bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Flooding at River Spree Floodplain Using HEC-RAS Simulation
Authors: Yazdan Munshi Md Shafwat , Ahad Md Tanvir , Kumar Raaghul , Mehedi Md Abdullah Al
Published: September 2022

River renaturation can be an effective management method for restoring the floodplain's natural capacity and minimizing the effects during high flow periods. A 1D-2D HEC-RAS model, in which the flood plain was considered as 2D and the main channel as 1D, was used to simulate flooding in the restored reach of the Spree River. When computing in this model, finite volume and finite difference approximations using the Preissmann approach are used for the 1D and 2D models, respectively. To comprehend the sensitivity of the parameters and model, several scenarios were simulated using different time steps and grid sizes. Additionally, dykes, dredging, and changes to the vegetation pattern have been used to simulate flood mitigation measures. The model predicted that flooding would occur mostly in the downstream portion of the channel in the majority of the scenarios without mitigation measures, whereas with mitigation measures, flooding in the floodplain would be greatly reduced. By preserving the natural balance on the channel's floodplain, the restored area needs to be kept in good condition. Therefore, mitigating measures that balance the area's economic and environmental aspects must be considered in light of the potential for floods.
Intertwining Neuropathogenic Impacts of Aberrant Circadian Rhythm and Impaired Neuroregenerative Plasticity in Hutington’s Disease: Neurotherapeutic Significance of Chemogenetics
Authors: Ravichandran Sowbarnika , Suhasini Ramalingam , Madheswaran Deepa Sudiksha , Selvaraj Divya Bharathi , Vergil Andrews Jemi Feiona , Thiagarajan Viruthachalam , Kandasamy Mahesh
Published: September 2022

Huntington’s disease (HD) causes progressive movement disorders and cognitive deficits. Besides, sleep disturbances and emotional distress are prominent clinical signatures of HD. The experimental subjects and HD human brains display altered regenerative plasticity resulting from aberrant neurogenic and nonneurogenic areas. Sleep disorders, emotional disruption, and cognitive deficits have been linked to impaired cell cycle events of neural stem cells (NSC) in neurodegenerative disorders. In a physiological state, circadian clock gene pathways play important roles in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of NSC, whereas the irregular circadian clock pathway is attributed to impairment in the neurogenic process. The recent advancement of chemogenetic-based approaches represents a potential scientific tool to rectify the abnormal circadian clock which may aid in mitigating neurogenic failure in the brain. Notably, GABAergic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing neurons in the brain plays a key role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and circadian rhythm. Thus, this conceptual review article addresses the potential link between sleep disorder and aberrant neurogenic events in HD and proposes chemogenetic kindling of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) -expressing GABAergic neurons in the brain as a therapeutic strategy for reprogramming the clock gene pathways in mitigating the neurodegenerative failure in HD.
Mitigating Lithium Dissolution and Polysulfide Shuttle Effect Phenomena using a Polymer Composite Layer Coating on Anode in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kweon Hyukmin , Kim-Shoemaker William
Published: September 2022

To mitigate lithium dissolution and polysulfide shuttle effect phenomena in high energy lithium sulfur batteries (LISBs), a conductive, flexible, and easily modified polymer composite layer was applied on the anode. The polymer composite layer includes polyaniline and functionalized graphite. The electrochemical behavior of LISBs was studied by galvanostatic charge/discharge tests from 1.7 to 2.8 V up to 90 cycles and via COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. No apparent overcharge occurred during the charge state, which suggests that the shuttle effect of polysulfides was effectively prevented. The COMSOL Multiphysics simulation provides a venue for optimal prediction of the ideal concentration and properties of the polymer composite layer to be used in the LISBs. The testing and simulation results determined that the polymer composite layer diminished the amount of lithium polysulfide species and decreased the amount of dissolved lithium ions in the LISBs. In addition, the charge/discharge rate of up to 2.0 C with a cycle life of 90 cycles was achieved. The knowledge acquired in this study was important not only for the design of efficient new electrode materials, but also for understanding the effect of the polymer composite layer on the electrochemical cycle stability.
Expanded IME with New Riser Gas Handling Operation Region
Authors: Gabaldon Oscar , Gonzalez Luis Romar A , Sousa Pedro , Wei Chen , Chen Yuanhang
Published: September 2022

The Influx Management Envelope (IME) is a proven tool to assess management of influxes taken during MPD operations. Currently, IME establishes limits of manageable influx volumes for given kick intensity/surface back-pressures, to hand over from primary to secondary barrier (i.e., well-control equipment).

Opportunities exist for advanced, safe operations when influx circulation up the riser is a concern but dealing with the influx in the hole may introduce additional risks, such as imposing choke line friction pressures (CLFP), particularly in ultra-deepwater operations. A closed riser system allows for safe handling of influxes using the riser/MPD equipment, while isolating the wellbore with the subsea BOP and eliminating risks of fracturing the well or taking additional influxes.

We propose expanding the current regions of the IME with a zone in which the decision can be made to circulate the influx to the riser, then isolate the well to handle the influx in the riser with MPD equipment, using the opportunities and methods being developed for industry use. Potential risks to the integrity of the system are analyzed and assessed versus reasonable scenarios.

This work is consistent with the current work on providing guidelines for influx management with MPD (IM Annex to API-RP92S, under balloting process by API), and for managing gas in riser with closed riser systems (Riser Gas Handling (RGH) Guidelines, by the IADC UBO&MPD Committee).
Real-Time Downhole Pressure Environment Determination During Managed Pressure Drilling, Tripping, and Cementing Operations to Improve Well Construction Safety Standards in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Tuckwell Nathan , Arnone Maurizio
Published: September 2022

After 24 deepwater wells and almost 300,000 ft drilled with Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) for the Operator Company during the last four years using a specific MPD service- provider technology, our experiences ascertaining operating windows in real-time are described in this paper. Including the first-ever Dynamic Pore Pressure Test (DPPT), inducing a planned influx and circulating it through the riser and MPD system, along with several Dynamic Formation Integrity Test or Dynamic Leak Off Test (DFIT/DLOT) performed at the shoe and TD to safely deliver the well, balancing strategy, and casing running/cementing efficiently. The results of these dynamic tests enabled the operator to make decisions in real-time with the primary goal of keeping safety as the priority during the campaign.

The application of DPPT and DFIT/DLOT during the exploration well construction campaign in the deepwater GOM as part of the deliverables obtained from MPD to ascertain actual formation pressure limits in real-time has produced significant improvements in the safety standards for drilling specific hole sections with narrow pressure windows. Improvements were also seen in verifying accurate margins to trip with conventional well-balancing methods or using MPD for tripping out/in and running casing and cementing the sections using managed pressure procedures as an alternative to avoid a breach of the obtained margins. DPPT and DFIT/DLOT, in theory, and practice, are some of the essential benefits delivered by managed pressure technology. Both could radically influence verifying safety standards and margins during the well construction phase.

This technical paper describes the justifications for performing a planned or required DPPT and DFIT/DLOT in several deepwater exploration wells that encountered challenges while crossing narrow operating windows, jeopardizing the well objectives and safety requirements. Also, discussing the US GOM regulatory requirements for approval, procedures, training, execution process, and final results impacted positive results when ascertaining the real pressure margins downhole and being available to drill, trip, and cement successfully using MPD technology.
Kick Tolerance - A Risk-Based Strategy to Enhance Well Control in Narrow Margin Wells
Authors: Graham Robert , Cadd Michael , Theresia Angie , Polkinghorne Jason
Published: September 2022

Determination of appropriate kick tolerance to safely drill a narrow margin well can be challenging. A conventional approach using conservative assumptions and a single bubble model can lead to premature deployment of contingency casing strings or render some scenarios un-drillable. Uncertainties in pressures and depths in HPHT wells make a robust design that can handle all possible scenarios especially challenging.

This paper will examine a strategy for challenging these assumptions and presents a robust methodology for safely managing ultra-low kick tolerance and large subsurface uncertainties by taking advantage of MPD influx management techniques and multi-phase modelling.

The key elements defining the well control envelope include formation strength, resolution of influx detection, realistic shut-in times, safety margin and method of influx control (circulating response with MPD vs non-circulating response with BOP).

This kick tolerance strategy will be implemented for a lengthy HPHT campaign in the UK North Sea. The strategy is designed to enable drilling the reservoir sections to TD and achieving all well objectives where applying a more conventional approach may require contingency casing to be deployed and key well evaluation objectives to be regretted. In addition, the well control strategy will take advantage of MPD influx management to control potential influxes within very small volumes while continuing to circulate.
Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling Used to Drill and Complete Carbonate Gas Reservoir with Poor Injectivity and Severe Dynamic Losses Offshore Malaysia
Authors: McCluskey Timothy , Ho Ching Shearn , Tan Chai Yong , Timbancaya Eric , Annas Omar Mohammad , Mohd Khaidzir Khairil Azam
Published: September 2022

This paper describes how PMCD with an overbalanced drilling mud, instead of Light Annular Mud, was used to successfully drill and complete a well in gas bearing carbonates offshore Malaysia. This unconventional approach was adopted after encountering poor formation injectivity and severe dynamic losses in the 8-1/2″ reservoir section.

Dynamic losses of 700 bbl/hr were encountered after drilling into the carbonate formation, but the subsequent injectivity test surface pressure prevented the well being converted to PMCD with LAM. LCM pills were spotted and the mud weight was cut by 0.2 ppg but severe dynamic losses continued. An injectivity test was performed with seawater and the surface pressure stabilized around 500 psi. Drilling resumed with overbalanced drilling mud in the annulus, which was top filled during connections to keep the hole full and to monitor the annulus with a nominal surface pressure, while seawater was pumped down the string.

After reaching TD, the drilling BHA was retrieved to surface and the 7″ lower completion was run in hole while the well continued to take around 50 bbl/hr static losses. When the lower completion entered the open hole, PMCD was activated to run in and set the liner hanger.

This method of unconventional PMCD may be implemented to successfully drill through carbonates with poor injectivity and severe dynamic losses, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of the drilling operations compared to conventional or floating mud cap drilling.
Epidemiol ogical Study of Snakebit e Cas es Admitted in Godey Hospital, S hebelle Zo ne, Eastern Ethiop ia, June, 2016
Authors: Mohammed Yusuf , Nafis Farah , Niguse Ayale w , Kaba Zalalem
Published: September 2022

Background: Snake-bite included in the WHO’s (World Health Organization) list of neglected tropical diseases. The load of snakebite in Ethiopia is unknown, perhaps because of underreporting. No study done on existing data at Godey hospital. Therefore, the aim of current study was, to characterize the distribution of victims by time, place, and person, to know the extent of the problem and coming with recommendation.
Methods and Materials: We conducted a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study at Godey hospital from May 15-22/2016. We included all cases visited emergency wards from September 2014 to May 2016. We entered, cleaned, and analyzed collected data by using Microsoft Excel 2007. Furthermore, we secured permission for data collection from hospitals officials.
Result and Conclusion: Starting from September 2014 to May 2016, 45 snakebite victims were reported. Majority 26(57.8%) of were those age group ranging from 1 to 15, while least (6.7%) age group was those from 31 to 45. About 91.1% of cases were reported from rural kebeles of Godey woreda. The bites were reported in all months of the years except January, and a peak report was in May. Low extremity accounts to majority (65%) of site of bites. This was snakebite among patients seen at Godey hospital in which males affected more than females, and maximum snakebite incidence viewed in rural concerns. Registration of patients’ improvement, further region wide study to document the most common venomous snakes’ species, incidence, morbidity, and mortality of snakebites in Ethiopian Somali Region, are among recommendation.
Percutaneous and Arthroscopically Assisted Osteosynthesis for Calcaneal Fractures with Displacement of Different Calcaneal Talar Facet: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xia Zhang-rong , Liu Xin-yue , Zhang Lei , Li Bing-kun , Tang Xiao-gao , Chen Jun-yao , Xiong Ji-xiang , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2022

Background: Percutaneous and Arthroscopically Assisted Osteosynthesis (PAAO) offers a successful treatment option for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) due to its visibility and minimal invasiveness. However, the fixation method of PAAO is reported as unstable. It can result in postoperative collapse and unsatisfactory reduction. As DIACFs are associated with displacement of the calcaneal talar facet (CTF), the study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in the efficacy of PAAO in the treatment of DIACFs with different CTF. It can provide guidance and help for the clinic.
Methods: A total of 107 cases treated with PAAO were included in this study, and they were classified by CTF. Preoperative radiological parameters were collected, including the Bohler angle and calcaneal height, as well as patient-reported results, including the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. Results after surgery were analyzed and compared between different types of CTF.
Results: Based on the CTF, DIACFs were divided into five groups ( 37 Type I, 25 Type II, 18 Type III, 16 Type IV, and 11 Type V). At the last follow-up, the Bohler angle of Type V (32.26 degrees) was larger than that of Type I, II, III, and IV (27.77, 27.99, 25.46 and 27.76 degrees), and calcaneal height of Type III (41.65 mm) was lower than that of Type V (48.22 mm)(all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in AOFAS scores of five types (all P > 0.05). VAS scores were significantly higher in Type III (3.0) than Type I (2.1) and Type V (1.8)(all P < 0.05).
Conclusions: PAAO showed good imaging and clinical results in DIACFs in short-term follow-up and the treatment effect varied from different types of CTF. Therefore, when it comes to DIACFs of CTF V, PAAO can be given priority, but for DIACFs of CTF III, it should be carefully considered whether to use this method.
Effect of baseline status on cardiovascular responses post-isometric handgrip exercise.
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Gupta Kapil , Dave Harsh S , Tak Amit
Published: September 2022

Background
Isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise causes changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and hemodynamic responses with individual differences. We test the hypothesis that baseline measurements affect post-exercise outcomes.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 45 males aged 17 to 22 years were enrolled from SMS Medical College, Jaipur (India). Hemodynamic and HRV data were collected at baseline, during, and after 5 minutes of IHG exercise. The absolute and relative responses were compared before, during, and after the exercise using nonparametric tests. The relationship of baseline with outcomes was evaluated using Pearson's correlation.
Results
The study showed a significant increase in the absolute values of hemodynamic parameters and LF/HF ratio during and after 5 minutes of IHG exercise compared to the baseline. However, a significant decrease and increase occurred in all the relative hemodynamic and most HRV parameters respectively after 5 minutes than during the IHG exercise. Hemodynamic parameters showed a significant correlation with baseline during and after 5 minutes of IHG exercise. Similarly, baseline affects all the HRV parameters during IHG exercise, but not after 5 minutes of IHG exercise.
Conclusion
The present study concludes that initial baseline status should be considered while evaluating the post-IHG exercise responses.
The shared genetic architecture of smoking behaviours and psychiatric disorders: Evidence from a population-based longitudinal study in England
Authors: Ajnakina Olesya , Steptoe Andrew
Published: September 2022

Background: Considering the co‐morbidity of major psychiatric disorders and intelligence with smoking, to increase our understanding of why some people take up smoking or continue to smoke, while others stop smoking without progressing to nicotine dependence, we investigated the genetic propensities to psychiatric disorders and intelligence as determinants of smoking initiation, heaviness of smoking and smoking cessation in older adults from the general population.
Results: One standard deviation increase in MDD-PGS was associated with increased odds of being a moderate to heavy smoker (odds ratio [OR]=1.11, SE=0.04, 95%CI=1.00-1.24, p=0.028). There were no other significant associations between SZ-PGS, BD-PGS, or IQ-PGS and smoking initiation, heaviness of smoking and smoking cessation in older adults from the general population in the UK.
Conclusions: Smoking is the behaviour that does not appear to share common genetic ground with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and intelligence in older adults, which may suggest that it is more likely to be modifiable by smoking cessation interventions. Once started to smoke, older adults with a higher polygenic predisposition to major depressive disorders are more likely to be moderate to heavy smokers, implying that these adults may require targeted smoking cessation services.
Fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, general health and quality of life among baccalaureate nursing students at one year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method study
Authors: Rohde Gudrun , Johannessen Berit , Maaseide Markus , Flateland Sylvi , Skisland Anne Valen , Moi Ellen Benestad , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: September 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in people’s lives via protective strategies aimed at limiting the transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing, lockdowns, cancelled or limited leisure activities and tutorials and supervision for students taking place digital. All of these changes may have influenced students’ health and quality of life (QOL).
Aim: To describe and explore fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress, as well as general health and QOL, among baccalaureate nursing students at 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method: We used a mixed method study design, including quantitative data from one university in southern Norway that was a part of a national survey of baccalaureate nursing students and qualitative data from focus group interviews from the same university. The quantitative data were collected using well-validated measures of fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, general health and QOL, and the data were analysed using the ANOVA-tests for continuous data and chi-square tests for categorical data. The qualitative data were analysed using systematic text condensation.
Results: The quantitative survey included 396 baccalaureate nursing students (response rate: 46%). The mean score (standard deviation [SD]) for fear of COVID-19 was 2.32 (0.71), for psychological distress was 1.53 (1.00), for general health was 3.51 (0.96) and for overall QOL was 6.01 (2.06).
Five focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 23 students (7 men, 16 women). In the qualitative data, we identified the overarching theme effect of COVID-19 on students’ QOL and the three main themes; importance of personal relations, physical health challenges andmental health challenges.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced negatively nursing students’ QOL and physical and mental health, and they often felt lonely. However, most of the participants also adapted strategies and resilience factors to cope with the situation. Via the pandemic situation, the students learned additional skills and mental mindsets that may be useful in their future professional lives.
Ligand-Enabled Ni-Catalyzed Hydroarylation and Hydroalkenylation of Internal Alkenes with Organoborons
Authors: Wang Dao-Ming , She Li-Qin , Wu Yichen , Zhu Chunyin , Wang Peng
Published: September 2022

The transition metal-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of alkenes offers an efficient solution for the rapid construction of complex functional molecules, and significant progress has been made during last decades. However, the hydrofunctionalization of internal alkenes remains a significant challenge due to the low reactivity and the difficulties of controlling the regioselectivity. Here, we report the hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of internal alkenes lacking a directing group with aryl and alkenyl boronic acids in the presence of a nickel catalyst, featuring a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance under redox-neutral conditions. The key to achieving this reaction is the identification of a bulky 1-adamantyl β-diketone ligand, which is capable of overcoming the low reactivity of internal 1,2-disubstituted alkenes. Preliminary mechanistic studies unveiled that this reaction underwent an Ar-Ni(II)-H initiated hydroarylation process, which is generated by the oxidative addition of alcoholic solvent with Ni(0) species and sequential transmetalation. In addition, the oxidative addition of the alcoholic solvent proves to be the rate-determining step of this novel process.
Treatment of tibial plateau fractures by modified posterior medial approach
Authors: Sun Weijun
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To report the effect of posterior medial approach preserving pes anserinus in the treatment of tibial plateau fracture.
Method
Patients who underwent surgery in a large hospital due to tibial plateau fractures from December 2013 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.These patients underwent a posteromedial approach preserving the pes anserinus and a traditional posteromedial approach.The general information, fracture classification, preoperative and postoperative conditions of the patients were recorded and compared. HSS score and VAS score were used to evaluate knee function and pain respectively.
Result
All patients were followed for more than 1 year.In general, there were no statistically significant differences to the baseline demographic factors between the two groups.The patients in the observation group had longer operation time, more intraoperative bleeding and intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the difference was statistically significant.The observation group had lower VAS scores, either on day 1, day 3 or day 14 after surgery.The observation group had a better HSS score 3 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference in HSS score between the two groups one year after operation.Similarly, the patients in the observation group had better knee range of motion 3 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference in HSS score between the two groups one year after operation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, compared with the traditional posteromedial approach, the modified posteromedial approach with pes anserinu preserved can significantly reduce soft tissue injury in the operative area, relieve early postoperative pain, and improve early knee range of motion.
High-swelling β-cyclodextrin polymer as a high-affinity adsorbent for rapid removal of pollutants in water
Authors: Zhang Kai , Dai Yu , Liu Rui , Zhang Wanglong , Ma Ruiqi , Shi Yongli , Dai Guofei , Zhang Xiaojin , Xia Fan
Published: September 2022

Global water pollution with thousands of industrial and natural chemical compounds, such as drugs, endocrine disruptors, dyes and metal ions, has raised concerns about the potential negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Renewable adsorbents with rapid adsorption and high capacity are highly desirable for water treatment. Here, we report a high-swelling β-cyclodextrin polymer with flexible chelating groups, providing multiple active adsorption sites and high specific surface area after swelling that has high affinity and binding energy for different types of pollutants in water. Its adsorption rate for MB, BPA, Cu2+ is 106-470 times, 5-15 times, 14-23 times and adsorption capacity is 1-7 times greater than those of activated carbons and low-swelling β-cyclodextrin polymers. The adsorbent is low cost, regenerates under mild conditions, and rapidly removes mixed contaminants at environmentally relevant concentrations. For a large-scale purification of polluted lakes, for example, 3.78×107 m3 water storage capacity (Ya-Er Lake in Wuhan), the cost using our adsorbent is about 0.45 million USD (excluding labor cost), which is far less than the budgeted oxidation treatment cost of 56.83 million USD. Our findings demonstrate the promise of high-swelling cyclodextrin-based polymers for rapid, high-capacity purification of tap water, treatment of industrial wastewater, and remediation of contaminated surface water.
Understanding Virtual Primary Healthcare with Indigenous Populations: A Rapid Evidence Review
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kayla M. , Meagan Ody , Goveas Danika , Montesanti Stephanie , Paige Campbell , MacDonald Kathryn , Crowshoe Lynden , Campbell Sandra , Roach Pamela
Published: September 2022

Background: Virtual care has become an increasingly useful tool for the virtual delivery of care across the globe. With the unexpected emergence of COVID-19 and ongoing public health restrictions, it has become evident that the delivery of high-quality telemedicine is critical to ensuring the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples, especially those living in rural and remote communities.
Methods: We conducted a rapid evidence review from August to December 2021 to understand how high quality Indigenous primary healthcare is defined in virtual modalities. After completing data extraction and quality appraisal, a total of 20 articles were selected for inclusion. The following question was used to guide the rapid review: How is high quality Indigenous primary healthcare defined in virtual modalities?
Results: We discuss key limitations to the delivery of virtual care, including the increasing cost of technology, lack of accessibility, challenges with digital literacy, and language barriers. This review further yielded three main themes that highlight Indigenous virtual primary healthcare quality: (1) the importance of Indigenous-centred virtual care, (2) virtual Indigenous relationality and the building of trust, and (3) collaborative approaches to ensuring holistic virtual care.
Discussion: For virtual care to be Indigenous-centred, Indigenous leadership and users need to be partners in the development, implementation and evaluation of the intervention, service or program. In terms of virtual models of care, time must be allocated to educate Indigenous partners on digital literacy, virtual care infrastructure, benefits and limitations. Relationality and culture must be prioritized as well as digital health equity.
Conclusion: These findings highlight important considerations for strengthening virtual primary healthcare approaches to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Silencing of MEG3 gene promoted anti-cancer activity and drug sensitivity in glioma
Authors: Avsar Timucin , Degirmenci Zehra , Kilic Turker
Published: September 2022

Aberrant expression of MEG3 has been shown in various cancers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of MEG3 on glioma cells including U87MG and patient-derived primary tumors cells and compare with nonglial HUVEC cells. Cell viability, migration and chemo sensitivity was assayed. Apoptosis was evaluated in MEG3 overexpressing and MEG3 suppressed cells. MEG3 expression was compared in patient-derived tumor cells with respect to IDH1 mutation status and WHO-grades. Silencing of MEG3 inhibited cell proliferation and reduced cell migration while overexpression of MEG3 promoted cell proliferation in glioma cells. MEG3 inhibition improved chemo sensitivity of glioma cells to 5-fluorouracil(5FU) but not to navitoclax. Suppression of MEG3 gene in patient-derived oligodendroglioma cells also showed the same effect whereas glioblastoma cell proliferation and chemo sensitivity were not affected by MEG3 inhibition. Further, cell death mechanism of action was found as apoptosis. Although MEG3 is a widely known tumor suppressor gene and its loss is associated with several cancer types, here we reported that MEG3 inhibition can be used in drug sensitivity for improving efficiency of known chemotherapeutics. We propose that the level of MEG3 should be evaluated in treatment of different glioma subtypes that are resistant to effective drugs.
Healthy City: Global Systematic Scoping Review of City Initiatives to Improve Health with Policy Recommendations
Authors: danielli shaun , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara
Published: September 2022

Background
Global health will increasingly be determined by cities. Currently over half of the world’s population, over 4 billion people, live in cities. This systematic scoping review has been conducted to understand what cities are doing to improve health and healthcare for their populations.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search to identify literature on city-wide initiatives to improve health. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020166210).
Results
The search identified 42,137 original citations, yielding 1,614 papers across 227 cities meeting the inclusion criteria. The results show the majority of initiatives were targeted at non-communicable diseases. City health departments are making an increasing contribution however the role of mayors appears to be limited.
Conclusion
The collective body of evidence identified in this review, built up over the last 130 years, has hitherto been poorly documented and characterised. Cities are a meta-system with population health dictated by multiple interactions and multidirectional feedback loops. Improving health in cities requires multiple actions, by multiple actors, at every level. The authors use the term ‘The Vital 5’. They are the 5 most important health risk factors; tobacco use; harmful alcohol use; physical-inactivity, unhealthy diet and planetary health. These ‘Vital 5’ are most concentrated in deprived areas and show the greatest increase is in low and middle income countries. Every city should develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan to address these ‘Vital 5’
The Hardness Calculator
Authors: Dovale-Farelo Viviana , Tavadze Pedram , Lang Logan , Bautista-Hernandez Alejandro , Romero Aldo
Published: September 2022

This investigation has studied the six most-used macroscopic models to compute hardness from the elastic constants, using an experimental database of 143 materials. "The Hardness Calculator" is proposed as a solution to estimate hardness in an easy, fast and confident manner. This study divides into two stages. The first approach, referred to as "The Classic Calculator", is a selection model based on simple properties of a solid such as crystal system, bandgap, and density. The second phase is machine learning (ML) based, and it is referred to as "The Machine Learning Calculator". We used two different methods to compute hardness in the ML approach. The first ML method is a classifier that targets the best model to calculate hardness using the mechanical properties of a solid (bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio) as input variables. The second ML method is a regressor that directly predicts the value of hardness using the same input variables as the classifier. Using the Materials Project's database, the classic and ML schemes were compared and tested to predict new hard and superhard materials. All methods are available in a free-access online application for users to discriminate between the different available results.
Exercise Persistence and Subjective Well-being: A Chain Mediating Effect Model
Authors: Hui Zhen , Guo Ke-Lei , Huang Wei-Bo , Ma Xiao-Hua , Jia Shu-Bo
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between exercise persistence (EA), personal growth initiative (PGI), mindfulness and subjective well-being (SWB), which is beneficial to improve the subjective well-being of college students and promote the development of physical and mental health.
Methods: A total of 894 college students (average age =19.51 years, SD = 0.85 years) were sampled by stratified cluster sampling. EA, mindfulness, PGI, and SWB were assessed using standard scales. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model test and bias-correction percentile Bootstrap method.
Results: (1) There was a significant positive correlation between EA and SWB (r= 0.353), and the direct path between EA and SWB was significant (β= 0.592, t = 5.480, p < 0.01). (2) EApositively predicted mindfulness (β= 0.104, t = 8.964, p< 0.01) and PGI(β= 0.251, t = 8.743, p < 0.01); mindfulness positively predicted SWB(β= 0.915, t = 2.775, p < 0.01) and PGI(β= 1.349, t = 16.985, p < 0.01); and PGIsignificantly positively predicted SWB (β= 1.080, t = 8.924, p < 0.01). (3) Mindfulness and PGI played a significant mediating role in the relationship between EA and SWB. Specifically, the intermediary effect is composed of three path of indirect effect: EA→ mindfulness→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.095), EA→ PGI→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.271), EA→ mindfulness→ PGI→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.152). (4) There is no gender difference in the chain mediation effect.
Conclusion: (1) EA performance significantly positively predicts college students' mindfulness, PGIand SWB, which means that EA can promote college students' mindfulness, PGIand SWB; (2) EAcan not only directly affect SWB, but also indirectly affect SWBthrough the separate intermediary role of mindfulness and PGI, as well as the chain intermediary role of both. It further explains the reasons why EAhas an effect on College Students' SWB, which is of great significance to improve and intervene college students' SWB.
Impact of public health and social measures on hand-foot-mouth disease transmission and prediction of upcoming season after relaxation of COVID-19 control measures
Authors: Ryu Sukhyun , Han Changhee , Ali Sheikh Taslim , Achangwa Chiara , Yang Bingyi , Pei Sen
Published: September 2022

Background
School based-measures such as school closure and school holidays have been considered a viable intervention during the hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) epidemic. However, the impact of public health and social measures (PHSMs) on HFMD transmission and the consequences of the HFMD epidemic after relaxing the PHSMs remains unclear.
Methods
Korean national surveillance data on HFMD from 2014 to 2019 was used to estimate the temporal changes in HFMD transmissibility (instantaneous reproductive number, \({R}_{t}\)). Furthermore, we used a simulation based stochastic transmission model to predict the future burden of HFMDs after relaxation of COVID-19 PHSMs, assuming all the Korean population was susceptible to HFMD in 2023, the stochastic transmission model simulated the number of HFMD cases in South Korea.
Results
We found that school holidays and 2015 PHSMs reduced the \({R}_{t}\) by 2–7% and 13%, respectively. Model projections indicated that the peak magnitude for season 2023, after relaxation of COVID-19 PHSMs in late 2022, could be 2·5–8·5 fold larger than that of the HFMD seasons during the pre-pandemic.
Conclusions
PHSMs likely have a larger impact on HFMD transmission than school-based measures alone (i.e. school holidays). Furthermore, complete relaxation of COVID-19 PHSMs could significantly increase the HFMD infection burden for the upcoming HFMD season. Preventive measures targeting preschoolers could be considered as potential options for reducing the future burden of HFMD.
Spatio-temporal Analysis of the Sources and Transformations of Anthropogenic Nitrogen in a Highly Degraded Coastal Basin in Southeast China
Authors: Cao Shengwei , Li Yasong , Hao Qichen , Liu Chunlei , Zhu Yuchen , Li Zhenghong , Yuan Ruoxi
Published: September 2022

Nitrogen transport from terrestrial to aquatic environments could cause water quality deterioration and eutrophication. By sampling in the high- and low-flow periods in a highly disturbed coastal basin of southeast China, hydrochemical characteristics, nitrate stable isotope composition, and the Bayesian mixing model were combined to determine the sources and transformation of nitrogen. Nitrate was the main form of nitrogen. Nitrification, nitrate assimilation, and NH4+volatilization were the main nitrogen transformation processes, whereas denitrification was limited due to the high flow rate and unsuitable physicochemical properties. For both sampling periods, non-point source pollution from the upper to the middle reaches was the main source of nitrogen, especially in the high-flow period. In addition to synthetic fertilizer, atmospheric deposition and sewage and manure input were also major nitrate sources in the low-flow period. Hydrological condition was the main factor determining nitrate transformation in this coastal basin, despite the high degree of urbanization and the high volume of sewage discharge in the middle to the lower reaches. The findings of this study highlight that the control of agricultural non-point contamination sources is essential to pollution and eutrophication alleviation, especially for watersheds that receive high amounts of annual precipitation.
Ca2+-responsive phospholipid-binding BONZAI genes confer a novel role for cotton resistance to Verticillium wilt
Authors: Hao Xiaoyan , Gao Shengqi , Chen Guo , Li Jianping , Zhao Zhun , Hu Wenran , Huang Quansheng
Published: September 2022

Verticillium wilt which produced by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae is an important biotic threat that limits cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) growth and agricultural productivity. It is very essential to explore new genes for the generation of V. dahliae resistance or tolerance cotton varieties. Ca2+ signaling as a secondary messenger is involved in pathogen stress response. Despite Ca2+-responsive phospholipid-binding BONZAI (BON) genes have intensively been investigated in Arabidopsis, their function has not still been characterized in cotton. Here, we show that three copies of GhBON1, two copies of GhBON2 and GhBON3 were found from the genome sequences of upland cotton. The expression of GhBON1 is inducible to both V. dahliae and salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and H2O2 stresses. Knocking down of GhBON1, GhBON2 and GhBON3 using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) each increases up-regulation of defense responses in cotton. These GhBON1, GhBON2 and GhBON3-silenced plants enhance resistance to V. dahliae accompanied by higher burst of hydrogen peroxide and increased cell death and have more effect on the up-regulation of defense response genes. Further analysis revealed that GhBON1 could interacts with BAK1-interacting receptor-like kinase 1 (GhBIR1) and pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) receptor regulator BAK1 (GhBAK1) at plasma membrane. Our study further reveals that plant Ca2+-responsive phospholipid-binding BONZAI genes negatively regulate Verticillium wilt with the conserved function in response to disease resistance or plant immunity.
Loss of Lkb1 disturbs adipose tissue dendritic cells and protects mice from obesity under high-fat feeding condition
Authors: Sun Yunyan , Wang Bing , Hu Qianwen , Lai Xun , Wang Tier , Zhao Chunxiao , Wang Jiali , Zhang Xi , Niu Qing , He Baolin , Shi Mingxia , Feng Xiaoming , Luo Yuechen
Published: September 2022

Adipose tissue CD11c + myeloid cell is an independent risk factor associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. However, the underlying molecular basis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), a key bioenergetic sensor, is involved in CD11c + cell-mediated immune responses in diet-induced obesity. Loss of Lkb1 in CD11c + cells results in obesity resistance but lower glucose tolerance, which accompanies tissue-specific immune abnormalities. The accumulation and CD80’s expression of Lkb1 deficient adipose-tissue specific dendritic cells but not macrophages is restrained. Additionally, the balance of IL-17A and IFN-γ remarkably tips towards the latter in fat T cells and CD11c - macrophages. Mechanistically, IFN-γ promotes apoptosis of preadipocytes and inhibits their adipogenesis, which might account in part for the fat-resistant phenotype. In summary, these findings reveal that Lkb1 is essential for fat CD11c + dendritic cells responding to HFD exposure and provides new insights into the IL-17A/IFN-γ balance in HFD-induced obesity.
Flexible kesterite thin-film solar cells under stress
Authors: Jo William , Park Ha Kyung , Cho Yunae , Kim Juran , Kim Sammi , Kim Sungjun , Kim Jeha , Yang Kee-Jeong , Kim Dae-Hwan , Kang Jin-Kyu
Published: September 2022

Understanding the stress-induced physical phenomena is essential for improving the long-term application of flexible solar cells to non-flat surfaces on buildings and in mobile utilities. Here, we investigated the electronic band structure and carrier transport mechanism of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) photovoltaic devices under mechanical stress. We fabricated highly efficient flexible CZTSSe devices on a Mo metal foil substrate by controlling the incorporation of Na. When mechanical stress was applied to the CZTSSe material, electronic structure of CZTSSe was deformed as the band gap, valence band edge, and work function increased or decreased. Additionally, electrical properties of bent CZTSSe surface were probed by Kelvin prove force microscopy and the CZTSSe with Na doping showed less degraded carrier transport in the bending state (either concave or convex) compared to the CZTSSe without Na. Furthermore, the local open-circuit voltage (VOC) on the CZTSSe surface decreased under mechanical stress due to limited carrier excitation. The reduction of local VOC with mechanical bending occurred larger with convex bending than in concave bending, which is consistent with the degradation of device parameters with bending. This study paves the way for understanding the stress-induced optoelectronic changes in flexible photovoltaic devices beyond the kesterite-based devices.
Donor cord blood aging accelerates in recipients after transplantation
Authors: Onizuka Makoto , Imanishi Tadashi , Harada Kaito , Aoyama Yasuyuki , Amaki Jun , Toyosaki Masako , Machida Shinichiro , Kikkawa Eri , Yamada Sanetoshi , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Kenichiro , Higashimoto Ken , Soejima Hidenobu , Ando Kiyoshi
Published: September 2022

Cord blood stem cell transplantation is an important alternative for patients needing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, it is unclear how cord blood cells, which are 0-year-old, age in the recipient’s body after allogeneic transplantation. We performed DNA methylation (DNAm) age analysis to measure the age of cells using post-transplant peripheral blood in 50 cases of cord blood transplantation. The median chronological age (the time elapsed from the date of the cord blood transplant to the day the sample was taken for DNAm analysis) of donor cells was 4.0 years (0.2 – 15.0 years), while the median DNAm age was 10.0 years (1.3 – 30.3 years), and the ratio of DNAm age to chronological age (AgeAccel) was 2.7 (1.2 – 8.2). When comparing the mean values of AgeAccel in cord blood transplant cases and controls, the values were significantly higher in cord blood transplant cases. The characteristics of patients and transplant procedures were not associated with AgeAccel in this analysis, nor were they associated with the development of graft-versus-host disease. However, this analysis revealed that transplanting 0-year-old cord blood into a recipient resulted in cells aging more than twice as quickly as the elapsed time. The results shed light on the importance of the mismatch between cord blood stem cells and donor environmental factors in stem cell aging.
Investigation into a practical approach and application of cotton fiber elongation
Authors: Delhom Christopher D , Wanjura John D. , Pelletier Mathew G. , Holt Gregory A , Hequet Eric F.
Published: September 2022

The strength of cotton fiber has been extensively studied and significantly improved through selective breeding, but fiber elongation has largely been ignored, even though elongation contributes to determining the energy needed to break fibers. Recent developments to calibrate the High Volume Instrument (HVI) for elongation has renewed interest in elongation. However, it is not understood how best to utilize yet another fiber property which has the potential to add to the complexity of fiber selection. To explore a practical approach to applying elongation, cotton samples were tested using single fiber methods, the Stelometer, and the HVI. Comparison of strength, elongation, and combined properties such as modulus were explored. HVI testing was shown to be sensitive enough to characterize elongation differences but unlike single fiber testing it was unable to capture within-sample variation. Fiber bundle testing, like Stelometer and HVI was shown to reduce bias due to fiber selection. The use of secant modulus, an intrinsic material property, allowed for one value to represent both strength and elongation. Secant modulus was shown to contain more useful information than either elongation or work-to-break. Work-to-break was shown to be more influenced by a specific value of breaking force or elongation rather than the intrinsic behavior of the sample being tested.Exploring the influence of genetics and environment on elongation, and its interaction with other fiber properties, requires additional work. Secant modulus, by combining strength and elongation into one value, shows the potential to incorporate elongation values into fiber characterization without increasing the complexity of current fiber selection processes.