Characterization of Ground Albedo Materials for Bifacial Solar Farms

Bifacial photovoltaics can collect solar energy from both sides, unlike regular one-sided solar panels. With the ability to collect energy from both sides, the energy production of bifacial photovoltaic farms is about 2-6% more efficient than typical solar farms. However, the increase in efficiency is highly dependent on the reflectivity of the ground material. This project explores six different materials to determine which material would be best to implement as a ground material for a bifacial photovoltaic farm, based on their mechanical properties and albedo value. Albedo refers to the ratio between the reflected solar radiation to the incident solar radiation, and ranges between 0 and 1. The tested sheet samples were: Unreinforced Polyethylene (PE), Scrim Reinforced Polyethylene (SR-PE), Woven Polyethylene (W-PE), White Road Paint with reflective glass beads (RPB), Mylar (M), and Woven Polypropylene (W-PP). The samples had their albedo recorded three days a week, during morning and afternoon readings, at specific angles as dictated in the ASTM E1918-21 standard. This is to observe the environmental factors\u27 effect on the albedo. Also, some samples were placed in an accelerated weathering machine which exposed the samples to high levels of UV radiation to mimic extended periods of sun exposure. The samples were then tensile tested after the UV exposure to record impact in mechanical properties. The results concluded that if the requirement is to have a high albedo, RPB and M are the best option. M is the best option if cost is also considered. If ease of installation and maintenance is a high priority SR-PE becomes a top choice

The Somatic Genomic Landscape of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma

We describe the landscape of somatic genomic alterations of 66 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (ChRCCs) based on multidimensional and comprehensive characterization, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and whole genome sequencing. The result is consistent that ChRCC originates from the distal nephron compared to other kidney cancers with more proximal origins. Combined mtDNA and gene expression analysis implicates changes in mitochondrial function as a component of the disease biology, while suggesting alternative roles for mtDNA mutations in cancers relying on oxidative phosphorylation. Genomic rearrangements lead to recurrent structural breakpoints within TERT promoter region, which correlates with highly elevated TERT expression and manifestation of kataegis, representing a mechanism of TERT up-regulation in cancer distinct from previously-observed amplifications and point mutations

The effect of tongue elevation muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnea ::a randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background : Oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy is a multi-component therapy effective to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, existing protocols are difficult to replicate in the clinical setting. There is a need to isolate the specific effectiveness of each component of the therapy. Objective: To assess the effects of a 6 weeks tongue elevation training programme in patients with OSA. Methods: We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were adults diagnosed with moderate OSA who presented low adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy (mean use <4 h per night). The intervention group completed a 6 weeks tongue elevation training protocol that consisted in anterior tongue elevation strength and endurance tasks with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. The control group completed a 6 weeks sham training protocol that involved expiratory muscle training at very low intensity. Polygraphy data, tongue force and endurance, and OSA symptoms were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. The primary outcome was apneoa-hypopnea index (AHI). Results: Twenty-seven patients (55 ± 11 years) were recruited. According to modified intention-to-treatanalysis (n = 25), changes in AHI and c did not significantly differ between groups. Daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and tongue endurance significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = .015 and .022, respectively). In the intervention group, 75% of participants had a decrease in daytime sleepiness that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion: Six weeks of tongue elevation muscle training had no effect on OSA severity

Fenchone Derivatives as a Novel Class of CB2 Selective Ligands: Design, Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Therapeutic Potential

A series of novel cannabinoid-type derivatives were synthesized by the coupling of (1S,4R)-(+) and (1R,4S)-(&minus;)-fenchones with various resorcinols/phenols. The fenchone-resorcinol derivatives were fluorinated using Selectfluor and demethylated using sodium ethanethiolate in dimethylformamide (DMF). The absolute configurations of four compounds were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The fenchone-resorcinol analogs possessed high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. One of the analogues synthesized, 2-(2&prime;,6&prime;-dimethoxy-4&prime;-(2&Prime;-methyloctan-2&Prime;-yl)phenyl)-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol (1d), had a high affinity (Ki = 3.51 nM) and selectivity for the human CB2 receptor (hCB2). In the [35S]GTP&gamma;S binding assay, our lead compound was found to be a highly potent and efficacious hCB2 receptor agonist (EC50 = 2.59 nM, E(max) = 89.6%). Two of the fenchone derivatives were found to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Molecular-modeling studies elucidated the binding interactions of 1d within the CB2 binding site

Targeting Adults for Supplementary Immunization Activities of Measles Control in Central China: A Mathematical Modelling Study

Abstract Routine immunizations and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) have significantly improved measles control over the past two decades in China. Progress towards eliminating measles currently faces multiple challenges as the infection age increases, and adult-targeted SIA strategies are being considered. This study developed an age-stratified susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model using a recently published contact matrix to depict measles transmissions between individuals in seven age groups. Hubei, a high measles-incidence province in central China, was the selected setting. The baseline scenario was calibrated by fitting with the 2012–2015 age-stratified incidence data. SIAs targeting multiple age groups were simulated. Adult-targeted (>29 years) two-year SIA cycles produced the greatest annual incidence rate decrease, reducing incidences by half over a long timespan with 90% coverage levels. Incidences could remain below 10/100,000 until 2030 if SIAs were provided to individuals ≥6 years old with at least 50% coverage. These findings will help officials prioritize supplementary vaccination strategies. Public health officials in China should consider adult-to-adult transmissions and provide adult-targeted SIAs. Although officials have reported approximately 90% SIA coverage in the past, SIAs for the adult population should be provided on shorter intervals, particularly for the aging population with decreased immunity

Satellite-based estimates of long-term exposure to fine particulate matter are associated with C-reactive protein in 30 034 Taiwanese adults

Background: Particulate matter (PM) air pollution is associated with the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the biological mechanism underlying the associations remains unclear. Atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, is a chronic inflammatory process. We therefore investigated the association of long-term exposure to fine PM (PM2.5) with C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation, in a large Taiwanese population. Methods: Participants were from a large cohort who participated in a standard medical examination programme with measurements of high-sensitivity CRP between 2007 and 2014. We used a spatiotemporal model to estimate 2-year average PM2.5 exposure at each participant's address, based on satellite-derived aerosol optical depth data. General regression models were used for baseline data analysis and mixed-effects linear regression models were used for repeated data analysis to investigate the associations between PM2.5 exposure and CRP, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. Results: In this population of 30 034 participants with 39 096 measurements, every 5 μg/m3 PM2.5 increment was associated with a 1.31% increase in CRP [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00%, 1.63%) after adjusting for confounders. For those participants with repeated CRP measurements, no significant changes were observed between the first and last measurements (0.88 mg/l vs 0.89 mg/l, P = 0.337). The PM2.5 concentrations remained stable over time between 2007 and 2014. Conclusions: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased level of systemic inflammation, supporting the biological link between PM2.5 air pollution and deteriorating cardiovascular health. Air pollution reduction should be an important strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease