bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute microcystin exposure induces reversible histopathological changes in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Shartau Ryan B. , Snyman Heindrich N. , Turcotte Lenora , McCarron Pearse , Bradshaw Julia C. , Johnson Stewart C.
Published: March 2022

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) develop a severe liver disease called net‐pen liver disease (NPLD), which is characterized by hepatic lesions that include megalocytosis and loss of gross liver structure. Based on studies where salmonids have been exposed to microcystin (MC) via intraperitoneal injection, NPLD is believed to be caused by MC exposure, a hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria. Despite the link between MC and NPLD, it remains uncertain if environmentally relevant MC exposure is responsible for NPLD. To determine if we could produce histopathology consistent with NPLD, we compared the response of Atlantic and Chinook Salmon sub‐lethal MC exposure. Salmon were orally gavaged with saline or MC containing algal paste and sampled over 2 weeks post‐exposure. Liver lesions appeared by 6 h but were resolved 2‐weeks post‐exposure; histopathological changes observed in other tissues were not as widespread, nor was their severity as great as those in the liver. There was no evidence for NPLD due to the absence of hepatic megalocytosis. These results indicate that the development of NPLD is not due to acute MC exposure but may be associated with higher MC concentration occurring in food, long‐term exposure through drinking of contaminated seawater and/or interactions with other marine toxins.
YTHDF1 promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression via regulating EGFR mRNA translation
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zhu Lefan , Wang Lina , Huang Wenjie , Tan Li , Liu Haining , Huo Jihui , Su Tianhong , Zhang Mengping , Kuang Ming , Li Xiaoxing , Dai Zihao , Xu Lixia
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly aggressive disease with the underlying mechanisms poorly understood. YTHDF1, an N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader protein, has important physiological functions in regulation of tumor development. However, the effect of YTHDF1 on ICC progression remains unknown yet.

Methods

The expression level of YTHDF1 in human ICC tissue was examined in The Cancer Genome Atlas database and our cohort. The role of YTHDF1 was detected using two human ICC cell lines in vitro. An ICC tumorigenesis mouse model was established via hydrodynamic transfection of AKT/YAP plasmids. m6A sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA sequencing were carried out to explore the mechanism of YTHDF1 modulating ICC progression.

Results

Here, we find that YTHDF1 is upregulated in ICC and associated with shorter survival of ICC patients. Depletion of YTHDF1 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while overexpression of wild‐type YTHDF1, but not m6A reader domain mutant YTHDF1, significantly enhances tumor cell growth and aggressive abilities in vitro. Moreover, overexpression of YTHDF1 promotes the AKT/YAP transfection‐induced orthotopic ICC tumorigenesis and progression in vivo. Mechanistically, we identify that YTHDF1 regulates the translation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA via binding m6A sites in the 3′‐UTR of EGFR transcript, thus leading to aberrant activities of downstream signal pathways that impact tumor progression.

Conclusions

Our data uncover the oncogenic function and m6A reader‐dependent mechanism of YTHDF1 in regulation of ICC progression. Restricting abnormal oncogenic mRNA translation by targeting YTHDF1 may be a novel and promising strategy for ICC treatment.
Standardized assessment of depression symptoms in post‐acute care: A screening threshold approach
Authors: Siconolfi Daniel , Edelen Maria O. , McMullen Tara L. , Martino Steven , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Chen Emily K. , Dalton Sarah E. , Paddock Susan , Rodriguez Anthony , Saliba Debra , Mandl Stella , Mota Teresa
Published: March 2022

Background

Depression symptoms have impacts on quality of life, rehabilitation and treatment adherence, and resource utilization among patients in post‐acute care (PAC) settings. The PHQ‐2 and PHQ‐9 are instruments for the assessment of depression, previously used in PAC settings, that have tradeoffs in terms of measurement depth versus respondent/assessor burden. Therefore, the present study tested a gateway version of the protocol (PHQ‐2 to 9).

Methods

In 143 PAC settings in 14 U.S. markets across 10 states from November 2017 to August 2018, facility and research nurses administered the PHQ‐2 to communicative patients (n = 3010). Nurses administered the full PHQ‐9 if the patient screened positive for either of the two cardinal symptoms assessed by the PHQ‐2 (depressed mood and anhedonia). We assessed the prevalence and frequency of depression symptoms using the PHQ‐2 to 9, associations between depression screening results and patient characteristics and clinical conditions, and feasibility indicators.

Results

More than 1 in 4 patients (28%) screened positive on the PHQ‐2. Only 6% of those completing the full PHQ‐9 had a score indicating “minimal” severity. The average score (M = 11.9) met the threshold for moderate depression. Positive PHQ‐2 screening was associated with age, female gender, disposition at discharge, septicemia/severe sepsis, and dependence for ADLs of toileting and lying to sitting mobility. Age was also associated with full PHQ‐9 scores; patients ages 45–64 had the highest mean score. Length of stay was not associated with PHQ‐2 screening results or full PHQ‐2 to 9 scores. Missing data were minimal (<2.4%). The average time to complete was 2.3 min. Interrater reliability and percent agreement were excellent.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the feasibility of a gateway scoring approach to standardized assessment of depression symptoms among PAC patients, and that depression symptoms are relatively common among this inpatient population.
Developing standardized patient assessment data elements for Medicare post‐acute care assessments
Authors: Chen Emily K. , Edelen Maria O. , McMullen Tara , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Dalton Sarah E. , Paddock Susan , Rodriguez Anthony , Shier Victoria , Mandl Stella , Mota Teresa , Saliba Debra
Published: March 2022

Background

To support interoperability and care planning across provider types, the Improving Medicare Post‐Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) requires the submission of standardized patient assessment data using the assessment instruments provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS was tasked with developing standardized assessment data elements (SADEs) within clinical categories named in the IMPACT Act.

Method

We used environmental scans, subject matter expert, and stakeholder input to identify candidate SADEs; tested candidate data elements in alpha testing; revised SADEs and training protocols based on alpha analyses and stakeholder feedback; tested SADEs across post‐acute care (PAC) settings in a national field test that included 3121 patients across 143 home health agencies, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long‐term care hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities in 14 markets across the United States; and analyzed data and stakeholder input from national testing. Field testing measured the time required for assessment, percent completion, and inter‐rater reliability. We analyzed qualitative feedback from stakeholder focus groups and technical expert panels. We also obtained survey and focus group feedback from data collectors.

Results

We developed a mixed‐method, multi‐stakeholder procedure to identify and gather input on SADE for cross‐setting use. This process yielded feasible and reliable SADEs for PAC settings that assess pain, cognitive status, mood, and medication reconciliation. The success of this work depended on working iteratively with diverse stakeholders and providing qualitative as well as quantitative evidence.

Conclusions

The procedures applied in this project for developing and adopting SADEs for PAC, as well as the challenges and strategies to overcome challenges, should be considered in future item and quality measure development.
Standardized assessment of cognitive function of post‐acute care patients
Authors: Shier Victoria , Edelen Maria O. , McMullen Tara L. , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Chen Emily K. , Dalton Sarah E. , Paddock Susan , Rodriguez Anthony , Sherbourne Cathy D. , Mandl Stella , Mota Teresa , Saliba Debra
Published: March 2022

Background

The assessment of cognitive function in post‐acute care (PAC) settings is important for understanding an individual's condition and care needs, developing better person‐directed care plans, predicting resource needs and understanding case mix. Therefore, we tested the feasibility and reliability of cognitive function assessments, including the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM©), Expression and Understanding, and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms for patients in PAC under the intent of the IMPACT Act of 2014.

Methods

We conducted a national test of assessments of four standardized cognitive function data elements among patients in PAC. One hundred and forty‐three PAC settings (57 home health agencies, 28 inpatient rehabilitation facilities, 28 long‐term care hospitals, and 73 Skilled Nursing Facilities) across 14 U.S. markets from November 2017 to August 2018. At least one of four cognitive function data elements were assessed in 3026 patients. We assessed descriptive statistics, percent of missing data, time to complete, and interrater reliability between paired research nurse and facility staff assessors, and assessor feedback.

Results

The BIMS, CAM©, Expression and Understanding, and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms demonstrated low rates of missing data (less than 2%), high percent agreement, and substantial support from assessors. The prevalence of Behavioral Signs and Symptoms was low in our sample of PAC settings.

Conclusion

Findings provide support for feasibility of implementing standardized assessment of all our cognitive function data elements for patients in PAC settings. The BIMS and CAM© were adopted into federal Quality Reporting Programs in the fiscal year/calendar year 2020 final rules. Future work could consider implementing additional cognitive items that assess areas not covered by the BIMS and CAM©.
Is bigger always better? Neither body size nor aggressive behavior predicts specialization of hummingbirds in a rocky outcrop
Authors: Claudino R. M. , Antonini Y. , Martins C. , Beirão M. V. , Braga E. M. , de Azevedo C. S.
Published: March 2022

Interspecific competition can strongly influence community structure and shape niche breadth and overlap. One of the main factors that determines hummingbird community structure is competition for food. Hummingbirds’ functional attributes, such as beak length and body mass, influence nectar acquisition in flowers. This study evaluates how functional and behavioral attributes of hummingbirds influence their specialization, as measured by pollen transportation. We tested the following hypothesis: H1) smaller and short‐billed hummingbirds will carry higher pollen richness and relatively more pollen grains than long‐billed hummingbirds; H2) dominant and territorial hummingbirds carry a lower richness of pollen types and fewer pollen grains when compared to subordinate hummingbirds, and H3) the similarity in the composition of pollen morphotypes, between the hummingbirds species, will be low because we expect to find high specialization in the use of plant species. We conducted the study between September 2018 and March 2019 in a Campo Rupestre (rocky outcrops) in Southeastern Brazil. Hummingbirds were captured with a trap. The pollen adhered to the body parts was collected, counted, and identified in the laboratory. We recorded hummingbirds' beak sizes and body masses. Behavioral responses of hummingbirds to artificial feeders were collected regarding the time and duration of each visit and the outcome of aggressive interactions. An interaction network was built based on the pollen grains found on each hummingbird. Our results showed that neither body size nor aggressive behaviors influenced pollen richness on hummingbirds’ bodies. Beak length was the most important hummingbird attribute that influenced pollen richness, but not pollen relative abundance. Short‐billed hummingbirds carried the greatest richness of pollen grains. The hummingbird pollen‐grain interaction network was generalized in the pollen grains transported. We conclude that hummingbirds' beak length is the central morphological variable related to pollen grain transport in rocky outcrops.
Strategic foraging: Understanding hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) prey item energy values and distribution within a marine protected area
Authors: Baumbach Dustin S. , Zhang Renwu , Hayes Christian T. , Wright Marsha K. , Dunbar Stephen G.
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic disturbances affect the health of coral reefs worldwide and may also impact hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) foraging areas, potentially decreasing sponge numbers, while increasing macroalgae. Few studies have been conducted to understand energy content of hawksbill prey. We investigated observed (Geodia neptuni and Kallymenia limminghii) and potential (Xestospongia muta and Halimeda opuntia) hawksbill prey abundances and their energy contents in the Sandy Bay West End Marine Reserve, and related prey distribution to hawksbill distribution within the reserve. We analysed prey abundances by conducting in‐water habitat transects followed by point count analyses. In‐water hawksbill observations were recorded to provide total times turtles foraged on prey. We then measured energy content of prey types using microbomb calorimetry. Habitat assessments indicated sponges were most abundant in West Bay and West End, whereas macroalgae were most abundant in West End. Foraging observations indicated juvenile hawksbills spent more time foraging on G. neptuni (x̅ = 236.5 s) than K. limminghii (x̅ = 98.0 s) and no time foraging on either X. muta or H. opuntia. Energy content was higher for G. neptuni (4.09 kJ g−1) and K. limminghii (12.88 kJ g−1) than X. muta (2.48 kJ g−1) and H. opuntia (1.27 kJ g−1). Hawksbills were frequently observed feeding in West Bay where sponges were abundant and were also observed foraging on K. limminghii throughout this area. Fewer hawksbills were observed in West End and Sandy Bay than in West Bay, and these areas had fewer sponges compared with West Bay. Hawksbills benefit from foraging on the abundant observed sponge and macroalgae within their home ranges, allowing them to conserve energy and increase potential net energy gains from high energy prey.
A framework for fine‐root trait syndromes: syndrome coexistence may support phosphorus partitioning in tropical forests
Authors: Dallstream Caroline , Weemstra Monique , Soper Fiona M.
Published: March 2022

Fine roots balance multiple essential plant functions that ultimately fuel plant productivity. The coordination of root functional traits is multidimensional, meaning that some traits are correlated while others can vary independently. This leads to a large variety of adaptive trait combinations and thus functional diversity in plant belowground morphology, anatomy, physiology and symbioses with soil biota. Within forest communities, co‐occurrence of such belowground trait combinations may be especially prevalent in tropical forests, not only due to their immense biodiversity but also because their soils are frequently weathered and limited in phosphorus. Phosphorus occurs in different forms (that differ in their mobility and accessibility) that may select for different trait combinations on relatively small spatial scales. While evidence accumulates of the myriad viable nutrient acquisition strategies on poor tropical soils, they are not well conceptualized. In this study, we outline criteria for the identification and investigation of fine‐root trait syndromes. We then apply these criteria to a case study of tropical tree species adapted to phosphorus‐poor soil and synthesize a range of traits. Five potentially coexisting syndromes are presented that are distinguished by root morphology, mycorrhizal association type, their interactions and implications for fine‐root functioning. We connect the functional variation of these species‐level syndromes in tropical communities to an established phosphorus partitioning hypothesis. The co‐occurrence of fine‐root trait syndromes could have implications for root sampling design, species coexistence, community structure and biogeochemical cycling.
An eco‐evolutionary perspective on the humpty‐dumpty effect and community restoration
Authors: Evans Annette E. , Zimova Marketa , Giery Sean T. , Golden Heidi E. , Pastore Amanda L. , Nadeau Christopher P. , Urban Mark C.
Published: March 2022

In recent decades, anthropogenic and natural disturbances have increased in rate and intensity around the world, leaving few ecosystems unaffected. As a result of the interactions among these multiple disturbances, many biological communities now occur in a degraded state as collections of fragmented ecological pieces. Restoration strategies are traditionally driven by assumptions that a community or ecosystem can be restored back to a pre‐disturbance state through ecological remediation. Yet despite our best efforts, attempts to restore fragmented communities are often unsuccessful. One explanation, the humpty‐dumpty effect, suggests that once a community is disassembled, it is difficult to reassemble it even in the presence of all the original pieces. This hypothesis, while potentially useful, often fails to incorporate the multitude of other critical mechanisms that affect our abilities to put fragmented communities back together. Here, we extend the original humpty‐dumpty analogy to incorporate eco‐evolutionary changes that can hinder successful restoration. A systematic literature review uncovered few studies that have explicitly considered how the original humpty‐dumpty effect has affected restoration success in the 30 years since its inception. Using case studies, we demonstrate how the application of our extended eco‐evolutionary humpty‐dumpty framework may determine the success of restoration actions via ecological and evolutionary changes in fragments of communities. Lastly, given continued anthropogenic disturbances and projected climatic changes, we make five recommendations to facilitate more successful restoration efforts given our revised eco‐evolutionary humpty‐dumpty effects framework. These guidelines, combined with clearly defined management goals are aimed at both keeping ecological communities as intact as possible while ensuring that future ecosystem restorations might more successfully put the ecological community pieces back together.
Lack of leaf carbonic anhydrase activity eliminates the C4 carbon‐concentrating mechanism requiring direct diffusion of CO2 into bundle sheath cells
Authors: DiMario Robert J. , Giuliani Rita , Ubierna Nerea , Slack Aaron D. , Cousins Asaph B. , Studer Anthony J.
Published: March 2022

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) performs the first enzymatic step of C4 photosynthesis by catalysing the reversible hydration of dissolved CO2 that diffuses into mesophyll cells from intercellular airspaces. This CA‐catalysed reaction provides the bicarbonate used by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase to generate products that flow into the C4 carbon‐concentrating mechanism (CCM). It was previously demonstrated that the Zea mays ca1ca2 double mutant lost 97% of leaf CA activity, but there was little difference in the growth phenotype under ambient CO2 partial pressures (pCO2). We hypothesise that since CAs are among the fastest enzymes, minimal activity from a third CA, CA8, can provide the inorganic carbon needed to drive C4 photosynthesis. We observed that removing CA8 from the maize ca1ca2 background resulted in plants that had 0.2% of wild‐type leaf CA activity. These ca1ca2ca8 plants had reduced photosynthetic parameters and could only survive at elevated pCO2. Photosynthetic and carbon isotope analysis combined with modelling of photosynthesis and carbon isotope discrimination was used to determine if ca1ca2ca8 plants had a functional C4 cycle or were relying on direct CO2 diffusion to ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase within bundle sheath cells. The results suggest that leaf CA activity in ca1ca2ca8 plants was not sufficient to sustain the C4 CCM.
Ruxolitinib for the treatment of steroid refractory pediatric chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Belina Morgan E. , Driscoll Timothy A. , Blanchard Sarah K. , Cardones Adela R.
Published: March 2022

Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) of the skin is a serious cause of long‐term morbidity and mortality among patients who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Systemic corticosteroids remain first‐line treatment for cutaneous cGVHD; however, there is currently no consensus on second‐line therapy for steroid‐refractory disease. We herein present a case of a pediatric patient with severe cGVHD of the skin, nonresponsive to corticosteroids, who was successfully treated with a prolonged course of ruxolitinib with minimal side effects.
A clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of five cases of bronchiolar adenoma with rare mutations
Authors: Takeda‐Miyata Naoko , Miyagawa‐Hayashino Aya , Hamada Shinshichi , Nagamine Michiko , Fujii Tomomi , Imura Tetsuya , Tsunezuka Hiroaki , Shimomura Masanori , Yamaguchi Tadanori , Yanada Masashi , Inoue Masayoshi , Konishi Eiichi
Published: March 2022

Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare benign lung tumor that shows proliferation of bland bronchiolar‐type epithelium containing a continuous layer of basal cells. This tumor entity has been newly added to the recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification 5th edition. This entity encompasses a spectrum of lesions: the classic ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT) and the non‐classic CMPT. Although BA is reported to have driver mutations including BRAF V600E, EGFR, and KRAS, the molecular profile of BA is still incompletely understood. Five resected BAs at our institutions were analyzed. The BA lesions were subdivided into two groups: three proximal‐type BAs and two distal‐type BAs. NRAS codon 12/13 mutation and EML4 exon 20‐ALK exon 20 fusion were found in two of the three proximal‐types. BRAF V600E mutation was found in one of the two distal‐types. Two cases coexisted with lung adenocarcinoma, with EGFR exon 19 deletion and KRAS mutation, respectively. No recurrence was observed at a median of 12 months (range 2–84 months) of follow‐up. BA has uncommon variants of mutation seen in lung adenocarcinoma. NRAS mutation and ALK fusion partner has not been reported previously. The present cases may reinforce the distinctive biology of BA from lung adenocarcinoma.
Field studies of anthracnose symptoms and pathogen infection in different phases of the persimmon growing season
Authors: Dolinski Marcos Antonio , Carraro Thiago de Aguiar , Gorayeb Eduardo Silva , May De Mio Louise Larissa
Published: March 2022

Anthracnose is the main disease of persimmon and is caused by Colletotrichum spp. The study of field epidemiology is essential for the development of efficient management of this disease. In this study, we investigated infection by Colletotrichum spp. throughout the persimmon growing season to understand the host–pathogen interactions better. We observed the production of primary inoculum of persimmon anthracnose and described how epidemics progress from secondary infections during the fruit crop season. The field study was carried out in an organic orchard with three susceptible persimmon cultivars, Fuyu, Kakimel and Jiro, for three consecutive seasons. Our results indicate that the pathogen survives in 1‐year‐old shoots, which are the sources of primary inoculum. Later that growing season, the inoculum reaches flowers and new shoots, developing symptoms and producing the secondary inoculum. Fruit drop was also observed, with or without symptoms of anthracnose, throughout the plant cycle. In some of the symptomless fruit, collected from the plant and from the ground where they had fallen, latent infections of Colletotrichum spp. were detected. Shoots, flowers, immature and ripened fruit remained infected throughout the growing season, producing conidia that could lead to new secondary infections within and among plants. The incidence of anthracnose in fruit at harvest and postharvest proved to be less relevant for disease management. Practices for chemical and cultural control of the disease throughout the persimmon growing season are discussed.
Political Embeddedness or World Cultural Pressure? Explaining Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting in China, 2006–20201
Authors: Kim Dae‐Wook , Koo Jeong‐Woo
Published: March 2022

How do organizations respond to institutional complexity arising out of both domestic and global forces? We focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in China and empirically test the effects of both domestic institutional connections and world cultural linkage. We analyze the adoption of CSR reports compiled by 3,757 listed firms in China from 2006 to 2020 via a discrete‐time event history framework. We seek to explain the adoption of two different forms of CSR reports: those explicitly referencing global models and those written under the guidance of government agencies. To what extent is the adoption of CSR reports attributable to political signaling from the party‐government nexus or world culture pressures? Do the influences operate similarly for the reports based on national governmental directives and those more explicitly linked to world society? Our findings conclude that the firms’ global connectedness better explains the adoption of Global Reporting Initiative‐based reports. In contrast, their linkage to domestic political processes, especially at the central level, is well attuned to the versions promoted by government agencies.
Open‐Ended Analyses of the Sociopolitical Impact of Celebrity Change: Advantages, Operationalization, and an Illustration with Hong Kong Celebrity
Authors: Chew Matthew M.
Published: March 2022

This study contributes to advancing research on a central problem in the sociology of celebrity: the sociopolitical impact of celebrity change. The paper argues for the need for more open‐ended analyses of the sociopolitical impact of contemporary celebrity change. These analyses utilize non‐Western data, avoid techno‐determinism, prioritize questions of why and how celebrity becomes progressive over monolithic assessments, and emphasize the investigation of celebrity’s institutional and political contexts. It also supplies a partial solution to operationalize such analyses: focusing on whether and how a given celebrity system is becoming more (or less) democratized. Then it tests this solution by using it to examine Hong Kong celebrity change in the 2000s. My data sources include in‐depth interviews of 32 celebrities and industry insiders, participant observation, informal interviews, audiences’ online discourses, and documentary materials. I find that Hong Kong celebrity became less democratized and that it was de‐democratized by six institutional changes: corporate suppression of media‐assisted paths of celebrity‐making, corporate corruption of fame reward systems, ‘new ascribed celebrities,’ corporate appropriation of celebrity news media, and the state’s interference of celebrity. My findings demonstrate the utility of open‐ended analyses and my partial solution for operationalizing them.
Comparison of automated total nucleated cell counts vs manual cell counts in the amniotic fluid for the classification of disease status in healthy and diseased pigs
Authors: Krogh Anne K. H. , Nguyen Duc N. , Bochsen Louise , Nielsen Lise N.
Published: March 2022

Background

An increase in the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) of amniotic fluid can detect inflammation in the amniotic cavity. Traditionally, a manual count is employed, but the technique suffers from inaccuracy and is labor intensive. Automated cell counting could enhance precision and timeliness.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the cell counts in the amniotic fluid of preterm pigs using an automated method and compared the results with manual cell counts. We also tested if increased TNCC is associated with an inflammatory group in a porcine model of chorioamnionitis.

Methods

Amniotic fluids from 34 preterm pigs were analyzed blindly using two automatic settings of the ADVIA 2120i hematology analyzer (whole blood [WB] and cell poor [CP] settings) and manually by two observers using Neubauer chambers. Inter‐ and intra‐variability were calculated. The correlation analysis of TNCC/μL in amniotic fluid was determined between the methods, including Deming and Bland‐Altman analyses. Fischer’s exact tests compared the known health status of the pigs to the outcomes of the automatic and manual TNCC.

Results

Inter‐ and intra‐observer variability of the manual TNCC were high, although the correlation of TNCC between (r = .95,P < .0001) and within observers (r = .98,P < .0001;r = .89,P < .0001) was good. Correlation between the manual and CP TNCC was moderate and significant (r = .50,P = .014). Manual and WB TNCC were not correlated. The CP (P = .003) and manual (P = .0001) analyses accurately classified the disease state of the pigs.

Conclusions

An acceptable correlation between automatic CP TNCC and manual counting was demonstrated. Both methods could accurately classify the disease state of the pigs.
Numerical Investigation on the n-Heptane Spray Flame at Hydrous Ethanol Premixed Condition
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Peng
Published: March 2022

In hydrous ethanol-diesel dual-fuel combustion modes, premixed hydrous ethanol would have an impact on the diesel combustion and soot production. In this work, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model coupled with kinetic mechanism, the influence of premixed hydrous ethanol on combustion and soot formation of n-heptane spray flame in the combustion vessel was investigated, and the influence of different parameters of premixed atmosphere on the n-heptane spray combustion was also explored. The simulation results indicated that the premixed atmosphere could inhibit the n-heptane spray combustion. The ignition delay (ID) time and the flame lift off length (FLoL) gradually increased, and the soot generation decreased with a rise of water content and ethanol premixed equivalence ratio. In addition, compared with the chemical inhibitory effect of oxygenated ethanol molecule on the ID time of n-heptane, the impact of the decrease in charge temperature caused by the hydrous ethanol vaporization on the ID time was more obvious. It could also be found with the reduction in the ambient O2 concentration, the ID time and FLOL of n-heptane increased, and the soot generation significantly reduced. However, if the initial ambient temperature was high as 1000 K, the combustion of hydrous ethanol would enhance the charge temperature, which counteracted some combustion delay effect caused by the premixed atmosphere.
Experimental Investigation of Enhanced Grooves for Herringbone Grooved Journal Bearings
Authors: Bättig Philipp K. , Wagner Patrick H. , Schiffmann Jürg A.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of a theoretical and experimental investigation of the potential of enhanced groove geometries to increase the bearing clearance of a Herringbone Grooved Journal Bearing (HGJB) supported rotor. The theoretical study investigates various groove geometries of different complexities and their effect on the stability threshold of a particular rotor geometry. The theoretical results obtained from a rigid-body rotordynamic model suggest an increase of more than 300% in instability onset speed when enhanced groove geometries are used compared to a classical, helically grooved rotor featuring the same radial bearing clearance. As part of the experimental investigation, one rotor shaft with classical grooves, representing the baseline rotor, and four rotors of identical diameter and clearance, but featuring enhanced grooves of varying degrees of complexity, were manufactured and experimentally tested. Good agreement between the experimentally determined speed of instability onset and the prediction was found for the investigated enhanced groove patterns. Experimental results of the classical rotor suggest the onset of instability to occur at a rotational speed of 56 krpm, whereas a speed of 180 krpm was achieved when enhanced groove geometries were applied to the rotor, which agrees very well with the theoretically predicted results and confirms the potential of enhanced groove geometries to stabilize HGJBs. Furthermore, the rotor featuring only a varying groove angle along the rotor axis was found to perform similarly to fully enhanced grooves of varying groove width, depth, and angle, hence representing a good trade-off between performance increase and design cost.
Digital Twin to Detect Nuclear Proliferation: A Case Study
Authors: Ritter Christopher , Hays Ross , Browning Jeren , Stewart Ryan , Bays Samuel , Reyes Gustavo , Schanfein Mark , Pluth Adam , Sabharwall Piyush , Kunz Ross , Shields Ashley , Koudelka John , Zohner Porter
Published: March 2022

This case study describes the development of technologies that enable digital-engineering and digital-twinning efforts in proliferation detection. The project presents a state-of-the-art approach to support International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards by incorporating diversion-pathway analysis, facility misuse, and the detection of indicators within the reactor core, applying the safeguards-by-design concept, and demonstrates its applicability as a sensitive monitoring system for advanced reactors and power plants. There are two pathways a proliferating state might take using the reactor core. One is “diversion,” where special fissionable nuclear material—i.e., Pu-239, U-233, U enriched in U-233/235—that has been declared to the IAEA is removed surreptitiously, either by taking small amounts of nuclear material over a long time (known as protracted diversion) or large amounts in a short time (known as abrupt diversion). The second pathway is “misuse,” where undeclared source material—material that can be transmuted into special fissionable nuclear material: depleted uranium, natural uranium, and thorium—is placed in the core, where it uses the neutron flux for transmutation. Digital twinning and digital engineering have demonstrated significant performance improvement and schedule reduction in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. This integrated modeling approach has not been fully applied to nuclear safeguards programs in the past. Digital twinning, combined with machine learning technologies, can lead to new innovations in process-monitoring detection, specifically in event classification, real-time notification, and data tampering. It represents a technological leap in evaluation and detection capability to safeguard any nuclear facility.
The Impact of Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization on Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, and Production of an Offshore Platform: Thermodynamic and Sensitivity Analyses
Authors: Allahyarzadeh Bidgoli Ali , Hamidishad Nayereh , Yanagihara Jurandir Itizo
Published: March 2022

Oil and gas production in FPSOs (floating, production, storage, and offloading) faces a dual challenge: meeting variation in energy demand while decreasing its negative environmental impact. The present article integrates thermodynamic analysis of oil and gas processing plants and screening analysis to determine the most important operational parameters to lower energy demand and increase efficiency and production. Therefore, the main goals of this study are to identify the contribution of the total effect of the operating parameters in an FPSO with CCUS (CO2 capture, utilization, and storage). Twenty-seven thermodynamic and structural design variables are selected as input parameters for the sensitivity analyses. Four machine learning-based screening analysis algorithms such as smooth spline-analysis of variance (SS-ANOVA), PAWN, gradient boosting machine (GBM), and Morris are adapted to achieve the following objectives: (1) overall power consumption of FPSO, (2) CO2 removal efficiency of carbon capture and storage (CCS), (3) power consumption of CCS, and (4) total oil production. The influence of three real crude oil compositions with variations in gas–oil ratio (GOR) and CO2 content is assessed. The combination of thermodynamic and screening analyses showed that the optimal operating pressure parameters of CCS significantly reduce the energy consumption and exergy destruction of the key main and utility plants. Furthermore, the results indicated that total power consumption, CCS efficiency, and CCS power consumption are much more sensitive to the CO2 content of the fluid reservoir than GOR, while the total oil production is influenced only by the GOR content. Finally, for scenarios with high CO2 or GOR content, the effect of design variable interactions is decisive in changing the separation efficiency and/or the compression unit performance.
Role of Adiabatic Flame Temperature on Controlling Operability of a Micromixer-Based Gas Turbine Combustor Holding Premixed Oxy-Flames for Carbon Capture
Authors: Aliyu Mansur , Nemitallah Medhat A. , Said Syed A. M. , Abdelhafez Ahmed , Mansir Ibrahim B. , Habib Mohamed A.
Published: March 2022

The study presents an experimental and numerical investigation to determine the role of adiabatic lame temperature on controlling the operability of a micromixer-based gas turbine model combustor holding premixed CH4/CO2/O2 non-swirl jet flame for carbon capture. The experimental test rig consists of a mixing pipe and multihole/micromixer-like burner of 61 tubes. The numerical aspect of the study is achieved using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) approach. Models of the ansys Fluent are used to solve elliptical governing equations involved in the combustion system. Since flames under consideration are jet premixed releasing into a quiescent atmosphere, the partially premixed combustion of species model is used. Large eddy simulation (LES) is used as the turbulence model while radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved using discrete ordinate (DO). A good agreement between experimental and numerical results is achieved. Results indicated that adiabatic flame temperature (Tad) controls the flame macrostructure, oxygen fraction (OF) controls the peak of the product formation rate rather than Tad, and positions of OH radical reaffirmed that Tad controls the flame macrostructure and increasing the OF leads to reaction rate dominancy and, hence, increases the Damkohler number.
Optimization Investment Structure on Petroleum Exploration and Development
Authors: Peng Fei , Luo Dongkun
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the decision-making ability of exploration and development investment of petroleum enterprises, our study focuses on the optimization method of investment structure. First, this paper analyzed ten risk factors that are most likely encountered by oil enterprises in exploration and development investment by using Markowitz's portfolio theory. A conclusive objective function was established based on the net present value mean-variance, semivariance, and semi-absolute deviation risk model. Second, studying the link between regional exploration investment and expected reserves, trapping exploration investment and controlling reserves, evaluating exploration investment and proved reserves, the relationship model between reserve price and reserves was constructed through commercializing reserves. By studying the relationship between exploration investment and reserves, development investment and production, we used the portfolio optimization theory to establish a comprehensive model for the optimization of oil and gas multi-stage exploration and development investment structure. Third, based on the established exploration and development portfolio optimization model and the actual economic evaluation needs of oil fields, this study established the medium and long-term investment model, block equilibrium constrained investment structure optimization model, reserve replacement rate constrained investment structure optimization model, and short-term investment structure optimization models. These models provided a basis for different investment decisions of oil and gas exploration and development.
Experimental and Numerical Similitude Study Using a Novel Turbocompressor Test Facility Operating With Helium–Neon Gas Mixtures
Authors: Podeur Maxime , Vogt Damian M.
Published: March 2022

A novel turbocompressor test facility has been designed for helium–neon gas mixtures, and its specific features are presented. To account for the heat transfer originating from the motor coolant, a surrogate model has been derived. By combining these results with additional numerical ones, a similitude study is conducted by quantifying the individual effects and contributions on efficiency of the Reynolds number, tip Mach number, and specific heat ratio. Decoupling the effect of the different parameters shows that their respective contribution on efficiency variation is highly correlated with the Reynolds number actual value. The negative contribution of the tip Mach number and the positive effect of Reynolds number can be used to explain the efficiency variation with the increasing tip Mach number. Specific heat ratio variation leads to minor changes in polytropic efficiency except at low tip Mach numbers.
Two new species of oribatid mites of Leptotocepheus (Acari, Oribatida, Otocepheidae) from Malawi
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Starý Josef , Kontschán Jenő
Published: March 2022

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Leptotocepheus (Oribatida, Otocepheidae) are described from Malawi. Leptotocepheus malawiensis sp. nov. differs from the related species L. macromucronatus by the well developed, spindle-form bothridial seta with distinctly elongate, pointed tip distally (versus slightly developed, fusiform, without elongate, pointed tip distally). Leptotocepheus zombaensis sp. nov. differs from the related species L. trimucronatus by the comparatively short notogastral setae la, h3, p1 and p3, longest notogastral setae h1 and h2 (versus all notogastral setae slightly differs in length) and long interlamellar seta (versus medium-sized).
A general pattern of trade-offs between ecosystem resistance and resilience to tropical cyclones
Authors: Patrick Christopher J. , Kominoski John S. , McDowell William H. , Branoff Benjamin , Lagomasino David , Leon Miguel , Hensel Enie , Hensel Marc J. S. , Strickland Bradley A. , Aide T. Mitchell , Armitage Anna , Campos-Cerqueira Marconi , Congdon Victoria M. , Crowl Todd A. , Devlin Donna J. , Douglas Sarah , Erisman Brad E. , Feagin Rusty A. , Geist Simon J. , Hall Nathan S. , Hardison Amber K. , Heithaus Michael R. , Hogan J. Aaron , Hogan J. Derek , Kinard Sean , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Lin Teng-Chiu , Lu Kaijun , Madden Christopher J. , Montagna Paul A. , O’Connell Christine S. , Proffitt C. Edward , Kiel Reese Brandi , Reustle Joseph W. , Robinson Kelly L. , Rush Scott A. , Santos Rolando O. , Schnetzer Astrid , Smee Delbert L. , Smith Rachel S. , Starr Gregory , Stauffer Beth A. , Walker Lily M. , Weaver Carolyn A. , Wetz Michael S. , Whitman Elizabeth R. , Wilson Sara S. , Xue Jianhong , Zou Xiaoming
Published: March 2022

Tropical cyclones drive coastal ecosystem dynamics, and their frequency, intensity, and spatial distribution are predicted to shift with climate change. Patterns of resistance and resilience were synthesized for 4138 ecosystem time series from
n
= 26 storms occurring between 1985 and 2018 in the Northern Hemisphere to predict how coastal ecosystems will respond to future disturbance regimes. Data were grouped by ecosystems (fresh water, salt water, terrestrial, and wetland) and response categories (biogeochemistry, hydrography, mobile biota, sedentary fauna, and vascular plants). We observed a repeated pattern of trade-offs between resistance and resilience across analyses. These patterns are likely the outcomes of evolutionary adaptation, they conform to disturbance theories, and they indicate that consistent rules may govern ecosystem susceptibility to tropical cyclones.
PAI-1 is a vascular cell–specific HIF-2–dependent angiogenic factor that promotes retinal neovascularization in diabetic patients
Authors: Qin Yaowu , Zhang Jing , Babapoor-Farrokhran Savalan , Applewhite Brooks , Deshpande Monika , Megarity Haley , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Aparicio-Domingo Silvia , Ma Tao , Rui Yuan , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Green Jordan J. , Canto-Soler M. Valeria , Montaner Silvia , Sodhi Akrit
Published: March 2022

For patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who do not respond adequately to pan-retinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) or anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, we hypothesized that vascular cells within neovascular tissue secrete autocrine/paracrine angiogenic factors that promote disease progression. To identify these factors, we performed multiplex ELISA angiogenesis arrays on aqueous fluid from PDR patients who responded inadequately to anti-VEGF therapy and/or PRP and identified plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 expression was increased in vitreous biopsies and neovascular tissue from PDR eyes, limited to retinal vascular cells, regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α, and necessary and sufficient to stimulate angiogenesis. Using a pharmacologic inhibitor of HIF-2α (PT-2385) or nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference targeting
Pai1
, we demonstrate that the HIF-2α/PAI-1 axis is necessary for the development of retinal neovascularization in mice. These results suggest that targeting HIF-2α/PAI-1 will be an effective adjunct therapy for the treatment of PDR patients.
Realization of a discrete time crystal on 57 qubits of a quantum computer
Authors: Frey Philipp , Rachel Stephan
Published: March 2022

Unconventional dynamical phases that violate ergodicity have been a subject of extensive research in recent years. A periodically driven system is naively expected to lose all memory of its initial state due to thermalization, yet this can be avoided in the presence of many-body localization. A discrete time crystal represents a driven system whose local observables spontaneously break time translation symmetry and retain memory of the initial state indefinitely. Here, we report the observation of a discrete time crystal on a chain consisting of 57 superconducting qubits on a state-of-the-art quantum computer. We probe random initial states and compare the cases of vanishing and finite disorder to distinguish many-body localization from prethermal dynamics. We further report results on the dynamical phase transition between the discrete time crystal and a thermal regime, which is observed via critical fluctuations in the system’s subharmonic frequency response and a substantial speedup of spin depolarization.