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Prehospital Mechanical Ventilation: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

Airway emergencies and respiratory failure frequently occur in the prehospital setting. Patients undergoing advanced airway management customarily receive manual ventilations. However, manual ventilation is associated with hypo- and hyperventilation, variable tidal volumes, and barotrauma, among other potential complications. Portable mechanical ventilators offer an important strategy for optimizing ventilation and mitigating ventilatory complications.EMS clinicians, including those performing emergency response as well as interfacility transports, should consider using mechanical ventilation after advanced airway insertion.Prehospital mechanical ventilation techniques, strategies, and parameters should be disease-specific and should mirror in-hospital best practices.EMS clinicians must receive training in the general principles of mechanical ventilation as well as detailed training in the operation of the specific system(s) used by the EMS agency.Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation must receive appropriate sedation and analgesia.

Cross-linguistic transfer in Turkish-English bilinguals' descriptions of motion events

Languages differ in how they express motion: Languages like English prefer to conflate manner and path into the same clause and express both elements frequently while languages like Turkish prefer to express these elements separately, with a greater preference for the expression of path of motion. While typological patterns are well-established for monolingual speakers of a variety of languages, relatively less is known about motion expression in bilingual speakers. The current study examined the packaging (expressing each element in separate clauses or within the same clause) and lexical choices (amount and diversity of manner and path verbs) for motion expression in monolingual speakers of Turkish or English and advanced Turkish (L1)-English (L2) bilinguals in a narrative elicitation task. Bilinguals were successful in attaining many English-like patterns of expression in their L2 English but also showed some packaging and lexical choices that were intermediate between English and Turkish monolinguals-thus providing evidence of an L1-to-L2 cross-linguistic effect. Subtle effects of L2 on L1 were also found in bilinguals' lexical choices for the expression of motion in their L1 Turkish. Altogether, our results demonstrate bi-directional transfer effects of learning a typologically distinct language in advanced Turkish-English bilinguals.

Development potential and technical strategy of continental shale oil in China

Continental shale oil is a general term for liquid hydrocarbons and many kinds of organic matter in continental organic-rich shale series with vitrinite reflectance of more than 0.5% at buried depth of more than 300 m, and is an important type of source-rock oil and gas. Based on the evolution model of oil generation and expulsion in organic-rich shale series controlled by maturity, continental shale oil is divided into two types: medium-high maturity and medium-low maturity. (1) The continental shale series in China develop high-quality source rocks of freshwater and saltwater lacustrine facies, as well as multiple types of reservoirs, including elastic rocks, carbonate rocks, diamictite, tuff and shale, forming a number of "sweet sections" and "sweet areas" of continuous distribution inside or near source rocks, which have large scale resources. (2) Experimental analysis of organic rich shale samples shows that the shale samples with wavy and horizontal beddings have good storage conditions, and the horizontal permeability of shale is tens to hundreds of times of its vertical permeability, which is conducive to the lateral migration and accumulation of shale oil in the source rocks. (3) After evaluation, the geological resources of medium-high maturity shale oil are about 10 billion tons, which can be effectively developed by horizontal drilling and volumetric fracturing, and will be a practical field of oil exploration in recent years. Shale oil with medium and low maturity has huge resource potential, and technological recoverable resources of (70-90) billion tons, making it a strategic alternative resource of oil industry. However, economic development of this type of shale oil needs in-situ conversion technology breakthroughs. Continental shale oil is an inevitable choice in the process of Chinese continental petroleum exploration from "outside source" to "inside source". Making breakthroughs in the core technologies such as "sweet area" evaluation and optimization, horizontal well volume fracturing and in-situ conversion technology and equipment is the key to realizing scale development of continental shale oil economically.

Energy vulnerability around the world: The global energy vulnerability index (GEVI)

Vulnerability has garnered an increasing attention from academia, international community and industry. Nonetheless, formal definition, mainstreaming, and measurement of vulnerability are still flawed in the economic literature. Energy vulnerability, intended as the exposure of an energy system to adverse events and change, often overlaps with other energy policy concepts such as resilience, security, poverty, justice, and sustainability. This paper improves understanding of vulnerability in economics, energy, and sustainability studies by: i) constructing a dataset on energy vulnerability made of 180.000 observations; ii) formally defining energy vulnerability, while considering the regulatory framework and development agenda; iii) building a composite indicator on energy vulnerability; iv) analyzing and ranking the energy vulnerability of a vast number of OECD and non-OECD countries; v) testing for robustness checks. The analysis suggests that GDP is not necessarily a leading driver for energy vulnerability, whilst resource embedment is, since fossil and renewable energy producers are less vulnerable. Eventually, the paper validates that green countries are less vulnerable, differently from cold, heavily-industrialized, and highly-consuming countries. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epigenetic regulation by gut microbiota

The gastrointestinal tract is continuously exposed to trillions of commensal microbes, collectively termed the microbiota, which are environmental stimuli that can direct health and disease within the host. In addition to well-established bacterial sensing pathways, microbial signals are also integrated through epigenetic modifications that calibrate the transcriptional program of host cells without altering the underlying genetic code. Microbiota-sensitive epigenetic changes include modifications to the DNA or histones, as well as regulation of non-coding RNAs. While microbiota-sensitive epigenetic mechanisms have been described in both local intestinal cells and as well in peripheral tissues, further research is required to fully decipher the complex relationship between the host and microbiota. This Review highlights current understandings of epigenetic regulation by gut microbiota and important implications of these findings in guiding therapeutic approaches to prevent or combat diseases driven by impaired microbiota-host interactions.

Oxygen supplementation to limit hypoxia-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes: comparison with amino acid supplement and electrical stimulation

In skeletal muscle, chronic oxygen depletion induces a disturbance leading to muscle atrophy. Mechanical stress (physical exercise) and nutritional supplement therapy are commonly used against loss of muscle mass and undernutrition in hypoxia, while oxygenation therapy is preferentially used to counteract muscle fatigue and exercise intolerance. However, the impact of oxygenation on skeletal muscle cells remains poorly understood, in particular on signalling pathways regulating protein balance. Thus, we investigated the effects of each separated treatment (mechanical stress, nutritional supplementation and oxygenation therapy) on intracellular pathways involved in protein synthesis and degradation that are imbalanced in skeletal muscle cells atrophy resulting from hypoxia. Myotubes under hypoxia were treated by electrical stimulation, amino acids supplement or oxygenation period. Signalling pathways involved in protein synthesis (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) and degradation (FoxO1 and FoxO3a) were investigated, so as autophagy, ubiquitin-proteasome system and myotube morphology. Electrical stimulation and oxygenation treatment resulted in higher myotube diameter, myogenic fusion index and myotubes density until 48 h post-treatment compared to untreated hypoxic myotubes. Both treatments also induced inhibition of FoxO3a and decreased activity of ubiquitin-proteasome system; however, their impact on protein synthesis pathway was specific for each one. Indeed, electrical stimulation impacted upstream proteins to mTOR (i.e., Akt) while oxygenation treatment activated downstream targets of mTOR (i.e., 4E-BP1 and P70S6K). In contrast, amino acid supplementation had very few effects on myotube morphology nor on protein homeostasis. This study demonstrated that electrical stimulation or oxygenation period are two effective treatments to fight against hypoxia-induced muscle atrophy, acting through different molecular adaptations.

Lecturer Support in the Implementation of a New Curriculum During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The objective of the study was to assess the support provided to lecturers in the implementation of a new curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic to suggest early intervention strategies that address resources and knowledge deficiency gaps that have a negative impact on curriculum implementation. A survey design was used in the study. A representative sample of 30 lecturers was randomly selected from 5 Faculty of Natural Resources Management and Agriculture departments to complete the questionnaire between June and July 2020. The majority of the lecturers agreed that they were involved in the curriculum development. There was affirmation on the issue of professional development, leadership's support for lecturers' curriculum implementation and adequate time for curriculum implementation. Similarly, there was collaboration between university leadership and lecturers to plan curriculum implementation. On the contrary, funds for research necessary for curriculum implementation, instructional materials and supplies and technological resources were not adequately supplied. Hence, the paper becomes critical as it highlights the unavailability of technological resources which play a crucial role in online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lunar Crater Identification in Digital Images

It is often necessary to identify a pattern of observed craters in a single image of the lunar surface and without any prior knowledge of the camera's location. This so-called "lost-in-space" crater identification problem is common in both crater-based terrain relative navigation (TRN) and in automatic registration of scientific imagery. Past work on crater identification has largely been based on heuristic schemes, with poor performance outside of a narrowly defined operating regime (e.g., nadir pointing images, small search areas). This work provides the first mathematically rigorous treatment of the general crater identification problem. It is shown when it is (and when it is not) possible to recognize a pattern of elliptical crater rims in an image formed by perspective projection. For the cases when it is possible to recognize a pattern, descriptors are developed using invariant theory that provably capture all of the viewpoint invariant information. These descriptors may be pre-computed for known crater patterns and placed in a searchable index for fast recognition. New techniques are also developed for computing pose from crater rim observations and for evaluating crater rim correspondences. These techniques are demonstrated on both synthetic and real images.

Frequency change of future extreme summer meteorological and hydrological droughts over North America

This paper describes projected frequency changes in extreme summer meteorological and hydrological droughts over North American catchments. It uses two large ensemble climate models (50-member CanESM2 and 40-member CESM1) under the RCP 8.5 scenario to robustly assess frequency changes up to the 100-year drought, relative to the 1980-2009 reference period. Meteorological droughts, linked solely to precipitation deficit, are represented by the 1-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), whereas hydrological droughts are characterized by the 1-month Streamflow Drought Index (SDI), based on hydrological simulation using a lumped hydrological model. Results show widely different patterns for future changes in extreme meteorological versus hydrological droughts. Future meteorological droughts show patterns of increasing and decreasing frequency that roughly match future expected changes of mean summer precipitation, although some regions are nonetheless projected to see more frequent extreme meteorological droughts despite increases in mean summer precipitation. The frequency changes for the 100-year meteorological droughts can be quite severe, with up to a 20-fold increase observed over some watersheds. On the other hand, hydrological droughts, which combine the effect of precipitation and temperature changes, show a mostly uniform pattern of large to very large increases in drought frequency. This shows that the projected temperature increase is a main driver of future extreme hydrological droughts, enough to overcome the projected increase in mean summer precipitation for many North American catchments. Projected changes in both meteorological and hydrological droughts get consistently worse for the longer considered return periods. In other words, frequency changes for the 100-year droughts are more significant than those expected for the 2- and 20-year droughts. This gradual worsening toward larger extremes has potentially large societal and economic impacts. The large projected increases in the frequency of extreme hydrological drought frequency (up to 27 times) are likely to severely stress water management systems across North America.

Assessing the economic and environmental sustainability of household food waste management in the UK: Current situation and future scenarios

The value embedded in food waste is increasingly being recognised, with the UN targeting a 50% reduction in consumer food waste and the EU recycling of 60% of all household waste, both by 2030. Aiming to provide guidance on the most sustainable food waste utilisation routes, this study evaluates the life cycle environmental and economic sustainability of five plausible scenarios for the year 2030. Focusing on the UK for context, these are compared to the current treatment of food waste as well as to its potential future prevention. The scenarios consider a differing share of four widely-used treatment methods: anaerobic digestion, in-vessel composting, incineration and landfilling. The scenario with the highest anaerobic digestion share that recovers both heat and electricity is the best option for seven out of 19 environmental impacts and the second best for life cycle costs. Upgrading anaerobic digestion biogas to biomethane achieves the lowest global warming potential and life cyde costs. Net-negative global warming potential (savings) can be achieved if the heat from anaerobic digestion and incineration or biomethane are utilised to displace natural gas. Displacing a future electricity mix does not lead to significant global warming potential savings due to the expected grid decarbonisation. However, savings are still achieved for metal depletion and human and terrestrial toxicities as they are higher for decarbonised grid electricity due to the increased share of renewables. A greater share of in-vessel composting leads to higher impacts because of the high electricity consumption. Landfill reduction has an economic advantage for all the scenarios, except for the business-as-usual, with life cycle costs 11-75% lower than for the current situation. While future scenarios improve the overall sustainability compared to the current situation, halving food waste by 2030 can save 15 times more greenhouse gas emissions than the best treatment scenario without waste reduction. Therefore, any commitments to improve the sustainability of food waste treatment must be accompanied by an effective waste prevention strategy. The outcomes of this work can help waste treatment operators and policy makers towards more sustainable food waste management. Although the focus is on UK situation, the overall conclusions and recommendations are applicable to other regions. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Outcomes following surgical treatment of distal radial fracture: a comparison of older and younger patients using PROMIS

The purpose of this study was to assess the recovery patterns following surgery for distal radial fracture (DRF) in patients over (n = 99) and under (n = 273) the age of 65 using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) questionnaires. Both the older and younger cohorts showed postoperative improvement in PF and PI. The younger cohort had higher PF scores from 1 to 6 months postoperatively, however, PI scores were not significantly different between the cohorts during any period. A greater proportion of younger patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference improvement on the PROMIS PF (80% versus 66%) and PI (88% versus 75%) scales. To appropriately manage postoperative expectations, older patients should be counselled that they would likely experience most of their functional recovery by 3 months and limitations due to pain would likely be stable by 1 month.Level of evidence: II.

A change is gonna come: will traditional meat production end?

Recently, the world has faced environmental disasters mainly due to global warming. One of the main reasons for global temperature imbalances is the greenhouse gases (GHG) that soar the atmosphere's heat. The major aim of the current study is to explore whether the livestock population is the main contributor to GHG emission through econometric estimations. In this study, we examine the impact of livestock population with other explanatory variables-GDP per capita, Economic Complexity Index (ECI), ecological balance, and total patent applications-over GHG emission of 25 countries responsible for 76% of GHG emission between 1990 and 2017. To investigate the relationship of variables, Fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) are used, as well as panel causality. Also, the relationship is examined by using the responsiveness scores (RS) approach. The empirical results reveal that all variables have a causal relationship with GHG emission. GDP per capita, ECI, and livestock population enhance the GHG emission whereas square of GDP per capita and ecological balance decline the environmental degradation. The paper demonstrates that the environmental Kuznets curve is valid and supports the literature. Lastly, the RS estimation results reveal that the livestock population is causing higher GHG emissions for all countries in the analysis, contrary to other independent variables. Governments should promote carbon-neutral meat production facilities instead of traditional beef farms to live in a more sustainable world. In the future, countries that invest in research and development (R&D) for less emission meat production will have a comparative advantage in the sustainable international meat market.

A biochemiluminescent assay for rapid diagnosis of influenza

A biochemiluminescent assay of influenza diagnosis is presented. The assay diagnoses influenza based on detection of the influenza viral neuraminidase activity. An instrument designed for the assay is also reported. This assay solves the problem that current influenza virus diagnosis assays are susceptible to virus mutation. A luciferase-based complex is synthesized as biochemiluminescent substrate. The substrate is cleaved to free luciferin with presence of influenza neuraminidase in specimen. Luciferase is oxidized to oxyluciferin with luciferin as catalyzer resulting in luminescence, which is proportional to the neuraminidase activity and measured by instrument. The instrument uses a photomultiplier tube as sensor, with 24 test channels. Fine optical arrangements enable the instrument with high sensitivity and accuracy. A total of 389 clinical specimens were collected to evaluate the performance of the assay in clinical settings. This assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.92% (95% confidence interval 91.38-98.12%) and 97.93% (95% confidence interval 95.26-99.11%), respectively, compared to the colloidal gold assay. As a biochemiluminscence assay, this assay is advantageous in sensitivity and specificity. It does not require any washing or separation steps, which makes the instrument simple in design and easy to operate or maintenance. The assay is suitable for the rapid diagnosis of influenza virus in point-of-care settings.

Identification of ecosystem service bundles and driving factors in Beijing and its surrounding areas

In high-intensity human activity areas, such as metropolises, rapid changes in land use, agricultural intensification, and population urbanization have resulted in profound and complex transformations in socio-economic ecosystems. The study of ecosystem service (ES) bundle is conducive to various aspects, such as determination of the variation characteristics of ES; identification of the mechanism of interdependence within ES; and driving mechanism of socio-economic-ecological factors to ES to maintain the sustainable development of the region. The research areas include Beijing and its surrounding areas. Ten ES, including grain providing (GP), water yield (WY), carbon sequestration (CS), soil retention (SEC), purified water service, cultural services, and habitat quality (HQ) were selected for valuing and mapping. The ES paired trade-offs and synergetic relationship, bundle was determined, and the bundles' service types and spatial distribution characteristics were analyzed. Subsequently, GeoDetector was used for detecting the factors affecting the bundles' distribution. Results showed that WY, CS, SEC, and HQ were bounded by Tai -hang and Yanshan Mountains. Among the 45 pairs of ES, 38 pairs bore significant correlation. Multiple services had different degrees of positive and negative correlations with other services. For example, GP had a high positive correlation with WY while bearing a high negative correlation with HQ. Seven bundles include SEC, culture, urban, HQ agriculture, water supply and purification, and water purification. Various factors played decisive roles in the bundles' spatial distribution. Among them, the investment capacity and demand for ecological protection depend on the level of GDP and POP. The formulation of agricultural planting plans is inseparable from TADEM. ASL is directly related to species richness. Results indicate that bundle research can identify the areas of the formation of co-occurrence of trade-offs and synergies and support the formulation of ES optimal management plans for different regions through further research of the driving mechanism. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of M2 Macrophage-Derived Soluble Factors on Behavioral Patterns and Cytokine Production in Various Brain Structures in Depression-Like Mice

We studied the effect of soluble factors derived from human macrophages polarized to M2 phenotype under conditions of serum deprivation (M2-SF) on behavioral pattern and cytokine production in various brain structures in mice with modeled stress-induced depression. Intranasal administration of M2-SF for 7 days led to stimulation of locomotor and exploratory activities and a decrease in emotional reactivity in the open-field test as well as reduction in depression-like behavior in Porsolt forced swimming test and a decrease in anxiety and anhedonia. Correction of depression-like behavior was accompanied by down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and IFNγ) in pathogenetically important brain structures (striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex). These data indicate that the antidepressant potential of M2 type macrophages can be mediated by the anti-inflammatory effects of M2-SF.

Evaluation of central line salvage for mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) management practices in patients with hematologic malignancies

Patients with underlying hematologic malignancy (HM) and/or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at risk for mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) secondary to bacterial translocation. There is sparse data comparing MBI-LCBI management practices, in particular central venous catheter (CVC) salvage versus removal. We created a 22-item poll of Infectious Disease specialists at major US cancer centers on management controversies. Response rate was 44% (31/70). CVC salvage was a common practice among 87.5%. This was followed by a single center retrospective study (2017-2019) comparing outcomes related to CVC practices. We identified 115 patients, 52% (60/115) admitted for chemotherapy and 33% (38/115) for allogeneic HCT. The majority of patients (78%, 90/115) had their CVC removed. There was no difference in 72 h defervescence, microbiological clearance, in-hospital mortality, and 90-day recurrent infection between CVC salvage versus removal. CVC salvage is a safe approach in certain clinical scenarios.

Topological Features of Electroencephalography are Robust to Re-referencing and Preprocessing

Electroencephalography (EEG) is among the most widely diffused, inexpensive, and adopted neuroimaging techniques. Nonetheless, EEG requires measurements against a reference site(s), which is typically chosen by the experimenter, and specific pre-processing steps precede analyses. It is therefore valuable to obtain quantities that are minimally affected by reference and pre-processing choices. Here, we show that the topological structure of embedding spaces, constructed either from multi-channel EEG timeseries or from their temporal structure, are subject-specific and robust to re-referencing and pre-processing pipelines. By contrast, the shape of correlation spaces, that is, discrete spaces where each point represents an electrode and the distance between them that is in turn related to the correlation between the respective timeseries, was neither significantly subject-specific nor robust to changes of reference. Our results suggest that the shape of spaces describing the observed configurations of EEG signals holds information about the individual specificity of the underlying individual's brain dynamics, and that temporal correlations constrain to a large degree the set of possible dynamics. In turn, these encode the differences between subjects' space of resting state EEG signals. Finally, our results and proposed methodology provide tools to explore the individual topographical landscapes and how they are explored dynamically. We propose therefore to augment conventional topographic analyses with an additional-topological-level of analysis, and to consider them jointly. More generally, these results provide a roadmap for the incorporation of topological analyses within EEG pipelines.

Scientists' warning to humanity on insect extinctions

Here we build on the manifesto 'World Scientists' Warning to Humanity, issued by the Alliance of World Scientists. As a group of conservation biologists deeply concerned about the decline of insect populations, we here review what we know about the drivers of insect extinctions, their consequences, and how extinctions can negatively impact humanity. We are causing insect extinctions by driving habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, use of polluting and harmful substances, the spread of invasive species, global climate change, direct overexploitation, and co-extinction of species dependent on other species. With insect extinctions, we lose much more than species. We lose abundance and biomass of insects, diversity across space and time with consequent homogenization, large parts of the tree of life, unique ecological functions and traits, and fundamental parts of extensive networks of biotic interactions. Such losses lead to the decline of key ecosystem services on which humanity depends. From pollination and decomposition, to being resources for new medicines, habitat quality indication and many others, insects provide essential and irreplaceable services. We appeal for urgent action to close key knowledge gaps and curb insect extinctions. An investment in research programs that generate local, regional and global strategies that counter this trend is essential. Solutions are available and implementable, but urgent action is needed now to match our intentions.

Thermal Requirements and Life Table Parameters of Tomato Leaf Miner Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Egypt

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The tomato leaf miner, <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Meyrick) is being a serious pest to tomato cultivations in Egypt since 2009. The present study was carried out to calculate the developmental parameters of insects based on temperature degree. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The influence of 3 tested temperatures (20, 24, 28°C) were examined to evaluate its effect on the developmental stages of <i>T. absoluta</i>. Developmental thresholds and needed heat units for insect stages were mathematically calculated according to developmental rates. <b>Results:</b> Developmental threshold for egg stage and mean thermal units were calculated to be 7°C and 86.2 DD's. The developmental threshold for the larval stage was 10°C, while mean thermal units were calculated to be 310.8 DD's. Percentages mortality of larval stage were 52, 74, 74 and 100% at 20, 24, 28 and 32°C, respectively. For the pupal stage developmental threshold and mean thermal units required for completing the pupal stage was 11.2°C and 132.2 DD's. For an adult, zero of the developmental threshold female and of male were 11.2 and 9.8°C, respectively. The mean required heat units for female and male was 142.3 and 136.7 DD's Life table parameters such as net Reproduction Rate (R<sub>◦</sub>), Mean Generation Time (Gt), Intrinsic Rate of Increase (r<sub>m</sub>), Finite Rate of Increase (λ) and Population Double Time (Dt) were calculated at three tested temperatures. <b>Conclusion:</b> Estimating thermal heat units of <i>T. absoluta</i> help in predicting the field generations of the insect and improve planning the integrated pest management.

Oxidant-antioxidant balance in girls with precocious puberty: a case-control study

This case-control study aims to evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant balance in girls having central precocious puberty (CPP) and premature thelarche (PT). Thirty-four girls having CPP, 24 girls having PT, and 49 healthy growing girls between 7 and 9 years of age admitted to child health supervision were enrolled. Total antioxidant and oxidant capacity, myeloperoxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide levels were analyzed in serum samples. Low total oxidant status (<12.0) was found to be highest in the CPP group, lowest in the control group, and the PT group was in between them. After controlling bone age and z score for body mass index, generalized linear models revealed lower oxidative stress index values in the CPP and the PT groups than the control group. Other studied parameters did not differ among groups. Precocious puberty in girls is associated with some changes in the oxidant-antioxidant status.

Experimental investigation and economic assessment of a solar still performance using high-frequency ultrasound waves atomizer

In this paper, an experimental study is performed to investigate the influence of utilizing high frequency ultrasound atomizer (HFU) on augmenting the performance of a solar still (SS). Atomized saline water has been utilized as a motivator to enhance the humidification process inside the SS cavity. Due to the negative influence of fogging on heat transfer by radiation, an on-off timer is utilized to control the HFU atomizer on-time and off-time which helps to avoid this influence. The different parameters such as the atomizer number, water height, feed water salinity and on-time and off-time were studied with two operating modes; HFU-SS (SS with atomizers) and C-SS (conventional design). It has been found that the saline water atomizing by ultrasound waves significantly augments the evaporation performance inside the SS cavity. Results depict that the increasing of the atomizer number has a positive influence on the system efficiency and productivity. Results show that the C-SS and HFU-SS daily productivity were about 3.58 L/m(2) and 4.41 L/m(2) respectively. The average thermal efficiency of the HFU-SS atomizer was augmented by about 28.75%-55.75% compared to C-SS. The thermal efficiency of HFU-SS affect the atomizer number and reaches the maximum value 40.21% at two atomizer. The thermal efficiency of HFU-SS decreased with the increment of the water height and varied between 35.61% and 40.5%. The thermal efficiency of HFU-SS was augmented by about 72% for on-time = 25 min and off-time = 25 min compared to the continuous operation. Also, an economic analysis was performed and illustrated that the cost of distillate water from HFU-SS reduced by about 12.94%-14.54% less than C-SS. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Industrial construction safety policies and practices with cost impacts in a COVID-19 pandemic environment: A Louisiana DOW case study

There are always significant challenges in improving the safety culture by changing and adding additional safety protocols. The unknown impacts of COVID-19 and how it quickly spreads led the industry to institute essential safety protocols. This paper addresses two problem statements. The first problem statement is: what are the additional safety protocols for process safety, construction & maintenance, and personal protective equipment requirements? The second problem statement is: what are the cost and schedule impacts of industrial construction projects resulting from implementing safety protocols and process safety during construction with the added PPE? While complying with added safety protocols, the industrial construction industry cannot forget that it has a distinct reputation for high incident rates and less than desirable safety performance. In 2017, the construction industry suffered 971 fatalities. This alarming number is compared to 1123 total fatalities in 2017 for the Gulf Coast States. The objective is to share the rationale and practices of social distancing, required additional PPE, and personal hygiene practices to reduce spreading and outbreaks during a pandemic within an industrial construction environment. Before any construction work, the process safety teams must clear, isolate, and tag out process lines, equipment, and instruments to be repaired or replaced. The information presented demonstrates the significant cost and schedule impacts that industrial construction companies will encounter during a pandemic like COVID-19. This paper aims to improve safety processes, cost & schedule impacts, and prescribe additional personal protective equipment in industrial construction during a pandemic such as COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic spread globally in a very short period. The reactions in mitigating the spread were suggestive, with little to no data on safety protective equipment and practices. The contribution this paper addresses are how to employ efficient safety practices and policies during a pandemic in an industrial construction environment.

Identifying the Contributions of Multi-Source Data for Winter Wheat Yield Prediction in China

Wheat is a leading cereal grain throughout the world. Timely and reliable wheat yield prediction at a large scale is essential for the agricultural supply chain and global food security, especially in China as an important wheat producing and consuming country. The conventional approach using either climate or satellite data or both to build empirical and crop models has prevailed for decades. However, to what extent climate and satellite data can improve yield prediction is still unknown. In addition, socio-economic (SC) factors may also improve crop yield prediction, but their contributions need in-depth investigation, especially in regions with good irrigation conditions, sufficient fertilization, and pesticide application. Here, we performed the first attempt to predict wheat yield across China from 2001 to 2015 at the county-level by integrating multi-source data, including monthly climate data, satellite data (i.e., Vegetation indices (VIs)), and SC factors. The results show that incorporating all the datasets by using three machine learning methods (Ridge Regression (RR), Random Forest (RF), and Light Gradient Boosting (LightGBM)) can achieve the best performance in yield prediction (R-2: 0.68 similar to 0.75), with the most individual contributions from climate (similar to 0.53), followed by VIs (similar to 0.45), and SC factors (similar to 0.30). In addition, the combinations of VIs and climate data can capture inter-annual yield variability more effectively than other combinations (e.g., combinations of climate and SC, and combinations of VIs and SC), while combining SC with climate data can better capture spatial yield variability than others. Climate data can provide extra and unique information across the entire growing season, while the peak stage of VIs (Mar.similar to Apr.) do so. Furthermore, incorporating spatial information and soil proprieties into the benchmark models can improve wheat yield prediction by 0.06 and 0.12, respectively. The optimal wheat prediction can be achieved with approximately a two-month leading time before maturity. Our study develops timely and robust methods for winter wheat yield prediction at a large scale in China, which can be applied to other crops and regions.

Assessment of 3D printing using fused deposition modeling and selective laser sintering for a circular economy

Plastic today is commonplace. Products and parts made with plastic have short life cycles, ending up in landfills not long after manufacture. Finding new pathways for plastic waste has become a critical focus of sustainability efforts, especially within manufacturing. Thus, research in this field continues to grow in order to determine the feasibility of reclaiming post-consumer plastic for reuse. This paper evaluates the potential for a sustainable, circular pathway for end-of-life plastic material using 3D-printing techniques. To do this, the work investigates two prevalent industrial 3D-printing technologies: selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) of polymers. Material-flow and economic models are developed to outline how plastic parts at the end of their life cycle can be processed and reused. Prior works on fundamental material degradation are integrated into mathematical models of cost and operation. This enables mapping of how multiple reuse cycles affect two prevalent industrial polymers: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide 12 (PA 12). The mapping identifies there is significant opportunity for improving both SLS and FDM 3D-printing technologies when it comes to economic viability and sustainability. Comparison between reuse of FDM using ABS and SLS using PA 12 shows the former costs 82% less than the latter, while also producing 87% less waste than it. While the study established that available industrial 3D-printing technologies can help to reduce plastic waste within manufacturing, a fully circular economy demands materials with less thermal degradation than the primary industrial 3D-printing polymers. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Indications for Nonsurgical Treatment of Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

Thoracolumbar spine is the most injured spinal region in blunt trauma. Literature on the indications for nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar fractures is conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review is to clarify the indications for nonsurgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. We conducted a systematic literature search between 2010 to 2020 on PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central. Up-to-date literature on the indications for nonoperative treatment of thoracolumbar fractures was reviewed to reach an agreement in a consensus meeting of WFNS (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies) Spine Committee. The statements were voted and reached a positive or negative consensus using the Delphi method. For all of the questions discussed, the literature search yielded 1,264 studies, from which 54 articles were selected for full-text review. Nine studies (4 trials, and 5 retrospective) evaluating 759 participants with thoracolumbar fractures who underwent nonoperative/surgery were included. Although, compression type and stable burst fractures can be managed conservatively, if there is major vertebral body damage, kyphotic angulation, neurological deficit, spinal canal compromise, surgery may be indicated. AO type B, C fractures are preferably treated surgically. Future research is necessary to tackle the relative paucity of evidence pertaining to patients with thoracolumbar fractures.

GIS-based impact assessment and spatial distribution of air and water pollutants in mining area

Mining is a significant part of the transforming economy, which is generally considered as essential as well as social evil at the same time. It is one of the potential contributors to air and water pollution and possesses long-term impact on their quality. Keeping in view the exponential mining activities, we have selected an iron mine area in Bailadila, Chhattisgarh, India, as a sampling site and investigated the impact of mining activities on the air as well as water quality by setting up seven air quality and thirty water quality monitoring stations. From the results obtained, it was observed that concentration of air pollutants such as SO2, NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 for the year 2015 lies in the range of 11.5-13.0 µg/m3, 11.5-13.0 µg/m3, 24.9-33.4 ppm and 61.6-74.2 ppm, respectively, while for the year 2018, it lies in the range of 10.3-11.7 µg/m3, 10.5-14.7 µg/m3, 18.3-50.8 ppm and 23.7-60.7 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, results obtained revealed that air pollutants such as SO2, NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 were within the permissible limits but they contributed towards the light air pollution (air pollution index: 25-50) at all the air monitoring stations. Moreover, PM10 was considered as criterion pollutant in the Bailadila, Chhattisgarh region. On the other hand, it was observed that groundwater quality was deteriorated in the subsequent years. Most of the water quality parameters were in the permissible limits except iron (Fe). Moreover, on the basis of water quality indexing, water quality was classified as "poor" in ~ 30% of the sites and "very poor" in ~ 34% sites. The water quality was "unhealthy for drinking" in 3% and 6% sites in the year 2015 and 2018, respectively.

Composting and its application in bioremediation of organic contaminants

This review investigates the findings of the most up-to-date literature on bioremediation via composting technology. Studies on bioremediation via composting began during the 1990s and have exponentially increased over the years. A total of 655 articles have been published since then, with 40% published in the last six years. The robustness, low cost, and easy operation of composting technology make it an attractive bioremediation strategy for organic contaminants prevalent in soils and sediment. Successful pilot-and large-scale bioremediation of organic contaminants, e.g., total petroleum hydrocarbons, plasticizers, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by composting, has been documented in the literature. For example, composting could remediate >90% diesel with concentrations as high as 26,315 mg kg-a of initial composting material after 24 days. Composting has unique advantages over traditional single- and multi-strain bioaugmentation approaches, including a diverse microbial community, ease of operation, and the ability to handle higher concentrations. Bioremediation via composting depends on the diverse microbial community; thus, key parameters, including nutrients (C/N ratio = 25-30), moisture (55-65%), and oxygen content (O2 > 10%) should be optimized for successful bioremediation. This review will provide bioremediation and composting researchers with the most recent finding in the field and stimulate new research ideas.

Eco-innovation and energy productivity: New determinants of renewable energy consumption

This study provides new empirical evidence on the determinants of renewable energy consumption in the case of OECD economies over the period from 1990 to 2017. To examine the long run relationship among variables of renewable energy consumption and its determinants, this study uses the Durbin Hausman group mean cointegration test. The long-run and short-run coefficients are estimated via the cross-sectional Autoregressive Distributive Lag (CS-ARDL) method. The significant cointegration vector confirms the long-run equilibrium among the variables presented in the model. The results show that income, human capital, energy productivity, energy prices, and eco-innovation are important factors in explaining renewable energy consumption. This study adopts the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) method to check the robustness of the model. The results are found to be consistent with the estimates of the cross-sectional Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model method. To offer viable solutions to environmental problems and to achieve the targets set in the Paris Climate Agreement, policies and strategies should be devised to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix.

Structures and biological functions of zinc finger proteins and their roles in hepatocellular carcinoma

Zinc finger proteins are transcription factors with the finger domain, which plays a significant role in gene regulation. As the largest family of transcription factors in the human genome, zinc finger (ZNF) proteins are characterized by their different DNA binding motifs, such as C2H2 and Gag knuckle. Different kinds of zinc finger motifs exhibit a wide variety of biological functions. Zinc finger proteins have been reported in various diseases, especially in several cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide, especially in China. Most of HCC patients have suffered from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) injection for a long time. Although the surgical operation of HCC has been extremely developed, the prognosis of HCC is still very poor, and the underlying mechanisms in HCC tumorigenesis are still not completely understood. Here, we summarize multiple functions and recent research of zinc finger proteins in HCC tumorigenesis and progression. We also discuss the significance of zinc finger proteins in HCC diagnosis and prognostic evaluation.

Effects of chemical dispersant on the surface properties of kaolin and aggregation with spilled oil

After oil spills occur, dispersed oil droplets can collide with suspended particles in the water column to form the oil-mineral aggregate (OMA) and settle to the seafloor. However, only a few studies have concerned the effect of chemical dispersant on this process. In this paper, the mechanism by which dispersant affects the surface properties of kaolin and the viscosity and oil-seawater interfacial tension (IFTow) of Roncador crude oil were separately investigated by small-scale tests. The results indicated that the presence of dispersant impairs the zeta potential and enhances the hydrophobicity of kaolin. The viscosity of Roncador crude oil rose slightly as the dosage of dispersant increased, while IFTow decreased significantly. Furthermore, the oil dispersion and OMA formation at different dispersant-to-oil ratio (DOR) were evaluated in a wave tank. When DOR was less than 1:40, the effect of dispersant on the dispersion of spilled oil was not obvious. With the increasing DOR, the effect became more pronounced, and the adhesion between oil droplets and kaolin was inhibited. The size ratio between oil droplets and particles is the significant factor for OMA formation. The closer the oil-mineral size ratio is to 1, the more difficultly the OMA forms.

Analyzing influencing factors of green transformation in China's manufacturing industry under environmental regulation: A structural equation model

The promotion of the green transformation of the manufacturing industry has become the main means to achieve the dual goals of environmental protection and economic growth. Environmental regulation, as an environment governance tool, exerts an important impact on the green transformation of the manufacturing industry. Therefore, this paper focused on the influencing factors of green transformation of the manufacturing industry under environmental regulation. Based on survey data of 500 Chinese manufacturing enterprises (2017), the influencing factors of green transformation were studied by developing a targeted structural equation model. The main conclusions showed that (1) human capital, financing ability, technology innovation, and government behavior all exerted significant positive impact on green transformation performance in the manufacturing industry. (2) Environmental regulation, as a moderating variable, positively affected the green transformation in the manufacturing industry by acting on technology innovation and governmental behavior; however, it decreased the positive impact of financing ability on green transformation. (3) Environmental regulation was a reversal mechanism, which affected green transformation by influencing financing capacity, technology innovation, and governmental behavior of manufacturing enterprises. The study suggested that the government should consider the positive impact of these influencing factors, and design appropriate environmental regulation policies to promote the green transformation in the manufacturing industry to achieve economic green growth. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Turkish adaptation of the interprofessional attitude scale (IPAS)

The Interprofessional Attitude Scale (IPAS) was developed to measure the core competencies for interprofessional education and collaborative practice, which thepresent study aims to evaluate for adaptation into Turkish. The study was conducted with 254 students from four different faculties related to health sciences. The guideline by Sosua and Rojannasrirat (2011) was followed. Content validity analysis, descriptive analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were performed. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of the participants agreed with the items (mean scale score was 160.99 ± 15.99). The Item and Scales content validity indices were 0.85-1.00 and 0.93 respectively. In the construct validity analysis, the scale was divided into five sub-dimensions at an acceptable level. The reliability coefficient was calculated as 0.87. In the analysis of scale items variance component percentages estimated for person, for items, and for person × item were 14.1%, 29%, and 56.9%, respectively. In conclusion, IPAS-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to measure interprofessional attitudes.

Advances in the agrochemical utilization of fermentation residues reduce the cost of purpose-grown phytomass for biogas production

The share of renewables is rising rapidly, especially in developed countries. Biogas production from purpose-grown phytomass is undergoing the fastest growth. The trend is linked to the production of vast amounts of fermentation residues. However, it has been repeatedly and independently reported that intensive or long-term application of fermentation residues into arable land changes soil structure, resulting in sharp degradation of its fertility. This is now compensated by more intense use of agrochemicals and additional agrotechnical operations such as biochar addition. However, the increased cost is beginning to threaten the economic sustainability of biogas production. Given the fact that the production of biogas from purpose-grown phytomass has become a strong pillar of the electricity grid, the threat to soil fertility may endanger its stability. The quality and quantity of soil organic matter (SOM) and in particular its stable organic fractions with ion-exchange properties (SOF) that determine soil fertility, or, more precisely, the transport of nutrients and their availability for plant growth, were investigated in detail. A novel, undemanding and quick method allowing the analysis and interpretation of SOM and its SOF was proposed and compared with conventional methods. It was confirmed that the adaptation of the new method enables farmers to better choose organic and mineral fertilizers and corresponding agronomic operations, so the soil can provide higher yields and an increased water retention capacity (up to 7%), which results in improved water retention during extreme rainfalls or droughts, altogether lowering the cost of purpose-grown phytomass, or, more precisely, improving the economy of biogas production.

Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus is a tick-borne encephalitis virus adapted to muskrat through host-jumping

Omsk hemorrhagic fever was first described in the early 1940s and is a natural focal infection, spread exclusively in four regions of Western Siberia, and associated with muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). The etiological agent of this disease is the Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV) which is closely related to the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and its range entirely lies within the TBEV area. OHFV belongs to the mammalian tick-borne flaviviruses and the ecological group of arboviruses. The problem concerning the origin of OHFV remains unresolved to date. This study analyzed all nucleotide sequences of the OHFV genome obtained in the present study and available in GenBank, including the E gene fragment and the amino acid sequences of the surface glycoprotein encoded by it. The conclusions, based on the clusteron approach, suggest that OHFV originated directly from the TBEV of the Far Eastern subtype due to the host-jump phenomenon, that is, through a rapid change from an arthropod host, Ixodes persulcatus, to a rodent, O. zibethicus. The muskrat was introduced to Western Siberia in the second half of the 1930s. The peculiarities of the biology and ecology of the muskrat in the new habitat became the reason for the TBEV cross-species transmission. Calculations show that host-jumping occurred between 1931 and 1947 and accompanied a cascade of adaptive amino acid substitutions in protein E. As a result, the virus changed its transmission to contact, alimentary, and airborne routes. Based on the data obtained, OHFV would be more correctly attributed to zoonotic viruses transmitted by rodents and, accordingly, to the ecological group of roboviruses.

Lymphocyte HLA-DR/CD-38 co-expression correlates with Hodgkin lymphoma cell cytotoxicity in vitro independent of PD-1/PD1-L pathway

The interactions between Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg cells and tumor microenvironment, the changes that occur with therapy and, in particular, checkpoint inhibition are not fully understood. Understanding these is key to optimizing outcomes for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We evaluated the immunophenotypic characteristics of cytotoxic, helper T and NK lymphocytes upon in vitro stimulation, cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HL cells, HDLM-2 and KM-H2, and the association with effector cell activation state, as well as changes in cytotoxicity following PD-1 or PDL-1 blockade. Higher HLA-DR/CD38 expression on effector cells was associated with increased cytotoxicity against HL cells. All effector cell types were cytotoxic of HL cells, though achieved maximum activation and cytotoxicity at variable timepoints. HLA-DR/CD38 co-expression correlated with cytotoxicity, but PD-1 expression did not. There was no significant change in cell-mediated cytotoxicity following PD-1/PDL-1 blockade. The mechanism of action of checkpoint inhibitors may not be limited to direct PD-1/PDL-1 blockade.

Compact city planning and development: Emerging practices and strategies for achieving the goals of sustainability

The compact city is one of the leading paradigms of sustainable urbanism. Compact city planning and development has, over the last 30 years or so, been the preferred response to the challenges of sustainable development. It is strongly promoted by global and local policies due to its positive outcomes in terms of contributing to the economic, environmental, and social goals of sustainability. This paper examines how the compact city model is practiced and justified in urban planning and development with respect to the three dimensions of sustainability, and whether any progress has been made in this regard. To illuminate this urban phenomenon accordingly, a descriptive case study is adopted as a qualitative research methodology where the empirical basis is mainly formed by the official plans and documents of two Swedish cities: Gothenburg and Helsingborg, in combination with qualitative interview data and secondary data. This study shows that compactness, density, diversity, mixed land use, sustainable transportation, and green space are the core design strategies of compact city planning and development, with the latter being contextually linked to the concept of green structure, an institutional setup under which the two cities operate. Moreover, at the core of the compact city model is the clear synergy between the underlying strategies in terms of their cooperation to produce combined effects greater than the sum of their separate effects with respect to the benefits of sustainability as to its tripartite composition. Further, this study demonstrates that the compact city model as practiced by the two cities is justified by its ability to contribute to the economic, environmental, and social goals of sustainability. However, the economic goals dominate over the environmental and social goals, notwithstanding the claim about the three dimensions of sustainability being equally important at the discursive level. Nevertheless, new measures are being developed and implemented to strengthen their influence over urban planning and development practices towards balancing the three goals of sustainability.

Decoupling and mitigation potential analysis of CO2 emissions from Pakistan's transport sector

The transport sector has become one of the major economic, huge fossil fuel energy consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting sector of Pakistan. This study applies the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) and Tapio's decoupling approach to estimate decoupling state and mitigation potential of CO2 emissions from the transport sector during 1984-2018. LMDI technique is applied to detect the influencing variables (i.e. carbon coefficient, fuel consumption, total energy consumption, and turn over economy), which oversee CO2 emissions. The outcomes show that CO2 coefficient effect is the factor which is decreasing CO2 emissions while economic growth (EG) effect is the factor which is growing CO2 emissions. The decoupling index is also applied to influencing factors which reflect the EG factors on CO2 emissions from the transport sector. The consequences confirm that during 1984-2018, the CO2 emissions show an expensive coupling with EG. Weak decoupling occurred only in the sub-periods 1999-2003, 2004-2008, and 2009-2013. Similarly, the CO2 emissions occurred from only three decoupling grades. Furthermore, a mitigation model based on the above impacting variables estimates the mitigation rate of CO2 emissions and showed that the CO2 mitigation seemed in 1999-2003, 2004-2008, and 2009-2013. Finally, forecasting outcomes of Tapio decoupling index show a weak decoupling during 2018-2030. Therefore, based on the empirical outcomes, this study puts forward a few policy suggestions to efficiently enhance the decoupling between Pakistan's transport CO2 emissions and EG. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent advances in membrane technologies for hydrogen purification

Planet Earth is facing accelerated global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The United Nations agreement at the Paris Climate Conference in 2015 highlighted the importance of reducing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Hydrogen is a clean and efficient energy carrier and a hydrogen-based economy is now widely regarded as a potential solution for the future of energy security and sustainability. Although hydrogen can be produced from water electrolysis, economic reasons dictate that most of the H-2 produced worldwide, currently comes from the steam reforming of natural gas and this situation is set to continue in the foreseeable future. This production process delivers a H-2-rich mixture of gases from which H-2 needs to be purified up to the ultra-high purity levels required by fuel cells (99.97%). This driving force pushes for the development of newer H-2 purification technologies that can be highly selective and more energy efficient Palladium-based membranes than the traditional energy intensive processes of pressure swing adsorption and cryogenic distillation. Membrane technology appears as an obvious energy efficient alternative for producing the ultra-pure H-2 required for fuel cells. However, membrane technology for H-2 purification has still not reached the maturity level required for its ubiquitous industrial application. This review article covers the major aspects of the current research in membrane separation technology for H-2 purification, focusing on four major types of emerging membrane technologies (carbon molecular sieve membranes; ionic-liquid based membranes; palladium-based membranes and electrochemical hydrogen pumping membranes) and establishes a comparison between them in terms of advantages and limitations. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Driving factors of global carbon footprint pressure: Based on vegetation carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestration capacity of vegetation plays an important role in global carbon emission reduction. Based on vegetation carbon sequestration, this paper establishes a carbon footprint pressure index to evaluate the carbon foot-print pressure in 60 sample countries, and discusses the driving factors that influence carbon footprint pressure in various countries through IPAT equation and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition approach. The results indicate that the global carbon footprint pressure shows an upward trend from 2000 to 2015, mainly owing to population growth and rapid socioeconomic development; technological progress has a certain inhibitory effect on the rise of carbon footprint pressure. Furthermore, the overall carbon footprint pressure in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries shows a downward trend, while the carbon footprint pressure in non-OECD countries is rising, even exceeding the economic growth rate, which is probably related to the transfer of a large number of implied carbon emissions from OECD countries to non-OECD countries.

Industrial hemp fiber: A sustainable and economical alternative to cotton

The textile industry is one of the highest polluting industries in the world. Recent studies have explored the introduction of environmentally friendly textiles to address this issue. One of these textiles is fiber derived from industrial hemp, which was recently approved for growth in the United States through the 2018 Farm Bill legislation. Motivated by hemp's potential to have a lower ecological footprint than cotton, the objective of this study is to determine if industrial hemp fiber can be produced in an economically competitive manner. Through the lenses of sustainable development and systems engineering, the basic design of the research assesses material selection decisions economically by taking a holistic supply chain view of the agricultural activities associated with industrial hemp compared to its largest competitor (i.e., cotton). With both fibers being comparable in performance, the production process of both textiles is juxtaposed, to account for interdependencies among stages with key economic and environmental considerations. As the economic cost of agricultural activities for hemp is currently uncertain in the United States, our methodology considers four main data inputs to capture the agricultural activities. First, fertilization costs are regarded as part of the cost associated with field preparations. Second, we assess the seed costs associated with cultivation. Third, the cost of irrigation (i.e., water consumption) and fourth, pest control cost represents the cost of field operations. These costs, combined with fiber yield, are used to estimate and compare the two fibers in USD per metric ton of final fiber produced. Industrial hemp is a high yield crop with (on average) 3 times more metric tons of fiber produced per hectare cultivated. Therefore, the adoption of hemp enables a reduction in cost associated with agricultural activities of 77.63%, when compared to cotton for medium total agricultural activity cost and medium yield estimates. In summary, our results suggest that industrial hemp fiber is economically viable and has the potential to be a more environmentally friendly alternative material than cotton within the textile industry. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cascading climate change impacts and implications

Climate change is expected to have adverse impacts and implications for a range of human-environment systems. However, our understanding of the extent to which these impacts may propagate as cascades, compounding to form multiple impacts across sectors, is limited. Cascades result from interdependencies between systems and sub-systems of coupled natural and socio-economic systems in response to changes and feedback loops. The combined effects of interacting stressors may affect the ability of individuals, governments, and the private sector to adapt in time, before widespread damage occurs. We discuss the origins of cascading impacts thinking and present the results of an investigation of cascading impacts and implications in New Zealand. A participatory and collaborative approach was used through workshops and semi-structured interviews with sector informants, including engineers, local government staff, and financial risk managers and analysts from the financial services sectors. Qualitative data collection was combined with network and systems analysis to examine increased frequency of high-intensity rainfall events, sea-level rise and drought, across urban water infrastructure and the financial services, and the implications of cascading climate change impacts for governance. Results demonstrate that closer consideration of the combined effects of linked stressors can facilitate a better understanding of the scope and scale of climate change impacts. By using critical systems thinking in characterising and assessing how climate change impacts cascade across domains, we show the implications of cascades for their governance and reveal where climate change adaptation interventions might be focused. The research methods and insights into cascades provide a conceptual and practical basis for further development, which can inform the design of additional studies in other domains and jurisdictions.

Surveillance, Self-Governance, and Mortality: The Impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs on U.S. Overdose Mortality, 2000-2016

Policy mechanisms shaping population health take numerous forms, from behavioral prohibitions to mandates for action to surveillance. Rising drug overdoses undermined the state's ability to promote population-level health. Using the case of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), we contend that PDMP implementation highlights state biopower operating via mechanisms of surveillance, whereby prescribers, pharmacists, and patients perceive agency despite choices being constrained. We consider whether such surveillance mechanisms are sufficient or if prescriber/dispenser access or requirements for use are necessary for population health impact. We test whether PDMPs reduced overdose mortality while considering that surveillance may require time to reach effectiveness. PDMPs reduced opioid overdose mortality 2 years postimplementation and sustained effects, with similar effects for prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and psychostimulants. Access or mandates for action do not reduce mortality beyond surveillance. Overall, PDMP effects on overdose mortality are likely due to self-regulation under surveillance rather than mandated action.

Switchable hydrophilic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of four types of sulfonylurea herbicides in soils

In this study, switchable hydrophilic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography was developed for the determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides in soils. For the first time, the sample pretreatment was achieved due to the similar acid-base status of sulfonylurea herbicides and switchable hydrophilic solvent. In the extraction step, sulfonylurea herbicides were extracted as anions and transferred to an alkaline solution with switchable hydrophilic solvent anions. In the concentration step, two types of anions were transformed to their molecular state after the aqueous solution was acidified. In addition, the dispersion and microextraction processes were completed efficiently with the simultaneous formation of analytes and extractants. The factors affecting the extraction performance were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, good linearity was observed for each herbicide with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9952 to 0.9978. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.1-0.2 μg/g. Moreover, the relative recoveries of the sulfonylurea herbicides at spiking levels of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 μg/g in soil samples were between 75 and 111% (relative standard deviations: 0.4-11.4%). Therefore, the proposed method in this study could be successfully applied to the analysis of four types of sulfonylurea herbicides in soil samples.

Risk-constrained scheduling of a CHP-based microgrid including hydrogen energy storage using robust optimization approach

Recently, the integration of various energy resources, including renewable generation and combined heat and power (CHP) units in microgrids, has created the opportunity of off-grid operation with a suitable range of reliability. This paper presents an optimization model to schedule an islanded MG with various resources, including CHP, photovoltaic (PV), and boiler, as the primary energy provision sources besides electric battery storage, thermal storage and hydrogen energy system (HES). The HES has the power-to-hydrogen (P2H) and hydrogen-to-power (H2P) modes, which increases the flexibility of the scheduling. The uncertainty management is the most essential task in the CHP-based MGs scheduling problem, since the power and heat productions are interrelated and can result in economic losses without enough deliberations. Hence, this paper proposes the robust optimization approach (ROA) to cope with the uncertainties associated with the PV production and electric and heat load demands. The robust counterparts are applied to the deterministic problem to create a tractable adjustable robust framework. The problem is structured as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) handled by the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) using CPLEX solver. The results verified the effectiveness of the proposed robust counterparts in managing the associated risk. The results illustrated a conscious scheduling strategy under robust conditions. However, the more preserved decisions are taken, the higher operational cost is realized. In this regard, the increment of robustness level from the lowest value (deterministic condition) to the highest value (conservatism condition) increased the operation cost by about 43.29%. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synergistic Manipulation of Na+ Flux and Surface-Preferred Effect Enabling High-Areal-Capacity and Dendrite-Free Sodium Metal Battery

The propensity of sodium anode to form uniform electrodeposit is bound up with the nature of electrode surface and regulation of Na-ion flux, as well as distribution of electronic field, which is quite crucial for high-areal-capacity sodium metal batteries (SMBs). Herein, a novel metallic sodium/sodium-tin alloy foil anode (Na/NaSn) with 3D interpenetrated network and porous structure is prepared through facile alloy reaction. The strong sodiophilic properties of sodium-tin alloy can lower the nucleation energy, resulting in smaller depositing potential and strong adsorption of Na+ , while synergistic effect of porous skeleton and additional potential difference (≈0.1 V) between Na and Na-Sn alloy (Na15 Sn4 ) can alleviate volume expansion, redistribute the Na-ion flux and regulate electronic field, which favors and improves homogeneous Na deposition. The as-fabricated Na/NaSn electrode can endow excellent plating/stripping reversibility at high areal capacity (over 1600 h for 4 mAh cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2 and 2 mAh cm-2 at 2 mA cm-2 ), fast electrochemical kinetics (500 h under 4 mAh cm-2 at 4 mA cm-2 ) and superior rate performances. A novel strategy in the design of high-performance Na anodes for large-scale energy storage is provided.

Fabrication of Co/Pr co-doped Ti/PbO2 anode for efficiently electrocatalytic degradation of beta-naphthoxyacetic acid

The existence of beta-naphthoxyacetic acid (BNOA) pesticide in water system has aroused serious environmental problem because of its potential toxicity for humans and organisms. Therefore, exploiting an efficient method without secondary pollution is extremely urgent. Herein, a promising Ti/PbO2-Co-Pr composite electrode has been successfully fabricated through simple one-step electrodeposition for efficiently electrocatalytic degradation of BNOA. Compared with Ti/PbO2, Ti/PbO2-Co and Ti/PbO2-Pr electrodes, Ti/PbO2-Co-Pr electrode with smaller pyramidal particles possesses higher oxygen evolution potential, excellent electrochemical stability and outstanding electrocatalytic activity. The optimal degradation condition is assessed by major parameters including temperature, initial pH, current density and Na2SO4 concentration. The degradation efficiency and chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of BNOA reach up to 94.6% and 84.6%, respectively, under optimal condition (temperature 35 degrees C, initial pH 5, current density 12 mA cm(-2), Na2SO4 concentration 8.0 g L-1 and electrolysis time 3 h). Furthermore, Ti/PbO2-Co-Pr electrode presents economic energy consumption and superior repeatability. Finally, the possible degradation mechanism of BNOA is put forward according to the main intermediate products identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer. The present research paves a new path to degrade BNOA pesticide wastewater with Ti/PbO2-Co-Pr electrode. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association study between relative expression levels of eight genes and growth rate in Hungarian common carp ( Cyprinus carpio)

One of the most important issues in improving the competitiveness of the fish production sector is to improve the growth rate of fish. The genetic background to this trait is at present poorly understood. In this study, we compared the relative gene expression levels of the Akt1s1, FGF, GH, IGF1, MSTN, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5 genes in blood in groups of common carps (Cyprinus carpio), which belonged to different growth types and phenotypes. Fish were divided into groups based on growth rate (normal group: n = 6; slow group: n = 6) and phenotype (scaled group: n = 6; mirror group: n = 6). In the first 18 weeks, we measured significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups in terms of body weight and body length. Over the next 18 weeks, the fish in the slow group showed more intense development. In the same period, the slow group was characterized by lower expression levels for most genes, whereas GH and IGF1 mRNA levels were higher compared to the normal group. We found that phenotype was not a determining factor in differences of relative expression levels of the genes studied.

Biomethane production using an integrated anaerobic digestion, gasification and CO2 biomethanation process in a real waste water treatment plant: A techno-economic assessment

The biomethanation of CO2 from anaerobic digestion within the power to gas concept has recently emerged as a promising technology to upgrade biogas, to decarbonise the domestic and industrial heat sector, provide long term energy storage and deliver grid balancing services. In addition, the utilisation of the digestate, through a process such as gasification, offers a circular economy approach and has the potential to enhance the deployment of power to gas systems. To this direction, the study focuses on exploring the techno-economic feasibility of coupling biomethanation with digestate gasification for the wastewater industry. The study constitutes the first endeavour to assess the viability of such an integrated energy system. Four different scenarios have been designed and assessed. The energy efficiency of the concepts lies between 26.5% and 35.5% while the minimum selling price (MSP) of biomethane is in the range of 135-183 pound/MWh. The implementation of appropriate policy mechanisms and the inclusion of by-products revenues reduces the MSPs by approximately 32%-42%. The conduction of a typical sensitivity analysis has identified the electricity price as the prime cost driver and this is followed by the cost of the electrolyser or the gasification plant depending on the scenario. Finally, a 2030 analysis, that incorporates projected techno-economic advances, has been carried out and revealed that under certain circumstances profits can be generated.

[Mobile working of administrative staff at USB Bochum GmbH and affiliated companies before and during corona-related restrictions-first results of a longitudinal study]

As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, the USB family made it possible for their administrative staff to work from home. Support measures for mobile working were implemented and supported by a company works agreement. A longitudinal survey is conducted to accompany these measures. The first results of the first survey are presented here. The aim of this survey is to compare the pre-Corona working situation without home office (2/2020) with the working situation during Corona-after the introduction of home office (10/2020). 68 people took part in the anonymous online survey. 41.2% of the participants work exclusively in the office, the remainder works partly/completely from home. Half of the latter do this due to a direct order. In the course of a retrospective survey the following becomes evident. 91.0% score occupational safety as equal or better. The participants save an average of 2.3 h per week. Small negative effects can be observed in the exchange of information and availability (Cohen's d both -0.27). The desire to exchange ideas privately with colleagues increases to a small extent (Cohen's d = 0.22). There is no increase in delimitation and overtime by colleagues. An effect of close to medium strength can be seen in the work-life balance (Cohen's d = 0.49); satisfaction increases here. A medium effect towards an improvement can be found in undisturbed work (Cohen's d = 0.66). The result shows a small effect in terms of increasing satisfaction with the work situation (Cohen's d = 0.24). 85.3% state that they can do the job equally well or better in October than in February. Due to the altered situation participants will save an average of 5.9 km of travel per week.Practical Relevance: Improved understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of switching to mobile working in a medium-sized company.

Testing the EKC hypothesis for the top six hydropower energy-consuming countries: Evidence from Fourier Bootstrap ARDL procedure

Environmental degradation is an important threat to sustainable development. Economic growth and fossil fuel-based energy consumption are main factors causing environmental pollution. The use of renewable energy as an alternative for fossil fuels can help to reduce environmental pollution, and thus, sustainable development can be achieved. From this point of view, hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy source in several countries. However, the effects of hydropower energy on the environment are controversial. To add a new dimension to the discussion, this study investigates the relationship between hydropower energy consumption, ecological footprint and economic growth for the top six hydropower-consuming countries within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. The study employs newly developed cointegration and causality tests with smooth structural changes over the period 1965-2016. The findings of the Fourier bootstrap ARDL procedure demonstrate that no cointegration exist between the variables. Therefore, the EKC hypothesis is not valid for Brazil, China, Canada, India, Norway and the US. Furthermore, the findings of the Fourier Toda-Yamamoto causality test suggest unidirectional causality running from hydropower energy consumption to economic growth in Brazil, and bidirectional causality between these variables in China. In the case of the top six hydropower-consuming countries, no evidence was found for a causal relationship between hydropower energy and ecological footprint. Overall, these results are important for policy makers. Hydropower energy plays a crucial role in China and Brazil's economic growth policies. On the other hand, hydropower energy consumption and economic growth do not have a role in mitigating the ecological footprint in six countries. For this reason, different types of renewable energy consumption should be taken into consideration by countries for the solution of environmental problems. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coal-to-gas heating compensation standard and willingness to make clean energy choices in typical rural areas of northern China

The implementation of the coal-to-gas (C2G) project is the key to achieving the transition to clean energy and improving air quality in rural areas in the north of China. Based on the survey data of 374 households in the town of Mishan, which is in the city of Jincheng in Shanxi Province, the C2G heating compensation standard was calculated using the minimum data method, and the key factors affecting farmers' choice of clean energy were analyzed using logistic regression models. The results were as follows. (i) The C2G project almost doubled the heating expenditure of farmers. (ii) When the compensation standard increased, the ratio of newly added C2G heating area and newly reduced pollutant emissions increased non-linearly. To achieve an environmental goal of reducing particulate matter by 40%, the government will need to compensate each household by 3.56 CNY/m(2) per month, which is 1.35 times the current compensation standard. When the monthly compensation is 9 CNY/m(2), the comprehensive best economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. (iii) The per capita annual income of households and the permanent population of households are the most significant variables affecting farmers' choice of clean energy. Introducing environmental perception variables, such as adaptive efficacy perception and self-efficacy perception, can help to identify the willingness of farmers to choose clean energy.

Challenges for Connecting Citizens and Smart Cities: ICT, E-Governance and Blockchain

The way citizens interact with cities affects overall life quality. Their participation in social decisions is of paramount importance for helping on public decisions that affect governance, regulation and education. This interaction has the potential of being boosted within the scope of smart and digital cities, especially by recent advances in blockchain technology. This work introduces insights about how smart cities' concepts and innovative technologies can help society to face daily challenges for improving citizens' awareness. Digital technologies are able to drive social and economic development by employing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to promote innovation. In this context, e-governance, in conjunction with disruptive concepts such as blockchain, is showing up as a fundamental tool for a decentralized democracy. This study reviews, discusses, raises open points and presents suggestions towards an efficient, transparent and sustainable use of technology, applied to future cities.

Imaging Markers of Vascular Brain Health: Quantification, Clinical Implications, and Future Directions

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) manifests through a broad spectrum of mechanisms that negatively impact brain and cognitive health. Oftentimes, CVD changes (excluding acute stroke) are insufficiently considered in aging and dementia studies which can lead to an incomplete picture of the etiologies contributing to the burden of cognitive impairment. Our goal with this focused review is 3-fold. First, we provide a research update on the current magnetic resonance imaging methods that can measure CVD lesions as well as early CVD-related brain injury specifically related to small vessel disease. Second, we discuss the clinical implications and relevance of these CVD imaging markers for cognitive decline, incident dementia, and disease progression in Alzheimer disease, and Alzheimer-related dementias. Finally, we present our perspective on the outlook and challenges that remain in the field. With the increased research interest in this area, we believe that reliable CVD imaging biomarkers for aging and dementia studies are on the horizon.

Urban drought vulnerability assessment ? A framework to integrate socio- economic, physical, and policy index in a vulnerability contribution analysis

The frequent occurrence of drought seriously hinders urban sustainable development. Decreasing urban drought and reducing drought risk entails a good understanding of urban drought vulnerability (UDV). Based on physical, socio-economic, and political indicators, this study evaluated and analyzed the urban drought vulnerability in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region from the following aspects: spatio-temporal analysis and contribution analysis. Results indicated that (1) the UDV of 13 cities kept increasing from 1990 to 2016. By 2016, 13 cities were highly vulnerable; (2) social and economic factors were considered as the main factors contributing to high drought vulnerability; and (3) public budget expenditure, GDP, and indicators related to education significantly contributed to UDV. This study provides a theoretical basis for the government to manage drought.

Feasibility of coronary blood flow simulations using mid-fidelity numeric and geometric models

The fractional flow reserve index (FFR) is currently used as a gold standard to quantify coronary stenosis's functional relevance. Due to its highly invasive nature, the development of noninvasive surrogates based on simulations has drawn much attention in recent years, emphasizing efficient strategies that enable translational research. The focus of this work is twofold. First, to assess the feasibility of using a mid-fidelity numerical strategy (transversally enriched pipe element method, TEPEM), placed between low- and high-fidelity models, for the estimation of flow-related quantities, such as FFR and wall shear stress (WSS). Low-fidelity models, as zero- or one-dimensional models, are computationally inexpensive but in detriment of poorer spatially detailed predictions. On the other hand, high-fidelity models, such as classical three-dimensional numerical approximations, can provide detailed predictions but their transition to clinical application is prohibitive due to high computational costs. As a second goal, we quantify the impact of the length of lateral branches in the blood flow through the interrogated vessel of interest to further reduce the computational burden. Both studies are addressed considering a cohort of 17 coronary geometries. A total of 20 locations were selected to estimate the FFR index for a wide range of Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) scenarios. Numerical results suggest that the mid-fidelity TEPEM model is a reliable approach for the efficient estimation of the FFR index and WSS, with an error in the order of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, when compared to the high-fidelity prediction. Moreover, such mid-fidelity models require much less computational resources, in compliance with infrastructure frequently available in the clinic, by achieving a speedup between 30 and 60 times compared to a conventional finite element approach. Also, we show that shortening peripheral branches does not introduce considerable perturbations either in the flow patterns, in the wall shear stress, or the pressure drop. Comparing the different geometric models, the error in the estimation of FFR index and WSS is reduced to less than [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively.

Will land transport infrastructure affect the energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance of China's manufacturing industry?

The energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of China's manufacturing industry accounted for 12.8% and 15.5% of the world in 2016, respectively. On the other hand, the construction of land transport infrastructure has become the focal point of the Chinese government recently. However, there is very little literature investigating the influencing mechanism of land transport infrastructure on the energy and environmental efficiency of the sector. Therefore, it is crucial and meaningful to study how the latter is affected by the land transport infrastructure to alleviate global energy and environmental issues. Non-radial directional distance function was used to calculate two indicators measuring energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance in this paper. The panel Tobit model was then applied to focus on factors affecting the performance. The results indicate that land transport infrastructure, economic growth, technological progress, energy prices, industrial structure have significant impacts on the energy and environmental efficiency of China's manufacturing industry. Different from the results at the national level, from a regional perspective, the development of land transport infrastructure in the eastern region plays a negative role in the performance of the manufacturing industry. Finally, some targeted policy recommendations are proposed to improve the policy design of the government.

Land use transitions and the associated impacts on ecosystem services in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China based on the geo-informatic Tupu method

Rapid urbanization in China has greatly exacerbated land use transitions (LUTs), which seriously threaten the ecosystem. The existing literature lacks information on the spatio-temporal analysis of LUTs, and assessments of ecosystem services remain incomplete. This lack of information may limit the formation and implementation of landscape plans and ecologically oriented policies. This study attempts to fill this gap by analysing the geographic features of LUTs with the geo-informatic Tupu method and exploring the responses of ecosystem services to LUTs. A newly revised benefit transfer method that utilizes the land use/land cover change data derived from the Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (MRYREB) is implemented. The results indicate that the area of construction land continued to increase markedly, while the area of cultivated land declined continuously from 1995 to 2015. This increase in construction land was mainly derived from the occupation of cultivated land. The Tupu units of "forestland > cultivated land," "cultivated land > forestland," "cultivated land -> water area," and "water area -> cultivated land" were the dominant driving forces of the changes in ecosystem services value (ESV) in the MRYREB. Hotspots of ESV changes were mainly located in the surrounding mountainous areas during 1995-2005 and 2005-2010, while the coldspots during 2010-2015 were mainly located in the plains. The findings in this study have important implications for ecosystem conservation, ecological function zoning, ecological compensation decision-making, and related land development in the MRYREB. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Outbreak Perception in Italian Dentists

The aim of this study is an evaluation of the Italian dentists' knowledge regarding COVID-19 and their perception of the risks associated with COVID-19, their attitude in resuming their activities, and how they judge the institutional intervention on a health and economic basis. Methods: This research evaluated Italian dentists from 11 to 18 April 2020, using a questionnaire submitted via Google Forms (Alphabet, Mountain View, CA, USA). It consisted of different investigations about sociodemographic aspects, profession-related characteristics, knowledge about COVID-19 infection transmission modalities, symptoms, and attitude in treating potentially infected patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi(2) test and Student t-test. The alpha-level was fixed at p = 0.05. All data were analyzed with STATA 16 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Results: 1500 dentists (664 men and 836 women) completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents declared having been trained in infection prevention procedures (64.3%) but not specifically to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (48.7%). A total of 57.2% declared that they were not trained sufficiently to restart working after lockdown, with a significantly higher prevalence (Pearson chi(2) test, p < 0.001) among women (62.3%) than men (50.9%). Conclusion: Italian dentists were informed correctly on the mode of transmission but partially missed COVID-19 symptoms. Dentists considered the virus infection highly dangerous, and they were not confident in being able to work safely. The lack of precise operating guidelines creates uncertainties on infection control measures and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The participants revealed apprehension for their health and the current and future economic situation of their practices.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Conocarpus Lancifolius plant extract and their antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Due to drug addiction and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens, the disease load and medication intake have risen worldwide. The alternative treatment for drug-resistant infections is Nano formulation-based antimicrobial agents. The plant extract of Conocarpus Lancifolius fruits was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles in the current study, and it was further employed as an antimicrobial and anticancer agent. Nanoparticles have been characterized by UV-visible spectrometer revealed the notable peak of λmax = 410-442 nm, which confirms the reduction of silver ion to elemental silver nanoparticles, and the biological moieties in the synthesis were further confirmed by FTIR analysis. The stability and crystalline nature of materials were approved by XRD analysis and expected the size of the nanomaterials of 21 to 173 nm analyzed by a nanophox particle-size analyzer. In vitro, synthesized materials act as an antibacterial agent against Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zones of 18 and 24 mm have been estimated to be antibacterial activity against both bacteria. The potency of up to 100% of AgNPs for bacterial strains was incubated overnight at 60 μg/ml. Based on our results, biogenic AgNPs reveal significant activity against fungal pathogen Rhizopusus stolonifera and Aspergillus flavus that cause leading infectious diseases. Additionally, nanomaterials were biocompatible and demonstrated the potential anticancer activities against MDA MB-231 cells after 24-hour exposure.

The role of electricity in decarbonizing European road transport - Development and assessment of an integrated multi-sectoral model

Despite regulation efforts, CO2 emissions from European road transport have continued to rise. Increased use of electricity offers a promising decarbonization option, both to fuel electric vehicles and run power-to-x systems producing synthetic fuels. To understand the economic implications of increased coupling of the road transport and electricity sectors, an integrated multi-sectoral partial-equilibrium investment and dispatch model is developed for the European electricity and road transport sectors, linked by an energy transformation module to endogenously account for, e.g., increasing electricity consumption and flexibility provision from electric vehicles and power-to-x systems. The model is applied to analyze the effects of sector-specific CO2 reduction targets on the vehicle, electricity and power-to-x technology mix as well as trade flows of power-to-x fuels in European countries from 2020 to 2050. The results show that, by 2050, the fuel shares of electricity and power-to-x fuels in the European road transport sector reach 37% and 27%, respectively, creating an additional electricity demand of 1200 TWh in Europe. To assess the added value of the integrated modeling approach, an additional analysis is performed in which all endogenous ties between sectors are removed. The results show that by decoupling the two sectors, the total system costs may be significantly overestimated and the production costs of power-to-x fuels may be inaccurately approximated, which may affect the merit order of decarbonization options.

From hot rock to useful energy: A global estimate of enhanced geothermal systems potential

This study demonstrates the theoretical, technical, optimal economic and sustainable potential of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) globally. A global estimate of EGS is presented in a 1 degrees x1 degrees spatial resolution. Constructed temperature at depth maps are computed for every 1 km thick layer, from 1 to 10 km. Multiple factors such as surface heat flow, thermal conductivity, radioactive heat production, and surface temperature are involved, and obtained from various sources and assumptions. The global EGS theoretical potential is assessed. Available heat content is then estimated using technical constraints for the temperature equal to or higher than 150 degrees C for any 1 km depth, and presented as thermal energy and electrical power capacity. The EGS optimal economic potential is derived from the optimum depth and the corresponding minimum levelised cost of electricity. The global optimal economic potential in terms of power capacity is found to be about 6 and 108 TWe for the cost years of 2030 and 2050, respectively. If economic and water stress constraints are excluded, the global EGS potential can be as much as 200 TWe. Further, an industrial cost curve is developed for the levelised cost of electricity as a function of EGS technical power capacity. The findings indicate that around 4600 GW(e) of EGS capacity can be built at a cost of 50 (sic)/MWh or lower. A method is applied to measure the sustainable geothermal resource base. The obtained sustainable potential is found to be 256 GWe in 2050. Results are presented on a country basis and globally.

Perceptions of ecosystem services, disservices and willingness-to-pay for urban green space conservation

While planning and management of urban green space (UGS) remain primarily driven by policymakers and expert knowledge, increasing attention has been paid to the general public's perception of and demand for UGS. This study was conducted to provide price-related outcomes to support UGS-related decision making and achieve an improved understanding of the causal relationships underpinning the residents' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for UGS conservation. An extensive survey with 3000 urban residents from three provincial capital cities In central China (i.e., Wuhan, Changsha and Nanchang) was conducted. We applied structural equation modelling to examine a range of hypothetical causal relationships among residents' perceptions about ecosystem services/disservices provided by UGS, frequency of UGS visits, socioeconomic status (SES) and WTP for the conservation of five different types of UGS. We found that residents had an average WTP of 202.4 CNY or 30.6 USD per year cross UGS types, with the attached green space having the greatest WTP (223.0 CNY or 33.7 USD per year), followed by park (215.4 CNY or 32.6 USD year), square (201.7 CNY or 30.5 USD year), suburban ecological (190.1 CNY or 28.7 USD year) and protective (182.0 CNY or 27.5 USD year) green spaces. Perceptions of UGS's ecosystem services had a positive causal impact on WTP, while perceptions of ecosystem disservices would have a negative impact. The frequency of UGS visits was found to amplify WTP at a limited level. It could further heighten and diminish the perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices. Participants with higher SES typically had greater perceptions of UGS's ecosystem services and WTP. Finally, we found that the structure of the causal relationships on WTP varied between cities, highlighting the importance of considering the fine-level impacts of biophysical environment jointly. Our results could help urban planners to understand better the ways urban green space was perceived and anticipate the likely effects of changing spatial patterns of UGS on the benefits and nuisances experienced by the general public.

Government R&D Subsidies, Environmental Regulations, and Their Effect on Green Innovation Efficiency of Manufacturing Industry: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China

The Yangtze River Economic Belt is the most important manufacturing economic belt in China. The level of manufacturing green innovation efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt directly affects the overall competitiveness of China's manufacturing industry. With panel data from 11 provinces and cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China for the period of 2008 to 2017, this paper applies the slacks-based measure (SBM)-data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and panel Tobit model to conduct an empirical study of the effects of government research and development subsidies and environmental regulations on the green innovation efficiency of the manufacturing industry of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results show that, firstly, government R&D subsidies and environmental regulations are both conducive to improving the green innovation efficiency of the manufacturing industry of the Yangtze River Economic Belt; secondly, because of the fact that the interaction terms between government R&D subsidies and environmental regulations failed to pass the significance test, the positive moderating effects of R&D subsidies on environmental regulations and green innovation efficiency of the manufacturing industry are not obvious; thirdly, in terms of control variables, strengthening agglomeration is the only factor that is positively correlated with green innovation efficiency improvement of the manufacturing industry. Enterprise scale and industrial structure have negative effects on green innovation efficiency improvement, and the openness of economy has no correlation with green innovation efficiency.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG)-driven medical sensors for health monitoring and diseases diagnosis

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a class of three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon nanomaterial. It can be prepared by direct laser writing on some polymer materials in the air. Because of its features of simplicity, fast production, and excellent physicochemical properties, it was widely used in medical sensing devices. This minireview gives an overview of the characteristics of LIG and LIG-driven sensors. Various methods for preparing graphene were compared and discussed. The applications of the LIG in biochemical sensors for ions, small molecules, microRNA, protein, and cell detection were highlighted. LIG-based physical physiological sensors and wearable electronics for medical applications were also included. Finally, our insights into current challenges and prospects for LIG-based medical sensing devices were presented.

Transformation towards Circular Economy (CE) in Municipal Waste Management System: Model Solutions for Poland

Municipal waste management has been an area of special interest for the European Commission (EC) for many years, especially in the transformation process towards a circular economy (CE), which is a priority of the European Union's (EU's) economic policy. This paper presents the overview of the Polish waste management system (WMS) and the CE-related tasks indicated in the Polish CE Roadmap. Despite the fact that Poland is one of the countries that generates the least waste per capita (329 kg in 2018) in the EU (489 kg), it still has problems with adapting the levels of municipal waste recycling to European requirements (34.3% in 2018, EU average 47%), which result from the lack of sufficient infrastructure for waste management and the insufficiently developed public awareness and behaviors. The current paper presents an inventory of the recommended actions, which support transformation towards CE in municipal waste management. These actions have been grouped into six core principles of circularity, indicated in the ReSOLVE framework: Regenerate, Share, Optimize, Loop, Virtualize, and Exchange. In each of presented areas, recommended tasks and actions were identified that should be taken by governments and residents themselves, such as landfill remediation, use of selected municipal waste fractions for economic purposes, sharing products with co-users, waste recovery, remanufacturing products or components, virtual solutions in everyday life to reduce the amount of generated waste, or replacement of household appliances by items with a higher energy class. An implementation of specific actions indicated in the paper could positively influence transformation towards CE in Poland. Because the presented examples of actions are model solutions, they can also be used in other countries and regions.

Bayesian analysis under accelerated failure time models with error-prone time-to-event outcomes

We consider accelerated failure time models with error-prone time-to-event outcomes. The proposed models extend the conventional accelerated failure time model by allowing time-to-event responses to be subject to measurement errors. We describe two measurement error models, a logarithm transformation regression measurement error model and an additive error model with a positive increment, to delineate possible scenarios of measurement error in time-to-event outcomes. We develop Bayesian approaches to conduct statistical inference. Efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms are developed to facilitate the posterior inference. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed method, and an application to a study of Alzheimer's disease is presented.

Association of COVID-19 global distribution and environmental and demographic factors: An updated three-month study

We investigated the association of some environmental and economic factors and the global distribution indicators of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the number of cases and deaths is higher in high-income countries located in higher latitudes and colder climates, further studies are required to shed light on this matter.

Mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular abnormalities and phenotypical variants

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a diabetes mellitus-induced pathophysiological condition characterized by cardiac structural, functional, and metabolic changes that can result in heart failure (HF), in the absence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Metabolic alterations such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and increased metabolism of free fatty acids result in oxidative stress, inflammation, advanced glycation end products formation, abnormalities in calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis that are responsible for structural remodeling. Cardiac stiffness, hypertrophy, and fibrosis eventually lead to dysfunction and HF with preserved ejection fraction and/or HF with reduced ejection fraction. In this review, we analyzed in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms and the metabolic pathways involved in the pathophysiology of DCM. Different phenotypes are observed in DCM, and it is not clear yet if the restrictive and the dilated phenotypes are distinct or represent an evolution of the same disease. Phenotypic differences can be observed between T1DM and T2DM DCM, possibly explained by the different myocardial insulin action. Further studies are needed in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of DCM and to identify appropriate therapeutic targets and novel strategies to prevent and reverse the progression toward heart failure in diabetic patients.

Energy consumption, economic expansion, and CO2 emission in the UK: The role of economic policy uncertainty

On the 23rd of June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU, leading to months and years of economic policy uncertainties. Such uncertainties have not only characterized the UK but have become a center point for energy debate in recent times. Given the foregoing, this paper progresses to provide evidence on the role of Economic Policy Uncertainty in the Energy Consumption - Emission nexus in the UK. We use annual data spanning the period of 1985-2017 for the UK for CO2 emissions in tons per capita (CO2), real GDP (RGDP), energy use (EU), and economic policy uncertainty (EPU). The Autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bound test is used to test the fitness of the model in the short and long term. Our model shows that EPU matters most in the short run, as it reduces the growth of CO2 emissions, while prolonged use of EPU in the UK, exhibit controversial influence, where CO2 emissions continue to rise. In addition, pairwise Granger causality shows a one-way causality running from energy use to CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions to economic policy uncertainty, and also from energy use to economic policy uncertainty. However, two-ways causality is found between real GDP and real GDP per capita. Overall, our results imply that EPU is likely to yield a positive effect on climate change for a short time, but continue dependent will, in the long run, create an unhealthy environment. We suggest that the UK government should consider implementing an additional long-run policy that will supplement the effort of EPU. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Delirium and COVID-19: a narrative review of emerging evidence

Delirium is a common condition affecting hospital inpatients, including those having surgery and on the intensive care unit. Delirium is also common in patients with COVID-19 in hospital settings, and the occurrence is higher than expected for similar infections. The short-term outcomes of those with COVID-19 delirium are similar to that of classical delirium and include increased length of stay and increased mortality. Management of delirium in COVID-19 in the context of a global pandemic is limited by the severity of the syndrome and compounded by the environmental constraints. Practical management includes effective screening, early identification and appropriate treatment aimed at minimising complications and timely escalation decisions. The pandemic has played out on the national stage and the effect of delirium on patients, relatives and healthcare workers remains unknown but evidence from the previous SARS outbreak suggests there may be long-lasting psychological damage.

Repeated treatments of Capan-1 cells with PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitors promote drug resistance, migration and invasion

PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitors have been shown to be synergistic in different cancer models in relatively short time treatment modes. However, the consequences of long-term/repeated treatments with the combinations in cancer models remain unclear. In this study, the synergistic cytotoxicity of their combinations in 8 tumor cell lines was confirmed in a 7-day exposure mode. Then, pancreatic Capan-1 cells were repeatedly treated with the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib, the Chk1 inhibitor rabusertib or their combination for 211-214 days, during which the changes in drug sensitivity were monitored at a 35-day interval. Unexpectedly, among the 3 treatment modes, the combination treatments resulted in the highest-grade resistance to Chk1 (~14.6 fold) and PARP1 (~420.2 fold) inhibitors, respectively. Consistently, G2/M arrest and apoptosis decreased significantly in the resulting resistant variants exposed to olaparib. All 3 resistant variants also unexpectedly obtained enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities. Moreover, the combination treatments resulted in increased migration and invasion than olaparib alone. The expression of 124 genes changed significantly in all the resistant variants. We further demonstrate that activating CXCL3-ERK1/2 signaling might contribute to the enhanced migratory capabilities rather than the acquired drug resistance. Our findings indicate that repeated treatments with the rabusertib/olaparib combination result in increased drug resistance and a more aggressive cell phenotype than those with either single agent, providing new clues for future clinical anticancer tests of PARP1 and Chk1 inhibitor combinations.

Biomass energy consumption and economic growth nexus in OECD countries: A panel analysis

This paper investigates the relationship between biomass energy consumption and economic growth for 26 OECD countries for 1980 to 2013 period. This study used panel unit root analyses, panel cointegration analyses, dynamic OLS analyses, fully modified OLS analyses and panel VECM Granger causality to examine the relationship. The results reveal the presence of long-run equilibrium relationship between the variables supporting the feedback hypothesis. As policy implication, OECD countries have to improve the biomass energy infrastructure as an important source of renewable energy to promote economic growth. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changing from mandatory to optional genotyping results in higher acceptance of pharmacist-guided warfarin dosing

Aim: We evaluated the clinical acceptance and feasibility of a pharmacist-guided personalized consult service following its transition from a mandatory (mPGx) to optional (oPGx) CYP2C9/VKORC1/CYP4F2 genotyping for warfarin. Methods: A total of 1105 patients were included. Clinical acceptance and feasibility outcomes were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable analyses. Results: After transitioning to optional genotyping, genotype testing was still ordered in a large segment of the eligible population (52.1%). Physician acceptance of pharmacist-recommended doses improved from 83.9% (mPGx) to 86.6% (oPGx; OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5; p = 0.01) with a shorter median genotype result turnaround time (oPGX: 23.6 h vs mPGX: 25.1 h; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Ordering of genotype testing and provider acceptance of dosing recommendations remained high after transitioning to optional genotyping.

Multi-scenario operation optimization model for park integrated energy system based on multi-energy demand response

Multi-energy demand response is an important means to achieve peak load shifting, and improve energy efficiency. It plays a significant role in promoting the sustainable development of park integrated energy system. In this context, we first constructed a mull-energy demand response model from the perspective of an elastic matrix. Second, we established performance evaluation indexes of the park integrated energy system based on economic and environmental factors, to match energy supply and demand. We then constructed an optimization model considering the unit output, energy balance, and other constraints to achieve optimal net profits, energy utilization efficiency, and degree of matching between load and output. Finally, we established multiple scenarios and used the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm combined with fuzzy set theory for an example analysis. The results show that after redesigning the cooling, heating, and electricity prices, the multi-energy demand response model transfers the user load demand, without changing the total energy consumption. Compared with the traditional scenario, the energy utilization efficiency and net system profit increased by 2.30 % and $2,652.775, respectively, while the user expenditure decreased by $7,663.887, following implementation of the demand response model. This demonstrates win-win situations for the economy/environment and for the system/users.

Microemulsion-Confined Assembly of Magnetic Nanoclusters for pH/H2O2 Dual-Responsive T2-T1 Switchable MRI

In this work, a T2-T1 switchable superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoprobe with a pH/H2O2 dual response was obtained using a microemulsion method. This novel method for the controllable assembly of small iron clusters followed by their independent modification was reported, which could not be prepared by common synthetic methods. The size of the assembled nanoprobe was uniform and controllable, with a stable T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal under a single condition. When the nanoprobe was exposed to the tumor environment, the higher H+ and H2O2 concentrations at the tumor site could dissociate the nanoprobe and redisperse into small iron clusters. When this occurred, the T2 MRI signal was converted into a T1 MRI signal, achieving specific detection of tumors by a pH/H2O2 dual-response T2-T1 MRI.

Vascular adhesion protein-1 and microvascular diabetic complications

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is a bifunctional protein that has the ability to catalyze the deamination of primary amines and is involved in the production of hydrogen peroxide, aldehydes, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). VAP-1 is usually stored in intracellular vesicles of endothelial cells, smooth muscles, and adipocytes. It is responsible for leukocyte transmigration and adhesion. Overexpression of VAP-1 exacerbates oxidative stress and modulates a variety of inflammatory mediators linked with diabetic complications. Numerous studies have suggested the association of increased insulin levels with serum VAP-1 (sVAP-1). Preclinical research evidence suggests the increased activity of sVAP-1 in type 1 and 2 diabetes. Scientific reports on VAP-1 inhibitors have shown a reduction in severity in diabetic animal models. VAP-1 is a potential target of a therapeutically effective line of treatment for diabetes and diabetic complications such as nephropathy and retinopathy. The primary focus of this review is the role of VAP-1 in diabetes and its associated microvascular complications.

Energy access during and post-COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan countries: the case of Ethiopia

The global COVID-19 pandemic causes hundreds of thousands of deaths and has created a catastrophic economic and health crisis around the World. Transportation, manufacturing industries, business and people's movement came to almost a halt and sharp oil and gas prices reduction were observed. The impact of the pandemic for sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopia, which was already struggling with many economic and social welfare problems, is more evident than in other wealthy nations around the World. In Ethiopia, the general energy access rate is 44% and in healthcare facilities is only about 10%. Therefore, the response for the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging, since activities such as information sharing, communication with health centers, diagnosis and medical treatment require electricity access. This paper aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on energy access plans during and post-pandemic. The paper analyzed, the status of the current COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia, the energy access situation in health facilities, and the impacts of COVID-19 on energy access during and post-pandemic periods. Data related to the universal energy access plan of Ethiopia, the impact of energy access on healthcare services and the impact of the pandemic were reviewed for the assessment. The analysis indicates that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopian healthcare facilities and on the overall universal energy access plan is immense and to minimize the global impact short and long-term policy responses are identified and urgently recommended. Furthermore, powering healthcare facilities with microgrids composed of solar panels and battery storage systems could be one cost-effective and sustainable solution for the speedy and effective response of the pandemic challenges.

Ranking European countries on the basis of their environmental and circular economy performance: A DEA application in MSW

The scope of this research is to present a more holistic approach on measuring countries' performance in managing and exploiting their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Specifically, we argue that relying solely on criteria like the recycling and/or the cyclical material use rate, can lead to an overestimation or underestimation of countries' true performance. That is because the level of waste generation is left unaccounted, despite the fact that low waste generation is an important environmental target, and so is the countries' true potential, as it is reflected by their economic and social progress. Instead, we measure the environmental and circular economy performance of 26 European Union countries by implementing Data Envelopment Analysis and tackle the aforementioned problem by using the generated quantity of MSW per capita and the three dimensions of the Social Progress Index as inputs and the recycling and/or the cyclical material use rate as outputs. We do so, using a basic framework and a framework that imposes common weights to enforce a full ranking of the countries. Our study shows large disparities among European countries, with respect to their performance. Interestingly though, the borders between Western and Eastern Europe have fallen, but not those between the north and the south: old EU members, such as Spain or France, perform significantly worst, both from an environmental and a circular economy perspective, than newer members, such as Slovenia or Poland. Finally, Belgium has been revealed as the best performer, both from an environmental and a cyclical economy perspective. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of 2,24-Diene-12,13,15,16,34,35,37,38-octaphenyl[4.4]-triphenylparacyclophane

A new octaphenyl[4.4]triphenylparacyclophanediene was readily synthesized in six steps from p-xylene via the installment of bromine atoms, replacement with a vinyl group, carbonylative coupling, intermolecular followed by intramolecular double Grubbs olefin metathesis, Knoevenagel condensation, and Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The belt-shaped structure and trans-stereochemistry of the alkene moieties of the octaphenyl[4.4]triphenylparacyclophane and a synthetic intermediate, 2,21-dioxo-11,30-diene[3.4.3.4]paracyclophane, were determined by X-ray crystallography. The synthetic methodology leading to octaphenyl[4.4]triphenylparacyclophane is applicable for the synthesis of substituted triphenylparacyclophanes and possibly their corresponding bis-hexabenzocoronenylparacyclophanes via a Scholl-Mullen oxidative aryl-aryl coupling reaction.

B cell repertoire in patients with a novel BTK mutation: expanding the spectrum of atypical X-linked agammaglobulinemia

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is caused by mutations in the Bruton tyrosine kinase) BTK) gene. Affected patients have severely reduced amounts of circulating B cells. Patients with atypical XLA may have residual circulating B cells, and there are few studies exploring these cells' repertoire. We aimed to study the B cell repertoire of a novel hypomorphic mutation in the BTK gene, using the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Clinical data was collected from our clinical records. Real-time PCR was used to determine KREC copies, and NGS was used to determine the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain (IgH) repertoire diversity. Both patients had a relatively mild clinical and laboratory phenotype, residual BTK protein expression, and the same novel mutation in the BTK gene, c.1841 T > C, p. L614P. Signal-joint kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (sj-KREC) for both patients were completely absent reflecting lack of naïve B cells. The intron RSS-Kde coding joints (cj) were significantly reduced, reflecting residual replicating B cells. NGS displayed restricted IgH repertoire with highly uneven distribution of clones, especially for Pt2. We report a novel BTK mutation, c.1841 T > C (p. L614P) that is associated with a relatively mild phenotype. We conclude that the IgH repertoire in atypical XLA is restricted with highly uneven distribution of clones. This phenomenon may be explained by extremely reduced to non-existent levels of BTK in B cells. This report sheds further light on atypical cases of XLA.

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin dose and early subclinical and clinical rejections in kidney transplantation

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is a commonly used induction agent in kidney transplant recipients. However, the optimal dosing has not been well defined. Our protocol aims for a 5-6 mg/kg cumulative dose. It is unclear if a dose lower than 5 mg/kg is associated with more rejection. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who received a kidney transplant at our center between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016. Primary outcome was biopsy proven acute rejection (clinical and subclinical) in the first 6 months after kidney transplant. CMV viremia in high risk (D+/R-) recipients and BK viremia was compared as a secondary endpoint. Of the 543 patients, the Low Dose (LD) group (n = 56) received <5 mg/kg ATG and Regular Dose (RD) group (n = 487) received ≧5 mg/kg. Patients in RD were more sensitized (higher PRA and CPRA). LD received a dose of 4 ± 1.1 mg/kg ATG whereas RD received 5.6 ± .3 mg/kg ATG (P < .001). TCMR (Banff 1A or greater) was present in 34% of patients in LD versus 22% in RD (P = .04) (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.12-3.81; P = .019). There was no difference in the incidence of CMV or BK viremia. ATG doses lower than 5 mg/kg may be associated with a heightened risk of rejection despite a low degree of sensitization.

Sustainable development and environmental restoration in Lake Erhai, China

Eutrophication of lakes is an environmental issue that has attracted increasing attention all over the world. This study analyses the monitoring data of the Lake Erhai, Yunnan Province in China with Carlson's TSI, Improving Carlson's TSI (TSIM) and TLI. The results reveal that the eutrophication index for this lake is in the Mesotrophic status. The mechanism of the eutrophication in Lake Erhai is also investigated. The mechanism shows that rate of nutrient transformation is the core issue and the process of eutrophic evolution involves natural, social, and economic factors. The restrictions on sustainable development in Lake Erhai are discussed. To maintain sustainable development, green watershed construction (GWC) and its corresponding effective measures are proposed. Moreover, lessons learned from Lake Erhai watershed management are presented, to provide valuable experiences for alleviating water pollution caused by insufficient environmental management during rapid economic development. Perspective future research works are proposed, including establishment of the early warning system with remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) as well as the artificial intelligence (AI) technology. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A one-step platform for screening high-efficient and minimal off-target CRISPR/Cas13 crRNAs to eradicate SARS-CoV-2 virus for treatment of COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and now spreads globally. Currently, therapeutics and effective treatment options remain scarce and there is no proven drug to treat COVID-19. Targeting the positive-sense RNA genome and viral mRNAs of SARS-CoV-2 to simultaneously degrade viral genome templates for replication and viral mRNAs for essential gene expression would be a strategy to completely realize virus elimination. Type VI CRISPR enzymes Cas13 have recently been identified as programmable RNA-guided, RNA-targeting Cas proteins with nuclease activity that allows for RNA cleavage and degradation. The precise viral RNA detection and antiviral application of the CRISPR/Cas13 system depend on high-efficient and minimal off-target crRNAs. Although a computer-based algorithm has been applied for the design of crRNAs targeting SRAS-CoV-2, the experimental screening system to identify optimal crRNA is not available. We develop a one-step experimental screening system to identify high-efficient crRNAs with minimal off-target effects for CRISPR/Cas13-based SARS-CoV-2 elimination. This platform provides the foundation for CRISPR/Cas13-based diagnostics and therapeutics for COVID-19. This platform is versatile and could also be applied for crRNAs screening for other RNA viruses.

Chemical profiling of Qingfei Paidu Decoction by triplex off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Qingfei Paidu Decoction is a Chinese medicine formula that has been proved effective in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. However, the comprehensive separation and characterization of Qingfei Paidu Decoction are of a great challenge due to the diversity of chemical components in a wide range of polarity. In this study, a triplex off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry is developed for the analysis of Qingfei Paidu Decoction. One reversed-phase liquid chromatography×hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography system and two reversed-phase liquid chromatography×reversed phase liquid chromatography systems were constructed to separate polar components and weak-polar components in Qingfei Paidu Decoction, respectively. Benefiting from the good orthogonality of two-dimensional liquid chromatography and high sensitivity of quadrupole time-of-flight MS, chemical components with different polarities and content were discovered. A total of 749 peaks were detected in positive and negative ionization mode and presented as a four-dimensional data plot. Meanwhile, 498 compounds belonging to 14 categories were tentatively identified. These results provide good supplementary to elucidate the material basis of Qingfei Paidu Decoction. The triplex off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry strategy can be a powerful and efficient tool for the separation and characterization of chemical substances in traditional Chinese medicine formulas.

Quantitative modelling of Ostracod bioassay: assigning toxicity index to potentially chemical contaminated swimming pools

One of the primary objectives of any public health programme is to design a protocol that will curtail a population from being predisposed to toxic substances in the environment. Biomarkers help in actualising such an objective by their potential to detect the presence of toxic substances in environmental media such as soil, water and air. The Ostracod Heterocypris incongruens, an already established biomarker for quality evaluation of freshwater, does not quantify toxicity. This work was aimed at modelling Ostracod bioassay as a quantitative whole-water toxicity assay (QWTA) for the determination of potentially chemical contaminated swimming pools. In this modelling approach, a pool water sample was deliberately contaminated with a mixture of Fenton reagent (FR) and Bonny light (BL) crude oil. The mechanism of toxic injury of this mixture is via oxidative stress-mediated superoxide ion and other free radicals. The mortalities and growth factors of the exposed freshly hatched Ostracods to the serial dilutions of the contaminated swimming pool water sample for 6 days were mathematically modelled to toxicity indices (Ti), which were used to construct the toxicity reference curve (TRC). A graph of the "toxic concentrations" of the serially diluted contaminated pool water sample against Ostracod mortality was plotted. The TRC and the linear graph constitute the "Ostracod-linked mathematical model". Against the reference mortality ≤ 20% of the Ostracods, the toxicity index based on the model prediction is ≤ 32.5, and this signifies "no observed toxic effect" for toxicity values below 32.5 units. Using this model, toxicity indices were calculated for 5 randomly selected swimming pools in the study area. The results showed that the outdoor pool SP 5 has a toxic index of 49.0, while outdoor pools SP 2 and SP 3 each has a toxic index of 42.5. The indoor swimming pool (SP 4) and Standard water (control) have zero toxicity, thus suggesting that that the outdoor pools SP 2, SP 3 and SP 5 were possibly contaminated by chemicals from extraneous sources while contamination of SP 1 was very much negligible, hence the "no observed toxic effect".

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Vibrational Circular Dichroism Assisted Elucidation of the Solution-State Supramolecular Speciation in Racemic and Enantiopure Ketoprofen

The molecular structure and solution-state molecular interactions in the popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen, are extensively studied with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the chemical behavior of its solution state and its connection to its nucleation pathway and crystallization outcome. Using as reference solid-state X-ray structures of enantiomeric and racemic forms of ketoprofen, a set of self-assembly models underpinned by density functional theory calculations has been considered for the analysis of spectroscopic data, infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), obtained for solutions of the samples as a function of composition and solvent. From our results it can be concluded that, contrary to the general belief for generic carboxylic acids, there are no cyclic dimeric structures of ketoprofen present in solution, but rather linear arrays made up of two (in high polar or diluted media) or more units (in low polar or low dilution media). This observation is in line with the idea that the weak contacts (other than H-bonding) would hold the key to molecular self-assembly, in agreement with recent studies on other aromatic carboxylic acids.

Natural gas market and underground gas storage development in China

Due to the revolution of the economic growth, urbanization, and low-carbon development of China, the proportion of natural gas in the national primary energy consumption has been growing rapidly in recent years. In the meanwhile, the contradiction between the supply and demand in China's natural gas market (NGM) has also been increasing gradually. Accordingly, the Chinese government has introduced a slew of policies to ease this contradiction. However, China's NGM is still facing many problems and challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the peak-shaving demand of the NGM in China, as well as to estimate the status and trend of underground gas storage (UGS) development for peak-shaving of the NGM. Firstly, the status and development direction of the NGM in China is discussed considering the supply and demand situation. The regional difference, the seasonal difference and the import impact are analyzed in detail to clarify the peak-shaving demand of national natural gas supply. Secondly, the status, direction, difficulties and challenges of UGS are discussed in depth. Finally, this study proposes some potential suggestions for the regulation of the NGM and the development of UGS in China.

A comparison of assays for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the feces of scouring calves

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic, protozoan parasite that causes potentially life-threatening diarrhea in the host and can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route. C. parvum can infect cattle and may be detected in their feces using a variety of tests. We compared the level of agreement, ease of procedure, and cost among PCR, lateral flow immunoassay, fluorescent antibody, and Kinyoun acid-fast stain direct smear tests. Over the course of 9 mo, 74 calf fecal samples were submitted and tested for C. parvum using all 4 tests. A Fleiss kappa value of 0.813 was obtained, indicating an excellent level of agreement among tests. Overall, the best test based on cost and ease of procedure was the Kinyoun acid-fast stain direct smear.

Latilactobacillus curvatus BYB3 Isolated from Kimchi Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice by Inhibiting IL-6 and TNF-R1 Production

Recent studies have shown that probiotics have health-promoting effects, particularly intestinal immune modulation. In this study, we focused on the immunomodulatory properties of Latilactobacillus curvatus BYB3, formerly called Lactobacillus curvatus, isolated from kimchi. In a mouse model of 14-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, treatment with L. curvatus BYB3 significantly decreased the disease activity index, colon length, and weight loss. Moreover, histological analyses showed that L. curvatus BYB3 protected the structural integrity of the intestinal epithelial layer and mucin-secreting goblet cells from DSS-induced damage, with only slight infiltration by immune cells. To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying L. curvatus BYB3-driven inhibition of interleukin 6 production, possible in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of L. curvatus BYB3 were examined in the same mouse model. In addition, significantly lower levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 upregulation were seen in the DSS+BYB3 group (compared to that in the DSS group). These results indicate that L. curvatus BYB3 exhibits health-promoting effects via immune modulation; and therefore, it can be used to treat various inflammatory diseases.

COVID-19 detection from CT scans using a two-stage framework

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may cause serious ailments in infected individuals and complications may lead to death. X-rays and Computed Tomography (CT) scans can be used for the diagnosis of the disease. In this context, various methods have been proposed for the detection of COVID-19 from radiological images. In this work, we propose an end-to-end framework consisting of deep feature extraction followed by feature selection (FS) for the detection of COVID-19 from CT scan images. For feature extraction, we utilize three deep learning based Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). For FS, we use a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, Harmony Search (HS), combined with a local search method, Adaptive β -Hill Climbing (A β HC) for better performance. We evaluate the proposed approach on the SARS-COV-2 CT-Scan Dataset consisting of 2482 CT scan images and an updated version of the previous dataset containing 2926 CT scan images. For comparison, we use a few state-of-the-art optimization algorithms. The best accuracy scores obtained by the present approach are 97.30% and 98.87% respectively on the said datasets, which are better than many of the algorithms used for comparison. The performances are also at par with some recent works which use the same datasets. The codes for the FS algorithms are available at: https://github.com/khalid0007/Metaheuristic-Algorithms.

Energy, efficiency, economic impact, and heat transfer aspects of solar flat plate collector with Al2O3 nanofluids and wire coil with core rod inserts

The energy and cost saving of flat plate collector using Al2O3/water nanofluids and with wire coil with core rod inserts were studied experimentally. The experiments were conducted for various particle loadings of nanofluid (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%) and nanofluid with various p/d values of wire coil with core-rod inserts (p/d = 1.79, 2.54 and 3.24). The potential increase of collector efficiency is converted into useful size reduction, weight reduction, cost, and energy saving of the collector. With the use of nanofluids in the collector its efficiency is enhanced. The maximum collector efficiency is 37.73% for particle loading of 0.3% in the collector at a flow rate of 300 lit/hr in validation with water collector. By providing wire coil with core-rod inserts, p/d value of 1.79 with 0.3% particle loading of nanofluid, the collector efficiency is further incremented to 64.15% at a flow rate of 300 lit/hr. Meanwhile, at the same experimental conditions, using 0.3% nanofluid, a maximum reduction in the collector area is 27.66%, and it is reduced to 39.33% for nanofluid of 0.3% with p/d of 1.79 insert. The original cost of the water collector is 223.88$, which is reduced to 161.94$ for 0.3% nanofluid and further reduced to 135.82$ for 0.3% nanofluid with p/d of 1.79 insert. Simultaneously, the embodied energy of materials used in the collector is reduced by using nanofluids and inserts in the collector. Besides, the heat transfer and friction factor are also evaluated, and the data is fitted.

Environmental impacts of recycling crystalline silicon (c-SI) and cadmium telluride (CDTE) solar panels

There has been a substantial growth in the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in the past couple decades. Solar PVs have a life span of about 25 years and much of the deployed PVs will soon reach their end of life (EoL). It is now timely to plan for the EoL of PVs to recover valuable materials and recycle PV modules sustainably. The goal of this study was to analyze the environmental impacts of different recycling methods for crystalline silicon (c-Si) and CdTe panels. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed for delamination and material separation phases of recycling solar panels. The LCA results showed that the recycling of c-Si and CdTe PVs contribute 1325% and 34%, respectively to the entire PV lifecycle impacts. Also, for both c-Si and CdTe PVs, the thermal-based recycling methods resulted in lower environmental impacts than chemical and mechanical methods, except for pyrolysis. Nitric acid dissolution used for c-Si PV recycling had the highest impacts among all methods since the material consumption for this method has not been optimized for industrial use. Results from this study suggested that current techniques used in recycling of PVs, produce higher impacts than extraction of Al, Si and glass for c-Si and extraction of glass for CdTe. Lastly, this study identified which materials to prioritize for highest economic and environmentals benefits from recycling. These will be Ag, Al, Si, and glass in c-Si modules, and Te, Cu, and glass in CdTe modules.

Comparing performances, costs and energy balance of ex situ remediation processes for PAH-contaminated marine sediments

This study proposes a comparison of different ex situ technologies aimed at the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from marine sediments in terms of performances, costs and energy balance. In accordance with the principles of water-energy nexus, anaerobic bioremediation, soil washing and thermal desorption were investigated under low liquid phase and temperature conditions using phenanthrene (PHE) as model compound. After 42 days of anaerobic bioremediation, the highest PHE biodegradation of 68 and 64% was observed under denitrifying and methanogenic conditions, respectively, accompanied by N-2 and CH4 production and volatile fatty acid accumulation. During soil washing, more than 97% of PHE was removed after 60 min using a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:3. Along the same treatment time, low-temperature thermal desorption (LTTD) allowed a PHE removal of 88% at 200 degrees C. The economic analysis indicated that LTTD resulted in a higher cost (i.e. 1782 euro m(-3)) than bioremediation and soil washing (228 and 371 euro m(-3), respectively). The energy balance also suggested that bioremediation and soil washing are more sustainable technologies as a lower required energy (i.e. 16 and 14 kWh m(-3), respectively) than LTTD (i.e. 417 kWh m(-3)) is needed.

Global Patterns in Marine Sediment Carbon Stocks

To develop more accurate global carbon (C) budgets and to better inform management of human activities in the ocean, we need high-resolution estimates of marine C stocks. Here we quantify global marine sedimentary C stocks at a 1-km resolution, and find that marine sediments store similar to 3117 (3006-3209) Pg C in the top 1 m (more than twice that of terrestrial soils). Sediments in abyss/basin zones account for 75% of the global marine sediment C stock, and 52% of that stock is within the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones of countries. Currently, only similar to 2% of sediment C stocks are located in highly to fully protected areas that prevent the disturbance of the seafloor. Our results show that marine sediments represent a large and globally important C sink. However, the lack of protection for marine C stocks makes them highly vulnerable to human disturbances that can lead to their remineralization to CO2, further aggravating climate change impacts.

A sustainable development framework for a cleaner multi-item multi-stage textile production system with a process improvement initiative

One of the most significant sectors in global economy is the textile industry, especially in asian continent. Owing to massive consumption of water in the wet processing operations of the textile sector, this industry is a major creator of effluent water. These effluents severely negatively affect plant photosynthetic function and must be treated prior to discharge into the environment. Reducing this type of hazardous environmental waste is one of the key considerations of lean philosophy. This enhances the consideration of the investments and expenditures made for waste water treatment in production decisions of the textile industry. Along with this, carbon emissions from production systems are more tightly regulated than in the past. Under emissions tax and allocated cap policies, manufacturing setups have to reduce their emissions by upgrading through technological changes and process improvements. In this context, this research provides a sustainable development framework for a cleaner textile production system (in the wet-processing category). The production model is analyzed with regard to environmental and effluent water treatment policies in the multi-stage production system, and optimal batch quantity is determined through a metaheuristic approach. Process reliability can be achieved by improving the production process, for which a discrete investment policy for setup cost reduction and process improvement is suggested, and benefits of these investments to improve environmental protection are studied through comparative analysis. Practical applicability of the proposed production model is highlighted through numerical experiment, sensitivity analysis, and important managerial insights. A trade-off among the investments in various aspects of the system is developed, and the results analysis verify that the introduction of discrete investments for process improvement reduces the effluent water quantity by 12.56% and variable CO2 emissions cost by 20.98% per batch, thus motivating economic growth and minimizing environmental impacts of the production system. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance Analysis of a New Electricity and Freshwater Production System Based on an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle and Multi-Effect Desalination

Integrated biomass gasification combined cycles can be advantageous for providing multiple products simultaneously. A new electricity and freshwater generation system is proposed based on the integrated gasification and gas turbine cycle as the main system, and a steam Rankine cycle and multi-effect desalination system as the waste heat recovery units. To evaluate the performance of the system, energy, exergy, and economic analyses were performed. Also, a parametric analysis was performed to assess the effects of various parameters on the system's performance criteria. The economic feasibility of the plant was analyzed in terms of net present value. For the base case, the performance metrics are evaluated as W.net=8.347 MW, epsilon=46.22%, SUCP=14.07 $/GJ, and m.fw=11.7 kg/s. Among all components of the system, the combustion chamber is the greatest contributor to the exergy destruction rate, at 3250 kW. It is shown with the parametric analysis that raising the combustion temperature leads to higher electricity and freshwater production capacity. For a fuel cost of 2 $/GJ and an electricity price of 0.07 $/kWh, the total net present value at the end of plant's lifespan is 6.547x106 $, and the payback period is 6.75 years. Thus, the plant is feasible from an economic perspective.

A left atrial hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes

We present a case of a hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes. This is an extremely rare tumour and the first reported paediatric case localised in the left atrium.

Study of the Involvement of the P2Y12 Receptor in Chronic Itching in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Itching is a common clinical symptom in diabetic patients. This research is to carry out experiments on the pathological changes in the P2Y12 receptor in type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with chronic itching. Changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), thermal hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, spontaneous itching, and sciatic nerve conduction velocity were detected. The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the dorsal root ganglion was detected by chemical fluorescence. The expression of the P2Y12 receptor, NLRP3, ASC, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 was detected by Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence double labelling, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Itching and pain behaviours of the mice in the type 2 diabetes mellitus + itch group were significantly increased, and the expression of P2Y12 and NLRP3 as well as the content of ROS increased, and these changes were significantly reversed by treatment with P2Y12 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor. Upregulated P2Y12 receptor expression after the activation of satellite glial cells contributes to the increase in ROS content in vivo, followed by NLRP3 inflammasome activation, increased inflammatory cytokine release, and damage to peripheral nerves, which leads to chronic itching. Treatment with P2Y12 shRNA or ticagrelor can inhibit these pathological changes, thus improving itching behaviour. Development mechanism of diabetes mellitus complicated with chronic itching. Notes: The upregulation of P2Y12 receptor expression and the activation of SGCs lead to the increase of ROS content in vivo, followed by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, the increase of inflammatory cytokine release, the abnormal excitation of DRG neurons, and the damage of peripheral nerves, resulting in chronic itching. P2Y12 receptor-related inflammatory injury involves chronic itching in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment with P2Y12 receptor shRNA or P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor can inhibit these pathological changes and improve itching behaviour.

Exopolysaccharides-Producing Biofilm Bacteria from Submerged Seawater Substrate for Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Contamination

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The coastal environment is often polluted by various toxic compounds such as heavy metals. Exposure to these toxic compounds causes coastal bacteria to adapt so that they can be used as bioremediation agents for heavy metals. This study aims for finding and screening the ability of bacteria to produce exopolysaccharide biofilms and then determine the characteristics of bacterial isolates as agents candidates for heavy metal bioremediation in the coastal environment. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Samples were collected on submerged seawater substrate from Bungus Coastal, Padang and West Sumatra, on the wet area that was exposed by seawater (on the rocks, on the wood and the ship, the lower out part on the ship that exposed to seawater). Bacterial isolation process using Marine Agar Medium. The isolate discovered then observed and purified. Furthermore, Congo Red Agar was used for bacteria screening for detecting EPS produced by biofilm bacteria. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results of the isolation, found 9 bacterial isolates attached to the substrate submerged seawater. The screening results showed that isolates K4, K5 and K7 were positive as biofilm-forming bacteria as indicated by the colour change of the bacterial colonies to black on Congo Red Media after 24 hrs incubation. The characteristics of the three bacterial isolates were gram-negative, with cocci and bacilli cells form. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Three isolates of positive exopolysaccharide biofilm bacteria that 1 isolate gram-negative coccus (K4) and the other 2 isolates (K5 and K7) were bacillus. Then, the 3 isolates can be used for remediation of metal contamination research in aquatic.

Impacts of heavy metal pollution on the ionomes and transcriptomes of Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Our understanding of the mechanisms mediating the resilience of organisms to environmental change remains lacking. Heavy metals negatively affect processes at all biological scales, yet organisms inhabiting contaminated environments must maintain homeostasis to survive. Tar Creek in Oklahoma, USA, contains high concentrations of heavy metals and an abundance of Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), though several fish species persist at lower frequency. To test hypotheses about the mechanisms mediating the persistence and abundance of mosquitofish in Tar Creek, we integrated ionomic data from seven resident fish species and transcriptomic data from mosquitofish. We predicted that mosquitofish minimize uptake of heavy metals more than other Tar Creek fish inhabitants and induce transcriptional responses to detoxify metals that enter the body, allowing them to persist in Tar Creek at higher density than species that may lack these responses. Tar Creek populations of all seven fish species accumulated heavy metals, suggesting mosquitofish cannot block uptake more efficiently than other species. We found population-level gene expression changes between mosquitofish in Tar Creek and nearby unpolluted sites. Gene expression differences primarily occurred in the gill, where we found upregulation of genes involved with lowering transfer of metal ions from the blood into cells and mitigating free radicals. However, many differentially expressed genes were not in known metal response pathways, suggesting multifarious selective regimes and/or previously undocumented pathways could impact tolerance in mosquitofish. Our systems-level study identified well characterized and putatively new mechanisms that enable mosquitofish to inhabit heavy metal-contaminated environments.