Watershed description:The watershed is underlain by Oligocene tuffaceous and fossiliferous sandstone bedrock, rich in calcite, and clay-rich (Smectite) soils overlie a thick saprolite (Baille et al., 2007). BCI ranges in elevation from 26m asl to 167 m asl, is fully forested, with what has been characterized as a lowland seasonal tropical forest, with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. Annual rainfall averages 2,580 mm, with strong seasonality: the dry season is from December to May. BCI is one of the most intensively studied area of the global tropics because of the century-long presence of a research station and ongoing scientific investigation focused mainly on terrestrial forest ecology, entomology, animal behavior and related fields. The Lutz Creek data improve our understanding of basic hydrological processes and inform our ongoing research into the complex terrestrial ecosystems of the island and the region [bibliography below]. BCI is also home to the first of what is now a global network of more than 70 forest research plots known as the Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO, see https://forestgeo.si.edu/ ). ForestGEO is dedicated to advancing long-term study of the world’s forests to strengthen science capacity in an era of rapidly changing landscapes and climate to understand and predict forest dynamics

This paper quantified the hydrological alteration of the Padma River basin caused by the construction of Ferakka Barrage (FB) using innovative trend analysis (ITA), range of variability approach (RVA), and continuous wavelet analysis (CWA). We also predict flow regime by proposing particle swarm optimization (PSO) based novel hybrid machine learning algorithms. Results of the ITA showed the negative trend of the average discharge in the dry season (January-May), while the RVA analysis indicated that average discharge was lower than environmental flows. The CWA demonstrated a substantial effect of the FB on the periodicity of the streamflow regime. Results showed that PSO-Reduced Error Pruning Tree (REPTree), PSO-random forest (RF), and PSO-M5P were the optimal fit for average, maximum, and minimum discharge prediction (RMSE = 0.14, 0.3, 0.18) respectively.

The development and application of automated baseflow separation algorithms for describing individual discharge components still cover a major part of modern hydrology. A key problem is the applicability of baseflow separation methods in ungauged or anthropogenically impacted catchments due to their complex conceptuali-ty. With increasing anthropogenic impact, the dependence of calculated baseflow rates on measured total runoff also increases. In this study, we suggest statistical approaches for testing the suitability of different hydrograph separation algorithms. For our main study site, the mining-impacted Geisel catchment in the Central Ger-many, we calculated a mean baseflow rate of 0.28 m³/s for the period from 1981 to 2017. First, 14 different algorithms (graphical and statistical methods, digital-filter-approaches, and one physically based algorithm) were tested in seven catchments. The calculated baseflow rates for the Geisel catchment showed questionable curves, in particular a high amplitude. Thus, similarities between measured dis-charge and calculated baseflow were demonstrated (quasi-parallelism), which were quantified with correlation analyses on different time scales. Following this, a pro-found analysis of the baseflow index (BFI) was carried out. Finally, we applied a sta-tistical regionalisation approach to derive validated baseflow information for the Geisel catchment using the calculated baseflow indices and numerical catchment descriptors. As a result, the questionable baseflow hydrographs of the Geisel could be corrected. This promising method enables improved estimations of environmental flow components, improved analyses of the hydrological processes to foster the un-derstanding of anthropogenic impacts, and provides essential information for water management in the Geisel catchment. Furthermore, characteristic properties of long-term BFI values were revealed, which can be used to develop new physically based hydrograph separation procedures by including spatially distributed physical catchment descriptors.

Since cell penetrating peptides are promising tools for delivery of cargo into cells, factors limiting or facilitating their cellular uptake are intensely studied. Using labeling with pH-insensitive and pH-sensitive dyes we report that escape of penetratin from acidic endo-lysosomal compartments is retarded compared to its total cellular uptake. The membrane dipole potential, known to alter transmembrane transport of charged molecules, is shown to be negatively correlated with the concentration of penetratin in the cytoplasmic compartment. Treatment of cells with therapeutically relevant concentrations of atorvastatin, an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis, significantly increased endosomal escape of penetratin in two different cell types. This effect of atorvastatin correlated with its ability to decrease the membrane dipole potential. These results highlight the importance of the dipole potential in regulating cellular uptake of cell penetrating peptides and suggest a clinically relevant way of boosting this process.

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Rhinitis and especially allergic rhinitis (AR) remain the most frequent hypersensitivity condition, affecting up to a quarter of the population and impacting upon the quality of life of individual patients and the health economy. Data, especially in respect to underlying pathophysiological mechanisms mainly derive from adult studies and are subsequently extrapolated in the pediatric population. Therapeutic algorithms for children with rhinitis in children are long based on the same principles as in adults. We explore and describe novel aspects of rhinitis, ranging from mechanisms to disease classification, phenotypes, diagnostic and monitoring tools, and the use of treatments, with focus on the traits of pediatric age groups.

In this paper, we study the existence of periodic peaked solitons to a generalized μ-Camassa-Holm-Novikov equation with nonlocal cubic and quadratic nonlinearities. The equation is a μ-version of a linear combination of the Camassa-Holm, modified Camassa-Holm, and Novikov equations. It is shown that the proposed equation admits a sigle peakons. It is natural extension of the previous results obtained in for the μ-Camassa-Holm, modified μ-Camassa-Holm, and μ-Novikov equations, respectively.

We study the existence of a weak (strong) solution of the nonlinear elliptic problem \begin{equation*} \begin{gathered} -\Delta u- \lambda ug_1 +h(u)g_2=f \quad\text{in } V\setminus V_0\\ u=0 \quad\text{on } V_0, \end{gathered}\end{equation*} where \small{$V$} is the Sierpi\’nski gasket in \small{$\mathbb{R}^{N-1}(N\geq 2)$, $V_0$} is its boundary (consisting of its \small{$N$} corners) and $\lambda$ is a real parameter. Here, $f,g_1,g_2:V\to\mathbb{R}$, $h:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}$ are functions satisfying suitable hypotheses.

In this paper, we present a new concept of measure-ergodic process to define the space of measure pseudo almost periodic process in the p-th mean sense. We show some results regarding the completness the composition theorems and the invariance of the space consisting in measure pseudo almost periodic process. Motivated by above mentioned results, the Banach fixed point theorem and the stochastic analysis techniques, we prove the existence, uniqueness and the global exponential stability of doubly measure pseudo almost periodic mild solution for a class of nonlinear delayed stochastic evolution equations driven by Brownian motion in a separable real Hilbert space. We provide an example to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.

In this research article, by the utilize of the well-known monotone iterative technique along with the technique of upper and lower solutions, we investigate the existence of extremal solutions for a new category of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving a novel Caputo version so-called }${\footnotesize \psi }$% {\footnotesize –Caputo fractional derivative with nonlinear boundary conditions. As an application of this work, two pertinent examples are offered to highlight our theoretical results.

In this paper, we consider the following wave equation with time-varying delay and acoustic boundary conditions in a bounded domain. By virtue of Galerkin method, we prove the existence and uniqueness of global solution under some general assumptions for the above equation. And the existence of a compact global attractor is proved.

Deep corneal ulcers of four brachycephalic dogs were treated by a modified surgical technique using small intestinal submucosa (SIS). SIS was cut to exact size of the defect but not sutured. Afterwards a temporary nictitating membrane flap was placed. The outcome was very good in all cases.

The performance of the triangular finned vertical helical coil heat exchanger experimentally and mathematically was investigated. Hot water flows inside the helical tube at 60 ᵒC while cold water enters the shell at 30 ᵒC counter currently. A triangle copper fin with 1 cm height, 2 cm base length, and 0.3 cm thickness at 4 cm pitch distance was welded at the external surface of the helical copper coil tube. Along the coiled tube123 fins were welded on the outside surface of the helical coil tube heat exchanger. The results showed a good enhancement ratio compared to the unfinned one. The heat enhancement was 12 % with effectiveness 11 %. The improvement in the Nusselt number was 16.5 %. These results confirm that the added fins to the helical coil heat exchanger modified and improve the helical heat exchanger which is suitable for the industrial design with better performance.

In process design, the values of design variables X for equipment and operating conditions should be optimized for entire processes, including all unit operations, such as reactors and distillation columns, to consider effects between unit operations. However, as the number of X increases, many more simulations are required to search for the optimal X values. Furthermore, multiple objective variables Y, such as yields, make the optimization problem difficult. We propose a process design method based on adaptive design of experiments and Bayesian optimization. Optimization of X values that satisfy target values of multiple Y variables are searched, and simulations for the optimized X values are then repeated. Therefore, X will be optimized by a small number of simulations. We verify the effectiveness of this method by simulating an ethylene oxide production plant.

As an attractive alternative technology for the separation of long chain olefin and paraffin, a novel silver-based deep eutectic solvent (Ag-DES) was prepared and utilized for 1-octene/n-octane separations. Comprehensive reactive extraction separation experiments were performed to highlight the Ag-DES concentration and operating temperature discriminations using compounds with different ratio of 1-octene/n-octane. The novel Ag-DES showed optimal separation performance regarding 1-octene/n-octane and possessed the highest levels separation selectivity in the range 3.75-16.74 with excellent circulation stability in our best knowledge. Furthermore, FT-Raman measurements and quantum chemistry calculation were performed to elucidate the interaction mechanism of Ag-DES in the separation of 1-octene and n-octane, which revealed that both chemical complexation and strong physical attraction existed in the complex of Ag-DES with 1-octene rather than n-octane. This study lends important insight for the development of Ag-DES reactive extraction separation process for the energy-efficient long chain α-olefin purification from F-T synthesis products.

The Popeye Domain Containing Protein 1 (POPDC1), a tight junction-associated transmembrane protein with a unique binding site for cAMP, has been shown to act as a tumour suppressor in cancer cells. Through interaction with many downstream effectors and signalling pathways, POPDC1 promotes cell adhesion and inhibits uncontrolled cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. However, POPDC1 expression is downregulated in many types of cancer, thereby reducing its tumour-suppressive actions. This review discusses the role of POPDC1 in the progression of the malignant phenotype and highlights the broad range of benefits POPDC1 stabilisation may achieve therapeutically. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a key hallmark of malignancies and commonly promote treatment resistance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CSC signalling mechanisms, many of which have been shown to be regulated by POPDC1 in other cell types, thus suggesting an additional therapeutic benefit for POPDC1-stabilising anticancer drugs.

Capparis odoratissima is a tree species native to semi-arid environments of the northern coast of South America where low soil water availability coexists with frequent nighttime fog. A previous study showed that water applied to leaf surfaces enhanced leaf hydration, photosynthesis, and growth, but the mechanisms of foliar water uptake are unknown. Here we combine detailed anatomical evaluations with water and dye uptake experiments in the laboratory, and use immunolocalization of pectin and arabinogalactan protein epitopes to characterize water uptake pathways in leaves. Abaxially, the leaves of C. odoratissima are covered with peltate hairs, while the adaxial surfaces are glabrous. Both surfaces are able to absorb condensed water, but the lower surface has higher rates of water uptake. Numerous idioblasts connect the adaxial leaf surface and the abaxial peltate hairs, both of which contain hygroscopic substances such as arabinogalactan proteins and pectins. The highly specialized anatomy of the leaves of C odoratissima fulfills the dual function of minimizing water loss when stomata are closed, while maintaining the ability to absorb liquid water. Cell-wall related hygroscopic compounds in the peltate hairs and idioblasts create a network of microchannels that maintain leaf hydration and promote water uptake.

Background: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are lysosomal storage disorders in which glycosaminoglycans accumulate due to insufficiency of the enzymes to degrade them. Patients have organomegaly, short stature, and/or intellectual disability. The earliest symptoms are otologic and upper respiratory obstruction and are the main reasons for doctor consultation. Methods: We reviewed 42 patients (30 male and 12 female), with a median age of 20.5 years, who had MPS (16.7% type I, 35.7% type II, 19.0% type IIIB, 21.4% type IVA, and 7.2% type VI). Otorhinolaryngologic manifestations were collected, and quality of life after surgery was documented. Results: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms occurred in patients with all MPS types. We found recurrent otitis media in 42.9% of cases. We noted hearing loss in 81.0% (mixed in 45.2%, conductive in 19.0%, sensorineural in 16.7%), adenotonsillar hypertrophy in 76.2%, frequent infections of the upper airway in 47.6%, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 26.2%. Seventy-six percent of patients underwent ENT surgery, including adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, tympanostomy with ventilation tube insertion, tracheotomy, and supraglottoplasty. Conclusions: ENT surgery reduced the severity of hearing loss, and decreased the degree of symptoms related to upper airway obstruction which improved patients’ quality of life.

Objective To assess whether a full enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program can further reduce perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing gynaecologic laparoscopic procedures relative to those undergoing limited ERAS management. Design Single-center, open-label, randomized trial. Setting A tertiary hospital, China: December 2018 to October 2019. Population One hundred and forty-four women scheduled for an elective simple gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery. Methods Patients were randomized into two groups: full ERAS intervention or limited ERAS management. Primary outcome Postoperative length of stay (LOS). Results Postoperative LOS for the full ERAS program showed a 1-day reduction in comparison to the limited ERAS group (median of 1.0 day versus 2.0 days, respectively; P = .002). Multivariate regression analysis identified preoperative carbohydrate loading and opioid-sparing analgesia as the independent factors for discharging on postoperative day (POD) 1. Patients in the full ERAS program reported less postoperative pain within 72 hours postoperatively and had a lower narcotic consumption rate compared with those in the limited ERAS management. They also enjoyed better and faster recovery as demonstrated by the QoR-15 scale on POD 3: median of 137.0 for full ERAS program versus 130.0 for limited ERAS management, respectively (P = .020). There were no significant differences between groups regarding postoperative complication rate, readmission rate, or in-hospital cost. Conclusion The addition of full ERAS management can further reduce postoperative length of stay and improve patients’ quality of life after laparoscopic surgery for gynaecologic diseases. Keywords enhanced recovery after surgery, perioperative management, gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery, length of stay.

This note presents corrections to our paper

Dear Sir,We read with interest Kasaven et al., (1) who eloquently describe some of the implications to the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. They correctly identify the heightened anxiety that patient’s face when attending hospital during pregnancy. During this time the reduction in patient attendance can be multifactorial. However, we feel one area which has been neglected is partner support. There is evidence that having a partner present during a birth can reduce a woman’s anxiety and additionally be beneficial to the partner (2). Father’s also can experience significant anxiety in the peri-natal period (2) and maternal stress particularly with relationship strain can be harmful to the baby. Parental presence during CPR for a child is beneficial for parents as they can make sense of the situation. It logically would also be beneficial to partners with maternal emergency caesarean sections and of course postnatally to bond with the baby (3). Current policy dictates that fathers can only be present during the birth, however in a multiparous woman or a woman requiring a crash caesarean section the timeframe allowing for partner’s attendance is not reasonable or feasible. COVID-19 is clearly the reason for this policy, however, examining the risk of a couple, who have both been screened as negative on a COVID-19 test and live in the same household. If the male member of the couple has COVID-19 the female is likely to have a high viral load from the partner due to kissing or sexual intercourse (4), a common practice in an attempt to induce labour. The early knowledge of infection can allow for appropriate infection control measures to be put in place. The rate of a false negative is 4-30% (4) but this is still a risk with the mother. The risk to staff with correct personal protective equipment and training is minimal (4). Additionally, women who do not have continuous support are more likely to have an instrumental/surgical delivery, use more pain medication, prolonged labours which may result in complications such as postpartem haemorrhage (5), which ultimately places hospitals and clinicians at greater risk of litigation. With risk of domestic violence and risk of increased mental health issues as highlighted by Kasaven et al., are we doing more harm than good and is this an unintended consequence of COVID-19 that could be prevented? The implication to patient care is huge for what appears to be little benefit. Have we forgotten that we should be delivering patient centred care? Perhaps it is time for change.Herron JBT (1), Herron RL (2)1. University of Sunderland, Faculty of health science and wellbeing, Chester Road, Sunderland SR1 3SD.2. Northumbria University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, 2 Sandyford Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH.

Mass cytometry reveals unique subsets of T cells and lymphoid cells in nasal polyps from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)

BACKGROUND Several methods have been proposed to locate the conduction gap on the pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation line. However, the value of the interval of far-field potential (FF potential) and pulmonary vein potential (PV potential) is unknown. METHODS: The state of PV potential and the location of that ablation sites were particularly recorded for analysis once LSPV was isolated in a development cohort of consecutive patients undergoing PVI ablation at a single center. These findings informed the development of a novel algorithm to discriminate the location of a conduction gap between upper portion and inferior portion of LSPV. The performance of this novel algorithm was prospectively tested in a validation cohort of consecutive re-do patients undergoing PVI ablation RESULTS: A total one hundred sixteen patients were recruited, of which 56 formed the validation cohort. Interval of FF potential and PV potential was associated with the location of the conduction gap, and the interval <5 ms predicted that there was a conduction gap in the upper portion of ostium with 92.9% sensitivity and 96.9% specificity. In the prospective evaluation, the interval was able to correctly predict the site of successful ablation in 89.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Interval of far-field potential and pulmonary vein potential is a novel and accurate marker to predict the location of a conduction gap.

Introduction: The currently available options for restoring right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) continuity are far from satisfactory. In absence of an ideal conduit, hand sewn bovine pericardial conduit with Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) tri-leaflet valve (BPCTV) may serve as a satisfactory alternative particularly in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Material and Methods: The hospital records of all patients who received BPCTV in RV to PA position from January 2014 to June 2019 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 41 patients were further classified into two groups; pulmonary hypertension group (PH) and non-pulmonary hypertension group (NPH). The primary endpoints of the study were mortality, and freedom from re-operation for conduit failure. The secondary end point was to study the impact of pulmonary hypertension on the conduit function and durability. Results: The Mean age and weight of patients at time of conduit implantation was 56.8 months (range 2-196 months) and 12.3 kg (range 3-44 kg) respectively. The mean size of conduit was 18 mm (range 12-24 mm). The mean duration of follow up was 30 months (range 8-72 months). The freedom from re-intervention was 86% at 30 months (range 8-72 months). The cost of BPCTV was less than one-sixth of the commercially available bovine jugular vein conduit. Conclusion: The hand sewn BPCTV is a cost effective alternative to commercially available conduits with acceptable outcomes. However, more research with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up is required.