bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episome partitioning and symmetric cell divisions: Quantifying the role of random events in the persistence of HPV infections
Authors: Beneteau Thomas , Selinger Christian , Sofonea Mircea T. , Alizon Samuel
Published: September 2021

Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the most oncogenic viruses known to humans. The vast majority of HPV infections clear in less than 3 years, but the underlying mechanisms, especially the involvement of the immune response, are still poorly known. Building on earlier work stressing the importance of randomness in the type of cell divisions in the clearance of HPV infection, we develop a stochastic mathematical model of HPV dynamics that combines the previous aspect with an explicit description of the intracellular level. We show that the random partitioning of virus episomes upon stem cell division and the occurrence of symmetric divisions dramatically affect viral persistence. These results call for more detailed within-host studies to better understand the relative importance of stochasticity and immunity in HPV infection clearance.
Metaplasia of respiratory and digestive tissues in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Roopnarine Deanne S. , Roopnarine Peter D. , Anderson Laurie C. , Hwang Ji Hae , Patel Swati
Published: September 2021

Metaplasia is a well documented and deleterious effect of crude oil components on oysters. This reversible transformation of one cell type to another is a common response to petroleum-product exposure in molluscs. It has been shown experimentally in previous work that eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) exposed to petroleum products will exhibit metaplasia of digestive tissues. Here we document for the first time that wild adult oysters inhabiting coastal waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico during and in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010) exhibited metaplasia in both ctenidial (respiratory and suspension feeding) and digestive tract tissues at significantly higher frequencies than geographic controls of C. virginica from Chesapeake Bay. Metaplasia included the loss of epithelial cilia, transformations of columnar epithelia, hyperplasia and reduction of ctenidial branches, and vacuolization of digestive tissues. Evidence for a reduction of metaplasia following the oil spill (2010-2013) is suggestive but equivocal.
Associations of circulating dimethylarginines with the metabolic syndrome in the Framingham Offspring study
Authors: Yola Ibrahim Musa , Moser Carlee , Duncan Meredith S. , Schwedhelm Edzard , Atzler Dorothee , Maas Renke , Hannemann Juliane , Böger Rainer H. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Xanthakis Vanessa
Published: September 2021

Background

Circulating levels of the endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), are positively associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in cross-sectional investigations. It is unclear if circulating ADMA and other methylarginines are associated with incident MetS prospectively.

Methods

We related circulating ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), L-arginine (ARG) concentrations (measured with a validated tandem mass spectrometry assay) and the ARG/ADMA ratio to MetS and its components in 2914 (cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression; mean age 58 years, 55% women) and 1656 (prospective analysis, Cox regression; mean age 56 years, 59% women) individuals from the Framingham Offspring Study who attended a routine examination.

Results

Adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and eGFR, we observed significant associations of ADMA (direct) and ARG/ADMA (inverse) with odds of MetS (N = 1461 prevalent cases; Odds Ratio [OR] per SD increment 1.13, 95%CI 1.04–1.22; and 0.89, 95%CI 0.82–0.97 for ADMA and ARG/ADMA, respectively). Upon further adjustment for waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, we observed a positive relation between SDMA and MetS (OR per SD increment 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.30) but the other associations were rendered statistically non-significant. We did not observe statistically significant associations between any of the methylarginines and the risk of new-onset MetS (752 incident events) over a median follow-up of 11 years.

Conclusion

It is unclear whether dimethylarginines play an important role in the incidence of cardiometabolic risk in the community, notwithstanding cross-sectional associations. Further studies of larger samples are needed to replicate our findings.
Comparative analysis of the dust retention capacity and leaf microstructure of 11 Sophora japonica clones
Authors: Yu Jie , Xu Li-Ren , Liu Chong , Li Yong-Tan , Pang Xin-Bo , Liu Zhao-Hua , Yang Min-Sheng , Li Yan-Hui
Published: September 2021

We used fresh leaves of Sophora japonica L. variety ‘Qingyun 1’ (A0) and 10 superior clones of the same species (A1–A10) to explore leaf morphological characteristics and total particle retention per unit leaf area under natural and artificial simulated dust deposition treatments. Our objectives were to explore the relationship between the two methods and to assess particle size distribution, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) heavy metal content, and scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM) characteristics of leaf surface microstructure. Using the membership function method, we evaluated the dust retention capacity of each clone based on the mean degree of membership of its dust retention index. Using correlation analysis, we selected leaf morphological and SEM and AFM indices related significantly to dust retention capacity. Sophora japonica showed excellent overall dust retention capacity, although this capacity differed among clones. A5 had the strongest overall retention capacity, A2 had the strongest retention capacity for PM2.5, A9 had the strongest retention capacity for PM2.5–10, A0 had the strongest retention capacity for PM>10, and A2 had the strongest specific surface area (SSA) and heavy metal adsorption capacity. Overall, A1 had the strongest comprehensive dust retention ability, A5 was intermediate, and A7 had the weakest capacity. Certain leaf morphological and SEM and AFM characteristic indices correlated significantly with the dust retention capacity.
Active surveillance for adverse events in patients on longer treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Viet Nam
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Bao , Vu Dinh Hoa , Thuy Nguyen Thi , Quang Duong Van , Huyen Cao Thi Thu , Hoa Nguyen Mai , Anh Nguyen Hoang , Dat Phan Thuong , Hoa Nguyen Binh , Tiemersma Edine , Nhung Nguyen Viet
Published: September 2021

Objective

Management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a significant challenge to the global healthcare system due to the complexity and long duration of the MDR-TB treatment. This study analyzed the safety of patients on longer injectable-based MDR-TB treatment regimens using active pharmacovigilance data.

Method

We conducted an observational, prospective study based on active pharmacovigilance within the national TB program. A total of 659 MDR-TB patients were enrolled and followed up at 9 TB- hospitals in 9 provinces of all 3 regions in Vietnam between 2014 and 2016. Patients received a treatment regimen (standardized or individualized) based on their drug susceptibility test result and their treatment history. Baseline and follow-up information was collected at the start and during treatment. Adverse events (AE) were defined and classified as serious adverse events (SAEs) or otherwise. Multivariate Cox regression following the Iterative Bayesian Model Averaging algorithm was performed to identify factors associated with AE occurrence.

Results

Out of 659 patients assessed, 71.3% experienced at least one AE, and 17.5% suffered at least one SAE. The most common AEs were gastrointestinal disorders (38.5%), arthralgia (34.7%), and psychiatric disorders (30.0%). The proportion of patients with nephrotoxicity and hearing loss or vestibular disorders were 7.4% and 15.2%, respectively. 13.1% of patients required modifications or interruption of one or more drugs. In 77.7% of patients, treatment was completed successfully, while 9.3% lost to follow-up, in 3.0% treatment failed, and 7.4% died. Some significant risk factors for nephrotoxicity included diabetes mellitus (HR = 8.46 [1.91–37.42]), renal dysfunction (HR = 8.46 [1.91–37.42]), alcoholism (HR = 13.28 [5.04–34.99]), and a higher average daily dose of injectable drugs (HR = 1.28 [1.14–1.43]).

Conclusion

While a majority of patients on the longer injectable-based regimens experienced non-serious AEs during MDR-TB treatment, one in six patients experienced at least an SAE. Active TB drug-safety monitoring is useful to understand the safety of MDR-TB treatment and explore the risk factors for toxicity. All-oral, shorter MDR-TB regimens might be able to reduce the inconvenience, discomfort, and toxicity of such regimens and increase adherence and likelihood of successful completion.
Optimization of substation grounding grid design for horizontal and vertical multilayer and uniform soil condition using Simulated Annealing method
Authors: Permal Navinesshani , Osman Miszaina , Mohd Ariffin Azrul , Boopalan Navaamsini , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin
Published: September 2021

Grounding systems are critical in safeguarding people and equipment from power system failures. A grounding system’s principal goal is to offer the lowest impedance path for undesired fault current. Optimization of the grounding grid designs is important in satisfying the minimum cost of the grounding system and safeguarding those people who work in the surrounding area of the grounded installations. Currently, there is no systematic guidance or standard for grounding grid designs that include two-layer soil and its effects on grounding grid systems, particularly vertically layered soil. Furthermore, while numerous studies have been conducted on optimization, relatively limited study has been done on the problem of optimizing the grounding grid in two-layer soil, particularly in vertical soil structures. This paper presents the results of optimization for substation grounding systems using the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm in different soil conditions which conforms to the safety requirements of the grounding system. Practical features of grounding grids in various soil conditions discussed in this paper (uniform soil, two-layer horizontal soil, and two-layer vertical soil) are considered during problem formulation and solution algorithm. The proposed algorithm’s results show that the number of grid conductors in the X and Y directions (Nx and Ny), as well as vertical rods (Nr), can be optimized from initial numbers of 35% for uniform soil, 57% for horizontal two-layer soil for ρ1> ρ2, and 33% for horizontal two-layer soil for ρ1< ρ2, and 29% for vertical two-layer soil structure. In other words, the proposed technique would be able to utilize square and rectangle-shaped grounding grids with a number of grid conductors and vertical rods to be implemented in uniform, two-layer horizontal and vertical soil structure, depending on the resistivity of the soil layer.
NSAID use is not associated with Parkinson’s disease incidence: A Norwegian Prescription Database study
Authors: Brakedal Brage , Tzoulis Charalampos , Tysnes Ole-Bjørn , Haugarvoll Kristoffer
Published: September 2021

Objective

Whether use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of incident Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unresolved. Here, we employed the Norwegian Prescription Database to examine whether NSAID use is associated with a lower incidence of PD.

Methods

We compared the incidence of PD among users of NSAIDs in a population-based retrospective study using the Norwegian Prescription Database from 2004 to 2017. In total 7580 PD patients were identified using dopaminergic therapy over time as proxy for PD diagnosis. Analyses were performed with minimum 90 and 365 defined daily dose (DDD) NSAID exposure, respectively. Time-dependent Cox regression model and a binary logistic regression analysis with a 5-year lag until PD diagnosis were performed for all NSAIDs.

Results

There was overall no decrease in incidence of PD among NSAID users compared to controls. Using a minimum of 90 or 365 DDD threshold of exposure produced similar results. Analysis of individual NSAIDs did not show difference in PD incidence compared to controls Age-specific incidence rates of PD were comparable to reported age-specific incidence rates in previous studies.

Interpretation

Our findings provide no evidence that cumulative high exposure to NSAIDs affects the risk of developing PD.
Evaluation of the long-term effect of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate in a rat lung model using conventional chest computed tomography with histopathologic analysis
Authors: Kim Cherry , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Jaeyoung , Kang Ja Young , Nam Yoon Jeong , Togloom Ariunaa , Cha Jaehyung , Lee Ki Yeol , Lee Chang Hyun , Park Eun-Kee , Lee Ju-Han
Published: September 2021

There have been no studies on the effects of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG) after a long period of exposure in the rodent model. We aimed to evaluate long-term lung damage after PHMG exposure using conventional chest computed tomography (CT) and histopathologic analysis in a rat model. A PHMG solution was intratracheally administrated to 24 male rats. At 8, 26, and 52 weeks after PHMG instillation, conventional chest CT was performed in all rats and both lungs were extracted for histopathologic evaluation. At 52 weeks after PHMG instillation, four carcinomas had developed in three of the eight rats (37.5%). Bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia and adenoma were found in rats at 8, 26, and 52 weeks post-instillation. The number of bronchiolo-alveolar hyperplasia significantly increased over time (P-value for trend< 0.001). The severity of lung fibrosis and fibrosis scores significantly increased over time (P-values for trend = 0.002 and 0.023, respectively). Conventional chest CT analysis showed that bronchiectasis and linear density scores suggestive of fibrosis significantly increased over time (P-value for trend < 0.001). Our study revealed that one instillation of PHMG in a rat model resulted in lung carcinomas and progressive and irreversible fibrosis one year later based on conventional chest CT and histopathologic analysis. PHMG may be a lung carcinogen in the rat model.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patient is associated with subsequent increased risks of outpatient visits and hospitalizations: A population-based study
Authors: Hsieh Kun-Lin , Chin Hung-Yen , Lo Tsia-Shu , Long Cheng-Yu , Ho Chung-Han , Huang Steven Kuan-Hua , Chuang Yao-Chi , Wu Ming-Ping
Published: September 2021

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is not only a chronic urinary bladder pain syndrome but is also associated with multifactorial etiology. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that IC/BPS is associated with subsequent increased risks of outpatient visits and hospitalizations. Using nationwide database, the diagnoses were based on the International Classification Codes (ICD-9-CM) (595.1) of at least three outpatient services during 2002–2008, (n = 27,990) and cystoscopic finding Hunner type and/or glomerulation with pre-audit criteria. All recruited cases monitored for subsequent outpatient visits and hospitalizations for 2 years, including all-cause and specialty-specific departments, were classified according to medical specialty and age group (<40, 40–60, ≥60 years of age). IC/BPS patients have more overall outpatient department (OPD) visits and an overall adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.64. As for specialty, IRRs were higher in psychiatry (2.75), Chinese medicine (2.01), and emergency medicine (2.00), besides urology and gynecology. The IRRs decreased as age advanced (2.01, 1.71, and 1.44, respectively), except for gynecology (2.42, 2.52, and 2.81). A similar phenomenon happens in hospitalization with IRR of 1.69. Due to claim data characteristics, whether ulcer type IC/BPS findings can be deductive to non-ulcer type remains inclusive. Current results indicate the impacts of healthcare burden in broad spectrum about IC/PBS patients. IC/BPS has been suggested to be associated with lower threshold of healthcare visits and some coexisting disease and is comprised of systemic dysregulation, and is beyond the scope of local bladder-urethra disease. Adequate recognition of associated or comorbid factors and possible recommendation or referral for IC/BPS patients can help provide better healthcare quality.
Prediction of sediment transport capacity based on slope gradients and flow discharge
Authors: Zhang Kai , Xuan Wang , Yikui Bai , Xiuquan Xu
Published: September 2021

Sediment transport capacity (Tc) is an essential parameter in the establishment of the slope soil erosion model. Slope type is an important crucial factor affecting sediment transport capacity of overland flow, and vegetation can effectively inhibit soil loss. Two new formulae of sediment transport capacity (Tc) are proposed of brown soil slope and vegetation slope in this study and evaluate the influence of slope gradient (S) and flow discharge (Q) on sediment transport capacity of different slope types. Laboratory experiments conducted using four flow discharges (0.35, 0.45, 0.55, and 0.65 L s-1), four slope gradients (3, 6, 9, and 12°), and two kinds of underlying surface (Brown soil slope, Vegetation slope). The soil particle size range is 0.05–0.5mm. The vegetation stems were 2mm in diameter and randomly arranged. The results show that the sediment transport capacity was positively correlated with the flow discharge and slope gradient. The vegetation slope’s average sediment transport capacity is 11.80% higher than the brown soil slope that same discharge and slope gradient conditions. The sensitivity of sediment transport capacity to flow discharge on brown soil slope is higher than that of slope gradient. The sensitivity of sediment transport capacity of vegetation slope to slope gradient is more heightened than flow discharge. The sediment transport capacity was well predicted by discharge and slope gradient on brown soil slope (R2 = 0.982) and vegetation slope (R2 = 0.993). This method is helpful to promote the study of the sediment transport process on overland flow.
A new framework for warehouse assessment using a Genetic-Algorithm driven analytic network process
Authors: AlAlaween Wafa’ H. , AlAlawin Abdallah H. , Mahfouf Mahdi , Abdallah Omar H. , Shbool ‎Mohammad A. , Mustafa Mahmoud F.
Published: September 2021

A novel way of integrating the genetic algorithm (GA) and the analytic network process (ANP) is presented in this paper in order to develop a new warehouse assessment scheme, which is developed through various stages. First, we define the main criteria that influence a warehouse performance. The proposed algorithm that integrates the GA with the ANP is then utilized to determine the relative importance values of the defined criteria and sub-criteria by considering the interrelationships among them, and assign strength values for such interrelationships. Such an algorithm is also employed to linguistically present the relative importance and the strength of the interrelationships in a way that can circumvent the use of pairwise comparisons. Finally, the audit checklist that consists of questions related to the criteria is integrated with the proposed algorithm for the development of the warehouse assessment scheme. Validated on 45 warehouses, the proposed scheme has been shown to be able to identify the warehouse competitive advantages and the areas where more improvements can be achieved.
Molecular analysis of mitochrondrial cytb of Pediculus humanus capitis in Thailand revealed potential historical connection with South Asia
Authors: Phadungsaksawasdi Kobpat , Sunantaraporn Sakone , Seatamanoch Nirin , Kongdachalert Switt , Phumee Atchara , Kraivichian Kanyarat , Sawaswong Vorthon , Payungporn Sunchai , Brownell Narisa , Siriyasatien Padet
Published: September 2021

Background

Pediculus humanus capitis or head louse is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Molecular analysis divides head lice into six clades and intra-clade genetic differences have been identified. Several hypotheses have been formulated to elucidate the discrepancies of the variety of head lice among different regions of the world. It is currently concluded that head lice distribution might be associated with human migration history. This study aims to investigate genetic data of human head lice in Thailand. We believe that the analysis could help establish the correlation between local and global head lice populations.

Method

We investigated mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene of the collected 214 head lice to evaluate genetic diversity from 15 provinces among 6 regions of Thailand. The head lice genes were added to the global pool for the phylogenetic tree, Bayesian tree, Skyline plot, and median joining network construction. The biodiversity, neutrality tests, and population genetic differentiation among the 6 Thailand geographic regions were analyzed by DNAsp version 6.

Results

The phylogenetic tree analysis of 214 collected head lice are of clade A and clade C accounting for roughly 65% and 35% respectively. The Bayesian tree revealed a correlation of clade diversification and ancient human dispersal timeline. In Thailand, clade A is widespread in the country. Clade C is confined to only the Central, Southern, and Northeastern regions. We identified 50 novel haplotypes. Statistical analysis showed congruent results between genetic differentiation and population migration especially with South Asia.

Conclusions

Pediculosis remains problematic among children in the rural areas in Thailand. Cytb gene analysis of human head lice illustrated clade distribution and intra-clade diversity of different areas. Our study reported novel haplotypes of head lice in Thailand. Moreover, the statistic calculation provided a better understanding of their relationship with human, as an obligate human parasite and might help provide a better insight into the history of human population migration. Determination of the correlation between phylogenetic data and pediculicide resistance gene as well as residing bacteria are of interest for future studies.
Social distancing and preventive practices of government employees in response to COVID-19 in Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Wakgari , Worku Alemayehu , Abebe Workeabeba , Getachew Sefonias , Amogne Wondwossen
Published: September 2021

Public health and social interventions are critical to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Ethiopia has implemented a variety of public health and social measures to control the pandemic. This study aimed to assess social distancing and public health preventive practices of government employees in response to COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,573 government employees selected from 46 public institutions located in Addis Ababa. Data were collected from 8thto 19thJune 2020 using a paper-based self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with outcome variables (perceived effectiveness of facemask wearing to prevent coronavirus infection, and COVID-19 testing). Majority of the participants reported facemask wearing (96%), avoiding close contact with people including handshaking (94.8%), consistently followed government recommendations (95.6%), frequent handwashing (94.5%), practiced physical distancing (89.5%), avoided mass gatherings and crowded places (88.1%), restricting movement and travelling (71.8%), and stayed home (35.6%). More than 80% of the participants perceived that consistently wearing a facemask is highly effective in preventing coronavirus infection. Respondents from Oromia perceived less about the effectiveness of wearing facemask in preventing coronavirus infection (adjusted OR = 0.27, 95% CI:0.17–0.45). About 19% of the respondents reported that they had ever tested for COVID-19. Respondents between 40–49 years old (adjusted OR = 0.41, 95% CI:0.22–0.76) and 50–66 years (adjusted OR = 0.43, 95% CI:0.19–0.95) were less likely tested for coronavirus than the younger age groups. Similarly, respondents from Oromia were less likely to test for coronavirus (adjusted OR = 0.26, 95% CI:0.12–0.56) than those from national level. Participants who were sure about the availability of COVID-19 testing were more likely to test for coronavirus. About 57% of the respondents perceived that the policy measures in response to the pandemic were inadequate. The findings showed higher social distancing and preventive practices among the government employees in response to COVID-19. Rules and regulations imposed by the government should be enforced and people should properly apply wearing facemasks, frequent handwashing, social and physical distancing measures as a comprehensive package of COVID-19 prevention and control strategies.
Under the knife: Unfavorable perceptions of women who seek plastic surgery
Authors: Bonell Sarah , Murphy Sean C. , Griffiths Scott
Published: September 2021

Plastic surgery is growing in popularity. Despite this, there has been little exploration to date regarding the psychosocial consequences of seeking plastic surgery. Our study investigated how women seeking plastic surgery are perceived by others. We presented a random sample of 985 adults (men = 54%, Mage = 35.84 years, SDage = 10.59) recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk with a series of experimental stimuli consisting of a photographed woman (attractive versus unattractive) and a vignette describing an activity she plans to engage in (plastic surgery versus control activity). Participants rated stimuli on perceived warmth, competence, morality, and humanness. We ran linear mixed-effect models to assess all study hypotheses. There was a negative plastic surgery effect; that is, women seeking plastic surgery were perceived less favorably than those planning to complete control activities across all outcome variables (warmth, competence, morality, and humanness). These relationships were moderated by physical attractiveness; while attractive women planning to undergo plastic surgery were perceived less favorably than attractive women planning to engage in control activities, perceptions of unattractive individuals remained unchanged by plastic surgery status. We theorized that empathy toward unattractive women seeking plastic surgery mitigated the negative plastic surgery effect for these women. In sum, our results suggest that perceptions of attractive women are worsened when these women decide to seek cosmetic surgery. Perceptions of warmth and competence have implications for an individual’s self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, while perceptions of morality and humanness can impact an individual’s ability to fulfil their psychological needs. As such, we concluded that attractive women seeking plastic surgery are potentially subject to experience negative psychosocial outcomes. Future research ought to examine whether perceptions and outcomes differ for women seeking reconstructive plastic surgery (versus cosmetic plastic surgery) and whether they differ across different types of surgeries (i.e. face versus body).
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus promotes mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition by resolving the bivalent chromatin of PROX1 gene
Authors: Ding Yao , Chen Weikang , Lu Zhengzhou , Wang Yan , Yuan Yan
Published: September 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) arises from Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT). KSHV infection promotes MSC differentiation of endothelial lineage and acquisition of tumorigeneic phenotypes. To understand how KSHV induces MEndT and transforms MSCs to KS cells, we investigated the mechanism underlying KSHV-mediated MSC endothelial lineage differentiation. Like embryonic stem cells, MSC differentiation and fate determination are under epigenetic control. Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) is a master regulator that controls lymphatic vessel development and endothelial differentiation. We found that the PROX1 gene in MSCs harbors a distinctive bivalent epigenetic signature consisting of both active marker H3K4me3 and repressive marker H3K27me3, which poises expression of the genes, allowing timely activation upon differentiation signals or environmental stimuli. KSHV infection effectively resolves the bivalent chromatin by decreasing H3K27me3 and increasing H3K4me3 to activate the PROX1 gene. vIL-6 signaling leads to the recruitment of MLL2 and SET1 complexes to the PROX1 promoter to increase H3K4me3, and the vGPCR-VEGF-A axis is responsible for removing PRC2 from the promoter to reduce H3K27me3. Therefore, through a dual signaling process, KSHV activates PROX1 gene expression and initiates MEndT, which renders MSC tumorigenic features including angiogenesis, invasion and migration.
Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected mink farms: Impact, transmission dynamics, genetic patterns, and environmental contamination
Authors: Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Thomou Zoi , Mouchtaropoulou Evangelia , Tsiolas George , Chassalevris Taxiarchis , Stylianaki Ioanna , Lagou Maria , Michailidou Sofia , Moutou Evangelia , Koenen Jacobus Johannes Hendrik , Dijkshoorn Jacoba Wilhelmina , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Poutahidis Theofilos , Siarkou Victoria I. , Sypsa Vana , Argiriou Anagnostis , Fortomaris Paschalis , Dovas Chrysostomos I.
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection outbreaks in minks have serious implications associated with animal health and welfare, and public health. In two naturally infected mink farms (A and B) located in Greece, we investigated the outbreaks and assessed parameters associated with virus transmission, immunity, pathology, and environmental contamination. Symptoms ranged from anorexia and mild depression to respiratory signs of varying intensity. Although the farms were at different breeding stages, mortality was similarly high (8.4% and 10.0%). The viral strains belonged to lineages B.1.1.218 and B.1.1.305, possessing the mink-specific S-Y453F substitution. Lung histopathology identified necrosis of smooth muscle and connective tissue elements of vascular walls, and vasculitis as the main early key events of the acute SARS-CoV-2-induced broncho-interstitial pneumonia. Molecular investigation in two dead minks indicated a consistently higher (0.3–1.3 log10 RNA copies/g) viral load in organs of the male mink compared to the female. In farm A, the infected farmers were responsible for the significant initial infection of 229 out of 1,000 handled minks, suggesting a very efficient human-to-mink transmission. Subsequent infections across the sheds wherein animals were being housed occurred due to airborne transmission. Based on a R0 of 2.90 and a growth rate equal to 0.293, the generation time was estimated to be 3.6 days, indicative of the massive SARS-CoV-2 dispersal among minks. After the end of the outbreaks, a similar percentage of animals were immune in the two farms (93.0% and 93.3%), preventing further virus transmission whereas, viral RNA was detected in samples collected from shed surfaces and air. Consequently, strict biosecurity is imperative during the occurrence of clinical signs. Environmental viral load monitoring, in conjunction with NGS should be adopted in mink farm surveillance. The minimum proportion of minks that need to be immunized to avoid outbreaks in farms was calculated at 65.5%, which is important for future vaccination campaigns.
Novel virus-like nanoparticle vaccine effectively protects animal model from SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Geng Qibin , Tai Wanbo , Baxter Victoria K. , Shi Juan , Wan Yushun , Zhang Xiujuan , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Taft-Benz Sharon A. , Anderson Elizabeth J. , Knight Audrey C. , Dinnon Kenneth H. , Leist Sarah R. , Baric Ralph S. , Shang Jian , Hong Sung-Wook , Drelich Aleksandra , Tseng Chien-Te K. , Jenkins Marc , Heise Mark , Du Lanying , Li Fang
Published: September 2021

The key to battling the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential aftermath is to develop a variety of vaccines that are efficacious and safe, elicit lasting immunity, and cover a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Recombinant viral receptor-binding domains (RBDs) are safe vaccine candidates but often have limited efficacy due to the lack of virus-like immunogen display pattern. Here we have developed a novel virus-like nanoparticle (VLP) vaccine that displays 120 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RBD on its surface. This VLP-RBD vaccine mimics virus-based vaccines in immunogen display, which boosts its efficacy, while maintaining the safety of protein-based subunit vaccines. Compared to the RBD vaccine, the VLP-RBD vaccine induced five times more neutralizing antibodies in mice that efficiently blocked SARS-CoV-2 from attaching to its host receptor and potently neutralized the cell entry of variant SARS-CoV-2 strains, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-1-related bat coronavirus. These neutralizing immune responses induced by the VLP-RBD vaccine did not wane during the two-month study period. Furthermore, the VLP-RBD vaccine effectively protected mice from SARS-CoV-2 challenge, dramatically reducing the development of clinical signs and pathological changes in immunized mice. The VLP-RBD vaccine provides one potentially effective solution to controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Bolexwerkstatt/Bolex-Workshop at the Berlin Film School
Authors: Aurand Ute
Published: September 2021

In 2015 after I gave a two-week 16-mm Bolex Seminar at the Berlin Film School (dffb) an enthusiastic woman film student wanted to continue to work with the Bolex. So I proposed a Bolex-Workshop for all interested film students, no matter if they study directing, camera, production, editing or scriptwriting. They would work by themselves without a team, without actors, without scriptwriting and without technical devises, only with the silent Bolex camera. Simple and alone. The administration agreed to my idea and twenty students attended the first meeting in March 2015.
The Crown Letter roundtable discussion
Authors: Barnet Susan , Brunswic Anne , Deignan Michelle , Dimbleby Liza , Maclennan Ruth , Mendes Ana , Morgaine Manuela , Nisic Natacha , Shalev-Gerz Esther
Published: September 2021

Natacha Nisic recognized that the conditions of confinement created by the COVID pandemic and lockdown posed a threat to the visibility, exchange and experience of contemporary art, particularly of the work of women artists. Nisic invited women in her global network to contribute to the project and over time the network has expanded. Over 50 artists have now contributed to the publications and they maintain the online project collectively. As well as weekly publications, since the beginning The Crown Letter has hosted a weekly Salon for its contributors, where the artists exchange experiences, ideas and stories. In these times of confinement, where the effects of systemic inequality are felt across the globe, The Crown Letter harnesses the power of artistic exchange, collective energy, support and dialogue. As it approaches its first anniversary, some of the artists gathered at a salon to reflect on what The Crown Letter means to them.
Peggy Ahwesh, Steve McQueen and Russell T. Davis: Reflections on the 1980s under lockdown
Authors: Garfield Rachel
Published: September 2021

In lockdown as I finished my five-year project, on women experimental filmmakers from the 1970s and 1980s, I have been focusing on this past time that formed me. Watching films by artist/filmmakers that I love has helped to keep my anger at the present at bay. A parallel journey back in time has been playing out on TV via the high-profile voices of Steve McQueen and Russell T. Davis. Steve McQueen’s series, Small Axe pays tribute to the Black communities’ struggles, as the postwar era waned and the aggressively neo-liberal individualist world waxed. The anger and activism from an earlier period presciently planned for a 2020 screening speaks out at us from the TV, coinciding with Black Lives Matter, and begs the question of how exactly have things improved in the last 40 years? By contrast Russell T. Davis’ It’s a Sin, is a more sugar-coated dramatization of the 1980s in its treatment of the trauma of the AIDS generation and the impact of the disease on a small group of young gay men and allies in London. How do these different voices meet, mix and coalesce as both a vision from that era and a memory of that era?
New Nonfiction Film: Art, Poetics, and Documentary Theory, Dara Waldron (2018 h/bk, 2020 p/bk)
Authors: Holdsworth Claire M.
Published: September 2021

Review of: New Nonfiction Film: Art, Poetics, and Documentary Theory, Dara Waldron (2018 h/bk, 2020 p/bk)

New York and London: Bloomsbury Academic, 224 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-50132-249-5, h/bk, £95.00

ISBN 978-1-50132-250-1, p/bk, £28.99
A versenyképesség és a környezetvédelem kapcsolata
Authors: Németh Patrícia
Published: September 2021

A versenyképesség napjainkban talán a gazdasági szakirodalomban a leggyakrabban megjelenő szó, akár divatszónak is nevezhetjük. Ugyanakkor ezzel párhuzamosan az is jellemző, hogy nagyon gyakran nem határozzák meg, mit értenek versenyképesség alatt, illetve annak melyik szintjével foglalkoznak. A versenyképességnek legalább az alábbi öt szintje különböztethető meg: nemzetközi, regionális, iparági, vállalati és termék. A versenyképesség különböző szintjei között természetesen vannak kapcsolatok, azok egymástól nem függetlenek. A szerző cikkében elsődlegesen a vállalati és termékszintű versenyképességi szintekkel foglalkozik, amelyek között véleménye szerint különösen erős összefüggés van.
Az állami szabályozók és az ágazati standardok szerepe a nonprofit szervezetek vezetésében
Authors: Farkas Ferenc , Molnár Mónika
Published: September 2021

A szerzők írásukban bemutatják a hazai nem-profitorientált szervezetek külső elszámoltathatóságának két legfontosabb aspektusát: az állami szabályozók és az ágazati standardok működését, illetve ezek legfontosabb hatásait és szerepét a vezetésben.
The Impact of Maternal Health Care Utilization on Probability of Child Survival in India
Authors: Jaiswal Ajit Kumar
Published: September 2021

Maternal and child health programmes plays a key role in reducing infant and child mortality in any population. The Government of India started maternal and child health care services in the first five year plan (1951-56). This study uses data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS, 2015-16). We are interested to examine the effect of child delivery at a healthcare facility, on child survival. We are followed by Mosley and Chen’s framework (1884), according to the framework, several socioeconomic determinants are grouped into some categories, namely, maternal, environmental contamination, nutrient deficiency, and personal illness control. Consequently, we reduced the number of independent variables to women’s age at birth and education, birth order, low child birth weight, household wealth, and healthcare.
CO2 power cycle chemistry in the CV Řež experimental loop
Authors: Berka Jan , Ballek Jakub Vojtěch , Velebil Ladislav , Purkarová Eliška , Vagenknechtová Alice , Hlinčík Tomáš
Published: September 2021

Power cycles using carbon dioxide in a supercritical state (sc-CO2) can be used in both the nuclear and non-nuclear power industry. These systems are characterized by their advantages over steam power cycles, e. g., the sc-CO2 turbine is more compact than the steam turbine with a similar performance. The parameters and lifespan of the system are influenced by the purity of the CO2 in the circuit, especially the admixtures, such as O2, H2O, etc., cause the enhanced structural materials to degrade. Therefore, gas purification and purity control systems for the sc-CO2 power cycles should be proposed and developed. The inspiration for the proposal of these systems could stem from the gas, especially the CO2-cooled nuclear reactors operation. The first information concerning the CO2 and sc-CO2 power cycle chemistry was gathered in the first period of the project and it is summarized in the paper.
Stationary solutions of incompressible viscous flow in a wall-driven semi-circular cavity
Authors: Erturk Ercan
Published: September 2021

Stationary numerical solutions of incompressible viscous flow inside a wall-driven semicircular cavity are presented. After a conformal mapping of the geometry, using a body-fitted mesh, the Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically. The stationary solutions of the flow in a wall-driven semi-circular cavity are computed up to Re = 24000. The present results are in good agreement with the published results found in the literature. Our results show that as the Reynolds number increases, the sizes of the secondary and tertiary vortices increase, whereas the size of the primary vortex decreases. At large Reynolds numbers, the vorticity at the primary vortex centre increases almost linearly stating that Batchelor’s mean-square law is not valid for wall-driven semi-circular cavity flow. Detailed results are presented and also tabulated for future references and benchmark purposes.
Utilization of agricultural waste adsorbent for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Yusuff Adeyinka Sikiru , Popoola Lekan Taofeek , Anochie Victor
Published: September 2021

In this study, a performance evaluation of an aluminium oxide modified onion skin waste (Al2O3/OSW) for the removal of heavy metal ions (Pb2+ and Cd2+) from aqueous solution was investigated under batch mode adsorption. The surface morphology, elemental composition, functional groups, textural characteristics and surface charge of the as-made Al2O3/OSW adsorbent were examined using SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET surface area and pHpzc techniques, respectively. The effects of initial cations concentration, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and pH on adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ onto Al2O3/OSW were studied. The adsorption data obtained were evaluated by various adsorption isotherm and kinetic models. Results obtained showed that maximum removal percentages of Pb2+ and Cd2+ were 91.23 and 94.10%, respectively, at the optimum Al2O3/OSW dosage of 1.4 g, contact time of 180 min and aqueous solution pH of 6.0. The isotherm and kinetic studies showed a multilayer adsorbate-adsorbent system with the dominance of the chemisorption mechanism. The study concluded that onion skin waste is a viable, cheap and very effective alternative for removing heavy metal ions from water/wastewater.
Natural Fiber-based Green Composites: Processing, Properties and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hoque Md Enamul , Rayhan Asif Mahmud , Shaily Samira Islam
Published: September 2021

Since the advent of modern technological civilization, tremendous pollution has been done in our environment by disposing of waste material in the environment unconsciously. Some waste materials are biodegradable and some of them are non-biodegradable. Biodegradable waste, originated from plants or animals can be decomposed by the natural organism (bacteria, fungi, etc.) and not be adding to pollution. This degradation process may be rapid or slow but the environmental risks are low. On the other hand, non-biodegradable waste, obtained from inorganic components cannot be decomposed by the natural organism and acts as a source of pollution. These wastes are being generated by humans and every year billions of tons of wastes are being dumped into the environment which puts our environment in danger. Even if it is late, mankind has realized that unless the nature is out of danger, he himself will be endangered. As a result, environmental consciousness has increased worldwide. This growing ecological and environmental awareness leads the world to develop eco-friendly materials. As the population grows day by day, it is not possible to reduce waste. So, it is wise to focus on developing new materials that would produce biodegradable waste. Recently the attraction on the biocomposite (known as green composites) materials has significantly increased because it is generated from natural fiber which is biodegradable and it has the potential of being a substitute for conventional non-biodegradable products. Biocomposites are used in various industrial sectors, including the bio-medical industry. In this paper, the overall idea of natural fibers, extraction and surface modification methods of natural fiber, Natural fiber-based biocomposites, fabrication and properties analysis of biocomposite,and recent applications of biocomposites in the bio-medical sector have been reviewed. The primary incentive for developing and using biocomposite is to build a new generation of eco-friendly materials by replacing synthetic ones.
Prototype of lineal solar collector Fresnel
Authors: Tarazona-Romero Brayan Eduardo , Campos-Celador Álvaro , Muñoz-Maldonado Yecid Alfonso , Sandoval-Rodríguez Camilo Leonardo , Ascanio-Villabona Javier Gonzalo
Published: September 2021

The development of a prototype linear solar collector Type Fresnel, has a purpose the use of direct solar heat radiation for water heating and/or steam production, as an alternative to supply conventional water heating systems or steam generators, which consume energy from fossil fuels.

For the development of the system, used the solar radiation of the UTS, located in Bucaramanga, Colombia, is identify the mathematical models to perform the sizing, then materials based on technical specifications and availability in Colombia, in order to perform the assembly and field tests, measuring the ambient and in the collector temperature to determine the efficiency of the model.

It should be noted that, the model presented does not have a control system for flow, temperature, pressure and level, it has no solar tracking of any kind; Its movement was done manually with each reflex. Finally, the model does not have a hydraulic system forced, and has a preheater at the entry of the concentration point.
Primary user emulation characterization in mobile cognitive radio networks
Authors: Cadena-Muñoz Ernesto , Pedraza-Martínez Luis Fernando , Rodríguez-Colina Enrique
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the results of the characterization of the attack known as the "primary user emulation" in mobile cognitive radio networks performing the implementation and testing. The tools and their configuration to carry out the attack are presented and their effects on the network are analyzed. The results show how to generate the attack with a software-defined radio equipment (SDR) using GNU-Radio and OpenBTS. The effects of the possible configurations of the attack on the network are shown, the malicious type generates constant interference on the primary or cognitive network, the selfish type allows to imitate a licensed or primary user generating interference to the primary network and inability to access the Cognitive Network while active. If the emulator's power level is fixed, the services it provides are stable. If the power is variable the services suffer intermittency. Primary user emulation is the attack that most affects the cognitive radio network so its effects are analyzed in order to propose ways of detecting or applying countermeasures.