47 research outputs found
The Neuropeptide VGF is Reduced in Human Bipolar Postmortem Brain and Contributes to Some of the Behavioral and Molecular Effects of Lithium
No full textRecent studies demonstrate that the neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) is regulated in the hippocampus by antidepressant therapies and animal models of depression and that acute VGF treatment has antidepressant-like activity in animal paradigms. However, the role of VGF in human psychiatric disorders is unknown. We now demonstrate using in situ hybridization that VGF is downregulated in bipolar disorder in the CA region of the hippocampus and Brodmann’s Area 9 (BA9) of the prefrontal cortex. The mechanism of VGF in relation to LiCl was explored. Both LiCl intraperitoneally (IP) and VGF intracerebroventricularly (ICV) reduced latency to drink in novelty-induced hypophagia and LiCl was not effective in VGF+/- mice suggesting that VGF may contribute to the effects of LiCl in this behavioral procedure that responds to chronic antidepressant treatment. VGF by intrahippocampal injection also had novel activity in an amphetamineinduced hyperlocomotion assay thus mimicking the actions of LiCl injected IP in a system that phenocopies manic-like behavior. Moreover, VGF+/- mice exhibited increased locomotion following amphetamine and did not respond to LiCl, suggesting that VGF is required for the effects of LiCl in curbing the response to amphetamine. Finally, VGF by ICV in vivo activated the same signaling pathways as LiCl and is necessary for the induction of MAPK and AKT by LiCl thus lending insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of VGF. The dysregulation of VGF in bipolar disorder as well as the behavioral effects of the neuropeptide similar to LiCl suggests that VGF may underlie the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.Peer reviewe
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): a new challenge in untreated wastewater
No full textCOVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 12 March 2020. As of 27 May 2020, WHO statistics exhibited that more than five million confirmed cases have been reported globally. Much remains unclear about the fate and impact of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus 2019, in wastewater. SARS-CoV-2 infection, the etiologic agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic, is followed by virus shedding in the stool. The quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, therefore, enables monitoring of the prevalence of infections among the population through wastewater-based epidemiology. This review discusses the possible spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater and its impact on human health, if any. The information and resources outlined in this paper are based on recently published studies and provide information to decision-makers on the successful management of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of human exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, systems-based approaches to curtail COVID-19 spread are also discussed.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Economic, Demographic, Deterrent Variables And Crime Rate In India
No full textCrime has plagued society since time immortal. The crime rate in India has been on rise, therefore, it becomes important to study the factors that impact the crime rate. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between various economic, demographic and deterrent factors and the crime rate in India. The study focuses on the extent of effects of various factors like population density, sex ratio, minority population, poverty, per capita income, no of police personnel and literacy rate on crime registered under IPC1 in all Indian states and major union territories. The study covers the data of all the Indian states and major union territories of period 2011. The findings show that these factors are crucial determinants of the rate of the criminal cases registered in India
Anchorage Capacity of Headed Bars in Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
No full textHeaded bars (HB) with different head shapes (Square, Circular, and Rectangular) and bar diameters (db: 16, 20, and 25 mm) embedded in steel fiber reinforced concrete have been subjected to pull-out test. The influence of head shapes, concrete compressive strength (M20 and M40), db, and steel fibers (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) on the anchorage capacity of HB have been evaluated. Numerical model for improving the anchorage capacity of HB has also been proposed. Results have revealed that the anchorage capacity of HB increases with the increase in concrete compressive strength, db, and steel fibers, which have been validated by non-linear regression analysis using dummy variables. Two failure modes namely, steel and concrete-blowout have been observed and the prevailing mode of failure is steel failure. Based on load-deflection curves and derived descriptive equations, it is observed that the circular HB has displayed the highest peak load.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Accelerating the execution of green hydrogen value chains with the use of programme management
No full textClimate change, driven primarily by carbon dioxide emissions, necessitates urgent action to decarbonize the energy sector. This urgency is highlighted by initiatives such as the European Green Deal aiming for a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050. The transition to green hydrogen contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the Netherlands, where initiatives have been outlined but face challenges in execution. This research explores the application of programme management theory to accelerate the execution of green hydrogen value chains. Through literature study and semi-structured interviews, challenges in execution, such as cost, uncertainties, regulation, and lack of integration, are identified. Potential solutions include clarity on costs and regulations, long-term collaboration, improved communication and most importantly connection in the green hydrogen value chain. The application of program management, characterized by grouping projects, aligning objectives, and coordinating resources, emerges as a viable strategy. All the actors in the entire chain need to collaborate and work as one instead of working in isolation. A model is developed to guide the setup of programme management for a green hydrogen value chain, emphasizing clear goals, roles, and communication. This research contributes to filling gaps in the literature and offers practical insights for industry stakeholders to expedite the transition to green hydrogen. Recommendations include collaboration among sectors, regulatory clarity, and utilization of the developed model. Future research could focus on contract formation, broader application of the model, and addressing regulatory challenges at a policy level.Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineerin
