bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERPINB8 and furin regulate ITGAX expression and affect the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells
Authors: Ni Li , Li Pin , Li Mingming , Huang Shuhong , Dang Ningning
Published: September 2022

In the past 10 years, the systemic treatment of advanced melanoma has undergone tremendous changes through the development of targeted therapy. However, there is still a long way to go. This study aims to characterize the function and interaction of ITGAX, SERPINB8 and furin in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma. Differentially expressed genes related to BRAF V600E mutation and BRAFi treatment were obtained by analysing GSE141484 and GSE22838. two kinds of BRAFi (Vemurafenib, 10 μM; Dabrafenib, 1 μM) were used to treat A375 and 1205Lu cells, respectively. The expression of ITGAX, SERPINB8 and Furin in A375 and 1205Lu cells was down‐regulated by specific siRNAs, and cell proliferation, clone formation and invasion were detected by CCK‐8, colony formation and transwell assays. The physical binding of furin and SERPINB8 was detected by immunoprecipitation. BRAFi treatment down‐regulated the ITGAX and SERPINB8 expression and did not change furin expression. Knockdown of ITGAX and SERPINB8 both inhibited the proliferation and invasion of A375 and 1205Lu cells. Knocking down SERPINB8 down‐regulated the expression of ITGAX. Furin knockdown and inhibitors all up‐regulated the protein level of ITGAX. SERPINB8 can physically bind to furin. In summary, SERPINB8 and furin regulate the expression of ITGAX in melanoma cells, and ITGAX significantly promotes the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells.
Spatial differences in estuarine utilization by seasonally resident species in Mid‐Atlantic Bight, USA
Authors: Schonfeld Adena J. , Gartland James , Latour Robert J.
Published: September 2022

Climate‐driven distributional shifts have been well‐documented for fisheries resources along the East Coast of the United States, yet little attention has been given to adjacent estuarine systems. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the continental United States and serves as important habitat for a diversity of fishes and invertebrates, many of which are seasonal residents. Survey data indicate that relative abundance of finfish in Chesapeake Bay has diminished substantially, while coastwide stock status has remained unchanged. In response to warming, seasonal estuarine residents may remain in coastal waters or inhabit a northerly estuary, but the extent to which changing environmental conditions may drive exchange between the coastal ocean and estuarine systems remains unresolved. This study analyzed data collected from 2008 to 2019 by three fisheries‐independent trawl surveys to explore temporal patterns and associated environmental drivers of the estuarine–coastal ocean exchange in the Mid‐Atlantic for eight economically and ecologically important species. Relative habitat utilization of Chesapeake Bay declined for most species, while utilization patterns for Delaware Bay were largely constant or increasing over time. Broad‐scale, multispecies analyses of relative habitat utilization time series revealed that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was an important driver of Chesapeake Bay exchange, but that average Apr/May coastal ocean bottom temperature was significant for Delaware Bay. Collectively, the results demonstrate that several Mid‐Atlantic species have altered their estuarine habitat use over time, climate drivers associated with estuarine–coastal ocean exchange operate on different time scales, and that the impacts of warming within the Mid‐Atlantic vary spatially.
Anti‐idiotype monoclonal antibodies against emicizumab enable accurate procoagulant and anticoagulant assays, irrespective of the test base, in the presence of emicizumab
Authors: Ogiwara Kenichi , Furukawa Shoko , Shinohara Sho , Tabuchi Yuka , Arai Nobuo , Noguchi‐Sasaki Mariko , Soeda Tetsuhiro , Shima Midori , Nogami Keiji
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Emicizumab markedly shortens the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), resulting in inaccurate measurements of procoagulant and anticoagulant factor activities. We have recently reported that mixtures of two different anti‐idiotype monoclonal antibodies against emicizumab (anti‐emicizumab‐mAbs) allow measurement of factor (F)VIII activity (FVIII:C) and FVIII inhibitor in emicizumab‐containing plasmas. It is unknown whether anti‐emicizumab mAbs can work for other aPTT‐based procoagulant and anticoagulant assays.

Aim

To investigate whether anti‐emicizumab mAbs were measured by all of the aPTT‐based assays tested.

Methods

Two anti‐emicizumab‐mAbs (300 μg/mL each) were preincubated with emicizumab (200 μg/mL)‐spiked FVIII‐deficient plasma; we then measured FVIII:C, FIX:C, FXI:C, FXII:C, protein (P)C:C, PS:C, global PC‐FV (aPTT‐based), and prothrombin time (PT), diluted Russel's viper venom time (dRVVT), chromogenic‐based FVIII:C, FIX:C and PC:C (non‐aPTT‐based). Emicizumab (100 μg/mL)‐spiked haemophilia (H)A plasmas from patients (n = 23) were also measured.

Results

Emicizumab shortened the clotting time in all aPTT‐based assays, resulting in high levels of FVIII:C, FIX:C, FXI:C and FXII:C; low levels of PC:C and PS:C; and false‐positive results for activated PC resistance. The addition of anti‐emicizumab‐mAbs to emicizumab‐added plasma restored all factors to the initial levels without emicizumab. Chromogenic FVIII:C measurement by human FIXa/FX was affected by emicizumab, but anti‐emicizumab mAbs cancelled this effect. PT‐based assays and dRVVT, chromogenic FIX:C and PC:C assays showed no effect with emicizumab. Twenty‐three plasma samples from HA patients also showed similar patterns.

Conclusion

Anti‐emicizumab mAbs in vitro could cancel the effect of emicizumab, irrespective of the test base, resulting in accurate measurements of procoagulant and anticoagulant factor activity.
Are infants' preferences in the number change detection paradigm driven by sequence patterns?
Authors: Decarli Gisella , Piazza Manuela , Izard Véronique
Published: September 2022

Inter‐individual differences in infants' numerosity processing have been assessed using a change detection paradigm, where participants were presented with two concurrent streams of images, one alternating between two numerosities and the other showing one constant numerosity. While most infants look longer at the changing stream in this paradigm, the reasons underlying these preferences have remained unclear. We suggest that, besides being attracted by numerosity changes, infants perhaps also respond to the alternating pattern of the changing stream. We conducted two experiments (N = 32) with 6‐month‐old infants to assess this hypothesis. In the first experiment, infants responded to changes in numerosity even when the changing stream showed numerosities in an unpredictable random order. In the second experiment, infants did not display any preference when an alternating stream was pitted against a random stream. These findings do not provide evidence that the alternating pattern of the changing stream contributes to drive infants' preferences. Instead, around the age of 6 months, infants' responses in the numerosity change detection paradigm appear to be mainly driven by changes in numerosity, with different levels of preference reflecting inter‐individual difference in the acuity of numerosity perception.
Predators and habitat association of post‐settlement snapper (Chrysophrys auratus)
Authors: Parsons Darren , Taylor Rikki , Hughes Richard , Middleton Crispin , Gublin Yann , Levell Demi
Published: September 2022

Structured habitats play an important nursery role during the crucial early juvenile or post‐settlement stages of many fish species. Predominantly, the utility of structured habitats to juvenile fish is thought to be associated with the provisioning of food or as a refuge from predation. Although snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) in New Zealand also have a strong affinity for structured habitats during their post‐settlement phase, their predators are unknown as is the role of predation in determining habitat association. Here the authors investigated potential predators of post‐settlement snapper by remotely observing interactions of restrained post‐settlement snapper with potential predators and investigating the diet of potential predators. They also conducted tank experiments with a potential predator, both with and without the presence of structure. Restrained snapper were infrequently approached by predators, but two new nocturnal predators were identified. No snapper were observed in the diet of potential predators, although two piscivores were identified as potential candidates. No predation occurred during tank experiments, but there was a non‐significant indication that under threat of predation post‐settlement snapper may use habitat when it is present and aggregate together when it is not. The findings suggest that the pulsed nature of predation may have made it difficult to observe given the methods employed and that the threat of predation may be sufficient to drive the habitat selection of post‐settlement snapper. Investigating the significance of predation via methods that do not require direct observations may therefore be more appropriate given this context.
A petrologic and microstructural study of a compact type A calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion from the Northwest Africa 5028 CR2 chondrite: Implications for nebular and parent‐body processes
Authors: Ramprasad Tarunika , Haenecour Pierre , Domanik Kenneth , Zega Thomas J.
Published: September 2022

Compact type A calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CTA CAIs) are believed to have experienced partial melting that erased all information on their original nebular condensation. To investigate this question, we report new microstructural data on a CTA CAI, composed primarily of melilite, spinel, and perovskite, in the Northwest Africa 5028 CR2 chondrite. The melilite grains contain low (5–10 mole%) åkermanite contents and are not compositionally zoned. Spinel and perovskite each occur as near endmember compositions MgAl2O4 and CaTiO3 and contain minor V and Al, respectively. A continuous rim composed of melilite, spinel, and perovskite, with minor hibonite grains occur around the CAI. We extracted two regions of interest from the interior CAI and two from the rim using focused ion beam techniques for detailed analysis using transmission electron microscopy. Evidence for thermal processing occurs as a perovskite–spinel–spinel triple junction in an interior section and a spinel inclusion within perovskite in a rim section. Evidence for parent‐body alteration occurs in the form of Fe‐rich sheet silicates in the rim, and localized amstallite in the interior of the CAI. While previous work suggested that many CTA CAIs experienced thermal processing in the solar nebula, including partial melting, our data show that signatures of primary condensation can be preserved in the form of more refractory phases contained within less refractory minerals, namely melilite and perovskite grains within spinel, and hibonite grains within perovskite, respectively. The inclusion we report on here has a complex history involving gas‐phase condensation, nebular thermal processing, and parent‐body alteration.
Development and validation of COVID‐19 associated candidemia score (CAC‐Score) in ICU patients
Authors: Kayaaslan Bircan , Eser Fatma , Asilturk Dilek , Oktay Zeynep , Hasanoglu Imran , Kalem Ayşe Kaya , Dönertaş Gülen , Kaplan Betul , Ozkocak Turan Isıl , Erdem Deniz , Bektas Hesna , Guner Rahmet
Published: September 2022

Background

The development of candidemia is a highly fatal condition in severe COVID‐19 infection.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a candidemia prediction score in COVID‐19 patient based on the patient's clinical characteristics, and healthcare‐related factors during intensive care units (ICU) follow‐up.

Patients/Methods

Severe COVID‐19 patients hospitalised in ICU in Ankara City Hospital during the one‐year period (August 15, 2020, and August 15, 2021) were included. After univariate analysis, multivariate analysis was applied using variable selection approach to investigate the effects of variables together and to create a score model for candidemia. Statistically significant factors were included in the development process of candida prediction score.

Results

Of 1305 COVID‐19 ICU patients, 139 had a candidemia episode. According to the final model, four variables, presence of central venous catheter (CVC) (OR 19.07, CI 8.12–44.8, p < .0001), multifocal colonisation (OR 2.28, CI 1.39–3.72, p 0.001), length of ICU stays ≥14 days (OR 3.62, CI 2.42–5.44, p < .0001) and corticosteroids (OR 0.51, CI 0.34–0.76, p 0.0011) were the only statistically significant independent risk factors for candidemia. Score model was demonstrated by a nomogram, and the risk for candidemia was calculated to be high in patients who scored ≥56 points by using the criteria [CVC = 51, multifocal colonisation = 14, prolonged hospitalisation = 23, no steroid use = 12 points]. The AUC of the score is 0.84 (CI 0.81–0.87).

Conclusion

We developed and validated an easy‐to‐use clinical prediction score for candidemia in severe COVID‐19 infection. In COVID‐19 ICU patients, the risk of candidemia is high if one of the other risk factors is present together with CVC.
Support and services for perinatal low mood and depression: A qualitative study exploring women's and healthcare professionals' experiences
Authors: Pinar Semra , Ersser Steven J. , Mcmillan Dean , Bedford Helen
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to explore women's experiences of support and care received from maternity healthcare professionals for perinatal low mood or depression, and healthcare professionals' experiences of providing support and care for women experiencing perinatal low mood or depression. In this qualitative study, face‐to‐face individual semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 15 women and 19 healthcare professionals living or working in Yorkshire and the Humber, England in 2019. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The following themes were identified: (1) lack of standardization in identification and support for perinatal low mood and depression; (2) unclear and nonstandardized pathways for perinatal low mood and depression; and (3) enablers and barriers of receiving support and care for perinatal low mood and depression. Providing training opportunities for healthcare professionals, especially midwives, may be helpful for filling the gray area for women who do not need a referral to mental health services but require support from healthcare professionals. Improving the variety of psychological therapies for the treatment of perinatal depression may also be helpful to meet women's expectations of treatments.
New Client‐Centered Discontinuation Measures Using the Demographic and Health Survey Calendar Data
Authors: Jain Aparna , Tobey Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

The main source of method discontinuation data comes from the calendar data of the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). DHS considers each episode of use contributed by a woman in the calendar to calculate method discontinuation. This means that episodes from women who contribute only one episode of contraceptive use are combined with episodes from women who contribute multiple episodes of use. This paper explores the DHS calculation of episode‐based discontinuation and proposes new indicators that focus specifically on the client and puts her as the unit of analysis. First, we attempt to replicate the DHS calculation by applying weighted averages to episodes from women who contributed only one episode and from women who contributed multiple episodes of use. We then calculate three client‐centered discontinuation indicators, using the five‐year calendar data of the DHS. The methodology is illustrated by using data collected in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Indonesia. Starting with the very first method used and reported in the calendar and following use over 12 months, we develop a client‐centered discontinuation indicator. We build on the calculation of the client‐centered discontinuation indicator by: (1) excluding switching to result in all contraceptive discontinuation (complete discontinuation); and (2) limiting discontinuation to women still in need of contraception applying the DHS definitions of in need.
Population‐level transcriptomes reveal gene expression and splicing underlying cadmium accumulation in barley
Authors: Deng Pingchuan , Yan Tao , Ji Wanquan , Zhang Guoping , Wu Liang , Wu Dezhi
Published: September 2022

Genetic variation is an important determinant of gene transcription, which in turn contributes to functional and phenotypic diversity. Identification of the genetic variants controlling gene expression and alternative splicing in crops responding to cadmium (Cd), an important issue for food safety and human health, is of great value to improve our understanding of Cd accumulation‐related genes. Here we report an in‐depth survey of population‐level transcriptome variation of barley (Hordeum vulgare) core accessions under Cd exposure. We reveal marked transcriptomic changes in response to Cd exposure, and these are largely independent of tissues. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) revealed 59 498 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and 23 854 splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs), leading to a complex network that covers 66.6% of the expressed genes, including 68 metal transporter genes. On average, 41.0% of sQTLs overlapped with eQTLs across different tissues, indicating that these two dimensions of transcript variation are largely independent. Moreover, we found that 34.5% of GWAS QTLs that underlie 10 Cd accumulation traits in barley are co‐localized with eQTLs and sQTLs, which could imply a mechanistic role of different genetic variants affecting gene expression and alternative splicing in these traits. This study highlights the role of distal and proximal genetic effects on gene expression, splicing, and phenotypic plasticity. We anticipate that our results on the genetic control of expression and splicing underlying Cd accumulation provide a bridge to better understand genetic variation and phenotypic diversity to elucidate the mechanisms underlying Cd accumulation in plants.
Confidence Intervals for Richardson Extrapolation in Solid Mechanics
Authors: Krysl Petr
Published: September 2022

A simple procedure for estimating the uncertainty of estimates of true solutions to problems of deflection, stress concentrations, and force resultants in solid and structural mechanics is introduced. Richardson extrapolation is carried out on a dataset of samples from a sequence of four grids. Simple median-based statistical analysis is used to establish 95% confidence intervals. The procedure leads to simple calculations that deliver reasonably tight estimates of the true solution and confidence intervals.
Robust Force Estimation for Magnetorheological Damper Based on Complex Value Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Rodríguez-Torres Andrés , López-Pacheco Mario , Morales-Valdez Jesús , Yu Wen , Díaz Jorge G.
Published: September 2022

Recent developments in semi-active control technologies enhance the possibility of an effective response reduction during a wide range of dynamic loading conditions. Most semi-active control schemes employ magnetorheological dampers (MRDs) as actuators. These devices exhibit nonlinear and hysterical behavior that complicates reactive force estimation to compensate for disturbances. In this paper, we present a novel robust schema to estimate MRD forces using a complex value convolutional neural network (CV-CNN) to overcome these problems. CV-CNN utilizes random complex value convolutional filters as parameters to reduce the measured noise by combining the training stage and the max-by-magnitude operation. Furthermore, CV-CNN is a hysteresis-model-free strategy that overcomes the parameterization in nonlinear systems. The proposed CV-CNN only requires displacement and voltage measurements for force estimation. Different metrics are used to compare results between the CV-CNN, genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and shallow neural network (SNN). Experimental results show the potential of the proposed CV- CNN for practical applications due to its simplicity and robustness. The CV-CNN computational time is less than that of GA and PSO. In the training stage, the CV-CNN uses 0.7% of GA's time and 1.4% of PSO. Although SNN uses 5.5% of the time consumed by the CV-CNN, the latter performs the force estimation for MRD better; its mean square error is 78.3% lower than the GA's and PSO's, and 71.4% lower than SNN's.
Folding-angle framework for structural modeling of rigid triangulated Miura-ori lattices
Authors: Lahiri Anandaroop , Pratapa Phanisri
Published: September 2022

Origami is rapidly gaining prominence in the research of metamaterials as it allows for tuning the properties of interest by change in the folded state. Origami-based lattices that allow low-frequency wave-propagation can potentially find use as acoustic metamaterials. Rigid panel origami tessellations have lattice modes which are exclusively due to the low-energy folding deformations at creases and hence will be suitable for low-frequency wave-propagation applications. Modeling frameworks like bar-and-hinge that are typically used to study origami lattice mechanics allow for panel stretching behavior which is forbidden and redundant in rigid panel origami lattices. This drives the necessity for an efficient analysis framework dealing exclusively with folding-angles for study of origami lattices with rigid panels. As a first step in this direction, in this paper, we propose a folding-angle-based analytical framework for structural modeling of infinite lattices of triangulated Miura-ori with rigid panels. We assign rotational stiffness to the creases and analytically derive the stiffness matrix for the lattices based on a minimal number of folding-angle degrees of freedom. Finally, we study the influence of the equilibrium folded state and the relative crease stiffness on the modal energies, to demonstrate the tunable and programmable nature of the structure. The framework proposed in our work could enable the study of wave dynamics in rigid panel Miura-ori-based lattices and our findings show significant promise for the future use of 1D origami with rigid panels as acoustic metamaterials.
Impact of Ceramic Matrix Composite Topology on Overall Effectiveness
Authors: Edelson Ryan D. , Thole Karen A.
Published: September 2022

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a material of interest for components in the hot section of gas turbine engines due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and high temperature capabilities. CMCs are a class of material made of macro scale woven ceramic fibers infiltrated with a ceramic matrix making them significantly different than their nickel superalloy counterparts. As CMCs are implemented into gas turbine engines, the effects of the inherent topology of the CMC weave on convective heat transfer must be understood. In this study, film cooling holes were integrated into a representative CMC weave for three test coupons that were printed using additive manufacturing. The three coupons included: one having a weave topology along the surface of the internal channel supplying coolant to the film cooling holes; one having a weave topology along the external film cooled surface; and one having a weave topology on both the coolant supply channel as well as the external film cooled surface. Overall effectiveness levels for the two cases with a weave surface on the external film cooled wall were measured to be lower than levels for the case with the smooth external surface. The external weave significantly increased the mixing of the coolant jet with the hot mainstream resulting in poor cooling.
A Novel Hydrogen Economy Based on Electrochemical Cells Fully Integrated With Fossil Fuel Assets and Wastewater Resources
Authors: Jolaoso Lateef A. , Asadi Javad , Duan Chuancheng , Kazempoor Pejman
Published: September 2022

Water and energy are two inseparable and interdependent phenomena that play essential roles in economic productivity and sustainable development. This paper presents a novel, highly efficient, and modular hydrogen production unit that can be fully integrated with numerous power production units, including coal and natural gas-fired power plants. The system is designed to utilize various water sources as the process’s feedstock. All process components, including waste-water treatment system, flue gas cooling, separating unit, and high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC), are simulated and integrated using Aspen HYSYS. The SOEC model is first validated with experimental and available numerical data. The validation results show that the model can accurately predict SOEC performance at various operating conditions. Afterward, various system configurations are presented, and a comprehensive process analysis has been implemented to evaluate the effects of operating and design parameters on the system performance and efficiency of 97.4% for the SOEC. The overall thermal-to-hydrogen efficiency of the system is 56.3% without heat integration.

Moreover, this novel process is integrated with renewable energy sources to ensure the system contribution to global energy decarbonization. Finally, a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed to analyze the environmental impacts of the proposed system. The results indicate that the overall damage level is almost 50% higher using coal power plant as electricity source as to the solar PV and that water-energy nexus is eminent in energy sustainability, water preservation, and the prospect of this integrated system.
CFD Based Design Optimization of Multiple Helical Swirl-Inducing Fins for Concentrated Solar Receivers
Authors: Pidaparthi Bharath , Missoum Samy , Xu Ben
Published: September 2022

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) has the potential to realize grid parity. This can be achieved by operating CSP systems at temperatures above 700 °C to reach high thermal efficiencies (> 50%). However, operating CSP systems at elevated temperatures poses several problems, among which the design of solar receivers to handle increased thermal loads is critical. To this end, this work explores and optimizes various swirl-inducing internal fin designs for improving heat transfer in solar receiver tubes. These fin designs, in addition to enhancing the thermal performance of receiver tubes, are also capable of reducing temperature unevenness caused by nonuniform solar loads. This work optimizes the geometric parameters such as height and helical pitch of these fin designs by maximizing the Nusselt number with a constraint on the friction factor. The fin design optimization, however, is computationally intensive, often requiring hundreds of simulation call to the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. To circumvent this problem, this work employs surrogate models to approximate the simulation outputs needed during the optimization.
Thermodynamic Modeling and Simulation of an Organic Rankine Cycle-Ejector Heat Pump-Based Trigeneration System Using a Zeotropic Mixture
Authors: Yaïci Wahiba , Entchev Evgueniy , Longo Michela
Published: September 2022

To solve the problem of low thermal efficiency of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and to enhance the coefficient of performance (COP) of ejector refrigeration cycle, an ORC combined with an ejector heat pump-based combined cooling, heat and power system using a zeotropic working fluid mixture is proposed in this paper. Utilization of zeotropic mixtures could improve the thermodynamic performance of ORC systems owing to superior fits of the temperature profiles of the working fluid and the heat source/sink.

A thermodynamic model is built to predict the performance of the proposed trigeneration system using butane/propane zeotropic mixture. The model was validated with data obtained from the open literature. It was then applied to investigate and optimize the effect of a wide range of parameters on system performance. A detailed parametric analysis was then performed to assess the influence of generator temperature and entrainment ratio on the system’s heating, cooling and power efficiencies, exergy and thermal efficiencies, and COP. The analysis also examined the effect of mass fraction on the system’s power and cooling efficiencies.

The results disclosed that for the zeotropic butane/propane mixture with mass fractions of 0.5/0.5, a generator temperature of 75°C and entrainment ratio of 0.5 produced a net power output of 136.3 kW, with a power efficiency of 4.6 %, a heating efficiency of 95.4%, a cooling efficiency of 42.9%, and a COP of 1 .43. With such thermodynamic analysis, the study demonstrated that the proposed system is feasible.
Optimal Bi-Annual Tilt Angles and Optimal Tilt Transition Timing for Fixed Tilt Arrays in the United States
Authors: Alhamer Essa , Grigsby Addison , Mulford Rydge
Published: September 2022

As global dependency on renewable energy grows, it is imperative to utilize every Photovoltaic (PV) panel in the most efficient way possible. An important consideration for increasing PV panel energy production is to carefully select the tilt angle relative to the ground of the installed panel. Tracking arrays resolve this issue by dynamically tracking the sun throughout the course of the day, but tracking technology includes additional capital costs and is not affordable for residential systems. The goals of this study are to explore the use of a bi-annual fixed tilt array, where the tilt angle of the fixed array is changed at two times in the year to better capture the seasonal variation in solar irradiation. The goal of this study is to use optimization techniques to resolve the ideal tilt angles as well as the optimal time to change between these two angles for every state in the continental United States. Biannual arrays are then compared to fixed tilt and 1D tracking arrays while examining local weather variations and their effect on the optimal PV tilt angle and solar PV production. In general, PV panels with a fixed tilt in states at higher latitudes collect 90% of the energy that a 1D tracking array would collect, whereas bi-annual tilt angle array produce on average 97% of the energy that a 1D tracking array collects, making the bi-annual tilt method nearly as effective as 1D tracking at these latitudes. Fixed tilt arrays in the southern United States collect on average 85% of the energy that a 1D tracking array would collect, whereas bi-annual tilt arrays in the southern United States produce at maximum 90% of the energy that a 1D tracking array produces. Nearly all states optimize energy production when the tilt angle is changed during the month of March and the month of August. This paper also examines the relationship between summer and winter temperatures and cloud cover, and their effect on optimal tilt and overall PV performance.
Internet of Energy Applied to Water Hydrokinetic Smart-Grids: A Test Rig Example
Authors: Gharib-Yosry Ahmed , Fernandez-Jimenez Aitor , Manuel Fernandez Pacheco Víctor , Rico-Secades Manuel
Published: September 2022

The internet of things is a novel concept with many applications, one of them is the management of energy in smart power systems, which is known as the Internet of Energy (IoE). This research presents an autonomous system — based on IoE concept — for monitoring and controlling a water supply network using a renewable power generation set formed by a hydrokinetic vertical-axis turbine and a solar panel module. Different sensors that collect water quality and quantity data along with actuator devices are also equipped and interconnected through a low bandwidth Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. Experimental tests have been carried out under laboratory scale conditions to check the working validity of the energy generating system with the proposed IoE structure in a water flume under low flow velocity conditions. An excellent test loop is available for various predictive maintenance and troubleshooting tasks using a novel IoE philosophy. Two communication tests through the MQTT protocol have been carried out successfully, since all the sensors were able to send the information correctly in real time. The power status of the turbine and batteries have been also monitored. The system was able to send orders to the actuators, which will allow a full control of the operating devices in the remote smart grid locations.
Mitigation of Leakage and Water Ingress for a Promising Phase Change Material (PCM) Containing Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Authors: Rippy Kerry , Vidal Judith , Cui Shuang , Kaur Sumanjeet
Published: September 2022

A promising and cost-effective phase change material (PCM) containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) 600, 800, and/or 1000 has been synthesized. It is shape stabilized using a sol-gel method and displays promising thermal properties. These properties make the PCMs good candidates for thermal batteries and other thermal energy storage applications in the building sector. However, PEG leakage is observed at elevated temperatures, and due to the hygroscopic nature of PEG, moisture ingress is also observed, which can have a significant effect on performance and durability. Thus, we have developed hydrophobic coatings to prevent PEG leakage and mitigate moisture ingress. The selected approach involves a secondary sol-gel process during which a thin layer formulated with hydrophobic precursors is deposited onto the surface of the PCM samples. Several coating formulations have been investigated, including formulations composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), diethoxy(dimethyl)silane (DEDMS), triethoxymethylsilane (TEMS), and n-octyltriethoxysilane (OTES). We find that this is effective at increasing hydrophobicity of the PCM substrates. It also decreases substrate leakage.
Propargyl carbamate-functionalized Cu(II)-metal organic framework after reaction with chloroauric acid: An x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data record
Authors: Pagot Gioele , Cassani Maria Cristina , Gambassi Francesca , Ballarin Barbara , Nanni Daniele , Coi Michele , Barreca Davide , Boanini Elisa , Di Noto Vito
Published: September 2022

A copper-containing metal organic framework was prepared using the new organic linker 5-(2-{[(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)carbonyl]-amino}ethoxy)isophthalic acid [1,3-H2YBDC (where Y = alkYne and BDC = Benzene DiCarboxylate)] and functionalized with gold particles by reaction with HAuCl4 under thermal treatment in methanol. The resulting system was investigated by complementary techniques to obtain information on its structure and morphology. In the present work, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to analyze the chemical composition of a representative specimen. Besides wide scan spectra, data obtained by the analysis of the C 1s, O 1s, N 1s, Cu 2p, and Au 4f signals are presented and critically discussed. The results highlight the reduction of Au(III) to mostly Au(I) species. Overall, the data presented herein may act as useful guidelines for the eventual tailoring of material properties and their possible implementation toward functional applications in heterogeneous catalysis.
Developing Recommendations for European Sport Coaching Policy: The PEAK Project
Authors: Moustakas Louis , Bales John
Published: September 2022

Sport coaching policies in Europe lack a guiding framework, and there is limited knowledge about good practices within those policies. This lack of guidance stands in stark contrast to the growing role and importance, from both a practical and a policy perspective, that coaches play in Europe. It is against this background that the Policy, Evidence, and Knowledge in Coaching (PEAK) project was initiated to strengthen the policy foundations of sports coaching in Europe. To do so, the Policy, Evidence, and Knowledge in Coaching project aimed to develop coaching policy recommendations for national authorities and sport federations on the European continent. In the following, we present the main policy recommendations for national authorities as well as the extensive process that led to the formulation of those recommendations. Based on this work, nine recommendations featuring a total of 61 indicators were developed. Overall, we contend that the policy foundation for an effective coaching system includes clarity on who the policies are for, how the results of the policy will be measured, the education, regulation, and support of the workforce, and addressing the inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy for Use After Extremity Fracture: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Robertson Ian , Lazarides Marina , Butler Cody R.
Published: September 2022

Clinical Scenario: Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy has emerged as a viable treatment option to enhance clinical recovery in patients with primarily muscular injuries. However, BFR therapy has been rarely investigated in patients with osseous injuries to include extremity fracture. Focused Clinical Question: Does BFR-enhanced therapy improve clinical outcomes in patients during the acute to subacute rehabilitation period after extremity fracture? Summary of Key Findings: (1) In cases of 2 high-performing athletes with talus and osteochondral fracture of the knee, BFR was well tolerated and an effective rehabilitation regimen. (2) In 2 randomized controlled trials evaluating BFR use in patients after operative and nonoperative management of distal radius fractures, pain with activity and self-perceived function were improved in BFR-enhanced therapy as compared with a standard rehabilitation regimen. (3) Objective clinical outcomes including radiographic healing, extremity range of motion, and grip strength evaluated by the randomized controlled trials did not differ significantly between the BFR-enhanced and standard rehabilitation groups. Clinical Bottom Line: BFR-enhanced therapy may improve pain and self-perceived function of the injured extremity during the acute to subacute rehabilitation period after fracture. However, there is not yet a demonstrated benefit of BFR on hastening objective measures of clinical recovery. Large-scale clinical trials comparing BFR-enhanced rehabilitation with standard rehabilitation regimens are needed to better characterize BFR use in patients with osseous injuries. Strength of Recommendation: Two case reports and 2 randomized controlled trials provide level IIB evidence suggesting that BFR may improve pain in the acute rehabilitative stage and improve the patient’s perceived function of the injured extremity, without greater improvement in objectively measured clinical parameters as compared with a standard rehabilitation regimen.
Toward a European carbon footprint rule for batteries
Authors: Peiseler Leopold , Bauer Christian , Beuse Martin , Wood Vanessa , Schmidt Tobias S.
Published: September 2022

Focus on upstream production, not downstream use
Draft Genomic Sequences of Pseudomonas moorei Strains Isolated from Wild Cranberry Bogs in Massachusetts
Authors: Sadeghi Nima , Kaur Kiranpreet , Soby Scott
Published: September 2022

Pseudomonas moorei
has been used to detoxify recalcitrant environmental contaminants from the pharmaceutical industry. Two
P. moorei
strains were isolated from soil in the pristine wild cranberry bogs of the Cape Cod National Seashore that putatively encode genes for degradation of 4- and 5-
chloro
salicylates, acetaminophen, and diclofenac.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Impacts Soil Chemical and Microbial Response to Human Decomposition
Authors: Mason Allison R. , McKee-Zech Hayden S. , Hoeland Katharina M. , Davis Mary C. , Campagna Shawn R. , Steadman Dawnie W. , DeBruyn Jennifer M.
Published: September 2022

This work begins to address questions about interindividual variation in vertebrate decomposition attributed to intrinsic factors, that is, properties of the carcass or cadaver itself. Most research on factors affecting decomposition has focused on the extrinsic environment, such as temperature or humidity.
Commensal Fungus Candida albicans Maintains a Long-Term Mutualistic Relationship with the Host To Modulate Gut Microbiota and Metabolism
Authors: Peroumal Doureradjou , Sahu Satya Ranjan , Kumari Premlata , Utkalaja Bhabasha Gyanadeep , Acharya Narottam
Published: September 2022

Candida albicans
is mostly considered an opportunistic pathogen that causes fetal systemic infections. However, this study demonstrates that in its commensal state, it maintains a long-term mutualistic relationship with the host and regulates microbial dynamics in the gut and host physiology.
Supplemental Material: Impact of stream power gradients on storage of sediment and carbon on channel margins and floodplains
Authors: Gartner John D. , Renshaw Carl , al. et
Published: September 2022

Additional information on sites and methods. 
Determinants of loss to follow-up in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Farid Doaa , Li Patricia , Dasgupta Kaberi , Rahme Elham
Published: September 2022

Background

Systematic loss to follow-up (LFU) creates selection bias and hinders generalisability in longitudinal cohort studies. Little is known about LFU risks in underserved populations including immigrants, those with depressive symptoms and language minorities. We used the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (baseline 2012–2015 and 3-year follow-up 2015–2018) comprehensive and tracking cohorts to examine the association of language with LFU and its effect modification by immigrant status and depressive symptoms among participants from Quebec and those from outside Quebec.

Methods

Language was English-speaking, French-speaking and Bilingual according to the language participants’ reported being able to converse in. Language minorities were French-speakers outside Quebec and English-speakers inside Quebec. LFU was withdrawal or not providing follow-up data. Logistic regression models assessed the associations of interest.

Results

Our cohort included 49 179 individuals (mean age 63.0, SD 10.4 years; 51.4% female). Overall, 7808 (15.9%) were immigrants and 7902 (16.1%) had depressive symptoms. Language was 4672 (9.5%) French-speaking, 33 532 (68.2%) English-speaking and 10 976 (22.3%) Bilingual. Immigration ≤20 years (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.53) or arrival at age >22 years (1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58) and depressive symptoms (1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.46) had higher LFU risks. Bilingual (vs French-speaking) had lower LFU risk outside (0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86) and inside Quebec (0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). LFU risk was higher in French-speakers (vs English-speakers) outside (2.33, 95% CI 1.19 to 4.55), but not inside Quebec. Female, higher income, higher education and low nutritional risk had lower LFU risks.

Conclusion

Speaking only French (vs Bilingual), having depressive symptoms and immigrant status increased LFU risks, with the latter not modifying the language effect.
Exome sequencing as a first-tier test for copy number variant detection: retrospective evaluation and prospective screening in 2418 cases
Authors: Testard Quentin , Vanhoye Xavier , Yauy Kevin , Naud Marie-Emmanuelle , Vieville Gaelle , Rousseau Francis , Dauriat Benjamin , Marquet Valentine , Bourthoumieu Sylvie , Geneviève David , Gatinois Vincent , Wells Constance , Willems Marjolaine , Coubes Christine , Pinson Lucile , Dard Rodolphe , Tessier Aude , Hervé Bérénice , Vialard François , Harzallah Ines , Touraine Renaud , Cogné Benjamin , Deb Wallid , Besnard Thomas , Pichon Olivier , Laudier Béatrice , Mesnard Laurent , Doreille Alice , Busa Tiffany , Missirian Chantal , Satre Véronique , Coutton Charles , Celse Tristan , Harbuz Radu , Raymond Laure , Taly Jean-François , Thevenon Julien
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the availability of whole exome (WES) and genome sequencing (WGS), chromosomal microarray (CMA) remains the first-line diagnostic test in most rare disorders diagnostic workup, looking for copy number variations (CNVs), with a diagnostic yield of 10%–20%. The question of the equivalence of CMA and WES in CNV calling is an organisational and economic question, especially when ordering a WGS after a negative CMA and/or WES.

Methods

This study measures the equivalence between CMA and GATK4 exome sequencing depth of coverage method in detecting coding CNVs on a retrospective cohort of 615 unrelated individuals. A prospective detection of WES-CNV on a cohort of 2418 unrelated individuals, including the 615 individuals from the validation cohort, was performed.

Results

On the retrospective validation cohort, every CNV detectable by the method (ie, a CNV with at least one exon not in a dark zone) was accurately called (64/64 events). In the prospective cohort, 32 diagnoses were performed among the 2418 individuals with CNVs ranging from 704 bp to aneuploidy. An incidental finding was reported. The overall increase in diagnostic yield was of 1.7%, varying from 1.2% in individuals with multiple congenital anomalies to 1.9% in individuals with chronic kidney failure.

Conclusion

Combining single-nucleotide variant (SNV) and CNV detection increases the suitability of exome sequencing as a first-tier diagnostic test for suspected rare Mendelian disorders. Before considering the prescription of a WGS after a negative WES, a careful reanalysis with updated CNV calling and SNV annotation should be considered.
Clinical applicability of the Polygenic Risk Score for breast cancer risk prediction in familial cases
Authors: Lakeman Inge M M , Rodríguez-Girondo Mar D M , Lee Andrew , Celosse Nandi , Braspenning Merel E , van Engelen Klaartje , van de Beek Irma , van der Hout Annemiek H , Gómez García Encarna B , Mensenkamp Arjen R , Ausems Margreet G E M , Hooning Maartje J , Adank Muriel A , Hollestelle Antoinette , Schmidt Marjanka K , van Asperen Christi J , Devilee Peter
Published: September 2022

Background

Common low-risk variants are presently not used to guide clinical management of familial breast cancer (BC). We explored the additive impact of a 313-variant-based Polygenic Risk Score (PRS313) relative to standard gene testing in non-BRCA1/2Dutch BC families.

Methods

We included 3918 BC cases from 3492 Dutch non-BRCA1/2BC families and 3474 Dutch population controls. The association of the standardised PRS313with BC was estimated using a logistic regression model, adjusted for pedigree-based family history. Family history of the controls was imputed for this analysis. SEs were corrected to account for relatedness of individuals. Using the BOADICEA (Breast and Ovarian Analysis of Disease Incidence and Carrier Estimation Algorithm) V.5 model, lifetime risks were retrospectively calculated with and without individual PRS313. For 2586 cases and 2584 controls, the carrier status of pathogenic variants (PVs) inATM,CHEK2andPALB2was known.

Results

The family history-adjusted PRS313was significantly associated with BC (per SD OR=1.97, 95% CI 1.84 to 2.11). Including the PRS313in BOADICEA family-based risk prediction would have changed screening recommendations in up to 27%, 36% and 34% of cases according to BC screening guidelines from the USA, UK and the Netherlands (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation), respectively. For the population controls, without information on family history, this was up to 39%, 44% and 58%, respectively. Among carriers of PVs in known moderate BC susceptibility genes, the PRS313had the largest impact forCHEK2andATM.

Conclusions

Our results support the application of the PRS313in risk prediction for genetically uninformative BC families and families with a PV in moderate BC risk genes.