bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of groundwater forced seepage on heat transfer characteristics of borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Ma Jiuchen , Jiang Qian , Zhang Qiuli , Xie Yacheng , Wang Yahui , Yi Feiyu
Published: December 2020

A borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) combined with pumping-injection well is established in areas where groundwater is shallow but the seepage velocity is weak, which sets up pumping and injection wells on both sides of the BHEs. According to the three-dimensional unsteady state heat transfer model in aquifer, we derive the convection-dispersion analytical solution of excess temperature in aquifer that considers groundwater forced seepage and thermal dispersion effects in aquifer and the axial effect of the BHEs. Then, we use dimensional analysis method and similarity criteria to build a controllable forced seepage sandbox. The theoretical analysis is combined with the indoor experiment test to verify the correctness and accuracy of the numerical simulation software FEFLOW7.1. On this basis, we perform the numerical simulation calculation to explore the effects of different pumping-injection flow volume on the Darcy flow velocity of the aquifer where the BHEs are located, the average heat transfer efficiency and the heat transfer rates per unit borehole depth of the BHEs. The results show that when the pumping flow volume is increased from 200 m3∙d-1 to 1200 m3∙d-1, the Darcy velocity correspondingly increases to about 10 times the previous velocity. The average heat efficiency coefficient of the BHEs increases by 11.5% in cooling stage, and by 7.5% in heating stage. When the pumping-injection flow volume is 400~600 m3∙d-1, the increment of heat transfer rates per unit borehole depth of the BHEs reaches 12.8~17.9 W∙m-1 and 3.6~4.2 W∙m-1 during the cooling stage and heating stage respectively, and then decreases as the flow volume increases gradually.
WITHDRAWN: Relevance of glomerular C4d deposition in pediatric patients with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura compared to IgA nephritis
Authors: Benz Kerstin , Ferrazzi Fulvia , Galiano Matthias , Sauerstein Katja , Vonbrunn Eva , Daniel Christoph , Büttner-Herold Maike , Amann Kerstin
Published: December 2020

Background
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis (GN) in western countries and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the most common form of vasculitis in childhood. Renal biopsy findings in both nephropathies are often similar and are characterized by mesangioproliferative GN with mesangial or mesangiocapillary IgA and C3c deposits. Aim of this study was to investigate the significances of glomerular C4d-deposition as discriminating factor between pediatric HSPN and IgAN
Methods
We retrospectively analysed patient records and renal biopsies from 53 pediatric patients from one single center with a median age of 10.5 years [range 2.3–18 years]. Twenty-two patients suffered from IgAN and 31 from HSPN. Work-up of all renal biopsies was performed using standard protocols including immunohistochemistry for C4d.
Results
Pediatric IgAN patients were older, presented more often with gross hematuria, lower rates of proteinuria and less endocapillary hypercellularity on histology compared to HSPN patients. However, the rate of glomerular C4d-positivity was not different between IgAN (36%) and HSPN (42%). Comparing all cases with positive versus negative glomerular C4d-staining, pediatric patients with glomerular C4d-positivity showed lesser gross hematuria, but slightly more proteinuria, hypertension, higher rates of immunosuppressive treatment and renal insufficiency at last follow-up compared to C4d-negative patients.
Conclusions
In conclusion, glomerular C4d does not differ between pediatric HSPN and IgAN as the rate of C4d-positivity was comparable in our study. However, in individual cases of pediatric IgAN and most importantly HSPN glomerular C4d-positivity may indicate a more severe course of the disease and might thus be helpful for therapeutic decisions.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of common respiratory tract infections in relation to microbiological profiles in rural health facilities in China: implications for antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Shen Xingrong , Shen Jilu , Pan Yaping , Cheng Jing , Chai Jing , Bowker Karen , MacGowan Alasdair , Oliver Isabel , Lambert Helen , Wang Debin
Published: December 2020

Background This paper tries to describe prevalence and patterns of antibiotics prescription and bacteria detection and sensitivity to antibiotics in rural China and implications for future antibiotic stewardship.Methods The study was implemented in one village clinic and one township health center in each of four rural residential areas in Anhui Province, China. Observations was conducted to record clinical diagnosis and antibiotic prescription. Semi-structured questionnaire survey was used to collected patient’s sociodemographic information and symptoms. Sputum and throat swabs were collected for bacterial culture and susceptibility testing.Results A total of 1068 (51.0% male vs 49.0% female) patients completed the study with diagnosis of respiratory tract infection (326,30.5%), bronchitis/tracheitis (249,23.3%), pharyngitis (119,11.1%) and others (374, 35.0%). They provided 683 sputum and 385 throat swab specimens. Antibiotics were prescribed for 88% of the RTI patients. Of all the specimens tested, 329 (31%) were isolated with bacteria. The most frequently detected bacteria were K. pneumonia (24% in all specimens), H. influenza (16%), H. parainfluenzae (15%), P. aeruginosa (6%), S.aureus (5%), M. catarrhalis (3%) and S. pneumoniae (2%).Conclusions The study establishes the feasibility of conducting microbiological testing outside Tier 2 and 3 hospitals in rural China. It reveals that prescription of antibiotics, especially broad spectrum and combined antibiotics, is still very common and there is a clear need for stewardship programs aimed at both reducing the number of prescriptions and promoting single and narrow-spectrum antibiotics.
The amino acid transporter OsAAP4 contributes to rice tillering and grain yield by regulating neutral amino acid allocation through two splicing variants
Authors: Fang Zhongming , Wu Bowen , Ji Yuanyuan
Published: December 2020

Background: Amino acids, which are transported by amino acid transporters, are the major forms of organic nitrogen utilized by higher plants. Among the 19 Amino Acid Permease transporters (AAPs) in rice, only a small number of these genes have been reported to influence rice growth and development. However, whether other OsAAPs are responsible for rice growth and development is unclear. Results: In this study, we demonstrate that OsAAP4 promoter sequences are divergent between Indica and Japonica, with higher expression in the former, which produces more tillers and higher grain yield than does Japonica. Overexpression of two different splicing variants of OsAAP4 in Japonica ZH11 significantly increased rice tillering and grain yield as result of enhancing the neutral amino acid concentrations of Val, Pro, Thr and Leu. OsAAP4 RNA interference (RNAi) and mutant lines displayed opposite trends compared with overexpresing (OE) lines. In addition, exogenous Val or Pro at 0.5 mM significantly promoted the bud outgrowth of lines overexpressing an OsAAP4a splicing variant compared with ZH11, and exogenous Val or Pro at 2.0 mM significantly enhanced the bud outgrowth of lines overexpressing splicing variant OsAAP4b compared with ZH11. Of note, the results of a protoplast amino acid-uptake assay showed that Val or Pro at different concentrations was specifically transported and accumulated in these overexpressing lines. Transcriptome analysis further demonstrated that OsAAP4 may affect nitrogen transport and metabolism, and auxin, cytokinin signaling in regulating rice tillering. Conclusion: Our results suggested that OsAAP4 contributes to rice tiller and grain yield by regulating neutral amino acid allocation through two different splicing variants and that OsAAP4 might have potential applications in rice breeding.
Defining muscle-invasive bladder cancer immunotypes by introducing tumor mutation burden, CD8+ T cells, and molecular subtypes
Authors: Chen Zihao , Liu Guojun , Liu Guoqing , Bolkov Mikhail A. , Shinwari Khyber , Tuzankina Irina A. , Chereshnev Valery A. , Wang Zhifeng
Published: December 2020

Immunotherapy, especially anti-PD-1, is becoming a pillar of modern muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treatment. However, the objective response rates (ORR) are relatively low due to the lack of precise biomarkers to select patients. Herein, the molecular subtype, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and CD8+ T cells were calculated by the gene expression and mutation profiles of MIBC patients. MIBC immunotypes were constructed using clustering analysis based on tumor mutation burden, CD8+ T cells, and molecular subtypes. Mutated genes, enriched functional KEGG pathways and GO terms, and co-expressed network-specific hub genes have been identified. We demonstrated that ORR of immunotype A patients identified by molecular subtype, CD8+ T cells, and TMB is about 36% predictable. PIK3CA , RB1 , FGFR3 , KMT2C , MACF1 , RYR2 , and EP300 are differentially mutated among three immunotypes. Pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway are top-ranked in enrichment analysis. Low expression of ACTA2 was associated with the MIBC survival benefit. The current study constructs a model that could identify suitable MIBC patients for immunotherapy, and it is an important step forward to the personalized treatment of bladder cancers.Immunotherapy, especially anti-PD-1, is becoming a pillar of modern muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treatment. However, the objective response rates (ORR) are relatively low due to the lack of precise biomarkers to select patients. Herein, the molecular subtype, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and CD8+ T cells were calculated by the gene expression and mutation profiles of MIBC patients. MIBC immunotypes were constructed using clustering analysis based on tumor mutation burden, CD8+ T cells, and molecular subtypes. Mutated genes, enriched functional KEGG pathways and GO terms, and co-expressed network-specific hub genes have been identified. We demonstrated that ORR of immunotype A patients identified by molecular subtype, CD8+ T cells, and TMB is about 36% predictable. PIK3CA , RB1 , FGFR3 , KMT2C , MACF1 , RYR2 , and EP300 are differentially mutated among three immunotypes. Pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway are top-ranked in enrichment analysis. Low expression of ACTA2 was associated with the MIBC survival benefit. The current study constructs a model that could identify suitable MIBC patients for immunotherapy, and it is an important step forward to the personalized treatment of bladder cancers.
Participatory analysis of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) cropping system and production constraints in Burkina Faso
Authors: Boubacar Sinare , Miningou Amos , Nebie Baloua , Eleblu John , Kwadwo Ofori , Traore Appolinaire , Zagre Bertin , Desmae Haile
Published: December 2020

Background: Groundnut is one of the major legume crops grown as food and cash crop across the different agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. It is ranked the 2nd important legume crop for household food, nutrition and income generation for both rural and urban zones, contributing significantly to food supply and economy of the country. Despite its importance and breeding efforts to develop improved varieties, groundnut productivity remains low. Assessing and describing the present groundnut cropping system and production constraints as well as gender dynamics in the main production areas will help in defining the groundnut breeding priorities. Methods: A Participatory Rural Appraisal study was conducted in three groundnut production regions (Central-Eastern, Central-Northern and Central-Western). In each region, 4 villages were selected with a total of 124 farmers interviewed to collect data on socio-demographics, farming systems, cropping practices and production constraints. Data analysis was carried out for qualitative and quantitative variables using STATA 14. Analysis of variance was conducted across regions and gender, and also between and within regions. Kendall's coefficients were determined for qualitative variables across regions for the constraints using the pairwise rank. Pearson's correlation was carried out to assess the relationship between variables, and the chi-square test was used to assess the difference in farmer preferences. Results: The study revealed a cropping system of groundnut in an environment largely affected by climate change and in a subsistence and extensive agriculture. There is a variation in the groundnut cropping system across the regions. Gender plays a key role in the production of the groundnut and 48.39% of women are engaged in groundnut cropping with less access to land and production resources. A yield gap between men and women was observed with men achieving more yield than women. There was a strong correlation between the use of improved varieties and technical assistance. A strong correlation was observed between farm size and production, and farm size and sex denoting an extensive production. Production constraints, although similar, were perceived and ranked differently between regions. The lack of improved varieties, absence of agricultural credit, lack of production tools, the high price of seeds, the high price of fertilizer, drought and disease are some of the important constraints affecting groundnut productivity. Conclusion: This study provides a recent view of groundnut cropping, allowing a good understanding of the farmers’ situation. The result will contribute to the refining of breeding priorities and guide further activities in groundnut breeding in Burkina Faso.
Injury Mechanism Affects the Stability of Suture-Button Syndesmosis Fixation.
Authors: Chen Kuan Hao , Chen Chih Hwa , Huang Yu Min , Lee Hsieh Hsing , Tsuang Yang Hwei
Published: December 2020

Background: Ankle syndesmosis injury is a common condition, and the injury mechanism can be sorted into pure-syndesmosis injury, Weber-B and Weber-C type fractures. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes and stability of suture-button fixation for syndesmosis injury with different injury mechanisms. We hypothesized that injury mechanisms would alter the stability of suture-button fixation.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 63 patients with ankle syndesmosis injury underwent surgery with TightRope (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) from April 2014 to February 2019. The stability of suture-button fixation with TightRope were evaluated by comparing the preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up measurements of tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), tibiofibular overlap (TFO), and medial clear space (MCS). A subgroup analysis for each demographic group and injury type including pure-syndesmosis injury, Weber-B and Weber-C type fractures were performed.Results: Syndesmosis was effectively reduced using TightRope. After the index surgery, the tibiofibular clear space was reduced from 7.73 mm to 4.04 mm, the tibiofibular overlap was increased from 3.05 mm to 6.44 mm, and the medial clear space was reduced from 8.12 mm to 3.54 mm. However, syndesmosis widening was noted at the final follow-up, especially in Weber-C type fractures (TFCS: 3.82 to 4.45 mm, p < 0.01 and TFO: 6.86 to 6.29 mm, p = 0.04). Though widened, the final follow-up values of tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap were in the acceptable range. Postoperatively and at the final follow-up, medial clear space was found to be significantly larger in the Weber-C group than in the pure syndesmosis and Weber-B groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Suture-button fixation can offer anatomic reduction and dynamic fixation in syndesmosis injuries. However, when using this modality for Weber-C type fractures, more attention should be focused on the accuracy of reduction, especially of medial clear space, and rediastasis should be carefully monitored.Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively approved by TMU-JIRB. Registration number N202004122, and the date of approval was May 06, 2020.Level of evidence: III
Relationship Between Symptoms and Stage of Change in Both Adopting a Healthy Life Style and Quality of Life in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Myung Kyung , CHUNG Woo Jin
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies of patients with liver cirrhosis have not considered the broad range of symptoms or the association between healthy behavior and quality of life. The purposes of this study were to examine the association between symptoms and adopting exercise and consuming fruits and vegetables and to identify factors associated with quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 91 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis in one tertiary general hospital in South Korea between February 2016 and January 2017. Each study participant completed a self-administered questionnaire that measured symptom, stage of change in engaging in exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the Korean version of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis and multiple regression models was used, respectively, to examine the association between each symptom with stage of change in engaging in exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables and to evaluate factors affecting quality of life.Results: Experiencing nausea was associated with a higher stage of change in engaging in exercise, but experiencing shortness of breath was associated with a lower stage of change in engaging in exercise. Experiencing right upper quadrant pain was associated with a higher stage of change in engaging in consumption of fruits and vegetables. Muscle cramps, anorexia, right upper quadrant pain and body pain, itching, ascites or edema, bruising, and change in appearance negatively affected quality of life.Conclusions: The results suggest that the types of symptoms experienced by a patient with liver cirrhosis hinder or promote the patient’s adoption of exercise and dietary behavior. Experiencing symptoms may negatively affect quality of life. Caregivers should provide supportive care to patients with liver cirrhosis, which includes assessing and managing symptoms to improve quality of life.
The miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways
Authors: Zhou You , Liu Siyu , Wang Wei , Sun Qiang , Lv Mengzhu , Yang Shude , Tong Shuang , Guo Shu
Published: December 2020

Background: Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are stem cells with the potential to differentiate in multiple directions. MiR-204-5p is expressed at low levels during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, and its specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and possible molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p in the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.Methods: The expression patterns of miR-204-5p, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) and growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7) in hADSCs during osteogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR. Then, ALP and alizarin red staining (ARS) were used to detect osteoblast activities and mineral deposition. Western blotting was conducted to confirm the protein levels. The regulatory relationship among miR-204-5p, FOXC1 and GDF7 was verified by dual-luciferase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.Results: MiR-204-5p expression was downregulated in hADSC osteogenesis, and overexpression of miR-204-5p suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the levels of FOXC1 and GDF7 were decreased in the miR-204-5p mimics group, which indicates that miR-204-5p overexpression suppresses the expression of FOXC1 and GDF7 by binding to their 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Overexpression of FOXC1 or GDF7 improved the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs induced by the miR-204-5p mimics. Moreover, FOXC1 was found to bind to the promoter of miR-204-5p and GDF7, promote the deacetylation of miR-204-5p and reduce the expression of miR-204-5p, thus promoting the expression of GDF7 during osteogenic differentiation. GDF7 induced hADSC osteogenesis differentiation by activating the AKT and P38 signalling pathways.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways. This study further revealed the regulatory mechanism of hADSC differentiation from the perspective of miRNA regulation.
Cryomilled Ni-Co-Se Enables Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts Durable at High Current Densities
Authors: Abed Jehad , Ahmadi Shideh , Laverdure Laura , Abdellah Ahmed , O'Brien Colin , Sobrino Pedro , Sinton David , Higgins Drew , Mosey Nicholas , Thorpe Steven J. , Sargent Edward
Published: December 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) limits electrocatalysis due to the high overpotential incurred by the poor reaction kinetics; this problem worsens over time if the performance of the OER electrocatalyst diminishes during operation. Here, we report the synthesis of immiscible Ni-Co-Se nanoparticles (<10 nm) for alkaline OER using milling at a cryogenic temperature. Milling at such low temperatures promotes thermodynamically stable nanocrystalline intermetallics with a high density of coordinatively unsaturated active sites. Using operando synchrotron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and density functional theory we found that during the OER, Se ions leaches out of the nanocrystalline structure activating the electrocatalyst by hydrating and transforming defective Ni and Co sites into active and stable oxyhydroxides. Activated (NiCo)3Se4 electrocatalyst required only an overpotential of 279 mV at 0.5 A.cm-2 and 329 mV at 1 A.cm-2 for 500 hours in 1M KOH. Using anion exchange membrane, we report the lowest cell voltage for an alkaline water electrolyser delivering 2 A.cm-2 at 2 V.
Functional Analysis of Privileges in Document-Communication System of Royal Chancellery of the Jagiellonian Dynasty Lviv Defense Policy During Its Pre-Source Existence (Information Potential of Archival Funds Tsdial of Ukraine)
Authors: Bilushchak Тetiana N.
Published: December 2020

The funds of the Central State Historical Archive of Ukraine in Lviv have been analyzed. It is turned out that the most significant information potential regarding the Jagiellonian dynasties Lviv defense policy is fund: 52, 131. One of the types of documents created by the Royal Chancellery, namely privileges as a result of the activity of the document-communication system of the defense policy of Lviv of the Jagiellonian dynasty, was researched. During the document processing, privileges in the content have been systematized as those issued for the restoration of the city’s defense capability, for protection against attacks by Turkish-Tatar troops and for natural disasters elimination. On the basis of them, the analysis of the functions they performed during their pre-source existence was made. The analysis of documents in the period of its pre-source existence makes it possible to consider it as a real phenomenon, and as a fact of the historical process. Another benefit of this research is that, depending on the role that privileges have played in the past, its significance in the source base is largely determined. The more significant the primary social function of the source (the impact on subsequent historical events, processes, phenomena, breadth of scope, etc.), the more important the value of the source as the information bearer. Thus, the following functions were clarified as informational, social, communicative, administrative, legal, and historical functions, which acquired privileges after their operational acting role and were sent to Central State Historical Archive of Ukraine in Lviv for preservation. The paper gives examples of the Jagiellonian dynasty privileges and the dynamics of their issuance during the defense capabilities and fortifications construction enhancement in Lviv for natural disasters or enemy attack protection. The study found that the urban privileges granted by monarchs at different times were the main research source into the kings’ policy to strengthen Lviv’s defense capabilities. The informative value of the sources consists of the possibility to trace the emergence of Lviv as an important defense and strategic center by analyzing the document content. The city fortifications are first mentioned in the privileges of Vladislav II Jagiello. During the reign of the successors of Vladislav II Jagiello – Casimir IV and Jan Olbracht, a large-scale construction of new fortifications, walls and towers was completed. The privileges of the successor kings Jagiel are typologically similar and granted for the same purpose as Vladislav II Jagiel himself. Keywords: document-communication system, Jagiellonian dynasty, medieval Lviv, defense fortifications, archival sources, privileges, functional analysis.
Archives and Politics in Ukraine of the XX-XXI Centuries
Authors: Ignatusha Оlexandr М.
Published: December 2020

Relations between state policy and the state of archival affairs in Ukraine during the XX – the beginning of the XXI centuries are analyzed. The content and forms of activity of the archives are characterized. Based on the legislative acts, the stages of the evolution of archival institutions of Ukraine are given. The negative effects of the Soviet political system on the structure and network of archival bodies, qualitative composition of employees, and the biased nature of the formation of a documentary base are highlighted. The example of the fate of Ukrainian archivists illustrates the deformation of the archival industry. The existence of a separate vertical of the party archives, contrary to the idea of a single archival fund, is shown. The tragic role of the leadership of the branch by the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs-Ministry of Internal Affairs, which lasted from 1938 to 1961, is noted. The content of political orders from the authorities is disclosed. The presence of the Russian ideological factor in the publications of Ukrainian archivists is demonstrated. The importance of archival periodicals and information technologies is emphasized. Changes in archival construction after Ukraine acquired the state sovereignty is revealed: an update of the legal basis and philosophy of national archival construction. The importance of the establishment and operation of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Archival Affairs and Records Keeping was evaluated. Contemporary contradictions, relics, and recurrences of the old political system in the practice of archival construction are outlined. An information breakthrough provided by free access for researchers to the Sectoral State Archives of the Security Service of Ukraine is acknowledged. By the permission dated 2019 free copy of archival documents promoted profound scientific researches and restoration of historical memory. Conclusion about the integral connection between the functioning of the archival system in Ukraine of the XX-XXI centuries and state-political and social transformations is made.

Keywords: archives, historical sources, politics, Soviet state, power, ideology, Communist Party, National Archival Fund.
Numerical Simulation for Comparative Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of Turbulent Flow in Tubes with Twisted Tape Inserts
Authors: Mogaji Taye Stephen , Idowu Emmanuel Tolulope , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: December 2020

This article focused on investigating numerically the effects of key design parameters including tape thickness, tube wall to tape edge clearance and three different perforated shapes cut (circular, triangular and pentagon) on the heat transfer coefficient enhancement in tube with twisted tape inserts. Water was considered as the working fluid under the turbulent flow of Reynolds number (Re) between 12,000 and 22,000, with constant wall temperature of the tubes. It is found that due to the swirling flow and efficient mixing of the fluid, all the tape inserts considered in this study produced better thermalhydraulic performance than the plain tube without an insert. At the same time, tape inserts with small tube wall to tape edge clearance and considerable thickness value is beneficial to reduce the friction factor, consequently enhancing the heat transfer rate. Through the thermal performance factor (TPF) evaluation, the twisted tape with perforated triangular shape cut has an advantage over the pentagon and circular shapes cut with increasing Re. A maximum TPF as high as 1.68 can be obtained for the twisted tape with perforated triangular shape cut under low turbulent Re.
COSTA CONCORDIA DENİZ KAZASININ DENİZ EMNİYETİ BAKIMINDAN SONUÇLARI
Authors: DEMİR İsmail , KARA Özgenur
Published: December 2020

COSTA CONCORDIA isimli yolcu gemisinin sebep olduğu deniz kazası neticesinde toplam olarak otuz üç kişi hayatını kaybetmiş, yüzlerce kişi yaralanmış ve gemi tamamen kullanılamaz bir hâle gelmiştir. COSTA CONCORDIA kazasının büyüklüğü ve sonuçları, onun deniz emniyeti bakımından değerlendirilmesini gerektirmiştir. Bu çalışmada ilk olarak kaza, meydana geliş şekli bakımından açıklanmıştır. İkinci olarak, deniz emniyetine ilişkin sorunlar ve uluslararası düzenlemeler kapsamında ihlal olarak nitelendirilebilecek hususlar tespit edilmiştir. Son olarak Birleşmiş Milletler Teşkilatı’nın bir uzmanlık kuruluşu olan Uluslararası Denizcilik Örgütü (International Maritime Organization – “IMO”) Deniz Emniyeti Komitesi (Maritime Safety Committee – “MSC”) ve Avrupa Birliği’nin meseleye ilişkin çalışmalarına temas edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada COSTA CONCORDIA kazası sonrası IMO-MSC’nin katkısıyla, yolcu gemisi donatanlara yönelik geçici tedbirlerin belirlendiği, deniz emniyetine yönelik sorun teşkil edebilecek hususların uzun vadeli eylem planına eklendiği ve 1974 tarihli Denizde Can Emniyeti Uluslararası Sözleşmesi (International Convention for the Safety Life at Sea, 1974 – “1974 SOLAS”)’da değişiklik yapıldığı tespit edilmektedir. Ayrıca, COSTA CONCORDIA kazası, Avrupa Birliği ve sivil toplum kuruluşları nezdinde de deniz emniyeti boyutu ile dikkat çekmiştir.
Avaliação do nível de maturidade para a geração de empreendimentos inovadores com metodologia CERNE:
Authors: Nesello Priscila , Vasconcelos da Rosa Cristiane
Published: December 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar o nível de maturidade das incubadoras do Extremo Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, com a utilização da Metodologia do Centro de Referência para Apoio a Novos Empreendimentos (CERNE). O CERNE é um modelo direcionado para resultados e promove a melhoria na qualidade dos processos das incubadoras, aumentando o potencial de geração de empreendimentos inovadores. O modelo possui oito processos-chave e trinta e três práticas-chave. A avaliação foi feita em duas incubadoras de base tecnológica da cidade de Pelotas-RS, a CONECTAR vinculada a Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL) e a CIEMSUL vinculada a Universidade Católica de Pelotas (UCPEL). A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em duas etapas, qualitativa e quantitativa. A etapa qualitativa foi realizada por meio de entrevistas presenciais. A etapa quantitativa foi realizada com a aplicação de questionário, baseado nos processos-chave do CERNE NÍVEL 1. Ambas as etapas foram realizadas com a participação dos coordenadores das incubadoras. Como resultado, foi possível identificar que as incubadoras estudadas encontram-se na fase de implantação do CERNE NÍVEL 1. A contribuição deste estudo está em evidenciar a importância da articulação de um planejamento de implantação das práticas do modelo CERNE, com vistas a aperfeiçoar o atendimento aos incubados por meio de procedimentos que possibilitem uma melhor gestão administrativa, alinhando ações para complementar e disponibilizar uma base referencial de produtos, serviços e processos.
O INICIAR DE UMA CARREIRA PROFISSIONAL
Authors: Santa Anna Jorge
Published: December 2020

A constituição de uma carreira profissional perpassa por diversas circunstâncias e sofre influências de fatores dos mais diferenciados. De todas as ocorrências do desenvolvimento profissional, a satisfação pelo que se faz, certamente é a condição mais importante para desencadear êxito aos fazeres que sustentam uma profissão. Além disso, a busca pela ampliação de conhecimento, oriunda, normalmente, da dedicação aos estudos, da prática da pesquisa e compartilhamento das descobertas, representa uma estratégia para o aperfeiçoamento profissional. Portanto, este relato de experiência descreve a prática docente de um bibliotecário recém-formado, ao ser ingressado como professor substituto ao Curso de Biblioteconomia, em uma universidade federal. Apresenta o contexto de vinculação institucional do professor substituto e as atividades educativas que sustentaram as disciplinas por ele ministradas, quais sejam: Representação Descritiva I e II e Fontes de Informação. Ademais, reforça o método de ensino adotado nas disciplinas, considerando a filosofia do “ensinar aprendendo” e a prática da pesquisa. Por fim, conclui apontando as contribuições da experiência no desenvolvimento profissional do docente e do alunado, haja vista a formação de competências e habilidades necessárias ao exercício profissional junto ao mercado de trabalho.
Vitamin D: A Pleiotropic Hormone with Possible Psychotropic Activities
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Parra Elisabetta , Palermo Stefania , Barberi Filippo Maria , Buccianelli Beatrice , Ricciardulli Sara , Cappelli Andrea , Mucci Federico , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

After the recognition of the efficacy of cod–liver oil in rickets at the end of the eighteenth century, and the isolation and synthesis of the liposoluble vitamin D in 1931, its mode of actions and functions were deeply explored. Biochemical studies permitted to identify five forms of vitamin D, called D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, differing in ultrastructural conformation and origin, with vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) representing the active forms. In the last decades especially, a constantly increasing bulk of data highlighted how vitamin D could regulate several activities and processes.

Aims:

The aim of the present paper was to review and comment on the literature on vitamin D, with a focus on its possible role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Discussion:

vailable literature indicates that vitamin D regulates a variety of processes in humans and in the central nervous system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an enhanced pro-inflammatory state, and formation of Aβ oligomers that might contribute to the cognitive decline typical of the elderly age and, perhaps, dementia. More in general, vitamin D is supposed to play a crucial role in neuroinflammation processes that are currently hypothesized to be involved in the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and psychosis.

Conclusions:

It is conceivable that vitamin D supplementation might pave the way towards “natural” treatments of a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders, or at least be useful to boost response to psychotropic drugs in resistant cases.
Recent Progress in 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Catalytic Oxidation to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Cai Chiliu , Wang Haiyong , Xin Haosheng , Zhu Changhui , Wang Chenguang , Zhang Qi , Liu Qiying , Ma Longlong
Published: December 2020

Biomass has attracted much attention because of its clean and renewable characteristics.
The conversion of biomass into various fine chemicals and high value-added fuels is
one of the important ways to solve the energy shortage and environmental pollution. 2,5-furan
dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a kind of important and promising new bio-based monomer, has
attracted the attention of many researchers due to its wide applications in different industries.
Therefore, many efforts have been made over various metal catalysts for FDCA production
from this biomass-derived platform chemical, 5hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). In this review,
we introduced the reaction pathways of the aerobic oxidation of HMF to FDCA and summarized
the recent progress of different catalysts and catalysis for HMF aerobic oxidation. Catalytic
performance and reaction pathways are discussed in detail. Finally, conclusions and the
remaining challenges are proposed and further prospects are presented in view of the technical aspects.
Synthetic Approaches for Building Tricyclic Cage-like Motifs Found in Indoxamycins
Authors: Haider Saqlain , Khan Ikhlas A. , Ding Hanfeng , Chittiboyina Amar G.
Published: December 2020

Indoxamycins A-F, a novel class of polyketides, were isolated from the saline culture
of marine-derived actinomyces by Sato et al. in 2009. Intriguing stereochemical complexity
involving tricyclic [5.5.6] cage-like structures with six consecutive chiral centers challenged
many organic chemists. Chemical ingenuity, implementation of pioneered reactions
along with fine chemical transformations allowed not only the rapid construction of the central
core but also allowed minor structural revision and paved the information to delineate the
absolute stereostructures of these complex polyketide marine natural products. To achieve the
central core structure in indoxamycins A-F, reactions like the Ireland-Claisen rearrangement,
an enantioselective 1,6-enyne reductive cyclization, and one-pot cascade reactions of 1,2-
addition/oxa-Michael/methylenation were employed. Using the chiral pool approach, the
readily available R-carvone was employed as a cost-effective starting material to achieve the concise total syntheses
of (-)-indoxamycins A and B, in which Pauson-Khand, Cu-catalyzed Michael addition and tandem retro-oxa-Michael
addition/1,2-addition/oxa-Michael addition reactions were employed. The antipodes, (+)-indoxamycins can be easily
accessed by simply switching to S-carvone as the starting material. Synthetically prepared indoxamycins A-F are devoid
of antiproliferative properties, which disagree with the work reported by Sato and co-workers for (-)-
indoxamycins A and F. Nevertheless, ready access to such complex natural products allows probing the untapped
potential biological activities of these polyketides including cytotoxicity. A concise overview of interesting, key
chemical transformations including named reactions in establishing the architecture of indoxamycins was compiled to
inspire organic chemists and help reinvigorate novel strategies for the asymmetric synthesis as well as the development
of novel derivatives of indoxamycins with unique physicochemical and biological properties.
Imidazole Derivatives and their Antibacterial Activity - A Mini-Review
Authors: Andrei Gâz Șerban , Andrei Boda Francisc , Roxana Pop Rahela
Published: December 2020

Background:

The development of drug resistance by bacterial strains is a public health issue, being the main
cause for the decrease in effectiveness of numerous antibiotics. In this context, it is essential to find new drugs with better
antibacterial activity.

Objective:

The authors proposed to cover relevant literature, published following the review article written by Rani et al.,
illustrating chemical structures and antibacterial activity of some imidazole derivatives.

Method:

Approximately 100 scientific articles, presenting more than 150 compounds have been reviewed. The most
relevant data have been extracted and systematically arranged in figures and tables.

Results:

The reviewed studies used a broad number of bacterial strains, however Staphylococcus aureus as Gram-positive,
and Escherichia coli as Gram-negative bacterial strains were most frequently used to assess the activity of these compounds.

Conclusion:

Some of the compounds showed promising results against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial
strains, thus further analysis should be performed in terms of toxicity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Additional
screening of these imidazole derivatives could lead to useful compounds with potential broad-spectrum antibacterial activity
against resistant pathogens.
Stable Loading and Delivery of Icaritin Using PEG-PCL Micelles for Effective Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Jian-Guang , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiao-Jie , Zhou Gang
Published: December 2020

Background:

Icaritin can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in Oral Squamous
Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). However, low solubility limits its clinical usage.

Objectives:

To improve the efficacy of icaritin treatment, a micelle system was designed for targeted
delivery of drugs to OSCC cells.

Methods:

In the present study, the micelles loaded with icaritin were self-assembled from the amphipathic
polymer via film dispersion. Nanoparticles were characterized with the transmission electron
microscope and dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxicity of icaritin nanoparticles was analyzed
by CCK-8, and in vitro target-selective intracellular uptake behaviors were observed using a
laser confocal microscope.

Results:

The micelles were spherical with the mean diameter of 121.2 nm. in vitro studies revealed
that icaritin was stablely and slowly released from micelles. Cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated
that icartin-loaded micelles exhibited better therapeutic efficacy compared with free icaritin. Cellular
uptake and intracellular release results revealed that micelles efficiently delivered icaritin into
OSCC cells.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that encapsulated icaritin in polycaprolactone - polyethylene glycol
(PCL-PEG) micelles may provide safe and effective drug delivery in OSCC treatments.
State-of-the-Art Review of Current Therapies for HFpEF: An Overview of Interatrial Septal Device Therapy in Heart Failure
Authors: Al-Sadawi Mohammed , Ortega Romy R. , Ariyaratnam Jonathan , Battisha Ayman , Madoukh Bader , Bukharovich Inna
Published: December 2020

Summary: Heart failure (HF) affects an increasing number of geriatric patients. The condition is classified according to whether the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is reduced or preserved. Many patients have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and are faced with a shortage of effective therapeutic strategies. However, an emerging mechanical strategy for treatment is gaining momentum. Interatrial septal connection devices, V-wave device and Interatrial septal device are new devices for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We review the function of these systems and the data from the recent clinical trials.

Expert Commentary: Interatrial septal connection device therapy provided favorable efficacy and safety profile applicable to a wide range of patients with HFpEF. However, the long-term effects of these devices on morbidity and mortality merits longitudinal studies and large multicenter randomized controlled trials.
Insulin Resistance is Associated with Subclinical Vascular Injury in Patients with a Kidney Disease
Authors: Adeva-Andany María M. , Fernández-Fernández Carlos , Adeva-Contreras Lucía , Carneiro-Freire Natalia , Domínguez-Montero Alberto , Mouriño-Bayolo David
Published: December 2020

Patients with kidney disease have a strikingly high cardiovascular risk in the absence of
conventional cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking or elevation of cholesterol associated
with low-density lipoprotein. Kidney failure remains independently associated with increased cardiovascular
risk in patients with diabetes, underlining the specific adverse influence of kidney disease
on cardiovascular risk. Vascular injury develops in asymptomatic patients with kidney failure
early in the course of the disease. Defective arterial vasodilation, increased arterial stiffness, increased
intima-media thickness, and vascular calcification develop in patients with kidney disease
long before clinical evidence of cardiovascular events. Even mildly reduced kidney function is associated
with a subclinical vascular disease, which is a predictor of worse cardiovascular outcome in
patients with kidney failure, similar to the general population and patients with diabetes. Insulin resistance
is a typical feature of kidney disease that occurs during the entire span of the disorder,
from mild dysfunction to the dialysis phase. Insulin resistance (or its clinical manifestations, the
metabolic syndrome or its components) is independently associated with a subclinical vascular injury
in patients with kidney disease. Additionally, the risk of developing incident kidney disease
and the rapid decline in kidney function is higher in patients with insulin resistance. Animal protein
consumption increases dietary acid load and intensifies insulin resistance. Consistently, meat
intake promotes diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure, while the consumption of
plant-based food is protective against the development of the vascular disease. Insulin resistance is
a robust cardiovascular risk factor in the general population, patients with diabetes, and patients
with kidney disease.
COVID-19 Severity: Lung-Heart Interplay
Authors: Puri Gayatri , Singh Vikram P. , Naura Amarjit S.
Published: December 2020

In December 2019, a novel COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 has emerged
as a global emergency. In a few months, the pathogen has infected millions of people in the world.
Primarily SARS-CoV-2 infects the pulmonary system which ultimately leads to ARDS and lung
failure. The majority of patients develop milder symptoms but the infection turns severe in a huge
number of people, which ultimately results in enhanced mortality in COVID-19 patients. Co-morbid
conditions, primarily cardiovascular complications and diabetes, have been reported to show a
strong correlation with COVID-19 severity. Further, the onset of myocardial injury secondary to
pulmonary damage has been observed in critically ill patients who have never reported heart-related
ailments before. Due to drastic health risks associated with virus infection, the unprecedented
disruption in normal business throughout the world has caused economic misery. Apparently, newer
treatments are urgently needed to combat the virus particularly to reduce the severity burden.
Therefore, understanding the crosstalk between lung and heart during COVID-19 might give us better
clarity for early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment in patients with the likelihood of
developing severe symptoms. Accordingly, the present review highlights the potential mechanisms
that may explain the crosstalk between lung and heart so that effective treatment/management
strategies can be evolved swiftly in this direction.