bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Test and Shock Absorption of Coal Crusher Chambers in Thermal Power Plants (II): Numerical Analysis
Authors: Yuan Hanquan , Zhu Lihua , Zhou Haoyi , Jiang Dong , Liu Baoquan , Fan Chunzhu , Tang Liujiu , Cívalek Ömer
Published: September 2020

The coal crusher generates large vibrations when crushing coal blocks, which can affect the equipment itself, as well as the safety of the structure. In order to study the dynamic characteristics of coal crusher, a finite element model of the coal crusher chamber in the Shangluo power plant was built by using ABAQUS. Firstly, modal and harmonic response analyses were conducted, and the comparison shows that the numerical results are basically in accordance with the test results. Then, shock absorption research was performed using a parametric analysis that included the stiffness and position of the spring vibration isolator, the mass, and material of the vibration-isolation platform. Finally, the dynamic coefficient of a coal crusher was discussed. The results showed that, compared with the stiffness of the spring vibration isolator, the mass of the vibration-isolation platform had more influence on the vibration displacement of the coal crusher. To achieve better vibration isolation, the concrete platform is suggested, and the eccentricity of the spring vibration isolator should not exceed 5%. When static design method is adopted to calculate the bearing capacity of the supporting structure subjected to the dynamic load of the coal crusher, the dynamic coefficient of a coal crusher is suggested as 1.5.
Design and Verification of a Deep Rock Corer with Retaining the In Situ Temperature
Authors: He Zhiqiang , Xie Heping , Gao Mingzhong , Chen Ling , Yu Bo , Hu Yunqi , Yang Jianping
Published: September 2020

Deep rock is always under high‐temperature conditions. However, traditional coring methods generally have no thermal insulation design, which introduces large deviations in the guidance required for resource mining. Thus, a thermal insulation design that utilizes active and passive thermal insulation was proposed for deep rock corers. The rationale behind the active thermal insulation scheme was to maintain the in situ core temperature through electric heating that was controlled by using a proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) chip. Graphene heating material could be used as a heating material for active thermal insulation through testing. In regard to the passive thermal insulation scheme, we conducted insulation and microscopic and insulation effectiveness tests for hollow glass microsphere (HGM) composites and SiO2 aerogels. Results showed that the #1 HGM composite (C1) had an excellent thermal insulation performance (3 mm thick C1 can insulate to 82.6°C), high reflectivity (90.02%), and wide applicability. Therefore, C1 could be used as a passive insulation material in deep rock corers. Moreover, a heat transfer model that considered multiple heat dissipation surfaces was established, which can provide theoretical guidance for engineering applications. Finally, a verification test of the integrated active and passive thermal insulation system (graphene heating material and C1) was carried out. Results showed that the insulating effect could be increased by 13.3%; thus, the feasibility of the integrated thermal insulation system was verified. The abovementioned design scheme and test results provide research basis and guidance for the development of thermally insulated deep rock coring equipment.
Integrated Analysis of Hub Genes and miRNAs in Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Kai , Wen Shuyan , Huang Jiechun , Wang Fangrui , Pang Liewen , Wang Yiqing , Sun Xiaotian
Published: September 2020

Purpose. The aim of this study is to identify hub genes and miRNAs by the miRNA‐mRNA interaction network in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) disease. Methods. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMis) and mRNAs (DEMs) were selected using data of DCM patients downloaded from the GEO database (GSE112556 and GSE3585). Gene Ontology (GO) pathway analysis and transcription factor enrichment analysis were used for selecting DEMis, and the target mRNAs of DEMis were filtered by using miRDB, miRTarBase, and TargetScan. Cytoscape software was used to visualize the network between miRNAs and mRNAs and calculate the hub genes. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were used to analyze the mRNAs in the regulatory network. Results. A total of 9 DEMis and 281 DEMs were selected, from which we reconstructed the miRNA‐mRNA network consisting of 7 miRNAs and 51 mRNAs. The top 10 nodes, miR‐144‐3p, miR‐363‐3p, miR‐9‐3p, miR‐21‐3p, miR‐144‐5p, miR‐338‐3p, ID4 (inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 4), miR‐770‐5p, PIK3R1 (p85α regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)), and FN1 (fibronectin 1), were identified as important regulators. Conclusions. The study uncovered several important hub genes and miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of DCM, among which, the miR‐144‐3p/FN1 and miR‐9‐3p/FN1 pathways may play an important role in myocardial fibrosis, which can help identify the etiology of DCM, and provide potential therapeutic targets.
Cancer in the Fourth Dimension: What Is the Impact of Circadian Disruption?
Authors: Pariollaud Marie , Lamia Katja A.
Published: September 2020

Circadian rhythms integrate many physiological pathways, helping organisms to align the timing of various internal processes to daily cycles in the external environment. Disrupted circadian rhythmicity is a prominent feature of modern society, and has been designated as a probable carcinogen. Here, we review multiple studies, in humans and animal models, that suggest a causal effect between circadian disruption and increased risk of cancer. We also discuss the complexity of this connection, which may depend on the cellular context.

Significance:

Accumulating evidence points to an adverse effect of circadian disruption on cancer incidence and progression, indicating that time of day could influence the effectiveness of interventions targeting cancer prevention and management.
Blocking P2X7-Mediated Macrophage Polarization Overcomes Treatment Resistance in Lung Cancer
Authors: Qin Juliang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Tan Binghe , Zhang Su , Yin Chengcong , Xue Qi , Zhang Zhen , Ren Hua , Chen Jinlian , Liu Mingyao , Qian Min , Du Bing
Published: September 2020

P2X7, a crucial sensor of extracellular ATP, is widely distributed in different immune cells as a potent stimulant of inflammation and immunity. P2X7 is also highly expressed in immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and even tumor cells. However, the function and potential applications of P2X7-mediated immunosuppressive responses in the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that P2X7 was highly expressed in TAMs and that P2X7 deficiency impaired the “M2-like” polarization of TAMs via downregulation of STAT6 and IRF4 phosphorylation both in vivo and in vitro. P2X7 deficiency restricted the progression of urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis and Lewis lung cancer by decreasing tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, promoting T-cell mobilization, and reversing M2-like TAM polarization. Thus, deletion or blockade of P2X7 was therapeutic for lung cancer. Furthermore, resistance to both immunotherapy (anti–PD-1 antibody) and chemotherapy (cisplatin) was overcome by coadministration of the P2X7 inhibitors O-ATP, A-438079 hydrochloride, and A-740003. Therefore, our data revealed a vital role of P2X7 in tumor formation through regulating TAM polarization, suggesting the therapeutic potential of P2X7 blockade in patients with lung cancer.
Glycans as Immune Checkpoints: Removal of Branched N-glycans Enhances Immune Recognition Preventing Cancer Progression
Authors: Silva Mariana C. , Fernandes Ângela , Oliveira Maria , Resende Carlos , Correia Alexandra , de-Freitas-Junior Julio C. , Lavelle Aonghus , Andrade-da-Costa Jéssica , Leander Magdalena , Xavier-Ferreira Helena , Bessa José , Pereira Carina , Henrique Rui M. , Carneiro Fátima , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo , Lima Margarida , Lepenies Bernd , Sokol Harry , Machado José C. , Vilanova Manuel , Pinho Salomé S.
Published: September 2020

Tumor growth is accompanied with dramatic changes in the cellular glycome, such as the aberrant expression of complex branched N-glycans. However, the role of this protumoral N-glycan in immune evasion and whether its removal contributes to enhancement of immune recognition and to unleashing an antitumor immune response remain elusive. We demonstrated that branched N-glycans are used by colorectal cancer cells to escape immune recognition, instructing the creation of immunosuppressive networks through inhibition of IFNγ. The removal of this “glycan-mask” exposed immunogenic mannose glycans that potentiated immune recognition by DC-SIGN–expressing immune cells, resulting in an effective antitumor immune response. We revealed a glycoimmune checkpoint in colorectal cancer, highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of its deglycosylation to potentiate immune recognition and, thus, improving cancer immunotherapy.
Deletion of PIN4 Suppresses the Protein Transport Defects Caused by sec12-4 Mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Murakami-Sekimata Akiko , Sekimata Masayuki , Sato Natsumi , Hayasaka Yuto , Nakano Akihiko
Published: September 2020

Newly synthesized secretory proteins are released into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The secretory proteins are surrounded by coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles, and transported from the ER and reach their destinations through the Golgi apparatus. Sec12p is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Sar1p, which initiates COPII vesicle budding from the ER. The activation of Sar1p by Sec12p and the subsequent COPII coat assembly have been well characterized, but the events that take place upstream of Sec12p remain unclear. In this study, we isolated the novel extragenic suppressor of sec12-4, PIN4/MDT1, a cell cycle checkpoint target. A yeast two-hybrid screening was used to identify Pin4/Mdt1p as a binding partner of the casein kinase I isoform Hrr25p, which we have previously identified as a modulator of Sec12p function. Deletion of PIN4 suppressed both defects of temperature-sensitive growth and the partial protein transport observed in sec12-4 mutants. The results of this study suggest that Pin4p provides novel aspects of Sec12p modulations.
Real-World Outcomes after 36-Month Treatment with Ranibizumab 0.5 mg in Patients with Visual Impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema (BOREAL-DME)
Authors: Massin Pascale , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Kodjikian Laurent , Girmens Jean-François , Delcourt Cécile , Fajnkuchen Franck , Glacet-Bernard Agnès , Guillausseau Pierre-Jean , Guthux Françoise , Blin Patrick , Grelaud Angela
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To assess the efficacy, safety, and follow-up of 36-month treatment with ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) in real-life setting. Methods: This is a prospective phase 4 observational study. Between December 2013 and April 2015, 84 ophthalmologists enrolled a total of 290 adult patients initiating ranibizumab for visual impairment due to DME and treated them according to their routine practice. The primary outcome (mean change in best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] after 12 months) was previously reported. Here, we present outcomes after 36 months of follow-up for BCVA and change in central subfield thickness (CSFT) and report how participating ophthalmologists treated DME over a 3-year period (number of visits and injections and evolution of treatment strategy). Results: Of the 290 patients enrolled, 187 (64.5%) completed the 36 months of the study (entire cohort). In the entire cohort, 97 patients were treated exclusively with ranibizumab throughout the study, and 90 patients switched to other intravitreal treatments. Mean BCVA was 64.2 (20.1) letters, representing a gain of +4.1 (19.9) letters from baseline to month 36 (M36). CSFT improved over the study, and by M36 had decreased by 127 (138) µm compared to baseline. Over the 36 months of follow-up, patients in the entire cohort paid their ophthalmologists a mean of 30.9 (12.2) visits and had a mean of 7.6 (5.2) any injections. Results for quality of life questionnaires NEI-VFQ25 and HUI-3 remained stable throughout the study. Multivariate analysis on the 145 patients with evaluable BCVA data at M36 found that male gender and milder baseline DME characteristics (BCVA ≥59 and CSFT <500 µm) were predictive factors for achieving a BCVA of ≥70 letters at M36. This study did not find any new safety signals, compared to the known profile of ranibizumab. Conclusions: Gains in BCVA in this real-life study were lower than those observed in randomized clinical trials with ranibizumab, mainly due to undertreatment. Safety analysis of ranibizumab did not yield any new safety concerns.
Prognostic Value of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5 in Heart Failure Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wu Jiandi , Zheng Haoxiao , Liu Xinyue , Chen Peisong , Zhang Yunlong , Luo Jianjin , Kuang Jian , Li Jingwei , Yang Yu , Ma Tianyi , Yang Yanhua , Huang Xiaohui , Liang Guoquan , Liang Donglian , Hu Yunzhao , Wu Jason H.Y. , Arnott Clare , Mai Weiyi , Huang Yuli
Published: September 2020

Background:

Patients with heart failure (HF) with diabetes mellitus have distinct biomarker profiles compared with those without diabetes mellitus. SFRP5 (secreted frizzled-related protein 5) is an anti-inflammatory adipokine with an important suppressing role on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of SFRP5 in patients with HF with and without T2DM.

Methods:

The study included 833 consecutive patients with HF, 312 (37.5%) of whom had T2DM. Blood samples were collected at presentation, and SFRP5 levels were measured. The primary outcome was the composite end points of first occurrence of HF rehospitalization or all-cause mortality during follow-up.

Results:

During median follow-up of 2.1 years, 335 (40.2%) patients in the cohort experienced the composite primary outcome. After adjustment for multiple risk factors, each doubling of SFRP5 level was associated with a 21% decreased risk of primary outcomes in the overall study population (
P
<0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that the association between level of SFPR5 and primary outcomes may be stronger in patients with T2DM (hazard ratio, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.61–0.79]) than in patients without T2DM (hazard ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.79–1.01]; interaction
P
=0.006). Similar associations were observed when taking SFRP5 as a categorical variable. Addition of SFRP5 significantly improved discrimination and reclassification of the incident primary outcomes beyond clinical risk factors and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in all patients with HF and those with T2DM (all
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

SFRP5 is an independent novel biomarker for risk stratification in HF, especially in HF with T2DM.
A new leaf-toed gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from the city of Ranong, southwestern Thailand
Authors: SUMONTHA MONTRI , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G.
Published: September 2020

We describe Dixonius dulayaphitakorum sp. nov. from Ranong city, Ranong Province, southern peninsular Thailand. The new, ground-dwelling species differs from all currently recognized Dixonius by a combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known SVL of 47.8 mm, 22 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 33 to 35 paravertebral scales; 22 longitudinal rows of ventrals across the abdomen; six or seven precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; no distinct canthal stripe; and a spotted dorsal pattern. Based on dorsal pattern, the new species seems related to Dixonius siamensis. This description brings to 11 the number of Dixonius species, and to five the ones endemic to Thailand.
Goniurosaurus gezhi sp. nov., a new gecko species from Guangxi, China (Squamata: Eublepharidae)
Authors: ZHU XIAO-YU , CHEN GUANG-YU , ROMÁN-PALACIOS CRISTIAN , LI ZHENG , HE ZHU-QING
Published: September 2020

Five species of geckos in the genus Goniurosaurus had been recorded from Guangxi, China. Here we describe a new species, Goniurosaurus gezhi sp. nov. Zhu, He & Li. The new species is similar to those found in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China and Northern Vietnam, but unique in a combination of the following characters: (1) three body bands between limb insertions; (2) precloacal pores 18–20; (3) body small (SVL=70.6–83.8 mm); (4) body color orange to yellow. We evaluated the phylogenetic position of this new species based on the 16S mitochondrial gene. Molecular phylogenies validate this new species as distinct to currently described lineages within Goniurosaurus. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
The Nontraditional Coriolis Terms and Tropical Convective Clouds
Authors: Igel Matthew R. , Biello Joseph A.
Published: September 2020

The full, three-dimensional Coriolis force includes the familiar sine-of-latitude terms as well as frequently dropped cosine-of-latitude terms [nontraditional Coriolis terms (NCT)]. The latter are often ignored because they couple the zonal and vertical momentum equations that in the large-scale limit of weak vertical velocity are considered insignificant almost everywhere. Here, we ask whether equatorial mesoscale clouds that fall outside the large-scale limit are affected by the NCT. A simple scaling indicates that a Lagrangian parcel convecting at 10 m s−1 through the depth of the troposphere should be deflected over 2 km to the west. To understand the real impact of NCT, we develop a mathematical framework that describes an azimuthally symmetric convective circulation with an analytical expression for an incompressible poloidal flow. Because the model incorporates the full three-dimensional flow associated with convection, it uniquely predicts not only the westward tilt of clouds but also a meridional diffluence of western cloud outflow. To test these predictions, we perform a set of cloud-resolving simulations whose results show preferential lifting of surface parcels with positive zonal momentum and zonal asymmetry in convective strength. RCE simulations show changes to the organization of coherent precipitation regions and a decrease in mean convective intensity of approximately 2 m s−1 above the freezing level. An additional pair of dry cloud-resolving simulations designed to mimic the steady-state flow of the model show maximum perturbations to the upper-level zonal flow of 8 m s−1. Together, the numerical and analytic results suggest the NCT consequentially alter equatorial mesoscale convective circulations and should be considered in conceptual models.
Anthropogenic Aerosols Dominate Forced Multidecadal Sahel Precipitation Change through Distinct Atmospheric and Oceanic Drivers
Authors: Hirasawa Haruki , Kushner Paul J. , Sigmond Michael , Fyfe John , Deser Clara
Published: September 2020

Sahel precipitation has undergone substantial multidecadal time scale changes during the twentieth century that have had severe impacts on the region’s population. Using initial-condition large ensembles (LE) of coupled general circulation model (GCM) simulations from two institutions, forced multidecadal variability is found in which Sahel precipitation declines from the 1950s to 1970s and then recovers from the 1970s to 2000s. This forced variability has similar timing to, but considerably smaller magnitude than, observed Sahel precipitation variability. Isolating the response using single forcing simulations within the LEs reveals that anthropogenic aerosols (AA) are the primary driver of this forced variability. The roles of the direct-atmospheric and the ocean-mediated atmospheric responses to AA forcing are determined with the atmosphere–land GCM (AGCM) components of the LE coupled GCMs. The direct-atmospheric response arises from changes to aerosol and precursor emissions with unchanged oceanic boundary conditions while the ocean-mediated response arises from changes to AA-forced sea surface temperatures and sea ice concentrations diagnosed from the AA-forced LE. In the AGCMs studied here, the direct-atmospheric response dominates the AA-forced 1970s − 1950s Sahel drying. On the other hand, the 2000s − 1970s wetting is mainly driven by the ocean-mediated effect, with some direct atmospheric contribution. Although the responses show differences, there is qualitative agreement between the AGCMs regarding the roles of the direct-atmospheric and ocean-mediated responses. Since these effects often compete and show nonlinearity, the model dependence of these effects and their role in the net aerosol-forced response of Sahel precipitation need to be carefully accounted for in future model analysis.
The Interdecadal Reverse of the Relationship and Feedback Mechanism between Sea Surface Temperature and Evaporation over the Indian Ocean during Boreal Autumn
Authors: Huang Bicheng , Su Tao , Wu Yongping , Feng Guolin
Published: September 2020

The linkage between sea surface temperature (SST) and evaporation (EVP) plays an important role in air–sea interactions. In this study, the interaction mechanism of SST and EVP during boreal autumn was studied using correlation analysis, composite analysis, the EVP decomposition method, and singular value decomposition. The results showed that the correlation between SST and EVP in the Indian Ocean was reversed from positive to negative in the late 1990s. The significant positive SST–EVP relationship was attributed to the Indian Ocean basin mode forcing upon EVP during 1980–90. The decrease in wind speed–induced EVP and SST warming led to a significant negative SST–EVP relationship during 2005–15. Moreover, the negative SST–EVP correlation occurred when the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) and subtropical Indian Ocean dipole (SIOD) exhibited inverse phases. The low-level moisture–EVP–SST feedback dominated the negative SST–EVP correlation in the negative IOD and positive SIOD (nIOD–pSIOD) pattern, whereas the wind–EVP–SST feedback played the leading role in the positive IOD and negative SIOD (pIOD–nSIOD) pattern. The EVP anomalies induced by the low-level anomalous anticyclone and cyclone were the main causes of the SST anomalies with inverse phases of the IOD and SIOD. The correlation between the SST and EVP reversal from positive to negative implies that the effect of the atmosphere on the ocean is as important as the external forcing of the ocean on the atmosphere.
Moisture and Energy Budget Perspectives on Summer Drought in North China
Authors: Dai Lan , Wright Jonathon S. , Fu Rong
Published: September 2020

We investigate the physical processes behind summer drought in North China by evaluating moisture and energy budget diagnostics and linking them to anomalous large-scale circulation patterns. Moisture budget analysis reveals that summer drought in North China was caused dynamically by reduced vertical moisture advection due to anomalous subsidence and reduced horizontal moisture advection due to anomalous northeasterly winds. Energy budget analysis shows that reduced latent heating was balanced dynamically by decreased dry static energy (DSE) divergence in the middle-to-upper troposphere. Linking these results to previous work, we suggest that summer drought in North China was predicated on co-occurrence of the positive phases of the Eurasian (EU) and Pacific–Japan (PJ) teleconnection patterns, potentially modulated by the circumglobal teleconnection (CGT). In the typical case, the negative phase of the CGT intensified the positive EU-related upper-level cyclone. Resulting upper-level cooling and positive surface feedback imposed a cold-core surface anticyclone that weakened with height. By contrast, when the positive phase of the CGT occurred in tandem with the positive EU and PJ patterns, the anticyclone had a warm core and intensified with height. The two cases were unified by strong subsidence but exhibited opposite meridional advection anomalies. In the cold-core cases, meridional moisture inflow was reduced but meridional DSE export was enhanced, further limiting precipitation while maintaining negative thermal anomalies. In the warm-core case, which only occurred once, enhanced meridional inflow of water vapor supplied moisture for sporadic precipitation while reduced meridional DSE export helped to maintain strong static stability.
Is the Ocean Speeding Up? Ocean Surface Energy Trends
Authors: Wunsch Carl
Published: September 2020

A recent paper by Hu et al. (https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax7727) has raised the interesting question of whether the ocean circulation has been “speeding up” in the last decades. Their result contrasts with some estimates of the lack of major trends in oceanic surface gravity waves and wind stress. In general, both the increased energy and implied power inputs of the calculated circulation correspond to a small fraction of the very noisy background values. An example is the implied power increase of about 3 × 108 W, as compared to wind energy inputs of order 1012 W. Here the problem is reexamined using a state estimate that has the virtue of being energy, mass, etc. conserving. Because it is an estimate over an entire recent 26-yr interval, it is less sensitive to the strong changes in observational data density and distribution, and it does not rely upon nonconservative “reanalyses.” The focus is on the energy lying in the surface layers of the ocean. A potential energy increase is found, but it is almost completely unavailable—arising from the increase in mean sea level. A weak increase in kinetic energy in the top layer (10 m) is confirmed, corresponding to an increase of order 1 cm s−1 yr−1 over 26 years. An estimate of kinetic energy in the full water column shows no monotonic trend, but the changes in the corresponding available potential energy are not calculated here.
Nowcasting Multicell Short-Term Intense Precipitation Using Graph Models and Random Forests
Authors: Wang Cong , Wang Ping , Wang Di , Hou Jinyi , Xue Bing
Published: September 2020

Short-term intense precipitation (SIP; i.e., convective precipitation exceeding 20 mm h−1) nowcasting is important for urban flood warning and natural hazards management. This paper presents an algorithm for coupling automatic weather station data and single-polarization S-band radar data with a graph model and a random forest for the nowcasting of SIP. Different from the pixel-by-pixel precipitation nowcasting algorithm, this algorithm takes the convective cells as the basic units to consider their interactions and focuses on multicell convective systems. In particular, the following question could be addressed: Will a multicell convective system cause SIP events in the next hour? First, a method based on spatiotemporal superposition between cells is proposed for multicell systems identification. Then, the graph model is used to represent cell physical attributes and the spatial distribution of the entire system. For each graph model, a fusion operation is used to form a 42-dimensional graph feature vector. Finally, combined with the machine learning approaches, a random forest classifier is trained with the graph feature vector to predict the precipitation. In the experiment, this algorithm achieves a probability of detection (POD) of 79.2% and a critical success index (CSI) of 68.3% with the data between 2015 and 2016 in North China. Compared with other precipitation nowcasting algorithms, the graph model and random forest could predict SIP events more accurately and produce fewer false alarms.
The Effects of Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Hepatic Resection
Authors: Inoue Yoshihiro , Ishii Masatsugu , Fujii Kensuke , Kitada Kazuya , Kuramoto Toru , Takano Yoshiaki , Matsuo Kentaro , Tomioka Atsushi , Yamaguchi Toshifumi , Yokohama Keisuke , Ohama Hideko , Harada Satoshi , Osumi Wataru , Tsuchimoto Yusuke , Terazawa Tetsuji , Ogura Takeshi , Masubuchi Shinsuke , Yamamoto Masashi , Imoto Akira , Asai Akira , Shirai Yasutsugu , Inoue Masaya , Fukunishi Shinya , Goto Masahiro , Higuchi Kazuhide , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatectomy has a high risk of perioperative bleeding due to the underlying disease. Here, we investigated the postoperative impact of allogeneic blood transfusion during hepatectomy.

Methods

The surgical outcomes in 385 patients who underwent hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. The association of allogeneic blood transfusion with surgical outcomes and remnant liver regeneration data was analyzed.

Results

Eighty-six patients (24.0%) received an allogeneic blood transfusion and 272 patients (76.0%) did not. After propensity score matching, the incidence rates of postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo grade >IIIA), posthepatectomy liver failure, and massive ascites were significantly higher for the group that received a blood transfusion than for the group that did not receive blood transfusion ( P < .001, P = .001, and <.001, respectively). Postoperative measures of total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, prothrombin time, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly more favorable in patients without blood transfusion until day 7 after surgery. There were no correlations in the remnant liver regeneration at 7 days, and 1, 2, 5, and 12 months postoperatively between the 2 groups ( P = .585, .383, .507, .261, and .430, respectively). Regarding prognosis, there was no significant difference in overall and recurrence-free survival between the 2 groups ( P = .065 and .166, respectively).

Conclusion

Allogeneic transfusion during hepatectomy strongly affected remnant liver function in the early postoperative period; however, this was not related to the remnant liver regeneration volume. Despite that the allogeneic transfusion resulted in poorer postoperative laboratory test results and increased postoperative complication and mortality rates, it had no effect on the long-term prognosis.
The physical health of Māori with bipolar disorder
Authors: Cunningham Ruth , Stanley James , Haitana Tracy , Pitama Suzanne , Crowe Marie , Mulder Roger , Porter Richard , Lacey Cameron
Published: September 2020

Aims:

There is very little empirical evidence about the relationship between severe mental illness and the physical health of Indigenous peoples. This paper aims to compare the physical health of Māori and non-Māori with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in contact with NZ mental health services.

Methods:

A cohort of Māori and non-Māori with a current bipolar disorder diagnosis at 1 January 2010 were identified from routine mental health services data and followed up for non-psychiatric hospital admissions and deaths over the subsequent 5 years.

Results:

Māori with bipolar disorder had a higher level of morbidity and a higher risk of death from natural causes compared to non-Māori with the same diagnosis, indicating higher levels of physical health need. The rate of medical and surgical hospitalisation was not higher among Māori compared to non-Māori (as might be expected given increased health needs) which suggests under-treatment of physical health conditions in this group may be a factor in the observed higher risk of mortality from natural causes for Māori.

Conclusion:

This study provides the first indication that systemic factors which cause health inequities between Māori and non-Māori are compounded for Māori living with severe mental illness. Further exploration of other diagnostic groups and subgroups is needed to understand the best approach to reducing these inequalities.
The age of biology: When plant physiology was in the center of American life science
Authors: Munns David P. D.
Published: September 2020

For much of the twentieth century, plant physiologists considered themselves in an ideal position to study and explain the functions and processes of plants. Much of that authority stemmed from plant physiologists’ long-standing commitment to experimental control and the integration of the physical sciences into biological practice. This article places plant physiology back in the center of the story of the recent life sciences. It shows the development of parallel experimental research programs into environmental as well as genetic effects on growth and development in plant physiology and genetics, and notes that the pursuit of an experimental environment was celebrated as much as (and occasionally more than) a molecular vision of life throughout most of the twentieth century by much of the plant science community. Thus, this article concludes that the history of the recent life sciences needs new complementary narratives of plant physiology with genetics, new concepts with technological tools, and plant-sized scales with the molecular. The history of the ‘Age of Biology,’ as the plant scientists saw it, helps confront the issue first posed by Evelyn Fox Keller, namely that the history of genetics has overshadowed a larger history of experimental life science. My answer here is through a larger narrative of the rise of the complementary experimental sciences of genes and environments in the life sciences.
The pre-independence psychological experiences of the Namibian children of the liberation struggle: a qualitative study
Authors: Kaxuxuena Ndinelao , Janik Manfred
Published: September 2020

The Independence of Namibia in 1990 witnessed the voluntary repatriation of exiled Namibian people back home. Children of the liberation struggle is the term used to refer to the grown-up children of veterans who were under the age of 18 years before Namibian Independence. Since 2008, demonstrations and demands for jobs from government by the children of the liberation struggle have taken place regularly, drawing harsh criticism about the behaviour and demands of the children of the liberation struggle from the general private and public Namibian domain. This study aims to explore the pre-Independence psychological experiences of the Namibian children of the liberation struggle in an attempt to understand their conduct. A qualitative approach was employed where in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 employed children of the liberation struggle in the Khomas region. The collected data were categorised by means of thematic analysis. The results revealed themes which demonstrate that most children of the liberation struggle experienced adversities like growing up separated from their parents, in unstable conditions, having experienced maltreatment, constantly afraid of the enemy and having endured traumatic war-related situations. The study recommends sensitisation of the broad Namibian public on the lived experiences of the children of the liberation struggle. Psycho-education programmes and psychological interventions in the form of therapeutic group sessions and individual sessions with children of the liberation struggle can assist with reflection on the past, making sense of it and find healing to move on with their lives. Government and the private sector should cooperate in rendering training and job opportunities for the children of the liberation struggle.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: outcomes from a specialist clinic in the UK
Authors: Adamson James , Ali Sheila , Santhouse Alastair , Wessely Simon , Chalder Trudie
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cognitive behavioural therapy is commonly used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and has been shown to be effective for reducing fatigue and improving physical functioning. Most of the evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome is from randomised control trials, but there are only a few studies in naturalistic treatment settings. Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a naturalistic setting and examine what factors, if any, predicted outcome.

Design

Using linear mixed effects analysis, we analysed patients' self-reported symptomology over the course of treatment and at three-month follow-up. Furthermore, we explored what baseline factors were associated with improvement at follow-up.

Setting

Data were available for 995 patients receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome at an outpatient clinic in the UK.

Participants

Participants were referred consecutively to a specialist unit for chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Main outcome measures

Patients were assessed throughout their treatment using self-report measures including the Chalder Fatigue Scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Global Improvement and Satisfaction.

Results

Patients’ fatigue, physical functioning and social adjustment scores significantly improved over the duration of treatment with medium to large effect sizes (|d| = 0.45–0.91). Furthermore, 85% of patients self-reported that they felt an improvement in their fatigue at follow-up and 90% were satisfied with their treatment. None of the regression models convincingly predicted improvement in outcomes with the best model being (R2 = 0.137).

Conclusions

Patients’ fatigue, physical functioning and social adjustment all significantly improved following cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a naturalistic outpatient setting. These findings support the growing evidence from previous randomised control trials and suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy could be an effective treatment in routine treatment settings.
Distribution patterns of pathological venous reflux and risk factors in patients with skin changes due to primary venous disease in North India
Authors: Jain Prashant , Savlania Ajay , Behera Arunanshu , Gorsi Ujjwal
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine the distribution patterns of pathological venous reflux and risk factors in patients with skin changes due to primary venous disease.

Methods

Two hundred limbs belonging to C4, C5 & C6 classes were examined with duplex ultrasound to determine the sites of reflux. We also analyzed the correlation of risk factors with patterns and severity of disease.

Results

Among 200 limbs, superficial system reflux was found in 163 limbs (81.5%), deep system reflux in 10 limbs (5%) and perforator system reflux in 180 limbs (90%). The most common pattern of abnormality was combined superficial and perforator system reflux. Of all the risk factors, prolonged standing, obesity and in the female history of pregnancy preceding varicose occurrence had the highest prevalence.

Conclusions

In patients with primary chronic venous disease, lifestyle modification is required to avoid risk associated with obesity and prolonged standing. The higher prevalence of pathological perforator reflux in association with advanced venous disease necessitates careful treatment of this least reported pathology to achieve better treatment results.
Successful salvage via re-osseointegration of a loosened implant in a patient with transtibial amputation
Authors: Gstoettner Clemens , Salminger Stefan , Sturma Agnes , Moser Veith , Hausner Thomas , Brånemark Rickard , Aszmann Oskar C
Published: September 2020

Case Description:

Osseointegration is a relatively new technique for prosthetic limb attachment that offers various improvements for patients with amputation and facilitates joint preservation. We present a case of implant loosening during rehabilitation in a patient with transtibial amputation that was successfully managed through a combination of measures, aiming to promote re-osseointegration of the implant.

Objectives:

Not much is known about structured management of adverse events after osseointegration. Septic or aseptic loosening is currently regarded as implant failure, prompting removal and possible re-implantation at a later stage. The objective of this case report was to evaluate the feasibility of salvaging a loosened implant.

Study Design:

Case report.

Treatment:

A novel treatment approach was employed to enable renewed osseointegration of the implant. First, the bone-implant interface was disrupted and renewed through axial rotation and distal repositioning of the implant. Afterwards, extracorporal shockwave therapy and antibiotic treatment were administered. Prosthetic rehabilitation was then started anew. Regular follow-up x-rays and clinical evaluations were conducted, including standardized outcome tests.

Outcomes:

These combined measures led to a successful re-osseointegration of the implant. In a 21-month follow-up, the patient regained a stable and secure gait pattern, using his prosthesis every day for 15 hours and scoring above average on standardized outcome measures.

Conclusion:

This represents the first report of implant salvage after failed primary osseointegration. As the associated risks of this novel treatment are very low, investigations are warranted to evaluate this approach on a larger scale.
Bully Pulpit? Twitter Users’ Engagement With President Trump’s Tweets
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey , Thornton Judd R.
Published: September 2020

With nearly all political candidates, officeholders, and organizations using the platform, Twitter has become an important venue for political communication and engagement. In particular, Twitter lowers the cost of entry for political activity, with the result that millions of people follow and interact with political elites online. However, most studies of the political uses of twitter focus on the substance and content of tweets themselves. In contrast, we ask what influences the rates at which users engage with the tweets posted by political elites. To do this, we obtained the number of likes and retweets for each of President Trump’s tweets over a 14-month time span. Using these data, we find first that engagement varies with Trump’s net approval in the broader electorate. Second, we find that engagement varies with the substantive content of the tweet: negatively toned tweets and tweets involving foreign policy receive higher levels of engagement than other tweets. Third, we find that high-salience events—for example, the recusal of Jeff Sessions—lead to more engagement. Fourth, we find some evidence that engagement levels vary with the timing of the electoral cycle. Overall, we argue that the factors influencing Twitter engagement are in some ways similar to the factors influencing political activity more broadly, though it is possible that the fact that Trump’s use of Twitter is unique among politicians drives some of our results.
Higher education and oil: The cost of credit and crude – A strategic corollary for industry and higher education
Authors: Woodside Joseph M
Published: September 2020

The market shock that accompanied COVID-19 has the potential to significantly transform higher education. At the same time, it presents an opportunity for higher education to learn from industry and adopt successful policies and practices. This paper provides lessons learned from the oil industry which may help higher education institutions to successfully navigate disruption and improve organizational outcomes. A four-phase business cycle model is presented as a strategic corollary for industry and higher education to support decision-making and provide a mechanism for discussion and policy development.
Solubilization, characterization, and protein coupling analysis to multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Glória Juliane , Brito Walter , Gandarilla Ariamna , Larrude Duniesky , Carlos Jacqueline , Araújo Felipe , Almeida Maria Edilene , Manzato Lizandro , Mariúba Luis André Morais
Published: September 2020

Since their discovery, carbon nanotubes were used for numerous applications in the most diverse knowledge areas. However, the lack of solubility of these molecules in aqueous media compromises their beneficial properties for certain applications. Several methods to solubilize carbon nanotubes are described, however, depending on the intended application, the impact that the solubilization has on the physical and chemical properties needs to be considered. In the present study, a simple methodology is described that utilizes polyvinylpyrrolidone combined with sonication and centrifugation to solubilize multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Proteins were coupled to the surface of the solubilized products and characterized using various spectroscopic and electron microscopic techniques, evaluating the characteristics and integrity of the nanoparticle after the process. It was successfully demonstrated that nanotubes can be solubilized through a simple technique, without compromising their chemical characteristics, which makes them suitable materials for use in biomedical applications, due to their biocompatibility and lack of toxicity, among others.
Incidence and clearance of penile human papillomavirus infection among circumcised Kenyan men
Authors: Backes Danielle M , Bosire Claire , Hudgens Michael G , Fokar Ali , Agot Kawango , Opiyo Felix , Moses Stephen , Meijer Chris JLM , Bailey Robert C , Snijders Peter JF , Smith Jennifer S
Published: September 2020

Prospective data are limited on human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition and clearance among circumcised men from resource-limited geographical regions, particularly Africa. The goal of this study was to estimate incidence and clearance of type-specific genital HPV infection in men. Penile exfoliated cell specimens were collected from the glans/coronal sulcus and shaft of 1,037 circumcised Kenyan men at baseline and 6-, 12- and 18-month follow-up visits between 2003–2007. Specimens were tested with GP5+/6+ PCR to detect 44 HPV types. The median age of participants at baseline was 21 years (range 18–28). The 12- and 18-month incidence rates (IRs) for any HPV were 34.9/100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.2–39.0) and 36.4/100 person-years (95% CI: 32.9–40.2), respectively. The 18-month cumulative risk for high-risk HPV was 30% compared to 16% for low-risk HPV. Cumulative risk was not associated with age or anatomical site. The estimated probability of any HPV infection clearing by 12 months was 0.92. Time until HPV clearance was not associated with age, anatomical site, or whether HPV infection type was high-risk or low-risk. HPV IRs among circumcised men in this study were comparable to other circumcised populations.
Practising Feminist Methodologies in Applied Research: The Undone Deal
Authors: Srikrishna Vasupradha
Published: September 2020

This paper discusses how feminist methodologies can be pragmatic and far-ranging, and yet are often not accepted in feminist applied research, within the corporate sector. It raises a pertinent question about the perception of feminism and the challenges in adopting a feminist methodology in practice. It also questions why scholarship, rarely dwells on experiences of feminist action researchers in the Indian context. While documenting the dissent to feminist conscience, this paper deliberates the methodological and epistemological rubrics of feminism, the positionality of the researcher, commodification of feminism, binary overtones and the agency of researchers who are engaged by corporate houses as consultants.