bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting resistive wall mode stability in NSTX through balanced random forests and counterfactual explanations
Authors: Piccione A. , Berkery J.W. , Sabbagh S.A. , Andreopoulos Y.
Published: January 2022

Recent progress in the disruption event characterization and forecasting framework has shown that machine learning guided by physics theory can be easily implemented as a supporting tool for fast computations of ideal stability properties of spherical tokamak plasmas. In order to extend that idea, a customized random forest (RF) classifier that takes into account imbalances in the training data is hereby employed to predict resistive wall mode (RWM) stability for a set of high beta discharges from the NSTX spherical tokamak. More specifically, with this approach each tree in the forest is trained on samples that are balanced via a user-defined over/under-sampler. The proposed approach outperforms classical cost-sensitive methods for the problem at hand, in particular when used in conjunction with a random under-sampler, while also resulting in a threefold reduction in the training time. In order to further understand the model’s decisions, a diverse set of counterfactual explanations based on determinantal point processes (DPP) is generated and evaluated. Via the use of DPP, the underlying RF model infers that the presence of hypothetical magnetohydrodynamic activity would have prevented the RWM from concurrently going unstable, which is a counterfactual that is indeed expected by prior physics knowledge. Given that this result emerges from the data-driven RF classifier and the use of counterfactuals without hand-crafted embedding of prior physics intuition, it motivates the usage of counterfactuals to simulate real-time control by generating the β

N
levels that would have kept the RWM stable for a set of unstable discharges.
Deconvolving the roles of E × B shear and pedestal structure in the energy confinement quality of super H-mode experiments
Authors: Garofalo A.M. , Ding S. , Solomon W.M. , Grierson B.A. , Jian X. , Osborne T.H. , Holland C. , Knolker M. , Laggner F.M. , Chrystal C. , Marinoni A. , Petty C.C.
Published: January 2022

Analysis of ‘super H-mode’ experiments on DIII-D has put forward that high plasma toroidal rotation, not high pedestal, plays the essential role in achieving energy confinement qualityH98y2≫ 1 (Dinget al2020Nucl. Fusion60034001). Recently, super H-mode experiments with variable input torque have confirmed that high rotation shear discharges have very high levels ofH98y2(>1.5), independent of the pedestal height, and that high pedestal discharges with low rotation shear have levels ofH98y2only slightly above 1 (⩽1.2). Although some increase in stored energy with higher pedestal occurs, the energy confinement quality mainly depends on the toroidal rotation shear, which varies according to different levels of injected neutral beam torque per particle. Quasi-linear gyrofluid modeling achieves a good match of the experiment when including theE×Bshear; without including plasma rotation, the modeling predicts a confinement quality consistent with the empirical observation ofH98y2∼ 1.2 at low rotation. Nonlinear gyrokinetic transport modeling shows that the effect ofE×Bturbulence stabilization is far larger than other mechanisms, such as the so-called hot-ion stabilization (Ti/Te) effect. Consistent with these experimental and modeling results are previous simulations of the ITER baseline scenario using a super H-mode pedestal solution (Solomonet al2016Phys. Plasmas23056105), which showed the potential to exceed theQ= 10 target if the pedestal density could be increased above the Greenwald limit. A close look at these simulations reveals that the predicted energy confinement quality is below 1 even at the highest pedestal pressure. The improvement inQat higher pedestal density is due to the improved fusion power generation at the higher core density associated with higher pedestal density, not to an improved energy confinement quality.
Upgrade of the ATLAS Tile Calorimeter high voltage system
Authors: Gomes A. , Augusto J.S. , Cuim F. , Evans G. , Fernandez R. , Gurriana L. , Marques R. , Martins F. , Pereira C.
Published: January 2022

The high voltage system of TileCal, the ATLAS central hadron calorimeter, is being upgraded for the high-luminosity LHC, in the so called phase II upgrade. In the new configuration for the upgrade, the high voltage regulation boards are not located inside the detector anymore, they are deployed far from the radiation caused by the collisions, in a room where there is permanent access for maintenance. This option requires a large number of 100 m long high voltage cables but removes the requirement of radiation hardened boards. HVremote regulation boards and the respective high voltage supplies boards have been developed and tested, as well as a crate to house the boards. Preliminary results of the HVremote boards performance are presented.
Metrics for Phased Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Transmission for Institutions of Higher Education: 2022 and Beyond
Authors: Sehgal Neil Jay
Published: January 2022

In the nearly 2 years since suspending in-person activities, many institutions of higher education (IHEs) have struggled with returning students, staff, and faculty to campus safely and developed robust mitigation plans, continuing or instituting surveillance testing, and codifying stringent coronavirus disease 2019 codes of conduct. Essential to return-to-campus planning is a strategy for when and how to reduce activities to slow transmission through phased prevention—a strategy for reintroducing nonpharmaceutical interventions and “metering” activities at IHEs based on the levels of community severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission and testing. In this regard, I propose a series of mitigation measures and the metrics for their implementation, color coded and categorized in phases similar to those recommended by the federal and numerous state governments to open nonessential businesses and resume in-person services, and specific where applicable to IHEs that require vaccination and those at which vaccination is optional.
Yes-associated protein contributes to magnesium alloy-derivedinflammation in endothelial cells
Authors: Yu Hongchi , Hou Zhe , Chen Nuoya , Luo Rifang , Yang Li , Miao Michael , Ma Xiaoyi , Zhou Lifeng , He Fugui , Shen Yang , Liu Xiaoheng , Wang Yunbing
Published: January 2022

Magnesium alloy (Mg alloy) has attracted massive attention in the potential applications of cardiovascular stents because of its good biocompatibility and degradability. However, whether and how the Mg alloy induces inflammation in endothelial cells remains unclear. In the present work, we investigated the activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP) upon Mg alloy stimuli and unveiled the transcriptional function in Mg alloy-induced inflammation. Quantitative RT–PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that Mg alloy inhibited the Hippo pathway to facilitate nuclear shuttling and activation of YAP in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed sequencing was carried out to explore the transcriptional function of YAP in Mg alloy-derived inflammation. This led to the observation that nuclear YAP further bonded to the promoter region of inflammation transcription factors and co-transcription factors. This binding event activated their transcription and modified mRNA methylation of inflammation-related genes through regulating the expression of N6-methyladenosine modulators (METTL3, METTL14, FTO and WTAP). This then promoted inflammation-related gene expression and aggravated inflammation in HCAECs. In YAP deficiency cells, Mg alloy-induced inflammation was reduced. Collectively, our data suggest that YAP contributes to the Mg alloy-derived inflammation in HCAECs and may provide a potential therapeutic target that alleviates inflammation after Mg alloy stent implantation.
Quality Improvement Intervention Bundle Using the PUPPIES Acronym Reduces Pressure Injury Incidence in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: McLaughlin Jillian M. , Tran Jacquelynn P. , Hameed Samee A. , Roach Dell E. , Andersen Clark R. , Zhu Victor Z. , Sparks Blake B. , Phillips Linda G. , Koutrouvelis Aristides P. , Tyler Douglas S.
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a quality improvement bundle focusing on prevention is effective in reducing pressure injury (PI) incidence or costs or delaying PI onset.

METHODS

A combined retrospective/prospective cohort study was performed at an academic tertiary care ICU on all patients admitted with a length of stay longer than 48 hours and Braden scale score of 18 or less. Following retrospective data collection (preintervention), a multimodal quality improvement bundle focusing on PI prevention through leadership initiatives, visual tools, and staff/patient education was developed, and data were prospectively collected (postintervention).

RESULTS

Statistical and cost analyses were performed comparing both cohorts. A total of 930 patients met the study inclusion criteria (preintervention, n = 599; postintervention, n = 331). A significant decrease in PI incidence was observed from preintervention (n = 37 [6%]) to postintervention (n = 7 [2%], P = .005). This led to a predicted yearly cost savings of $826,810. Further, a significant increase in time to PI occurrence was observed from preintervention (mean, 5 days) to postintervention (mean, 9 days; P = .04). Staff were compliant with the bundle implementation 80% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the quality improvement bundle focused on multimodal PI prevention in critically ill patients led to a significant reduction in PI incidence, increased time to PI occurrence, and was cost-effective.
Weight Surveillance and Heart Failure Self-assessment in Patients with Chronic Leg Wounds: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stecker Julia , Schwinck Jessica
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a weight check and heart failure symptom evaluation with each wound care visit could impact wound healing in patients with heart failure and chronic leg wounds.

METHODS

This was a descriptive, correlational study at an outpatient wound healing center in the Pacific Northwest. A convenience sample of individuals currently enrolled at the center with leg wounds and heart failure was identified from standardized electronic medical records. The comparison group received standard care. The intervention group received a body weight check via digital scale and heart failure self-assessment via a standardized assessment tool. Outcome measures included healing rates with weight exacerbation, number of referrals, and hospitalizations for exacerbations.

RESULTS

A total of four participants received the intervention, and three were in the control group. Descriptive analysis showed no significant differences between groups or between weight and left ventricle ejection fraction to wound surface area change. A significant positive correlation was observed between past referrals and past hospitalization (r
s = 0.79; P = .033; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.97). The intervention group had abnormal spikes in wound size that coincided with weight gain. There were no referrals or hospitalizations during the intervention phase, and it is possible that heart failure self-assessment with every wound care visit prevented exacerbations.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the use of an evaluation tool, the intervention and comparison groups had no significantly different outcomes. It is unclear if the intervention was not effective because of the methodology or study limitations. Further research with a larger sample, standardized tools for wound assessment, and a lengthier intervention phase is recommended.
The effectiveness of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Salih Barik A.
Published: January 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19 that ranges between mild, moderate and severe disease. The immune responses vary considerably at these stages and increase in complexity as the severity of the disease increases. As a result, COVID-19 patients were found to exhibit variable clinical manifestations which might be due to the critical imbalance in between the protective and the harmful role of the immune responses. Over a year and a half passed by since the COVID-19 pandemic started and we still need to accumulate more knowledge about the host immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Such knowledge is in regards to their effectiveness in different age groups, duration of protection and specially long-term association with the clinical outcomes. Various factors were found to influence the effectiveness of such responses. In this review, the effectiveness and the variability of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 that involves the innate and the adaptive immune responses, factors that reduce the effectiveness of these responses such as antibody-dependent enhancement of the disease, lymphopenia, immunosenescence, young age, and their outcome among various symptomatic subjects are discussed.
Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule
Authors: Hakimi Bahareh , Farhoudi Fateme , Abedini Ehsan
Published: January 2022

Determining the reliability and validity of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS-P) in Iran was the purpose of this study. We translated the MAKS into Persian and back into English. The validation process included linguistic validation, face validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. We perform multiple linear regressions to test the association between mental health knowledge and independent variables. A total of 384 people completed the Persian version of the questionnaire. In total, 64.6% of the respondents were women. The majority of respondents (51.6%) were married and did not have a full-time job (67.7%). The linguistic validation was confirmed. All the items of the questionnaire had acceptable face validity, except question number one, which was deleted due to incompatibility with the Iranian culture. Good internal consistency and reliability were shown by an overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.77. The test–retest approach was performed and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.845. Eigenvalues and the scree plot supported a 2-factorial nature of the translated survey form. The first and the second factors explained 33.14 and 14.92% of the variance, respectively. Age, education, and working status can be considered possible predictors of the MAKS-P score. The MAKS-P is a trustworthy questionnaire to assess stigma-related mental health knowledge in Persian-speaking societies.
Does tramadol dependence impair cognitive functions?
Authors: Said Shalaby Amr , Mohamed El-Seidy Amira , Aly Zayed Mohamed , Ragab Allam Abeer
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of tramadol use on cognitive functions, especially executive functions. Thirty tramadol use disorder patients were recruited from those admitted to the toxicology departments of Menoufia University Hospitals for detoxification. Thirty controls were recruited from employees working at the faculty of medicine, Menoufia University. Both patients and controls underwent a demographic sheet and computerized cognitive battery. Patients also completed another sheet about substance use history. Urine screening for drugs was performed on all patients prior to admission. No differences regarding age, education or marital status were found between patients and controls. Tramadol-dependent patients showed cognitive impairment in the form of impaired visual-spatial memory and executive functions in comparison to controls. After detoxification, patients showed improvement regarding executive functions but not visual-spatial memory. Tramadol impairs cognitive functions in tramadol-dependent patients.
A residual marker of cognitive reserve is associated with resting-state intrinsic functional connectivity along the Alzheimer’s disease continuum
Authors: Ersoezlue Ersin , Perneczky Robert , Tatò Maia , Utecht Julia , Kurz Carolin , Häckert Jan , Guersel Selim , Burow Lena , Koller Gabriele , Stöcklein Sophia , Keeser Daniel , Papazov Boris , Totzke Marie , Ballarini Tommaso , Brosseron Frederic , Buerger Katharina , Dechent Peter , Dobisch Laura , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Glanz Wenzel , Haynes John Dylan , Heneka Michael T , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Kleineidam Luca , Laske Christoph , Maier Franziska , Munk Matthias H , Peters Oliver , Priller Josef , Ramirez Alfredo , Röske Sandra , Roy Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Schott Björn H , Spottke Annika , Spruth Eike Jakob , Teipel Stefan , Unterfeld Chantal , Wagner Michael , Wang Xiao , Wiltfang Jens , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Yakupov Renat , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan ,   DELCODE study group
Published: January 2022

Background

Cognitive reserve (CR) explains interindividual differences in the impact of neurodegenerative burden on cognitive and daily functioning. A residual model was proposed to estimate CR more accurately compared to static measures, such as years of education. However, the functional brain correlates of residual CR markers (CRM) remain unexplored.

Methods

From the DELCODE cohort, 318 participants with resting-state functional and structural MRI data were included and stratified using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers according to the A(myloid-β, Aβ)/T(au)/N(eurodegeneration) classification scheme, resulting in 112 Aβ-negative healthy controls and 206 Aβ-positive patients in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) spectrum.. CRM was calculated utilizing residuals obtained from a multilinear regression model using global cognition as dependent variable and demographic and disease burden measures as predictors. Associations between the CRM and intrinsic network connectivity (INC) in resting-state networks associated with cognition were explored, including the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), salience network (SAL) and dorsal attention network (DAN). Moreover, the association between memory performance-associated regional INC and CRM was assessed.

Results

CRM was positively associated with INC in the DMN in the entire cohort. In a subgroup analysis, the A+T+N+ group revealed an anti-correlation between SAL and DMN. Furthermore, CRM was positively associated with the anti-correlation between the memory-related regions in the FPN and the DMN in the A+ and A+T/N+ subgroups.

Conclusions

CRM is associated with alterations of functional connectivity in resting-state networks of cognitive function, particularly the DMN and the FPN. Our results provide evidence on individual functional network differences associated with CRM in the AD continuum.
Joint embedding of biological networks for cross-species functional alignment
Authors: Li Lechuan , Dannenfelser Ruth , Zhu Yu , Hejduk Nathaniel , Segarra Santiago , Yao Vicky
Published: January 2022

Model organisms are widely used to better understand the molecular causes of human disease. While sequence similarity greatly aids this transfer, sequence similarity does not imply functional similarity, and thus, several current approaches incorporate protein-protein interactions (PPIs) to help map findings between species. Existing transfer methods either formulate the alignment problem as a matching problem which pits network features against known orthology, or more recently, as a joint embedding problem. Here, we propose a novel state-of-the-art joint embedding solution: Embeddings to Network Alignment (ETNA). More specifically, ETNA generates individual network embeddings based on network topological structures and then uses a Natural Language Processing-inspired cross-training approach to align the two embeddings using sequence orthologs. The final embedding preserves both within and between species gene functional relationships, and we demonstrate that it captures both pairwise and group functional relevance. In addition, ETNA’s embeddings can be used to transfer genetic interactions across species and identify phenotypic alignments, laying the groundwork for potential opportunities for drug repurposing and translational studies.
The two-component system ChvGI maintains cell envelope homeostasis in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Quintero-Yanes Alex , Mayard Aurélie , Hallez Régis
Published: January 2022

Two-component systems (TCS) are often used by bacteria to rapidly assess and respond to environmental changes. The ChvG/ChvI (ChvGI) TCS conserved in α-proteobacteria is known for regulating expression of genes related to exopolysaccharide production, virulence and growth. The sensor kinase ChvG autophosphorylates upon yet unknown signals and phosphorylates the response regulator ChvI to regulate transcription. Recent studies in Caulobacter crescentus showed that chv mutants are sensitive to vancomycin treatment and fail to grow in synthetic minimal media. In this work, we identified the osmotic imbalance as the main cause of growth impairment in synthetic minimal media. We also determined the ChvI regulon and found that ChvI regulates cell envelope architecture by controlling outer membrane, peptidoglycan assembly/recycling and inner membrane proteins. In addition, we found that ChvI phosphorylation is also activated upon antibiotic treatment with vancomycin. We also challenged chv mutants with other cell envelope related stress and found that treatment with antibiotics targeting transpeptidation of peptidoglycan during cell elongation impairs growth of the mutant. Moreover, these antibiotics activate expression of the chvIG-hprK operon. Finally, we observed that the sensor kinase ChvG relocates from a patchy-spotty distribution to distinctive foci after transition from complex to synthetic minimal media. Interestingly, this pattern of (re)location has been described for proteins involved in cell growth control and peptidoglycan synthesis upon osmotic shock. Overall, our data support that the ChvGI TCS is mainly used to monitor and respond to osmotic imbalances and damages in the peptidoglycan layer to maintain cell envelope homeostasis.

Importance

The cell envelope is the first barrier protecting cells from harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, oxidative and osmotic imbalances. It is also an obstacle for the intake of antibiotics targeting essential cellular processes. Therefore, molecular components and systems responding to cell envelope stress and maintaining cell envelope homeostasis are important targets for drug therapy. Here we show that the two-component system ChvGI, highly conserved in free-living and pathogenic α-proteobacteria, is activated upon osmotic upshift and treatment with antibiotics targeting peptidoglycan synthesis to activate the transcription of multiple genes involved in cell envelope homeostasis in Caulobacter crescentus. We also show that the kinase sensor ChvG displays a dynamic localisation pattern that changes depending on osmotic imbalance. To our knowledge this is the first two-component system reported to change his cellular localisation upon environmental stress.
T cell response following anti COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccination is maintained against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 variant of concern
Authors: Cohen Hila , Rotem Shahar , Elia Uri , Bilinsky Gal , Levy Itzchak , Chitlaru Theodor , Bar-Haim Erez
Published: January 2022

The progression of the COVID-19 pandemic leads to the emergence of variants of concern (VOC), which may compromise the efficacy of the currently administered vaccines. Antigenic drift can potentially bring about a reduced protective T cell immunity and consequently to more severe disease manifestations. To assess this possibility, the T cell responses to the wild-type, Wuhan-1 SARS-CoV-2 ancestral spike protein and Omicron B.1.1.529 spike protein were compared. Accordingly, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 8 healthy volunteers 4-5 months following a third vaccination with BNT162b2, and stimulated with overlapping peptide libraries representing the spike of either the ancestral or Omicron SARS-CoV- 2 virus variants. Quantification of the specific T cells was carried out by a fluorescent ELISPOT assay, monitoring interferon-gamma (IFNg), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secreting cells. For all the examined individuals, comparable level of reactivity to both forms of spike protein were determined. In addition, a dominant Th1 response was observed, manifested mainly by IFNg secreting cells and only limited numbers of IL-10 and IL-4 secreting cells. The data demonstrates a stable T cell activity to the emerging Omicron variant in the tested individuals, therefore the protective immunity to the variant following BNT162b2 vaccination is not significantly affected.
Dopamine ameliorates hyperglycemic memory-induced vascular dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lee Yeon-Ju , Jeon Hye-Yoon , Lee Ah-Jun , Kim Minsoo , Ha Kwon-Soo
Published: January 2022

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that mediates visual function in the retina, and hyperglycemic memory (HGM) is a pivotal phenomenon in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR); however, the role of dopamine in HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we report a mechanism of HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction and the protective effect of dopamine against the HGM-induced DR. HGM induces retinal vascular lesions through persistent oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities after blood glucose normalization, and dopamine ameliorates this HGM-induced retinopathy. HGM induced persistent oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and fission, and adherens junction disassembly and subsequent vascular leakage in the mouse retinas. These persistent hyperglycemic stresses were inhibited by dopamine treatment in human retinal endothelial cells and by intravitreal injection of levodopa in the retinas of HGM mice. Our findings suggest that dopamine alleviates HGM-induced retinal vascular dysfunction by inhibiting persistent mitochondrial dysfunction and microvascular abnormalities.
Novel Internalin P homologs in Listeria
Authors: Conner Kayla N , Burke Joseph T , Ravi Janani , Hardy Jonathan W
Published: January 2022

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a bacterial pathogen that causes listeriosis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly pregnant women. Several virulence factors support the intracellular lifecycle of Lm and facilitate cell-to-cell spread, allowing it to occupy multiple niches within the host and cross protective barriers, including the placenta. One family of virulence factors, internalins, contributes to Lm pathogenicity by inducing specific uptake and conferring tissue tropism. Over 25 internalins have been identified thus far, but only a few have been extensively studied. Internalins contain leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains which enable protein-protein interactions, allowing Lm to bind host proteins. Notably, other Listeria species express internalins but cannot colonize human hosts, prompting questions regarding the evolution of internalins within the genus Listeria. Internalin P (InlP) promotes placental colonization through interaction with the host protein afadin. Though prior studies of InlP have begun to elucidate its role in Lm pathogenesis, there remains a lack of information regarding homologs in other Listeria species. Here, we have used a computational evolutionary approach to identify InlP homologs in additional Listeria species. We found that L. ivanovii londoniensis (Liv) and L. seeligeri (Ls) encode InlP homologs. We also found InlP-like homologs in L. innocua and the recently identified species L. costaricensis. All newly identified homologs lack the full-length LRR6 and LRR7 domains found in Lm’s InlP. These findings inform on the evolution of one key Lm virulence factor, InlP, and serve as a springboard for future evolutionary studies of Lm pathogenesis as well as mechanistic studies of Listeria internalins.

Impact Statement

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can breach protective barriers in the pregnant host, allowing for the colonization of the placenta in pregnant women and resulting in numerous adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies aimed at delineating the mechanisms behind placental colonization of L. monocytogenes identified a key virulence factor, internalin P (InlP). The internalin family of proteins has been studied extensively due to their conservation in the Listeria genus and their contribution to virulence and pathogenicity in L. monocytogenes. Still, many questions remain regarding the evolution of internalins and their potential roles in non-pathogenic Listeria. Our work addresses this gap in knowledge by 1) identifying additional InlP homologs in Listeria, including L. ivanovii, L. seeligeri, L. innocua, and L. costaricensis, and 2) characterizing these homologs using computational evolutionary methods to compare their primary sequences, domain architectures, and structural models. Together, our findings contribute to the field by providing insights into the evolution of one key member of the internalin family as well as serving as a catalyst for future studies of InlP and its role in Listeria pathogenesis.
CFD investigation of shock boundary layer interaction in hypersonic flow and flow control using micro ramps
Authors: Gupta Gautam , Ashok Kumar Akshay , Sivakumar R. , Kandasamy Jayaraman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of shock boundary layer interaction (SBLI) in air-breathing intake system is highly undesirable since this leads to high pressure gradients, typical stream mutilation and pressure drop. A novel flow control mechanism is incorporated in this research holding an array configuration of passive flow control device (micro ramps [MR]) that is adapted to improve the boundary layer stability.

Design/methodology/approach

Two geometric variants of the MR, namely, MR40 and MR80 is considered which reduce the pressure drop during SBLI. The incidence oblique shock wave angle of 34° is considered for the modelling. Large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model was used with subgrid models of Wall modelled LES, Smagorinsky–Lilly to compute the unsteady effects of SBLI control using micro vortex generators. The unsteady results are compared with steady Reynold’s average Naviers–Stoke’s equation for calibrating the turbulence models.

Findings

The array configuration of MR80 reduces the pressure drop by 22% as compared with no ramp configuration and also reduces the flow distortion in hypersonic inlet. The most affected region of the MR is in the vicinity of center-line. Quantitative results prove that the upstream influence of the shock waves has been largely reduces by MR80 array configuration as compared to single MR80 pattern configuration. Different vortex structures found in the experiments was exclusively predicted using LES.

Originality/value

This paper substantiates the requirement of MR array configuration for transferring the momentum from free stream to the boundary layer and thereby energizing the boundary layer. This process of energization delays the flow separation in hypersonic flow.
Research status of supercritical aviation kerosene and a convection heat transfer considering thermal pyrolysis
Authors: Li Yong , Zhang Yingchun , Xie Gongnan , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to comprehensively clarify the research status of thermal transport of supercritical aviation kerosene, with particular interests in the effect of cracking on heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

A brief review of current research on supercritical aviation kerosene is presented in views of the surrogate model of hydrocarbon fuels, chemical cracking mechanism of hydrocarbon fuels, thermo-physical properties of hydrocarbon fuels, turbulence models, flow characteristics and thermal performances, which indicates that more efforts need to be directed into these topics. Therefore, supercritical thermal transport of n-decane is then computationally investigated in the condition of thermal pyrolysis, while the ASPEN HYSYS gives the properties of n-decane and pyrolysis products. In addition, the one-step chemical cracking mechanism and SST k-ω turbulence model are applied with relatively high precision.

Findings

The existing surrogate models of aviation kerosene are limited to a specific scope of application and their thermo-physical properties deviate from the experimental data. The turbulence models used to implement numerical simulation should be studied to further improve the prediction accuracy. The thermal-induced acceleration is driven by the drastic density change, which is caused by the production of small molecules. The wall temperature of the combustion chamber can be effectively reduced by this behavior, i.e. the phenomenon of heat transfer deterioration can be attenuated or suppressed by thermal pyrolysis.

Originality/value

The issues in numerical studies of supercritical aviation kerosene are clearly revealed, and the conjugation mechanism between thermal pyrolysis and convective heat transfer is initially presented.
Critical review of emotional intelligence research studies in the construction industry
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Edwards David
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Even though emotional intelligence (EI) is reported to have many benefits, yet it remains mainly unexplored in the construction industry. This paper aims to present a critical review of EI research in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Search of literature was conducted by using Scopus engine. Relevant keywords were used to discover 146 publications. The titles, abstracts, keywords and full texts of the publications were examined to finally select 48 publications that were relevant. Scientometric analysis was undertaken with the aid of VOSViewer. Content analysis systematically reviewed the key themes.

Findings

The five topmost countries conducting research into EI in the construction industry are UK, Australia and the USA. The most influential authors in construction EI research are Goleman, D., Salovey, P. and Mayer, J.D. The significant impact of EI on leadership in the construction industry were that EI boosted transformational leadership style and EI influenced use of management-by-exception active style by construction leaders. Furthermore, EI leads to resilience against stress and EI enhances stress tolerance were the significant roles of EI on stress management.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation is in the number of publications reviewed. In spite of the critical review, the number of publications reviewed may not be exhaustive.

Practical implications

This research enhances knowledge and stimulates a deeper comprehension of EI research and also provides recommendations for further studies based on identified research gaps.

Originality/value

As a pioneering study that combines scientometrics and systematic review for EI research, this study enhances knowledge on EI in the construction industry.
Thermo-mechanical behavior of Glulam beam-to-girder assemblies with steel doweled connections before, during and after fire
Authors: Shabanian Milad , Braxtan Nicole Leo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of intermediate-size glued-laminated beam-to-girder assemblies connected with T-shaped slotted-in steel doweled connections at ambient temperature (AT), after and during non-standard fire exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

AT tests were performed using a universal testing machine (UTM) to evaluate the load-carrying capacity and failure modes of the assembly at room temperature. Post-fire-performance (PFP) tests were conducted to study the impact of 30-min and 60-min partial exposure to a non-standard fire on the residual strength of the assemblies. The assemblies were subject to fire in a custom-designed frame, then cooled and loaded to failure in the UTM. A fire-performance test was conducted to investigate the fire-resistance during non-standard fire exposure by simultaneously applying fire and mechanical load with the custom frame.

Findings

At AT, embedment failure of the dowels followed by brittle splitting failure were found to be the dominant failure modes in the beams. In the PFP tests, embedment failure and plastic bending of the dowels were the only observed failure modes. The residual strength of the assembly was reduced by 23.7% after 30-min and 47.8% after 60-min of fire exposure. Ductile embedment failure of the timber in contact with the dowels was the only failure mode observed during the fire-performance test, with the maximum rate of displacement at 57 min into the fire.

Originality/value

Data are presented for full-contact (no gap) connections in Glulam assemblies. PFP results are first to be published.
Linking online voice to workplace cyberbullying: roles of job strain and moral efficacy
Authors: Lyu Mingshu , Sun Baiqing , Zhang Zhenduo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

With the spread of information communication technologies (ICTs) at work, online voice has become an emerging form of employee voice. Online voice is a double-edged behavior for organizations and employees. The purpose of this paper is to examine a model in which online voice is positively correlated with workplace cyberbullying and to examine the moderating role of chronic job strain and moral efficacy on that correlation.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 760 cases from 152 full-time Chinese workers in public sector employment were collected through the experience sampling method.

Findings

The results showed that online voice is positively correlated with workplace cyberbullying on a daily basis. Chronic job strain amplifies this relationship, while moral efficacy buffers it. Furthermore, the amplifying effect of chronic job strain is mediated by a lack of moral efficacy.

Originality/value

This research has implications for understanding the boundary conditions of the relationship between online voice and workplace cyberbullying.
Fire-retardant and smoke-suppressant rigid polyurethane foam composites
Authors: Akar Ahmet , Değirmenci Berrin , Köken Nesrin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the production of fire retardant and smoke suppressant rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) with lower toxicity by using several fire-retardant combinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Fire-retardant additives with cooling effect, barrier ash formation effect, gas-phase inhibition effect and smoke suppressant effect combined to produce an optimum outcome on RPUF. The additive amount and burning time correlation were studied to find out the minimum amount of fire-retardant to obtain fire-retardant polyurethane foam.

Findings

Zinc borate powder was coated with 1.5 wt % of stearic acid and hydroxy stearic acid. Polyammonium diborates (PABs) were synthesized and used as a fire-retardant and smoke suppressant for rigid PU foam. Fire-retardant rigid polyurethane foams (FR-RPUF) composites formed by using several combinations of zinc borate, aluminum trihydroxide, trischloroisopropyl phosphate (TCPP), PABs, zinc borate coated with stearic acid and hydroxy stearic acid. Produced FR-RPUF were horizontal burning grade, and burning time was in the range of 1–10 s.

Research limitations/implications

There were limitations during the mixing of fire-retardant powders with polyol due to the high viscosity of the mixture.

Practical implications

FR-RPUF foam with lower toxicity can be produced industrially with these fire-retardant combinations.

Social implications

FR-RPUF could be produced by using non-toxic additives. During a fire, these additives do not evolve toxic gases. The TCPP content of RPUF foam was reduced, and fire-retardant PU with lower toxicity was produced.

Originality/value

Coated zinc borate and the combinations of the fire-retardants were successful in producing non-toxic fire-retardant and smoke suppressant PU foam.
Landscape context and substrate characteristics shape fungal communities of dead spruce in urban and semi‐natural forests
Authors: Korhonen Aku , Miettinen Otto , Kotze Johan D. , Hamberg Leena
Published: January 2022

Urban green areas are becoming increasingly recognized for their biodiversity potential. However, little is known about how urbanization shapes cryptic species communities, such as those residing in deadwood. In this study, we investigated downed Norway spruce trunks at intermediate stages of decay, in urban and semi‐natural forests in southern Finland. To understand the interconnections between landscape context, deadwood characteristics and wood‐inhabiting fungal communities, we studied structural characteristics, surface epiphyte cover and internal moisture and temperature conditions of the tree trunks, and fungal communities residing in the wood. Our findings showed that urban tree trunks had less epiphyte cover and lower moisture than trunks in semi‐natural forests. Overall, urban forests provide less favourable habitats for a majority of the dominant wood‐inhabiting fungal species and for red‐listed species as a group. Yet, 33% of urban trunks hosted at least one red‐listed species. While these landscape‐scale effects may be driven by local climatic conditions as well as contingencies related to available species pools, our results also highlight the significance of substrate‐scale variability of deadwood in shaping wood‐inhabiting fungal communities. We show that epiphyte cover is a significant driver or indicator of these small‐scale dynamic processes in deadwood.
Proper control of R‐loop homeostasis is required for maintenance of gene expression and neuronal function during aging
Authors: Jauregui‐Lozano Juan , Escobedo Spencer , Easton Alyssa , Lanman Nadia A. , Weake Vikki M. , Hall Hana
Published: January 2022

Age‐related loss of cellular function and increased cell death are characteristic hallmarks of aging. While defects in gene expression and RNA metabolism have been linked with age‐associated human neuropathies, it is not clear how the changes that occur in aging neurons contribute to loss of gene expression homeostasis. R‐loops are RNA–DNA hybrids that typically form co‐transcriptionally via annealing of the nascent RNA to the template DNA strand, displacing the non‐template DNA strand. Dysregulation of R‐loop homeostasis has been associated with both transcriptional impairment and genome instability. Importantly, a growing body of evidence links R‐loop accumulation with cellular dysfunction, increased cell death, and chronic disease onset. Here, we characterized the R‐loop landscape in aging Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptor neurons and showed that bulk R‐loop levels increased with age. Further, genome‐wide mapping of R‐loops revealed that transcribed genes accumulated R‐loops over gene bodies during aging, which correlated with decreased expression of long and highly expressed genes. Importantly, while photoreceptor‐specific down‐regulation of Top3β, a DNA/RNA topoisomerase associated with R‐loop resolution, lead to decreased visual function, over‐expression of Top3β or nuclear‐localized RNase H1, which resolves R‐loops, enhanced positive light response during aging. Together, our studies highlight the functional link between dysregulation of R‐loop homeostasis, gene expression, and visual function during aging.
Pelvic organ prolapse in nulliparae
Authors: Dietz Hans Peter , Chavez‐Coloma Leilani , Friedman Talia , Turel Friyan
Published: January 2022

Background

Pregnancy and childbirth are thought to be the strongest environmental risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse, but prolapse does occur in nulliparae.

Aim

To characterise prolapse in vaginal nulliparae.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective study using archived clinical and imaging data of 368 vaginally nulliparous women seen between 2006 and 2017 at two tertiary urogynaecological centres. Patients underwent a standardised interview, clinical examination and 3D/4D translabial ultrasound. Volume datasets were analysed by the second author, blinded against all clinical data, using post‐processing software on a personal computer. Significant prolapse was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system stage ≥2 for the anterior and posterior compartment, and stage ≥1 for the central compartment. On imaging, significant prolapse was defined as previously described.

Results

Of 4297 women seen during the inclusion period, 409 were vaginally nulliparous, for whom 368 volume data sets could be retrieved. Mean age was 50 years (17–89) and mean body mass index 29 (16–64). Eighty‐one (22%) presented with prolapse symptoms. On clinical examination, 106 women (29%) had significant prolapse, mostly of the posterior compartment (n = 70, 19%). On imaging 64 women showed evidence of significant prolapse (17%), again mostly posterior (n = 47, 13%). Rectovaginal septal defects were even more common in 69 (19%). On multivariate analysis we found no differences between true nulliparae (n = 184) and women delivered exclusively by caesarean section (n = 184).

Conclusions

Prolapse occurs in vaginal nulliparae, but it has distinct characteristics. Rectocele predominates, while cystocele and uterine prolapse are uncommon. Pregnancy and caesarean delivery seem to have little effect.