Availability of load profile data is essential for studying and assessing different demand side management programs especially in residential loads. To build residential load curve a lot of data are required such as habitant’s daily activities, sort of appliances he owns and their hourly profile. Depending on availability of data, a different methods were introduced to construct load curve. There are three approaches for building load curve; top-down approach, bottom-up approach and hybrid approach. In this paper, steps on how to use each approach to build load curve are briefly reviewed. Bottom-up approach is the most common method used for load profile estimation. However due to lack of availability of required data, different software is introduced depending on type of load used; commercial or residential with built in data necessary for load profile conduction in short time. Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) software is used to give hourly consumption curve in residential sector. BEopt software is expounded as a full packaged software that can be used by customer or researcher to understand load curve for each residential unit and for the whole building. And to study the effect of both appliances and home texture on energy consumption result as well.

Massive amounts of gas hydrates occur naturally in the pores of sediments or fractures in permafrost regions and beneath the oceans. For hydrate formation in confinement, the equilibrium condition can shift to harsher conditions, lowering the water activity, and subsequently depressing the hydrate freezing temperature at a given pressure. Conversely, the nucleation and rate of hydrate formation, as well as hydrate conversion can be increased in confinement. Therefore, reliable assessment of the hydrate distribution in nature requires accurate thermodynamic and kinetic models of hydrate formation; however, these models tend to be based upon the properties of bulk hydrates. Hydrate formation and growth promotion in confinement are potentially interesting for hydrate technological applications, such as gas separation, energy storage, and flow assurance. This paper reviews the thermodynamic and kinetic properties and their interrelations of gas hydrates in confined spaces.

    Bu yazımızda 10₺'nin arkasından aşina olduğumuz, ilk TÜBİTAK Bilim Kurulu Başkanı ve cebir çalışmaları ile matematik literatürüne kendi adıyla anılan çalışmalarını geçirmiş olan Türk matematikçi ve bilim insanı Cahit Arf’ın hayatının bilinmeyen detaylarına değindik.

IntroductionDeep learning (DL) has emerged as a powerful tool to solve a variety of complex problems that have been difficult to solve with traditional methods. However, domain experts attempting to apply  DL methodology have to learn to code in order to use it. Numerous frameworks have been developed, such as TensorFlow, that simplify the task of building and training complex DL models, yet their efficient use requires a good working knowledge of Python language.  Consequently, a variety of tools have been developed that provide easier to use DL models, ranging from the Keras API built on top of TensorFlow that still requires coding, to tools such as H2O that provide a point-and-click web-based interface to configure and train pre-built models. Among this new breed of tools, IBM Visual Insights (formerly IBM PowerAI Vision) \cite{120} has taken this concept further by providing a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) for configuring and training a variety of models, as well as tools and APIs for deploying these models on a variety of platform. The tool empowers domain experts without any knowledge of coding or underlying hardware to take advantage of complex DL models trained on large datasets.  In this short article, we walk through an example of using  IBM Visual Insights to train a DL model on a  chest X-ray image dataset.

Landscape anthropization has been identified as one of the main drivers of pathogen emergence worldwide, facilitating pathogen spillover between domestic species and wildlife. The present study investigated Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 (CPPV) infection using molecular methods in 98 free-ranging wild guignas (Leopardus guigna) and 262 co-occurring owned, free-roaming rural domestic cats. We also assessed landscape anthropization variables as potential drivers of infection. CPPV DNA was detected in guignas across their entire distribution range, with observed prevalence of 13.3% (real-time PCR) and 9% (conventional PCR) in guignas, and 6.1% (conventional PCR) in cats. Prevalence in guigna did not vary depending on age, sex, study area or landscape variables. Prevalence was higher in juvenile cats (16.7%) than in adults (4.4%). Molecular characterization of the virus by amplification and sequencing of almost the entire vp2 gene (1746 bp) from one guigna and five domestic cats was achieved, showing genetic similarities to canine parvovirus 2c (CPV-2c) (one guigna and one cat), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (one cat), CPV-2 (no subtype identified) (two cats), CPV-2a (one cat). The CVP-2c-like sequence found in a guigna clustered together with domestic cat and dog CPV-2c sequences from South America, suggesting possible spillover from a domestic to a wild species as the origin of infection in guigna. No clinical signs of disease were found in PCR-positive animals except for the CPV-2c-infected guigna, which had hemorrhagic diarrhea and died a few days after arrival at a wildlife rescue center. Our findings reveal widespread presence of Carnivore protoparvovirus-1 across the guigna distribution in Chile and suggest that virus transmission potentially occurs from domestic to wild carnivores, causing severe disease and death in susceptible wild guignas.

With increasing pulsation intensity from zero, the dispersed-phase holdup in pulsed disc and doughnut column (PDDC) decreases at first and then increases, which forms a U-shape trend. In this study, the modified drag law which is to account for the effect of turbulence is used for predicting the dispersed holdup with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The population balance model (PBM) kernel functions obtained from literatures are coupled with the CFD method to investigate the influence of drag law on the hydraulic performance of PDDC. The results indicate that the U-shape trend of dispersed holdup is successfully predicted with the modified drag law. The droplet size distribution and Sauter mean diameter with modified drag law is predicted better than that with Schiller-Nauman drag law. Local hydraulic performance and drag force field are illustrated to depict the typical flow behaviors in PDDC.

Diet provides energy and nutrition for human survival, and also provides various joy of taste. Extensive studies have shown that the major components of diet, such as protein, carbohydrate and fat, play important roles in regulating aging and longevity. Whether other dietary ingredients can help prevent aging and extend longevity is a very interesting question. Here based on recent findings, we discussed dietary plant ingredients that can extend longevity by regulation of metabolism, targeting TRP channels, mitophagy, senescence pathways and circadian rhythms. Better understanding of the detailed effects and mechanisms of dietary ingredients on longevity regulation, would be helpful for developing new intervention tools for preventing aging and aging related diseases.

The low concentration methyl iodides (CH3I) adsorption process on reduced silver-functionalized silica aerogel (Ag0-Aerogel) was studied. The kinetic data were acquired using a continuous flow adsorption system. Because the corresponding physical process was observed, the shrinking core model (SCM) was modified and applied. An average CH3I pore diffusivity was calculated, the CH3I-Ag0-Aerogel reaction was identified as a 1.37 order reaction instead of first order reaction, and the nth order reaction rate constant was determined. This modified SCM significantly increases the accuracy of adsorption behavior prediction at low adsorbate concentration. Modeling results indicate that the overall adsorption process is controlled by the pore diffusion. However, at low adsorbate concentration (<100 ppbv), the CH3I adsorption is limited to the surface reaction due to the low uptake rate in a predictable time period.

A group of drugs used in Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy (IAC) have intrinsic ionic properties, which can be used for filtering excessive drugs from blood in order to reduce systemic toxicity. The ion-exchange mechanism is utilized in an endovascular Chemofilter device which can be deployed during the IAC for capturing ionic drugs after they have had their effect on the tumor. In this study, the concentrated solution theory is used to account for the effect of electrochemical forces on the drug transport and adsorption by introducing an effective diffusion coefficient in the advection-diffusion-reaction equation. Consequently, a multi-physics model coupling hemodynamic and electrochemical forces is developed and applied to simulations of the transport and binding of Doxorubicin in the Chemofilter device. A comparison of drug adsorption predicted by the computations to that measured in animal studies demonstrated the benefits of using concentrated solution theory over the Nernst-Plank relations for modeling drug binding.

    Modern bilgisayarların ilk programcısı Lovelace Kontesi Augusta Ada Byron; yazdığı ilk bilgisayar programı, bilgisayarların babası Charles Babbage ile olan çalışmaları ve hayatının bilinmeyen detaylarıyla bu haftaki yazımızdaydı.

Aylardır COVID19 ile yatıp kalkıyoruz. Her gün televizyondan, Twitter'dan sağlık bakanımızın yayınladığı verileri görüyor ve inceleyip kendimizce yorumluyoruz. Ancak bu veriler, aynı zamanda temel istatistik bilgilerimizi gözden geçirmek, matematiksel modellerin nasıl kurulduğuna bir bakış atmak ve bilimin neden önemli olduğunu daha iyi anlamak için ilginç ve öğretici bir fırsat da sunuyor!Bu yazıda 27 Mart tarihindeki verilerden 17 Hazirana kadar olan istatistikler, MATLAB kullanılarak işlenmiştir. Ancak şuna dikkatinizi çekeriz: Burada veriler genel geçer kabul gören epidemiyolojik modeller çerçevesinde incelenmemektedir ve sadece bir "veri seti" olarak görülmekte, bunun üzerine sanki hiç epidemiyolojik modelimiz yokmuş da sıfırdan bir model geliştirebilir miyiz, bunu sorguluyormuşuz gibi ele alınmaktadır. Bu konuya sonuç kısmında daha detaylı döneceğiz; fakat internette görebileceğiniz "salgın modellerinin" birçoğunun akademik temelden yoksun olduğunu ve bu tarz uyarılar konmaksızın paylaşıldığını hatırlatmak isteriz. Tekrar etmek gerekirse burada göreceğiniz, epidemiyolojik modeller kullanılmaksızın, bir veri setinin çeşitli istatistiksel analizlerle incelenip, sıfırdan bir model oluşturulması örneğidir. Bu model sınırlı olmak zorundadır; çünkü epidemiyolojik faktörler (örneğin bireyler arası etkileşimler, virüsün bulaşma dinamikleri, vb.) göz ardı edilmekte, ham verilere odaklanılmaktadır. Üstelik sadece Türkiye verileri kullanılmaktadır - ki tek bir ülkenin dinamiklerinin tüm Dünya'daki salgın modellerini yansıtması mümkün değildir. Bu nedenle bunu öğretici bir pratik olarak görmeli, gerçek bir epidemiyolojik model olarak yorumlamamalısınız.Örneğin bu analizi yaptığımız sıralarda ülkelerin birçoğu katı karantina ve sosyal mesafelendirme önlemlerini gevşetmekteler. Bu durum, incelediğimiz tarih aralığındaki gidişatın bu noktadan sonra tamamen değişmesi anlamına gelmektedir. Bu durumda, buradaki analizler çerçevesinde geçmişe bakarak gelecekle ilgili tahminde bulunmak imkansız olacaktır; çünkü ülkelerin salgına verdikleri tepki değişmekte, bu da dinamikleri alt üst etmektedir. Bu nedenle internette gördüğünüz gelecek tahminlerine çok temkinli yaklaşmanız ve alt yapısını sorgulamanız gerekmektedir.Öte yandan elbette bu, ham istatistiki analizlerin bize salgınla ilgili hiçbir şey öğretemeyeceği anlamına gelmiyor. En basitinden, denk gelebileceğiniz birçok analizin ne kadar teknik gibi gözüküp de, ne kadar yalın gerçekleri atladığını fark etmenize yarayabilir. Gelin öncelikle, yazıda kullanılacak bazı kavramlardan bahsedelim.Örneklem Ortalaması, Standart Sapma ve VaryansElimizde X_1,..,X_nX1,..,Xn veri grubu olsun:Bu veri grubunun örneklem ortalaması\(\overline{X}=\frac{\Sigma_{i=1}^nX_i}{n}\) ile verilir.Bu veri grubunun örneklem varyansı \(S^2=\frac{1}{n-1}\Sigma_{i=1}^n(\overline{X}-X_i)^2\) ile verilir.Öneklem standart sapması ise S ile verilir; yani varyansın kareköküdür.Not: İstatistikte örneklem ortalaması ve varyansı gibi bilgilerden bütün popülasyonun ortalaması ile varyansını bir miktar hata payı ile tahmin etmeye çalışırız. Bu yazıda da yapacağımız şey aslında bu.Normal DağılımÜniversitede ders gören okuyucular bu dağılıma çan eğrisi ismiyle aşinadır. Doğadaki birçok şeyin modellenmesinde kullanılır. Ortalaması μ varyansı \(\sigma^2\) olan normal dağılım \(N(\mu,\sigma^2)\)ile gösterilir. Normal dağılımın grafiği aşağıdaki görseldeki gibidir:

The first whispers of the coronavirus (COVID-19) were heard in Wuhan, China in late 2019 [1]. Since then, the virus has migrated across the world, directly and indirectly affecting the lives of every individual, pushing the World Health Organization to officially declare the disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020 [2]. As of June 16, 2020, there are 7.94 million confirmed cases and 434,796 deaths related to COVID-19 worldwide [3]. Of those numbers, 2.01 million cases and 115,484 deaths originate in the United States [3]. Since COVID-19’s inception in the U.S., our government has taken deliberate precautions to slow its rate of prevalence by increasing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation measures, enforcing social distancing, and discontinuing non-essential medical procedures.In the U.S., state legislatures are given the power to define and mandate precautions deemed necessary against the coronavirus, as suited for their state. Because of this, states have taken different approaches to defining guidelines for “non-essential/elective” procedures, with the majority agreeing that “elective” procedures are those that are scheduled, rather than a result of an emergency. Unfortunately, states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi have slated abortion into this “non-essential” category. While some states have directed the halt of only surgical abortions, others have ordered the termination of all methods of abortions, surgical and medication-based [4].In response to the states’ abortion bans, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in conjunction with other national organizations, provided a joint statement urging for the retraction of abortions as “non-essential” procedures and supporting abortions as a crucial element of women’s health care that must be maintained, despite the suspension of non-urgent/elective procedures [5]. Arguments supporting abortions as ”non-essential” procedures state that restricting abortions will protect expectant mothers against exposure, spare PPE, and clinical staffing needed with the rise of COVID-19 cases, all while declining the risk of clinicians acting as vectors of the virus [6]. However, categorizing abortions as “elective” procedures acts to curb the jurisdiction of women nationwide. Reproductive rights, such as that of abortions, are an “essential component of comprehensive health care” [5], and should always be deemed as such, regardless of current events. The cessation of reproductive rights can lead to an increased incidence of unintended pregnancies and declining mental health for participants, ultimately exacerbating inequalities within our healthcare system and society.Governors, such as Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R), are adamant that by curbing abortions and other non-essential procedures, states will be able to “protect personal protective equipment for those impacted by the virus” [6]. While I agree that measures sparing PPE are essential, I do not believe that abortions utilize enough resources to be considered a threat to our limited supply. Though some abortions require surgical and hospital use, medication/prescription-based methodologies are now the bulk of abortions occurring in the U.S. [5]. Prescription-based abortions can be performed by patients independently, though some states require that patients have clinical supervision over the first few doses [7]. Politicians have cited concern for further exposing clinicians to COVID-19 in this setting, possibly aiding in clinicians’ role as a disease vector [8]. However, these efforts can be curbed by expanding our use of telemedicine, allowing for virtual clinical instruction. Additionally, cessation of abortions to spare PPE, staffing, etc. may actually end up fueling the use of these resources. Women who are unable to terminate their pregnancy as wanted will remain pregnant, which ultimately requires more appointments and support during prenatal care and delivery. On the other hand, some women may be driven to abort their pregnancies independently, most likely using unsafe methods [4]. Both scenarios would give way to increased use of PPE and clinical staffing, negating the original purpose of abortion’s “non-essential” restriction.For all women, especially women with unintended pregnancies, restriction to abortion may greatly impact their health and overall well-being [5]. Limitations on abortions could plunge women into desperation, prompting them to find other ways to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Such unsafe abortions allow for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide attempts, all of which increase the risk of maternal and fetal mortality [9]. Sexual reproduction is a prominent facet of women’s health; the choice of whether to have or when to have a child is often paramount and considered to be a woman’s right. These decisions contribute to her image of self-worth, her responsibilities to herself and loved ones, and lastly, her ability to participate in society as she wishes [4]. Regrettably, new regulations have the potential to impede that choice for women as the rate of unintended pregnancies rises. Stay-at-home orders provide partners more time for sexual activity and intimate partner violence, some of which result in sexual coercion, both situations promoting an increase in unintended pregnancies [4]. The accumulation of these scenarios is just one of the reasons why it is imperative that abortions remain classified as “essential”.What largely prompts my hesitance to label abortion as “non-essential” procedures is the fact that abortions are a time-sensitive “service for which a delay of several weeks, or in some cases days, may … make it completely inaccessible” [5]. With each passing day, the risks of terminating pregnancy increases, leading to unnecessary physical health risks to the mothers and fetuses. Late abortions increase the risk of maternal complications such as heavy bleeding, sepsis, and infection/injury to the womb. In cases where abortion occurs after fourteen weeks, women will need additional surgery to remove parts of the pregnancy that were unsuccessfully removed during the abortion procedure [10]. Due to its time-sensitive nature, it is essential that we ensure abortion access is not compromised during this time [5]. Additionally, I concur with the necessity of protecting vulnerable members of our society, however, when we look back at previous respiratory epidemics such as Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), both commonly compared to COVID-19, there is no evidence suggesting pregnant women were more susceptible. Until further research is conducted and published on the matter, the same conclusion can be made for pregnant women’s susceptibility to COVID-19 [1]. On the other hand, SARS and MERS have been known to be associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, fetal growth restrictions, and preterm births [1] all of which are known to increase the mortality rate for mother and fetus [9]. Limiting abortions would require women to carry the pregnancy to full term, allowing these adverse effects to manifest. Though data on this is currently limited for COVID-19, I suspect future research will shine more clarity on this and when it does, proper protocols to protect the expectant mothers and fetuses will be crucial.Deeming abortions as non-essential procedures during the pandemic seems conveniently opportunistic, especially because this topic has always been such a controversial one with extremists on both sides. Deputy Attorney General Jonathan Fulkerson of Ohio enacted the ban against abortions roughly a week prior to state-wide stay at home orders [11]. Similarly, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) of Texas postponed abortions on March 22, two weeks before his state-wide stay at home order on April 2, 2020 [6]. While both leaders touted termination of abortions as a safety measure, they neglected to take more comprehensive measures earlier on as the U.S. approached the peak of the pandemic. These actions considering abortions as “non-essential” procedures support the assertions that they were politically charged rather than driven by public health initiatives.The cessation of abortions has notably dwindled opportunities available to already marginalized groups. Current restrictions to abortion access will push women to travel further distances for new providers [7]. Women of higher socioeconomic status (SES) will have more resources to travel to another state for abortion services compared to women of lower SES. Women who cannot afford to travel for an abortion will encounter more monetary burdens related to delivery and support of the newborn, adding strain to an already financially vulnerable population. Women comprise about 70% of the health and social care workforce [2] and people of color encompass the majority of service-oriented occupations [12]; these individuals do not have the privilege of ”staying at home”, their professions deemed essential during the pandemic. Historically, African Americans and other minority groups have more underlying health conditions, leading to disproportionate mortality and hospitalization rates of COVID-19 compared to the majority population [12]. Banning abortions will only contribute to these complications or create new predicaments during gestation, especially to a population already vulnerable to increased rates of maternal and infant mortality [12]. For these reasons, restricting abortion access will continue to put immigrants, minority women, and women living in rural areas or of lower economic status at a disadvantage [9].Today, COVID-19 has effectively infiltrated almost every country, its impact growing each day. We have learned that through the use of PPE, social distancing, and other precautionary measures have worked to flatten the curve, but it must not stop here. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, new knowledge and evidence-based research will help us maneuver the trials regarding coronavirus prevention and implications for all populations, including expecting mothers. Regardless of time, abortion services are a prominent part of women’s health and its absence is detrimental. Allowing for abortion access will not dwindle our resources towards these pandemic efforts; instead, it will make certain that our government will provide comprehensive health care to protect the safety of all citizens. COVID-19 has illuminated striking restrictions to women’s rights and created an environment for inequalities between gender, race, and social-economic status to further manifest. The conversation about abortion rights will continue beyond today’s current events and when it does, these disparities should be kept in consideration to ”ensure that health is not a byproduct of privilege” [12], but instead given to all in equity. As we move forward in this pandemic, it will take all our politicians, community leaders, and each and every citizen to stand in solidarity and protect expectant mothers, women, men, non-binary, and all our loved ones, equally.Disclosure of Interests: In accordance to BJOG policy and requirements, I am reporting that there is no conflict of interest with the submission of this manuscript.Contribution to Authorship: I, Duyen K Co, am the sole contributor to this manuscript. There were no other individuals involved in the planning, creation of this document.Details of Ethics Approval: N/AFunding: This commentary is not funded by an organization and if published, will be funded out of pocket by the author.Works CitedRasmussen SA, Smulian JC, Lednicky JA, Wen TS, Jamieson DJ. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pregnancy: what obstetricians need to know. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 May;222(5):415-426. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.017. Epub 2020 Feb 24. PMID: 32105680; PMCID: PMC7093856.Hussein J. COVID-19: What implications for sexual and reproductive health and rights globally? Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2020 Dec;28(1):1746065. doi: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1746065. PMID: 32191167.World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Situation Report – 148 [Internet]. Switzerland: World Health Organization. 2020 June [cited 2020 June 17]. Available from: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200616-covid-19-sitrep-148-draft.pdf?sfvrsn=9b2015e9_2Bayefsky MJ, Bartz D, Watson KL. Abortion during the Covid-19 Pandemic — Ensuring Access to an Essential Health Service. N Engl J Med [Internet]. 2020 Apr 9 [cited 2020 Apr 22];382(19). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2008006.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [Internet]. Washington, D.C: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; [2020 Mar 18; cited 2020 Apr 20]. Joint Statement on Abortion Access during the COVID-19 Outbreak. Available from: https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2020/03/joint-statement-on-abortion-access-during-the-covid-19-outbreakKelly C. Mississippi, Texas and Ohio move to limit abortion as part of coronavirus response [Internet]. Cable News Network; 2020 Mar 25 [cited 2020Apr20]. Available from: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/coronavirus-abortion-texas-ohio/index.htmlBazelon E. The Coronavirus Becomes an Excuse to Restrict Abortions [Internet]. The New York Times; 2020 Mar 26 [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/opinion/covid-abortion-ohio-texas.htmlBoelig RC, Saccone G, Bellussi F et al. MFM guidance for COVID-19. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM. 2020 Mar 19:100106. doi: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100106. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32363335; PMCID: PMC7195418.Hall KS, Samari G, Garbers S et al. Centering sexual and reproductive health and justice in the global COVID-19 response. The Lancet [Internet]. 2020 Apr [cited 20 April 20];395(10231):1175–7. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30801-1/fulltext.National Health Service. Risks: Abortions [Internet]. United Kingdom: National Health Service; 2020 [cited 2020 May 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abortion/risks/Mervosh S, Lu D, Swales V. See Which States and Cities Have Told Residents to Stay at Home [Internet]. The New York Times; 2020 Apr 20 [cited 2020 May 11]. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-stay-at-home-order.htmlDorn AV, Cooney RE, Sabin ML. COVID-19 exacerbating inequalities in the US. Lancet. 2020 Apr 18;395(10232):1243-1244. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30893-X. PMID: 32305087; PMCID: PMC7162639.

We describe two cases of favorable and unexpected recovery in positive patients with COVID-19, suffering from multiorgan comorbidity and already assisted with the left ventricular assist device. We have observed that, although in the presence of more comorbidities, when the maintenance of a valid support of the cardiovascular function is guaranteed, the possibility of successfully overcoming the SARS-CoV-2 infection is still alive.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid produced from the decarboxylation of glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase. Corynebacterium glutamicum is the most promising host of γ-aminobutyric acid production for its inherent glutamate precursor supply. However, the intracellularly expressed glutamate decarboxylase in C. glutamicum showed the weak catalysis capacity on the conversion of glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid. Here we designed an different catalysis scenario by secretively overexpressing the glutamate decarboxylase in C. glutamicum and moving the decarboxylation reaction into the extracellular space for GABA synthesis. A signal peptide in the expression cassette directed the successful secretion of glutamate decarboxylase in C. glutamicum. The extracellular catalysis by secreted glutamate decarboxylase increased the γ-aminobutyric acid generation by three-folds, comparing with that by intracellular catalysis. Further efforts on enhancing the expression of glutamate decarboxylase and decreasing the degradation of γ-aminobutyric acid improved γ-aminobutyric acid generation by 39%. The fed-batch fermentation of the engineered C. glutamicum strain reached the record high titer (77.6g /L), overall yield (0.37 g/g glucose), and productivity (1.21 g/L/h) of γ-aminobutyric acid production. This study demonstrated a unique design of extracellular catalysis for efficient γ-aminobutyric acid production by C. glutamicum.

Stings from certain species of cubozoan jellyfish are dangerous to humans and their seasonal presence in tropical marine waters poses a significant risk to coastal communities. The detection of cubozoans is difficult due to high spatial and temporal variation in their occurrence and abundance. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to detect rare species and therefore offers potential to detect cubozoans, not only pelagic medusae, but presence of cryptic polyp life-stages. The objective of this study was to validate the use of eDNA as a viable detection method for four cubozoan species (Chironex fleckeri, Copula sivickisi, Carybdea xaymacana and Carukia barnesi). Species-specific primers were developed for each of these four cubozoans and an eDNA approach validated utilising both laboratory and field trials. Laboratory DNA degradation experiments demonstrated that C. sivickisi DNA degraded quickly but could still be detected in sea water for up to 9 days post-jellyfish removal. Positive detection was found for C. fleckeri, C. xaymacana and C. sivickisi medusae in the waters surrounding Magnetic Island, Queensland, in the Austral spring/summer (September-January). Based on visual surveys there was a poor relationship between concentration of eDNA and abundance of jellyfish. Positive eDNA amplification was also shown near the substratum when C. sivickisi medusae were absent. This can only be explained by the detection of polyps. Consequently, eDNA is an effective tool to detect both the medusae and polyps of cubozoans. This approach provides the means to reduce the risk of envenomation to swimmers and enhance our knowledge of cubozoan ecology.

Pyrodiversity likely begets biodiversity in many ecosystems, yet no consensus surrounds how best to quantify the phenomenon and its drivers remain largely untested. We present a generalizable functional diversity approach for measuring pyrodiversity, which incorporates multiple fire regime traits and can be applied across scales. Further, we tested the socioecological drivers of pyrodiversity among forests of the western United States. Largely mediated by burn activity, pyrodiversity was positively associated with actual evapotranspiration, climate water deficit, wilderness designation, elevation, and topographic roughness but negatively with human population density. These results indicate pyrodiversity is maintained in productive areas with strong annual dry periods and minimal fire suppression. This novel approach along with an improved understanding of pyrodiversity's drivers can facilitate future studies investigating how the pyrodiversity-biodiversity relationship varies among taxa, regions, and fire regimes.

Linking environmental conditions to the modulators of individual fitness is necessary to predict long-term population viability and resilience. Behavioural and physiological biomarkers can provide this mechanistic insight into how individuals perceive and respond to environmental challenges through primary physiological responses, secondary downstream responses and tertiary whole organism responses. To fully exploit biomarkers, we need to move beyond single biomarker studies to develop an integrative approach that models the interactions between extrinsic challenges, physiological and behavioural pathways and their modulators. Here we introduce two frameworks for using multiple integrated biomarkers to establish changes in functional condition. The Functional Marginality Hypotheses proposes that relative changes in allostatic load, reproductive health and behaviour can evidence and establish causation driving macroecological processes such as local extirpation, colonisation, population dynamics and range change. The Functional Recovery Hypothesis proposes that a similar approach can serve as a valuable conservation tool for evaluating individual and population level health, predicting responses to future environmental change and measuring the impact of interventions. We highlight specific studies that have used complementary biomarkers to link extrinsic challenges to population performance. This framework of integrated biomarkers has untapped potential to identify causes of decline, predict future changes and mitigate against future biodiversity loss.

A document by Han Wang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Background The left atrial appendage (LAA) is known to be the primary source of thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation (AF). Our aim was to investigate if LAA elimination (LAAO) from the cardiovascular system has an effect on the coagulation and prothrombotic status in AF. Methods Twenty two patients with nonvalvular AF not currently on anticoagulation therapy participated in a single-center prospective study. We measured fibrinogen and plasminogen levels along with Ks, clot lysis time (CLT), and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) before LAAO procedure, at discharge and 1 month follow-up. Results 1 month after the LAAO procedure compared to baseline value, we found Ks improved by 39.3% measured in clots prepared from peripheral blood (p=0.019) and also after adjustment for fibrinogen (p=0.027). Higher Ks was associated with improved clot susceptibility to lysis (r=-0.67, p=0.013). We found shortened CLT by 10.3% (p=0.0020); a 52% lower PAI-1 antigen levels (p=0.023) along with 8.9% increased plasminogen activity (p=0.0077). A tendency to decreased thrombin generation, reflected by decreased ETP and peak thrombin generated, was observed 1 month after the LAAO procedure (p=0.072 and p=0.087). No differences were found in tPA and TAFI plasma levels (both p>0.05). Conclusions We confirm, that LAA plays a key role in thrombogenesis and is the main source of thrombus in AF. LAA elimination from the circulatory improve fibrin clot permeability and susceptibility to fibrinolysis in peripheral blood.

Introduction Implant rates for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED), including permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), have increased globally in recent decades. This is the first national study providing a contemporary analysis of national CIED implant trends by sex-specific age groups over an extended period. Methods Patient characteristics and device type were identified for ten years (2009 to 2018) using procedure coding in the National Minimum Datasets, which collects all New Zealand (NZ) public hospital admissions. CIED implant rates represent implants/million population. Results New PPM implant rates increased by 4.6%/year (p<0.001), increasing in all age groups except patients <40 years. Males received 60.1% of new PPM implants, with higher implant rates across all age groups compared to females. The annual increase in age-standardised implant rates was similar for males and females (3.4% vs 3.0%, p=0.4). By 2018 the overall PPM implant rate was 538/million. New ICD implant rates increased by 4.2%/year (p<0.001), increasing in all age groups except patients <40 and ≥80 years. Males received 78.1% of new ICD implants, with higher implant rates across all age groups compared to females. The annual increase in age-standardised implant rates was higher in males compared to females (3.5% vs 0.7%, p<0.001). By 2018 the overall ICD implant rate was 144/million population. Conclusion CIED implant rates have increased steadily in NZ over the past decade but remain low compared to international benchmarks. Males had substantially higher CIED implant rates compared to females, with a growing gender disparity in ICD implant rates.

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with severe pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. This report describes a young patient with COVID-19 without any comorbidity presenting with severe cardiovascular complications, manifesting with pulmonary embolism, embolic stroke, and right heart failure. Management with short-term mechanical circulatory support, including different cannulation strategies, resulted in a successful outcome despite his critical cardiovascular status.

A 74-year-old man with a history of severe mitral stenosis had received bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement. Ten years later, an epicardial pacemaker with VVIR mode was implanted because of sick sinus syndrome. Three years later, symptomatic junctional bradycardia (Panel A) and epicardial lead fracture were suspected, based on high lead impedance. A dual-chamber rate-modulated (DDDR) pacemaker was implanted through the left subclavian vein, and the epicardial pacemaker was left in place (Panel B, Red circle), with shift to OVO mode. The 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed atrial and ventricular dual-paced rhythm (Panel C). Five years after implantation of the DDDR-mode permanent pacemaker, pacing-induced cardiomyopathy, with left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction of 34% even with optimized medical therapy, was noted. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRTP) was upgraded (Panel D). Although the biventricular pacing functioned well initially (Panel E), high LV pacing threshold (Panel F) prompted us to adjust the LV lead from bipolar to unipolar (LV lead to can) pacing. The patient became less symptomatic after receiving CRTP implantation. However, weird pacing spikes, with regular 65 bpm without interference of the biventricular pacing, were present. These spikes were unaffected by adjusting the CRTP mode from DDD to VVI (Panel F). We subsequently learned that the pacing spike was generated by the unremoved epicardial pacemaker. The pacemaker reached elective replacement indication and started to pace at VVI mode of 65 bpm. Because of sensing and capture failure, the epicardial pacemaker had no influence on the CRTP, but it continued to produce spikes on the electrocardiogram.

Background The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valves have a proven track record in aortic valve replacement: good durability, hemodynamic performance, rates of survival, and infrequent valve-related complications and PPM. The St. Jude Medical Trifecta is a newer valve that has shown comparable early and midterm outcomes. Studies show reoperation rates of Trifecta are comparable to Perimount valves, with a few recent studies bringing into focus early SVD, and increased midterm SVD in younger patients. Given that midterm data for Trifecta is still sparse, we wanted to confirm the early low reoperation rates of Trifecta persist over time compared to Perimount. Methods The Maritime Heart Centre Database was searched for isolated AVR or AVR+CABG between January 2011 and December 2016. Primary end point of the study was all-cause reoperation rate. Results 711 Perimount and 453 Trifecta implantations were included. The reoperation hazards were determined for age: 0.96 (0.92-0.99, p=0.02), female (vs male): 0.35 (0.08-1.53, p=0.16), smoker (vs non-smoker): 2.44 (0.85-7.02, p=0.1), and Trifecta (vs Perimount): 2.68 (0.97-7.39, p=0.06). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in subgroups—age < 60, age ≥ 60, male, female, smoker, and non-smoker—showed Perimount having lower reoperation rates than Trifecta in patient younger than 60 (p=0.02) and those with smoking history (p<0.01). Conclusions The rates of reoperation of Perimount and Trifecta were comparable, with Trifecta showing higher rates in patients younger than 60 years, and current smokers. Continued diligence and further independent reporting of midterm reoperation and SVD rates of the Trifecta, including detailed echocardiographic follow up, are needed to confirm these findings.

Background. Bacterial/fungal superinfections are commonly reported to complicate severe influenza viral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, there is limited knowledge of superinfections among patients with other respiratory viruses, especially in those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods. From December 2017 to February 2020, we enrolled 255 of 528 eligible adults with viral CAP. Respiratory viruses were detected by multiplex RT-PCR. Results. Eighty-eight (34.5%) of viral CAP-associated hospitalizations had evidence of bacterial/fungal superinfection. The incidence and types of bacterial/fungal infections with non-influenza respiratory viruses were analogous to that associated with influenza, except for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Superinfections complicated the clinical outcome of patients with viral pneumonia, by presenting with significantly more in-hospital mortality than those without (22.7% vs 2.4%, P < 0.0001). In the follow-up period, the incidence of death within 120 days after admission was significantly higher in patients with bacterial/fungal superinfection (HR = 9.708, P < 0.0001) than in those without. Furthermore, we found that PaO2/FiO2 < 300 (OR: 2.570, 95% CI: 1.370-4.821, P = 0.003), BUN ≥ 7.1 mmol/L (OR: 4.016, 95% CI: 2.148-7.509, P < 0.001), leukocytosis (OR: 2.769, 95% CI: 1.335-5.741, P = 0.006) and lymphocytopenia (OR: 1.998, 95% CI: 1.086-3.675, P = 0.026) were independent risk factors of superinfection. Conclusions. Mixed viral-bacterial/fungal CAP was associated with a higher mortality rate than the primary viral infection. PaO2/FiO2 < 300, BUN ≥ 7.1 mmol/L, leukocytosis, and lymphocytopenia were independent risk factors for superinfection.