bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Modeling of Optimum Tilt Angle for Flat Solar Collectors and PV Panels
Authors: Issaq Sonia Z. , Talal Shamil , Azooz Aasim
Published: July 2022

Global historical experimental measurements regarding temporal and geographical variations of sky clearness index worldwide and their associated diffused light estimations are used to model the optimum tilt angle between a flat solar collector, or a PV solar panel and the horizontal for all latitudes within both hemispheres. Equations for the yearly, seasonal and monthly relations between optimum tilt angle and latitude angle are obtained. General good agreements between this modeling results and most of both experimental and other models predictions are found. A freely downloadable MATLAB software that output yearly, seasonal and monthly optimum tilt angle for any latitude is made available.
Clinical and genetic analysis of five children with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: two novel mutations
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Guan , Huo Qin , Li Meng , Xu Rui , Dong Meng
Published: July 2022

Background: Cases and studies of neurological symptoms caused by genetic metabolic diseases have been widely reported. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inherited defect of urea genesis, which due to mutations in the OTC gene located on chromosome Xp21.1. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and genetic characteristics of 5 Chinese children diagnosed with OTCD.Methods: A total of 5 patients (2 males, 3 females) from 5 unrelated families were diagnosed with OTCD by biochemical and molecular analysis between 2015 and 2021. Clinical manifestations, biochemical features and OTC gene sequencing analysis were reviewed retrospectively. Results: All the patients were late-onset and the median onset age was 2.9 years (range 1.8–4 years). Neurological symptoms were the most clinical manifestations including coma, dyssomnia and seizure. The peak plasma ammonia levels ranged from 149 to 1263 mmol/L and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels ranged from 64 to1316 U/L. 2 of them had received CRRT treatment and only one patient was admitted liver transplantation. By Dec 2021, 3 patients had survived and 2 were deceased. 4 of them were detected blood amino acids or urinary organic acids. All of them were completed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and two novel mutations were revealed (c.617dupT and c.664-1G>C).Conclusion: OTCD diagnosis was confirmed in the 5 Chinese children by biochemical findings and genetic analysis, together with 2 novel mutations in the OTC gene. These data will contribute to a better understanding of the clinical course and molecular genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with OTCD.
The K/HDEL receptor does not recycle, but instead acts as a Golgi-gatekeeper
Authors: Alvim Jonas , Bolt Robert , An Jing , Kamisugi Yasuko , Cuming Andrew , Silva-Alvim Fernanda , Hu Meiyi , Hirsz Dominique , Denecke Jurgen
Published: July 2022

The K/HDEL receptor (ER retention defective 2 or ERD2) does not recycle between compartments when sorting ER chaperones, contrary to the favoured model. A conserved C-terminal di-leucine motif specifically prevents ERD2 Golgi-to-ER transport and is not required for ER export. The Golgi-retention mechanism strips Golgi-membranes of the GTPase ARF1 so that ERD2 avoids accompanying its ligands in retrograde transport. When this motif is deleted or masked, introducing a fast ER-to-Golgi export signal or an alternative cis-Golgi retention signal re-activates ERD2. Meanwhile, forcing retrograde transport renders the receptor non-functional. We have established an in vivo ligand/receptor ratio far greater than 100 to 1, and propose a gatekeeper model to explain how few receptors at the Golgi can prevent the secretion of highly abundant soluble ER proteins. The underlying mechanism is conserved across kingdoms and will yield valuable insight into Golgi-mediated cargo sorting and cisternal compartment maintenance.
Effect of distillery industry discharge waste water and dye in aqueous solution treated by chemical modified Penicillium biomass on Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) growth parameters and anti oxidants profile
Authors: Karthickrajanamasivayam Selvaraj , Avinash Govindarajpadmavathi , Samrat Krishnappa , Kavisri Manikannan , Arvindbharani Rajansowri
Published: July 2022

In this present study, phytotoxicity of high strength distillery industry discharge waste water and methyl orange dye in aqueous solution that treated by chemically modified fungal biomass Penicillium on Arachis hypogaea was investigated. Biomass of Penicillium strain was subjected to a simple eco-friendly acid treatment which brought about highly stable, structurally modified fungal biomass (CMFBM). CMFBM thus obtained was evaluated for wastewater treatment efficacy of high strength distillery industry discharge wastewater by determination of various pollutants level. Results of this study revealed CMFBM treatment exhibited notable removal of pollutants Batch adsorption studies were carried out to demonstrate the adsorption efficacy of methyl orange dye in an aqueous solution. Studies reveal that CMFCB exhibited high adsorption efficacy and the rate of adsorption was affected by dosage and time Phytotoxicity studies reveals that the CMFBM treated industry waste water discharge and dye in aqueous solution was not shown any phytotoxic effect on groundnut. No impact on seedlings emergence, growth parameters like shoot length, new branches emerged, total foliage density, total chlorophyll content and enzymatic anti oxidants profile clearly demonstrates the non target effect of CMFBM treated industry discharged waste water and methyl orange dye in aqueous solution. The present investigation would propose the possible utilization of CMFBM in waste water treatment process and irrigation.
Efficient probabilistic tsunami inundation prediction considering random tsunami sources and failure probability of seawalls
Authors: Fukutani Yo , Yasuda Tomohiro , Yamanaka Ryoichi
Published: July 2022

Probabilistic tsunami inundation assessment ordinarily requires many inundation simulations that consider various uncertainties; thus, the computational cost is very high. In recent years, active research has been conducted to reduce the computational cost. In this study, we successfully reduced the number of random tsunami sources to 20% of the original numbers by applying proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to tsunami inundation depth distributions obtained from random tsunami sources. Additionally, we stochastically treated the failure degree of seawalls and incorporated its impact into the evaluation model for tsunami inundation hazard because the failure degree of seawalls has a significant impact on the tsunami inundation depth assessment for land areas. Although the randomness of the slip distribution in tsunami sources has been studied extensively in the past, the idea of simultaneously modelling the failure degree of seawalls is an outstanding feature of this study. Finally, we developed tsunami inundation distribution maps to represent the probability of occurrence of inundation depth for the next 50 years and 10 years by using a number of tsunami inundation distributions that consider the randomness of the tsunami sources and the failure probability of the seawalls.
An Immunostimulatory Glycolipid That Blocks SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and Influenza Infections In Vivo
Authors: Ho David , Tsuji Moriya , Nair Manoj , Masuda Kazuya , Castagna Candace , Chong Zhenlu , Darling Tamarand , Seehra Kuljeet , Ribeiro Ágata , Ferreira Geovane , Corredor Laura , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Alves , Tsuji Yukiko , Boon Adrianus , Diamond Michael , Huang Yaoxing
Published: July 2022

The fear and devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been mitigated by the successful development and deployment of prophylactic vaccines that substantially lowered the incidences of symptomatic infection, hospitalization, and death. However, as the causative agent SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve worldwide, vaccine-breakthrough infections have become frequent, especially after the emergence of viral variants that are antigenically distant from the ancestral strain used in the current vaccines. Additional approaches are therefore needed in our prevention tool kit. Here, we report on a glycolipid termed 7DW8-5 that exploits the host innate immune system to enable rapid control of viral infections in vivo. This glycolipid binds to CD1d on antigen-presenting cells and thereby stimulates NKT cells to release a cascade of cytokines and chemokines. The intranasal administration of 7DW8-5 prior to virus exposure significantly blocked infection by three different variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as by respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus, in mice or hamsters. We also found that this protective antiviral effect is both host-directed and mechanism-specific, requiring both the CD1d molecule and interferon-γ. A chemical compound like 7DW8-5 that is easy to administer and cheap to manufacture may be useful not only in slowing the spread of COVID-19 but also in responding to future pandemics due to a respiratory virus long before vaccines or drugs are developed.
Mechanical metal-insulator transition in 2D graphene phononic crystals
Authors: Kirchhof Jan , Bolotin Kirill I.
Published: July 2022

We present of a tunable phononic crystal which undergoes a phase transition from
mechanically insulating to mechanically transmissive (metallic). Specifically, in our
simulations for a phononic lattice under biaxial tension (σxx = σyy = 0.01 N/m), we find a
bandgap in the range of 48.8 – 56.4 MHz, which we can close by increasing the degree of
tension uniaxiality (σxx/σyy) to 1.7. To manipulate the tension distribution, we design a
realistic device of finite size, where σxx/σyy is tuned by applying a gate voltage to a
phononic crystal made from suspended graphene. We show that the phase transition can
be probed via acoustic transmission measurements and that the phononic bandgap
persists even after the inclusion surface contaminants and random tension variations
present in realistic devices. The proposed system acts as a transistor for phonons with an
on/off ratio of 105 (100 dB suppression) and is thus a valuable extension for phonon logic
applications. In addition, this mechanical analogue to a metal-insulator transition
(mMIT) allows tunable coupling between mechanical entities (e.g. mechanical qubits).
The turbulent future – a breath of fresh air
Authors: Stjern Camilla , Hodnebrog Øivind , Pisso Ignacio , Myhre Gunnar
Published: July 2022

Ventilation of aerosol pollution within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) is dependent upon turbulent mixing, closely linked to the height of the PBL. Here, we show that emissions of both CO2 and absorbing aerosols influence the number of severe air pollution episodes through a boundary layer feedback loop, impacting turbulence and PBL height. While absorbing aerosols are known to cause increased boundary layer stability and reduced turbulence through atmospheric heating, we find CO2 to have the opposite effect over land through surface warming. Using the CMIP6 ensemble we find that in future scenarios with increasing CO2 and reduced aerosol emissions, around 10% of the world’s population currently living in regions with high pollution levels are likely to experience a particularly strong increase in turbulence and PBL height, and thus a reduction in intense pollution events. Our results clearly underline the importance of BC mitigation for reducing the most severe exposures to air pollution.
Analysis of chemical, Ion Slip, and thermal radiation effects on an Unsteady MHD Dusty fluid flow with heat and mass transfer through a Porous Media between parallel plates
Authors: Abbas Wael , Khaled Osama , Beshir Salah , Abdeen Mostafa , Elshabrawy Mohamed
Published: July 2022

The study of the flow of dusty fluids has attracted considerable in recent years due to their extensive use in many applications in industries such as combustion, gas cooling systems, polymer technology, transport processes, and the petroleum industry. This study aims to analyze the flow with heat and mass transfer of an unsteady Magneto-hydrodynamic dusty fluid. Accordingly, combined influences of chemical and thermal radiation, Hall, ion slip, Joule, and viscous dissipation on heat mass transfer and fluid flows are given. The governing partial differentials are solved numerically. The velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions for both the fluid and particle phases are investigated under the effects of different physical parameters and discussed with the help of graphs. The results indicate that these parameters play an important role to control the solutions. The thermal radiation parameter implies efficiency improvement of temperature distribution.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers regarding infant feeding in Lebanon
Authors: Chehade Christina , Soubra Sara , Dano Dominique
Published: July 2022

Background: Breastmilk provides all nutrients, immunologic agents, hormones and antibodies that protect the infant from certain diseases and infections. Many barriers can make it difficult for mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding. It is important that pregnant women develop a positive attitude, sufficient knowledge and proper practices to ensure breastfeeding for their newborns and consequently impact the health of the community. Method: This study aims at assessing knowledge, attitude and practices of Lebanese mothers regarding infant feeding. A cross-sectional, online survey- based study was conducted on a group of 254 Lebanese mothers to elicit data about regarding infant feeding. Statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical software SPSS, version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify associated factors of good knowledge, good attitude, and good practices. Results: 78.3% of participants reported good knowledge while 21.7% showed poor knowledge, 69% reported a good attitude while 31% showed a poor attitude, and 78 (30.7%) reported good practice, while 176 (69.3%) showed poor practice. Education level and health problems during pregnancy were associated with BF knowledge (P-value less than 0.05). Age (p-value= 0.04), marital status (p-value = 0.016), educational level (p-value = 0.03), religiosity (p-value = 0.003), time since last delivery (p-value = 0.01), and knowledge score were significantly associated with attitude score. Practice scores showed a significant association with the following factors: religiosity (p-value = 0.01), family income per month (p-value= 0.012), and attitude score (p-value ˂0.0001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding education and support should be accessible to all women, especially ones with low educational qualifications and no past breastfeeding experience.
Health-Related Quality of life in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: the role of Big-Five personality traits and illness denial
Authors: Pugi Daniele , Ferretti Fabio , Galeazzi Maddalena , Gualtieri Giacomo , Lorenzi Lore , Pappalardo Niccolò , Macrì Pasquale Giuseppe , Garosi Guido , Coluccia Anna , Pozza Andrea
Published: July 2022

Background. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is significantly affected, regardless of the stage of the disease, as regards the physical, psychological and social functioning dimension. Big-Five personality traits can affect patients’ HRQoL and willingness to take treatment options. Illness denial consists of denial of negative emotions, resistance to change and conscious avoidance. No study investigated illness denial and personality traits simultaneously. We investigated the role of illness denial and Big-Five personality traits in the domains of HRQoL in predialysis patients with CKD.Methods. One hundred adults (mean age: 75.87 years) with CKD participated. Poorer HRQoL can predict a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality, and broadly a worse adjustment to the dialytic therapy. Thus, a clearer knowledge of the psychological variables associated with a worse HRQoL in the predialysis stage might improve the interventions planning. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short form (KDQOL-SF), the Italian version of Ten Item Personality Inventory (I-TIPI), the Illness Denial Questionnaire (IDQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form-Y (STAI-Y) were administered. Results. Illness denial was associated with increased HRQoL in symptoms, effect, burden of kidney disease and cognitive functions domains, and it was a predictor of higher HRQoL in the last three domains mentioned above. Extraversion was related to better work status and sexual function; agreeableness was linked to elevated cognitive function, quality of social interaction and sexual function; conscientiousness was related to better sexual function; neuroticism was linked to improved cognitive and sexual functions; in the end, openness to experience was related to fewer symptoms and problems.Conclusions. This is the first study which simultaneously assessed Big-Five personality traits and illness denial in different domains of HRQoL of CKD patients. Personalised psychological interventions aimed at improving HRQoL in this population might focus on specific illness denial processes and personality traits.
Informal use of instant messaging apps as a telemedicine platform among pediatricians - a cross-sectional national study
Authors: Goffer Yonatan , Landau Daniel , Berger Itay , Levinsky Yoel , Vardy Yoav , Chodick Gabriel , Lowenthal Alexander , Ashkenazi-Hoffnung Liat , Scheuerman Oded
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Informal telemedicine consultations via instant messaging apps among physicians pose certain ethical and legal risks. Data regarding its use is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of use of instant messaging apps as medical consultation platform among pediatricians and its possible risks and benefits.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Israel from August to November, 2019. Data were obtained through questionnaires filled by pediatricians. The frequency of informal consultations, clinical features and recommendations given, were compared according to the pediatrician's expertise (resident Vs specialist) and place of work (hospital Vs community).Results: Three hundred and five pediatricians with a median age of 37 years (range 27-74) filled questionnaires; 129 pediatric residents and 176 specialists. Of them 302 (99.3%) reported giving informal consultations using instant messaging app on a regular basis. The majority (65%) reported 1-5 consultations/week. Certified pediatricians were more likely to give multiple consultations (10 or more/week) compared to residents (24% vs 5.4%, p<0.001), and they were more likely to advice patient for treatment (35% vs. 22%, respectively, p<0.001). Media files were attached in 72% of cases. No disclaimer regarding the risks associated with the informal consultation was added in 33% of the consultations.Conclusions: Informal medical consultation by instant messaging apps is very common, especially among certified pediatricians. The use of attached confidential media is common. Ethical and legal aspects are not fully considered. Guidelines are urgently needed.
Multiplexed optical differentiator enabled by single-size nanostructured metasurface
Authors: Liang Xiao , Zhou Zhou , Li Zile , Li Jiaxin , Peng Chang , Cui Hao , Wei Kai , He Zhixue , Yu Shaohua , Zheng Guoxing
Published: July 2022

Current optical differentiators are generally limited to realize a single differential function once fabricated. Herein, we demonstrate a multiplexed differentiator (1st- and 2nd-order differentiations) with a Malus metasurface consisting of single-sized nanostructures, which improves the functionality of optical computing devices without at the cost of complex design and nanofabrication. We experimentally verify the dual functionality of meta-differentiator and further demonstrate its multifunctional ability of simultaneous outline detection and edge positioning under the two different differentiation modes. Our study provides a paradigm for the design of multiplexed optical computing devices, which creates new opportunities for their applications in advanced medical imaging, large-scale defect detection, and high-speed pattern recognition, etc.
The correlation between promoter methylation status and expression of KLF9 and MYH11 in Schizophrenia
Authors: Davarinejad Omran , Foruzandeh Zahra , Golmohammadi Farzaneh , Alivand MohammadReza , Rahmati Yazdan , Akhavan-Sigari Reza
Published: July 2022

In the current study, Methylation and expression microarray data related to Schizophrenia (SCZ) were analyzed to identify genes whose aberrant promoter methylation could play a crucial role in the dysregulation of gene expression. After data analysis, two genes including KLF9 and MYH11 were identified. Considering CpG sites in the promoter region of the mentioned genes using Methprimer database, Bisulfite specific primer (BSP) was designed, and Methylation specific-high resolution melting (MS-HRM) analysis was performed to assess the promoter methylation status of the genes, and also real-time PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression level of KLF9 and MYH11 in 50 SCZ and healthy control specimens. The results show 62% hypermethylation and 38% hypomethylation of KLF9 in SCZ samples and 34% hypermethylation and 66% hypomethylation in healthy control samples. MYH11 promoter shows 54% hypermethylation and 46% hypomethylation in SCZ samples while 28% hypermethylation and 72% hypomethylation in healthy controls. The result of real-time PCR shows downregulation of KLF9 and MYH11 in SCZ samples compared with healthy samples. The aberrant methylation has a direct effect on the expression of mentioned genes.
Environmental Regulations and Outward Foreign Direct Investment—Empirical Evidence from Chinese Enterprises
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Haibo
Published: July 2022

In the context of the new economic normal, environmental protection and economic growth have become the focus of academic attention. This paper explores the effect and impact mechanism of environmental regulations on the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of enterprises by using data from the China Industrial Enterprise Database and the Directory of Overseas Investment Enterprises (Institutions) for years 2004 to 2010. The findings are summarised as follows. Firstly, environmental regulations have a significant positive effect on the OFDI of Chinese enterprises, and this result remains robust after considering the outcomes of robustness tests and endogeneity issues. Secondly, the promotion effect of environmental regulations on the OFDI of Chinese enterprises obviously differs across investment motivations and industry characteristics. Thirdly, productivity gains are important channels through which environmental regulations promote the OFDI of enterprises. These findings have great significance for the effective formulation of environmental regulatory policies and the stable development of the OFDI of Chinese enterprises.
Efficacy of Bone Stimulators in Large-Animal Models and Humans may be Limited by Weak Electric Fields Reaching Fracture
Authors: Verma Nishant , Le Todd , Mudge Jonah , Nicksic Peter J. , Xistris Lillian , Kasole Maisha , Shoffstall Andrew J. , Poore Samuel O. , Ludwig Kip A. , Dingle Aaron M.
Published: July 2022

Noninvasive electronic bone growth stimulators (EBGS) have been in clinical use for decades. However, systematic reviews show inconsistent and limited clinical efficacy. Further, noninvasive EBGS studies in small animals, where the stimulation electrode is closer to the fracture site, have shown promising efficacy, which has not translated to large animals or humans. We propose that this is due to the weaker electric fields reaching the fracture site when scaling from small animals to large animals and humans. To address this gap, we measured the electric field strength reaching the bone during noninvasive EBGS therapy in human and sheep cadaver legs and in validated finite element method (FEM) models of human and sheep legs. During application of 1,100 V/m with an external EBGS, only 21 V/m reached the fracture site in humans. Substantially weaker electric fields reached the fracture site during the later stages of healing and at increased bone depths. To augment the electric field strength reaching the fracture site during noninvasive EBGS therapy, we introduced the Injectrode, an injectable electrode that spans the distance between the bone and subcutaneous tissue. Our study lays the groundwork to improve the efficacy of noninvasive EBGSs by increasing the electric field strength reaching the fracture site.Shared last authors are Dingle and Ludwig
Bio-enhanced Granular-Activated Carbon Dynamic Biofilm Reactor for Greywater Treatment: Biofilm Growth, Performance and Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Yun , Wang Ziqi , Yang Ying , Xiang Wanchen , Wu Beibei , Cui Xiaocai
Published: July 2022

The potential of source-diverted greywater (GW) reuse mainly rely on the efficiency and cost of GW treatment technology. Oxygen (O2) supply and utilization rate directly determines the energy consumption and pollutants removal rate in the biological GW treatment. This study developed an effective, gravity flow self-supplying O2 and easy-to-maintain bio-enhanced granular-activated carbon dynamic biofilm reactor (BhGAC-DBfR) for on-site GW treatment. Results showed that increasing of saturated/unsaturated ratio led to the continuous growth of biomass on GAC surface. Division of saturated and unsaturated zones favors the formation of aerobic-anoxic-anaerobic biofilm in the reactor. A saturated/unsaturated ratio of 1:1.1 achieved the maximum removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD), linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen at 98.3, 99.4, 99.8 and 83.5%, respectively. Key is that adsorption and biodegradation play important and distinct roles in the quick uptake and continuous removal of both organics and N in the system. The related genus and enzymes functional for LAS mineralization, deamination of organic N, ammonium oxidation, and nitrate respiration enabled the efficient and simultaneous removal of organics and N in the BhGAC-DBfR. This study offers a promising engineering alternative technology with great potential to achieve efficient and low-energy-input GW treatment.
To investigate and compare the wing planform’s effect on the aerodynamic parameters of aircraft wings using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Khan Salman , Malik Muhammad Sohail , Junaid Massab , Jafry Ali Turab
Published: July 2022

A high lift wing’s design is a critical aerodynamic parameter of aircraft. Research has been performed to enhance the wing performance by altering the wing planform, out-of-plan transformation, and airfoil modification. Herein, the wing planforms, airflow velocity (5 – 35 m/s), and their effect on aerodynamic parameters as a function of an angle of attack (-20° - +50°) are investigated numerically. The NACA 0012 profile 3D wing with varying aspects, taper ratios, and sweptback angles is investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study exposed that, a rectangular wing has a high lift and drag coefficient among all the wing planforms. It also reveals that there will be no lift generation for symmetric airfoil at an angle of attack (AoA) of 0°. Furthermore, the effect of changing the leading-edge sweptback angle (LESA) on the lift and drag is prominent at higher AoA. It changes airflow from wing root to wing tip however, it also increases the tip vortices. The lift and drag increase with the increase of flow velocity and taper ratio (TR) and becomes more prominent after an AoA of 9°. Similarly, with the increase of aspect ratio (AR), lift and drag decrease to a certain limit (in this case AR 10), beyond this limit, it starts increasing with an increase in AR and its effect is more visible at an AoA of 15°. The TR and LESA are the best parameters for the aircraft wing to get better flight conditions depending upon the applications.
SOX10 Expression Levels may be a Critical Mediator of White Matter Deficits in Schizophrenia
Authors: Cohen Bruce , McPhie Donna , Ren Boyu , Garcıa-Leon Juan , Verfaillie Catherine
Published: July 2022

Abnormalities of brain connectivity are consistently observed in individuals with schizophrenias (SZ). Underlying these anomalies, convergent in vivo, post-mortem, and genomic evidence suggest abnormal oligodendrocyte (OL) development and function, including lower in vivo myelination in SZ. Using patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), we previously observed a significant and substantial reduction in the number of OLs produced in cells from the SZ group compared to the healthy control (HC) group. We also observed a correlation between white matter (WM) estimated in brain in vivo and the number of OLs produced in vitro. We have now characterized potential mediators that may contribute to the SZ-associated deficit in OL production. We ran quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCRs) to detect group-specific differences in key myelin pathway proteins. Significant reductions of PAX6 and SOX10 expression were seen in the SZ group. We focused on SOX10 since one of its functions is the commitment of precursor cells to an oligodendrocyte fate. Using an inducible lentiviral system, we expressed SOX10 in patterned neural stem cells (NSCs) and quantified the number of OLs produced. Expression of SOX10 rescued the SZ-associated deficit in OL production, indicating that reduced SOX10 may be a critical mediator of OL dysfunction in SZ. We then ran qRT-PCRs to screen mRNAs for three proteins (SOX9, QK1 and FEZ1) whose expression was directly influenced by SOX10 or directly influenced the expression of SOX10. We saw significant reductions of SOX9 expression and a reduction in QK1 expression in the SZ group. RNAseq analysis confirmed these gene expression changes.
Effects of a targeted resistance intervention compared to a sham intervention on gluteal muscle hypertrophy, fatty infiltration and strength in people with hip osteoarthritis: analysis of secondary outcomes from a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rostron Zachary P.J. , Zacharias Anita , Semciw Adam I. , Kingsley Michael , Pizzari Tania , Woodley Stephanie J. , Green Rodney
Published: July 2022

Background: People with hip osteoarthritis are typically offered a combination of education and exercise to address muscle atrophy and weakness. Limited evidence exists to assess the efficacy of exercise programs on muscle structure or function in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of targeted resistance exercise on gluteal muscle hypertrophy and strength in people with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis. Methods: Twenty-seven participants with radiologically confirmed hip osteoarthritis recruited from a single site of a multi-site, double-blind clinical trial were randomly allocated to receive a 12-week targeted gluteal intervention or sham intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging and hand-held dynamometry were used to determine change in gluteal muscle volume, fatty infiltration and hip muscle strength. For gluteal muscle volume and strength outcomes mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. A general linear model (ANOVA) analysis with fixed effects parameter estimates was used to assess the impact of sex on gluteal muscle size and strength of the affected limb only. For muscle fat index a mixed method ANOVA was used to assess the differences between groups and over time.Results: In the targeted intervention group, gluteus minimus volume increased from baseline to post-intervention in both limbs (pooled mean difference: 0.06 cm3/kg, 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.11) while no change occurred in the sham group (time x group effect: P=0.025). Gluteus medius, gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata volume did not change significantly over time. Hip strength (abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, external and internal rotation) improved similarly in both groups (time main effect: P≤0.042). There was a consistent, albeit non-significant, pattern of reduced fatty infiltration after the targeted intervention. Conclusion: Targeted resistance exercise resulted in gluteus minimus hypertrophy, but improvements in hip strength occurred in both groups. Clinicians delivering hip osteoarthritis rehabilitation programs might consider implementing a targeted exercise program to attenuate disease associated changes within gluteal muscles. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ACTRN12617000970347. Registered prospectively on 5 July 2017.
Resilience & Stability of the CF- Intestinal & Respiratory Microbiome During Nutritional & Exercise Intervention
Authors: Knoll Rebecca Luise , Jarquín-Díaz Víctor Hugo , Klopp Jonas , Kemper Alissa , Hilbert Katja , Hillen Barlo , Pfirrmann Daniel , Simon Perikles , Bähner Viola , Nitsche Oliver , Gehring Stephan , Markó Lajos , Forslund Sofia K. , Poplawska Krystyna
Published: July 2022

Background: Impaired respiratory and intestinal microbiome composition is linked to cystic fibrosis lung disease severity. In people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), regular exercise is recommended to delay disease progression and preserve a stable lung function. An optimal nutritional status is vital for best clinical outcomes. Our study investigated whether regular and monitored exercise and nutritional support promotes CF microbiome health.Methods: A personalized nutrition and exercise program promoted nutritional intake and physical fitness in 18 pwCF for 12 months. Throughout the study, patients performed strength and endurance training monitored by a sports scientist via an internet platform. After three months, food supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG was introduced. Nutritional status and physical fitness were assessed before the study started, after three and nine months. Sputum and stool were collected, and microbial composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results: Sputum and stool microbiome composition remained stable and highly specific to each patient during the study period. Disease-associated pathogens dominated sputum composition. Lung disease severity and recent antibiotic treatment had the highest impact on taxonomic composition in stool and sputum microbiome. Strikingly, the long-term antibiotic treatment burden had only a minor influence. Conclusion: Despite the exercise and nutritional intervention, respiratory and intestinal microbiomes proved to be resilient. Dominant pathogens drove the composition and functionality of the microbiome. Further studies are required to understand which therapy could destabilize the dominant disease-associated microbial composition of pwCF.
The complete chloroplast genome of Allium mongolicum: insights into comparative and phylogenetic analyses with genus Allium
Authors: Jin Yanan , Zhang Ting , Liu Binke , Zheng Chengzhong , Huo Hongyan , Zhang Jixing
Published: July 2022

Allium mongolicum Regel is a wild and sandy vegetable with unique flavours. In this study, a complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. mongolicum was obtained (Genbank accession number: OM630416), and contained 153,609 base pairs with the GC ratio as 36.8%. 130 genes were annotated including 84 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. The large single-copy (LSC) region was 82,644 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region was 18,049 bp, which were separated by two inverted repeats (IRs, including IRa and IRb) of 26,458 bp. Comparative genome analyses of 55 Allium species suggested that genomic structure of genus Allium was conserved, and LSC and SSC regions were outstanding with high variability. Among them, more divergent loci were in the SSC region covering ycf1-rrn4.5 and ndhF-ccsA. Phylogenetic analysis on cp genomes of 55 Allium determined that all members were clustered into 13 clades with strong section-specificity, and A. mongolicum had close relationship with A. senescens. Corresponding analyses of four protein-coding genes (ycf1, ndhF, rpl32, and ccsA) in aforementioned divergent loci confirmed that ycf1 was finally chosen as the candidate gene for species identification and evolutionary classification of genus Allium. These data provide valuable genetic resources for future research on Allium.
Non-invasive screening of breast cancer from fingertip smears - a proof of concept study
Authors: Russo Cristina , Wyld Lynda , Abreu Marjory Da Costa , Bury Charles , Heaton Cameron , Cole Laura Margaret , Francese Simona
Published: July 2022

Breast cancer is a global health issue affecting 2.3 million women per year, causing death in over 600,000. Mammography (and biopsy) is the gold standard for screening and diagnosis. Whilst effective, this test exposes individuals to radiation, has limitations to its sensitivity and specificity and may cause moderate to severe discomfort. Some women may also find this test culturally unacceptable. This proof-of-concept study, combining bottom-up proteomics with Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS) detection, explores the potential for a non-invasive technique for the early detection of breast cancer from fingertip smears. A cohort of 15 women with either benign breast disease (n = 5), early breast cancer (n = 5) or metastatic breast cancer (n = 5) were recruited from a single UK breast unit. Fingertips smears were taken from each patient and from each of the ten digits, either at the time of diagnosis or, for metastatic patients, during active treatment. A number of statistical analyses and machine learning approaches were investigated and applied to the resulting mass spectral dataset. The highest performing predictive method, a 3-class Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, yielded an accuracy score of 97.8% when categorising unseen MALDI MS spectra as either the benign, early or metastatic cancer classes. These findings support the need for further research into the use of sweat deposits (in the form of fingertip smears or fingerprints) for non-invasive screening of breast cancer.
WITHDRAWN: Quality Problems in Low İrradiance at Grid Connected PV Solar System
Authors: adak suleyman , Cangi Hasan
Published: July 2022

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the main topics that have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. The use of solar energy is increasing rapidly in the world. Although PV energy has many advantages, it has some disadvantages. Among these disadvantages, power factor (PF) and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) issues are discussed in this article. PF and THD are dependent on the radiation values. The solar inverter output voltage and current waveform should be in sinusoidal waveform. However, the sinusoidal waveform of current and voltage lose their sinusoidal characteristics due to non-linear loads on grid-connected solar system. Harmonic components often occur in grid-connected solar PV systems. In addition, at low irradiance the amplitude of harmonic components increases, whereas the power factor of the PV system decreases. Low power factor and high amplitude of harmonics cause the efficiency of the solar system to decrease. PF and THD values were measured in a particular cloudy day for analysis. The grid-connected PV system was modeled by using Matlab /simulation program and carried out the analysis of the solar PV system. Thus, the analytical expression of the PF and THDI dependent on irradiation were found with a new method by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) program and curve fitting method.
Exploration on the application of CBL and humanistic literacy in diagnostics teaching under the background of new medicine
Authors: Liu Lihui , Deng Langmei
Published: July 2022

Background: In the new era, medical teaching is faced with the dual tasks of knowledge transmission and value guidance. In this study, we applied CBL combined with humanistic literacy to undergraduate medical students’ internal medicine diagnostics teaching, so as to promote medical students’ better acquisition of knowledge and improvement of literacy.Methods: Fifty-six five-year undergraduate medical students from Xiangya Medical College of Central South University were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 28 students in each group. In the experimental group, CBL combined with humanistic literacy teaching mode was adopted, while in the control group, traditional teaching methods were adopted. The two groups were compared to explore the effect of innovative teaching mode in the course of medical diagnostics. Result: The scores of multiple choice questions and comprehensive analysis questions of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The teaching satisfaction survey of the two groups of students shows that the students in the experimental group are significantly higher than the control group. In addition, the comprehensive ability questionnaire survey showed that the experimental group of students compared to the control group of students, this group of students believed that the innovative teaching mode of CBL combined with humanistic literacy could significantly improve humanistic literacy, learning motivation, independent thinking, clinical thinking, teamwork, clinical communication and other abilities ( P＜0.05) .Conclusion: Under the background of new medicine, CBL combined with humanistic literacy teaching mode is obviously superior to the traditional teaching mode in improving the professional knowledge level and cultivating the comprehensive quality and ability of undergraduate medical students. This teaching mode can not only improve the teaching quality, but also improve students’ learning ability, exercise their learning enthusiasm, and improve students' happiness in learning.
Three-dimensional strain imaging of irradiated chromium using multi-reflection Bragg coherent diffraction
Authors: Jossou Ericmoore , Assefa Tadesse , Suzana Ana , Wu Longlong , Campbell Colleen , Harder Ross , Cha Wonsuk , Kisslinger Kim , Sun Cheng , Gan Jian , Ecker Lynne , Robinson Ian , Gill Simerjeet
Published: July 2022

Radiation-induced materials degradation is a key concern in limiting the performance of nuclear materials. The formation of nanoscale void and gas bubble superlattices in metals and alloys under radiation environments can effectively mitigate radiation-induced damage, such as swelling and aid the development of next generation radiation tolerant materials. To effectively manage radiation-induced damage via superlattice formation, it is critical to understand the microstructural changes and strain induced by such superlattices. In our approach, we utilize multi-reflection Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI) to quantify the full strain tensor induced by void superlattices in iron (Fe) irradiated chromium substrate, a model metallic system. Multi-reflection BCDI is a powerful method for detailed investigation of the strain and microstructural changes caused by radiation-induced defects during Fe ion implantation, a key fundamental understanding that is inaccessible via current conventional techniques. Our approach provides a quantitative estimation of radiation-induced three dimensional (3D) strain generated at the microscopic level and predicts the number density of defects with a high degree of sensitivity in bulk metallic substrates. Such quantitative evaluation of 3D strain in nuclear materials can have a major impact on predicting materials performance and degradation in radiation environments and can revolutionize design of radiation tolerant materials.
Legacy effects of a range-expanding shrub influence soil fungal communities and reduce conspecific seedling performance
Authors: Collins Courtney Grace , Diez Jeffrey , Spasojevic Marko , Pombubpa Nuttapon
Published: July 2022

Aims
Soil legacy effects can have long-term impacts on soil microbial communities with implications for plant growth and community structure. These effects are well studied for invasive plants, particularly after removal of invasive species, however very little work has considered the soil legacy effects of native range expanding species.
Methods
We used a controlled greenhouse experiment with a range-expanding sagebrush species (Artemisia rothrockii (Asteraceae)) to determine how sagebrush seedling performance was influenced by soil legacy effects of sagebrush in both the native and expansion range and over time since removal. We then used ITS2 sequencing to determine what soil microbial mechanisms drove these feedbacks.
Results
Conspecific sagebrush seedlings responded negatively to sagebrush soil legacy effects overall, with more negative plant-soil feedbacks, reduced height, and higher root:shoot ratios in shrub removal inoculum than in shrub and herbaceous soil inoculum. Seedlings with shrub removal inoculum had increased fungal diversity, pathogen, and saprotroph richness, and altered fungal community composition. Legacy effects on soil fungal diversity and functional group richness were present in seedlings with 1-year shrub removal inoculum, while effects on fungal community composition were found in 1 and 5-year shrub removal inoculated seedlings. Similarly, negative plant-soil feedbacks occurred for seedlings growing in both 1-year and in 5-year shrub removal inoculum.
Conclusions
This work provides novel insight into how soil legacy effects of native range expanding species may limit rather than promote the recruitment of conspecifics, with important implications for management as global change continues to shift the geographic ranges of woody plants.
New trends in the management of cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a survey of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Ljungman Per , Tridello Gloria , Mikulska Malgorzata , Wendel Lotus , Styczynski Jan , Averbuch Dina , LLanzá Rafael De la Cámara
Published: July 2022

The management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was assessed with a survey performed in 2020 by the Infectious Diseases Working Party of European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). One-hundred-eighty of the 579 EBMT centres (31%) responded. CMV monitoring with quantitative PCR for CMV-DNAemia was used by 97% of centres while the duration of monitoring was variable according to the patient immune recovery and the ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. CMV prophylaxis for high-risk patients was used in 56% (101) of centres: letermovir in 62 centres (61%), aciclovir/valaciclovir in 19 centres (19%), ganciclovir/valganciclovir in 17 centres (17%), foscarnet in 3 (3%). The most used trigger for pre-emptive therapy was a threshold of > 103 copies/ml or > 103 IU/ml, Ganciclovir/valganciclovir confirmed the preferred first line treatment both for pre-emptive and CMV disease therapy. CMV-cytotoxic T-cells were used mainly in the setting of relapsing/refractory CMV disease. Forty-eight centres reported CMV refractory/resistant infection due to mutated CMV strain. This survey showed that letermovir prophylaxis is adopted by more than half of centres using a prophylaxis approach for CMV infection. How letermovir prophylaxis will modify other important pillars of daily CMV management, such as frequency of CMV-DNAemia monitoring and preemptive therapy, remain a matter of investigation.