bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of autophagy in MHC class I antigen presentation
Authors: Øynebråten Inger 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMHC class I molecules on the cellular surface display peptides that either derive from endogenous proteins (self or viral), or from endocytosis of molecules, dying cells or pathogens. The conventional antigen‐processing pathway for MHC class I presentation depends on proteasome‐mediated degradation of the protein followed by transporter associated with antigen‐processing (TAP)‐mediated transport of the generated peptides into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, peptides are loaded onto MHC I molecules before transportation to the cell surface. However, several alternative mechanisms have emerged. These include TAP‐independent mechanisms, the vacuolar pathway and involvement of autophagy. Autophagy is a cell intrinsic recycling system. It also functions as a defence mechanism that removes pathogens and damaged endocytic compartments from the cytosol. Therefore, it appears likely that autophagy would intersect with the MHC class I presentation pathway to alarm CD8+ T cells of an ongoing intracellular infection. However, the importance of autophagy as a source of antigen for presentation on MHC I molecules remains to be defined. Here, original research papers which suggest involvement of autophagy in MHC I antigen presentation are reviewed. The antigens are from herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus and chlamydia. The studies point towards autophagy as important in MHC class I presentation of endogenous proteins during conditions of immune evasion. Because autophagy is a regulated process which is induced upon activation of, for example, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), it will be crucial to use relevant stimulatory conditions together with primary cells when aiming to confirm the importance of autophagy in MHC class I antigen presentation in future studies.
Under lying conditions of gender‐based violence—Decolonial feminism meets epistemic ignorance: Critical transnational conversations
Authors: Segalo Puleng , Fine Michelle 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article engages a doubled conversation, between South Africa and the United States, about gender‐based violenceandthe curious epistemic silence, even in critical psychology, about gendered and racialized violence as a deep sedimentary, transnational and transhistoric, layer of (in)human(e) existence. In this article, we lift up the long history of underlying conditions of state‐sponsored and socially enacted violence, and we also problematize how social science scholarship has been designed, underlying conditions, such that anti‐Black violence and gender‐based violence are routinely (mis)represented as if idiosyncratic ruptures—microaggressions or battered women—in an otherwise smooth social fabric. Through the lens of decolonial feminism, we examine how the COVID‐19 crisis makes public the gendering of violence, especially against Black women, as if it were a spike, obscuring how pervasive and enduring it is—a constant moan in South Africa, India, the United States, among native women in Canada, and other places around the globe. We end by calling for critical scholarship that peels back the symptom of gender‐based violence, recognizes the history and ongoing structural enactment of racialized and gendered violence, and excavates the bold and relentless heartbeat of resistance narrated in quiet and loud demands for dignity, liberation, and desire.
Multi‐criteria analysis to identify the factors affecting water reuse scheme in India
Authors: Goyal Kirti , Kumar Arun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe growing interest in alternative water supplies is impelling societies, government bodies and industries throughout the world to conduct research and discuss the feasibility of reuse of treated wastewater. Treated wastewater has emerged as an affordable source of water supply worldwide. Designing of wastewater reuse systems involves consideration of multiple criteria such as technical, social, economic, environmental, legal as well as multiple stakeholders. The objective of the present study is to develop a multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) approach using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) for the selection of significant criteria and sub‐criteria governing the planning and execution of water reuse systems considering the local conditions and end users. The weightage of the individual parameters is obtained. The results indicate that the weightage of different criteria varies for different stakeholders. The analysis may help in developing a holistic approach for reuse of treated wastewater inducing improved decision‐making at authoritative levels.
All-Time Modeling of Co-Current Spontaneous Water Imbibition Into Gas-Saturated Rocks Using a Novel Transition Time
Authors: Jia Lin , Li Kewen , Zhao Lipeng , Mahlalela Bhekumuzi Mgijimi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Spontaneous imbibition (SI) into a porous medium is an important transport phenomenon in petroleum reservoir engineering. The study of spontaneous water imbibition is critical to predict the production performance in these reservoirs developed by waterflooding, especially in the fractured gas reservoirs with active aquifers. While some studies have been reported to characterize spontaneous water imbibition into gas-saturated rocks, they are either limited or inaccurate due to the fact that the existing models have specific assumptions that cannot be applied in other time intervals. To this end, we proposed a novel transition imbibition time t* and developed an all-time (including both early- and later-time SI) model to match the experimental SI data. Furthermore, we proposed a novel model to estimate capillary pressures at different water saturations and to characterize the water saturation profile in capillary-dominated stage. Comparison with the existing capillary pressure estimation models was performed to test the differences. The results demonstrated that the all-time model could fit the experimental imbibition data of the entire SI process satisfactorily. The new saturation model established in this paper can be well fitted with the water saturation profile measured by the X-ray computer tomography (CT) scanners. The results and findings from this work may be of great significance in many areas related to SI, particularly in the development of naturally fractured gas reservoirs with active aquifers.
Solar Chimney Power Plant Performance for Different Seasons Under Varying Solar Irradiance and Temperature Distribution
Authors: Ayli Ulku Ece , Özgirgin Ekin , Tareq Maısarh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
One of the most promising renewable energy sources is solar energy due to low cost and low harmful emissions, and from the 1980s, one of the most beneficial applications of solar energy is the utilization of solar chimney power plants (SCPP). Recently, with the advancement in computer technology, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology for studying SCPP has become an extensive, robust, and powerful technique. In light of the above, in this study, numerical simulations of an SCPP through three-dimensional axisymmetric modeling is performed. A numerical model is created using CFD software, and the results are verified with an experimental study from the literature. The amount of solar radiation and surrounding weather (ambient temperature) were analyzed, and the effects of the irradiance and air temperature on the output power of the SCPP were studied. Ambient temperature is considered as one of the most important factors that influence collector efficiency in a negative or a positive manner. Solar irradiance is considered to be the most important factor that has an impact on SCPP performance. The investigation includes the study of the relationship between solar insolation and ambient temperatures during the daytime since the difference between the minimum and maximum power values and the performance are very important considering seasonal changes. According to the results, power values are dependent on the amount of solar radiation as well as the ambient temperature, and the importance of selection of location thus climate for an SCPP is found to affect the design of the SCPP.
A Comparative Study of Metaheuristic Techniques for the Thermoenvironomic Optimization of a Gas Turbine-Based Benchmark Combined Heat and Power System
Authors: Nondy J. , Gogoi T. K. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of four metaheuristic techniques, namely, the particle swarm optimization (PSO), genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA), and the harmony search (HS), used in thermoenvironomic optimization of a benchmark gas turbine-based combined heat and power system known as CGAM problem. The performance comparison of the metaheuristic techniques is conducted by executing each algorithm for 30 runs to evaluate the reproducibility and stability of the optimal solutions. The study takes the exergetic, economic, and environmental factors into consideration in defining the thermoenvironomic objective function in terms of system cost rate. The thermodynamic and the economic model vis-à-vis optimization is validated by comparing the present results with previously published ones. From the optimal results, the PSO was found to be the most effective technique for thermoenvironomic optimization of the CGAM problem. Further, to highlight the benefits of optimization, the results obtained from the best method (PSO) are compared with those obtained by using the base case design variables recommended previously for the classical CGAM problem. The comparative results reveal that the system cost rate and the exergoeconomic factor of the CGAM system are reduced by 10.25% and 5.58%, respectively. Besides, the CO2 emission also reduces from 16.34 tons/h to 15.17 tons/h.
Optimal Control Strategies for Switchable Roof Insulation Systems Applied to US Residential Buildings
Authors: Dehwah Ammar H. A. , Krarti Moncef 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSwitchable building envelope systems, including passive and active systems, have recently seen an increase interest in the literature. Unlike static insulation, switchable insulation systems (SISs) have the ability to adjust the thermal properties of envelope elements. Advanced control strategies for SISs are evaluated in this analysis using genetic algorithm-based optimization techniques. In particular, this study investigates the potential heating and cooling energy savings for deploying optimal controls specific to SIS technologies when applied to residential roofs located in representative US climates. Moreover, energy use and peak demand savings obtained by optimal controls are compared with those obtained from the 2-step rule-based controls. Overall, the analysis results indicate that the maximum monthly additional savings obtained by optimal controls can reach up to 32% compared with 2-step rule sets when an annual analysis is conducted for a residential building located in Golden, CO.
A Proposal for Complex Gait Evaluation Using Dual-Task Gait Termination Time
Authors: Johnson Rachel S. , Scott Kendall H. , Lynall Robert C. 
Published: September 2020

Context: Gait termination time (GTT) has been used to predict falls in older adults but has not been explored in the sport rehabilitation setting. The incorporation of a concurrent cognitive task as a complex measure of gait in this clinical population could lead to better health-related outcomes. Objective: To compare the effect of planned and unplanned gait termination with and without a concurrent cognitive task on reaction time (RT), gait velocity, and GTT. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Twenty young adults (females 60.0%, age 20.1 [0.9] y, height 169.5 [8.8] cm, mass 67.4 [10.8] kg). Intervention: Participants completed 6 planned and 6 unplanned gait termination trials on an instrumented gait mat with and without a cognitive task. Main Outcome Measures: The authors measured RT (s), gait velocity (m/s), GTT (s), and normalized GTT (s2/m). A 2 (motor) × 2 (cognitive) repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = .05) was used; significant interaction effects were explored using Bonferroni-corrected t tests (α < .008). Results: Participants walked more slowly during dual-task trials compared with single-task trials (F1,19 = 4.401, P = .050). Participants walked significantly more slowly with a cognitive task during planned (P < .001, mean difference = −0.184 m/s, 95% CI, −0.256 to −0.111) and unplanned (P = .001, mean difference = −0.111 m/s, 95% CI, −0.173 to −0.050) gait termination. Participants walked significantly more slowly (P < .001, mean difference = −0.142 m/s, 95% CI, −0.210 to −0.075) when performing the most difficult task, unplanned termination with a cognitive task, than when performing the least difficult task, planned termination with no cognitive task. We observed a cognitive task main effect such that adding a cognitive task increased RT (F1,19 = 16.375, P = .001, mean difference = −0.118 s, 95% CI, −0.178 to −0.057) and slowed normalized GTT (F1,19 = 5.655, P = .028, mean difference = −0.167 s2/m, 95% CI, −0.314 to −0.020). Conclusions: Overall, participants displayed more conservative gait strategies and slower RT, normalized GTT, and gait velocity as task difficulty increased. More investigation is needed to truly understand the clinical meaningfulness of these measures in athletic injuries.
Sex dimorphism in the associations of gestational diabetes with cord blood adiponectin and retinol-binding protein 4
Authors: Yang Meng-Nan , Chiu Huei-Chen , Wang Wen-Juan , Fang Fang , Zhang Guang-Hui , Zhu Hong , Zhang Lin , Zhang Dan-Li , Du Qinwen , He Hua , Huang Rong , Liu Xin , Li Fei , Zhang Jun , Ouyang Fengxiu , Hua Xiaolin , Luo Zhong-Cheng 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionGestational diabetes (GD) is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity in newborns. Adiponectin and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4) are involved in regulating insulin sensitivity. Females are more likely to develop diabetes at young ages than males. We tested the hypothesis that GD may affect RBP-4 and adiponectin levels in early life, and there may be sex-dimorphic associations.Research design and methodsIn a nested case–control study of 153 matched pairs of neonates of mothers with GD and euglycemic pregnancies in the Shanghai Birth Cohort, we evaluated cord plasma leptin, high molecular weight (HMW) and total adiponectin and RBP-4 concentrations.ResultsComparing GD versus euglycemic pregnancies adjusted for maternal and neonatal characteristics in female newborns, cord plasma total adiponectin (mean±SD: 30.8±14.3 vs 37.1±16.1 µg/mL, p=0.048) and HMW adiponectin (14.6±7.7 vs 19.3±8.3 µg/mL, p=0.004) concentrations were lower, while RBP-4 concentrations were higher (21.7±5.4 vs 20.0±4.8 µg/mL, p=0.007). In contrast, there were no differences in male newborns (all p>0.2). RBP-4 concentrations were higher in female versus male newborns (21.7±5.4 vs 18.8±4.5 µg/mL, p<0.001) in GD pregnancies only. HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in female versus male newborns in euglycemic pregnancies only (19.3±8.3 vs 16.1±7.4 µg/mL, p=0.014).ConclusionsGD was associated with lower cord plasma HMW adiponectin and higher RBP-4 concentrations in female newborns only. The study is the first to reveal a sex-dimorphic early life impact of GD on metabolic health biomarkers in the offspring. GD may alter the normal presence (HMW adiponectin) or absence (RBP-4) of sex dimorphism in some insulin sensitivity regulation-relevant adipokines in early life.
Decreased miR-150 in obesity-associated type 2 diabetic mice increases intraocular inflammation and exacerbates retinal dysfunction
Authors: Yu Fei , Chapman Samantha , Pham Dylan Luc , Ko Michael Lee , Zhou Beiyan , Ko Gladys Y-P 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among the working population in the USA. Current therapies, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments, cannot completely reverse the visual defects induced by DR. MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) is a regulator that suppresses inflammation and pathological angiogenesis. In patients with diabetes, miR-150 is downregulated. As chronic inflammation is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of DR, whether diabetes-associated decrease of miR-150 is merely associated with the disease progression or decreased miR-150 causes retinal inflammation and pathological angiogenesis is still unknown.Research design and methodsWe used high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) in wild type (WT) and miR-150 knockout (miR-150-/-) mice for this study and compared retinal function and microvasculature morphology.ResultsWe found that WT mice fed with an HFD for only 1 month had a significant decrease of miR-150 in the blood and retina, and retinal light sensitivity also decreased. The miR-150-/-mice on the HFD developed diabetes similar to that of the WT. At 7–8 months old, miR-150-/-mice under normal diet had increased degeneration of retinal capillaries compared with WT mice, indicating that miR-150 is important in maintaining the structural integrity of retinal microvasculature. Deletion of miR-150 worsened HFD-induced retinal dysfunction as early as 1 month after the diet regimen, and it exacerbated HFD-induced T2DR by further increasing retinal inflammation and microvascular degeneration.ConclusionThese data suggest that decreased miR-150 caused by obesity or diabetic insults is not merely correlated to the disease progression, but it contributes to the retinal dysfunction and inflammation, as well as the development of DR.
World Café approach: exploring the future vision of oral anticoagulants for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Aileen , Brosnan Stephen , McCarthy Stephen , O’Raghallaigh Paidi , Bradley Colin , Kirby Ann 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo explore and reflect on the current anticoagulation therapy offered to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), potential challenges and the future vision for oral anticoagulants for patients with AF and healthcare professionals in Ireland.DesignA multistakeholder focus group using a World Café approach.ParticipantsNine participants from academic, clinical and health backgrounds attended the focus group together with a facilitator.ResultsEnhanced patient empowerment; more effective use of technology and developing system-based medical care pathways would provide improved supports for AF management. The challenges in providing these include cost and access issues, the doctor–patient relationship and the provision of education. While consensus for developing evidence-based pathways to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of AF treatment was evident, it would require a shared vision between stakeholders of integrated care. The benefits of embracing technological advances for clinicians and patients were evident; however, clinicians indicate this can increase pressure on already stretched resources; coupled with institutional barriers (including scarce resources) arising from the complex nature of anticoagulation for patients with AF, which emerged strongly. Including the unpredictable nature of warfarin, hidden costs associated with monitoring, adverse clinical effects, different patient cohorts (including those prescribed anticoagulant for the first time vs those switching from warfarin to a new oral anticoagulant (NOAC)), non-adherence concerns and undesirable impacts on patients’ daily lives.ConclusionsWhile anticoagulation therapy for patients with AF using NOACs has been widely adopted and is diffusing into routine practice, significant operationalisation issues and barriers to effective treatment/management persist. The reflections reported in this study are a catalyst for future discussion and research.
Qualitative study of antibiotic prescription patterns and associated drivers in Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Eibs Tonka , Koscalova Alena , Nair Mohit , Grohma Paul , Kohler Gisa , Bakhit Rawa Gafar , Thurashvili Mzia , Lasry Estrella , Bauer Sandra Wagner , Jimenez Carolina 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to address the knowledge gap regarding antibiotic use in Medecins Sans Frontiéres (MSF) projects located in Africa by exploring antibiotic prescription and consumption habits and their drivers at different healthcare levels.DesignThis study used an exploratory study design through thematic analysis of semistructured, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and field observations in order to understand the main drivers influencing current antibiotics prescription habits and consumption habits of patients in different geographical settings.SettingThe study took place in MSF centres and towns across four countries: Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan.Participants384 respondents participated in the study, which includes project staff, prescribers, community members, patients, among other groups.ResultsTreatment protocols were physically present in all countries except DRC, but compliance to protocols varied across contexts. A failing health system and barriers to accessing healthcare were perceived as major drivers of overuse and inconsistent prescription practices. Patient demands influenced prescription decisions, and self-medication was commonly reported in the context of failing health systems. Additionally, there was a strong demand for quick cures and communities preferred injections over pills. Patients tended to stop antibiotic treatment once symptoms abated and had major gaps in understanding antibiotic intake instructions and functions.ConclusionsWhile there were specific findings in each context, the larger trend from these four MSF projects in Africa indicates widespread use of antibiotics based on unclear assumptions, which are often influenced by patient demands. There needs to be a broader focus on the balance between access and excess, especially in such fragile contexts where access to healthcare is a real challenge.