bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative splicing: An overlooked mechanism contributing to local adaptation?
Authors: Salisbury Sarah J. , Delgado M. Lisette , Dalziel Anne C.
Published: September 2021

Identifying the molecular mechanisms contributing to phenotypic variation in natural populations is a major goal of molecular ecology. However, the multiple regulatory steps between genotype and phenotype mean that many potential mechanisms can lead to trait divergence. To date, the role of transcriptional regulation in local adaptation has received much focus, as we can readily measure mRNA quantity and have a reasonable grasp of how variation in the expression of many protein‐coding genes can influence phenotype. Thus, studying the evolution of protein‐coding gene mRNA abundance in candidate tissues has led to successes in detecting the molecular mechanisms underlying local adaptation (reviewed by Hill et al., 2021). However, the contribution of differential splicing of precursor mRNA (pre‐mRNA) to adaptive differentiation, as well as the loci controlling this variation, remains largely unexplored in wild populations. In their “From the Cover'” article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Jacobs and Elmer (2021) reanalyse muscle RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data to quantify the relative contributions of variation in mRNA quantity (differentially expressed “DE” genes) and splice variant identity (differentially spliced “DS” genes) to parallel divergence of wild “benthic” and “pelagic” ecotypes of a salmonid fish, the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). They found little overlap in the identity and biological functions of DE and DS genes, suggesting that these two regulatory mechanisms act on different cellular traits to complementarily alter organismal phenotype. Furthermore, many DE and DS genes could be mapped to cis‐acting QTL, arguing that some of this regulatory divergence is genetically based. DE and DS genes were also more likely to be “hub genes” than their nondivergent counterparts, hinting that this regulatory variation may have a variety of phenotypic effects. The comparison of three independently evolved pairs of benthic and pelagic charr uncovered greater than expected parallelism in both expression and splicing between ecotypes across different lakes, supporting a role for these molecular phenotypes in adaptive divergence. Overall, the findings of Jacobs and Elmer (2021) highlight the importance of alternative splicing as a potential mechanism underlying local adaptation and provide a framework for others hoping to make the most of their RNA‐seq data.
Predicting a therapeutic cut‐off serum level of itraconazole in recalcitrant tinea corporis and cruris—A prospective trial
Authors: Khurana Ananta , Agarwal Aastha , Singh Ashutosh , Sardana Kabir , Ghadlinge Manik , Agrawal Diksha , Panesar Sanjeet , Sethia Khushboo , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: September 2021

Background

With rising resistance to terbinafine, and consistently high MICs to fluconazole and griseofulvin, itraconazole is being increasingly used as a first line drug for tinea corporis/cruris. However, inadequate clinical responses are often seen with it in spite of in vitro susceptibility. This is possibly related to a variable pharmacokinetic profile of itraconazole. The drug serum levels associated with the therapeutic outcome have not been defined in dermatophytic infections.

Methods

Forty treatment naïve patients with tinea corporis/cruris were randomised to one of the three dose groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/day) of itraconazole. The drug serum levels of 21 of these patients were obtained after 2 weeks of treatment and correlated with the final clinical outcome and in vitro antifungal susceptibility data.

Results

Trichophyton indotineae was identified by sequencing of ITS region of rDNA and TEF1α. All isolates were sensitive to itraconazole (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) range: 0.06–0.5 µg/ml), while MICs to terbinafine were uniformly high (range 8–32 µg/ml). Thirty‐seven patients (92.5%) achieved complete cure, while three failed treatment. Serum levels achieved with 400 mg/day were significantly higher than levels with 100 or 200 mg dose. All patients with itraconazole serum levels of >0.2 µg/ml were cured, while two out of the 10 patients with serum levels <0.2 µg/ml failed treatment.

Conclusions

Therapeutic failures are uncommon with itraconazole, and the prevalent strain in India has low itraconazole MICs. Treatment failure is likely with itraconazole serum levels of <0.2 µg/ml, while levels >0.2 µg/ml are consistently associated with a positive therapeutic outcome.
Chronic opioid use is associated with obstructive and spastic disorders in the esophagus
Authors: Sanchez Mayra J. , Olivier Sarah , Gediklioglu Furkan , Almeida Mariana , Gaeta Marina , Nigro Mariana , de la Rosa Randolph , Nguyen Mytien , Lalehzari Mona , Regala Francis , Njei Basile , Deng Yanhong , Ciarleglio Maria , Masoud Amir
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

Chronic opioid effects on the esophagus are poorly understood. We investigated whether opioids were associated with increased prevalence of esophageal motility disorders.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients undergoing high‐resolution manometry (HREM) at the Yale Gastrointestinal Motility Lab between January 2014 and August 2019. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record after studies were reviewed by two motility specialists using the Chicago Classification v.3.0. We compared the manometric results of patients who use opioids to those who do not and adjusted for type and dose of opioids using a 24 h Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME) scale to compare patients taking low or high amounts of opioids.

Results

Four manometric abnormalities were significantly different between the opioid and non‐opioid users. Achalasia type III, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), and distal esophageal spasm (DES) (p < 0.005, p < 0.01, and p < 0.005, respectively) were common among opioid users, whereas ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) was more common among non‐opioid users (p < 0.01). The incidence of EGJOO was significantly higher in opioid users compared to non‐opioid users (p < 0.001). Lastly, IRP, DCI, and distal latency were significantly different between the two groups.

Patients in the high MME group had significantly greater IRP, DCI, and lower distal latency than non‐opioids (p < 0.001). Also, achalasia type III and DES were more common in the high but not the low MME group.

Conclusions

Opioid use is associated with multiple abnormalities on esophageal motility and these effects may be dose‐dependent.
Enhancing the utility of antroduodenal manometry in pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Chanpong Atchariya , Cronin Hannah , Rampling Dyanne , Ashworth Michael , Eaton Simon , Rybak Anna , Saliakellis Efstratios , Lindley Keith J. , Borrelli Osvaldo , Thapar Nikhil
Published: September 2021

Background

Antroduodenal manometry (ADM) and histopathology are currently employed to aid the diagnosis of pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO). Limited data are available on the reliability of ADM analysis and its correlation with histopathology. We aimed to develop a protocol for enhanced analysis of ADM contractile patterns, including a scoring system, and explore whether this provided better correlation with histopathology.

Methods

Children referred with suspected PIPO between April 2012‐December 2019 who underwent both ADM and full‐thickness biopsies were included. ADM tracings were analyzed using both standard (conventional ADM) and novel (enhanced ADM) motility parameters. A novel ADM score (GLASS score) was generated based on the enhanced ADM analysis. Conventional and enhanced ADM analyses were then correlated with histopathology.

Results

Forty patients were included. Using conventional clinical criteria, 29 of these were diagnosed with PIPO and the other 11 with non‐PIPO diagnoses. Twenty‐three of the PIPO patients had abnormal histopathology: 6 myopathy, 4 neuropathy, 3 neuro‐myopathy, and 10 non‐specific changes. No agreement in diagnosis was found between conventional ADM analysis and histopathology (ϰ = 0.068;p = 0.197), whereas the latter significantly correlated with enhanced ADM analysis (ϰ = 0.191;p = 0.003). The enhanced ADM score was significantly higher in PIPO versus non‐PIPO (16.0 vs. 8.0;p < 0.001).

Conclusions

As opposed to conventional analysis protocols, the newly developed enhanced ADM analysis and associated score is not only able to discriminate between PIPO and non‐PIPO patients, but also between distinct histopathological pathologies. Further studies are required to assess the utility of enhanced ADM analysis in larger populations.
Silencing of a Pseudo‐nitzschia arenysensis lipoxygenase transcript leads to reduced oxylipin production and impaired growth
Authors: Sabatino Valeria , Orefice Ida , Marotta Pina , Ambrosino Luca , Chiusano Maria Luisa , d'Ippolito Giuliana , Romano Giovanna , Fontana Angelo , Ferrante Maria Immacolata
Published: September 2021

Because of their importance as chemical mediators, the presence of a rich and varied family of lipoxygenase (LOX) products, collectively named oxylipins, has been investigated thoroughly in diatoms, and the involvement of these products in important processes such as bloom regulation has been postulated. Nevertheless, little information is available on the enzymes and pathways operating in these protists.

Exploiting transcriptome data, we identified and characterized a LOX gene, PaLOX, in Pseudo‐nitzschia arenysensis, a marine diatom known to produce different species of oxylipins by stereo‐ and regio‐selective oxidation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at C12 and C15.

PaLOX RNA interference correlated with a decrease of the lipid‐peroxidizing activity and oxylipin synthesis, as well as with a reduction of growth of P. arenysensis. In addition, sequence analysis and structure models of the C‐terminal part of the predicted protein closely fitted with the data for established LOXs from other organisms.

The presence in the genome of a single LOX gene, whose downregulation impairs both 12‐ and 15‐oxylipins synthesis, together with the in silico 3D protein modelling suggest that PaLOX encodes for a 12/15S‐LOX with a dual specificity, and provides additional support to the correlation between cell growth and oxylipin biosynthesis in diatoms.
The impact of artificial intelligence on skills at work in Denmark
Authors: Holm Jacob Rubæk , Lorenz Edward
Published: September 2021

Based on a unique dataset on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among employees in Denmark, we investigate within‐job relationships between AI use and skill requirements. We show that the effects of AI are varied and depend on whether AI is used for providing orders to humans or providing information for further human handling and in which occupation it is used. AI may enhance or augment skills through, for example, the increased use of high‐performance work practices, or it may increase work pace constraints and reduce employee autonomy. The results imply that the diffusion of AI can increase inequalities in the labour market by augmenting skills used in high‐skill jobs, although having relatively more adverse impacts on other jobs. We use additive noise modelling to establish the likely direction of causality in our results and find that the direction of causality is from AI use to skill requirements.
Joseph Raz’s Service Conception and the Limits of Knowability
Authors: Placani Adriana
Published: September 2021

This essay criticizes Joseph Raz’s service conception of authority on the basis of its knowability condition. The condition states that for agents to be justified in following authoritative directives, they must be able to know (i.e., form reliable beliefs) that the authority issuing the directives is in fact legitimate. Three grounds for concern are identified. The first is that the satisfaction of the normal justification thesis (NJT), which states that the legitimacy of authorities hinges on whether their directives enable subjects to better conform to reason, only provides agents with reasons to believe that it is justified to actas ifan authority were legitimate (i.e., on the assumption that it is). Based on the belief/acceptance distinction, the NJT allows for a gap between what is actually the case and what agents are willing to go along with in order to improve the likelihood of conforming to right reason. The independence condition (IC), which states that for those matters where the NJT obtains it must be better for a subject to improve such conformity than to decide for herself, must be satisfied in conjunction with the NJT, but suffers from its own particular problems. Thus, the second problem identified is that of incommensurable values, which appears when agents are not able to decide between the value of improving right reason—NJT—and the value of deciding for themselves—IC. Finally, the third problem is that of vagueness about right reason, where agents attempting to determine whether an authority meets the two conditions are not able to settle whether reason is improved. Together, these three problem areas of knowability serve to challenge Raz’s position.
Prioritization of Resilience Initiatives for Climate‐Related Disasters in the Metropolitan City of Venice
Authors: Bonato Marta , Sambo Beatrice , Sperotto Anna , Lambert James H. , Linkov Igor , Critto Andrea , Torresan Silvia , Marcomini Antonio
Published: September 2021

Increases in the magnitude and frequency of climate and other disruptive factors are placing environmental, economic, and social stresses on coastal systems. This is further exacerbated by land use transformations, urbanization, over‐tourism, sociopolitical tensions, technological innovations, among others. A scenario‐informed multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) was applied in the Metropolitan City of Venice integrating qualitative (i.e., local stakeholder preferences) and quantitative information (i.e., climate‐change projections) with the aim of enhancing system resilience to multiple climate‐related threats. As part of this analysis, different groups of local stakeholders (e.g., local authorities, civil protection agencies, SMEs, NGOs) were asked to identify critical functions that needs to be sustained. Various policy initiatives were considered to support these critical functions. The MCDA was used to rank the initiatives across several scenarios describing main climate threats (e.g., storm surges, floods, heatwaves, drought). We found that many climate change scenarios were considered to be disruptive to stakeholders and influence alternative ranking. The management alternatives acting on physical domain generally enhance resilience across just a few scenarios while cognitive and informative initiatives provided resilience enhancement across most scenarios considered. With uncertainty of multiple stressors along with projected climate variability, a portfolio of cognitive and physical initiatives is recommended to enhance resilience.
Natural laboratories in emerging countries and comparative advantages in science: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Aguilera José Miguel , Larraín Felipe
Published: September 2021

Entering the knowledge society and mobilizing science and technology are critical for emerging countries (ECs) to address important challenges of society and promote long‐term economic growth. Natural laboratories (NLs) are geographical or geophysical singularities that provide comparative advantages and leverage to ECs for scientific research and international collaboration. Based on empirical evidence and learning experiences from five NLs in Chile, we propose the foundations of a conceptual framework for public scientific policies based on NLs and their possible implementation in ECs. Scientific research in NLs may address local, national, and global societal challenges while decentralizing scientific activities, encouraging transdisciplinary research in territories, anticipating the effects of climate change, and protecting biodiversity while promoting international partnerships and alignment with 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The devil we know and the angel that did not fly: An examination of devil/angel shift in twitter fracking “debates” in NY 2008–2018
Authors: Pattison Andrew , Cipolli William , Marichal Jose
Published: September 2021

Recent work has applied the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to examine narrative strategies in policy debates on social media platforms. We contribute to the literature by applying the NPF to fracking policy debates in New York using well‐established Natural Language Processing tools, including sentiment analysis. We combine this computational approach with a qualitative hand‐coding of pro‐ and antifracking Twitter influentials. This approach allows us to consider a much larger corpus of tweets over a much longer time frame than has been done thus far. We adapt and test NPF propositions related to the use of the devil/angel shift strategies before and after a major state‐wide policy change, that is, a state‐wide moratorium on high volume hydraulic fracturing or fracking. Overall, we find evidence for the use of the devil shift narrative strategy by the pro‐fracking coalition aimed at the Governor prior to the moratorium. After the moratorium, the relative percentage of Tweets containing devil shift sentiments decreases as the pro‐fracking coalition generally downshifts in its use of angel shift language without a corresponding increase in devil shift language, whereas, conversely, the anti‐fracking coalition generally downshifts in its use of devil shift language without a general increase in angel shift language. When we shifted our analysis to Tweets containing fracking and the Governor, we found a similar postban decrease in devil shift language among anti‐fracking users. Our findings offer lessons for using computational tools in the NPF as an approach to expand analytic ability and for the operationalization of concepts such as narrative strategies and policy entrepreneurs.
A Dual‐Process Model of Economic Behavior: Using Culture and Cognition, Economic Sociology, Behavioral Economics, and Neuroscience to Reconcile Moral and Self‐Interested Economic Action*
Authors: Vila‐Henninger Luis Antonio
Published: September 2021

Synthesizing theory and findings from across neoclassical economics, behavioral economics, economic sociology, culture and cognition, and neuroscience, I create a dual‐process model of economic behavior that explains both self‐interested and moral decision‐making. The core of this model is from neuroscience (Crockett 2013; Cushman 2013; Greene 2017; Lockwood et al. 2020). In my model, Type I and Type II processes exist relative to socially learned outcomes and causal models for achieving these outcomes. For Type I cognition, nondeclarative strategies for how to achieve an outcome are learned through life experience and automatically generate “gut feelings” about how to accomplish a given outcome. Type II cognition is deliberation based on declarative memory of the process through which one must act to obtain an outcome. Type II cognition also deliberates between Type I and Type II inputs for how to reach an outcome. This model allows for goals, and strategies to achieve goals, to be learned socially—therefore allowing for actors to learn moral and/or self‐interested economic goals and strategies through social interaction. This model can be used across economic sociology, cultural sociology, and the sociology of morality because it advances current models of self‐interested decision‐making and moral judgment. Furthermore, this article is a bridge between behavioral economics and sociology, as well as between cultural sociology and economic sociology that can help foster collaboration by providing a common model of behavior.
Activation of vagovagal reflex prevents hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced lung injury via anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Authors: Deng Jielin , Jiang Yunqiu , Wang Meng , Shao Ling , Deng Changjin
Published: September 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does vagus nerve stimulation have protective effects against both direct liver damage and distant lung injury in a rat model of hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Vagus nerve stimulation provides protection through anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative stress effects, possibly achieved by the vagovagal reflex.

Hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) is not an isolated event; instead, it can result in remote organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can alleviate hepatic I/R‐induced lung injury and to explore the underlying mechanism. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 6 each): the sham group (without I/R or VNS), the I/R group (hepatic I/R) and three different VNS treatment groups (hepatic I/R plus VNS). The hepatic I/R group was subjected to occlusion of the portal vein and hepatic artery for 1 h, followed by 6 h of reperfusion. The intact afferent and efferent cervical vagus nerves were stimulated throughout the I/R process. During VNS, cervical neural activity was recorded. At the end of the experiment, liver function, the wet‐to‐dry lung weight ratio, histology of the liver and lung and inflammatory/oxidative indices were evaluated. We found that VNS significantly mitigated lung injury, as demonstrated by alleviation of pulmonary oedema and pathological alterations, by limiting inflammatory cytokine infiltration and increasing antioxidant capability. This proof‐of‐concept study suggested that VNS might protect patients from lung injury induced by hepatic I/R related to various circumstances.
Functional Cathode Coatings of LiH2PO4 and LiTi2(PO4)3 for Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Fang Aili , Jia Xiaoping
Published: September 2021

The interfacial reactivity and resistance between the cathode and the solid-state electrolyte (SSE) of a solid-state battery (SSB) usually lead to quite poor cycling performance and fast capacity decay. Hence, cathode coatings are generally applied to reduce cathode/SSE interfacial impedance in SSBs. In recent years, based on high-throughput screening, several promising coating materials have been recognized. In the present work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted on LiH2PO4 and LiTi2(PO4)3 to examine their characteristics as potential cathode coating materials. It was found that both of these materials had high oxidation potentials (>4.5 V), good chemical stability against the electrolyte and the cathode, reasonable ionic conductivity, and wide bandgaps; therefore, they can be used as outstanding cathode coating materials for SSBs.
Advanced Exergy-Based Audit of Heat Recovery Steam Generators: A Case Study
Authors: Sohrabi Arvin , Behbahaninia Ali , Sayadi Saeed , Banifateme Mohsen
Published: September 2021

The current paper enhances the methods presented in The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Performance Test Code (PTC) 4.1 and 4.4 and proposes an exergy-based loss method (LM) for assessing heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) performance. First, energy and exergy analyses are applied to one HRSG unit in an existing combined cycle power plant. Then, the calculated exergy destructions are further split into avoidable and unavoidable parts. The sources of inefficiency consist of three energy and exergy loss terms and two exergy destruction terms. The loss terms are associated with the release of the exhaust gas to the atmosphere, Carbon Monoxide formation, and the heat loss from the casing, while the destruction terms represent exergy destruction within the duct burner and the heat transfer unit. The advanced exergy analysis was conducted based on a realistic perspective, considering the integrated operation of both subcomponents. Results reveal that the main source of inefficiency corresponds to the losses associated with the exhaust gas from the stack. Moreover, utilizing semi-ideal heat exchangers can avoid a considerable part (18.9%) of the exergy destruction in the heat transfer unit. The HRSG exergy efficiency is obtained by 71.7% and can be increased to 75.3% in unavoidable operating conditions.
Combustion Characteristics of Coal, Petroleum Coke, Biomass, and Their Ternary Blends
Authors: Kumar Pritam , Nandi Barun Kumar
Published: September 2021

This work presents the combustion characteristics of coal, petroleum coke (PC), rice straw (RS), mustard cake (MC), and their blends to assess the applicability of blended fuel for thermal power generation. Characterization results show that PC has the highest gross calorific value (GCV) (35,990 kJ/kg) to improve the overall energy density of the blend significantly. Higher volatile matter (VM) present in RS and MC improved the ignition behavior and combustion efficiency of the blend. For 10 °C/min heating rate at 350 °C, with the increase in RS in blends from 10% to 30%, combustion efficiency increased from 12.85% to 32.66%. Synergistic analysis signifies that higher biomass content enhances blends’ combustion characteristics through catalytic effects of alkali oxides present in RS/MC. Thermodynamic analysis (ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS) inferred that RS and MC combustion is easier than coal and PC. With the increase in MC in blends from 10% to 30%, ΔH decreased from 114.81 to 82.31 kJ/mol, ΔG declined from 159.33 to 122.86 kJ/mol, and ΔS improved from −63.59 to −58.14 J/mol · K, indicating blending of biomass improved the combustion.
Applying Ensemble Kalman Filter to Transonic Flows Through a Two-Dimensional Turbine Cascade
Authors: Ito Sasuga , Furukawa Masato , Yamada Kazutoyo , Manabe Kaito
Published: September 2021

Turbulence is one of the most important phenomena in fluid dynamics. Large eddy simulation (LES) generally allows us to analyze smaller eddies than when using simulations based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (URANS). In addition, the numerical solutions of LES show good agreements with experiments and numerical solutions based on direct numerical simulation. URANS simulations are, however, frequently used in academia and industry because LES computations are much more expensive compared with URANS simulations. In this investigation, an optimization of unsolved coefficients of the k–ω two equations model is performed on the transonic flow around T106A low-pressure turbine cascade to improve the accuracy of turbulence prediction with URANS. For the optimization approach, two-dimensional URANS is combined with ensemble Kalman filter which is one of the data assimilation techniques. In the assimilation process, a time- and spanwise-averaged LES result is used as pseudo-experimental data. Three-dimensional URANS simulations are performed for the evaluation of the optimization effect. URANS simulations are also applied to a different turbine cascade flow for the evaluation of the robustness of the optimized coefficients. These URANS results confirmed that the optimized coefficients improve the accuracy of turbulence prediction.
Parametric Behavior of a Vortex-Induced Vibration Model of Cylinders With Two Degrees-of-Freedom Using a Wake Oscillator
Authors: Fehér Rafael , Avila Juan Pablo Julca
Published: September 2021

A recent model to predict vortex-induced vibrations of a rigid cylinder is analyzed, and its response is compared with different experimental data presented in the literature. One database with the tuning parameters for different mass ratios, damping ratios, Reynolds number, and Strouhal number is presented. This article provides a set of predefined tuning parameters for different experimental conditions. We presented the results of the cross-flow and in-line reduced amplitudes, the mean drag coefficient, the lift coefficient, and the cross-flow reduced frequency, all versus the reduced velocity. Also, an equation to estimate the cross-flow maximum reduced amplitude as function of the mass ratio was generated. The model shows to be efficient in predicting the maximum amplitude of vibration in the cross-flow direction when compared to experimental data for mass ratios varying from 2.36 to 12.96 and for damping ratios from 0.002 to 0.4, predicting the reduced amplitude in both directions. The simulation results when varying the Reynolds number and the Strouhal number are in good agreement with experimental data. Moreover, the model shows to be less sensitive to variations in the damping ratio when compared to variations in the mass ratio.
Machine Learning Applications to Predict Surface Oil Rates for High Gas Oil Ratio Reservoirs
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Al-Dhaif Redha , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Al Shehri Dhafer
Published: September 2021

Well-performance investigation highly depends on the accurate estimation of its oil and gas flowrates. Testing separators and multiphase flowmeters (MPFMs) are associated with many technical and operational issues. Therefore, this study aims to implement the support vector machine (SVM), and random forests (RF) as machine learning (ML) methods to estimate the well production rate based on chokes parameters for high GOR reservoirs. Dataset of 1131 data points includes GOR, upstream and downstream pressures (PU and PD), choke size (D64), and actual data of oil and gas production rates. The data have GOR was up to 9265 SCF/STB, the oil rate varied from 1156 and 7982 BPD. SVM and RF models were built to estimate the production rates. The ML models were trained using seventy percent of the dataset, while the models were tested and validated using 30% of the dataset. The dataset was classified to 622 wells that were flowing at critical flow compared with 509 wells that were flowing at subcritical conditions based on a PD/PU ratio of 0.55. Four machine learning models were developed using SVM and RF for subcritical flow and critical flow conditions. Different performance indicators were applied to assess the developed models. SVM and RF models revealed average absolute percentage error (AAPE) of 1.3 and 0.7%, respectively, in the case of subcritical flow conditions. For critical flow conditions, the AAPE was found to be 1.7% in the SVM model, and 0.8% in the RF model. The developed models showed a coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 0.93. All developed ML models perform better than empirical correlations. These results confirm the capabilities to predict the oil rates from the choke parameters in real-time without the requirement of instrument installation of wellsite intervention.
An Existential Counseling Case Study: Navigating Several Critical Moments With a Professional Football Player
Authors: Porter Samuel , Ronkainen Noora , Sille Richard , Eubank Martin
Published: September 2021

The current article presents a reflective case study following an applied service delivery experience with a 21-year-old professional footballer. The primary aim of the intervention was to support the client while facing several critical moments (breakdown in relationships, identity, and contract negotiations). This support involved creating a confidential space for her to discuss her values, beliefs, and identity while considering some of the tensions and dilemmas experienced while considering her future. Throughout this process, the first author adopted an existential counseling approach to practice and utilized the Four Dimensions of Existence and Emotional Compass as hermeneutic devices to analyze the client’s presenting challenges. The working relationship lasted for 3 months and spanned eight online sessions. Reflections on practitioner individuation and the value of adopting an existential approach to service delivery are provided.
Divergent Perspectives: Post-Title IX Sportkids’ Views of Female Athletes
Authors: Sullivan Barak Katie , Kaunert Chelsea A. , Krane Vikki , Ross Sally R.
Published: September 2021

Previous research suggests that sport media provide one avenue for boys and girls to learn what and who is valued in sport. We explored girl and boy athletes’ perceptions of photographs of female college athletes, which provided insight into young athletes gendered perceptions of athletes and sport. Sixty-nine sportskids participated in focus group interviews where they discussed what they liked and disliked about a series of photographs of college female athletes. Framed by feminist cultural studies, the authors situated their analysis within the current historical moment bounded by young athletes’ post-Title IX and postfeminist sensibilities. The authors present their appraisals of a few exemplar images that characterize themes that appeared across the whole photo collection. Emergent themes included gendered sport terrain, which situates their comments within the gendered milieu of their sport experiences. Data also revealed themes associated with the select images: female athleticism, inspiration versus objectification, transgressing heteronormative femininity, and sporty cute. Overall, both girls and boys struggled with images that were interpreted as too feminine or too muscular/masculine. These data also point to how little has changed in the past 50 years regarding how female athletes are culturally constructed. While the borders of acceptability may have shifted, female athletes continue tenuous navigation of socially acceptable boundaries of athleticism, femininity, and muscularity while masculine privilege in sport continues and the presence of females in sport is framed by a heterosexual male gaze.
Load-bearing entanglements in polymer glasses
Authors: Bukowski Cynthia , Zhang Tianren , Riggleman Robert A. , Crosby Alfred J.
Published: September 2021

Quantifying the load-bearing entanglements in polymer glass blends through experiment and simulation.
Scalable 3D printing of aperiodic cellular structures by rotational stacking of integral image formation
Authors: Kim Seok , Handler Jordan J. , Cho Young Tae , Barbastathis George , Fang Nicholas X.
Published: September 2021

Multiple tiny lenses like an insect compound eye can be used to print scalable 3D aperiodic structures.
Changes in benzodiazepine use in the French general population after November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris: an interrupted time series analysis of the national CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Gouraud Clement , Airagnes Guillaume , Kab Sofiane , Courtin Emilie , Goldberg Marcel , Limosin Frédéric , Lemogne Cedric , Zins Marie
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine whether the terrorist attacks occurring in Paris on November 2015 have changed benzodiazepine use in the French population.

Design

Interrupted time series analysis.

Setting

National population-based cohort.

Participants

90 258 individuals included in the population-based CONSTANCES cohort from 2012 to 2017.

Outcome measures

Benzodiazepine use was evaluated according to two different indicators using objective data from administrative registries: weekly number of individuals with a benzodiazepine delivered prescriptions (BDP) and weekly number of defined daily dose (DDD). Two sets of analyses were performed according to sex and age (≤50 vs >50). Education, income and area of residence were additional stratification variables to search for at-risk subgroups.

Results

Among women, those with younger age (incidence rate ratios (IRR)=1.18; 95% CI=1.05 to 1.32 for BDP; IRR=1.14; 95% CI=1.03 to 1.27 for DDD), higher education (IRR=1.23; 95% CI=1.03 to 1.46 for BDP; IRR=1.23; 95% CI=1.01 to 1.51 for DDD) and living in Paris (IRR=1.27; 95% CI=1.05 to 1.54 for BDP) presented increased risks for benzodiazepine use. Among participants under 50, an overall increase in benzodiazepine use was identified (IRR=1.14; 95% CI=1.02 to 1.28 for BDP and IRR=1.12; 95% CI=1.01 to 1.25 for DDD) and in several strata. In addition to women, those with higher education (IRR=1.22; 95% CI=1.02 to 1.47 for BDP), lower income (IRR=1.17; 95% CI=1.02 to 1.35 for BDP) and not Paris residents (IRR=1.13; 95% CI=1.02 to 1.26 for BDP and IRR=1.13; 95% CI=1.03 to 1.26 for DDD) presented increased risks for benzodiazepine use.

Conclusion

Terrorist attacks might increase benzodiazepine use at a population level, with at-risk subgroups being particularly concerned. Information and prevention strategies are needed to provide appropriate care after such events.
Moderate to severe OSA screening based on support vector machine of the Chinese population faciocervical measurements dataset: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Liu , Yan Ya Ru , Li Shi Qi , Li Hong Peng , Lin Ying Ni , Li Ning , Sun Xian Wen , Ding Yong Jie , Li Chuan Xiang , Li Qing Yun
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has received much attention as a risk factor for perioperative complications and 68.5% of OSA patients remain undiagnosed before surgery. Faciocervical characteristics may screen OSA for Asians due to smaller upper airways compared with Caucasians. Thus, our study aimed to explore a machine-learning model to screen moderate to severe OSA based on faciocervical and anthropometric measurements.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data were collected from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine affiliated Ruijin Hospital between February 2019 and August 2020.

Participants

A total of 481 Chinese participants were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome

(1) Identification of moderate to severe OSA with apnoea–hypopnoea index 15 events/hour and (2) Verification of the machine-learning model.

Results

Sex-Age-Body mass index (BMI)-maximum Interincisal distance-ratio of Height to thyrosternum distance-neck Circumference-waist Circumference (SABIHC2) model was set up. The SABIHC2 model could screen moderate to severe OSA with an area under the curve (AUC)=0.832, the sensitivity of 0.916 and specificity of 0.749, and performed better than the STOP-BANG (snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high blood pressure, BMI, age, neck circumference, and male gender) questionnaire, which showed AUC=0.631, the sensitivity of 0.487 and specificity of 0.772. Especially for asymptomatic patients (Epworth Sleepiness Scale <10), the SABIHC2 model demonstrated better predictive ability compared with the STOP-BANG questionnaire, with AUC (0.824 vs 0.530), sensitivity (0.892 vs 0.348) and specificity (0.755 vs 0.809).

Conclusion

The SABIHC2 machine-learning model provides a simple and accurate assessment of moderate to severe OSA in the Chinese population, especially for those without significant daytime sleepiness.
Identifying persistent somatic symptoms in electronic health records: exploring multiple theory-driven methods of identification
Authors: Kitselaar Willeke M , Numans Mattijs E , Sutch Stephen P , Faiq Ammar , Evers Andrea WM , van der Vaart Rosalie
Published: September 2021

Objective

Persistent somatic symptoms (PSSs) are defined as symptoms not fully explained by well-established pathophysiological mechanisms and are prevalent in up to 10% of patients in primary care. The present study aimed to explore methods to identify patients with a recognisable risk of having PSS in routine primary care data.

Design

A cross-sectional study to explore four identification methods that each cover part of the broad spectrum of PSS was performed. Cases were selected based on (1) PSS-related syndrome codes, (2) PSS-related symptom codes, (3) PSS-related terminology and (4) Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire scores and all methods combined.

Setting

Coded electronic health record data were extracted from 76 general practices in the Netherlands.

Participants

Patients who were registered for at least 1 year during 2014–2018, were included (n=169 138).

Outcome measures

Identification methods were explored based on (1) PSS sample sizes and demographics, (2) presence of chronic conditions and (3) healthcare utilisation (HCU) variables. Overlap between methods and practice specific differences were examined.

Results

The percentage of cases identified varied between 0.3% and 7.0% across the methods. Over 58.1% of cases had chronic physical condition(s) and over 33.8% had chronic mental condition(s). HCU was generally higher for cases selected by any method compared with the total cohort. HCU was higher for method B compared with the other methods. In 26.7% of cases, cases were selected by multiple methods. Overlap between methods was low.

Conclusions

Different methods yielded different patient samples which were general practice specific. Therefore, for the most comprehensive data-based selection of PSS cases, a combination of methods A, C and D would be recommended. Advanced (data-driven) methods are needed to create a more sensitive algorithm for identifying the full spectrum of PSS. For clinical purposes, method B could possibly support screening of patients who are currently missed in daily practice.
Characteristics of older adults with back pain associated with choice of first primary care provider: a cross-sectional analysis from the BACE-N cohort study
Authors: Vigdal Ørjan Nesse , Storheim Kjersti , Munk Killingmo Rikke , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Grotle Margreth
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To describe characteristics of older adults with back pain in primary care, and to assess associations between patient characteristics and type of first primary care provider (general practitioner (GP), physiotherapist (PT) or chiropractor).

Design

Cross-sectional analysis from the Back Complaints in the Elders-Norway cohort study.

Setting

Norwegian GP, PT and chiropractic primary care centres.

Participants

Patients aged ≥55 years seeking Norwegian primary care with a new episode of back pain were invited to participate. Between April 2015 and February 2020, we included 452 patients: 127 first visited a GP, 130 first visited a PT and 195 first visited a chiropractor.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

For the first objective, the outcome measure was descriptive statistics of patient characteristics, covering the following domains: sociodemographic, general health, current and previous back pain, psychological and clinical factors. For the second objective, first primary care provider was the outcome measure. Associations between patient characteristics and visiting a GP or PT compared with a chiropractor were assessed with multiple multinomial regression analyses.

Results

Median (IQR) age was 66 (59–72) years. Levels of back-related disability was moderate to severe, with a median (IQR) Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (range 0–24) score of 9 (5–13). Recurring episodes were common, 301 (67%) patients had monthly or yearly recurrences. Patients with worse back-related disability, longer duration of symptoms, lower expectations for full recovery and worse physical performance measured with the Back Performance Scale had higher odds of visiting a GP or PT compared with a chiropractor (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Older back pain patients in primary care had moderate to severe levels of back-related disability, and most had recurring episodes. Our results suggest that older adult’s choice of first primary care provider was associated with important patient characteristics, which highlights the need for caution with generalisations of study results across primary care populations.

Trial registration number

NCT04261309.
Longitudinal prospective study examining the effects of the timing of prenatal stress on infant and child regulatory functioning: the Michigan Prenatal Stress Study protocol
Authors: Levendosky Alytia Akiko , Bogat G Anne , Lonstein Joseph , Muzik Maria , Nuttall Amy K
Published: September 2021

Introduction

A considerable literature implicates prenatal stress as a critical determinant of poor psychological functioning in childhood and beyond. However, knowledge about whether the timing of prenatal stress differentially influences the development of child outcomes, including psychopathology, is virtually unknown. The primary aim of our study is to examine how the timing of prenatal stress differentially affects early childhood regulatory functioning as a marker of psychopathology. Our second aim is to examine the mediating effects of maternal physiological and psychological factors during pregnancy. Our third aim is to examine the moderating effects of postnatal factors on child regulatory functioning. Our project is the first longitudinal, prospective, multimethod study addressing these questions.

Methods and analysis

Our ongoing study recruits pregnant women, oversampled for intimate partner violence (a common event-based stressor allowing examination of timing effects), with data collection starting at pregnancy week 15 and concluding 4 years post partum. We aim to have n=335 mother–child dyads. We conduct a granular assessment of pregnancy stress (measured weekly by maternal report) in order to reveal sensitive periods during fetal life when stress particularly derails later functioning. Pattern-based statistical analyses will be used to identify subgroups of women who differ in the timing of their stress during pregnancy and then test whether these patterns of stress differentially predict early childhood self-regulatory outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Due to the high-risk nature of our sample, care is taken to ensure protection of their well-being, including a safety plan for suicidal ideation and a safety mechanism (exit button in the online weekly survey) to protect participant data privacy. This study was approved by Michigan State University Institutional Review Board. Dissemination will be handled by data sharing through National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Data and Specimen Hub (DASH), as well as through publishing the findings in journals spanning behavioural neuroendocrinology to clinical and developmental psychology.
HLA-DPB1 E69 genotype and exposure in beryllium sensitisation and disease
Authors: Crooks James , Mroz Margaret M , VanDyke Michael , McGrath Alison , Schuler Christine , McCanlies Erin C , Virji M Abbas , Rosenman Kenneth D , Rossman Milton , Rice Carol , Monos Dimitri , Fingerlin Tasha E , Maier Lisa A
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Human leukocyte antigen-DP beta 1 (HLA-DPB1) with a glutamic acid at the 69th position of the ß chain (E69) genotype and inhalational beryllium exposure individually contribute to risk of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) and beryllium sensitisation (BeS) in exposed individuals. This retrospective nested case–control study assessed the contribution of genetics and exposure in the development of BeS and CBD.

Methods

Workers with BeS (n=444), CBD (n=449) and beryllium-exposed controls (n=890) were enrolled from studies conducted at nuclear weapons and primary beryllium manufacturing facilities. Lifetime-average beryllium exposure estimates were based on workers’ job questionnaires and historical and industrial hygienist exposure estimates, blinded to genotype and case status. Genotyping was performed using sequence-specific primer-PCR. Logistic regression models were developed allowing for over-dispersion, adjusting for workforce, race, sex and ethnicity.

Results

Having no E69 alleles was associated with lower odds of both CBD and BeS; every additional E69 allele increased odds for CBD and BeS. Increasing exposure was associated with lower odds of BeS. CBD was not associated with exposure as compared to controls, yet the per cent of individuals with CBD versus BeS increased with increasing exposure. No evidence of a gene-by-exposure interaction was found for CBD or BeS.

Conclusions

Risk of CBD increases with E69 allele frequency and increasing exposure, although no gene by environment interaction was found. A decreased risk of BeS with increasing exposure and lack of exposure response in CBD cases may be due to the limitations of reconstructed exposure estimates. Although reducing exposure may not prevent BeS, it may reduce CBD and the associated health effects, especially in those carrying E69 alleles.