bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the Ocean Mixed Layer Model via Large-Eddy Simulation and Inverse Estimation
Authors: Choi Yeonju , Noh Yign , Hirose Naoki , Song Hajoon
Published: July 2022

The ocean mixed layer model (OMLM) is improved using the large-eddy simulation (LES) and the inverse estimation method. A comparison of OMLM (Noh model) and LES results reveals that underestimation of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) flux in the OMLM causes a negative bias of the mixed layer depth (MLD) during convection, when the wind stress is weak or the latitude is high. It is further found that the entrainment layer thickness is underestimated. The effects of alternative approaches of parameterizations in the OMLM, such as nonlocal mixing, length scales, Prandtl number, and TKE flux, are examined with an aim to reduce the bias. Simultaneous optimizations of empirical constants in the various versions of Noh model with different parameterization options are then carried out via an iterative Green’s function approach with LES data as constraining data. An improved OMLM is obtained, which reflects various new features, including the enhanced TKE flux, and the new model is found to improve the performance in all cases, namely, wind-mixing, surface heating, and surface cooling cases. The effect of the OMLM grid resolution on the optimal empirical constants is also investigated.

Significance Statement

This work illustrates a novel approach to improve the parameterization of vertical mixing in the upper ocean, which plays an important role in climate and ocean models. The approach utilizes the data from realistic turbulence simulation, called large-eddy simulation, as proxy observation data for upper ocean turbulence to analyze the parameterization, and the statistical method, called inverse estimation, to obtain the optimized empirical constants used in the parameterization. The same approach can be applied to improve other turbulence parameterization, and the new vertical mixing parameterization can be applied to improve climate and ocean models.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Heatwave Risk Perception in the United States
Authors: Schoessow Forrest S. , Li Yajie , Marlon Jennifer R. , Leiserowitz Anthony , Howe Peter D.
Published: July 2022

Extreme heat events are one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the United States and are increasing in frequency and severity as a result of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Further, some subpopulations may be more vulnerable than others because of social, economic, and political factors that create disparities in hazard impacts and responses. Vulnerability is also affected by risk perceptions, which can influence protective behaviors. In this study, we use national survey data to investigate the association of key sociodemographic factors with public risk perceptions of heatwaves. We find that risk perceptions are most associated with income, race/ethnicity, gender, and disability status. Age, an important predictor of heat mortality, had smaller associations with heat risk perceptions. Low-income, nonwhite, and disabled individuals tend to perceive themselves to be at greater risks from heatwaves than other subpopulations, corresponding to their elevated risk. Men have lower risk perceptions than women despite their higher mortality and morbidity from heat. This study helps to identify subpopulations in the United States who see themselves as at risk from extreme heat and can inform heat risk communication and other risk reduction practices.
Therapeutic Potential of Valproic Acid for Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction: A Single-Arm Pilot Study
Authors: Ogawa Takao , Matsumoto Koji , Tojima Ichiro , Kikuoka Hirotaka , Hira Daiki , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Although some patients with postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) recover spontaneously, many others are left with the degree of smell loss and there are no established drugs for the treatment of patients with PVOD. Valproic acid (VPA) has been widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. Its potential neuroregenerative effects have been shown via animal studies. This is the first study to treat PVOD patients with VPA. This open-label, single-arm, phase II study was conducted to investigate the effects of VPA in patients with PVOD.

Methods:

The patients received oral tablets of VPA 200 mg twice a day for 24 weeks. In total, 11 patients with PVOD were recruited. Oder scores of recognition and detection threshold (measured with a T&T olfactometer), and visual analog scale were examined during the treatment.

Results:

All odor scores significantly improved over time. Although the mean duration of olfactory dysfunction in this study was 11.5 months, both odor recognition threshold and odor detection threshold scores significantly improved 4 weeks after treatment initiation compared to the pre-treatment threshold scores. The olfactory recovery rates in patients treated with VPA were clearly better than those we previously reported in PVOD patients who received Toki-shakuyaku-san, the traditional treatment in Japan. The olfactory recovery rates of patients with PVOD at 12 weeks and 24 weeks of VPA treatment were both 77.8%, and the olfactory cure rates at 12 weeks and 24 weeks of VPA treatment were 33.3% and 44.4%, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions:

VPA seems to be a safe treatment option in patients with PVOD. The effects of VPA treatment for PVOD patients should be studied with a controlled study design in the future.
Multistakeholder Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Different Theories
Authors: Chen Victor Zitian , Zhong Meng , Duran Patricio , Sauerwald Steve
Published: July 2022

We predict multistakeholder benefits as a measure of organizational performance from the perspective of important organizational stakeholders. Specifically, we identify the relative importance of theoretical antecedents that affect the different dimensions of stakeholder benefits. Offering the first empirical synthesis of multistakeholder benefits to date, we assess the statistical explanatory power of different theories in the literature, focusing on the extent to which their suggested antecedents of organizational performance may lead to improvements in multiple dimensions of stakeholder benefits. Based on 110 empirical studies since 1990 to date concerning any two of four stakeholder groups (investors, customers, employees, and community /environment), we find no evidence for any single theory to have sufficient explanatory power in predicting benefits concerning all four stakeholder groups. Thus, we cannot reduce different mechanisms leading to multistakeholder benefits to a grand model or theory but need to resort to a multi-theoretical synthesis. Taking stock of the meta-analysis, we suggest future studies should fill three gaps: multiple dimensions within a stakeholder benefit, causal complexity, and inequality of stakeholder benefit creation.
Social-Emotional Learning and Motivational Interviews With Middle School Youth With Disabilities or At-Risk for Disability Identification
Authors: Forber-Pratt Anjali J. , Hanebutt Rachel , Minotti Bradley , Cobb Nicole A. , Peagram Kortney
Published: July 2022

Motivational interviewing (MI), a therapy strategy used to guide students to help students better understand how to develop their social emotional learning (SEL) skills to make positive choices that resolve social conflict, bodes promising for helping youth to cultivate the social and emotional skills needed to address bullying, peer drama, and other issues affecting their mental, physical, and emotional health. Bulldog Solution, Inc., a Chicago-based organization, utilized MI research-informed approach to increase students’ social conflict management and leadership skills through self-awareness and self-discovery, as a mechanism for preventing bullying and supporting the social and emotional growth of young people. This study presents emerging themes resulting from a 9-week, motivational interview and SEL-based program titled, “Peace Over Drama,” implemented with middle school students (sixth–seventh–eighth grade) with disabilities and/or at risk for disability-identification ( n = 17) in one Chicago middle school on the south side. Implications for school-based prevention models and scaling of similar SEL and MI programing are discussed.
An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Prison Rape Elimination Act Survey in a Women's Prison
Authors: Shippen Margaret E. , Derzis Nicholas C. , Hall Angela , Weaver Sharon
Published: July 2022

Even with the dramatic increase in the number of female inmates in state and federal correctional institutions in recent decades, the criminal justice system continues to develop policies based on empirical research from male inmate programming. A shift in focus toward gender-responsive programming is challenging corrections to address women's needs. This study's data are a result of a settlement agreement between the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) and a state Department of Corrections (DOC) to explore female inmates’ perceptions of sexual and physical safety in the state's largest correctional faculty. The Prison Rape Elimination Act Survey Instrument (PSI) was designed with 15 categories and 76 questions, including demographic data, sexual and physical safety factors, and items related to programs. Results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicate that the instrument has four factors detecting 41% of the variance explained. Recommendations are to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assure that the instrument is psychometrically sound and the factors are verified.
Pyrexia of unknown origin and its aetiology in Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Waheed , Awan Sobia , Ishaq Uzma , Malik Asmara , Malik Jahanzeb , Zaidi Syed Muhammad Jawad
Published: July 2022

Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) and its aetiology vary considerably according to geography. We conducted a retrospective study to update our knowledge of PUO in Pakistan. PUO was defined as a febrile illness of >3 weeks’ duration, a temperature of >38.3°C, and >3 outpatient visits or 3 days’ hospitalization. Infection was the cause in 47.1%, malignancy in 23.1%, noninfectious inflammatory disease in 21.8%, miscellaneous causes in 1.2%, and in 6.8%, the cause of the fever was not found.
Duodenal obstruction due to Strongyloides stercoralis in a patient with HTLV-1 infection
Authors: Harshan Madhuri , Niyas Vettakkara Kandy Muhammed , Arjun Rajalakshmi
Published: July 2022

Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode helminth endemic to tropical and subtropical regions. Strongyloidiasis can manifest with varied clinical symptoms, predominantly gastrointestinal. Duodenal obstruction is an uncommon manifestation. We report such a patient with underlying Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection.
An energy storage coordinated control strategy based on model predictive control for smoothing wind power fluctuations
Authors: Zhao Yao , Deng Lina , Li Dongdong , Yang Fan , Mi Yang , Zhu Miao
Published: July 2022

Based on the nature of wind, wind power fluctuations can cause significant problems in the distribution network. One of the solutions is to integrate an energy storage system with wind farm to mitigate the output power fluctuations. Therefore, an energy storage coordinated control strategy based on model predictive control is proposed to smooth minute-scale fluctuations of wind power. By analysing the limitations of traditional control strategy, four operating modes of battery energy storage system which are determined by the predicted state of charge obtained by model predictive control, are designed to avoid violating the state of charge limitation, and an energy state feedback control is designed to adjust the initial power allocation orders of batteries. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy can be verified by the real-time digital simulator. The results indicate that the developed approach reduces the switching times of batteries and improves the ability of the battery energy storage system to smooth wind power fluctuations significantly.
Demonstration of Mechanics-Based Track Geometry Deterioration Models
Authors: Wilk Stephen , Thompson Hugh B. , Sussmann Theodore R. , Li Dinqing , Paudel Yudhisthir
Published: July 2022

The Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) is working to build on and extend existing mechanics-based track geometry deterioration forecasting models to support improved safety and reliability of ballasted tracks. This paper demonstrates how the railway track lifecycle model (RTLM) ballast model performs against field data and makes recommendations for improvement. Overall, the demonstration showed the mechanics-based model matches the general field behavior and its variations well, and it also identified potential improvements. The field data reinforced ballast fouling index (BFI) as a key factor in track geometry degradation. Additional factors that can cause variation in the BFI–track geometry degradation relationship were also identified, along with proposed curves that are easier to fit with field data. Linear track geometry degradation, with reference to mid-chord offset measurement with tonnage, fits the field data better than a logarithmic curve, which, historically, has been used to fit settlement as a function of tonnage. Using these improvements to the model, future work will focus on making the model as flexible as possible. This means identifying and incorporating key variables, in addition to BFI, that affect track geometry deterioration and allowing the model to either give general projections in situations with little historical data or become site-specific to a particular track section by incorporating historic data.
Book Language and Its Implications for Children’s Language, Literacy, and Development
Authors: Nation Kate , Dawson Nicola J. , Hsiao Yaling
Published: July 2022

The onset of literacy marks a significant change in children’s development. Written language is more complex than everyday conversation, and even books targeted at preschoolers contain more varied words and more complex syntax than child-directed speech does. We review the nature and content of children’s book language, focusing on recent large-scale corpus analyses that systematically compared written and spoken language. We argue that exposure to book language provides opportunities for learning words and syntactic constructions that are only rarely encountered in speech and that, in turn, this rich experience drives further developments in language and literacy. Moreover, we speculate that the range, variety, depth, and sophistication of book language provide key input that promotes children’s social and emotional development. Becoming literate changes things, and researchers need to better understand how and why reading experience shapes people’s minds and becomes associated with a range of skills and abilities across the life span.
Understanding Anti-POSCO Movement in Odisha: Through the Politics of Development
Authors: Das Manoranjan , Pattnaik Binay Kumar
Published: July 2022

Like other resistant movements by the development-induced displaced, the Anti-Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO) movement was fought on the basis of issues of Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R), ecological degradation, loss of livelihood, and endangered local identity. However, this movement is studied with a nuance that examined a novel variable called the politics of development (taking the analysis beyond the R&R/livelihood issues and conventional left leaning analysis of movements). As an empirical exercise, the study exemplifies application of New Social Movement (NSM) theory and accordingly it analyzes the pivotal roles of social movement organizations (SMOs) like POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti and United Action Committee and a nexus of the principal SMO with likeminded civil society organizations (CSOs) (NGOs and INGOs) which are further linked to large number of local voluntary organizations (solidarity groups). The major point of departure for analysis is the “politics of development” which gets operationalized in terms of articulation of vested interests that undermines societal interests. The SMO and CSO with local solidarity groups forming a nexus fomented the mobilizations for the resistance movement. Hence, it is argued that as a victim of politics of development, POSCO, a huge developmental project in coastal Odisha, faced closer. Thus, within the framework of NSM perspective, the analytic nuances of “politics of development” provided the depth into the understanding of the movement dynamics.
Controversy Teaching Approaches: Model, Measure, and Teaching Applications
Authors: Allen Stuart
Published: July 2022

Controversies are a potentially powerful teaching tool in the management classroom enabling students to explore different perspectives on an issue and to develop their skills in areas such as critical thinking and communication. Controversy is implicit to learning and to leadership and management roles in workplaces where multiple opposing views inevitably exist. Prior research asserts that constructive controversy resolution skills are important to management students. This multipart study presents a model and measure of controversy teaching approaches and explores evidence of their reliability and validity using confirmatory factor analysis and correlations with relevant outcomes and measures. The three studies, with samples of management and leadership students across several U.S. institutions, provide initial evidence of the validity of the model and measure. Multiple perspectives and avoidance were found to be underlying dimensions of instructors’ observed approaches to teaching controversial topics. The controversy teaching approaches model and measure used in this study have potential to support instructional development for management educators, as well as further research on controversy teaching. This study also has practical implications for how instructors approach controversies in the classroom and may aid effective teaching and learning.
Mechanical behavior, mesoscopic properties and energy evolution of deeply buried marble during triaxial loading
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Li Songyu , Wang Jianguo , Xiong Feng , Xie Lixiang
Published: July 2022

A series of triaxial compression tests were conducted on deep-buried marble to reveal its deformation and failure characteristics along with the formation mechanism under high in-situ stress. The effects of confining pressure on the strength, deformation of marble samples were firstly analyzed. Then, the internal failure characteristics and energy evolution of the samples were comprehensively investigated based on the micro-CT scanning technology and energy balance theory. Results show that the strength and deformation at damage stress and peak stress points of marble samples increase with the increase of confining pressure. Micro-CT reconstructions reveal that the microcracks in the uniaxial compression sample are mainly tensile cracks and the failure exhibits obvious brittleness and splitting characteristics. The failure mode of triaxial compression samples gradually changes to shear failure with the increase of confining pressure. The number of cracks decreases first and then increases, and the damage is intensified around the main shear failure plane of samples under high confining pressure, resulting in a large number of conjugate secondary cracks. Further, with the increase of confining pressure, the strength increases linearly at energy hardening point, but increases nonlinearly at energy softening point. At the peak stress point, both total energy Utp and dissipated energy Udp increase in a concave function, while the elastic strain energy Uep and the circumferential strain energy U3p (negative direction) increase linearly. Besides, the damage evolution driven by energy can be roughly divided into hardening phase, energy storage phase, damage softening phase, and residual phase. These results can provide a useful reference for further understanding the failure mechanism of rock under high in-situ stress for disaster prevention.
Resistivity contribution tensor for two non-conductive overlapping spheres having different radii
Authors: Lanzoni Luca , Radi Enrico , Sevostianov Igor
Published: July 2022

We consider here the problem of a three-dimensional (3D) body subjected to an arbitrarily oriented and remotely applied stationary heat flux. The body includes a non-conductive inhomogeneity (or pore) having the shape of two intersecting spheres with different radii. Using toroidal coordinates, the steady-state temperature field and the heat flux have been expressed in terms of Mehler–Fock transforms. Then, by imposing Neumann BCs at the surface of the spheres, a system of two Fredholm integral equations is obtained and solved based on Gauss–Laguerre quadrature rule. It is shown that the components of the resistivity contribution tensor exhibit a non-monotonic trend with the distance between sphere centers. In particular, if the inhomogeneity has a symmetric dumbbell-shape, then the extrema of the resistivity contribution tensor components occur when the two overlapping spheres have the same size. Differently, when the inhomogeneity has a lenticular shape, then these extrema are attained for a non-symmetric configuration, namely, for different radii of the intersecting spheres.
Surgical treatment and outcome of intrahepatic shunts in 12 cats
Authors: Economu Lavinia , Strickland Rhiannon , Lipscomb Vicky J
Published: July 2022

Case series summary

The objective of this case series was to describe the presentation, surgical treatment and outcome of a congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) in 12 cats. A retrospective case series of cats undergoing surgical treatment for an IHPSS was undertaken. Signalment, clinical signs, imaging, surgical treatment, complications and short-term outcome (<30 days) were obtained using medical records. Long-term outcome (>1 year after first surgery) was obtained, where possible, using a health-related quality of life owner questionnaire. Seven cats were diagnosed with a left divisional shunt, three with a central divisional shunt and two with a right divisional shunt using intraoperative mesenteric portovenography. Three cats tolerated complete acute suture attenuation, eight cats underwent partial suture attenuation, four of which received complete suture ligation at a second surgery, and one cat underwent partial attenuation with a thin film band. Six cats (50%) developed post-attenuation neurological signs (PANS) after first surgery and two cats (17%) died or were euthanased due to severe PANS. Long-term outcome was available for eight cats (67%), with a median follow-up time of 1743 days (range 364–2228), and was described as excellent in five cats (63%), fair in two cats (25%) and poor in one cat (12%).

Relevance and novel information

Few papers exist that describe the presentation, intraoperative imaging, treatment and outcome of IHPSSs in cats. This is the first to describe surgical attenuation with a thin film band in a cat with an IHPSS. This case series reports excellent long-term outcomes in a majority of surgically treated cats with IHPSS.
Joint Modeling of Repeated Measurements of Different Biomarkers Predicts Mortality in COVID-19 Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tong-Minh Kirby , van der Does Yuri , van Rosmalen Joost , Ramakers Christian , Gommers Diederik , van Gorp Eric , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Endeman Henrik
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Predicting disease severity is important for treatment decisions in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU). Different biomarkers have been investigated in COVID-19 as predictor of mortality, including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). Using repeated measurements in a prediction model may result in a more accurate risk prediction than the use of single point measurements. The goal of this study is to investigate the predictive value of trends in repeated measurements of CRP, PCT, IL-6, and suPAR on mortality in patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19.

Methods:

This was a retrospective single center cohort study. Patients were included if they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR test and if IL-6, PCT, suPAR was measured during any of the ICU admission days. There were no exclusion criteria for this study. We used joint models to predict ICU-mortality. This analysis was done using the framework of joint models for longitudinal and survival data. The reported hazard ratios express the relative change in the risk of death resulting from a doubling or 20% increase of the biomarker’s value in a day compared to no change in the same period.

Results:

A total of 107 patients were included, of which 26 died during ICU admission. Adjusted for sex and age, a doubling in the next day in either levels of PCT, IL-6, and suPAR were significantly predictive of in-hospital mortality with HRs of 1.523 (1.012-6.540), 75.25 (1.116-6247), and 24.45 (1.696-1057) respectively. With a 20% increase in biomarker value in a subsequent day, the HR of PCT, IL-6, and suPAR were 1.117 (1.03-1.639), 3.116 (1.029-9.963), and 2.319 (1.149-6.243) respectively.

Conclusion:

Joint models for the analysis of repeated measurements of PCT, suPAR, and IL-6 are a useful method for predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients in the ICU. Patients with an increasing trend of biomarker levels in consecutive days are at increased risk for mortality.
Introduction: Parenting, polyamory and consensual non-monogamy. Critical and queer perspectives
Authors: Klesse Christian , Cardoso Daniel , Pallotta-Chiarolli Maria , Raab Michael , Schadler Cornelia , Schippers Mimi
Published: July 2022

This special issue explores key issues regarding the parenting practices within polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous intimate relationships. The contributions are concerned with the stigmatization of child-care practices that deviate from the default of couple-based monogamy, exceed biological definitions of kinship and experiment with new forms of spatial organization beyond shared residence. In this introduction, we highlight key themes of previous research, highlight normative pressures and counter-normative contestations around the themes of exclusivity, gendered parenting roles, relational development framed as intimate growth and a pervasive reproductive futurism. Polyamorous parenting practices negotiate a complex social terrain shaped by social and health policies, law, housing development, creating new avenues for parenting roles, and the (re)organization of care work and the division of labour in child-rearing.
“Everybody’s doing it”: Exploring the consequences of intergroup contact norms
Authors: Boss Harrison , Buliga Elena , MacInnis Cara C.
Published: July 2022

Newcomers to a country can strongly benefit from having positive intergroup contact with host country residents. Often, however, such contact does not occur. Norms surrounding intergroup contact between newcomers and host country residents were explored over three studies. Correlational relationships among positive perceived contact norms, positive attitudes, and behavioural intentions supporting contact were demonstrated over multiple studies. Further, an experimental manipulation indicating higher (vs. lower and control) contact between host country residents and newcomers predicted behavioural intentions toward future intergroup contact through heightened intergroup contact norms and more positive attitudes toward newcomers. Implications of using norms as a means to impact intergroup relations are discussed.
Taking a knee: Haunted memetic counter-activism
Authors: Lennox Solomon
Published: July 2022

In May 2020, the world witnessed Derek Chauvin, a serving White police officer, murder George Floyd, a Black American male. A video of the murder, shot by Darnella Frazier, documented Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for a little under eight minutes. The video served as a call to action with protests erupting throughout the summer of 2020 across the USA. Activists took to the streets demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism. The act of kneeling became a recurrent symbol of these protests. This article specifically focuses on instances where police officers have taken the knee opposite protesters. The author argues that, within this context, kneeling is a memetic performance; it is a unit of cultural information passed on through repetition and mutation. Through mutation (repetition with difference), the symbolic meaning of the act changes. In the case of police officers kneeling opposite protesters, the act purportedly symbolizes moments of solidarity and understanding between the two sides. Much like the video that inspired the protests, instances of officers kneeling opposite protesters were captured, disseminated via social media and went viral. The stillness of these moments promised hope for movement towards a more equitable and humane future. But these images serve as a form of dirty data as they document a future yet to materialize. To this end, the act of kneeling is a haunted gesture, serving as a form of counter-activism. The act of kneeling by police officers, irrespective of the intentions of the individuals involved, does not solicit an encounter with the ghosts of police brutality and systemic racism. Rather the act, as a mutated form of activism, simultaneously disrupts the atmosphere of protests and reclaims narratives about police conduct, without enacting meaningful change.
Influence of pilling on the quality of flax single jersey knitted fabrics
Authors: Asanovic Koviljka A , Ivanovska Aleksandra M , Jankoska Maja Z , Bukhonka Nadiia , Mihailovic Tatjana V , Kostic Mirjana M
Published: July 2022

In this work, the quality of four plain single jersey weft-knitted fabrics (produced from the same flax yarn) having different structural characteristics (stitch density, weight, and thickness) before and after pilling, was examined. The quality of knitted fabrics was evaluated in terms of their compression (compressibility, thickness loss, and compressive resilience), comfort (air permeability and water retention), and strength (bursting strength and ball traverse elongation) properties. The obtained results revealed that the fabric with the lowest structural characteristic values has the highest compressibility, thickness loss, and air permeability, while the least compressive resilience, water retention, bursting strength, and ball traverse elongation, both before and after pilling. Pilling causes a decrease of compressibility, thickness loss, air permeability, water retention (for three lightweight fabrics), bursting strength, and ball traverse elongation but an increase in compressive resilience and water retention (for the most compact fabric). All studied knitted fabrics have excellent quality before pilling and excellent to good quality after pilling. A pilling leads to a decrease in the quality of all fabrics, especially of those with the least compact structure. Sample with moderate compactness possesses the best overall quality.
A multidisciplinary approach to the management of brachial plexus injuries: experience from the Mayo Clinic over 100 years
Authors: Shin Alexander Y. , Bishop Allen T. , Loosbroch Michelle F. , Spinner Robert J.
Published: July 2022

A multidisciplinary brachial plexus clinic has been a relatively new concept, offering different surgical speciality perspectives on the treatment of brachial plexus injuries. The resulting collaborative effort has proven to be greater than the sum of its parts. In this review, the history, philosophy of care, development/implementation and impact of a creation of a multidisciplinary brachial plexus team at the Mayo Clinic are detailed.
Severe hyponatraemia peripartum associated with omeprazole therapy
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: July 2022

Hyponatraemia is the most commonly encountered electrolyte abnormality in pregnancy and may be associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Rapid onset, severe hyponatraemia has been reported with proton-pump inhibitor therapy in non-pregnant individuals. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is very common during pregnancy, and proton-pump inhibitors are available without a prescription in many countries. A case of severe maternal hyponatraemia in the setting of recent omeprazole therapy is presented. Health professionals should be aware of this complication given the availability of proton-pump inhibitors without prescription and high rates of gestational gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Is blockchain the breakthrough we are looking for to facilitate genomic data sharing? The European Union perspective
Authors: Cascini Fidelia , Beccia Flavia , Causio Francesco A , Gentili Andrea , Melnyk Andriy , Boccia Stefania , Ricciardi Walter
Published: July 2022

The recent progress of genomics research is providing unprecedented insight into human genetic variance, susceptibility to disease and risk stratification. Current trends predict that a massive amount of genomic data will be produced in the upcoming years which, when coupled with the fast-paced development of the field, will create new social, ethical, and legal challenges. In the complex legislative environment of the European Union, genomic data sharing policies will have to weigh the benefits of scientific discovery against the ethical risks posed by the act of sharing sensitive data. In this complex, interconnected environment, blockchain provides a unique and novel solution to accountability, traceability, and transparency issues regarding genomic data sharing. Implementing a distributed ledger technology-based database could empower both patients and citizens to responsibly use genomic data pertaining to them because it allows for a higher degree of control over the recipients of their data and their uses. The blockchain technology will engage both data owners and policymakers to address the multiple issues of genomic data sharing and allow us to redefine the way we look at genomics.
In Vitro Effects of Permethrin on Sinonasal Epithelia
Authors: Lee Jivianne T. , Yang Hong‐Ho , Sanghoon Shin Daniel , Srivatsan Eri , Basak Saroj
Published: July 2022

Inhalant toxicants are postulated to contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Permethrin is a pesticide widely used in agricultural, industrial, and residential settings. The objective of this pilot study is to investigate the in vitro effects of permethrin on sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs). Sinus mucosa was collected from 4 patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery without a history of chronic rhinosinusitis. Cultured SNECs were exposed to varied concentrations of permethrin (0‐156 µM) for 6 days. Cell viability and proliferation were determined via the MTT colorimetric assay and the Incucyte Live Cell Imaging System. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was measured by the DCFDA ROS detection assay. A statistically significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation was observed between the exposure and control groups at certain concentrations, and a dose‐dependent increase in ROS activity was also observed. These findings indicate that permethrin may have deleterious effects on SNECs in a dose‐dependent manner.
From ‘at risk’ to ‘a risk’: The criminalisation of young people with cognitive disability in residential care
Authors: McCausland Ruth , Dowse Leanne
Published: July 2022

There is a growing body of research in Australia and internationally focused on ‘care-criminalisation’: the criminal justice system involvement of young people in out-of-home care. Residential care – a model of out-of-home care where groups of children and young people live with paid staff – has been identified as a specific site of criminalisation for those who live there, in particular young people with cognitive disability and complex support needs. This raises significant human rights concerns and the need for greater systemic scrutiny. This article aims to make a contribution by focusing specifically on the institutional arrangements and characterisations that criminalise young people with cognitive disability in residential care through interrogating the official administrative records of two young people with cognitive disability who spent time in residential care and had contact with the criminal justice system as teenagers. Analysing case studies compiled from these records illustrates the ways that criminal justice intervention becomes justified and normalised for young people with cognitive disability in residential care. We critique the ways that institutional mechanisms and narratives serve to construct, coerce and constrain young people with cognitive disability in residential care. The specific forms of surveillance and control they are subjected to mean that their designation of ‘at risk’ almost routinely transmutes to ‘a risk’ to others, to themselves and to property and in the process their vulnerability and need for care and protection becomes instead a mechanism of criminalisation. Often disability becomes erased or at least overshadowed in administrative records, with care-specific and disability-related behaviour reinscribed as offending behaviour. Particularly stark in this analysis is the institutional and interpersonal violence that accompanies such criminalisation and the pervasive nature of this violence in the lives of young people with cognitive disability in residential care settings: violence they are subjected to by those responsible for their care and safety and violence as their response to the regulation of their circumstances – against property and staff and towards themselves.
Comparative proteomic analysis of glomerular proteins in primary and bucillamine-induced membranous nephropathy
Authors: Kaga Hajime , Matsumura Hirotoshi , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Odaka Masafumi , Komatsuda Atsushi , Takahashi Naoto , Wakui Hideki
Published: July 2022

Background

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibody (PLA2R Ab)-associated membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common form of primary MN (pMN). On the other hand, bucillamine (BCL), an antirheumatic drug developed in Japan, was reported to cause a rare form of secondary MN (sMN). Between these MN forms, comparative proteomic analysis of glomerular proteins has not been performed.

Methods

We used renal biopsy specimens from 6 patients with PLA2R Ab (+) pMN, 6 patients with PLA2R Ab (‒) pMN, 6 patients with BCL-induced sMN, and 5 control cases (time 0 transplant biopsies). Proteins were extracted from laser-microdissected glomeruli and analyzed using mass spectrometry. The quantification values of protein abundance in each MN group were compared with those in the control group.

Results

More than 800 proteins with high confidence were identified. Principal component analysis revealed a different distribution between the pMN and sMN groups. For further analysis, 441 proteins matched with ≥ 3 peptides were selected. Among the pMN and sMN groups, we compared the profiles of several protein groups based on the structural and functional characteristics, such as immunoglobulins, complements, complement-regulating proteins, podocyte-associated proteins, glomerular basement membrane proteins, and several proteins that are known to be associated with kidney diseases, including MN. In all MN groups, increased levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), complements (C3, C4, and C9), complement factor H-related protein 5, type XVIII collagen, calmodulin, polyubiquitin, and ubiquitin ligase were observed. For some proteins, such as type VII collagen and nestin, the fold-change values were significantly different between the pMN and sMN groups.

Conclusions

Between the pMN and BCL-induced sMN groups, we observed common and different alterations in protein levels such as known disease-associated proteins and potential disease marker proteins.
Analyzing multi-level governance dynamics from a discourse network perspective: the debate over air pollution regulation in Germany
Authors: Nagel Melanie , Bravo-Laguna Carlos
Published: July 2022

Background

Designed to set limits to air pollutant emissions, EU Directive 2008/50/EG has pushed city administrations to strengthen their commitment to environmental protection with mixed results. However, the effectiveness of these policies remains suboptimal. Within this context, this paper provides original empirical evidence on the nature and evolution of the debate over air pollution in the EU that helps readers understand how the interplay among discourse coalitions across levels of governance relates to the implementation of air pollution directives in Europe. To provide this evidence, we apply the discourse-coalition framework to a multi-level governance context by comparing debates over air pollution and examining their evolution in different contexts through the use of discourse network analysis.

Results

Our results show that the debate in the EU institutions is largely dominated by pro-environmental coalitions, whereas discussions in Stuttgart and Berlin show different degrees of permeability to such arguments. Hence, the relative prominence of certain actors and levels of governance in the local discourse helps explain the extent to which debates at the local level align with the arguments put forward by the EU institutions. For their part, governmental organizations have a tendency to act as bridges between discourse coalitions.

Conclusions

This novel empirical evidence provides clues that help make sense of the varying levels of implementation of EU air pollution directives at the local level. In this regard, the ability of supranational and national bodies to align their discourse with those of local organizations might facilitate a common understanding and the successful implementation of EU policies. Policymakers aiming to improve air quality at the local level may want to consider engaging actively with this debate by reinforcing the arguments of pro-environmental coalitions. They may also want to make a special effort to ensure that the messages conveyed to supranational and national bodies are also effectively conveyed to lower levels of governance.
Does adding the drug–drug similarity to drug–target interaction prediction methods make a noticeable improvement in their efficiency?
Authors: Hassanzadeh Reza , Shabani-Mashcool Soheila
Published: July 2022

Predicting drug–target interactions (DTIs) has become an important bioinformatics issue because it is one of the critical and preliminary stages of drug repositioning. Therefore, scientists are trying to develop more accurate computational methods for predicting drug–target interactions. These methods are usually based on machine learning or recommender systems and use biological and chemical information to improve the accuracy of predictions. In the background of these methods, there is a hypothesis that drugs with similar chemical structures have similar targets. So, the similarity between drugs as chemical information is added to the computational methods to improve the prediction results. The question that arises here is whether this claim is actually true? If so, what method should be used to calculate drug–drug chemical structure similarities? Will we obtain the same improvement from any DTI prediction method we use? Here, we investigated the amount of improvement that can be achieved by adding the drug–drug chemical structure similarities to the problem. For this purpose, we considered different types of real chemical similarities, random drug–drug similarities, four gold standard datasets and four state-of-the-art methods. Our results show that the type and size of data, the method which is used to predict the interactions, and the algorithm used to calculate the chemical similarities between drugs are all important, and it cannot be easily stated that adding drug–drug similarities can significantly improve the results. Therefore, our results could suggest a checklist for scientists who want to improve their machine learning methods.
Differential expression profile and in-silico functional analysis of long noncoding RNA and mRNA in duck embryo fibroblasts infected with duck plague virus
Authors: Wu Ziyu , Zeng Yue , Cheng Anchun , Sun Anyang , Wang Mingshu , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Zhu Dekang , Zhao Xinxin , Wu Ying , Yang Qiao , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Gao Qun , Mao Sai , Sun Di , Tian Bin , Zhang Ling , Yin Zhongqiong , Jia Renyong
Published: July 2022

Background

Duck plague virus (DPV), belonging to herpesviruses, is a linear double-stranded DNA virus. There are many reports about the outbreak of the duck plague in a variety of countries, which caused huge economic losses. Recently, increasing reports revealed that multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can possess great potential in the regulation of host antiviral immune response. Furthermore, it remains to be determined which specific molecular mechanisms are responsible for the DPV-host interaction in host immunity. Here, lncRNAs and mRNAs in DPV infected duck embryonic fibroblast (DEF) cells were identified by high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). And we predicted target genes of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and formed a complex regulatory network depending on in-silico analysis and prediction.

Result

RNA-seq analysis results showed that 2921 lncRNAs were found at 30 h post-infection (hpi). In our study, 218 DE lncRNAs and 2840 DE mRNAs were obtained in DEF after DPV infection. Among these DEGs and target genes, some have been authenticated as immune-related molecules, such as a Macrophage mannose receptor (MR), Anas platyrhynchos toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), leukocyte differentiation antigen, interleukin family, and their related regulatory factors. Furthermore, according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we found that the target genes may have important effects on biological development, biosynthesis, signal transduction, cell biological regulation, and cell process. Also, we obtained, the potential targeting relationship existing in DEF cells between host lncRNAs and DPV-encoded miRNAs by software.

Conclusions

This study revealed not only expression changes, but also the possible biological regulatory relationship of lncRNAs and mRNAs in DPV infected DEF cells. Together, these data and analyses provide additional insight into the role of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the host's immune response to DPV infection.