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Abstract This work presents a novel approach to investigating the slip effect in nanofiber filter media. Electrospun nanofiber media with high efficiency and low pressure drop were produced at different concentrations and durations. The surface and cross-sectional morphology of nanofiber media were studied using FE-SEM. Fiber orientation and diameter distributions were also examined. The 3D virtual nanofiber media was modeled using this information along with the experimentally measured porosity and thickness of the media. The effect of the slip phenomenon in nanofiber media was studied numerically, and the results were compared to experimental data. Excellent agreements were found between the measured and simulation results. Additionally, filtration simulations considering aerosols injected with airflow through the nanofibrous filter media were conducted by considering the slip effect, and the effect of filter structure on filtration performance (removal efficiency and pressure drop) was investigated.

Abstract Background Many animals appear to preferentially renest in proximity to a site they previously occupied. Evidence of nest fidelity is often inferred from a right skewed distribution of distances between the nests of individuals that breed in two consecutive reproduction episodes, where many individuals nest some arbitrarily close distance to their prior nest and others, in the extended right tail of the distribution, nest far from the nest they previously occupied. Because right skewed distributions of inter-nest distances can arise even when individuals choose nest locations randomly, however, such inferences are prone to error. The importance of null models—used to generate patterns of individual inter-nest distances by processes that do not involve site attachment—for inferences about site fidelity has been known for decades but is still often unappreciated or ignored. Methods The right skewed distributions of inter-nest distances observed in two earlier studies of male smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) suggest prima facie that males exhibit nest site fidelity between annual reproduction episodes, but patterns of inter-nest distances have yet to be compared to an adequate null model. Here, we evaluate the nest site fidelity of marked male M. dolomieu in a decade-long dataset, where we apply a randomization procedure based on the rencontre probability problem to generate null models. Eight observed distributions of individual, annual inter-nest distances are compared to a year-specific null model to determine whether random processes are sufficient to explain the observed distributions of inter-nest distances. Results Through contrasts between observed annual inter-nest distances and results derived from null models that imposed realistic constraints on behavior, we show that some males were undoubtedly nest-site faithful. To reinforce the utility of null models and to make these kinds of models more accessible, we also provide a supplemental tutorial. The tutorial illustrates how random site choices, subject to common ecological and behavioral constraints, and even how distance is measured, can produce patterns of inter-nest distances that falsely imply nest site fidelity, or a lack of fidelity. The R code needed to reproduce these null models is included. The inference errors evident in our examples generalize to other forms of site fidelity, such as the apparent patch fidelity of certain sea bird foragers. Conclusions The comparisons of observed distributions of inter-nest distances with those generated by null models imply that, as suggested in prior studies, male M. dolomieu indeed exhibit annual nest site fidelity. Procedures like those we apply are necessary first steps in analyses when distributions of distances between the nests of individuals in consecutive reproduction episodes are used to infer nest-site fidelity. Why male M. dolomieu are site faithful is a question yet to be answered.

IMPORTANCE:. A time-limited trial (TLT) is a collaborative plan among clinicians, patients, and families to use life-sustaining therapy for a defined duration, after which the patient’s response informs whether to continue care directed toward recovery or shift the focus toward comfort. TLTs are a promising approach to help navigate uncertainty in critical illness, yet little is known about their current use. OBJECTIVES:. To characterize TLT use in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:. Prospective 12-month observational cohort study at an U.S. academic medical center of adult ICU patients with ARF receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for greater than or equal to 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:. Primary exposure was TLT participation, identified by patients’ ICU physician. Patient characteristics, care delivery elements, and hospital outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record. RESULTS:. Among 176 eligible patients, 36 (20.5%) participated in a TLT. Among 18 ICU attending physicians, nine (50%) participated in greater than or equal to 1 TLT (frequency 0–39% of patients cared for). Median TLT duration was 3.0 days (interquartile range [IQR], 3.0–4.5 d). TLT patients had a higher mean age (67.4 yr [sd, 12.0 yr] vs. 60.0 yr [sd, 16.0 yr]; p < 0.01), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (5.1 [sd, 2.2] vs. 3.8 [sd, 2.6]; p < 0.01), and similar Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (9.6 [sd, 3.3] vs. 9.5 [sd, 3.7]; p = 0.93), compared with non-TLT patients. TLT patients were more likely to die or be discharged to hospice (80.6% vs. 42.1%; p < 0.05) and had shorter ICU length of stay (median, 5.7 d [IQR, 4.0–9.0 d] vs. 10.3 d [IQR, 5.5–14.5 d]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:. In this study, approximately one in five patients with ARF participated in a TLT. Our findings suggest TLTs are used primarily in patients near end of life but with substantial physician variation, highlighting a need for evidence to guide optimal use.

Ex situ lung perfusion (ESLP) is used for organ reconditioning, repair, and re-evaluation prior to transplantation. Since valid preclinical animal models are required for translationally relevant studies, we developed a 17 mL low-volume ESLP for double- and single-lung application that enables cost-effective optimal compliance “reduction” of the 3R principles of animal research. In single-lung mode, ten Fischer344 and Lewis rat lungs were subjected to ESLP and static cold storage using STEEN or PerfadexPlus. Key perfusion parameters, thermal lung imaging, blood gas analysis (BGA), colloid oncotic pressure (COP), lung weight gain, histological work-up, and cytokine analysis were performed. Significant differences between perfusion solutions but not between the rat strains were detected. Most relevant perfusion parameters confirmed valid ESLP with homogeneous lung perfusion, evidenced by uniform lung surface temperature. BGA showed temperature-dependent metabolic activities with differences depending on perfusion solution composition. COP is not decisive for pulmonary oedema and associated weight gain, but possibly rather observed chemokine profile and dextran sensitivity of rats. Histological examination confirmed intact lung architecture without infarcts or hemorrhages due to optimal organ procurement and single-lung application protocol using our in-house-designed ESLP system.

Blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon commonly infect many bird species worldwide and are particularly prevalent in birds of prey. As a vector-borne parasitic disease, the infection occurrence overlaps with that of the dominant vectors: blackflies (Diptera, Simuliidae). These blood-sucking insects are dependent on habitats with flowing freshwaters for the development of their larval stages. We investigated the correlation between the proximity to flowing waters and Leucocytozoon infection probability in common buzzard (Buteo buteo) broods, as well as the occurrence of adult blackflies directly at the nests. In addition, we investigated the survival of captured simuliids in relation to host infection intensity. In total in 2019, we examined 112 different nests, including 297 common buzzard nestlings, with a Leucocytozoon prevalence of 56.6% among the nestlings and of 80.3% at brood level. We found no significant association of Leucocytozoon infection probability with nestling age, the distance to the nearest stream and the sum of the length of streams within a radius of 200 and 1000 m around each nest. The number of blackflies caught around the nest showed a tentative correlation with the probability of Leucocyozoon infection of the nestlings. Among the subsample of 218 blackfly individuals that survived day one after capture, survival averaged 6.2 days. Our results suggest that Leucocytozoon transmission is complex and requires consideration of many factors, related to habitat and vector prevalence, especially given their temporal variation.

Objective: Evaluation of the participant satisfaction with a newly developed interdisciplinary, modular education program for children, adolescents, and young adults with differences of sex development (DSD) and their parents. Methods: The two-day program including tailored medical information, peer consultation and psychological support aimed to improve diagnosis-specific knowledge and empowerment. Post-training satisfaction was measured using an adapted ZUF-8 questionnaire, scoring from 5 (worst) to a maximum of 26 (best) for persons aged 6–17 and from 10 to 40 points for adults, including 2 open-ended questions. Results: The questionnaire, completed by 89 children (6–13 years), 92 adolescents (14–17 years), 47 young adults (18–24 years), and 345 parents, revealed consistent high satisfaction with the program regardless of age or diagnosis (children 24.4 ± 2.1, adolescents 23.5 ± 2.7; young adults 36.0 ± 4.0, parents 36.6 ± 3.4). Neither sociodemographic factors nor diagnosis burden, shame, or informedness showed relevant associations with satisfaction levels. Participants highlighted exchange and open atmosphere as key satisfaction elements. Conclusion: Satisfaction with the new education program was high in all examined groups. Implementing it in routine care requires further analysis to determine the program's long-term effects on well-being and knowledge. Innovation: The first educational program for young people with DSD addressing their specific challenges through inclusive language, an open approach to sex and gender and the inclusion of self-help groups.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the current literature regarding the vocational rehabilitation services found effective in promoting employment among transition-age youth with disabilities as well as identifying factors affecting the effectiveness of those services. Methods: This study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to theoretically and methodologically ground the systematic review. Through a three-stage filtering process, 35 studies were identified that helped identify common and effective vocational rehabilitation services for transition-aged youth. Findings: Three major themes were observed in the review of literature: validated vocational rehabilitation services, vocational rehabilitation counselor factors, and demographic variables. Conclusions: Additional research is needed in the role of disability severity as a variable of successful service provision. Further identifying successful vocational services for varying levels of disability severity will provide vocational rehabilitation consumers with more individualized options and has the potential to increase positive case closure rates. Lastly, research indicated a need for continued training of VR counselors to ensure they are meeting the needs of their consumers.

Abstract In this paper we lay the foundation for data-driven 3D analysis of virtual fiber systems with respect to their microstructure and functionality. In particular, we develop a stochastic 3D model for systems of curved fibers similar to nonwovens, which is fitted to tomographic image data. By systematic variations of model parameters, efficient computer-based scenario analyses can be performed to get a deeper insight how effective properties of this type of functional materials depend on their 3D microstructure. In a first step, we consider single fibers as polygonal tracks which can be modeled by a third-order Markov chain. For constructing the transition function of the Markov chain, we formalize the intuitive notions of intrinsic fiber properties and external effects and build a copula-based transition function such that both aspects can be varied independently. Using this single-fiber model, in a second step we derive a model for the entire fiber system observed in a bounded sampling window and fit it to two different 3D datasets of nonwovens measured by CT imaging. Considering various geometric descriptors of the 3D microstructure related to effective properties of the pore space, we evaluate the goodness of model fit by comparing geometric descriptors of the 3D morphology of model realizations with those of tomographic image data.

The clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic nodular prurigo (CNPG) include pruritus and eczema/lesions, posing significant challenges for patients. Th2 cells and ILC2, marked by cytokine production—particularly IL-4/13—are crucial therapeutic targets. Despite displaying a dose-dependent lack of pruritus induction post-injection, IL-13 acts through the IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2 receptor system. Our study focused on investigating ex vivo skin biopsies in AD (n = 17), CNPG (n = 14) and healthy controls (HC; n = 10), examining the gene expression landscape of interleukins linked with pruritus (IL-13, IL-4, IL-31) and their corresponding receptors. Compared to HC, results revealed a significant upregulation of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-13RA1 in AD, whereas CNPG did not show increased IL13 expression. Notably, the decoy receptor IL-13RA2 displayed intriguing patterns, with AD showing a marked increase compared to both HC and CNPG. Positive correlations between receptor expression and itch intensity and hyperkinesis sensation underscore clinical relevance, potentially serving as biomarkers. The findings suggest a pivotal role of IL-4 and IL-13, along with IL-13RA1, in pruritus pathogenesis in both entities, while IL-13 upregulation in AD is countered by IL-13RA2. The comparable expression of IL-13RA2 to HC in CNPG suggests the absence of this regulatory mechanism, potentially worsening the disease and leading to prolonged scratching behavior. These insights illuminate the intricate interplay of interleukins and receptors in different pruritus phenotypes, laying the groundwork for understanding underlying mechanisms and offering avenues for therapeutic intervention.