bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-424(322) is a molecular switch controlling pro-inflammatory vs anti-inflammatory skin DC subset differentiation by modulating TGF-β signaling
Authors: Zyulina Victoria , Yan Koon-Kiu , Ju Bensheng , Passegger Christina , Tam-Amersdorfer Carmen , Pan Qingfei , Sconocchia Tommaso , Pollack Christian , Shaner Bridget , Zebisch Armin , Easton John , Yu Jiyang , Silva Jose M. , Strobl Herbert
Published: September 2020

TGF-β family ligands are key regulators of dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and activation. Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) require TGF- β family signaling for their differentiation and canonical TGF-β1 signaling secures a non-activated LC state. LCs reportedly control skin inflammation and are replenished from peripheral blood monocytes, which also give rise to pro-inflammatory monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs). Among all the miRNAs differentially expressed in LC vs moDCs, we observed miR-424 to be strongly induced during moDC differentiation from monocytes. We discovered that miR-424 is required for moDC differentiation from human and murine precursor cellsin vitroand for inflammation-associated moDCin vivo. Mechanistically we found that low levels of miR-424 facilitate TGF-β1-dependent LC differentiation at the expense of moDC differentiation. Loss of miR-424 in monocyte/DC precursors resulted in the induction of TGF-β pathway. Therefore, miR-424 plays a decisive role in anti-inflammatory LC vs pro-inflammatory moDC differentiation from monocytes, and its repression allows TGF-β ligands to promote LC differentiation.

Short summary

Monocytes give rise to two distinct DC subsets in skin inflammation, exhibiting opposite roles in inflammation. This study identified miR-424(322) as a molecular switch controlling pro-inflammatory (moDC) vs anti-inflammatory LC subset differentiation by modulating TGF-β signaling.
Micro-XRF study of the troodontid dinosaurJianianhualong tengireveals new biological and taphonomical signals
Authors: Li Jinhua , Pei Rui , Teng Fangfang , Qiu Hao , Tagle Roald , Yan Qiqi , Wang Qiang , Chu Xuelei , Xu Xing
Published: September 2020

Jianianhualong tengiis a key taxon for understanding the evolution of pennaceous feathers as well as troodontid theropods, and it is known by only the holotype, which was recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, China. Here, we carried out a large-area micro-X-Ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) analysis on the holotypic specimen ofJianianhualong tengivia a Brucker M6 Jetstream mobile XRF scanner. The elemental distribution measurements of the specimen show an enrichment of typical bones couponing elements such as S, P and Ca allowing to visualize the fossil structure. Additionally, to this, the bones are enriched in several heavier elements such as Sr, Th, Y and Ce over the surrounding rocks. The enrichment is most likely associated to secondary mineralization and the phosphates from the bones. Interestingly the plumage shape correlates with an enrichment in elements such as Cu, Ni and Ti, consistent with a previous study [1] onArchaeopteryxusing synchrotron imaging. The analysis presented here provide new biological and taphonomic information of this fossil. Anin-situand nondestructive micro-XRF analysis is currently the most ideal way to map the chemistry of fossils, so far this is manly restricted to small samples. Larger samples usually required a synchrotron facility for analysis. Our study demonstrated that laboratory-based large-area micro-XRF scanner can provides a practical tool for the study of large large-sized specimens allowing collect full chemical data for a better understanding of evolutionary and taphonomic processes.
InterPepRank: Assessment of Docked Peptide Conformations by a Deep Graph Network
Authors: Johansson-Åkhe Isak , Mirabello Claudio , Wallner Björn
Published: September 2020

Motivation

Peptide-protein interactions between a smaller or disordered peptide stretch and a folded receptor make up a large part of all protein-protein interactions. A common approach for modelling such interactions is to exhaustively sample the conformational space by fast-fourier-transform docking, and then refine a top percentage of decoys. Commonly, methods capable of ranking the decoys for selection in short enough time for larger scale studies rely on first-principle energy terms such as electrostatics, Van der Waals forces, or on pre-calculated statistical pairwise potentials.

Results

We present InterPepRank for peptide-protein complex scoring and ranking. InterPepRank is a machine-learning based method which encodes the structure of the complex as a graph; with physical pairwise interactions as edges and evolutionary and sequence features as nodes. The graph-network is trained to predict the LRMSD of decoys by using edge-conditioned graph convolutions on a large set of peptide-protein complex decoys. InterPepRank is tested on a massive independent test set with no targets sharing CATH annotation nor 30% sequence identity with any target in training or validation data. On this set, InterPepRank has a median AUC of 0.86 for finding coarse peptide-protein complexes with LRMSD<4Å. This is an improvement compared to other state-of-the-art ranking methods that have a median AUC of circa 0.69. When included as selection-method for selecting decoys for refinement in a previously established peptide docking pipeline, InterPepRank improves the number of Medium and High quality models produced by 80% and 40%, respectively.

Availability

The program is available from:http://wallnerlab.org/InterPepRank

Contact

Björn Wallnerbjorn.wallner@liu.se

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioRxivonline.
The influence of stimulus duration on olfactory identity
Authors: Kuruppath Praveen , Belluscio Leonardo
Published: September 2020

Duration of a stimulus plays an important role in coding of sensory information. The role of stimulus duration is extensively studied in tactile, visual and auditory system. In the olfactory system, how the stimulus duration influences the identity of an olfactory information is not well understood. To test this, we activated the olfactory bulbs with blue light in mice expressing channelrhodopsin and behaviorally assessed the relevance of stimulus duration on olfactory identity. Our behavior data demonstrate that stimulus duration changes the olfactory information and the associated behavior.
Reconstitution of prospermatogonial specificationin vitrofrom human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hwang Young Sun , Suzuki Shinnosuke , Seita Yasunari , Ito Jumpei , Sakata Yuka , Aso Hirofumi , Sato Kei , Hermann Brian P. , Sasaki Kotaro
Published: September 2020

Establishment of spermatogonia throughout the fetal and postnatal period is essential for production of spermatozoa and male fertility. Here, we established a protocol forin vitroreconstitution of human prospermatogonial specification whereby human primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells (hPGCLCs) differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells were further induced into M-prospermatogonia-like cells (MLCs) and T1 prospermatogonia-like cells (T1LCs) using long-term cultured xenogeneic reconstituted testes. Single cell RNA-sequencing was used to delineate the lineage trajectory leading to T1LCs, which closely resemble human T1-prospermatogoniain vivoand exhibited gene expression related to spermatogenesis and diminished proliferation, a hallmark of quiescent T1 prospermatogonia. Notably, this system enabled us to visualize the dynamic and stage-specific regulation of transposable elements during human prospermatogonial specification. Together, our findings pave the way for understanding and reconstructing human male germline developmentin vitro.
McsB forms a gated kinase chamber to mark aberrant bacterial proteins for degradation
Authors: Hajdusits Bence , Suskiewicz Marcin J. , Hundt Nikolas , Meinhart Anton , Kurzbauer Robert , Leodolter Julia , Kukura Philipp , Clausen Tim
Published: September 2020

In Gram-positive bacteria, the McsB protein arginine kinase is central to protein quality control, labelling aberrant molecules for degradation by the ClpCP protease. Despite its importance for stress response and pathogenicity, it is still elusive how the bacterial degradation labelling is regulated. Here, we delineate the mechanism how McsB targets aberrant proteins during stress conditions. Structural data reveal a self-compartmentalized kinase, in which the active sites are sequestered in a molecular cage. The “closed” octamer interconverts with other oligomers in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and, contrary to these “open” forms, preferentially labels unfolded proteins.In vivodata show that heat-shock triggers accumulation of higher-order oligomers, of which the octameric McsB is essential for surviving stress situations. The interconversion of open and closed oligomers represents a distinct regulatory mechanism of a degradation labeler, allowing the McsB kinase to adapt its potentially dangerous enzyme function to the needs of the bacterial cell.
Antibody binding to SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein correlates with, but does not predict neutralization
Authors: Ding Shilei , Laumaea Annemarie , Gasser Romain , Medjahed Halima , Pancera Marie , Stamatatos Leonidas , McGuire Andrew , Bazin Renée , Finzi Andrés
Published: September 2020

Convalescent plasma from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and monoclonal antibodies were shown to potently neutralize viral and pseudoviral particles carrying the S glycoprotein. However, a non-negligent proportion of plasma samples from infected individuals as well as S-specific monoclonal antibodies were reported to be non-neutralizing despite efficient interaction with the S glycoprotein in different biochemical assays using soluble recombinant forms of S or when expressed at the cell surface. How neutralization relates to binding of S glycoprotein in the context of viral particles remains to be established. Here we developed a pseudovirus capture assay (VCA) to measure the capacity of plasma samples or antibodies immobilized on ELISA plates to bind to membrane-bound S glycoproteins from SARS-CoV-2 expressed at the surface of lentiviral particles. By performing VCA and neutralization assays we observed a strong correlation between these two parameters. However, while we found that plasma samples unable to capture viral particles did not neutralize, capture did not guarantee neutralization, indicating that the capacity of antibodies to bind to the S glycoprotein at the surface of viral particles is required but not sufficient to mediate neutralization. Altogether, our results highlights the importance of better understanding the inactivation of S by plasma and neutralizing antibodies.
Characterization and Prediction of ISRE Binding Patterns Across Cell Types Under Type I Interferon Stimulation
Authors: Leviyang Sivan
Published: September 2020

Stimulation of cells by type I interferons (IFN) leads to the differential expression of 100s of genes known as interferon stimulated genes, ISGs. The collection of ISGs differentially expressed under IFN stimulation, referred to as the IFN signature, varies across cell types. Non-canonical IFN signaling has been clearly associated with variation in IFN signature across cell types, but the existence of variation in canonical signaling and its impact on IFN signatures is less clear. The canonical IFN signaling pathway involves binding of the transcription factor ISGF3 to IFN-stimulated response elements, ISREs. We examined ISRE binding patterns under IFN stimulation across six cell types using existing ChIPseq datasets available on the GEO and ENCODE databases. We find that ISRE binding is cell specific, particularly for ISREs distal to transcription start sites, potentially associated with enhancer elements, while ISRE binding in promoter regions is more conserved. Given variation of ISRE binding across cell types, we investigated associations between the cell type, homeostatic state and ISRE binding patterns. Taking a machine learning approach and using existing ATACseq and ChIPseq datasets available on GEO and ENCODE, we show that the epigenetic state of an ISRE locus at homeostasis and the DNA sequence of the ISRE locus are predictive of the ISRE’s binding under IFN stimulation in a cell type, specific manner, particularly for ISRE distal to transcription start sites.
β-catenin dependent axial patterning in Cnidaria and Bilateria uses similar regulatory logic
Authors: Bagaeva Tatiana , Aman Andrew J. , Graf Thomas , Niedermoser Isabell , Zimmermann Bob , Kraus Yulia , Schatka Magdalena , Demilly Adrien , Technau Ulrich , Genikhovich Grigory
Published: September 2020

In animals, body axis patterning is based on the concentration-dependent interpretation of graded morphogen signals, which enables correct positioning of the anatomical structures. The most ancient axis patterning system acting across animal phyla relies on β-catenin signaling, which directs gastrulation, and patterns the main body axis. However, within Bilateria, the patterning logic varies significantly between protostomes and deuterostomes. To deduce the ancestral principles of β-catenin dependent axial patterning, we investigated the oral-aboral axis patterning in the sea anemoneNematostella- a member of the bilaterian sister group Cnidaria. Here we elucidate the regulatory logic by which more orally expressed β-catenin targets repress more aborally expressed β- catenin targets, and progressively restrict the initially global, maternally provided aboral identity. Similar regulatory logic of β-catenin-dependent patterning inNematostellaand deuterostomes suggests a common evolutionary origin of these processes.
No evidence of impaired sensorimotor adaptation in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Vittersø Axel D. , Buckingham Gavin , Ten Brink Antonia F. , Halicka Monika , Proulx Michael J. , Bultitude Janet H.
Published: September 2020

Sensorimotor conflict is theorised to contribute to the maintenance of some pathological pain conditions, such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). We therefore tested whether sensorimotor adaptation is impaired in people with CRPS by characterising their adaption to lateral prismatic shifts in vision. People with unilateral upper limb CRPS Type I (n = 17), and pain-free individuals (n = 18; matched for age, sex, and handedness) completed prism adaptation with their affected/non-dominant and non-affected/dominant arm, in a counterbalanced order. We examined 1) the rate at which participants compensated for the optical shift during prism exposure (i.e. strategic recalibration), 2) endpoint errors made directly after prism adaptation (sensorimotor realignment) and their retention, and 3) kinematic markers associated with feedforward motor control and sensorimotor realignment. We found no evidence that strategic recalibration was different between people with CRPS and controls, including no evidence for differences in a kinematic marker associated with trial-by-trial changes in movement plans. Participants made significant endpoint errors in the prism adaptation after-effect phase, which are indicative of sensorimotor realignment. Overall, the magnitude of this realignment was not found to differ between people with CRPS and pain-free controls. However, people with CRPS made greater endpoint errors when using their affected hand than their non-affected hand, whereas no such difference was seen in controls. Taken together, these findings suggest that strategic control and sensorimotor realignment were not impaired for either arm in people with CRPS. In contrast, they provide some evidence that there is a greater propensity for sensorimotor realignment in CRPS, consistent with more flexible representations of the body and peripersonal space. Our study challenges the theory that sensorimotor conflict might underlie pathological pain that is maintained in the absence of tissue pathology.
Global supply chains after COVID-19: the end of the road for neoliberal globalisation?
Authors: Free Clinton , Hecimovic Angela
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Through its impact on both demand and supply, the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has profoundly disrupted supply chains throughout the world. The purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying drivers of the supply chain vulnerability exposed by COVID-19 and considers potential future directions for global supply.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a case study approach, reviewing the automotive manufacturing sector in Australia to illustrate how neoliberal globalisation policy settings have shifted large tracts of manufacturing from the global north to the global south.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the way that neoliberal globalisation policies, facilitated by certain accounting rhetorics and technologies, have consolidated manufacturing in China and Southeast Asia in ways that embed vulnerabilities in global supply chains. The authors present three scenarios for post-COVID-19 supply chains and the accounting techniques likely to garner stronger attention as a result of the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The paper illustrates how certain accounting rhetorics and technologies facilitate neoliberal globalisation, embedding supply chain vulnerability that has been exposed by COVID-19. It also suggests how supply chain accounting may develop more robust supply chains in a post-COVID-19 world and sets out an agenda for future research in this area.

Practical implications

A number of practical supply chain accounting and planning technologies are suggested to facilitate more robust supply chains.

Originality/value

This paper draws attention to the neoliberal globalisation policies that have shaped global supply chains as well as how COVID-19, in concert with other geopolitical trajectories, may represent a watershed moment for global supply chains.
Ownership concentration in the Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Martinez-Garcia Irma , Basco Rodrigo , Gomez-Anson Silvia , Boubakri Narjess
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This article attempts to answer the following questions: Who ultimately owns firms listed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries? Does ownership structure depend on the institutional context? How does ownership affect firm performance? Do institutional factors influence the ownership–performance relationship?

Design/methodology/approach

We apply univariate analyses and generalised methods of moments estimations for a sample of 692 GCC listed firms during 2009–2015.

Findings

Our results reveal that corporations are mainly controlled by the state or families, the ownership structure is highly concentrated and pyramid structures are common in the region. Ownership is more concentrated in non-financial than financial firms, and ownership concentration and shareholder identity differ by institutional country setting. Finally, ownership concentration does not influence performance, but formal institutions play a moderating role in the relationship.

Practical implications

As our findings reveal potential type II agency problems due to ownership concentration, policymakers should raise awareness of professional corporate governance practices and tailor them to GCC countries’ institutional contexts.

Social implications

Even with the introduction of new regulations by some GCC states to protect minority investors and promote corporate governance practices, ownership concentration is a rigid structure, and its use by investors to protect their economic endowment and power is culturally embedded.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have analysed ownership concentration and large shareholders’ identities across countries, this study fills a research gap investigating this phenomenon in-depth in emerging economies.
Efforts towards a COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: September 2020

To many scientists and political authorities, the development of a vaccine against Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) will be the way to restore normality to civil life in this time of a devastating pandemic. Expectations for a vaccine are high while the case numbers continue to rise. As of mid‐August 2020, more than 20 million people have been infected and more than 760 000 lives have been lost worldwide. The threat of this virus to health, the economy and to society is so great that the wish for a fast track vaccine is understandable, but how realistic is it? This survey article tries to give an overview of vaccine candidates in development, including preclinical and clinical testing, and it mentions some of the societal problems of vaccine acceptance.
The effect of combined carprofen and omeprazole administration on gastrointestinal permeability and inflammation in dogs
Authors: Jones Susan M. , Gaier Ann , Enomoto Hiroko , Ishii Patricia , Pilla Rachel , Price Josh , Suchodolski Jan , Steiner Joerg M. , Papich Mark G. , Messenger Kristen , Tolbert M. Katherine
Published: September 2020

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (eg, omeprazole) commonly are administered concurrently with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; eg, carprofen) as prophylaxis to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) injury. However, evidence to support this practice is weak, and it might exacerbate dysbiosis and inflammation.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the effect of carprofen alone or combined with omeprazole in dogs. We hypothesized that coadministration of omeprazole and carprofen would significantly increase GI permeability and dysbiosis index (DI) compared to no treatment or carprofen alone.

Animals

Six healthy adult colony beagle dogs.

Methods

Gastrointestinal permeability and inflammation were assessed by serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration, plasma iohexol concentration, fecal DI, and fecal calprotectin concentration in a prospective, 3‐period design. In the first 7‐day period, dogs received no intervention (baseline). During the 2nd period, dogs received 4 mg/kg of carprofen q24h PO for 7 days. In the 3rd period, dogs received 4 mg/kg of carprofen q24h and 1 mg/kg of omeprazole q12h PO for 7 days. Gastrointestinal permeability testing was performed at the end of each period. Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed model analysis of variance with Tukey‐Kramer post hoc tests (P < .05).

Results

Serum LPS and plasma iohexol concentrations did not differ between treatments. Fecal calprotectin concentrations differed between treatments (P = .03). The DI varied over time based on the treatment received (P = .03). Coadministration of omeprazole and carprofen significantly increased fecal calprotectin concentration and DI compared to baseline and carprofen alone.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Omeprazole prophylaxis induces fecal dysbiosis and increases intestinal inflammatory markers when coadministered with carprofen to otherwise healthy dogs with no other risk factors for GI bleeding.
Labor or Capital Income Tax for Growth in an Aging Society
Authors: Miyake Yusuke
Published: September 2020

This study analyzes whether taxation of labor income or capital income maximizes growth rates, with labor-argument type model, in an aging society. There are certain conditions that maximize growth rates which are indicated by the share of public capital-public pensions. The results of this analysis taxing capital income is better in an economy where private capital is drastically larger than the public capital found in an aging society.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: September 2020

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 5 Abootaleb Shirvani, Texas Tech University, USAAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelBasanta K. Pradhan, University of Delhi Enclave, IndiaDjebali Nesrine, University of Jendouba, TunisiaHedieh Shadmani, Fairfield University, USAMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMamdouh Abdelmoula M. Abdelsalam, Minufiya University, EgyptMarco Muscettola, Independent Researcher-Credit Risk Manager, ItalyMarwa Biltagy, Cairo University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, EgyptNuno Crespo, ISCTE-IUL, PortugalOlena Sokolovska, Research Institute of Fiscal Policy, State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, UkraineOltiana Muharremi Pelari, Stonehill College in Ma, AlbaniaPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRichard Nguyen, Alliant International University, USASzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala     Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Feasibility Study of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Compressed Renewable/Natural Gas Vehicles in Canada
Authors: Yaïci Wahiba , Ribberink Hajo
Published: September 2020

Concerns about environmental degradation and finite natural resources necessitate cleaner sources of energy for use in the transportation sector. In Canada, natural gas is currently being appraised as a potential alternative fuel for use in vehicles for both medium and heavy-duty use due to its relatively lower costs compared to that of conventional fuels. The idea of compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) is being mooted as inexpensive for fleet owners and especially because it will potentially significantly reduce harmful emissions into the environment.

A short feasibility study was conducted to ascertain the potential for reduced emissions and savings opportunities presented by CNGVs in both medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The study which is discussed in the present paper was carried out on long-haul trucking and refuse trucks respectively. Emphasis was laid on individual vehicle operating economics and emissions reduction, and the identification of practical considerations for both the individual application and CNGVs as a whole. A financial analysis of the annual cost savings that is achievable when an individual diesel vehicle is replaced with a CNG vehicle was also presented.

This paper drew substantial references from published case studies for relevant data on maintenance costs, fuel economy, range, and annual distance travelled. It relied on a summary report from Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation) [1] for its discussion on relative fuel efficiency penalties for heavy-duty CNGVs. The fuel cost figures were mostly drawn from motor fuel data of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, since the Ministry is one of the few available sources of compressed natural gas fuel prices. Finally, the GHGenius life-cycle analysis tool [2] was employed to determine fuel-cycle emissions in Canada for comparison purposes.

The study produced remarkable findings. Results showed that compared to diesel-fuelled vehicles, emissions in CNG heavy-and-medium-duty vehicles reduced by up to 8.7% (for well-to-pump) and 11.5% (for pump-to-wheels) respectively. Overall, the most beneficial use/application appeared to be long-haul trucking based on the long distances covered and higher fuel economy achieved (derived from economies of scale), while refuse trucks appeared to have relatively marginal annual savings. However, these annual savings are actually a conservative estimate which will ultimately be modified/determined by a number of factors that are likely to be predisposed in favour of natural gas vehicles. Significantly, the prospect of using renewable natural gas as fuel was found to be a factor for improving the value proposition of refuse trucks in particular, certainly from an emissions standpoint with a reduction of up to 100%, but speculatively from operational savings as well.
Particle Flow Testing of a Multistage Falling Particle Receiver Concept: Staggered Angle Iron Receiver (STAIR)
Authors: Yue Lindsey , Schroeder Nathan , Ho Clifford K.
Published: September 2020

Falling particle receivers are an emerging technology for use in concentrating solar power systems. In this work, a staggered angle iron receiver concept is investigated, with the goals of increasing particle curtain stability and opacity in a receiver. The concept consists of angle iron-shaped troughs placed in line with a falling particle curtain in order to collect particles and rerelease them, decreasing the downward velocity of the particles and the curtain spread. A particle flow test apparatus has been fabricated. The effect of staggered angle iron trough geometry, orientation, and position on the opacity and uniformity of a falling particle curtain for different particle linear mass flow rates is investigated using the particle flow test apparatus. For the baseline free falling curtain and for different trough configurations, particle curtain transmissivity is measured, and profile images of the particle curtain are taken. Particle mass flow rate and trough position affect curtain transmissivity more than trough orientation and geometry. Optimal trough position for a given particle mass flow rate can result in improved curtain stability and decreased transmissivity. The case with a slot depth of 1/4″, hybrid trough geometry at 36″ below the slot resulted in the largest improvement over the baseline curtain: 0.40 transmissivity for the baseline and 0.14 transmissivity with the trough. However, some trough configurations have a detrimental effect on curtain stability and result in increased curtain transmissivity and/or substantial particle bouncing.
A Multicriteria Approach to Evaluate Solar Assisted District Heating in the German Market
Authors: Abokersh Mohamed Hany , Vallès Manel , Cabeza Luisa F. , Boer Dieter
Published: September 2020

Following the ambitious EU plan in cutting the greenhouse emission and replacing conventional heat sources through the presence of renewable energy share inside efficient district heating fields, seasonal storage coupled with district heating plants can have a viable contribution to this goal. However, the performance uncertainty combined with the inadequate assessment regarding the financial potential and the greenhouse emission reduction associated with the deployment of those innovate district heating systems represents a great challenge for sufficiently apply it.

Our work tends to explore the prospects for wide-scale deployment of the seasonal storage in the residential sector in the German market. The proposed methodology framework correspondingly based on a multi-objective approach which is applied to optimize the cost against an aggregated environmental metric throughout the life cycle of the proposed system in comparison to their relative conventional heating systems. In this context, the proposed methodology framework is applied to Berlin as a representative for the central European climate zone with consideration for the seasonal and short-term storage systems and their relatively load profiles. The environmental improvement associated with the solar district heating system (SDHS) coupled with seasonal storage in the central European climate zone is heavily weighed enough in decision making for proposing SDHS as a sustainable solution replacing the conventional heat sources. Furthermore, the proposed methodology framework successes in eliminating the yearly system variation. Thus, the yearly solar fraction never goes down below than 97.8% in the investigated climate zone. Overall this study can assist in approving the feasibility of the SDHS with the goal of establishing a more sustainable energy infrastructure in Germany.
Application of Response Surface Model for Sizing Solar Thermal Energy System at Residential Scale During the Early Design Stages
Authors: Abokersh Mohamed Hany , Elayat Hatem , Osman Mohamed , El-Morsi Mohamed
Published: September 2020

In the present study, the design of experiments (DOE) methodology is employed to statistically model and optimize the thermal performance of a forced circulation solar water heating system (FSWHS) with various budget constraints using a small number of simulation trails. The simulation trails are implemented using a model developed in TRNSYS 17 software, and climate conditions of Cairo, Egypt. A sequential approach is used to obtain the optimum system configuration with respect to the budget constraint. The definitive screening design is first utilized to eliminate the insignificant factors and investigate the effect of the quadratic terms. Then, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) is used for developing mathematical models based on multiple regression analysis. Finally, the optimization problem is formulated and solved using the desirability function. The developed mathematical models for the thermal performance responses showed a good agreement with the results obtained in TRNSYS for various budget constraints. This agreement proved the ability of the mathematical models to predict the performance of FSWHS precisely. Furthermore, the optimization methodology can be applied for various types of solar water heating systems, and different renewable energy applications.
Evaluating the Effective Solar Absorptance of Dilute Particle Configurations
Authors: Ho Clifford K. , González-Portillo Luis F. , Albrecht Kevin J.
Published: September 2020

Ray-tracing and heat-transfer simulations of discrete particles in a representative elementary volume were performed to determine the effective particle-cloud absorptance and temperature profiles as a function of intrinsic particle absorptance values (0 – 1) for dilute solids volume fractions (1 – 3%) representative of falling particle receivers used in concentrating solar power applications. Results showed that the average particle-cloud absorptance is increased above intrinsic particle absorptance values as a result of reflections and subsequent reabsorption (light trapping). The relative increase in effective particle-cloud absorptance was greater for lower values of intrinsic particle absorptance and could be as high as a factor of two. Higher values of intrinsic particle absorptance led to higher simulated steady-state particle temperatures. Significant temperature gradients within the particle cloud and within the particles themselves were also observed in the simulations. Findings indicate that dilute particle-cloud configurations within falling particle receivers can significantly enhance the apparent effective absorptance of the particle curtain, and materials with higher values of intrinsic particle absorptance will yield greater radiative absorptance and temperatures.
Investigation of Performance and Emissions of a CRDI Passenger Van Fuelled With Coconut Methyl Ester-Diesel Blends Using Drive Cycle and Steady Speed Operation
Authors: Aguila Rupert Karlo D. , Quiros Edwin N. , Mercado Jose Gabriel E.
Published: September 2020

For the past years, Different Philippine local regulations have been imposed to address oil importation and to address environment concerns. One requirement is reduced emission from diesel engines and at the same time reduce the use of fossil fuels for the. In accordance to the Clean Air Act and the Biofuels Act, The Philippine government is looking for possible alternatives to fossil fuels, One of the biodiesel the country is currently using is coconut methyl ester due to the abundance of coconut trees in the country. This research shows the performance and emission characteristics of diesel blended with coconut methyl ester in a CRDi Passenger van and will help the government justify the increase in blend percentage mandated in commercial fuels.

This study is investigates 0%, 2%, 5% 10% and 20% Coconut Methyl Ester (CME)-diesel blends. The experiment consisted of Japanese 10-15 standard drive cycle test, steady state test at 40,60, & 80 kph was performed in the Vehicle Research and Testing Laboratory in the University of the Philippines Diliman equipped with chassis dynamometer, fuel flow meter and emissions analyzer. Performance parameters measured are Power, Specific Fuel Consumption and Mileage, while emission characteristics for CO, NOx, THC are measured. PM measurements were not measured for this experiment.

In both Drive cycle and steady state test specific fuel consumption and mileage improved with addition of CME, however results showed they are independent of CME percentage. The best improvement was observed with 5%CME blended with neat diesel at 4.8% and 8.5% for drive cycle and steady state test respectively.

Majority of the CME-diesel blends showed decrease in emission specifically in CO and THC emission which is consistent to published literature. For both steady state test and drive cycle test up to 29.5% decrease inn CO and up to 64% decrease in THC was observed. This can be attributed to the overall lean mixtures and in the increase of oxygenated fuel at higher CME blends. NOx emission however is consistent for all fuel blends in the drive cycle test while for the steady state test NOx emission is dependnt on the engine speed. Decreasing trend was obtained for 40 and 60 km/h while increasing trend was obtrained at 80 km/h, with respect to %CME.

Average power produced for all the speeds was basically constant for all the blends as compared with neat diesel. Lastly, maximum power showed insignificant changes although majority of the blends showed a minimal power reduction as compared to neat diesel.
Postprandial Metabolism and Vascular Function: Impact of Aging and Physical Activity Level
Authors: Koemel Nicholas A. , Sciarrillo Christina M. , Bode Katherine B. , Dixon Madison D. , Lucas Edralin A. , Jenkins Nathaniel D.M. , Emerson Sam R.
Published: September 2020

The consumption of a high-fat meal can induce postprandial lipemia and endothelial dysfunction. The authors assessed the impact of age and physical activity on metabolic and vascular outcomes following meal consumption in healthy adults. The authors recruited four groups: younger active (age 22.1 ± 1.4 years; n = 9), younger inactive (age 22.6 ± 3.7 years; n = 8), older active (age 68.4 ± 7.7 years; n = 8), and older inactive (age 67.7 ± 7.2 years; n = 7). The metabolic outcomes were measured at the baseline and hourly for 6 hr post high-fat meal consumption (12 kcal/kg; 63% fat). Flow-mediated dilation was measured at the baseline, 2 hr, and 4 hr postmeal. The total area under the curve for triglycerides was significantly lower in the more active groups, but did not differ based on age (younger active = 6.5 ± 1.4 mmol/L × 6 hr, younger inactive = 11.7 ± 4.8, older active = 6.8 ± 2.7, older inactive = 12.1 ± 1.7; p = .0004). After adjusting for artery diameter, flow-mediated dilation differed between groups at the baseline (younger active = 4.8 ± 1.6%, younger inactive = 2.5 ± 0.5, older active = 3.4 ± 0.9, older inactive = 2.2 ± 0.4; p < .001) and decreased significantly across groups 4 hr postmeal (mean difference = 0.82; 95% CI [0.02, 1.6]; p = .04). These findings highlight the beneficial effect of regular physical activity on postprandial lipemia, independent of age.
Characterization of Genomic Variants Associated with Resistance to Bedaquiline and Delamanid in Naive Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Strains
Authors: Battaglia S. , Spitaleri A. , Cabibbe A. M. , Meehan C. J. , Utpatel C. , Ismail N. , Tahseen S. , Skrahina A. , Alikhanova N. , Mostofa Kamal S. M. , Barbova A. , Niemann S. , Groenheit R. , Dean A. S. , Zignol M. , Rigouts L. , Cirillo D. M.
Published: September 2020

The role of mutations in genes associated with phenotypic resistance to bedaquiline (BDQ) and delamanid (DLM) in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBc) strains is poorly characterized. A clear understanding of the genetic variants’ role is crucial to guide the development of molecular-based drug susceptibility testing (DST). In this work, we analyzed all mutations in candidate genomic regions associated with BDQ- and DLM-resistant phenotypes using a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data set from a collection of 4,795 MTBc clinical isolates from six countries with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB).
Continued Evolution of H5Nx Avian Influenza Viruses in Bangladeshi Live Poultry Markets: Pathogenic Potential in Poultry and Mammalian Models
Authors: El-Shesheny Rabeh , Franks John , Turner Jasmine , Seiler Patrick , Walker David , Friedman Kimberly , Mukherjee Nabanita , Kercher Lisa , Hasan M. Kamrul , Feeroz Mohammed M. , Krauss Scott , Vogel Peter , McKenzie Pamela , Barman Subrata , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G.
Published: September 2020

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses have circulated continuously in Bangladesh since 2007, and active surveillance has detected viral evolution driven by mutation and reassortment. Recently, three genetically distinct A(H5N1) reassortant viruses were detected in live poultry markets in Bangladesh. Currently, we cannot assign pandemic risk by only sequencing viruses; it must be conducted empirically. We found that the H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibited high virulence in mice and chickens, and one virus had limited capacity to transmit between ferrets, a property considered consistent with a higher zoonotic risk.
Draft Genome Sequence of Phenol-Degrading Variovorax boronicumulans Strain c24
Authors: Abdul Aziz Fatma Azwani , Suzuki Kenshi , Amano Koki , Moriuchi Ryota , Dohra Hideo , Tashiro Yosuke , Futamata Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

We report the draft genome sequence of
Variovorax boronicumulans
strain c24, which was isolated from a soil-inoculated chemostat culture amended with phenol as a sole carbon and energy source. The genome data will provide insights into phenol and other xenobiotic compound degradation mechanisms for bioremediation applications.
Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Bacteriophage MG40
Authors: Gilcrease Eddie B. , Leavitt Justin C. , Casjens Sherwood R.
Published: September 2020

We report the complete genome sequence of P22-like
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium phage MG40, whose prophage repressor specificity is different from that of other known temperate phages.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five
Paenibacillus
Species of Dairy Origin
Authors: Olajide Atinuke M. , Chen Shu , LaPointe Gisèle
Published: September 2020

Paenibacillus
species are important spoilage organisms in the dairy industry. The genomes of five
Paenibacillus
species which were isolated from dairy products in Canada were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Draft genomes ranging from 5.1 to 7.1 Mb with GC contents of 49 to 53% were generated.
Geographic distributions of age-related macular degeneration incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Miao , Duan Pei-Chen , Liang Jing-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Pan Chen-Wei
Published: September 2020

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise the geographic distribution of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) incidence.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for publications of early and late AMD before September 2019. Studies were included if they applied a standardised photographic assessment and classification system. The proportion of participants with AMD in each eligible study was combined to obtain a pooled incidence from all studies using a random effects model. We also assessed sources of potential heterogeneity in the incidence of AMD using meta-regression analyses for both late and early AMD.

Results

Twenty-four population-based studies (70 123 individuals aged 55 years or older) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled global annual incidences of early and late AMD were 1.59% (95% CI 1.12% to 2.10%) and 0.19% (95% CI: 0.13% to 0.28%), respectively. Individuals of European descent had the highest annual incidence of both early (2.73%, 95% CI 1.63% to 4.57%) and late (0.36%, 95% CI 0.17% to 0.75%) AMD than other ethnic groups. Average age (p=0.001) at baseline, ethnicity (p=0.001), region (p=0.043) and gender (p=0.011) were predictors for incident late AMD, while only average age (p=0.01) at baseline and ethnicity (p=0.025) was associated with incidence of early AMD.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis offers an up-to-date overview of AMD globally, which may provide scientific guidance for the design and implementation of public health strategies such as screening programmes for AMD in both specific geographic locations and ethnic groups, as well as worldwide.
Emergency care provided to refugee children in Europe: RefuNET: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Nijman Ruud Gerard , Krone Johanna , Mintegi Santiago , Bidlingmaier Christoph , Maconochie Ian K , Lyttle Mark D , von Both Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Background

Refugee children and young people have complex healthcare needs. However, issues related to acute healthcare provision for refugee children across Europe remain unexplored. This study aimed to describe the urgent and emergency healthcare needs of refugee children in Europe, and to identify obstacles to providing this care.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to European healthcare professionals via research networks between 1 February and 1 October 2017 addressing health issues of children and young people aged <18 years fulfilling international criteria of refugee status, presenting to emergency departments. Survey domains explored (1) respondent’s institution, (2) local healthcare system, (3) available guidance and educational tools, (4) perceived obstacles and improvements required, (5) countries of origin of refugee children being seen and (6) presenting signs and symptoms of refugee children.

Results

One hundred and forty-eight respondents from 23 European countries completed the survey, and most worked in academic institutions (n=118, 80%). Guidance on immunisations was available for 30% of respondents, and on safeguarding issues (31%), screening for infection (32%) or mental health (14%). Thirteen per cent reported regular teaching sessions related to refugee child health. Language barriers (60%), unknown medical history (54%), post-traumatic stress disorder (52%) and mental health issues (50%) were perceived obstacles to providing care; severity of presenting illness, rare or drug-resistant pathogens and funding were not.

Conclusions

Many hospitals are not adequately prepared for providing urgent and emergency care to refugee children and young people. Although clinicians are generally well equipped to deal with most types and severity of presenting illnesses, we identified specific obstacles such as language barriers, mental health issues, safeguarding issues and lack of information on previous medical history. There was a clear need for more guidelines and targeted education on refugee child health.