bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amine-Ionic Liquid Blends in CO2 Capture Process for Sustainable Energy and Environment
Authors: Perumal Muthumari , Jayaraman Dhanalakshmi
Published: January 2022

In the present work, an experiment for CO2 capture process were performed by absorption using various aqueous solvent blends of amine and ionic liquids. The solvent blends were prepared for various compositions by mixing TetraButylAmmonium Acetate [TBA][OAC] and TetraButylAmmonium Bromide [TBA][Br] ionic liquids with Monoethanolamine (MEA). The obtained results were compared with baseline MEA. It was observed that capture efficiency of CO2, absorption rate of CO2 and CO2 diffusion coefficient of MEA-[TBA][OAC] and MEA-[TBA][Br] solvent blends were comparatively higher than baseline 30%MEA. Moreover, the parameters such as density, viscosity, pH, carbon loading and surface tension of all the solvent blends were measured for before and after absorption process. The carbon loading of solvent blends MEA-[TBA][Br] (0.405 mole of CO2/mole of solvent) and MEA-[TBA][OAC](0.459 mole of CO2/mole of solvent) was slightly lower than baseline MEA (0.494 mole of CO2/mole of solvent). However, the viscosity of MEA-[TBA][Br] blends were remarkably lower than MEA-[TBA][OAC] blend and baseline MEA. This might be an important key factor in solvent recovery process with lesser energy demand for sustainable energy and environment.
Position in global value chains and wages in Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Szymczak Sabina , Parteka Aleksandra , Wolszczak-Derlacz Joanna
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the relationship between the relative position of industries in Global Value Chains (GVC) and wages in 10 Central and Eastern European countries. We combine GVC measures of global import intensity of production, upstreamness and the length of the value chain with micro-data on workers. We find that the wages of Central and Eastern European countries workers are higher when their industry is at the beginning of the chain or at the end than in the middle. Secondly, wage changes depend on the interplay between upstreamness and GVC intensity. In sectors close to final demand, greater production fragmentation is associated with lower wages.
The 30th anniversary of the code of ethics of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists–a worthy milestone
Authors: Lim Izaak , Kenn Felicity , Bloch Sidney
Published: January 2022

Objective

To appraise the evolution of the RANZCP’s Code of Ethics on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Method

We scrutinised its five editions, focussing on the revision procedure and changes made, and reviewed relevant literature.

Results

The procedure of revision has remained constant: incorporating feedback from college members, committees and faculties, and consulting professional medical bodies and mental health advocacy organisations. Seven major themes of change have emerged with respect to patient exploitation, recognition of family and carers, the special place of Indigenous Peoples, confidentiality, engaging patients in decision-making, multidisciplinary collaboration and the well-being of psychiatrists.

Conclusions

The code has proved to be a dynamic instrument in keeping abreast of changes in psychiatry and society, and promises to maintain a prominent role in promoting high ethical standards in the profession.
Seeking Choice to Fulfill Health Literacy Needs: Health Literacy Opportunities for Consumers in Hospital Waiting Areas
Authors: McDonald Cassie E. , Granger Catherine L. , Said Catherine M. , Remedios Louisa J.
Published: January 2022

In this research, we explore and theorize on the potential of hospital outpatient rehabilitation waiting areas to respond and contribute to the health literacy needs of consumers. Constructivist grounded theory informed the sampling and analytical procedures. Thirty-three consumers attending outpatient rehabilitation for a range of health conditions were recruited to this multi-site study. Semi-structured interview and participant observation data were collected and analyzed concurrently using the constant comparison method. The substantive theory of “seeking choice to fulfill health literacy needs” and five interdependent categories were developed. Results indicated that consumers sought choice reflective of their needs; however, the waiting area offered limited choice. Consumers shared ideas to address the lack of choice. Results provide insight into the health literacy needs of consumers in hospital outpatient waiting areas and how health services can appropriately respond to these needs. Future research should investigate the effect of health service environments on health outcomes.
Screws-Only Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Bloomer Ainsley K. , McKnight R. Randall , Johnson Nicholas R. , Macknet David M. , Wally Meghan K. , Yu Ziqing , Seymour Rachel B. , Hsu Joseph R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

The management of displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) is a difficult problem with disappointing results from open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Alternatively, ORIF with primary subtalar arthrodesis (PSTA) has gained increasing popularity. The purpose of this study is to review patient-centered and radiographic outcomes of ORIF plus PSTA using only screws through a sinus tarsi approach.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patients who underwent ORIF+PSTA for DIACFs was conducted. The same surgical technique was used in all cases consisting of only screws; no plates were used. Delayed surgeries past 8 weeks were excluded. Demographic and radiographic data were collected including worker’s compensation claims. Plain radiographs were used to characterize injuries and review outcomes.

Results:

Seventy-nine DIACFs underwent PSTA with a median follow-up of 200 days (n = 69 patients). Median time to weightbearing was 57.5 days postoperatively. Ten fractures were documented as Sanders II, 36 as Sanders III, and 32 as Sanders IV. Sixty-eight fractures (86.1%) achieved fusion on radiographs at a median of 126.5 (range, 54-518) days. Thirty-nine fractures (57.3%) demonstrated radiographic fusion in all 3 predefined locations. Nine of the 14 worker’s compensation patients returned to work within the period of observation. There were 8 complications: 3 requiring a secondary operation. Eleven of 79 fractures treated did not go on to achieve radiographic union.

Conclusion:

In this retrospective case series, we found that screws-only primary subtalar arthrodesis for the treatment of DIACFs through a sinus tarsi approach was associated with relatively high rates of return to work and radiographic fusion.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The Relationship Between the Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio and Early Outcomes in Patients with Acute Pontine Infarction
Authors: Zhai Mingfeng , Cao Shugang , Lu Jinghong , Xu Hui , Xia Mingwu , Li Zongyou
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

Previous studies have indicated that fibrinogen and low serum albumin levels are associated with poor outcomes of acute ischemic stroke. The role of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) as a novel inflammatory and thrombotic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke is unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the FAR and 3-month outcomes of acute pontine infarction. Methods: Patients with acute pontine infarction were consecutively included. All patients were followed up at 3 months after onset, and the 3-month outcome was evaluated using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. A score of 0 to 2 was defined as a good outcome, and a score ≥ 3 was defined as a poor outcome. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the optimal cutoff values for patients with acute pontine infarction. Then, a binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the risk factors for a poor outcome after acute pontine infarction. Results: A total of 264 patients with acute pontine infarction were included. Eighty (30.3%) patients were included in the poor outcome group. The optimal cutoff value of the FAR for predicting the 3-month outcome of acute pontine infarction was 8.199. The FAR was independently associated with a poor outcome at 3 months in patients with acute pontine infarction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.293, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.150-1.453). Conclusions: We found that a high FAR predicted poor 3-month outcomes in patients with acute pontine infarction.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of inerter-based systems
Authors: Zheng Yi-lin , Li Lu-yu
Published: January 2022

Based on a single degree of freedom system, the inerter principles of an inertial mass damper and clutch inerter damper are introduced. The motion equations of the systems are derived, and the rotational speed and damping are considered. In addition, a reducer is innovatively combined with clutch inerter damper to significantly improve the inertance. Accordingly, an innovative reducer clutch inerter damper is proposed. Shaking table experiments are carried out on the uncontrolled inertial mass damper, clutch inerter damper, and reducer clutch inerter damper structures under the inputs of harmonic and seismic waves. Simulation models of the four types of structures are developed, and the validity of the theoretical models is verified by a comparison between the simulation and experiment. Moreover, the nonlinear models of clutch inerter damper and reducer clutch inerter damper are discussed. Finally, according to the test results, the vibration reduction effects of the three inerters are analyzed, and the reasons why they are different from the ideal clutch inerter damper are also explained. The results show that clutch inerter damper, especially reducer clutch inerter damper, has a good vibration damping performance.
The Effects of a Participatory Intervention in Mental Health Units on Nurses’ Perceptions of the Practice Environment: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Moreno-Poyato Antonio R. , EL Abidi Khadija , González-Palau Francesca , Tolosa-Merlos Diana , Rodríguez-Nogueira Óscar , Pérez-Toribio Alonso , Casanova-Garrigos Georgina , Roviralta-Vilella Maria , Roldán-Merino Juan F.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

The practice environment influences the quality of care and the nursing outcomes achieved in their workplaces.

AIMS:

To examine the perception of the clinical practice environment among nurses working in mental health units in the context of their participation in an action research study aimed at improving the nurse–patient relationship.

METHOD:

An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was designed. The data were collected in three phases in 18 mental health units ( n = 95 nurses). Quantitative data were collected through the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, and qualitative data were collected through reflective diaries and focus groups in the context of participatory action research.

RESULTS:

The nurses’ assessment of their practice environment shifted from positive to negative. Nurse manager leadership was the aspect that worsened the most. In addition, the perception of their participation in the affairs of the center and nursing foundations for quality of care decreased. The nurses considered it essential to be able to influence decision-making bodies and that the institution should promote a model of care that upholds the therapeutic relationship in actual clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nurses perceived that they should be involved in organizational decisions and required more presence and understanding from managers. Furthermore, nurses stated that institutions should promote nursing foundations for quality of care. This study contributes to understanding how nurses in mental health units perceive their work environment and how it affects the improvement of the nurse–patient relationship in clinical practice.
Nonlinear deformations of a cylindrical pipe with pre-stressed thin coatings
Authors: Zubov Leonid , Karyakin Mikhail
Published: January 2022

The paper presents an exact solution for the problem of large deformations of torsion, axial tension–compression, and radial expansion or shrinkage of an elastic hollow circular cylinder equipped with pre-stressed elastic coatings. Surface coatings are modeled using the six-parameter nonlinear shell theory. The constitutive material of the cylinder is described by a three-dimensional nonlinear model of the isotropic incompressible body of the general form. Special boundary conditions describe the interaction of this material with thin coatings on the inner and outer surface of the pipe. Based on the solution obtained, numerical calculations were performed on the effect of preliminary stresses in coatings on the stress–strain state of a cylindrical pipe.
Takotsubo Syndrome: A Review of Presentation, Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Assad Joseph , Femia Giuseppe , Pender Patrick , Badie Tamer , Rajaratnam Rohan
Published: January 2022

Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is a condition of transient left ventricular dysfunction that is typically triggered by emotional or physical stress. Since first described in Japan in 1990, it has increasingly been recognised in clinical practice, accounting for up to 2% of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) presentations. In fact, the clinical presentation can be indistinguishable from a myocardial infarction. Although current evidence suggests a catecholamine induced myocardial stunning, the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. Interestingly, it is more common in woman, particularly those who are post-menopausal. This review aims to summarise the current research and provide an overview of the diagnostic strategies and treatment options.
Remembering summer in the city: Production and consumption of yanqishui in twentieth-century Shanghai
Authors: Yao Liang
Published: January 2022

By investigating the history of how yanqishui, originally a drink for factory heatstroke prevention, changed from welfare in the Mao years to a popular drink in post-socialist Shanghai, this article attempts to show the historical continuity of consumption in modern China and that the understanding of consumption patterns must be rooted in a local context. Using archives, local newspapers, memoirs, and interviews, the article explores the symbolic meanings of yanqishui before China’s 1978 reforms, which have left a deep impression on the Chinese masses and continuously impacted consumption thereafter. It argues that the popularity of yanqishui in contemporary Shanghai, to an extent, represents some kind of nostalgic consumption. However, instead of a nationwide sentiment, the nostalgia is sometimes local. As the biggest commercial center and then an industrial core in China’s modern history, Shanghai left people special memories on yanqishui that have greatly shaped the local consumer culture.
On planning, planning theories, and practices: A critical reflection
Authors: Alexander Ernest R.
Published: January 2022

The futility of defining planning suggests that there is no planning as a recognizable practice. Sociology of knowledge definitions imply three kinds of planning practices: (1) Generic “planning”—what people do when they are planning; (2) Knowledge-centered “something” (e.g., spatial) planning; and (3) Real planning practiced in specific contexts, from metro-regional planning for Jakarta to transportation planning for the Trans-Europe Network, and enacted in general contexts, for example, informal- or Southern planning. Planning theories are linked to different practices: generic “planning” theories and “something” (e.g., regional, community, environmental, or Southern) planning theories. Selected topics illustrate the “planning” theory discourse and spatial planning theories are briefly reviewed. Three generations of planning practice studies are reviewed: the first, a-theoretical; the second, the “practice movement,” who studied practice for their own theorizing; and the third, informed by practice theories. Five books about planning show how their planning theorist authors understand planning practice. While recognizing planning as diverse practices, they hardly apply “planning” theory to planning practices. “Planning” theories are divorced from enacted planning practices, “something” (e.g., spatial) planning theories include constructive adaptations of “planning” theories and paradigms, but knowledge about real planning practices is limited. Implications from these conclusions are drawn for planning theory, education, and practices.
Damage detection in cementitious materials with optimized absolute electrical resistance tomography
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyong , Wang Jiahui , Tu Fubin , Bhat Prakash
Published: January 2022

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) serves as a non-invasive, non-destructive, non-radioactive imaging technique. It has potential applications in industrial and biological imaging. This paper presents an optimized inverse algorithm, named Newton’s Constrained Reconstruction Method (NCRM), to detect damage in cementitious materials. Several constraints were utilized in the proposed algorithm to optimize initial parameters. The range and spatial distribution of conductivities within the sample were chosen as two main constraints. Two sets of numerical and a set of experimental voltage data were used to reconstruct conductivity distribution images based on this algorithm. To evaluate the quality of reconstructed images, two image quality evaluation indicators, correlation coefficient and position error were used. Results show that the proposed algorithm NCRM has the ability to enhance the reconstructed image quality with fewer artifacts and has better positioning accuracy.
Risk Factors to Predict Ocular Metastasis in Older Adult Patients With Gastric Cancer:LDL, ApoA1, and CA724
Authors: Shi Wen-Qing , Wu Shi-Nan , Sun Tie , Shu Hui-Ye , Yang Qi-Chen , Li Qiu-Yu , Su Ting , Pan Yi-Cong , Liang Rong-Bin , Shao Yi
Published: January 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for Ocular metastasis (OM) of Gastric cancer (GC). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1165 patients with GC were enrolled in this study and divided into OM and non-ocular metastasis (NOM) groups. Chi-square and independent samples t tests were used to determine whether differences in demographic characteristics and serological indicators (SI) between the two groups were significant. In addition, binary logistic regression was used to analyze the value of various SI as risk factors for OM in patients with GC. The statistical threshold was set as P < .05. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of various SI in differentiating the occurrence of OM in patients with GC. Results: The incidence of OM in older adults with GC was 1.1%. Adenocarcinoma was the most common type of GC in both groups, and there was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the groups. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), carbohydrate antigen-724 (CA724), and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly higher in the OM group than the NOM group, while those of apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were significantly lower in the OM than the NOM group. Binary logistic analysis showed that LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 were independent risk factors for OM in patients with GC ( P < .001, P = .033, and P = .008, respectively). ROC curve analysis generated area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.881, 0.576, and 0.906 for LDL, ApoA1, and CA724, respectively. In addition, combined analysis of LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 generated the highest AUC value of 0.924 ( P < .001). Conclusion: Among SI, LDL, ApoA1, and CA724 have predictive value for the occurrence of OM in GC, with the three factors combined having the highest value.
Design of athermalized mounting structure for the sub-aperture primary mirror of a synthetic aperture telescope
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Li Zongxuan , Yong Qiang , Wang Tiancong , Zhang Defu
Published: January 2022

The imaging quality of the synthetic aperture system is sensitive to the positioning accuracy of the sub-aperture primary mirror. A novel flexible mounting structure of bimetallic material is proposed for the athermalization of the sub-aperture primary mirror of the Fizeau Synthetic Aperture Telescope – which is composed of seven sub-aperture. The axial position accuracy of the sub-aperture primary mirror must be less than 5 µm under 10°C temperature rise to meet the requirements of the optical system. Firstly, a single mounting unit is analyzed theoretically, and the initial parameters are determined. The conceptual design of the mounting structure is carried out by using initial parameters. The orthogonal optimization algorithm and range analysis are used to optimize the structural parameters. The finite element model of the flexible mounting structure is established and the coupled thermal-mechanical simulation analysis is performed. Then the thermal sensitivity test of the sub-aperture primary mirror mounting structure was carried out. Under the effect of a temperature rise of 10°C, the axial displacement of the sub-aperture primary mirror mounting surface is less than 3 µm. Finally, the synthetic aperture system is assembled, and the optical test verifies that the synthetic aperture system has good imaging capabilities.
Generalized Newtonian flow analysis in the microchannel manufactured by SLA considering nano-scale stair effect
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Gu Hai , Zhang Jie , Xu Yuanyuan , Wu Guoqing , Wu Weiwei
Published: January 2022

SLA (stereolithography), as a rapid and accurate additive manufacturing method, can be used to mold the microchannel. The stair effect is inevitable when the part is printed layer by layer, which has an important influence on the printing performance. In the current work, the power-law flow in the microchannel with nano-scale stairs manufactured by SLA is simulated and investigated. To improve the stability caused by the non-Newtonian behavior, a modified lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is proposed and validated. Then, a series of simulations are conducted and analyzed, the results show that both the stair effect and power-law index are important factors. The stairs on the surface force the streamlines to be curved and increase the outlet velocity. In addition, different power-law indexes result in completely different flows. The small power-law index leads to a much larger velocity than other cases, while the large power-law index makes the outlet velocity unstable at the middle position.
Multi-objective imperfect selective maintenance optimization for series-parallel systems with stochastic mission duration
Authors: Su Chun , Huang Kui , Wen Zejun
Published: January 2022

To improve the probability that an engineering system successfully completes its next mission, it is crucial to implement timely maintenance activities, especially when maintenance time or maintenance resources are limited. Taking series-parallel system as the object of study, this paper develops a multi-objective imperfect selective maintenance optimization model. Among it, during the scheduled breaks, potential maintenance actions are implemented for the components, ranging from minimal repair to replacement. Considering that the level of maintenance actions is closely related to the maintenance cost, age reduction coefficient and hazard rate adjustment coefficient are taken into account. Moreover, improved hybrid hazard rate approach is adopted to describe the reliability improvement of the components, and the mission duration is regarded as a random variable. On this basis, a nonlinear stochastic optimization model is established with dual objectives to minimize the total maintenance cost and maximize the system reliability concurrently. The fast elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is adopted to solve the model. Numerical experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results indicate that the proposed model can obtain better scheduling schemes for the maintenance resources, and more flexible maintenance plans are gained.
The social partners as actors in new labour law legislation in Sweden
Authors: Ulander-Wänman Carin
Published: January 2022

This article focuses on the importance of the social partners in new labour law regulation where there is a weak parliamentary majority. The prevailing view in Sweden is that labour law regulation must be modernised as both companies and employees need improved opportunities in order to be able to adapt to changing conditions in the labour market. A Government inquiry and negotiations between the social partners in the private sector focused on these issues. The social partners reached two agreements: a Principle Agreement, including demands that the state provide new labour law regulation; and a Basic Agreement, which is a collective agreement about security, transition and employment protection. The Swedish Government decided to modernise the Swedish Employment Protection Act (LAS) 1 in line with the social partners’ suggestions. The government proposal covers three important labour law areas: (1) changes to the Swedish Employment Protection Act; (2) new state-financed public support for skills development; and (3) a new public transition organisation to provide basic transition support for employees not covered by a collective agreement. This article shows that the social partners have great power over new legislation and can create stability in labour law regulation in Sweden for the future. The government’s proposal implies that new regulation has moved from the provision of employment protection depending on length of service to better transition conditions for employees, and that the state is to take financial responsibility for the lifelong learning of professionals.
Christ-animated graduate education in America: Can we redeem a Protestant failure?
Authors: Glanzer Perry L , Abel Hina , Cartisano Emma , O’Donoghue Kevin , Smith Austin , Whitmore Madeline , Winkler David
Published: January 2022

Unlike the liberal arts college, American graduate education started as and continues to be a secular affair. The last four decades, however, have produced growth in both the number and quality of Christian graduate programs. The question we asked is: do American Christian institutions engage in graduate education Christianly? To answer this question for Protestants, we undertook a theologically-guided discourse analysis of the 638 graduate programs at the 41 top ranked Protestant Christian universities in the United States. In particular, we looked at the marketing, objectives, and curriculum. We found only one-third of the graduate programs demonstrated even one piece of evidence demonstrating Christian distinctiveness.
Effects of Video Length on a Flipped English Classroom
Authors: Yu Zhonggen , Gao Mingle
Published: January 2022

Although the flipped pedagogical approach has been exhaustively explored, the effect of video length remains sparsely studied. Through a mixed design, videos, and three ratio scales, this study determined the effect of video length on English proficiency, student engagement, and satisfaction in a flipped English classroom in China. We concluded that: (1) The short video (shorter than 5 minutes)-assisted English flipped classroom could lead to significantly higher English proficiency, student engagement, and satisfaction than the flipped classroom assisted with medium videos (10–20 minutes); and (2) The medium video-assisted English flipped classroom could lead to significantly higher English proficiency, student engagement, and satisfaction than the flipped classroom assisted with long videos (longer than 30 minutes). Designers of videos could make every effort to provide short videos to improve English proficiency, engagement, and satisfaction. They could also seriously consider a scale, a mobile platform, quizzes, pictures, and multimedia in the future design and innovation of videos.
Retinoic acid action is altered within endometrium of baboons affected with endometriosis
Authors: Pavone Mary Ellen , Grover Allison R , Confino Rafael , Pearson Elizabeth K , Malpani Saurabh , Cheng You-Hong , Fazleabas Asgerally , Bulun Serdar
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Using a baboon model, we determined the changing expression of Retinoic Acid (RA) target genes during the menstrual cycle and during disease progression. This change could explain the cellular response and changes characteristic of endometriosis. In previous studies, we established that endometriosis affects the CRABP2:FABP5 ratio in an in vitro environment, shifting toward apoptosis and differentiation with higher CRABP2, and anti-apoptosis with higher levels of FABP5.

Intervention(s):

Endometriosis was induced in female baboons with intraperitoneal inoculation of menstrual endometrium ( n = 2–4). Tissue was harvested via endometrectomy during different stages of the menstrual cycle as well at 3, 6, and 12 month timepoints after inoculation with endometriosis.

Main outcome measure(s):

Real time PCR was used to quantify STRA6 (a gene responsible for retinol uptake), CRABP2 (a gene necessary for apoptotic and anti-apoptotic estrogenic RA effects), and FABP5 (a gene that mediates the anti-apoptotic actions of RA).

Results:

STRA6 and CRABP2 expression were highest in the proliferative phase and lowest in the late secretory phase. FABP5 expression remained stable throughout the 12 months following the induction of the disease, whereas STRA6 and CRABP2 continued to decrease during the same period.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms that a shift in the CRABP2:FABP5 ratio has similar in vivo effects as it does in vitro: changing RA expression with disease induction and progression. As CRABP2 may be important in determining cell fate in the endometrium, gene expression changes could contribute to the anti-apoptotic behavior of affected cells. As expression changes more during progression, earlier rather than later treatment becomes more critical in reducing the rate of disease progression.
Determining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference on the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Shoulder Instability
Authors: Foong Wei Sheng , Zeng Gerald Joseph , Goh Graham S. , Hao Ying , Lie Denny Tjiauw Tjoen , Chang Paul Chee Cheng
Published: January 2022

Background:

The literature on minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for patient-reported outcome measures assessing shoulder instability is limited, with none addressing the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS). The OSIS was developed to provide a standardized method for assessing shoulder function after surgery for shoulder instability, and previous studies have demonstrated its high reliability, low interrater variability, and ease of administration.

Purpose:

To identify the MCID for the OSIS after arthroscopic Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A longitudinally maintained institutional registry was queried for patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair from 2010 to 2016 for recurrent shoulder instability secondary to a Bankart lesion without significant glenoid bone loss. The OSIS was completed preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Patients were categorized into “expectations met” and “expectations unmet” groups using a questionnaire evaluating expectation fulfilment. The MCID of the OSIS at 1 year was calculated using 3 anchor-based approaches and a distribution-based approach. The 3 anchor-based approaches comprised (1) simple linear regression analysis, (2) receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and (3) calculation of mean differences in change for the OSIS between the “expectations met” and “expectations unmet” groups.

Results:

The study cohort comprised 68 men and 11 women aged 29.9 ± 12.7 years (mean ± SD). Duration of follow-up for all patients exceeded 1 year. The MCIDs for the OSIS based on the 4 calculation approaches yielded a narrow range of values, ranging from 7.7 to 8.5 for the anchor-based methods and 8.6 for the distribution-based method.

Conclusion:

Study results indicated that patients with recurrent shoulder instability without significant bone loss who undergo primary arthroscopic Bankart repair and have at least 8.6 points of improvement on their OSIS experience a clinically significant change at 1 year postoperatively.
Reporting Inpatients’ Experiences and Satisfaction in a National Psychiatric Facility: A Study Based on the Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Haji Eman A. , Ebrahim Ahmed H. , Fardan Hassan , Jahrami Haitham
Published: January 2022

Understanding psychiatric inpatients’ experiences is important to establish a culture of patient-centric care and promote trust in healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate nine dimensions of patients’ experiences and investigate their association with patient satisfaction, revisit intention, and positive word-of-mouth (WoM) recommendation. Cross-sectional questionnaire data from five years of surveying (2016–2020) in the main psychiatric hospital in Bahrain were statistically analyzed, involving 763 psychiatric inpatients with an overall 65.6 ± 17.2 length of stay (days). The findings show that across the five years 2016–2020, the overall reported satisfaction was “very high” (4.75 ± 0.44) with no significant differences between these five years (F [4, 758] = 0.66, p = 0.620). The experience of confidentiality received the highest rating (4.72 ± 0.45). The experiences of ease of access, hospitality quality, and quality of responsiveness to one's needs significantly correlated with revisit intention ( p ˂ 0.05). Patients with high satisfaction had greater potential for revisit intention (r [761] = 0.08, p = 0.027), which was associated with WoM recommendation (r [761] = 0.08, p = 0.033). Overall, men were less likely than women to experience convenient access to psychiatric wards. The findings of the Random Forest algorithm indicate the tendency of female patients with short-term stays to demonstrate lower satisfaction rates, and thus innovative approaches are needed when managing these groups’ psychiatric problems.
Using weighted multilayer networks to uncover scaling of public transport system
Authors: Gu Yanyan , Wang Yandong
Published: January 2022

The public transport system is considered as one of the most important subsystems in metropolises for achieving sustainability objectives by mediating resources and travel demand. Representing the various urban transport networks is crucial in understanding travel behavior and the function of the transport system. However, previous studies have ignored the coupling relationships between multi-mode transport networks and travel flows. To address this problem, we constructed a multilayer network to illustrate two modes of transport (bus and metro) by assigning weights of travel flow and efficiency. We explored the scaling of the public transport system to validate the multilayer network and offered new visions for transportation improvements by considering population. The proposed methodology was demonstrated by using public transport datasets of Shanghai, China. For both the bus network and multilayer network, the scaling of node degree versus Population were explored at 1 km * 1 km urban cells. The results suggested that in the multilayer network, the scaling relations between node degree and population can provide valuable insights into quantifying the integration between the public transport system and urban land use, which will benefit sustainable improvements to cities.
Quantifying changes in bicycle volumes using crowdsourced data
Authors: Al-Ramini Ali , Takallou Mohammad A , Piatkowski Daniel P , Alsaleem Fadi
Published: January 2022

Most cities in the United States lack comprehensive or connected bicycle infrastructure; therefore, inexpensive and easy-to-implement solutions for connecting existing bicycle infrastructure are increasingly being employed. Signage is one of the promising solutions. However, the necessary data for evaluating its effect on cycling ridership is lacking. To overcome this challenge, this study tests the potential of using readily-available crowdsourced data in concert with machine-learning methods to provide insight into signage intervention effectiveness. We do this by assessing a natural experiment to identify the potential effects of adding or replacing signage within existing bicycle infrastructure in 2019 in the city of Omaha, Nebraska. Specifically, we first visually compare cycling traffic changes in 2019 to those from the previous two years (2017–2018) using data extracted from the Strava fitness app. Then, we use a new three-step machine-learning approach to quantify the impact of signage while controlling for weather, demographics, and street characteristics. The steps are as follows: Step 1 (modeling and validation) build and train a model from the available 2017 crowdsourced data (i.e., Strava, Census, and weather) that accurately predicts the cycling traffic data for any street within the study area in 2018; Step 2 (prediction) use the model from Step 1 to predict bicycle traffic in 2019 while assuming new signage was not added; Step 3 (impact evaluation) use the difference in prediction from actual traffic in 2019 as evidence of the likely impact of signage. While our work does not demonstrate causality, it does demonstrate an inexpensive method, using readily-available data, to identify changing trends in bicycling over the same time that new infrastructure investments are being added.
A somatic UBA2 variant preceded ETV6-RUNX1 in the concordant BCP-ALL of monozygotic twins
Authors: Bang Benedicte , Eisfeldt Jesper , Barbany Gisela , Harila-Saari Arja , Heyman Mats , Zachariadis Vasilios , Taylan Fulya , Nordgren Ann
Published: January 2022

Genetic analysis of leukemic clones in monozygotic twins with concordant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has proved a unique opportunity to gain insight into the molecular phylogenetics of leukemogenesis. Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized constitutional and somatic single nucleotide variants/insertion-deletions (indels) and structural variants in a monozygotic twin pair with concordant ETV6-RUNX1+ B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL). In addition, digital PCR (dPCR) was applied to evaluate the presence of and quantify selected somatic variants at birth, diagnosis, and remission. A shared somatic complex rearrangement involving chromosomes 11, 12, and 21 with identical fusion sequences in leukemias of both twins offered direct proof of a common clonal origin. The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion detected at diagnosis was found to originate from this complex rearrangement. A shared somatic frameshift deletion in UBA2 was also identified in diagnostic samples. In addition, each leukemia independently acquired analogous deletions of 3 genes recurrently targeted in BCP-ALLs (ETV6, ATF7IP, and RAG1/RAG2), providing evidence of a convergent clonal evolution only explained by a strong concurrent selective pressure. Quantification of the UBA2 deletion by dPCR surprisingly indicated it persisted in remission. This, for the first time to our knowledge, provided evidence of a UBA2 variant preceding the well-established initiating event ETV6-RUNX1. Further, we suggest the UBA2 deletion exerted a leukemia predisposing effect and that its essential role in Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) attachment (SUMOylation), regulating nearly all physiological and pathological cellular processes such as DNA-repair by nonhomologous end joining, may hold a mechanistic explanation for the predisposition.
Experimental Study of Rheological Behavior of MWCNT-Al2O3/SAE50 Hybrid Nanofluid to Provide the Best Nano-lubrication Conditions
Authors: Hemmat Esfe Mohammad , Alidoust Soheyl , Mohammadnejad Ardeshiri Erfan , Kamyab Mohammad Hasan , Toghraie Davood
Published: January 2022

In this study, MWCNT-Al2O3 hybrid nanoparticles with a composition ratio of 50:50 in SAE50 base oil are used. This paper aims to describe the rheological behavior of hybrid nanofluid based on temperature, shear rate ($$\dot{\gamma })$$

γ
˙

)

and volume fraction of nanoparticles ($$\varphi$$
φ
) to present an experimental correlation model. Flowmetric methods confirm the non-Newtonian behavior of the hybrid nanofluid. The highest increase and decrease in viscosity ($${\mu }_{\rm nf}$$

μ
nf

) in the studied conditions are measured as 24% and − 17%, respectively. To predict the experimental data, the five-point-three-variable model is used in the response surface methodology with a coefficient of determination of 0.9979. Margin deviation (MOD) of the data is determined to be within the permissible limit of − 4.66% < MOD < 5.25%. Sensitivity analysis shows that with a 10% increase in $$\varphi$$
φ
at $$\varphi =$$

φ
=

1%, the highest increase in $${\mu }_{\rm nf}$$

μ
nf

of 34.92% is obtained.
A numerical approach for detecting switch-like bistability in mass action chemical reaction networks with conservation laws
Authors: Reyes Brandon C , Otero-Muras Irene , Petyuk Vladislav A
Published: January 2022

Background

Theoretical analysis of signaling pathways can provide a substantial amount of insight into their function. One particular area of research considers signaling pathways capable of assuming two or more stable states given the same amount of signaling ligand. This phenomenon of bistability can give rise to switch-like behavior, a mechanism that governs cellular decision making. Investigation of whether or not a signaling pathway can confer bistability and switch-like behavior, without knowledge of specific kinetic rate constant values, is a mathematically challenging problem. Recently a technique based on optimization has been introduced, which is capable of finding example parameter values that confer switch-like behavior for a given pathway. Although this approach has made it possible to analyze moderately sized pathways, it is limited to reaction networks that presume a uniterminal structure. It is this limited structure we address by developing a general technique that applies to any mass action reaction network with conservation laws.

Results

In this paper we developed a generalized method for detecting switch-like bistable behavior in any mass action reaction network with conservation laws. The method involves (1) construction of a constrained optimization problem using the determinant of the Jacobian of the underlying rate equations, (2) minimization of the objective function to search for conditions resulting in a zero eigenvalue, (3) computation of a confidence level that describes if the global minimum has been found and (4) evaluation of optimization values, using either numerical continuation or directly simulating the ODE system, to verify that a bistability region exists. The generalized method has been tested on three motifs known to be capable of bistability.

Conclusions

We have developed a variation of an optimization-based method for the discovery of bistability, which is not limited to uniterminal chemical reaction networks. Successful completion of the method provides an S-shaped bifurcation diagram, which indicates that the network acts as a bistable switch for the given optimization parameters.
Comparative pangenomics: analysis of 12 microbial pathogen pangenomes reveals conserved global structures of genetic and functional diversity
Authors: Hyun Jason C. , Monk Jonathan M. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: January 2022

Background

With the exponential growth of publicly available genome sequences, pangenome analyses have provided increasingly complete pictures of genetic diversity for many microbial species. However, relatively few studies have scaled beyond single pangenomes to compare global genetic diversity both within and across different species. We present here several methods for “comparative pangenomics” that can be used to contextualize multi-pangenome scale genetic diversity with gene function for multiple species at multiple resolutions: pangenome shape, genes, sequence variants, and positions within variants.

Results

Applied to 12,676 genomes across 12 microbial pathogenic species, we observed several shared resolution-specific patterns of genetic diversity: First, pangenome openness is associated with species’ phylogenetic placement. Second, relationships between gene function and frequency are conserved across species, with core genomes enriched for metabolic and ribosomal genes and accessory genomes for trafficking, secretion, and defense-associated genes. Third, genes in core genomes with the highest sequence diversity are functionally diverse. Finally, certain protein domains are consistently mutation enriched across multiple species, especially among aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases where the extent of a domain’s mutation enrichment is strongly function-dependent.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the value of each resolution at uncovering distinct aspects in the relationship between genetic and functional diversity across multiple species. With the continued growth of the number of sequenced genomes, these methods will reveal additional universal patterns of genetic diversity at the pangenome scale.
Gene expression profiling of trout muscle during flesh quality recovery following spawning
Authors: Ahongo Yéléhi-Diane , Le Cam Aurélie , Montfort Jérôme , Bugeon Jérôme , Lefèvre Florence , Rescan Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2022

Background

Sexual maturation causes loss of fish muscle mass and deterioration of fillet quality attributes that prevent market success. We recently showed that fillet yield and flesh quality recover in female trout after spawning. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms regulating flesh quality recovery, we used an Agilent-based microarray platform to conduct a large-scale time course analysis of gene expression in female trout white muscle from spawning to 33 weeks post-spawning.

Results

In sharp contrast to the situation at spawning, muscle transcriptome of female trout at 33 weeks after spawning was highly similar to that of female trout of the same cohort that did not spawn, which is consistent with the post-spawning flesh quality recovery. Large-scale time course analysis of gene expression in trout muscle during flesh quality recovery following spawning led to the identification of approximately 3340 unique differentially expressed genes that segregated into four major clusters with distinct temporal expression profiles and functional categories. The first cluster contained approximately 1350 genes with high expression at spawning and downregulation after spawning and was enriched with genes linked to mitochondrial ATP synthesis, fatty acid catabolism and proteolysis. A second cluster of approximately 540 genes with transient upregulation 2 to 8 weeks after spawning was enriched with genes involved in transcription, RNA processing, translation, ribosome biogenesis and protein folding. A third cluster containing approximately 300 genes upregulated 4 to 13 weeks after spawning was enriched with genes encoding ribosomal subunits or regulating protein folding. Finally, a fourth cluster that contained approximately 940 genes with upregulation 8 to 24 weeks after spawning, was dominated by genes encoding myofibrillar proteins and extracellular matrix components and genes involved in glycolysis.

Conclusion

Overall, our study indicates that white muscle tissue restoration and flesh quality recovery after spawning are associated with transcriptional changes promoting anaerobic ATP production, muscle fibre hypertrophic growth and extracellular matrix remodelling. The generation of the first database of genes associated with post-spawning muscle recovery may provide insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling muscle yield and fillet quality in fish and provide a useful list of potential genetic markers for these traits.