bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Click Treg Cell Engineering for Carrying DNPS Increasing the Effect of Tumor-Targeting
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhao Hangcheng , Zhao Qian’ge , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2022

The targeting properties of nanomaterials generally lead to poor efficacy. To address this issue, using the characteristic of Treg enriching in tumor, we achieved high enrichment of DOX in tumor tissue by using Treg as a nanodrug delivery carrier. The results showed that, compared with nanomedicine, Treg-DNPS can transport eight times DOX to tumor tissues than DNPS and reduce the accumulation of DOX in other organs, thereby enhancing tumor-killing by DNPs as well as improving biosafety. By using this plantform, more drugs can achieve targeted delivery and tumor-killing effect.
A fully human anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody 2G4 inhibits proliferation and degranulation of human mast cells
Authors: Park Sang Gyu , Kim Kwang-Hyeok , Kim Jin-Ock
Published: February 2022

Given that mast cells are pivotal contributors to allergic diseases, various allergy treatments have been developed to inhibit them. Omalizumab, an anti-immunoglobulin E antibody, is a representative therapy that can alleviate allergy symptoms by inhibiting mast cell degranulation. However, omalizumab cannot reduce the proliferation and accumulation of mast cells, which is a fundamental cause of allergic diseases. c-Kit is essential for the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of mast cells. Excessive c-Kit activation triggers various mast cell diseases, such as asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and mastocytosis. Herein, we generated 2G4, an anti-c-Kit antibody, to develop a therapeutic agent for mast cell diseases. The therapeutic efficacy of 2G4 antibody was evaluated in LAD2, a human mast cell line. 2G4 antibody completely inhibited c-Kit signaling by blocking the binding of stem cell factor, known as the c-Kit ligand. Inhibition of c-Kit signaling led to the suppression of proliferation, migration, and degranulation in LAD2 cells. Moreover, 2G4 antibody suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and complement component C5/C5a, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Taken together, these results suggest that 2G4 antibody has potential as a novel therapeutic agent for mast cell diseases.
Understanding dynamical states observed in a thermo-acoustic system from perspective of frequency-phase relationship derived from a probabilistic oscillator model
Authors: Ramanan Vikram , Ramankutty Anusai , Sreed Sharan , Chakravarthy Satyanarayanan
Published: February 2022

We perform lab scale experiments in a swirl combustor by reducing the equivalence ratio for two cases involving slightly different inlet air flow rates. Reduction in equivalence ratio at a constant air flow results in the combustor transiting from stable to unstable combustion. The transition passes through stable, type-2 intermittency and beat oscillations. The beat oscillations are seen to fluctuate at a single frequency, and hence suggestive of a process involving spatio-temporal variations in the phase of the driver (i.e., heat release rate fluctuations). This is understood in the manner of a reduced order model, where the driver is considered to an ensemble of phase oscillators with time delays and a probabilistic distribution of natural frequencies, similar to Kuramoto oscillator. The acoustic field is modeled as a Van-der-pol Duffing system, with natural frequency equal to the duct acoustic mode. The coupling between the oscillators is varied based on the physical premise of Rayleigh criterion. The coupled system is seen to qualitatively and quantitatively match the pressure data obtained from experiments. Insights into various conditions illustrate the role of mean and fluctuating instantaneous frequency amongst the phase oscillators in determining the modeled pressure oscillations. By quantifying

the extent of fluctuating frequency coupling among the phase oscillators, it is observed that beat oscillations have high correlation with lower deviation compared to intermittency and stable oscillations.
Daphne gnidium methanol leaf extract induces immune potential by activating monocytes and B-cells
Authors: Chaabane Fadwa , Poupot Mary , Fournié Jean Jacques , Sioud Fairouz , Chekir-Ghedira Leila
Published: February 2022

Modulation of the immune response in order to treat immune-mediated diseases has become a more and more common approach. Increasingly, studies have been conducted to examine products from plants for their ability to strengthen host immune defenses. In the present work, we investigated the immunompdulatory potential of a methanol extract from Daphne gnidium leaves on immune cells. HPLC method was used for the tested extract analysis. PBMC was prepared from peripheral blood on a Ficoll-Paque density gradient and monocytes were purified from freshly prepared PBMC by negative selection using blocking agent and a mixture of biotinylated monoclonal antibodies. Proliferation of B lymphocytes and maturation of monocytes were studied by flow cytometry using appropriate anti body. Statistical significance was confirmed by t student test.The obtained results indicated that this extract activated B-cells and monocytes by enhancing the expression of CD19 and CD14, respectively. Further, methanol extract, as well as daphnetin and apigenin-7-glucoside, enhanced the expression of CD86 by the monocytes. In addition, CD64 and HLA-DR expression were also promoted after methanol extract treatment. Conclusion: These data provide the first evidence of the potential utility of these natural products as part of a therapeutic arsenal to treat some diseases by enhancing the host defense responses.
Sustainability planning, implementation, and assessment in cities: how can productivity enhance these processes?
Authors: Spiliotopoulou Maria , Roseland Mark
Published: February 2022

In this “urban century”, planetary realities and increased environmental and social awareness have led to significant international agreements and the recognition that local communities play a crucial role in successfully implementing long-term sustainability goals. Through two case studies in British Columbia, Canada, this research focused on how the concept, principles, and practices of holistic urban productivity can help address urban sustainability planning, implementation, and assessment processes. The research findings showed a range of challenges in urban sustainability such as the persistence on utilitarian approaches to resource management and community planning, the prioritization of short-term policies, a general resistance to systemic thinking, and various shortfalls in municipal capacity. These obstacles reflected the reality and complexity of urban sustainability processes and highlighted the need to redesign current decision-making. Addressing issues that transcend humanmade borders requires new configurations, non-hierarchical decision-making processes, and using local knowledge as a key guiding tool. Our recommendation is that cities embrace systems thinking in sustainability planning and implementation by focusing more on holistic evaluation of policy impact and finding synergies among policies and stakeholders in all sectors.
Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) inhibit liver fibrosis by activating GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Zhaoguo , Zhou Song , Zhang Ya , Zhao Ming
Published: February 2022

Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can effectively alleviate liver fibrosis, which is a pathological injury caused by various chronic liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrosis role of BMSCs and illuminate the underlying mechanism of BMSCs on liver fibrosis in vitro and vivo.Methods: After the rat liver fibrosis models were induced by continuous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), BMSCs were administered for 4 weeks and the histopathological analysis and liver function tests were performed. HSC-T6 was stimulated by TGF-β1, the activation and proliferation of cells were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, western blotting and cellular immunofluorescence assays.Results: Our data demonstrated that BMSCs effectively reduced the accumulation of collagen, enhanced liver functionality and liver fibrosis in vivo. BMSCs increased sub G1 population in HSC-T6. In addition, co-cultured with BMSCs, the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, cyclin-D1, c-Myc in HSC-T6 were reduced, and activated phosphorylation of GSK3β. SB216763, an inhibitor of GSK3β, reversed the effect of BMSCs. It was also found the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in HSC-T6 activation inhibition by BMSCs. Conclusions: Our data suggested that BMSCs treatment exerted antifibrotic effects via activating the expression of GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Influence of alkali treatment on the mechanical and morphological properties of cotton/bamboo fibers
Authors: Aruchamy karthik , D Jafrey Daniel James , S Sampath P , V Thirumurugan
Published: February 2022

The current study focuses on the creation of epoxy composites with cotton/bamboo woven fabric reinforcement. The effect of alkali treatment with varying (1, 2, and 3 wt. %) of NaOH on mechanical characteristics such as tensile, impact, flexural, compression, and interlaminar shear stress is explored and compared to those of the untreated cotton/bamboo fabric. The composites were made using a compression moulding process with four different fibre loadings (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 wt. %). The mechanical characteristics of the composites were studied and their structure was evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cotton/bamboo/epoxy composite with 2wt. % NaOH at 45 wt. % fibre loading was found to have superior mechanical properties when compared to the others.
Micro-Nanoarchitectonics of Electroless Cu/Ni Composite Materials Based on Wood via Heat Treatment
Authors: Pan yanfei , Zhao Hongwei , Yun Lei , Chen Lidong , Yin Dingwen , Guo Qiang , Dai Mayin , Yu Xiaofang , Hao Yinan , Huang Jintian
Published: February 2022

Prepare a sort of Wood-based EMI shielding materials can resist harsh electromagnetic wave environment had become a developing trend. The affect was differ from heat treatment temperatures on the wood-based composites was analyzed. The results showed that the surface roughness of metal coatings were 9.202 μm when the wood was electroless Ni and the heat treatment temperature was 120°C. When the wood was electroless Ni via 180°C heat treatment, the coatings thickness were 100.86 μm. EDS spectrums verifies the existence of Cu and Ni. The contact Angle of composite materials could reached 120.2°, and the hydrophobic property of wood was better. The average electromagnetic shielding efficiency of electroless 2Cu1Ni via 180°C heat treatment reached 91.40 dB in the frequency ranging from 300 KHz to 3.0 GHz, which verified that the composite material can shield 99.99% of the incident electromagnetic wave. The conductivity gradient structure can realize multi-dielectric interface loss and multiple reflection loss.
Numerical Simulation Of Heat Transfers Synergistic Performance Of He/S-CO2 Mixture Gas With The Heat Transfer Enhancement Structure On The First Wall Of Fusion Reactor
Authors: junyu Ji , Xiaoyu Wang , weibin Zhou , jun Gao , Wei Lu , delin Chu , Weihua Wang
Published: February 2022

As a new cooling medium, Helium/ Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (He / S-CO2) binary mixture gas can effectively improve the heat transfer capability. In this paper, the heat transfers synergistic performance of He / S-CO2 with fins structure were numerically simulated by ANSYS / CFD method. The results show that the pressure drop in the channel decreases gradually with the increase of volume fraction of S-CO2. Comparing with smooth channel, fin structure can significantly improve the intensity of convective heat transfer intensity, the average Nusselt number of flow channel with finger fins are increased by 80%. The heat transfer efficiency of He/S-CO2 binary mixture gas coupled with heat transfer enhancement structure (triangular fins) is increased by 310% at the condition of volume ratio of S-CO2 to He with 2:1. Further study on the optimized scheme of first wall (FW) of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) China Helium-Cooled Ceramic Breeder-Test Blanket Module (HCCB-TBM) show that triangular fins are placed on the inner surface of FW faced deuterium-tritium plasma, and the optimized distance between fin pitches is 7 ~ 10mm. The results can provide meaningful references for the cooling scheme design of the FW in ITER.
Formulation of a mapping formula to estimate well-being utility from the clinical subjective well-being scales
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Nagaoka Maki , Ninomiya Akira , Mimura Masaru , Sado Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2022

Background: Cost-effective analysis is one of the most useful analyses for political decision-making in medicine under a limited budget. Although the data of the Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure for Adults (ICECAP-A) is sometimes essential for the measurement of cost effectiveness, such data is often lacking in most clinical trials. Therefore, a conversion formula (i.e. mapping) derived from the values of clinical assessment scales into utility is required.Methods: We used an internet survey where participants were asked to fill in four kinds of self-reported questionnaires (ICECAP-A, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Flourishing Scale (FS), and the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE)). A beta regression was conducted with the utility assessed by ICECAP-A as a dependent variable.Results: We developed several mapping formulae depending on available questionnaires. These mapping formulae were well-validated in our validated sample. The models using more number of questionnaires tended to show better mapping.Conclusions: The mapping function of our formula was within the range of other reported mapping studies. We believe this formula is useful for cost effective analyses of several trials where utility data is lacking.Clinical Trials Registry identifier: UMIN:R000051079.
Preschool Children Accuracy in Eye-Tracker Controlled Computer-Based Preferential Looking Test
Authors: Angsana Natalia Christina , Jati Krisna Dwi Purnomo , Sakti Dhimas Hari , Mahayana Indra Tri
Published: February 2022

Introduction & Objective:
Birth to the age of 3–5 y.o. is the critical period of visual acuity development in children. Preferential looking is an early eye examination to detect visual impairment in children and has been known as an objective test for children below 5 y.o. The purpose of this study was to examine the children’s accuracy in answering the computer-based preferential looking test.
Methods
This research was conducted using a cross-sectional method. The subjects used were children aged 3–5 y.o. who were taken by convenience sampling technique in four urban kindergartens in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and had met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The visual acuity measurement technique used was a preferential looking with hemispatial Gabor patch written in Python application. The eye tracker was used as a control. The analytical method used was descriptive analysis to determine the characteristics of the subject and the average accuracy of both eyes followed by the one-way ANOVA method to see the significance of differences in overall eye accuracy.
Results
Mean Lea’s Chart visual acuity (LogMAR) of the eye tracked group: 0.21 ± 0.14 and the no eye tracked group: 0.28 ± 0.13. The accuracy of the eye tracked group (n = 38 eyes) for the 3, 4, and 5 y.o. groups were: 81.14 ± 14.75, 75.98 ± 13.13, 81.00 ± 10.71, respectively (p = 0.459). Comparison between the eye tracked group and the no eye tracked group, the accuracy (n = 38 eyes) of eye tracked group: 78.90 ± 12.11 and no eye tracked group (n = 38 eyes): 86.21 ± 3,83 (p = 0.001).
Conclusions
The children’s accuracy when performing the preferential looking test was remarkable considering their early age. Therefore, this method is applicable to a basic examination to get objective visual acuity in preschool children.
e-Government in Europe. A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Magaletti Nicola , Cosoli Gabriele , Massaro Alessandro
Published: February 2022

The following article analyzes the determinants of e-government in 28 European countries between 2016 and 2021. The DESI-Digital Economy and Society Index database was used. The econometric analysis involved the use of the Panel Data with Fixed Effects and Panel Data with Variable Effects methods. The results show that the value of “e-Government” is negatively associated with “Fast BB (NGA) coverage”, “Female ICT specialists”, “e-Invoices”, “Big data” and positively associated with “Open Data”, “e-Government Users”, “ICT for environmental sustainability”, “Artificial intelligence”, “Cloud”, “SMEs with at least a basic level of digital intensity”, “ICT Specialists”, “At least 1 Gbps take-up”, “At least 100 Mbps fixed BB take-up”, “Fixed Very High Capacity Network (VHCN) coverage”. A cluster analysis was carried out below using the unsupervised k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette coefficient with the identification of 4 clusters. Finally, a comparison was made between eight different machine learning algorithms using "augmented data". The most efficient algorithm in predicting the value of e-government both in the historical series and with augmented data is the ANN-Artificial Neural Network.
Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty performed using the direct anterior approach: A one-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Zha Guo-Chun , Zhu Xian-Ren , Wang Lei , Li Hong-Wei
Published: February 2022

Background: It is still unknown whether tranexamic acid (TXA) is beneficial for the minimally invasive surgical approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous TXA in primary THA via the direct anterior approach (DAA). Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 70 patients with non-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head who underwent THA via the DAA between October 2017 and October 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: TXA group (39 patients did receive 1.5g TXA intravenously) and control group (31 patients did not receive TXA). Patients were assessed by the operative time, postoperative hemoglobin (HB) drop, transfusion rate, postoperative length of hospital stays (LHS), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and Harris hip score (HHS).Results: The total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and postoperative HB drop in the TXA group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, transfusion rate, postoperative LHS, HHS, and the incidence of DVT (p > 0.05). Conclusions: TXA may reduce perioperative blood loss without increasing complications in THA via the DAA.Level of Evidence: Level Ⅳ, therapeutic study.
Clinical Practitioners’ Experiences of Psychological Treatment for Autistic Children and Adolescents with School Attendance Problems: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Melin Johanna , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Olsson Nora Choque
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSchool attendance problems (SAPs) are common among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently, there is a lack of guidelines for treatment or interventions aimed at this group.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate clinical practitioners' experiences of psychological treatment for autistic children and adolescents with SAPs. The study focused on clinical practitioners’ views of favorable factors as well as barriers in the treatment and treatment outcome.MethodTwelve clinical practitioners were interviewed via in-depth interviews using a semi-structured question guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and initially independently coded by two coders. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis.ResultsThe majority of the clinicians reported that it was common that children and adolescents with ASD at CAP had prolonged SAPs. A total of four themes and 22 sub-themes were identified in the analysis: the treatment situation; treatment goals at CAP; treatment interventions; and desired development. Insufficient adaptations in response to core impairment of ASD and lack of support in their daily life could be factors to the development of SAPs. Prolonged social isolation in combination with severe psychiatric comorbidities was reported as a treatment barrier. Also, insufficient collaboration between mental health care services, school and social services obstructed the return to school for this group of students. Favorable factors for positive treatment outcome were: early detection, accurate assessment and coordination between mental health care and schools and environmental adaptation at school as well as at home, parent support and sometimes change of school. Concerning useful therapeutic techniques, exposure from cognitive-behavioral treatment was reported.ConclusionChildren and adolescents with ASD with limited societal support tend to develop SAPs. Important factors that impact the outcome of treatment were the length of the absence from school and the severity of psychiatric comorbidities. Tailored and adapted interventions at school, parent support and mental health care are needed. Research about assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with ASD and SAPs is needed.
Endothelial Cells Induce Proliferation and Bone Morphogenic Protein Mediated Differentiation of Pdgfrα+ Human Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells to Astrocytes in Trans-Well Co-Culture
Authors: Dasgupta Asmita
Published: February 2022

CD140a /PDGFRα + human oligodendrocyte precursor cells (hOPCs) are demonstrated to have significant potential in cell therapy against demyelinating diseases. However, little is known about the contribution of human endothelial cells in the biology of PDGFRα + hOPCs in the stem cell niche. Hence trans-well co-culture technique with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was adopted under proliferative or differentiating conditions to understand the role of endothelial cells in these processes within PDGFRα + hOPCs. In co-culture with HUVECs, under proliferative conditions, the hOPCs show increased proliferation and sphere formation. In contrast, under differentiating conditions, the hOPCs show increased differentiation to astrocytes, with a concomitant decrease in differentiation to oligodendrocytes, compared to no co-culture controls. Transcript assay for selected humoral factors in the hOPCs and HUVECs revealed bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), endothelin1, growth arrest specific 6 (GAS6), and interleukin 6 (IL6) to be in higher abundance in HUVECs than hOPCs. Further, Noggin was tested and found to effectively attenuate HUVEC mediated astrocytic differentiation of CD140a /PDGFRα + fetal hOPCs, confirming the astrocytic differentiation of these hOPCs to be a BMP mediated process. Hence, the study concludes that human endothelial cells can induce increased proliferation and BMP mediated astrocytic differentiation of PDGFαR + hOPCs. Based on effect of noggin on differentiation outcome of PDGFRα + hOPC, it is conjectured that co-administering pharmacological inhibitors of BMP signaling along with PDGFRα + hOPC transplantation may make these cells more effective in remyelination therapy.
The effect of TGF-beta1 polymorphisms on pulmonary disease progression in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Trojan Tobias , Alcazar Miguel Alejandre , Fink Gregor , Thomassen Jan Christoph , von Maessenhausen Maxine , Rietschel Ernst , Schneider Peter Matthias , Koningsbruggen-Rietschel Silke van
Published: February 2022

Background: Transforming Growth Factor-b1 (TGF-b1) is a genetic modifier in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGF-b1 are associated with neutrophilic inflammation, lung fibrosis und loss of pulmonary function. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between genetic TGF-b1 polymorphisms and pulmonary disease progression in CF patients. Furthermore, the effect of TGF-b1 polymorphisms on inflammatory cytokines in sputum were investigated. Methods: 56 CF-patients and 62 controls were genotyped for three relevant SNPs in their TGF-b1 sequence using the SNaPshot® technique. Individual “slopes” in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) for all patients were calculated by using documented lung function values of the previous five years. The status of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection was determined. Sputum concentrations of the protease elastase, the serine protease inhibitor elafin and the cytokines IL-1b, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α were measured after a standardized sputum induction and processing. Results: The homozygous TT genotype at codon 10 was associated with a lower rate of chronic Pa infection (p<0.05). The heterozygous GC genotype at codon 25 was associated with lower lung function decline (p<0.05). Patients with homozygous TT genotype at the promotor SNP showed higher levels of TNF-α (p<0,05). Higher levels of TGF-b1 in plasma were associated with a more rapid FEV1 decline over five years (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that polymorphisms in the TGF-b1 gene have an effect on lung function decline, Pa infection as well as levels of inflammatory cytokines. Genotyping these polymorphisms could potentially be used to identify CF patients with higher risk of disease progression. TGF-b1 inhibition could potentially be developed as a new therapeutic option to modulate CF lung disease.
A Qualitative Study of the Self-Directed Learning and Collective Power of Thai Village Health Volunteers in COVID-19 Prevention
Authors: Doungphummes Nuntiya , Tantivejakul Napawan , Sangsingkeo Nitida
Published: February 2022

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions brought about by new normal protocols have obstructed Thai village health volunteers (VHVs) from carrying out regular duties and training. However, they seem to have found ways to learn and fulfil tasks in connection with COVID-19 prevention. The research examines their learning methods and the employment of collective power, a cultural asset found in Thai communities, to overcome working challenges. MethodQualitative data was collected from 30 VHVs working in ten communities from ten provinces across Thailand during the third wave of the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews and small focus groups were employed as data collection techniques. The themes and patterns under two main concepts – self-directed learning and collective power - were identified and analyzed. Results The VHVs’ self and selves-directed learning approaches were discovered. Not only did they gain COVID-19 related information from mass media and online platforms, but they also took initiatives to learn unfamiliar technologies which became important working tools in the context of the situation. While such learning methods highlight their autonomous learning attributes involving individuality or “self” learning concepts, the way they incorporated a collaborative learning method, reflects “selves” learning practices. The VHVs also utilized collective power - both in-group and inter-group power – through different networking systems. The main factors underpinning the collective power were kinship and kinship-like relationships among the VHVs and their community fellows. Their strong determination in working to help others - “doing good deeds” – helped to drive their self-learning and called for collective actions. ConclusionEven though the abruptness of the outbreak coupled with the lack of knowledge about COVID-19 left the VHVs unprepared for the task, the VHVs were able to adapt themselves and employ both autonomous and group learning methods. Unique Thai cultural characteristics (i.e., collective power, networking, and kinship systems) have become social capital that helps them to overcome working and learning difficulties. This study thus illustrates the possible intertwinement of collectivistic and individualistic values found in the process of self and selves-directed learning practices, and the implication of collective power as a cultural force in the field of community health promotion.
Transcriptome Analysis and Metabolic Profiling of Anthocyanins Accumulation in Loropetalum Chinense var. Rubrum With Different Colors of Leaf
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhang Li , Zhang Damao , Su Dingding , Li Weidong , Wang Xiangfei , Chen Qianru , Cai Wenqi , Xu Lu , Cao Fuxiang , Zhang Dongling , Yu Xiaoying , Li Yanlin
Published: February 2022

Background: Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum is a typical colorful ornamental and medicinal plant. However, the coloration information and potential colorful molecular mechanisms of its leaves remain unclear. We analyzed structural and regulatory genes for flavonoid metabolites and anthocyanin biosynthesis in 3 kinds color of leaves（PL, pink leaves; ML, middle color leaves; GL, green leaves) of L. chinense var. rubrum.Results: Metabolic detection to the samples showed that there were significant differences in the metabolites accumulated in different color leaves. Meanwhile, transcriptome indicated that DFR, ANR and UFGT genes in L. chinense var. rubrum might be one of the reasons for the accumulation of anthocyanin in ML and GL. We also found that several key members of the MYB, BHLH, and WD40 gene families played important roles in regulating the accumulation of flavonoids in plants, which were considered to be the main drivers of transcriptional changes in different colors of L. chinense var. rubrum leaves. Our findings provided a comprehensive data set for the metabolism and transcription of L. chinense var. rubrum as well as candidate structures and transcription factors information related to leaf pigmentation.Conclusions: The conclusion would provide useful information for elucidating the formation of leaf color and anthocyanin accumulation in L. chinense var. rubrum，which could also explain the color variation in its leaves.
Fotovoltaik Panel Emülatörü Tasarımında Dijital İkiz Kullanımı
Authors: GÜRKAN Serkan , AYTAV Emre
Published: February 2022

Fotovoltaik paneller ile gerçekleştirilen uygulamalı eğitimlerde karşılaşılan problemlerden birisi de uygulanacak ışığın kaynağıdır. Güneşin günün her vaktinde istenen şiddette olmaması ve meteorolojik olaylar nedeniyle dış ortamda doğal ışık kullanarak eğitim yapmak oldukça zordur. Kapalı ortamlardaki uygulamalı eğitimlerde ise panele doğal güneş ışığı uygulamak yerine büyük hacimli ve güç gereksinimi fazla olan yapay ışık kaynakları kullanmak en sık tercih edilen yöntemdir. Fotovoltaik paneller ile aynı elektriksel özelliklere sahip bir emülatör ile doğal veya yapay ışık kaynağına ihtiyaç duymadan düşük maliyetler ile uygulamalı eğitimler gerçekleştirilebilir. Bu çalışmada, önemli bir yenilenebilir enerji kaynağı olan fotovoltaik hücrenin tek diyotlu modeli esas alınarak bir fotovoltaik panel emülatörü tasarlanmış; düşük maliyetli, deneysel çalışmalar için ışık kaynağına ihtiyaç duymayan, öğrencilerde psikomotor ve bilişsel davranışların geliştirilebileceği prototip bir sistem ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Emülatörün tasarımı için ticari maksatlı üretilen bir fotovoltaik panel referans alınmış ve elektriksel özellikleri tespit edilmiştir. Tasarlanan emülatörün doğrulanmasında kullanılmak üzere referans panel için dijital ikiz oluşturulmuştur. Geliştirilen emülatörde; güneşlenme miktarı 50 W m-2 ile 1000 W m-2 aralığında, panel sıcaklığı 0 °C ile 80 °C aralığında bilgisayar aracılığı ile değiştirilebilir. Emülatörde 10 W maksimum güç hedeflenmiş, %0.1 hata ile 10.01 W maksimum güç elde edilmiştir. Geliştirilen emülatörün dijital ikizi ile yapılan doğrulamasında elde edilen elektriksel verilerin, referans panelin elektriksel verileri ile uyumlu olduğu görülmüştür.
Karaağaç (Ulmus glabra) ve Dut (Morus alba) Talaşı ile Sulu Çözeltilerden Adsorpsiyon Yöntemiyle Rodamin 6G Giderimi
Authors: REİS Ceyhun , ÖZDEŞ Duygu , DURAN Celal
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmada, canlı metabolizmasında toksik etki gösteren katyonik yapıda boyarmadde olan Rodamin 6G’nin (R6G) sulardan ve atık sulardan uzaklaştırılmasında doğal karaağaç (Ulmus glabra) (UGT) ve dut (Morus alba) (MAT) talaşlarının ucuz ve etkili adsorbanlar olarak kullanılabilirliği araştırılmıştır. R6G’nin gideriminde adsorban olarak literatürde ilk defa bu çalışmada kullanılan UGT ve MAT çeşitli yöntemlerle karakterize edilmiştir. Adsorpsiyon deneyleri kesikli sistemle yürütülmüş olup, R6G’nin adsorpsiyon verimi üzerine başlangıç sulu çözelti pH’ı, denge süresi ve başlangıç R6G konsantrasyonu gibi deneysel parametrelerin etkileri incelenmiştir. R6G’nin her iki adsorban üzerine adsorpsiyonu için optimum sulu çözelti pH’ının 7.0 ve denge süresinin 180 dakika olduğu görülmüştür. Adsorpsiyon mekanizmasının aydınlatılabilmesi için elde edilen deneysel verilere çeşitli kinetik (yalancı birinci ve ikinci mertebeden kinetik model ile parçacık içi difüzyon modeli) ve izoterm modelleri (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin ve Dubinin-Radushkevich) uygulanmıştır. Adsorpsiyon kinetiğinin, ikinci mertebeden kinetik modeli takip ettiği ve deneysel verilerin hem Langmuir hem de Freundlich izoterm modellerine iyi bir uyum gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. UGT ve MAT’in maksimum adsorpsiyon kapasitesi Langmuir izoterm modeli kullanılarak sırasıyla 50.5 ve 31.8 mg g-1 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda karaağaç ve dut talaşının boyarmadde gideriminde kullanılacak etkili ve düşük maliyetli alternatifler olabileceği görülmüştür.
Piyasada Satışa Sunulan Ayçiçeği Yağı, Mısır Yağı ve Riviera Zeytinyağlarının Saflık Kriterlerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: İNANÇ Ahmet Levent
Published: February 2022

Ayçiçek yağı, mısır yağı ve riviera zeytinyağı; Türkiye’de en çok tüketilen bitkisel yağlar arasında önde gelmektedir. Bu yağ çeşitleri, zaman zaman daha düşük değerli kolza, pamuk yağı vb. yağlarla karıştırılmaktadır. Bu karışımlar, tüketicileri ekonomik yönden zarara uğratmakta ve tüketici sağlığını da tehlikeye atmaktadır; üreticilere ise haksız kazanç sağlamaktadır. Yapılan bu tağşişlerin belirlenmesi amacıyla, Piyasadan satın alınan 24 adet ayçiçek yağı, 24 adet mısır yağı ve 22 adet riviera zeytinyağı olmak üzere toplam 70 adet yağın saflık kriterleri incelenmiştir. Tüm yağların yağ asidi dağılımı ve sterol içerikleri gaz kromatografisi (GC) ile araştırılmıştır. Ayrıca zeytinyağı örneklerinde serbest asitlik, peroksit değeri, trans yağ asitleri, UV ışığında özgül soğurma, gerçek ve teorik ECN 42 trigliserid içeriği arasındaki maksimum fark parametreleri belirlenmiştir. Yağların saflıkları, en az bir kriterin Türk Gıda Kodeksi yönetmeliklerinde belirtilen sınırların dışında kalması referans alınarak belirlenmiştir. Buna göre; ayçiçek yağı örneklerin %75’i, mısır yağı örneklerin % 54.2’si ve riviera zeytinyağı örneklerin % 50’sinin saf olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Merkezi Havalandırma Sistemi Mutfak Davlumbazı Verimliliğinin Arttırılması Üzerine Bir Çalışma
Authors: ÖZBAKIŞ Yusuf , ERZİNCANLI Fehmi , ÖZSOY Murat , UĞUR Levent
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmada, merkezi havalandırma sistemi davlumbaz tasarımının yakalama performansı üzerindeki etkilerinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Davlumbaz tasarımını optimize etmek ve yakalama performansını tahmin etmek için ticari hesaplamalı akışkanlar dinamiği (HAD) yazılımı kullanılmıştır. HAD yazılımı sayesinde gerçek ölçülere sahip davlumbaz modellenmiş ve sayısal analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sayısal analizlerde, davlumbaza eklenen hava yönlendirici kılavuz sayesinde davlumbaz kaputunda oluşan türbülanslı akış engellenmiştir. Bu sayede, davlumbaz yakalama hızında ve hava debisinde artış sağlanmıştır. Yapılan HAD analizleri sonucu elde edilen bilgiler ile davlumbaz prototipleri oluşturulmuş ve gerçek ortam deneyleri yapılmıştır. Farklı debi değerlerinde gerçekleştirilen sayısal analizler, deneysel analizler ile doğrulanmıştır. Sonuç olarak HAD analizleri, davlumbaza eklenen hava yönlendirici kılavuzun, hava akışında oluşan türbülansı engellediğini ve davlumbaz performansını artırdığını göstermiştir.
Hayvansal Atıkların Biyogaz Üretim Potansiyelinin Hesaplanması: Iğdır İli Örneği
Authors: TIRINK Sevtap
Published: February 2022

Tüm dünyada artan enerji talebini karşılamak ve çevre sorunlarını azaltmak amacıyla yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarına olan talep her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bu kaynaklardan biri olan biyogaz enerjisi açısından ülkemiz zengin bir biyokütle potansiyeline sahiptir. Çalışmada, Iğdır ili ve ilçelerindeki hayvan işletmelerinden kaynaklanan atık miktarlarından biyogaz enerji potansiyellerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yerel ölçüde sürdürülebilir çözümlerin geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. 2020 yılına ait Iğdır ili geneli için büyükbaş, küçükbaş ve kümes hayvan sayıları sırasıyla 157 426; 1 279 203 ve 265 173 adettir. Hayvan gübresinden yıllık üretilebilecek biyogaz potansiyeli 43 952 304 m3, ısı enerji miktarı 1 032 879 GJ ve elektrik enerji miktarı 114 716 MWh olarak hesaplanmıştır. Iğdır ili için yıllık en yüksek elektrik üretim potansiyeline sahip olduğu Merkez ilçesinde 55 367 MWh ve en düşük elektrik üretim potansiyeline sahip olduğu Karakoyunlu ilçesinde 15 366 MWh elektrik enerjisi üretilebileceği hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca Iğdır genelinde fosil yakıt yerine yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarından biri olan biyogaz enerjisinin kullanılması ile yıllık 78 465 ton karbondioksit emisyon salınımı engellenerek karbon tasarrufu sağlanabileceği hesaplanmıştır. Özellikle sera gazı emisyonlarının neden olduğu küresel ısınmanın temiz enerji kaynakları kullanılarak azaltılması gerekmektedir. Çevre dostu olan bu tesislerin kurulması ile çevre problemlerine neden olan organik atıkların değerlendirilerek zararsız hale getirilmesine ve sera gazı emisyonlarının azaltılmasına katkı sağlayacaktır. Ayrıca bu tesislerden üretilecek olan enerji ile doğal kaynaklar korunacak ve ülke ekonomisine katkı sağlayarak sürdürülebilir kalkınmayı destekleyecektir.
Virüsten Ari Sarımsak Tohumluğu (Allium sativum L.) Üretiminde Meristem Kültürü: Besin Ortamı, Sıcaklık ve Kemoterapi Uygulamalarının Etkisi
Authors: YARALI KARAKAN Faika , ERGUN ÇETİN Berna
Published: February 2022

Sarımsak yetiştiriciliğinde verim ve kaliteyi etkileyen en önemli etmenlerinden biri olan ve kimyasal mücadelesi olmayan virüs hastalıkları, diğer hastalık etmenlerine göre daha yıkıcı sonuçlara neden olmaktadır. Genel olarak sarımsak viral kompleksi (GVC) olarak adlandırılan Allexivirus, Potyvirus, Potexvirus, Carlavirus ve Tospovirus cinslerine ait virüsler sarımsakta zarar yapmaktadır. Virüs hastalıklarının önlenmesinde en etkili yol virüslerin kontrol altına alınmasıdır. Bu amaçla virüsten ari sarımsak tohumluğu kullanılması başlangıç bulaşmasını engellediği için hastalığın yayılmasını da önleyebilmektedir. Virüssüz sarımsak bitkilerinin geleneksel agronomik sistemler aracılığıyla üretilmesi maliyetli ve zordur. Bu sorunların üstesinden gelmek için, in vitro koşullarda meristem kültürü yoluyla çoğaltılması, özellikle termoterapi ve kemoterapi gibi uygulamalarla birleştirildiğinde kısa sürede virüssüz sarımsak tohumluğu üretmek için umut verici bir yöntemdir. Bu çalışmada sarımsakta virüsten ari tohumluk üretiminde kullanılan meristem kültürünün uygulanışı, besin ortamının, kültür öncesi veya sırasında yapılan sıcaklık ve kemoterapi gibi ön uygulamaların etkileri incelenmiştir.
Examining the Influential Parameters on Reducing both Energy and Time Requirements in Open-Source 3D Printers
Authors: KORKUT Volkan , YAVUZ Hakan
Published: February 2022

The need for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) type 3D printers in additive manufacturing family is increasing day by day. In parallel to the accelerating developments in these devices, the technical difficulties and the cost of operation have started to decrease in time. There are numerous studies available in the way to enhance the mechanical properties of parts printed with these devices. However, the energy and the time management in the printing processes have also become a new focus of today's research for more eco-friendly operations. In this study, the amount of energy and the time consumed during the printing period are examined in detail. The experiments are planned in accordance with the Taguchi method for Design of Experiments. Signal-to-Noise Ratio and ANOVA analysis, which are widely accepted and powerful statistical tools in the field of experimental engineering, are used to interpret the results. It is observed that the parameters of platform temperature, the layer thickness, the printing speed and the nozzle temperature are the most influential process parameters on the required power and time respectively. The percentage contributions of these parameters to the process performance is also presented. Furthermore, the optimal combination of parameters with suitable levels were obtained in order to minimize both the power and the time requirement for printing processes. The statistical hypothesis are verified by the confirmatory experiments. As a result, the parameters that significantly reduce the amount of energy and processing time for the production of a part applicable to most printing processes are revealed.
Synthesis, Cyclization and Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions of Substituted Pyrazole Carboxylic Acid
Authors: TOZLU İsrafil , TAŞDEMİR Volkan , GÜNER Aycan , GENÇ Hasan
Published: February 2022

Substituted pyrazole carboxylic acid 2a-b derivatives, obtained from 2,3-furandione 1 and benzaldehyde hydrazone 11a-b was converted via reactions of its acid chloride 3a-b. The corresponding ester 6a-b, urea 7a-b, and amide derivatives 4a-b, 8a-b were obtained from the reaction of the acyl chloride of the pyrazole carboxylic acid with various alcohols, urea, and amines. Additionally, the corresponding nitrile derivatives 5 were obtained by extracting water from the amide derivatives (SOCl2 / DMF). Furthermore, cyclization reactions of substituted pyrazole carboxylic acid derivatives using hydrazine were investigated 9 and reaction of 2b decarboxylation product 10.
Searching for Versatile Polysaccharide-Degrading Alkali-tolerant or Alkaliphilic Bacillus Strains
Authors: BAYRAM Sinan , AYDOĞAN Mehmet Nuri
Published: February 2022

The plant-derived polysaccharides (Cellulose, xylose and amylose, etc.) are the most abundant renewable raw materials in nature. Cellulose and xylose are the predominant carbohydrate polymer components of the plant cell walls and the most abundant biopolymers in the world. Another plant-derived polysaccharide, starch is found in plant tubers, roots and seed endosperms as a major carbohydrate reserve. In this study, it was aimed to find multi-enzyme producer bacteria strains in terms of industrially important enzymes such as cellulase, xylanase and amylase. For this purpose, isolated Bacillus strains from different samples were qualitatively evaluated for cellulase, xylanase and amylase enzyme production potentials. The isolates that have the highest enzyme activity were selected for biochemical tests, molecular and phenotypic characterization. As a result of these characterization process, SB57, SB104, SB155, SB178, SB197 and SB199 strains were identified as Bacillus pumilus and SB118, SB138 strains were identified as Bacillus safensis. In addition to these strains, SB120 and SB147 strains were identified as Bacillus aerius and Bacillus licheniformis respectively. 16S rDNA sequence analysis results of these Bacillus strains were deposited in NCBI GenBank® under accession number KT371465 - KT371474 respectively.
Evaluating The Transcriptional Regulation of Cdh1 by Grhl3 in Different Cellular Models
Authors: TOYRAN Neslihan , ALOTAİBİ Hani
Published: February 2022

The calcium-dependent adhesion protein E-cadherin encoded by the Cdh1 gene is a member of a large family conferring proper establishment of adherens junction. The expression of Cdh1 is critical and is observed in epithelial cells. E-cadherin expression is also essential for establishing the pluripotent state in embryonic stem cells. Cdh1 transcriptional regulation has been the focus of research for many years; early reports identified repressors of Cdh1 since its downregulation is essential for the initiation of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Restoring the expression of Cdh1 is thought to be simply due to the disengagement of Cdh1 silencers from its promoter. Recent studies supported the presence of dedicated activators of Cdh1 expression, including members of the Grhl and Ets family of transcription factors. Here we evaluated the regulatory potential of Grhl3 on the Cdh1 promoter in different cellular models to understand the extent of the transcriptional relationship with Cdh1. We utilized several approaches, such as the correlation of expression by loss and gain of function, ChIP, and luciferase reporter assays. As a result, we found that Grhl3 is a potent regulator of Cdh1 in cells of epithelial origin. Moreover, Grhl3 was sufficient to re-establish Cdh1 expression in the murine hepatoma cells Hepa1-6. Improved understanding of the regulation of Cdh1 is essential for the perception of how the epithelial to mesenchymal and the mesenchymal to epithelial transitions are regulated, as they play a crucial role in metastasis, which will pave the way for better management of the metastatic disease.
The Use of Ultrasound to Differentiate Between Gout and Infection in the Wrist
Authors: Dunham Kevin , Tesoriero Paul , Wollstein Ronit
Published: February 2022

Background:

Gout is a common condition and its prevalence is increasing. In the wrist, acute gouty arthritis is difficult to distinguish from infection and may occur concomitantly. Though aspiration is helpful, it is not always technically feasible or definitive. Imaging may assist in the dif-ferential diagnosis.

Case Presentation:

Two cases are described in which the use of ultrasound evaluation assisted in the diagnosis and ultimate treatment.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound can be a helpful adjunct in the diagnosis of arthritis of the wrist, helping to tailor treatment in complex cases.
Imaging Paradigms in Nontraumatic Aortic Emergencies
Authors: Kariyappa Kalpana Devi , Krishnaswami Murali , Gnanaprakasam Francis , Ramachandran Madan
Published: February 2022

Aortic cause of acute chest pain or abdominal pain can be easily overlooked. Unceasing
wariness is required for timely diagnosis and prompt treatment. In such cases, cross-sectional imaging
can detect the type of aortic involvement, its site, extent, complications, and could help clinicians decide
on a management method and prognosticate the condition. This pictorial illustration represents a
spectrum of life-threatening conditions involving the aorta in a non-traumatic setting.