bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the detection of incipient tuberculosis infection: A qualitative study of political prioritisation
Authors: James Rosemary , Theron Grant , Cobelens Frank , Engel Nora
Published: February 2022

Objective

Incipient Tuberculosis (ITB) refers to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection that is likely to progress to active disease in the absence of treatment, but without clinical signs, symptoms, radiographic or microbiological evidence of disease. Biomarker‐based tests to diagnose incipient TB hold promise for better prediction and, through TB preventive therapy, prevention of disease. This study explored current and future framing and prioritisation of ITB.

Methods

Twenty‐two interviews across eight countries were conducted. A modified Shiffman & Smith Framework, containing four categories—Ideas, Issue Characteristics, Actor Power, and Political Contexts—was used to analyse the current landscape and potential for prioritisation of diagnosis and treatment of ITB.

Results

Latent TB policy implementation has been slow due to technical, logistical and financial challenges, and because it has been framed in a manner non‐conducive to gaining political priority. Framing ITB testing as ‘early detection’ rather than ‘prediction’, and its management as ‘treatment’ rather than ‘preventive therapy’, may help raise its importance in policies, and its acceptance among actors.

Conclusion

Consensus surrounding the framing of ITB will be crucial for the successful adoption of ITB diagnostics and treatment. When designing ITB tools and policies, it will be important to address challenges that pertain to latent TB policies.
Burden of Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli in Santa Rosa, Guatemala in active health‐services surveillance during 2008–2009 and 2014–2015
Authors: Jarquin Claudia , Morales Oneida , McCracken John P. , Lopez Maria R. , Lopez Beatriz , Reyes Lisette , Gómez Gerardo A. , Bryan Joe P. , Peruski Leonard F. , Parsons Michele B. , Pattabiraman Vaishnavi
Published: February 2022

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of laboratory‐confirmed Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) cases from active facility‐based surveillance in Guatemala.

Methods

We collected clinical and risk factor data on enrolled patients (aged 0–52 years) with acute diarrhoea at government healthcare facilities (1 hospital and 6 clinics) in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, during 2008–2009 and 2014–2015. Stool samples were analysed, E. coli identified through culture and biochemical tests, PCR amplification of genes encoding pathotype‐specific virulence factors identified specific DEC pathotypes. Healthcare‐seeking adjusted incidence rates were calculated.

Results

A total of 3041 diarrhoea cases were captured by surveillance (647 hospitalisations (H), 2394 clinic visits (CV)); general E. coli prevalence was 17.9%. DEC pathotypes were identified in 19% (n = 95/497) and 21% (n = 450/2113) in diarrhoea H and CV, respectively. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) was most frequently isolated (8.2% (n = 41) in diarrhoea H, 12.0% (n = 255) in diarrhoea CV), followed by ETEC (6.8% (n = 34) in H, 6% (n = 128) in CV) and STEC (0.6% (n = 3) in H, 0.6% (n = 13) in CV). We did not find evidence of a difference in severity between DEC and non‐DEC diarrhoea. Incidence of DEC clinic visits and hospitalisations was 648.0 and 29.3, respectively, per 10,000 persons aged ≤5 years and 36.8 and 0.4, respectively, per 10,000 persons aged >5 years.

Conclusions

DEC pathotypes, especially EPEC and ETEC, were detected frequently from patients presenting with diarrhoeal illness in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Our findings suggest that preventive interventions should be prioritised for young children.
The Credibility of Monetary Policy and Procyclical Fiscal Policy
Authors: Izzulhaq Syahid , Kurnia Akhmad Syakir
Published: February 2022

If indiscipline fiscal policy could affect the monetary policy’s objective and effectiveness, is it necessarily mean that the status quo of monetary policy credibility would also be impacted? This paper addresses the issue by constructing a simple theoretical model and conducting empirical investigations using a dataset from 25 selected Inflation Targeting Framework countries throughout 2003-2017. By employing the Generalized Method of Moments, we find that the monetary policy will remain the status quo credible as the central bank would optimally respond to the disturbances originated from procyclical fiscal policy. However, such a response potentially crowds out domestic investment and slows down the economy, and induces financial instability. This implies that bearing the eye only on the status quo credibility of monetary policy is not sufficient, and the consideration over the fiscal policy behavior becomes crucial.
Design Study of a Hydrostatic Gas Bearing With Inherent Orifice Compensation
Authors: Grinnell S. K. , Richardson H. H.
Published: February 2022

A hydrostatic gas bearing can provide shaft support with very low friction in high-speed devices such as centrifuges and gyroscopes and in precision static devices such as dynamometers. For comparable load conditions, the friction torque required to rotate a hydrostatic bearing is from 100 to 10,000 times less than the friction torque required to rotate ball or hydrodynamic oil bearings. This paper presents information directly applicable to designs with optimum performance characteristics for hydrostatic gas bearings with inherent orifice compensation. An analytical and experimental study of a simplified model of the basic unit of which the bearing is composed and a similar study of a complete journal bearing lead to a readily usable design procedure for the hydrostatic gas bearing. The load capacity, or stiffness, and weight flow rate predicted by the design procedure are verified within 10 and 20 per cent, respectively, by experimental results obtained with an optimized bearing.
Methods of Refueling Heterogeneous Nuclear Reactors
Authors: McLain Stuart , Barnes A. H. , Goertz R. C.
Published: February 2022

The problems involved in refueling heterogeneous nuclear reactors are discussed briefly. The various procedures which have been developed to date are described and the actual steps in reloading various types of reactors are outlined.
Investigations of the Properties of Corrugated Diaphragms
Authors: Wildhack W. A. , Dressler R. F. , Lloyd E. C.
Published: February 2022

The pressure-deflection characteristics of corrugated diaphragms are correlated by methods of dimensional analysis. Experimental results for various sizes, materials, thicknesses, and shapes of diaphragms indicate that the performance for diaphragms of any given shape may be computed from a dimensionless formula derived from experimental data on other diaphragms of that shape. Linear shell equations are derived for combined bending and stretching effects with lateral loading terms for rotationally symmetrical shells in appropriate independent and dependent variations suitable for complicated meridial shapes, and with boundary conditions associated with practical diaphragm applications. The method used for solving this system of equations on an electronic digital computer is described and numerical solutions are presented for a specific diaphragm subjected to uniform pressure loading. Suggestions are presented for future research, both theoretical and experimental, on diaphragm properties and performance.
Certain Departures From Plastic Ideality at Small Strains
Authors: Lequear H. A. , Lubahn J. D.
Published: February 2022

Room-temperature experiments involving strains up to about 1 per cent have been performed on OFHC copper. These experiments show that the results of creep tests and tensile tests can be related, within certain limitations, in terms of the rate sensitivity. Rate sensitivity is the increase in stress required to cause a certain increase in strain rate at a given strain. The foregoing relation between creep and tensile behaviors is a consequence of the concept that plastic-deformation behavior depends only on current conditions, and not on the prior history. This relation is restricted to isothermal conditions and monotonic loading (increasing or constant, but not decreasing, load). Room-temperature creep curves are essentially straight lines on log-log paper. Extrapolation of these curves indicates that there would not be much more creep in long-time service at room temperature than in a short-time laboratory test.
The New Zealand Thermal Area and Its Development for Power Production
Authors: Banwell C. J.
Published: February 2022

The main thermal area in the North Island of New Zealand is described, and a short account given of its geological history and of its relation to the Pacific seismic and volcanic belt. The prospecting and development drilling program, commenced at Wairakei in 1950, is presented. Temperature information from the drill holes has been used to prepare several temperature sections through the development area. Wairakei drill holes have nearly all tapped a mixture of steam and water, with a mean enthalpy for all producing holes of 450 Btu/lb. In the month of November, 1954, 16 producing holes were discharging a total mass of 1.38 million lb/hr, the steam fraction of which, at 70 psi wellhead pressure, represents a generated power output of 20,000 kw. The total estimated natural heat output of the Wairakei area is equivalent to approximately 100,000 kw of generated power.
A Résumé of the Development and Literature of Nonlinear Control-System Theory
Authors: Higgins T. J.
Published: February 2022

“Es gibt nichts Praktischeres als eine gute Theorie (There is nothing more practical than a good theory)” —Boltzmann.

The first section of this paper stresses the fact that nonlinear control-system theory is rooted in the theory developed earlier for the solution of other types of nonlinear systems, especially those of nonlinear mechanics and nonlinear electric circuits; whence the control engineer interested in nonlinear systems should gain a thorough knowledge of nonlinear system theory in the large. To facilitate such study this paper advances a concise résumé of the major stages of development of nonlinear system theory to date; a list of papers which encompasses a more detailed account of development; a list of the principal books on general theory; and a list of sources on special aspects of the general theory—each item being characterized as to its particular merit. The principal methods of nonlinear analysis and the phenomena of particular interest in nonlinear systems are noted. Finally, the possible use of these methods and the actual occurrence of these phenomena in nonlinear control-system analysis are emphasized.
An Experimental Arrangement for the Measurement of the Pressure Distribution on High-Speed Rotating Blade Rows
Authors: Leist K.
Published: February 2022

For several years past the research staff of the Institute for Turbomachines of the Aachen Technical University has carried out measurements on rotating turbine blading. This program is part of a comprehensive effort directed toward the experimental investigation of the three-dimensional flow through axial-flow turbomachines.
Experimental Study of the Velocity and Temperature Distribution in a High-Velocity Vortex-Type Flow
Authors: Hartnett J. P. , Eckert E. R. G.
Published: February 2022

The vortex tube represents a simple device in which a particular type of vortex motion may be studied in the laboratory in an attempt to obtain a better understanding of such flows. Such an investigation has been pursued in the Heat Transfer Laboratory of the University of Minnesota. The present paper summarizes the major results of this vortex-tube investigation.
On the Dynamics of Pneumatic Transmission Lines
Authors: Rohmann C. P. , Grogan E. C.
Published: February 2022

An analysis of pneumatic transmission tubing dynamics based on a system of evenly distributed fixed parameters is presented. The driving-point impedance and the output-input frequency response of pneumatic tubing are derived from the frequency-response approach with small signals. Both calculated and experimental results are plotted for selected lengths of tubing. The correlation between calculated and test results for frequency response with amplitudes of ±5 per cent of conventional full-scale signal (3–15 psig) or less is good. The relations obtained are very useful in determining the effects of output loads on pneumatic-device dynamics and the limitations imposed on process control by various-length pneumatic transmission lines.
Design Criteria for Heated Aircraft Structures
Authors: Goldin Robert
Published: February 2022

Engineering considerations which constitute structural criteria are briefly reviewed, and the use of “safety factor” in the “working-stress” approach is compared with its use in the “limit-load” design concept. It is recalled that in current aircraft-design practice, primary “limit conditions” are arbitrarily formulated on the basis of not combining two or more maximum severity conditions. Aerodynamic heating superimposes: (a) Maximum temperature, (b) temperature gradients, and (c) creep life as additional parameters which severely influence design. The design-criteria problem is to define realistic combinations of these with each of the previous key parameters used in aircraft design. The possible design combinations are vastly increased, and it is contended that only a criteria framework and basic philosophy can be generally applicable to all heated aircraft. Proposals relative to safety factors, creation of limit load-and-temperature condition combinations, and how to introduce creep life are presented, together with illustrative examples of criteria for two types of aircraft.
Description and Prediction of Human Response to Aircraft Thermal Environments
Authors: Taylor Craig L.
Published: February 2022

The power and weight requirements of refrigeration equipment constitute a real limitation of aircraft performance at the present stage of aircraft development from the standpoint of thermal tolerance. Since man is the weak link among the components of the aircraft system, a clear understanding of the responses of humans to heat is vital to the achievement of an optimal balance between air conditioning and performance characteristics of the airplane. To obtain the highest combined fitness of man and aircraft for the exigencies of modern air warfare, it is necessary to abandon the time-honored concept that human thermal comfort must be assured, and to substitute the principle of maintaining the physiological and performance effectiveness of the crew for the limited period of the particular flight duration. When this duration is to be many hours, the efficiency criterion will probably demand an environment which also meets the traditional comfort standards.
Predicting Performance of Large Steam Turbine-Generator Units for Central Stations
Authors: Hegetschweiler H. , Bartlett R. L.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide the power industry with an up-to-date method for predicting the performance of large steam turbine-generator units.

The efficiency-calculation method given has been adjusted carefully to show a true comparison between machines of different types, sizes, steam conditions, reheat and nonreheat, and so on.

The level of performance obtained by use of this method is judged to be the highest justifiable for prediction purposes at the present state of the art. Fig. 1 shows the correlation of the method with recent representative test results.

Based upon the performance-calculation method presented in this paper, relative heat-rate curves have been prepared comparing the performance of various turbine-generator units at normal nameplate rating. A complete heat-balance diagram and an efficiency-calculation example are included illustrating the use of the method.
Turbulent Free-Convection, Heat-Transfer Rates in a Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Fraser J. P. , Oakley D. J.
Published: February 2022

Heat-transfer rates are reported for turbulent free convection in a finite-length horizontal pipe containing sodium. Heat is added at one end and removed at the other. A generalized equation which correlates the data is proposed giving the ratio of heat transfer with turbulent convection to that on pure conduction in terms of the L/D ratio, Prandtl number, Grashof number, and Reynolds number. The solution is extended to inclined pipe with one or both ends open to plenums.
Heat-Transfer Effects in Hydrostatic Thrust-Bearing Lubrication
Authors: Hughes W. F. , Osterle J. F.
Published: February 2022

The limiting isothermal and adiabatic operating conditions of the hydrostatic thrust bearing have been investigated recently. However, the actual performance of such bearings is characterized by an intermediate situation in which heat transfer occurs in the lubricant and bearings. In this paper a simplified model is constructed for such intermediate situations, and it is found that the bearing performance is essentially isothermal at an elevated temperature. Expressions are derived for the temperature distribution and the results of numerical examples are compared with isothermal and adiabatic calculations.
Predominant-Peak Surface Roughness, a Criterion for Minimum Hydrodynamic Oil-Film Thickness of Short Journal Bearings
Authors: Kreisle L. F.
Published: February 2022

The minimum hydrodynamic oil-film thickness of a short journal bearing is defined as that value of the minimum oil-film thickness at which marginal lubrication procedures initially begin to be substituted for full hydrodynamic-film lubrication. This appears to occur when the minimum oil-film thickness equals the sum of the predominant-peak surface roughnesses of the bearing and journal measured in the circumferential direction after run-in of the bearing and journal pair.
Kinematic Analysis and Synthesis Using Collineation-Axis Equations
Authors: Carter W. J.
Published: February 2022

The angular accelerations of the crank and lever of a four-bar mechanism have been related herein to the velocity of their rotopole through an equation developed by Koenig. It is shown that the Koenig equation may be transformed in a simple manner into the collineation-axis equation derived by Freudenstein. Other collineation-axis equations are here derived which permit a direct solution for the angular acceleration of the connecting link of a four-bar mechanism. These equations are differentiated with respect to time yielding fairly simple equations for the determination of the third time derivatives of lever and connecting-link motions. The collineation-axis equations are further employed to determine the families of four-bar mechanisms which satisfy the first three derivatives of a Taylor’s series expansion of a desired functional relation between the crank and lever rotations. The fourth time-derivative relation for these mechanisms is then determined using the complex-number vector notation. Finally the solutions are given to example problems of kinematic analysis and synthesis.
A Theoretical Analysis of Heat Transfer in Natural Convection and in Boiling
Authors: Chang Yan Po
Published: February 2022

A theoretical analysis of natural convection and of boiling heat transfer is presented. Instead of approaching these problems according to a conventional concept, a short-cut method is introduced by the application of wave motion. Above the heating surface a boundary layer is assumed whose thickness depends upon the heat flow. Inside this layer there is wave motion, stable in the lower part but unstable in the upper. It has been recognized that, if there is a temperature gradient across a stratum of liquid, a wave motion will occur. Each loop of this wave can initiate vortexes in the natural-convection process and also can facilitate the formation of bubbles in boiling. A unified formula is thus obtained for convection and for boiling. The calculated results agree excellently with experiments as conducted by previous investigators. This paper does not profess to be a complete treatise, but shows how the concept of wave motion can be made of use in giving a new picture of these heat-transfer processes.
Heat-Transfer and Flow-Friction Characteristics of Woven-Screen and Crossed-Rod Matrixes
Authors: Tong L. S. , London A. L.
Published: February 2022

Woven-screen or crossed-rod types of matrixes may be of interest as fuel-element geometries for certain types of nuclear reactors as well as in many other heat-transfer and mass-transfer systems. Basic heat-transfer and flow-friction design data for these geometries are presented graphically, in nondimensional form, for a range of Reynolds numbers from 5 to 100,000 and matrix porosities from 0.60 to 0.83. Algebraic equations which adequately represent these data are also given and these may be used for interpolation and, at least tentatively, for a limited extrapolation beyond the range of porosities covered in this program.
Measurement and Integration of Acceleration in Inertial Navigation
Authors: Slater J. M.
Published: February 2022

Measurement and integration of acceleration in inertial navigation is associated with instrumentation problems of a character different from those in other fields of technology. The purpose of the paper is to outline the principles of such measurements, and some typical approaches to instrumentation.
Delayed-Yield Time Effects in Mild Steel Under Oscillatory Axial Loads
Authors: Belsheim R. O.
Published: February 2022

An apparatus was developed which loads a tension specimen by a vibratory load superimposed on a static load. Tests of mild steel produced (a) dynamic yield points 5 to 50 per cent above the static yield point, and (b) corresponding delayed-yield times of 1000 to 10 millisec. These results showed general agreement with the results of other investigations.
Ultrafinishing—A New High-Precision Lapping Process
Authors: Lewis T. G.
Published: February 2022

A number of important innovations have been made which permit the use of lapping for the production of exceptionally smooth metal surfaces with precise geometrical control. This body of patented techniques, called ultra-finishing, includes the necessary variations in velocity to permit the lapping of soft homogeneous and hard heterogeneous metals. The description of this process covers its similarity to lapping, its fields of application, and the response of materials from a metallurgical point of view. The application of this process can yield a 0.3 to 0.5-microin. finish rms with an over-all geometry control equal to or better than any commercial finishing method.
Estimation of Temperature Patterns in Multiply-Shielded Systems
Authors: Bartas J. G. , Mayer E.
Published: February 2022

The method of difference equations is applied to the problem of estimating temperature patterns in multiply-shielded systems. Results are obtained in terms of elementary functions which can be evaluated readily. The equations are employed to examine the effect of shield curvature, end radiation, and gas radiation on the temperature recorded by a shielded thermocouple for a variety of operating conditions. Calculations indicate that whereas shield curvature and gas radiation may be neglected in a well-designed shielded thermocouple, end radiation can result in a substantial error in the thermocouple-temperature measurement.
Jet-Pump Theory and Performance With Fluids of High Viscosity
Authors: Cunningham R. G.
Published: February 2022

Performance characteristics of the jet pump when handling viscous oil have been established. Theoretical relations describing the jet pump are developed in this paper in terms of dimensionless ratios and friction coefficients. In addition, an energy analysis is made which separates friction losses and unavoidable mixing losses. In an experimental program eight jet pumps, with nozzle-to-throat area ratios of 0.1 to 0.6, were operated over a range of jet Reynolds numbers from 700 to 30,000. Mineral and synthetic lubricating oils used covered a 5 to 100-centistoke viscosity range of the jet fluid. The results of these theoretical and experimental studies permit application of the jet pump to lubrication systems. For design use the experimental data are reduced to friction coefficients and correlated versus jet and throat Reynolds numbers. To facilitate rapid estimates of viscosity effects, simplified empirical relations are also included. It is concluded from this study that the jet pump is indeed suitable for use with viscous fluids.
Effects of Stroboscopic Vision on Postural Control in Individuals With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Han Seunguk , Lee Hyunwook , Son S. Jun , Kim Hyunsoo , Hopkins J. Ty
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) tend to increase their reliance on visual information, perhaps to compensate for proprioceptive deficits which appear after lateral ankle sprains. However, little is known about how limited visual feedback would alter static postural control in patients with CAI compared with copers and controls. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of reduced visual feedback via stroboscopic glasses on static balance among CAI, coper, and uninjured control participants. Design: Controlled trial in a laboratory setting. Methods: Nineteen patients with CAI, 19 copers, and 19 controls participated in this study. Each participant performed a single-leg balance test with eyes open, stroboscopic vision, and eyes closed. Two-way analysis of variance (group × condition) was used to examine the differences between condition (eyes open, stroboscopic vision, and eyes closed) and group (CAI, coper, and control). Results: There were no significant interactions for static balance. Although there were no group effects among 3 groups for all static postural control measures, visual condition main effects were present (P < .01) for each dependent variable. Across all groups, anterior–posterior and mediolateral center of pressure path length and center of pressure velocity with stroboscopic vision were greater than the condition with eyes open (P < .01) and less than with eyes closed (P < .01). Conclusions: Stroboscopic glasses could be cost effective visual disruption equipment during static postural control regardless of ankle injury history. However, incorporating static balance with limited visual information via stroboscopic glasses could not display the differences in visual reliance in individuals with and without CAI.
Mechanism of failure of the Mount Polley Tailings Storage Facility
Authors: Zabolotnii Elena , Morgenstern Norbert R. , Wilson G. Ward
Published: February 2022

On 4 August 2014, a breach developed in a portion of the embankment at the Mount Polley Tailings Storage Facility following foundation failure. This paper explores the mechanism of this progressive failure in view of pronounced three-dimensional stability effects identified in this slope. The findings of a three-dimensional deformation analysis of this failure are reported. The results demonstrate that its initiation can be explained in terms of minor strain-weakening within a thin shear band in the glaciolacustrine unit at the base of this slide, combined with the delayed mobilization of shear resistance in the shell zone owing to its relative ductility, along with the reduction in the levels of mobilized shear resistance in the upstream region of the slide resulting from a loss of confinement and (or) failure in extension caused by the translational displacements the base of the side. While recognizing the limitations of analyses alone, simulation suggests that strain localization in a shear band with a thickness not exceeding 12–13 cm is requisite for the initiation of this failure.
DO BUSINESSES THAT DISCLOSE CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION EMIT LESS CARBON? EVIDENCE FROM S&P 500 FIRMS
Authors: HSUEH LILY
Published: February 2022

Unlike prior literature, this paper exploits heterogeneity in the substantive contents of firms’ voluntary carbon disclosure to estimate the impact of their participation in the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) on firms’ entity-wide carbon footprints. Heterogeneity in firms’ substantive contents of disclosures pertains to their level of climate mitigation activity, ranging from basic transparency to carbon management and to higher levels of climate action, such as third-party verification of entity-wide carbon emissions. This paper makes use of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s introduction of the Clean Power Plan, which during 2011–2016 exerted regulatory pressure on GHG-intensive firms, and the interaction between regulatory pressure and corporate management, to model firms’ decision to participate in the CDP and their subsequent environmental performance. Results based on a difference-in-difference-in-differences estimator, nested in a two-stage endogenous binary-variable model, indicate that there is evidence of increases in total carbon emissions by firms that have instituted carbon management practices but did not certify their carbon disclosures with third-party audits, among other more advanced forms of carbon management. Despite this, by one measure of carbon emissions intensity, firms’ basic carbon transparency is linked to increased carbon efficiency. Sector regressions show that consumer-oriented sectors engaged in “cheap talk” by participating in voluntary carbon disclosure at high levels irrespective of their carbon footprints, whereas firms that were already carbon efficient in GHG-intensive sectors used their participation in the CDP to signal their climate leadership to regulators and other stakeholders. Findings are robust to alternative specifications and an alternative modeling approach.
Zircon U–Pb dating and geochemistry of intrusive rocks in the Shangdan suture zone of the Qinling Orogenic Belt: petrogenesis and tectonic implications
Authors: Jiang Liuqing , Li Wei , Dong Yunpeng , Zhang Le , Liang Li , Sheir Falak
Published: February 2022

We studied the zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of a Paleozoic gabbro–diabase–granite association in the Shangdan suture zone to constrain the petrogenesis of these intrusive rocks and identify their tectonic implications. These rocks have distinctive crystallization ages: the Guchenggou gabbro yielded zircon U–Pb ages of 424–423 Ma, the average age of the Yueritan diabase was 411 Ma and the Danfeng granites yielded zircon U–Pb ages of 414–411 Ma. The Guchenggou gabbro was formed by partial melting of a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite modified by subduction fluids in a continental arc setting. The Yueritan diabase was generated by mixing a phlogopite-bearing garnet lherzolite modified by subduction melts with continental crustal rocks in a post-collision setting. The Danfeng granites were weakly peraluminous I-type granites formed by mixing juvenile crust with metagreywackes at high temperatures and pressures in a tectonic environment transitioning from compression to extension. We suggest that the subduction of the Shangdan Ocean induced the formation of the gabbro. The diabases and granites are related to relamination of the continental crust in response to the collision of the North Qinling Belt with the South Qinling Belt, suggesting that closure of the Shangdan Ocean may have occurred at
c.
410 Ma.
Rev1 deficiency induces replication stress to cause metabolic dysfunction differently in males and females
Authors: In het Panhuis Wietse , Tsaalbi-Shtylik Anastasia , Schönke Milena , van Harmelen Vanessa , Pronk Amanda C. M. , Streefland Trea C. M. , Sips Hetty C. M. , Afkir Salwa , Willems van Dijk Ko , Rensen Patrick C. N. , de Wind Niels , Kooijman Sander
Published: February 2022

An increasing number of DNA lesions interferes with cellular replication leading to metabolic inflexibility. We utilized Rev1 knockout mice as a model for replication stress, and show a sex-dependent metabolic phenotype, with a pronounced reduction of lean mass and glucose tolerance. These data indicate that in obesity, we may end up in an infinite loop where metabolic disturbance promotes the formation of DNA lesions, which in turn interferes with cellular replication causing further metabolic disturbances.
Persistent organic pollutants and β-cell toxicity: a comprehensive review
Authors: Hoyeck Myriam P. , Matteo Geronimo , MacFarlane Erin M. , Perera Ineli , Bruin Jennifer E.
Published: February 2022

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a diverse family of contaminants that show widespread global dispersion and bioaccumulation. Humans are continuously exposed to POPs through diet, air particles, and household and commercial products; POPs are consistently detected in human tissues, including the pancreas. Epidemiological studies show a modest but consistent correlation between exposure to POPs and increased diabetes risk. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of epidemiological evidence and an in-depth evaluation of the in vivo and in vitro evidence that POPs cause β-cell toxicity. We review evidence for six classes of POPs: dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The available data provide convincing evidence implicating POPs as a contributing factor driving impaired glucose homeostasis, β-cell dysfunction, and altered metabolic and oxidative stress pathways in islets. These findings emphasize the need to consider the endocrine pancreas in toxicity assessments. Our review also highlights significant gaps in the literature assessing islet-specific endpoints after both in vivo and in vitro POP exposure. In addition, most rodent studies do not consider the impact of biological sex or secondary metabolic stressors in mediating the effects of POPs on glucose homeostasis and β-cell function. We discuss key gaps and limitations that should be assessed in future studies.
MiR-526b-3p Inhibits the Resistance of Glioma Cells to Adriamycin by Targeting MAPRE1
Authors: Qiu Lei , Xing Shuyuan , Lang Fuxin , Bao Qing
Published: February 2022

Background. Cell resistance is the main reason for the high mortality in glioma. Adriamycin (ADR) is a treatment drug for glioma and often leads to chemoresistance. Previous studies have confirmed that the abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) affects the resistance of glioma cells. Methods. RT-qPCR and western blot were conducted for detecting miR-526b-3p levels and related protein expressions. CCK8 assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell were adopted to assess cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Moreover, downstream targets of miR-526b-3p were identified through a dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down analysis. Results. Nevertheless, miR-526b-3p functions on glioma cell resistance to ADR are not well characterized. This study demonstrated that miR-526b-3p levels were decreased within glioma cells and further decreased within ADR-resistant glioma cells. Then, miR-526b-3p overexpression repressed glioma cell proliferation and invasion while inducing cell apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-526b-3p within ADR-resistant glioma cells obtained similar results, which suggested miR-526b-3p suppressed glioma cell resistance to ADR. Mechanistically, miR-526b-3p targeted MAPKE1 and negatively regulated MAPKE1 expressions. Restoration of MAPKE1 levels reversed miR-526b-3p effects on the glioma process and resistance to ADR. Conclusion. These results suggest that miR-526b-3p acts as a diagnostic marker in glioma development and therapeutic target of the glioma resistance to ADR.
Analysis of Metallic Nanoparticles (Cu, Al2O3, and SWCNTs) on Magnetohydrodynamics Water‐Based Nanofluid through a Porous Medium
Authors: Pattnaik P. K. , Parida S. K. , Mishra S. R. , Abbas M. Ali , Bhatti M. M.
Published: February 2022

In this communication, the effect of the addition of the copper (Cu), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) metallic nanoparticles on the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) water‐based flow over a porous elastic surface is explored. The objective of the work is to include the radiative effect that interacts with the metallic nanoparticles due to permeability of the surface. The significance of this study stems from the fact that the design of various equipment, such as nuclear power plants, gas turbines, propulsion devices for aircraft, and missiles, is dependent on radiative heat transfer. To formulate the mathematical modelling, similarity transformations were used, and nonlinear differential equations were obtained. To solve the formulated nonlinear differential equations, the Runge–Kutta fourth‐order numerical scheme is used in conjunction with the shooting technique. The behavior of velocity profile and temperature profile has been discussed in detail and also engineering quantities such as Nusselt and Sherwood number which are calculated. Furthermore, the addition of metallic nanoparticles enhanced the nanofluid properties for energy transfer enrichment and found many applications in various fields of science and technology.
CSR Performance, Executive Compensation Incentive and Innovation Investment of Chinese Private Enterprises under Dynamic Perspective
Authors: He Lu , Jiang Minghui
Published: February 2022

Based on social exchange theory, signal transmission theory and enterprise life cycle theory, this paper empirically analyzes the impact of CSR performance on enterprise innovation investment by taking the A-shares listed private enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2009 to 2019 as research samples. At the same time, we pay attention to the moderating effect of executive compensation incentive, explore the dynamics of the influence mechanism in different life stages. The results show that: there is a significant positive correlation between CSR performance and enterprise innovation investment, that is, CSR behavior is conducive to the improvement of enterprise innovation investment intensity; Executive compensation incentive has a negative moderating effect on this relationship. The higher the incentive level of executive compensation, the weaker the positive impact of CSR performance on innovation investment. Further research shows that CSR performance affects innovation investment through the exchange of government resources and the promotion of market position, but the effects are different during the enterprise life cycle. Relevant conclusions enrich the theory and practice of CSR performance and enterprise innovation investment from the dynamic perspective, provide a theoretical basis for private enterprises to develop a reasonable and effective executive compensation incentive system.
The Association between Late Third-Trimester Oxytocin Level and Early-Onset Postpartum Depression Symptoms among Jordanian Mothers: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rawashdeh Hasan , Alalwani Zahra , Sindiani Amer , Alodetalah Rana , Alqudah Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Purpose. Oxytocin has been suggested to play a vital role in modulating maternal behavior and stress-related disorders. However, the relationship between antenatal oxytocin and postpartum depression is not well established. We aim to investigate the association between serum oxytocin level in the late third-trimester and early-onset postpartum depression symptoms. Materials and Methods. A total of 172 healthy pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. The serum oxytocin level was measured between 34 and 37 weeks. A validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess symptoms of depression four to six weeks postpartum. Participants who scored more than 12 on the EPDS were considered having depressive symptoms. Independent sample

t

-test and Pearson

r

were used to examine differences in depression scores. The level of significance was set at

α
=
0.05

. Results. 30.8% of the participants experienced depressive symptoms. There was no association between EPDS scores and oxytocin level

r

170

=
0.10

,

p
=
0.23

. The association also did not exist even among women with a lifetime history of depression

r

43

=
−
0.13

,

p
=
0.37

. Participants with low education, low income, previous history of depression, positive family history of depression, positive family issues, and absent emotional family support have scored significantly higher on EPDS scores than their counterparts. The strongest association was with previous lifetime history of depression

t

170

=
−
4.40

,

p
<
0.001

. Conclusions. Postpartum depression is a major public health problem in Jordan. Late trimester serum oxytocin level has no association with early-onset postpartum depression.
Nrf2 Activation Mediates Antiallodynic Effect of Electroacupuncture on a Rat Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I through Reducing Local Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Yin Chengyu , Hu Qimiao , Wang Jie , Nie Huimin , Liu Boyu , Tai Yan , Fang Junfan , Du Junying , Shao Xiaomei , Fang Jianqiao , Liu Boyi
Published: February 2022

Complex regional pain syndrome type-I (CRPS-I) represents a type of neurovascular condition featured by severe pain in affected extremities. Few treatments have proven effective for CRPS-I. Electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective therapy for pain relief. We explored the mechanism through which EA ameliorates pain in a rat CRPS-I model. The chronic postischemic pain (CPIP) model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats to mimic CRPS-I. We found that oxidative stress-related biological process was among the predominant biological processes in affected hindpaw of CPIP rats. Oxidative stress occurred primarily in local hindpaw but not in the spinal cord or serum of model rats. Antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) attenuated mechanical allodynia and spinal glia overactivation in CPIP model rats, whereas locally increasing oxidative stress is sufficient to induce chronic pain and spinal glia overactivation in naive rats. EA exerted remarkable antiallodynia on CPIP rats by reducing local oxidative stress via enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. Pharmacological blocking Nrf2 abolished antioxidative and antiallodynic effects of EA. EA reduced spinal glia overactivation, attenuated the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, reduced the enhanced TRPA1 channel activity in dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the hindpaws, and improved blood flow dysfunction in hindpaws of CPIP rats, all of which were mimicked by NAC treatment. Thus, we identified local oxidative injury as an important contributor to pathogenesis of animal CRPS-I model. EA targets local oxidative injury by enhancing endogenous Nrf2-mediated antioxidative mechanism to relieve pain and inflammation. Our study indicates EA can be an alternative option for CRPS-I management.
TNF-α Antagonizes the Effect of Leptin on Insulin Secretion through FOXO1-Dependent Transcriptional Suppression of LepRb in INS-1 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yang , Jin Weidong , Zhang Dongyun , Lin Changhai , He Haiyan , Xie Fengxin , Gan Lixia , Fu Weiling , Wu Lixiang , Wu Yongzhong
Published: February 2022

Proinflammatory cytokines play a causal role in the development of hyperinsulinemia and T2MD. FOXO1, a transcription factor which is known to enhance proinflammation, was recently shown to be involved in obesity-induced β cell dysfunction. However, molecular mechanisms for the association remained elusive. In this study, we first found that both leptin (10 nM) and TNF-α (20 ng/ml) significantly inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of INS-1E cells. When in combination, the GSIS function of INS-1E cells was significantly increased compared with that of the leptin alone treatment, indicating that TNF-α attenuated the inhibiting effect of leptin on GSIS of INS-1E cells. Similarly, we found that TNF-α has the same inhibitory effect on leptin in regulating insulin synthesis and secretion, and the survival and apoptosis of insulin cells. Further studies showed that TNF-α blocks leptin pathway by reducing the expression of leptin receptor (LepRb, also called OBRb) and inhibiting the activation of STAT3, a key molecule involved in the leptin signaling pathway in INS-1E cells. Besides, the downregulated expression of phosphorylated FOXO1 was found to be involved in the possible mechanism of TNF-α. Overexpression of constitutively active FOXO1 markedly aggravated the LepRb reduction by TNF-α treatment of INS-1E cells, and the endogenous FOXO1 knockdown abolished the effect of TNF-α on INS-1E cells. Furthermore, we have proved that FOXO1 could directly bind to the promoter of LepRb as a negative transcription regulator. Taken together, the results of this study reveal that TNF-α-induced LepRb downregulated in pancreatic β cells and demonstrate that transcriptional reduction of FOXO1 might be the primary mechanism underlying TNF-α promoting INS-1E leptin resistance and β cell dysfunction. Conclusions. Our current studies based on INS-1E cells in vitro indicate that the inflammatory factor TNF-α plays an important role in the development of INS-1E leptin resistance and glucose metabolism disorders, probably through FOXO1-induced transcription reduction of LepRb promoter in pancreatic β cells, and FOXO1 may be a novel target for treating β cell dysfunction in obesity-induced hyperinsulinemia and T2DM.
Modeling Dynamic Frequency Response on Slab Track of Shinkansen Railway Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Gholizadeh Majid , Aghayan Iman , Hadadi Farhad
Published: February 2022

The use of slab tracks in lieu of ballast tracks has introduced new dimensions in track dynamics in high‐speed railways. To improve the performance of slab tracks under dynamic frequency responses caused by loads on the Shinkansen railway, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of mechanical properties of track components, including the elasticity modulus and thickness on the resonance frequency of the vertical dynamic responses using the finite element method. Such responses included receptance and decay rate in the asphalt bearing layer (ABL), hydraulically bonded layer (HBL), and concrete bearing layer (CBL). In addition, the study sought to select the optimal layer as an effective layer in the view of reducing the resonance frequency of dynamic responses in comparison with the general model. Based on the data regarding the effects of elasticity modulus and thickness of slab track layers on the resonance of the dynamic frequency responses under the amplitude loads, by changing the load from 20 to 25 tons over the slab track, the receptance under the modulus and thickness change increased up to 34 and 29%. Moreover, the decay rate under the modulus and thickness change increased up to 31 and 37%. Accordingly, by increasing the load amplitude, the CBL and HBL showed lower dynamic responses than other layers. Thus, CBL and HBL were selected as the optimum layers for improving the performance of the slab track of the Shinkansen railway.
Radar Signal Recognition and Localization Based on Multiscale Lightweight Attention Model
Authors: Si Weijian , Luo Jiaji , Deng Zhian
Published: February 2022

The recognition technology of the radar signal modulation mode plays a critical role in electronic warfare, and the algorithm based on deep learning has significantly improved the recognition accuracy of radar signals. However, the convolutional neural networks became increasingly sophisticated with the progress of deep learning, making them unsuitable for platforms with limited computing resources. ResXNet, a novel multiscale lightweight attention model, is proposed in this paper. The proposed ResXNet model has a larger receptive field and a novel grouped residual structure to improve the feature representation capacity of the model. In addition, the convolution block attention module (CBAM) is utilized to effectively aggregate channel and spatial information, enabling the convolutional neural network model to extract features more effectively. The input time-frequency image size of the proposed model is increased to

600
×
600

, which effectively reduces the information loss of the input data. The average recognition accuracy of the proposed model achieves 91.1% at -8 dB. Furthermore, the proposed model performs better in terms of unsupervised object localization with the class activation map (CAM). The classification information and localization information of the radar signal can be fused for subsequent analysis.