bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in Meridional Heat Export Contributes to Recent Indian Ocean Warming
Authors: McMonigal K. , Gunn Kathryn L. , Beal Lisa M. , Elipot Shane , Willis Josh K.
Published: January 2022

Since 2000, the Indian Ocean has warmed more rapidly than the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Air–sea fluxes alone cannot explain the rapid Indian Ocean warming, which has so far been linked to an increase in temperature transport into the basin through the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). Here, we investigate the role that the heat transport out of the basin at 36°S plays in the warming. Adding the heat transport out of the basin to the ITF temperature transport into the basin, we calculate the decadal mean Indian Ocean heat budget over the 2010s. We find that heat convergence increased within the Indian Ocean over 2000–19. The heat convergence over the 2010s is of the same order as the warming rate, and thus the net air–sea fluxes are near zero. This is a significant change from previous analyses using transbasin hydrographic sections from 1987, 2002, and 2009, which all found divergences of heat. A 2-yr time series shows that seasonal aliasing is not responsible for the decadal change. The anomalous ocean heat convergence over the 2010s in comparison with previous estimates is due to changes in ocean currents at both the southern boundary (33%) and the ITF (67%). We hypothesize that the changes at the southern boundary are linked to an observed broadening of the Agulhas Current, implying that temperature and velocity data at the western boundary are crucial to constrain heat budget changes.
On the Origins of the Oceanic Ultraviolet Catastrophe
Authors: Dematteis Giovanni , Polzin Kurt , Lvov Yuri V.
Published: January 2022

We provide a first-principles analysis of the energy fluxes in the oceanic internal wave field. The resulting formula is remarkably similar to the renowned phenomenological formula for the turbulent dissipation rate in the ocean, which is known as the finescale parameterization. The prediction is based on the wave turbulence theory of internal gravity waves and on a new methodology devised for the computation of the associated energy fluxes. In the standard spectral representation of the wave energy density, in the two-dimensional vertical wavenumber–frequency (m–ω) domain, the energy fluxes associated with the steady state are found to be directed downscale in both coordinates, closely matching the finescale parameterization formula in functional form and in magnitude. These energy transfers are composed of a “local” and a “scale-separated” contributions; while the former is quantified numerically, the latter is dominated by the induced diffusion process and is amenable to analytical treatment. Contrary to previous results indicating an inverse energy cascade from high frequency to low, at odds with observations, our analysis of all nonzero coefficients of the diffusion tensor predicts a direct energy cascade. Moreover, by the same analysis fundamental spectra that had been deemed “no-flux” solutions are reinstated to the status of “constant-downscale-flux” solutions. This is consequential for an understanding of energy fluxes, sources, and sinks that fits in the observational paradigm of the finescale parameterization, solving at once two long-standing paradoxes that had earned the name of “oceanic ultraviolet catastrophe.”

Significance Statement

The global circulation models cannot resolve the scales of the oceanic internal waves. The finescale parameterization of turbulent dissipation, a formula grounded in observations, is the standard tool by which the energy transfers due to internal waves are incorporated in the global models. Here, we provide an interpretation of this parameterization formula building on the first-principles statistical theory describing energy transfers between waves at different scales. Our result is in agreement with the finescale parameterization and points out a large contribution to the energy fluxes due to a type of wave interactions (local) usually disregarded. Moreover, the theory on which the traditional understanding of the parameterization is mainly built, a “diffusion approximation,” is known to be partly in contradiction with observations. We put forward a solution to this problem, visualized by means of “streamlines” that improve the intuition of the direction of the energy cascade.
Impacts of Coastal Terrain on Warm-Sector Heavy-Rain-Producing MCSs in Southern China
Authors: Zhang Murong , Rasmussen Kristen L. , Meng Zhiyong , Huang Yipeng
Published: January 2022

Warm-sector heavy rainfall in southern China refers to the heavy rainfall that occurs within a weakly forced synoptic environment under the influence of monsoonal airflows. It is usually located near the southern coast and is characterized by poor predictability and a close relationship with coastal terrain. This study investigates the impacts of coastal terrain on the initiation, organization, and heavy rainfall potential of MCSs in warm-sector heavy rainfall over southern China using quasi-idealized WRF simulations and terrain-modification experiments. Typical warm-sector heavy rainfall events were selected to produce composite environments that forced the simulations. MCSs in these events all initiated in the early morning and developed into quasi-linear convective systems along the coast with a prominent back-building process. When the small coastal terrain is removed, the maximum 12-h rainfall accumulation decreases by ∼46%. The convection initiation is advanced ∼2 h with the help of orographic lifting associated with flow interaction with the coastal hills in the control experiment. Moreover, the coastal terrain weakens near-surface winds and thus decreases the deep-layer vertical wind shear component perpendicular to the coast and increases the component parallel to the coast; the coastal terrain also concentrates the moisture and instability over the coastal region by weakening the boundary layer jet. These modifications lead to faster upscale growth of convection and eventually a well-organized MCS. The coastal terrain is beneficial for back-building convection and thus persistent rainfall by providing orographic lifting for new cells on the western end of the MCS, and by facilitating a stronger and more stagnant cold pool, which stimulates new cells near its rear edge.
An Analysis of the 3 May 2020 Low-Predictability Derecho Using a Convection-Allowing MPAS Ensemble
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno Z. , Weiss Steven J. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: January 2022

This study analyzes the low short-range predictability of the 3 May 2020 derecho using a 40-member convection-allowing Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) ensemble. Elevated storms formed in south-central Kansas late at night and evolved into a progressive mesoscale convective system (MCS) during the morning while moving across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, and affected western and middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky in the afternoon. The convective initiation (CI) in south-central Kansas, the organization of a dominant bow echo MCS, and the MCS maintenance over Tennessee were identified as the three main predictability issues. These issues were explored using three MPAS ensemble members, observations, and the Rapid Refresh analyses. The MPAS members were classified as successful or unsuccessful with regard to each predictability issue. CI in south-central Kansas was sensitive to the temperature and dewpoint profiles in low levels, which were associated with greater elevated thermodynamic instability and lower level of free convection in the successful member. The subsequent organization of a dominant bowing MCS was well predicted by the member that had more widespread convection in the early stages and no detrimental interaction with other simulated convective systems. Last, the inability of MPAS ensemble members to predict the MCS maintenance over western and middle Tennessee was linked to a dry bias in low levels and much lower thermodynamic instability ahead of the MCS compared to observations. This case demonstrates the challenges in operational forecasting of warm-season derecho-producing progressive MCSs, particularly when ensemble numerical weather prediction guidance solutions differ considerably.
Low density rigid polyurethane foam incorporated with renewable polyol as sustainable thermal insulation material
Authors: Srihanum Adnan , Tuan Noor Maznee TI , Devi Kosheela PP , Hoong Seng Soi , Ain Nurul H , Mohd Norhisham S , Nek Mat Din Nik Siti Mariam , Kian Yeong Shoot
Published: January 2022

Palm olein-based polyol (PP) was used as a partial replacement for commercial sucrose/glycerine initiated polyether polyol (GP) for the production of low density rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). The hydroxyl value (OHV) of the GP was 380 mg KOH/g, whereas the OHV for PP was 360 mg KOH/g. The RPUFs were prepared by replacing the GP with PP up to 50 parts per hundred parts of polyols (pph). Characterisation of the RPUFs, including density, compressive strength and strain, cell morphology and thermal conductivity ( k-value), were conducted. The dimensional stability of the foams was also evaluated. The study showed improvement in the compressive strength and strain for palm-based RPUFs with the incorporation of up to 30 pph PP as compared to GP foams. The lowest k-value (0.0232 W/m.K) of RPUF with density below 30 kg/m3 was obtained with the incorporation of 10 pph PP. This was due to the smallest and uniform pore size distribution observed using SEM images. The dimensional stability of the RPUF prepared from PP was within the acceptable range. Thus, the RPUFs made from PP are potential candidates to be used as insulation for refrigerators, freezers and piping.
Perceptions of Juche ideology by expats in North Korea: A qualitative study
Authors: Holmes Robert , Hong Eunice
Published: January 2022

The central research question of this qualitative study was: What are expatriate perceptions of North Korean (Juche) ideology? Other studies on Juche have examined Juche from religious, political, or missiological lenses. However, few qualitative studies have been done on this subject. While it is nearly impossible to conduct research with North Koreans living in North Korea, this study collected data from nine expatriates who had lived in North Korea around the time of the interviews. From the data, two major categories emerged: the foundational influences and function of Juche. The results indicate that the participants perceive Juche to be influenced by Korean culture, nationalism, and humanism, while the participants understand the function of Juche as a system of control, a religion, and an ideology.
Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy to determine formaldehyde to phenol ratio of phenol formaldehyde resole
Authors: Pullichola Abdul Habid , Varghese Lity Alen , Gopalakrishnapanicker Unnikrishnan , Das Kottotil Mohan
Published: January 2022

A model has been proposed to determine the formaldehyde (F) to phenol (P) ratio [F/P] of resole with the help of Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. The study is based on the comparison of IR absorbance of the dominant peaks corresponding to the formaldehyde and phenol contents in the resin. This study can be of much use in adhesive coating industries to employ the F/P ratio as a quality tool as well as for competition resin benchmarking. It can also be utilized for understanding the kinetics of the reactions between phenol and formaldehyde. Detailed qualitative analyses of various resoles with different formulations have been discussed in this paper, which can be of potential help for the standard analysis of the commercial resins. The validation of results confirms that the most fitting model offers an error less than 7%. Interestingly, this model can also be applied with blends of different Phenol formaldehyde resoles.
From Bureaucratic Discipline to Self-Actualization: Using Marx and Foucault to Critique the Demand for Better Work Rather Than Less Work
Authors: Shirk Josh
Published: January 2022

This essay brings together Karl Marx’s alienation critique with Michel Foucault’s theoretical work on technologies of power to examine the demand for self-actualizing work. I argue that many of the themes in Marx’s writings appear frequently in the human relations management literature and are later incorporated by New Public Management. However, Foucault’s work is shown to complement and extend Marx’s initial alienation analysis, and then to highlight the reliance of human relations management on disciplinary technologies. Lost in the demand for better work is a more radical vision of harnessing machinery to bring about a post-work society.
Effective thermal conductivity of loose residual coal in goaf: Comparative analysis of experiment and model
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Shen Jiahui , Wan Mei
Published: January 2022

The effective thermal conductivity (ETC) model of loose residual coal in goaf is a method to study the heat transfer law of spontaneous combustion in goaf. In order to study the effect of coal particle size and ambient temperature on heat transfer, coal samples of different sizes were taken from the FuSheng (FS) mine, and the void fraction, the thermal conductivity (TC) of the residual coal under different ambient temperature were tested. Additionally, four types of ETC models of loose residual coal in goaf were obtained and the average relative errors of the TC were analyzed. The results showed that the void fraction, the coal particle size and ambient temperature have different effects on the spontaneous combustion of the residual coal. The effect of coal sample size on the heat transfer is 100 times that of the ambient temperature. The changes in the ETC and average relative error of the different models were consistent. The heat transfer in the spontaneous combustion of residual coal has a direct relationship with the spatial distribution and heat transfer modes of the loose residual coal in the goaf.
An Empirical Validation of the Regression Point Displacement Design Using Within-Study Comparison Logic: Emerging Possibilities and Cautions
Authors: Hendrickse Joshua , Yeaton William H.
Published: January 2022

Background

The regression point displacement (RPD) design is a quasi-experiment (QE) that aims to control many threats to internal validity. Though it has existed for several decades, RPD has only recently begun to answer applied research questions in lieu of stronger QEs.

Objectives

Our primary objective was to implement within-study comparison (WSC) logic to create RPD replicates and to determine conditions under which RPD might provide estimates comparable to those found in validating experiments.

Research Design

We utilize three randomized controlled trials (two cluster-level, one individual-level), artificially decomposing or creating cluster structures, to create multiple RPDs. We compare results in each RPD treatment group to a fixed set of control groups to gauge the congruence of these repeated RPD realizations with results found in these three RCTs.

Results

RPD’s performance was uneven. Using multiple criteria, we found that RPDs successfully predicted the direction of the RCT’s intervention effect but inconsistently fell within the .10 SD threshold. A scant 13% of RPD results were statistically significant at either the .05 or .01 alpha-level. RPD results were within the 95% confidence interval of RCTs around half the time, and false negative rates were substantially higher than false positive rates.

Conclusions

RPD consistently underestimates treatment effects in validating RCTs. We analyze reasons for this insensitivity and offer practical suggestions to improve the chances RPD will correctly identify favorable results. We note that the synthetic, “decomposition of cluster RCTs,” WSC design represents a prototype for evaluating other QEs.
Qualitative Rating System for Drainability of Roadway Base Materials
Authors: Oh Hyunjun , Likos William J. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: January 2022

Poor drainage of roadway base/subbase materials can lead to increased pore water pressure, reduction of strength and stiffness, and freeze-thaw damage. Base course drainability is dependent on physical properties of the material that affect its water flow and retention behavior including particle size distribution, fines content, density or porosity, the geometric and boundary conditions of the pavement system, and site-specific environmental conditions. Objectives of this project are to quantitatively assess permeability and water retention characteristics of representative roadway base materials, to derive predictive equations for indirect estimation of material properties that control drainability, and to develop and recommend rating systems for assessing more general base materials. Laboratory tests were conducted on 16 samples of materials used in or considered for use in roadway applications to determine grain size distribution, hydraulic conductivity, and soil-water characteristic curves. Results are correlated to grain size characteristics including percent gravel, percent fines, grain size indices (e.g., D10, D30), and unit weight. Procedures are provided to qualitatively assess drainability as “excellent,”“marginal,” or “poor,” from grain size, thereby offering a rationale to reduce pavement life cycle costs, improve safety, realize material cost savings, and reduce environmental impacts.
Three-dimensional numerical modeling of flow upstream of a symmetric streamlined body mounted over a flat plate with tip gap
Authors: Khan Ovais U , Arshed Ghulam , Khan Mohammad Javed
Published: January 2022

In this research activity numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the flow field upstream of a symmetric streamlined body mounted perpendicular to a flat plate with and without clearance gap between the tip of the streamlined body and the flat plate with laminar boundary layer. The developed numerical model successfully predicted the three-dimensional horseshoe vortex system upstream of the streamlined body with and without the tip gap. The resulting vortex system for the configuration with tip gap contains multiple vortices with characteristics similar to that of end-wall-flows of surface-mounted obstacles. The effects of varying tip gap clearance for various values of free stream Reynolds number are also investigated. It was found that the introduction of a gap between the streamlined body tip and flat surface caused shifting of the vortex structure system in the upstream direction. Moreover, it is observed that the free stream Reynolds number and the tip gap between the streamlined body and the flat plate substantially influences the unsteady character of the flow field and the vortex system structure. Results obtained from the numerical simulations are compared with experimental measurements of a blunt body configuration and have been found in good agreement.
Establishing core competencies, opportunities, roles and expertise for oncology social work
Authors: Zebrack Brad , Schapmire Tara , Otis-Green Shirley , Nelson Krista , Miller Nina , Donna Donna , Grignon Michael
Published: January 2022

While oncology social workers are the primary providers of psychosocial services, they vary in what they do and how they work across different cancer care settings. Standards of Practice suggest that there exists a core or universal set of activities and tasks that are grounded in the values and principles of social work and apply across all settings. The purpose of this study was to identify activities that delineate and distinguish Competencies, Opportunities, Roles and Expertise (CORE) for oncology social work. Research was conducted using Concept Mapping, a structured and prescribed approach to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data while engaging stakeholders in the research process.

Findings

An expert panel of oncology social work practitioners, academicians, and leaders in the field (n = 35) generated 91 practice behaviors that were subject to card sorting and ratings of importance. A visual map consisting of six clusters best represented the statistical fit of the data (stress value = 0.18) while maintaining the most meaningful categorization of individual statements. These six domains were as follows: Clinical Assessment and Intervention (38 items; mean importance = 3.31); Professional Advocacy and Political Action (5 items; mean importance = 3.03); Case Management and Care Coordination (16 items; mean importance = 3.02); Patient Education and Advocacy (8 items; mean importance = 2.82); Organizational Support and Service (12 items; mean importance = 2.74); Professional Education (12 items; mean importance = 2.45).

Application

These results may inform initiatives related to social work education and training, credentialing and certification, health policy, research and advocacy on behalf of patients, families, communities, and the profession.
Optical and thermodynamic investigations of a methane and hydrogen blend fueled large bore engine
Authors: Karmann Stephan , Eicheldinger Stefan , Prager Maximilian , Wachtmeister Georg
Published: January 2022

The following paper presents thermodynamic and optical investigations of the natural flame and OH radical chemiluminescence of a hydrogen enriched methane combustion compared to natural gas combustion. The engine under investigation is a port-fueled unscavenged prechamber 4.8 L single cylinder large bore engine. The blends under consideration are 2%V, 5%V,10%V, and 40%V of hydrogen expected to be blended within existing natural gas grids in a short and mid-term timeline in order to store green energy from solar and wind. These fuel blends could be used for stabilization of the energy supply by reconverting the renewable fuel CH4/H2 in combined heat and power plants. As expected, admixture of hydrogen extends the ignition limits of the fuel mixture toward lean ranges up to an air-fuel equivalence ratio of almost 2. No negative effect on combustion is observed up to an admixture of 40%V hydrogen. At 40%V hydrogen, abnormal combustion like backfire occurs at an air-fuel equivalence ratio of 1.5. The higher mixtures exhibit increased nitrogen oxide emissions due to higher combustion chamber temperatures, while methane slip and CO emissions are reduced due to more complete combustion. The optical investigation of the natural flame and OH radical chemiluminescence are in good agreement with the thermodynamic results verifying the more intense combustion of the fuel blends by means of the chemiluminescence intensity. Further, lube oil combustion and a continuing luminescence after the thermodynamic end of combustion are observed.
Use of Suture-Mediated Closure Devices for Closure of Punctures in Prosthetic Patches or Grafts is Associated With High Rates of Technical Success and Low Complication Rates
Authors: de Boer Madeleine , Shiraev Timothy , Loa Jacky
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Despite the increasing use of endovascular techniques in the management of peripheral vascular disease, there is little data on the safety of percutaneous closure devices in punctures of synthetic vascular material. Our paper sought to address this paucity in the literature by reviewing the incidence of complications occurring in patients in whom the ProGlide device was utilised to achieve haemostasis post-percutaneous puncture of vascular patches and graft materials.

Methods

A retrospective review of patient records was conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Patients who had undergone percutaneous punctures of prosthetic bypass grafts or patch angioplasties between January 2011 and December 2020 were identified from a prospectively collected database. Medical records and post-procedural imaging were reviewed to assess the occurrence of post-procedural complications such as pseudoaneurysms, puncture site stenosis and further interventions for access complications.

Results

A total of 73 punctures of prosthetic material were performed in 42 patients, of which 39 utilised ProGlides. Median age of included patients was 72 years. There was male predominance in the cohort (69.8%), and most punctures (87.3%) were through polyurethane patches. Device success rate was 95%, and no patients required open repair. There was a low incidence of complications, with no patients developing pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, ischaemic limbs or > 50% stenosis when either manual pressure or the ProGlide device was used to achieve haemostasis. Furthermore, there were no returns to theatre or further interventions performed for access site complications.

Conclusion

The use of the ProGlide closure device has a low incidence of complications and its safety appears to be equivalent to manual compression when used to achieve haemostasis in percutaneous punctures of synthetic vascular material in select patients. To our knowledge, this is the only article to date to assess the safety of the ProGlide in this setting.
Association of air pollution with acute ischemic stroke risk in Singapore: a time-stratified case-crossover study
Authors: Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Tan Benjamin Yong-Qiang , Zheng Huili , Leow Aloysius Sheng-Ting , Pek Pin Pin , Liu Nan , Raju Yogeswari , Yeo Leonard Leong-Litt , Sharma Vijay K , Ong Marcus Eng-Hock , Aik Joel
Published: January 2022

Background:

Air quality is an important determinant of cardiovascular health such as ischemic heart disease and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with substantial mortality and morbidity reported across the globe. However, associations between air quality and AIS in the current literature remain inconsistent, with few studies undertaken in cosmopolitan cities located in the tropics.

Objectives:

We evaluated the associations between individual ambient air pollutants and AIS.

Methods:

We performed a nationwide, population-based, time-stratified case-crossover analysis on all AIS cases reported to the Singapore Stroke Registry from 2009 to 2018. We estimated the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of AIS across different concentrations of each pollutant by quartiles (referencing the 25th percentile), in single-pollutant conditional Poisson models adjusted for time-varying meteorological effects. We stratified our analysis by predetermined subgroups deemed at higher risk.

Results:

A total of 51,675 episodes of AIS were included. Ozone (O3) (IRR4th quartile: 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.08) and carbon monoxide (CO) (IRR2nd quartile: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08, IRR3rd quartile: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.10, IRR4th quartile: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11) were positively associated with AIS incidence. The increased incidence of AIS due to O3 and CO persisted for 5 days after exposure. Those under 65 years of age were more likely to experience AIS when exposed to CO. Individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) were more susceptible to exposure from O3, CO, and PM10. Current/ex-smokers were more vulnerable to the effect of O3.

Conclusion:

Air pollution increases the incidence of AIS, especially in those with AF and in those who are current or ex-smokers.
Parent Expectations, Deaf Youth Expectations, and Transition Goals as Predictors of Postsecondary Education Enrollment
Authors: Johnson Paige M. , Newman Lynn A. , Cawthon Stephanie W. , Javitz Harold
Published: January 2022

This study used the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) data set to determine the effects of expectations and transition planning goals on the postsecondary education enrollment of deaf youth. Propensity scoring modeling results indicated that high expectations held by deaf youth and their parents significantly predicted postsecondary education attendance at 2- and 4-year colleges, and career and technical education (CTE) schools. College enrollment as a transition planning goal for deaf youth also significantly predicted enrollment in all three types of postsecondary education institutions. Postsecondary CTE school attendance as a transition plan goal for deaf youth did not make a difference in enrollment outcomes for CTE and 2-year college, and it significantly reduced their odds of attending 4-year college. Implications regarding expectations and transition plan goals are discussed.
Adaptive Coordinated Path Tracking Control Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles with Direct Yaw Moment Control
Authors: Tian Ying , Yao Qiangqiang , Hang Peng , Wang Shengyuan
Published: January 2022

It is a striking fact that the path tracking accuracy of autonomous vehicles based on active front wheel steering is poor under high-speed and large-curvature conditions. In this study, an adaptive path tracking control strategy that coordinates active front wheel steering and direct yaw moment is proposed based on model predictive control algorithm. The recursive least square method with a forgetting factor is used to identify the rear tire cornering stiffness and update the path tracking system prediction model. To adaptively adjust the priorities of path tracking accuracy and vehicle stability, an adaptive strategy based on fuzzy rules is applied to change the weight coefficients in the cost function. An adaptive control strategy for coordinating active front steering and direct yaw moment is proposed to improve the path tracking accuracy under high-speed and large-curvature conditions. To ensure vehicle stability, the sideslip angle, yaw rate and zero moment methods are used to construct optimization constraints based on the model predictive control frame. It is verified through simulation experiments that the proposed adaptive coordinated control strategy can improve the path tracking accuracy and ensure vehicle stability under high-speed and large-curvature conditions.
M2PP: a novel computational model for predicting drug-targeted pathogenic proteins
Authors: Wang Shiming , Li Jie , Wang Yadong
Published: January 2022

Background

Detecting pathogenic proteins is the origin way to understand the mechanism and resist the invasion of diseases, making pathogenic protein prediction develop into an urgent problem to be solved. Prediction for genome-wide proteins may be not necessarily conducive to rapidly cure diseases as developing new drugs specifically for the predicted pathogenic protein always need major expenditures on time and cost. In order to facilitate disease treatment, computational method to predict pathogenic proteins which are targeted by existing drugs should be exploited.

Results

In this study, we proposed a novel computational model to predict drug-targeted pathogenic proteins, named as M2PP. Three types of features were presented on our constructed heterogeneous network (including target proteins, diseases and drugs), which were based on the neighborhood similarity information, drug-inferred information and path information. Then, a random forest regression model was trained to score unconfirmed target-disease pairs. Five-fold cross-validation experiment was implemented to evaluate model’s prediction performance, where M2PP achieved advantageous results compared with other state-of-the-art methods. In addition, M2PP accurately predicted high ranked pathogenic proteins for common diseases with public biomedical literature as supporting evidence, indicating its excellent ability.

Conclusions

M2PP is an effective and accurate model to predict drug-targeted pathogenic proteins, which could provide convenience for the future biological researches.
Prediction of lncRNA-disease association based on a Laplace normalized random walk with restart algorithm on heterogeneous networks
Authors: Wang Liugen , Shang Min , Dai Qi , He Ping-an
Published: January 2022

Background

More and more evidence showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of human sophisticated diseases. Therefore, predicting human lncRNA-disease associations is a challenging and urgently task in bioinformatics to research of human sophisticated diseases.

Results

In the work, a global network-based computational framework called as LRWRHLDA were proposed which is a universal network-based method. Firstly, four isomorphic networks include lncRNA similarity network, disease similarity network, gene similarity network and miRNA similarity network were constructed. And then, six heterogeneous networks include known lncRNA-disease, lncRNA-gene, lncRNA-miRNA, disease-gene, disease-miRNA, and gene-miRNA associations network were applied to design a multi-layer network. Finally, the Laplace normalized random walk with restart algorithm in this global network is suggested to predict the relationship between lncRNAs and diseases.

Conclusions

The ten-fold cross validation is used to evaluate the performance of LRWRHLDA. As a result, LRWRHLDA achieves an AUC of 0.98402, which is higher than other compared methods. Furthermore, LRWRHLDA can predict isolated disease-related lnRNA (isolated lnRNA related disease). The results for colorectal cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer and breast cancer have been verified by other researches. The case studies indicated that our method is effective.
Transcriptome analysis to identify the downstream genes of androgen receptor in dermal papilla cells
Authors: Furuya Kai , Fujibayashi So , Wu Tao , Takahashi Kouhei , Takase Shin , Orimoto Ai , Sugano Eriko , Tomita Hiroshi , Kashiwagi Sayo , Kiyono Tohru , Ishii Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Tomokazu
Published: January 2022

Background

Testosterone signaling mediates various diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia and prostate cancer. Testosterone signaling is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). In this study, we fortuitously found that primary and immortalized dermal papilla cells suppressed AR expression, although dermal papilla cells express AR in vivo. To analyze the AR signaling pathway, we exogenously introduced the AR gene via a retrovirus into immortalized dermal papilla cells and comprehensively compared their expression profiles with and without AR expression.

Results

Whole-transcriptome profiling revealed that the focal adhesion pathway was mainly affected by the activation of AR signaling. In particular, we found that caveolin-1 gene expression was downregulated in AR-expressing cells, suggesting that caveolin-1 is controlled by AR.

Conclusion

Our whole transcriptome data is critical resources for discovery of new therapeutic targets for testosterone-related diseases.
Identification of an integrated stress and growth response signaling switch that directs vertebrate intestinal regeneration
Authors: Westfall Aundrea K. , Perry Blair W. , Kamal Abu H. M. , Hales Nicole R. , Kay Jarren C. , Sapkota Madhab , Schield Drew R. , Pellegrino Mark W. , Secor Stephen M. , Chowdhury Saiful M. , Castoe Todd A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Snakes exhibit extreme intestinal regeneration following months-long fasts that involves unparalleled increases in metabolism, function, and tissue growth, but the specific molecular control of this process is unknown. Understanding the mechanisms that coordinate these regenerative phenotypes provides valuable opportunities to understand critical pathways that may control vertebrate regeneration and novel perspectives on vertebrate regenerative capacities.

Results

Here, we integrate a comprehensive set of phenotypic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic data from boa constrictors to identify the mechanisms that orchestrate shifts in metabolism, nutrient uptake, and cellular stress to direct phases of the regenerative response. We identify specific temporal patterns of metabolic, stress response, and growth pathway activation that direct regeneration and provide evidence for multiple key central regulatory molecules kinases that integrate these signals, including major conserved pathways like mTOR signaling and the unfolded protein response.

Conclusion

Collectively, our results identify a novel switch-like role of stress responses in intestinal regeneration that forms a primary regulatory hub facilitating organ regeneration and could point to potential pathways to understand regenerative capacity in vertebrates.
Opioid-free versus opioid-based anesthesia in pancreatic surgery
Authors: Hublet Stéphane , Galland Marianne , Navez Julie , Loi Patrizia , Closset Jean , Forget Patrice , Lafère Pierre
Published: January 2022

Background

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is associated with significantly reduced cumulative postoperative morphine consumption in comparison with opioid-based anesthesia (OBA). Whether OFA is feasible and may improve outcomes in pancreatic surgery remains unclear.

Methods

Perioperative data from 77 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic resection were included and retrospectively reviewed. Patients received either an OBA with intraoperative remifentanil (n = 42) or an OFA (n = 35). OFA included a combination of continuous infusions of dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and esketamine. In OBA, patients also received a single bolus of intrathecal morphine. All patients received intraoperative propofol, sevoflurane, dexamethasone, diclofenac, neuromuscular blockade. Postoperative pain management was achieved by continuous wound infiltration and patient-controlled morphine. The primary outcome was postoperative pain (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS). Opioid consumption within 48 h after extubation, length of stay, adverse events within 90 days, and 30-day mortality were included as secondary outcomes. Episodes of bradycardia and hypotension requiring rescue medication were considered as safety outcomes.

Results

Compared to OBA, NRS (3 [2–4] vs 0 [0–2], P < 0.001) and opioid consumption (36 [24–52] vs 10 [2–24], P = 0.005) were both less in the OFA group. Length of stay was shorter by 4 days with OFA (14 [7–46] vs 10 [6–16], P < 0.001). OFA (P = 0.03), with postoperative pancreatic fistula (P = 0.0002) and delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.0001) were identified as only independent factors for length of stay. The comprehensive complication index (CCI) was the lowest with OFA (24.9 ± 25.5 vs 14.1 ± 23.4, P = 0.03). There were no differences in demographics, operative time, blood loss, bradycardia, vasopressors administration or time to extubation among groups.

Conclusions

In this series, OFA during pancreatic resection is feasible and independently associated with a better outcome, in particular pain outcomes. The lower rate of postoperative complications may justify future randomized trials to test the hypothesis that OFA may improve outcomes and shorten length of stay.
Exploration of a new hepatitis a surveillance system in Beijing, China: based on molecular epidemiology
Authors: Wang Huai , Chen Weixin , Zhou Wenting , Qiu Feng , Yin Wenjiao , Cao Jingyuan , Gao Pei , Yuan Qianli , Lv Min , Bai Shuang , Wu Jiang
Published: January 2022

Background

The incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is low in Beijing, China, but the risk of outbreaks still exists. It is difficult to identify possible sources of infection among sporadic cases based on a routine surveillance system. Therefore, a more effective surveillance system needs to be established.

Methods

The epidemiological data of hepatitis A were obtained from a routine surveillance system. Patients with HAV confirmed at the local hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire that included additional case information and possible sources of infection. Serum and fecal specimens were also collected for testing HAV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the 321-nucleotide segment of the VP1/2A junction region was sequenced to determine the HAV genotype.

Results

In 2019, 110 HAV cases were reported in Beijing, with an incidence rate of 0.51/100,000. 61(55.5%) of these patients were male. The greatest proportion of these patients were aged from 30 to 60 years. The rate was lower in suburban and rural areas compared to urban areas. Contaminated food consumption, particularly seafood consumption, was the primary potential source of infection. Among the 16 specimens of confirmed HAV cases that could be sequenced, 93.8% were HAV IA, and 6.3% were HAV IB. In addition, the samples collected from all HAV sequences in this investigation showed 89.4–100% nucleotide homology. Two groups (each with three sporadic cases) showed 100% nucleotide homology. The three sporadic cases in one group had the same possible source of infection: contaminated salad with raw vegetables and seafood. In the other group, the three sporadic cases did not have an epidemiological connection.

Conclusions

In a low HAV prevalent area, such as in Beijing, incorporating molecular epidemiology into the routine surveillance system could help inform possible clusters of outbreaks and provide support for earlier control of HAV transmission. Nevertheless, increased sampling from detected cases and improved specimen quality are needed to implement such a system.
Durability of single tablet regimen for patients with HIV infection in Southern Taiwan: data from a real-world setting
Authors: Chang Hui-Min , Chou Chen-Hsi , Tsai Hung-Chin
Published: January 2022

Background

A single-tablet regimen (STR) has been associated with better drug adherence. However, the durability of different STRs was unknown in the real-world settings. Our aim was to investigate the durability of different initial STR regimens in antiretroviral-naive patients starting STR in southern Taiwan.

Method

This was a retrospective study of antiretroviral-naive patients that initiated first-line antiretroviral regimens with STRs between May 2016 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was time to virological failure. Secondary endpoints were STR discontinuation due to toxicity/intolerance. Durability was defined as time from the initiation until discontinuation/modification. Kaplan- Meier curves were plotted assessing time to virological suppression, treatment failure and discontinuation for the three STRs and Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the factors associated with time to viral suppression, treatment failure or discontinuation.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-three patients were included: The median follow-up duration (IQR) was 73.9 (48–101.6) weeks, 25 patients (11%) experienced virological failure; the 48 weeks probability of treatment failure was 22.9% (16/70) for Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF), 24.1% (13/54) for Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (FTC/RPV/TDF) and 24.2% (24/99) for Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (ABC/DTG/3TC) (p=0.16). Fifty-six patients (25%) discontinued their STRs owing to toxicity/intolerance. When compared to EFV/FTC/TDF, treatment with FTC/RPV/TDF (aHR 8.39, CI 1.98–35.58, p = 0.004) and ABC/DTG/3TC (aHR 8.40, CI 2.39–29.54, p=0.001) were more likely to have treatment failure. The predictors for treatment failure included age ≦ 30 years old (aHR 3.73, CI 1.25–11.17, p = 0.018), switch between different STR (aHR 2.3, CI 1.18–4.50, p  = 0.001) and free of active syphilis infection (aHR 0.24, CI 0.08–0.73, p = 0.012). The risk factor for treatment discontinuation included younger age ≦ 30 years old (aHR 3.82, CI 1.21–12.37, p = 0.023), treatment with EFV/FTC/TDF (aHR 8.65, CI 2.64–28.39, p < 0.001) and free of active syphilis infection (aHR 0.16, CI 0.04–0.62, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Younger age was associated with treatment failure and drug discontinuation. Active syphilis infection s/p treatment was associated with free from treatment failure and discontinuation. This probably driven by the more frequently sexual health education and counseling when patients had syphilis infection. Treatment with ABC/DTG/3TC was associated with higher risk of treatment failure. The STR durability was dependent on the drug toxicity/intolerance, age and syphilis infection.
Source attribution of salmonellosis by time and geography in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: McLure Angus , Shadbolt Craig , Desmarchelier Patricia M. , Kirk Martyn D. , Glass Kathryn
Published: January 2022

Background

Salmonella is a major cause of zoonotic illness around the world, arising from direct or indirect contact with a range of animal reservoirs. In the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), salmonellosis is believed to be primarily foodborne, but the relative contribution of animal reservoirs is unknown.

Methods

The analysis included 4543 serotyped isolates from animal reservoirs and 30,073 serotyped isolates from domestically acquired human cases in NSW between January 2008 and August 2019. We used a Bayesian source attribution methodology to estimate the proportion of foodborne Salmonella infections attributable to broiler chickens, layer chickens, ruminants, pigs, and an unknown or unsampled source. Additional analyses included covariates for four time periods and five levels of rurality.

Results

A single serotype, S. Typhimurium, accounted for 65–75% of included cases during 2008–2014 but < 50% during 2017–2019. Attribution to layer chickens was highest during 2008–2010 (48.7%, 95% CrI 24.2–70.3%) but halved by 2017–2019 (23.1%, 95% CrI 5.7–38.9%) and was lower in the rural and remote populations than in the majority urban population. The proportion of cases attributed to the unsampled source was 11.3% (95% CrI 1.2%–22.1%) overall, but higher in rural and remote populations. The proportion of cases attributed to pork increased from approximately 20% in 2009–2016 to approximately 40% in 2017–2019, coinciding with a rise in cases due to Salmonella ser. 4,5,12:i:-.

Conclusion

Layer chickens were likely the primary reservoir of domestically acquired Salmonella infections in NSW circa 2010, but attribution to the source declined contemporaneously with increased vaccination of layer flocks and tighter food safety regulations for the handling of eggs.
Sero-molecular survey on Toxoplasma gondii infection among drug addicted and non-addicted individuals: a case–control study
Authors: Sharifzadeh Majid , Rezanezhad Hassan , Solhjoo Kavous , Kargar Jahromi Zahra , Shadmand Enayatollah , Shahabi Saeed , Taghipour Ali
Published: January 2022

Background

Up to now, epidemiological studies on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among drug addicted individuals have been rarely performed. By designing an age and sex matched case–control study, we sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors with T. gondii infection in these population using serological and molecular techniques.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-seven drug addicted individuals and 141 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Informed consent as well as a standard questionnaire were obtained from all subjects participating. Blood samples were collected from each participant and the serum was screened for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM). PCR assay was performed using the primer pair targeting the RE and GRA6 genes of T. gondii. Then, PCR products were sequenced to determine genotype.

Results

The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection based on IgG titer was 34.3% in case and 9.9% in the control groups, revealing a statistically significant difference (OR = 4.37; 95% CI = 2.46–9.12; P = 0.001). After analyzing the variables studied through the questionnaire, age was the only significantly factor associated with the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in case group. Considering PCR assays with RE genomic target, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 5.1% in the case and 3.5% in control groups which the difference was no statistically significant (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.45–4.73; P = 0.521). Subsequently, all sequenced samples were genotype #1 using the GRA6 genomic target.

Conclusions

T. gondii exposure is relatively high among drug addicted individuals in Iran, and there is a need for health policymakers and researchers to establish enlightenment and prevention programs for these population at risk of infection.