force against magnet dislocation was an elastic bandage plus a cylindrical CPE (76.60 N). The data showed a high interindividual variability. Conclusion: Even though most CI manufacturers now offer 3T-conditional implants, a pressure bandage will have to be applied to thousands of patients with previous implant generations to prevent magnet dislocation. We examined for the first time force measurements to compare different bandaging techniques by detecting the holding force of the CI magnet. We were able to identify an optimized combination of a bandage and a CPE to immobilize the CI magnet. However, our data also demonstrated a significant scatter amongst different examiners. Although our data provide valuable data for potential clinical application, future development of the dressing technique is required for human use [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Light and gravity are fundamental cues for plant development. Our understanding of the effects of light stimuli on plants in space, without gravity, is key to providing conditions for plants to acclimate to the environment. Here we tested the hypothesis that the alterations caused by the absence of gravity in root meristematic cells can be counteracted by light. Methods: Seedlings of wild‐type Arabidopsis thaliana and two mutants of the essential nucleolar protein nucleolin (nuc1, nuc2) were grown in simulated microgravity, either under a white light photoperiod or under continuous darkness. Key variables of cell proliferation (cell cycle regulation), cell growth (ribosome biogenesis), and auxin transport were measured in the root meristem using in situ cellular markers and transcriptomic methods and compared with those of a 1 g control. Results: The incorporation of a photoperiod regime was sufficient to attenuate or suppress the effects caused by gravitational stress at the cellular level in the root meristem. In all cases, values for variables recorded from samples receiving light stimuli in simulated microgravity were closer to values from the controls than values from samples grown in darkness. Differential sensitivities were obtained for the two nucleolin mutants. Conclusions: Light signals may totally or partially replace gravity signals, significantly improving plant growth and development in microgravity. Despite that, molecular alterations are still compatible with the expected acclimation mechanisms, which need to be better understood. The differential sensitivity of nuc1 and nuc2 mutants to gravitational stress points to new strategies to produce more resilient plants to travel with humans in new extraterrestrial endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive review of all relevant experimental data was completed, including recent data for the drag coefficient for a sphere in supersonic and hypersonic flows. The primary characterization parameter included the relative Mach, Knudsen, and Reynolds numbers based on the relative velocity, the sphere diameter, and other parameters. This review of data showed that the previously proposed nexus at a Reynolds number below 45 was not strictly met, and it instead included a weak transonic bump, which was identified numerically for the first time with the present simulations. New continuum-gas and rarefied-gas simulations were conducted and were combined with the expanded experimental dataset to improve the quantitative description of the drag coefficient in this region. The results indicated that a quasi nexus bridges the rarefaction regime and the compressible flow regimes. The comprehensive dataset was then used to develop new empirical models for the drag coefficient that showed improved robustness and accuracy as compared to previous models. These models are limited by the critical Reynolds number associated with boundary-layer transition on the sphere, which was found to increase substantially with the sphere Mach number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icing on three-dimensional lifting surfaces has been shown to produce highly complex flowfields. However, there is a lack of experimental and computational information in the public domain regarding three-dimensional aerodynamics for iced commercial aircraft wing geometries. Recent work completed at NASA Glenn Research Center's Icing Research Tunnel has developed realistic ice shapes for the leading edge of a 65% scale Common Research Model (CRM65). These ice shapes were then converted into artificial ice shapes that were used in aerodynamic testing at the Wichita State University's Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel on an 8.9% scale CRM65. RANS simulations were computed for one large leading-edge ice shape to assess the ability to predict the aerodynamic performance parameters and to better understand the flow physics. In general, RANS reasonably captures the complex "swept stall" flow features, which are dominated by strong spanwise flow and separation line breaks. Despite the flow complexity, the simulations are able to generally predict the chordwise pressure distributions even at high angles of attack. While the coefficients of lift, drag, and moment are more accurately captured at lower angles of attack than higher angles of attack, the agreement with experimental data is quite reasonable given the complexity of the flow around this iced swept wing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypersonic vehicles operate at extreme environments at narrow margins of safety. High-speed flight in the atmosphere when volcanic ash and other meteorological particles are present can cause damage to these vehicle surfaces, impairing heat transfer and damaging sensitive components, leading to failure. Upon surveying typical conditions for solid particles that might be encountered, it was determined that A2 test dust is a reasonable representation in terms of particle density, shape, and size distribution. A set of high-fidelity simulations was conducted with a hypersonic forebody to improve our understanding of the particle trajectories and impact energies as a function of particle size at relevant flight conditions. The results indicate that particle sizes between 4 and 100 µm are responsible for the majority of the net surface-impact energy. It was also found that effects of compressibility and shape on particle drag can be significant within the boundary layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with autism experience substantially higher rates of mood problems compared to the general population, which contribute to reduced quality of life and increased mortality through suicide. Here, we reviewed evidence for the clinical presentation, aetiology and therapeutic approaches for mood problems in autism. We identified a lack of validated tools for accurately identifying mood problems in individuals with autism, who may present with 'atypical' features (e.g. severe irritability). Risk factors for mood problems in autism appear to be largely overlapping with those identified in the general population, including shared genetic, environmental, cognitive, physiological/neurobiological mechanisms. However, these mechanisms are exacerbated directly/indirectly by lived experiences of autism, including increased vulnerability for chronic stress - often related to social-communication difficulties(/bullying) and sensory sensitivities. Lastly, current therapeutic approaches are based on recommendations for primary mood disorders, with little reference to the neurobiological/cognitive differences associated with autism. Thus, we recommend: 1) the development and validation of (objective) tools to identify mood problems in autism and measure therapeutic efficacy; 2) an interactive approach to investigating aetiologies in large-scale longitudinal studies, integrating different levels of analysis (e.g. cognitive, neurobiological) and lived experience; 3) testing potential treatments through high-quality (e.g. sufficiently powered, blinded) clinical trials, specifically for individuals with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Based on current knowledge, the SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via droplet, aerosols and smear infection. Due to a confirmed high virus load in the upper respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients, there is a potential risk of infection for health care professionals when performing surgical procedures in this area. The aim of this study was the semi-quantitative comparison of ENT-typical interventions in the head and neck area with regard to particle and aerosol generation. These data can potentially contribute to a better risk assessment of aerogenic SARS-CoV-2-transmission caused by medical procedures. Materials and methods: As a model, a test chamber was created to examine various typical surgical interventions on porcine soft and hard tissues. Simultaneously, particle and aerosol release were recorded and semi-quantitatively evaluated time-dependently. Five typical surgical intervention techniques (mechanical stress with a passive instrument with and without suction, CO2 laser treatment, drilling and bipolar electrocoagulation) were examined and compared regarding resulting particle release. Results: Neither aerosols nor particles could be detected during mechanical manipulation with and without suction. The use of laser technique showed considerable formation of aerosol. During drilling, mainly solid tissue particles were scattered into the environment (18.2 ± 15.7 particles/cm2/min). The strongest particle release was determined during electrocoagulation (77.2 ± 30.4 particles/cm2/min). The difference in particle release between electrocoagulation and drilling was significant (p < 0.05), while particle diameter was comparable. In addition, relevant amounts of aerosol were released during electrocoagulation (79.6% of the maximum flue gas emission during laser treatment). Discussion: Our results demonstrated clear differences comparing surgical model interventions. In contrast to sole mechanical stress with passive instruments, all active instruments (laser, drilling and electrocoagulation) released particles and aerosols. Assuming that particle and aerosol exposure is clinically correlated to the risk of SARS-CoV-2-transmission from the patient to the physician, a potential risk for health care professionals for infection cannot be excluded. Especially electrocautery is frequently used for emergency treatment, e.g., nose bleeding. The use of this technique may, therefore, be considered particularly critical in potentially infectious patients. Alternative methods may be given preference and personal protective equipment should be used consequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protorus is a compact connected abelian group of finite dimension. We use a result on finite-rank torsion-free abelian groups and Pontryagin duality to considerably generalize a well-known factorization of a finite-dimensional protorus into a product of a torus and a torus free complementary factor. We also classify direct products of protori of dimension 1 by means of canonical "type" subgroups. In addition, we produce the duals of some fundamental theorems of discrete abelian groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand how dietary intake data collected via a brief ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measure compares to that of data collected via interviewer-administered 24-h dietary recalls, and explore differences in level of concordance between these two assessment types by individual- and meal-level characteristics.Design: Parents completed three 24-h dietary recalls and 8 d of brief EMA surveys on behalf of their child; in total, there were 185 d where dietary intake data from both EMA and 24-h recall were available. The EMA measure asked parents to indicate whether (yes/no) their child had consumed any of the nine total food items (e.g. fruit, vegetable, etc.) at eating occasions where both the child and parent were present.Setting: Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were completed in person in the study participant's home; participants completed EMA surveys using a study provided in iPad or their personal cell phone.Participants: A diverse, population-based sample of parent-child dyads (n 150).Results: Among meals reported in both the EMA and dietary recalls, concordance of reporting of specific types of food ranged from moderate agreement for meat (kappa = 0·55); fair agreement for sweets (kappa = 0·38), beans/nuts (kappa = 0·37), dairy (kappa = 0·31), fruit (kappa = 0·31) and vegetables (kappa = 0·27); and little to no agreement for refined grains, whole grains and sweetened beverages (73 % overall agreement; kappa = 0·14). Concordance of reporting was highest for breakfast and snacks, as compared with other eating occasions. Higher concordance was observed between the two measures if the meal occurred at home.Conclusions: Data suggest that among meals reported in both the EMA and dietary recalls, concordance in reporting was reasonably good for some types of food but only fair or poor for others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite strong commitments of the central and provincial veterinary authorities in Vietnam to control highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI‐H5N1) in poultry and to diminish the risk of human infection, outbreaks continue to occur in poultry. This study describes the spatio‐temporal distribution of HPAI‐H5N1 outbreaks in Vietnam for the period December 2014–April 2018 using the space‐time K‐function and the space‐time scan statistic. The space‐time K‐function analyses showed statistically significant spatio‐temporal clustering of HPAI‐H5N1 outbreaks in poultry during the study period of up to 50 days and 60 kilometres. The space‐time scan statistic test identified three statistically significant space‐time clusters of HPAI‐H5N1 in the south of the country where the incidence of HPAI‐H5N1 outbreaks was greater than that expected if outbreaks were randomly distributed in space and time. The analyses indicated shortfalls in the effectiveness of control measures used to control HPAI‐H5N1 throughout the study period. Development of a better understanding of the relative impact of HPAI‐H5N1 control measures (depopulation of infected flocks, vaccination, movement restrictions) on space‐time interaction would allow animal health authorities to focus their efforts on control measures shown to have the greatest relative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does tort law deal with historical injustice? This question appears of increasing relevance since the global quest for the reparation of historical injustices influences tort law. This contribution seeks to offer an answer to it by addressing three sub-questions: (1) how may reparation be claimed, that is, what kind of reparation claims are possible and what problems do they encounter?; (2) why should these claims be sustained, that is, how do they fit in the traditional legitimation patterns of tort law?; and (3) when are they most likely to be sustained, that is, what conditions will enhance their chances of success? In this article I draw on examples from the slavery reparation suits in the US, post-colonial redress cases in the Netherlands, and sexual abuse cases against clergymen (amongst others). I conclude that only under specific circumstances can tort law offer a remedy for historical injustice. Amongst the variables of successful claims are the period of time that has lapsed, the nature of the parties, the remedies claimed, the moral legitimation, and political considerations. This list is not closed, however, since many more cases are to be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced scale wind turbines can be extremely cost-effective to test new rotor concepts since prototype costs are heavily dependent on the rotor diameter. Ideally, the scaled model would have the same non-dimensional deflections, dynamics, and control behavior as the full-scale model. This would provide a high-fidelity demonstration of the full-scale performance, which is ideal if the full-scale turbine has significant aeroelastic interactions. To this end, servo-aero-gravo-elastic (SAGE) scaling is developed and applied to a 13-MW turbine that is scaled to a 20% scale model. The scaling preserves the tip-speed ratio, the rotor speed normalized by the flapping frequency, and the tip deflections normalized by the blade length. In addition, the controller employs the same control structure (gain-scheduled pitch control and variable speed torque control) and is scaled dynamically (e.g., matching non-dimensional time constant of the pitch angle, etc.). Furthermore, the thrust, gravity, and centrifugal moments are scaled such that the load angles are preserved as a function of a non-dimensional wind speed. However, the environmental scaling must consider differences in Reynolds number (since this parameter cannot be held constant) and subsequent changes in the axial induction factor. While the presented results showcase these differences during operational conditions, the non-dimensional tip deflections remain comparable through all wind speed ranges, indicating the viability of the SAGE scaling method in matching full-scale aeroelastic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Lack of food preparation knowledge, time to prepare meals and concerns about fruit and vegetable spoilage before consumption are the potential barriers to home cooking. These barriers may be addressed by meal kits (bundles of recipes and ingredients). We described home cooking barriers and evaluated acceptability of meal kits, using semi‐structured focus groups with caregivers and adolescent patients of an outpatient paediatric weight management clinic. One meal kit per family, containing non‐perishable food, a $20 gift card to a grocery store and recipes designed by clinic dietician for two meals, were given at clinic appointments. Two in‐person semi‐structured focus groups were conducted within 2 weeks of meal kit receipt. Four adolescent participants (75% female; 12.7 ± 0.9 years) and eight caregivers (88% female) participated in the focus groups. Four barriers to home cooking were identified: (a) healthy food cost, (b) preparation time, (c) food preparation knowledge and (d) picky eaters. Participants felt the meal kits addressed the time and lack of food preparation knowledge barriers to home cooking. A clinical meal kit programme was acceptable to a treatment‐seeking adolescent population with obesity and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: To examine how exposure to controlling parental feeding practices during adolescence is associated with disordered eating behaviors in emerging adulthood. Methods: Data were analyzed from 543 males and 769 females (Mage at baseline = 14.5 years, Mage at follow‐up = 22.7 years) and their parents who participated in the population‐based EAT 2010‐2018 and Project F‐EAT studies. Parental food restriction and pressure‐to‐eat practices were assessed with items from the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Regression models predicted chronic dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating, adjusted for demographic covariates, adiposity, and outcome at baseline. Results: Overall, exposure to controlling parental feeding practices during adolescence was not associated with disordered eating behaviors at eight‐year follow‐up, with one exception. Among males, maternal pressure‐to‐eat was associated with greater risk of chronic dieting in emerging adulthood. Conclusions: By emerging adulthood, other factors may be more salient with regard to disordered eating outcomes than parental feeding practices during adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay reflects on the pedagogies of acting coach Howard Fine and voice teacher Kristin Linklater as alternatives to guru-style actor training. I define a guru as a teacher who assumes an 'all knowing' status in the classroom and is revered by students as the source of all wisdom. In opposition to the guru approach, Social Constructivism situates learning as a dynamic, relational activity, developed through reflective thinking. With a specific focus on the use of prompt questions to invite reflective thinking, this essay shares the author's experiences of the way Fine and Linklater's pedagogies support students' self-efficacy. The essay concludes with reflections on the seductive nature of the guru approach, and the value in resisting this seduction in order to empower ourselves to reach our potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of children with Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) treated in Brazil with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 44 pediatrics patients transplanted between 1990 and 2018. The median age of patients was 5 years, and 57% were male. Twenty‐five received their first HCT from an HLA‐matched sibling donor (MSD), 12 from a HLA matched unrelated bone marrow donor (MUD 10/10, n = 12) and 7 other HLA mismatched donors (MMD). Results: After a median follow‐up of 4 years, estimate 5‐year overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 70%, 80% for MSD group, 73% for MUD, and 29% for MMD. Thirty‐eight out of the 44 evaluable patients engrafted successfully. Primary and secondary graft failure was observed in five and three patients, respectively. Rates of grade II‐IV and III‐IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) were 25% and 18%, respectively. Nine patients developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Conclusion: Overall survival rates observed after HLA matched donors transplant for DBA were comparable to those reported from higher‐income countries and international registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size of offshore wind turbines over the next decade is expected to continually increase due to reduced balance of station costs per MW and also the higher wind energy at increased altitudes that can lead to higher capacity factors. However, there are challenges that may limit the degree of upscaling which is possible. In this paper, a two-bladed downwind turbine system is upscaled from 13.2 MW to 25 MW, by redesigning aerodynamics, structures, and controls. In particular, three 25 MW rotors have been developed: V1 is the upscaled model, V2 is a partial redesigned model, and V3 is a fully redesigned model. Despite their radically large sizes, it is found that these 25 MW turbine rotors satisfy this limited set of design drivers at the rated condition and that larger blade lengths are possible with cone-wise load-alignment. In addition, flapwise morphing (varying the cone angle with a wind-speed schedule) is investigated in terms of minimizing mean and fluctuating root bending loads using steady inflow proxies for the maximum and damage equivalent load moments. The resulting series of 25 MW rotors, which are the largest ever designed, can be a useful baseline for further development and assessment. • Two-bladed downwind turbine system rated at 25 MW is upscaled and designed. • The 25 MW models are developed with aerodynamics, structural, and control redesign. • They satisfy the design requirements to operate at high coning angles in simulations. • Morphing is firstly considered in terms of a detailed flapwise and edgewise loads. • Blade segmentation and outboard pitching may be the key at this extreme-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]