bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
СТРУКТУРА ТА МЕТОДИЧНІ ПОЛОЖЕННЯ НОРМАТИВНОЇ БАЗИ З ПИТАНЬ ЕНЕРГОЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ БУДІВЕЛЬ
Authors: ФАРЕНЮК Г.Г.
Published: September 2019

У статті представлено аналіз чинної законодавчої та нормативної бази України в галузі енергоефективності будівель. Існуючий системний комплекс норм та стандартів створено на основі розробленої методології побудови та розвитку нормативної бази з питань енергоефективності будівель. Нормативна база в галузі енергоефективності будівель розвивається за двома напрямами. Перший - гармонізація з європейськими нормативними документами та імплементація положень Директиви 2010/31/ЄС у нормативне поле України; другий -розвиток національної гілки норм та стандартів, які основані на традиційних підходах до проектування будівель. У національній гілці забезпечено збереження напрацювань щодо оцінювання енергетичних характеристик будівель та теплотехнічних показників теплоізоляційної оболонки будівель, які були розвинуті науковою та проектною практикою. У статті розглянуто методичні положення нормативних актів та документів, які регламентують правила проектування теплоізоляційної оболонки та інженерного обладнання будинків при новому будівництві та реконструкції.
МІЦНІСТЬ ЗАЛІЗОБЕТОННИХ БАЛОК ІЗ ПОШКОДЖЕННЯМИ, ОТРИМАНИМИ ПРИ ЕКСПЛУАТАЦІЙНОМУ РІВНІ НАВАНТАЖЕННЯ
Authors: БЛІХАРСЬКИЙ З.З. , ВЕГЕРА П.І. , ШНАЛЬ Т.М.
Published: September 2019

У статті представлено результати експериментальних досліджень залізобетонних балок із пошкодженнями розтягнутої арматури, отриманими за дії експлуатаційного рівня навантаження. Для проведення таких досліджень запроектовано та виготовлено 8 дослідних зразків: 4 контрольні і 4 пошкоджені. Пошкодження виконано у вигляді одного отвору діаметром 5,6 мм, що імітує корозію арматури діаметром 20 мм до діаметру 16 мм. Для порівняння також виконали пошкодження арматури одним отвором аж до моменту вичерпання несучої здатності балок, внаслідок збільшення отвору. При рівні навантаження рівному 0,5 від очікуваного руйнівного, граничне значення діаметра отвору становить 9,5 мм. Несуча здатність залізобетонних балок, в яких наявні точкові пошкодження за рівня навантаження, є вища ніж для залізобетонних елементів із аналогічним армуванням. При навантаженні, рівному 0,5 від їх несучої здатності, пошкоджені залізобетонні балки мають запас міцності вищий на 18%, ніж дослідні зразки з непошкодженим армуванням такого ж діаметра.
ВИПРОБУВАННЯ ФРАГМЕНТА ФАСАДНОЇ ВЕНТИЛЬОВАНОЇ СИСТЕМИ VENTAROCK З ОПОРЯДЖЕННЯМ БЕТОННИМ КАМЕНЕМ ПРИ РІЗНИХ СПОЛУЧЕННЯХ НАВАНТАЖЕНЬ
Authors: ТАРАСЮК В.Г. , ЖАРКО Л.О. , ОВЧАР В.П. , ФЕСЕНКО О.А. , БОРЕЦЬКА Н.С. , БЄЛОКОНЬ А.М. , ТАЩИЛОВА А.О.
Published: September 2019

Розглянуто результати експериментальних досліджень роботи фрагмента фасадної вентильованої системи з опорядженням бетонним каменем VENTAROCK при комплексних навантаженнях від власної ваги, обледеніння, вітру та сейсміки. Навантаження приймали максимально можливі для території України. Наведено розрахун-ки навантажень, випробувальне обладнання, схеми випробувань та схеми розміщення вимірювальних приладів. Фрагмент фасадної системи розмірами 1,5×1,5 м розміщували горизонтально і випробовували в два етапи: перший - при навантаженнях від дії власної ваги, обледеніння, активного і від’ємного вітру, другий - від дії власної ваги, обледеніння та сейсмічного навантаження в 7, 8 та 9 балів за шкалою Ріхтера. Визначено величини деформацій фасадної системи, руйнівні навантаження та характер руйнування її елементів: розколювання бетонного каменю, опорядження та деформацію (депланацію) ригеля каркаса. Проведені випробування фрагментів фасадної системи VENTAROCK із опорядженням бетоннимкаменем конструктивно-технологічної схеми фірми ЕКВЕСОП-1 на дію максимальних для України навантажень від власної ваги, обледеніння, вітру та сейсміки 7-9 балів підтвердили можливість використання цієї системи в будівлях висотою до 73,5 м на усій території України на ґрунтах категорією за сейсмічними властивостями ІІІ згідно з вимогами чинних нормативних документів.
РОЗРАХУНОК МІЦНОСТІ ПРОСТОРОВИХ ПЕРЕРІЗІВ ПРОГІННИХ ЗАЛІЗОБЕТОННИХ КОНСТРУКЦІЙ ПРИ ЇХ ЗГИНІ З КРУЧЕННЯМ ЗА УДОСКОНАЛЕНОЮ ІНЖЕНЕРНОЮ МЕТОДОЛОГІЄЮ
Authors: ДОРОФЄЄВ В.С. , КАРПЮК В.М. , ПЕТРОВ О.М. , ПЕТРОВ М.М. , КРАНТОВСЬКА О.М.
Published: September 2019

Аналіз результатів порівняння дослідних і розрахункових значень несучої здатності просторових перерізів прогінних конструкцій, обчислених за рекомендаціями національних норм проектування розвинених країн світу та чисельними авторськими пропозиціями показав як незадовільну їхню збіжність, так і недостатню надійність розрахункових формул.Різноманітність форм складного напруженодеформованого стану та схем їх руйнування унеможливлює створення однієї простої та універсальної розрахункової моделі міцностіприопорних ділянок конструкцій, що знаходяться в складному напруженому стані, що адекватно відображала б вплив як конструктивних чинників, так і факторів зовнішньої дії наїхню несучу здатність. Спрощення розрахункових моделей вимагає застосування емпіричного підходу. Методи розрахунку конструкцій, що спираються на загальну механіку залізобетону з тріщинами, носять універсальний характер і дозволяють моделювати будь-який напружено-деформований стан та простежити за усіма етапами роботи конструкцій, але їхнє практичне застосування стримується відомими труднощами. Розрахунок приопорних ділянок конструкцій за моделлю просторових перерізів пропонується здійснювати по аналогії з рекомендаціями російських норм за перерізами, утвореними похилими відрізками прямих на трьох розтягнутих гранях елемента і замикаючим відрізком прямої по четвертій стислій грані елемента. Сам розрахунок на дію крутних моментів виконується за міцністю конструкцій між просторовими перерізами і за просторовими перерізамина основі рівнянь рівноваги всіх внутрішніх і зовнішніх силових факторів відносно осі, розташованої в центрі стиснутої зони просторового перерізу. Розрахунок конструкцій на діюпоперечної сили при заданих співвідношеннях крутного і згинального моментів здійснювали за рівняннями взаємодії між відповідними силовими чинниками з урахуванням рекомендацій російських норм проектування і уточнюючого коефіцієнта k впливу конструктивних чинників та факторів зовнішньої дії на несучу здатність елементів.
ВЕРТИКАЛЬНИЙ ІМПЕДАНС ФУНДАМЕНТУ НА ШАРІ ВОДОНАСИЧЕНОГО ҐРУНТУ
Authors: ТРОФИМЧУК О. М. , ГОМІЛКО О. М. , САВИЦЬКИЙ О. А.
Published: September 2019

Один з методів динамічного аналізу відповідальних споруд – застосування імпедансних чи передаточних функцій частоти, які можуть бути включені до динамічних розрахункових схем будівель, що проектуються. На основі аналізу традиційних та сучасних методів визначення характеристик динамічної взаємодії фундаментів споруд з ґрунтовою основою пропонується для оцінки залежності реакції по підошві фундаменту від частоти у випадках водонасичення пористого незв’язного ґрунту в основі та горизонтально-шаруватої його неоднорідності використовувати хвильові рівняння руху ґрунтової пористопружної насиченої стисливою і в’язкою рідиною основи (модель Біо двофазного середовища). Методом інтегральних перетворень визначаються символьні вирази точного розв’язку для переміщень фаз на границі основи (під підошвою фундаменту) від розподілених вертикальних гармонічних навантажень на фази. При вертикальних коливаннях малозаглибленого фундаменту (смуги) розглядаються складові реакції з боку твердої пористої та рідинної порової фаз. Функції імпедансу для жорсткої полоси з непроникною для порової рідини підошвою на шаруватій пористопружній насиченій рідиною (ППНР) основі знаходяться з розв’язку динамічної контактної задачі методомортогональних поліномів (при поліноміальних розкладаннях реакцій фаз з урахуванням особливостей на контакті) і оригінального програмного забезпечення по заданих геометричним і фізико-механічним параметрам фундаментів та моделі основи. На числових прикладах показано, як реакція (імпеданс) ППНР основи відрізняється від реакції пружного півпростору, а взаємодія між фундаментом з недренованою підошвою і водонасиченим ґрунтом неоднобічна внаслідок змінного (до знаку) тиску порової рідини у пружній пористій матриці під підошвою. Визначаютьсярезонансні частоти для моделі одношарової основи з затисненою тильною гранню в залежності від висоти шару, ширини фундаменту і властивостей матеріалу двофазної основи.
Організаційно-правові основи захисту власності засобами охоронної техніки в Україні
Authors: Хараберюш І. Ф.
Published: September 2019

У статті розглянуто охоронну техніку як складову спеціальної техніки. Як наукова категорія охоронна техніка являє собою сукупність наукових положень і рекомендацій щодо застосування технічних, програмно-технічних, програмних засобів, речовин, інформаційних систем, наукових і спеціальних методів їх використання під час виконання завдань суб’єктами охоронної діяльності. Визначено систему та проблеми охоронної техніки.Система охоронної техніки складається з таких елементів: загальних положень, напряму застосування та функціонального призначення засобів охоронної техніки. Виділено правові засади використання охоронної техніки та організаційні структури її застосування для охорони об’єктів. Показано, що нормативно-правові акти, які становлять правову основу захисту майна та застосування технічних засобів охорони, належать до різних галузей права. Визначено категорію «організація технічної охорони об’єктів», її класифікацію та перспективи розвитку.
Проблемні питання проведення огляду місця події та першочергових тактичних дій слідчого при розкритті й розслідуванні зґвалтувань
Authors: Юхно О.О.
Published: September 2019

У статті з огляду на зміни до чинного КПК України та Кримінального кодексу України, сучасних досягнень криміналістичної тактики та можливостей судової медицини, біології, генетики й різних галузей науки досліджено проблемні питання огляду місця події та першочергових слідчих ( розшукових) дій при отриманні заяв про вчинене зґвалтування та способів вирішення проблемних питань у цьому напрямі, зокрема в теорії криміналістики, кримінального процесу та правозастосовній діяльності.
A Radiogenomic Approach for Decoding Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumor Progression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fischer Sarah , Tahoun Mohamed , Klaan Bastian , Thierfelder Kolja M. , Weber Marc-André , Krause Bernd J. , Hakenberg Oliver , Fuellen Georg , Hamed Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a genetically heterogeneous cancer entity that causes challenges in pre-treatment clinical evaluation, such as the correct identification of the tumor stage. Conventional clinical tests based on digital rectal examination, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, and Gleason score still lack accuracy for stage prediction. We hypothesize that unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying PCa staging via integrative analysis of multi-OMICs data could significantly improve the prediction accuracy for PCa pathological stages. We present a radiogenomic approach comprising clinical, imaging, and two genomic (gene and miRNA expression) datasets for 298 PCa patients. Comprehensive analysis of gene and miRNA expression profiles for two frequent PCa stages (T2c and T3b) unraveled the molecular characteristics for each stage and the corresponding gene regulatory interaction network that may drive tumor upstaging from T2c to T3b. Furthermore, four biomarkers (ANPEP, mir-217, mir-592, mir-6715b) were found to distinguish between the two PCa stages and were highly correlated (average r = ± 0.75) with corresponding aggressiveness-related imaging features in both tumor stages. When combined with related clinical features, these biomarkers markedly improved the prediction accuracy for the pathological stage. Our prediction model exhibits high potential to yield clinically relevant results for characterizing PCa aggressiveness.
The Impact of Jumps and Leverage in Forecasting the Co-Volatility of Oil and Gold Futures
Authors: Asai Manabu , Gupta Rangan , McAleer Michael
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the impact of jumps in forecasting co-volatility in the presence of leverage effects for daily crude oil and gold futures. We use a modified version of the jump-robust covariance estimator of Koike (2016), such that the estimated matrix is positive definite. Using this approach, we can disentangle the estimates of the integrated co-volatility matrix and jump variations from the quadratic covariation matrix. Empirical results show that more than 80% of the co-volatility of the two futures contains jump variations and that they have significant impacts on future co-volatility but that the impact is negligible in forecasting weekly and monthly horizons.
Responses of Soil and Microbial C:N:P Stoichiometry to Vegetation Succession in a Karst Region of Southwest China
Authors: Song Min , Peng Wanxia , Du Hu , Xu Qingguo
Published: September 2019

Spontaneous vegetation succession after agricultural abandonment is a general phenomenon in many areas of the world. As important indicators of nutrient status and biogeochemical cycling in ecosystems, the stoichiometry of key elements such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in soil and microbial biomass, and their responses to vegetation recolonization and succession after agricultural abandonment remain poorly understood. Here, based on a space-for-time substitution approach, surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from four vegetation types, e.g., tussock grassland, shrubland, secondary forest, and primary forest, which represent four successional stages across this region. All samples were examined C, N and P concentrations and their ratios in soil and microbial biomass. The results showed that soil organic C and total N content increased synchronously but total soil P did not remarkably change along a progressive vegetation succession. Consequently, soil C:P and N:P ratios increased while C:N ratio stayed almost unchanged during vegetation succession. Soil microbial biomass C (SMBC) and microbial biomass N (SMBN) concentrations elevated while SMBP did not significantly change during vegetation succession. Unlike the soil C:N:P stoichiometry, however, microbial C:N and C:P ratios were significantly or marginally significantly greater in grassland than in the other three successional stages, while microbial N:P did not significantly vary across the four successional stages. Overall, the present study demonstrated that soil and microbial stoichiometry responded differently to secondary vegetation succession in a karst region of subtropical China.
Monthly Radial Growth Model of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.), and the Relationships between Radial Increment and Climate Factors
Authors: Huang Yaqi , Deng Xiangwen , Zhao Zhonghui , Xiang Wenhua , Yan Wende , Ouyang Shuai , Lei Pifeng
Published: September 2019

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is the most commonly grown afforestation species in subtropical China. It is essential that we understand the response of radial tree growth to climate factors, yet most experiments have been conducted based on total annual growth and not on monthly dynamics, which alone can detail the influence of climatic factors. In this study, we aimed to: (i) construct a monthly growth model and compare the growth rate of different social statuses of trees, and (ii) determine the response of radial increments of different social statuses to climate factors. The radial growth was monitored monthly during four years using manual band dendrometers (MBD). The data were fitted using the Gompertz function. Within-stand differences in the social status of Chinese firs resulted in growing period and growth rate length variations. The radial growth began in March, and suppressed trees—especially groups of AS1 and BS1 (suppressed trees of classes I in sites A and B)—stopped in September, whereas dominant and intermediate trees were delayed and stopped in November. The periodic monthly increment curve showed double peaks, and the maximum growth rate occurred in April and August. The peak values were affected by social status, which showed that dominant trees had the greatest radial growth rates. S-shaped Gompertz meant that monthly increment models were successfully fitted to our data, which explained more than 98% of the variation in increment data and passed the uncertainty test. Temperature and precipitation had a significant influence on radial growth, and the correlation between radial growth and air temperature was the highest. Our results also revealed that temperatures explain the double-peak features of Chinese fir. The limiting factors of radial growth changed with the seasons and were mainly affected by temperature and precipitation, which should be considered in predicting the response of tree growth to climate change.
Effects of Two Trichoderma Strains on Plant Growth, Rhizosphere Soil Nutrients, and Fungal Community of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Annual Seedlings
Authors: Halifu Saiyaremu , Deng Xun , Song Xiaoshuang , Song Ruiqing
Published: September 2019

Trichoderma spp. are proposed as major plant growth-promoting fungi that widely exist in the natural environment. These strains have the abilities of rapid growth and reproduction and efficient transformation of soil nutrients. Moreover, they can change the plant rhizosphere soil environment and promote plant growth. Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica has the characteristics of strong drought resistance and fast growth and plays an important role in ecological construction and environmental restoration. The effects on the growth of annual seedlings, root structure, rhizosphere soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and fungal community structure of P. sylvestris var. mongolica were studied after inoculation with Trichoderma harzianum E15 and Trichoderma virens ZT05, separately. The results showed that after inoculation with T. harzianum E15 and T. virens ZT05, seedling biomass, root structure index, soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activity were significantly increased compared with the control (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the effects of T. harzianum E15 and T. virens ZT05 inoculation on the growth and rhizosphere soil nutrient of P. sylvestris var. mongolica (p < 0.05). For the E15 treatment, the seedling height, ground diameter, and total biomass of seedlings were higher than that those of the ZT05 treatment, and the rhizosphere soil nutrient content and enzyme activity of the ZT05 treatment were higher than that of the E15 treatment. The results of alpha and beta diversity analyses showed that the fungi community structure of rhizosphere soil was significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three treatments (inoculated with T. harzianum E15, T. virens ZT05, and not inoculated with Trichoderma). Overall, Trichoderma inoculation was correlated with the change of rhizosphere soil nutrient content.
Prevalence and Predictors of Violence Victimization and Violent Behavior among Youths: A Population-Based Study in Serbia
Authors: Obradovic-Tomasevic Biljana , Santric-Milicevic Milena , Vasic Vladimir , Vukovic Dejana , Sipetic-Grujicic Sandra , Bjegovic-Mikanovic Vesna , Terzic-Supic Zorica , Tomasevic Ratko , Todorovic Jovana , Babic Uros
Published: September 2019

The study identifies the prevalence of violence victimization and the perpetration among youths, and explores the determinants and predictors using a socio-ecological model. The data of 36 variables from a representative sample of 1722 persons, ages 15–24 years, from the National Health Survey of Serbia in 2013, were analyzed by a multivariate logistic regression modeling. The study shows that 13.4% of youths experienced multi-victimization, while 10.4% were perpetrators of violence. Up to one-third of the victims were violence perpetrators. A small percentage of victims seek family and community support. Predictors of violence among youths were: male sex, households with fewer members, urban settlements, violence perpetration, self-assessed health as poor, lack of close friends and perception that it was difficult to obtain the assistance needed. Predictors of youth violence highlighted the need to improve health education, social support and community regulations, as well as strengthen the promotion of gender equality and a healthy environment.
Secondary Traumatization, Psychological Stress, and Resilience in Psychosocial Emergency Care Personnel
Authors: Greinacher Anja , Nikendei Alexander , Kottke Renate , Wiesbeck Jürgen , Herzog Wolfgang , Nikendei Christoph
Published: September 2019

Volunteers active in psychosocial emergency care offer psychological first aid to survivors of accidents and trauma, their relatives, eye witnesses, bystanders, and other first responders. So far, there are no studies that investigate the secondary and primary traumatization of this group of first responders. We included N = 75 volunteers, who filled out questionnaires to assess their secondary (QST/FST) and primary traumatization (PDS), and levels of comorbid psychological stress (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SF-12). We investigated factors of resilience by measuring attachment behavior (ECR-RD, RQ-2), level of personality functioning (OPD-SFK), sense of coherence (SOC-29), social support (F-SozU), and mindfulness (MAAS). The volunteers’ levels of secondary and primary traumatization were below cut-off scores. Their levels of comorbid psychological stress were comparable to representative norm samples. Additionally, the volunteers presented high levels of resilience. Gender (β = 0.26; p < 0.05), case discussions (β = −0.37; p < 0.05), and social support (β = 0.45; p < 0.01) were revealed to be predictors of secondary traumatization, while mindfulness turned out to be a predictor of primary traumatization (β = −0.34; p = 0.008). However, we cannot rule out that the low prevalence of traumatization and comorbid psychological stress in our study sample might not be explained by a positive response bias.
Progress in Research on the Role of Flavonoids in Lung Cancer
Authors: Zanoaga Oana , Braicu Cornelia , Jurj Ancuta , Rusu Alexandru , Buiga Rares , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: September 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Therefore, for the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer, efficient preventive strategies and new therapeutic strategies are needed to face these challenges. Natural bioactive compounds and particular flavonoids compounds have been proven to have an important role in lung cancer prevention and of particular interest is the dose used for these studies, to underline the molecular effects and mechanisms at a physiological concentration. The purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding relevant molecular mechanisms involved in the pharmacological effects, with a special focus on the anti-cancer role, by regulating the coding and non-coding genes. Furthermore, this review focused on the most commonly altered and most clinically relevant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and microRNAs in lung cancer. Particular attention was given to the biological effect in tandem with conventional therapy, emphasizing the role in the regulation of drug resistance related mechanisms.
The Role of Extracellular Matrix Expression, ERK1/2 Signaling and Cell Cohesiveness for Cartilage Yield from iPSCs
Authors: Buchert Justyna , Diederichs Solvig , Kreuser Ursula , Merle Christian , Richter Wiltrud
Published: September 2019

Current therapies involving chondrocytes or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) remain inefficient in restoring cartilage properties upon injury. The induced pluripotent stem-cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (iMPCs) have been put forward as a promising alternative cell source due to their high proliferation and differentiation potential. However, the observed cell loss during in vitro chondrogenesis is currently a bottleneck in establishing articular chondrocyte generation from iPSCs. In a search for candidate mechanisms underlying the low iPSC-derived cartilage tissue yield, global transcriptomes were compared between iMPCs and MSCs and the cell properties were analyzed via a condensation assay. The iMPCs had a more juvenile mesenchymal gene signature than MSCs with less myofibroblast-like characteristics, including significantly lower ECM- and integrin-ligand-related as well as lower α-smooth-muscle-actin expression. This correlated with less substrate and more cell-cell adhesion, impaired aggregate formation and consequently inferior cohesive tissue properties of the iMPC-pellets. Along lower expression of pro-survival ECM molecules, like decorin, collagen VI, lumican and laminin, the iMPC populations had significantly less active ERK1/2 compared to MSCs. Overall, this study proposes that this ECM and integrin-ligand shortage, together with insufficient pro-survival ERK1/2-activity, explains the loss of a non-aggregating iMPC sub-fraction during pellet formation and reduced survival of cells in early pellets. Enhancing ECM production and related signaling in iMPCs may be a promising new means to enrich the instructive microenvironment with pro-survival cues allowing to improve the final cartilage tissue yield from iPSCs.
NOD2 Supports Crypt Survival and Epithelial Regeneration after Radiation-Induced Injury
Authors: Lee Chansu , Choi Changhoon , Kang Ho Suk , Shin Sung-Won , Kim Shin-Yeong , Park Hee Chul , Hong Sung Noh
Published: September 2019

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) affords stem cell protection and links microbes to intestinal epithelial regeneration. We investigated whether NOD2 status is associated with crypt survival and intestinal epithelial regeneration independent of microbiota-derived molecules. To assess crypt survival, a clonogenic microcolony assay was performed with 15 Gy of X-ray irradiation. The fractional crypt survival rate (46.0 ± 15.5% vs. 24.7 ± 9.2%, p < 0.01) and fractional EdU-positive crypt survival rate (29.8 ± 14.5% vs. 9.79 ± 4.37%, p = 0.015) were significantly decreased in the NOD2−/− mice compared with the wild-type (WT) mice at 3.5 days after irradiation. To evaluate intestinal epithelial regeneration capability, organoid reconstitution assays were performed. Small bowel crypts of the WT and NOD2−/− mice were isolated and seeded into Matrigel for 3D culture. In the organoid reconstitution assays, the number of organoids formed did not differ between the NOD2−/− and WT mice. Organoid formation ability was also assessed after exposure to 5 Gy irradiation. Organoid formation ability was significantly decreased in the NOD2−/− mice compared with the WT ones after exposure to 5 Gy irradiation (33.2 ± 5.9 vs. 19.7 ± 8.8/well, p < 0.01). NOD2 supports crypt survival after potentially lethal irradiation damage and is associated with intestinal epithelial regeneration.
Genetic Factors of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Their Potential Clinical Outcome
Authors: Giau Vo Van , Bagyinszky Eva , Youn Young Chul , An Seong Soo A. , Kim Sang Yun
Published: September 2019

Cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD) have been causally correlated with ischemic strokes, leading to cognitive decline and vascular dementia. Neuroimaging and molecular genetic tests could improve diagnostic accuracy in patients with potential SVD. Several types of monogenic, hereditary cerebral SVD have been identified: cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL), cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), cathepsin A-related arteriopathy with strokes and leukoencephalopathy (CARASAL), hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), COL4A1/2-related disorders, and Fabry disease. These disorders can be distinguished based on their genetics, pathological and imaging findings, clinical manifestation, and diagnosis. Genetic studies of sporadic cerebral SVD have demonstrated a high degree of heritability, particularly among patients with young-onset stroke. Common genetic variants in monogenic disease may contribute to pathological progress in several cerebral SVD subtypes, revealing distinct genetic mechanisms in different subtype of SVD. Hence, genetic molecular analysis should be used as the final gold standard of diagnosis. The purpose of this review was to summarize the recent discoveries made surrounding the genetics of cerebral SVD and their clinical significance, to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of cerebral SVD, and to highlight the possible convergence of disease mechanisms in monogenic and sporadic cerebral SVD.
Active Site Architecture and Reaction Mechanism Determination of Cold Adapted β-d-galactosidase from Arthrobacter sp. 32cB
Authors: Rutkiewicz Maria , Bujacz Anna , Wanarska Marta , Wierzbicka-Wos Anna , Cieslinski Hubert
Published: September 2019

ArthβDG is a dimeric, cold-adapted β-d-galactosidase that exhibits high hydrolytic and transglycosylation activity. A series of crystal structures of its wild form, as well as its ArthβDG_E441Q mutein complexes with ligands were obtained in order to describe the mode of its action. The ArthβDG_E441Q mutein is an inactive form of the enzyme designed to enable observation of enzyme interaction with its substrate. The resulting three-dimensional structures of complexes: ArthβDG_E441Q/LACs and ArthβDG/IPTG (ligand bound in shallow mode) and structures of complexes ArthβDG_E441Q/LACd, ArthβDG/ONPG (ligands bound in deep mode), and galactose ArthβDG/GAL and their analysis enabled structural characterization of the hydrolysis reaction mechanism. Furthermore, comparative analysis with mesophilic analogs revealed the most striking differences in catalysis mechanisms. The key role in substrate transfer from shallow to deep binding mode involves rotation of the F581 side chain. It is worth noting that the 10-aa loop restricting access to the active site in mesophilic GH2 βDGs, in ArthβDG is moved outward. This facilitates access of substrate to active site. Such a permanent exposure of the entrance to the active site may be a key factor for improved turnover rate of the cold adapted enzyme and thus a structural feature related to its cold adaptation.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Seed-Development Genes in Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
Authors: Li Hongyou , Lv Qiuyu , Deng Jiao , Huang Juan , Cai Fang , Liang Chenggang , Chen Qijiao , Wang Yan , Zhu Liwei , Zhang Xiaona , Chen Qingfu
Published: September 2019

Seed development is an essential and complex process, which is involved in seed size change and various nutrients accumulation, and determines crop yield and quality. Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a widely cultivated minor crop with excellent economic and nutritional value in temperate zones. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of seed development in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). In this study, we performed RNA-Seq to investigate the transcriptional dynamics and identify the key genes involved in common buckwheat seed development at three different developmental stages. A total of 4619 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Based on the results of Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis of DEGs, many key genes involved in the seed development, including the Ca2+ signal transduction pathway, the hormone signal transduction pathways, transcription factors (TFs), and starch biosynthesis-related genes, were identified. More importantly, 18 DEGs were identified as the key candidate genes for seed size through homologous query using the known seed size-related genes from different seed plants. Furthermore, 15 DEGs from these identified as the key genes of seed development were selected to confirm the validity of the data by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the results show high consistency with the RNA-Seq results. Taken together, our results revealed the underlying molecular mechanisms of common buckwheat seed development and could provide valuable information for further studies, especially for common buckwheat seed improvement.
Research on the Improvement of Concrete Autogenous Self-healing Based on the Regulation of Cement Particle Size Distribution (PSD)
Authors: Yuan Lianwang , Chen Shuaishuai , Wang Shoude , Huang Yongbo , Yang Qingkuan , Liu Shuai , Wang Jinbang , Du Peng , Cheng Xin , Zhou Zonghui
Published: September 2019

Overgrinding of Portland cement brings excessive shrinkage and poor self-healing ability to concrete. In this paper, through the ultrasonic test and optical micrograph observation, the self-healing properties of concrete prepared by cement with different particle size distributions were studied. Besides, the effect of carbonation and continued hydration on self-healing of concrete was analyzed. Results show that, for the Portland cement containing more particles with the size 30~60 μm, the concrete could achieve a better self-healing ability of concrete at 28 days. For the two methods to characterize the self-healing properties of concrete, the ultrasonic test is more accurate in characterizing the self-healing of internal crack than optical micrograph observation. The autogenous self-healing of concrete is jointly affected by the continued hydration and carbonation. At 7 days and 30 days, the autogenous self-healing of concrete is mainly controlled by the continued hydration and carbonation, respectively. The cement particle size could affect the continued hydration by affecting un-hydrated cement content and the carbonation by affecting the Ca(OH)2 content. Therefore, a proper distribution of cement particle size, which brings a suitable amount of Ca(OH)2 and un-hydrated cement, could improve the self-healing ability of concrete.
Experimental Study of Wear Mechanisms of Cemented Carbide in the Turning of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Saketi Sara , Odelros Stina , Östby Jonas , Olsson Mikael
Published: September 2019

Titanium and titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V are generally considered as difficult-to-machine materials. This is mainly due to their high chemical reactivity, poor thermal conductivity, and high strength, which is maintained at elevated temperatures. As a result, the cutting tool is exposed to rather extreme contact conditions resulting in plastic deformation and wear. In the present work, the mechanisms behind the crater and flank wear of uncoated cemented carbide inserts in the turning of Ti6Al4V are characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and high-resolution Auger electron spectroscopy (AES).The results show that, for combinations of low cutting speeds and feeds, crater and flank wear were found to be controlled by an attrition wear mechanism, while for combinations of medium to high cutting speeds and feeds, a diffusion wear mechanism was found to control the wear. For the latter combinations, high-resolution SEM and AES analysis reveal the formation of an approximately 100 nm thick carbon-depleted tungsten carbide (WC)-layer at the cemented carbide/Ti6Al4V interface due to the diffusion of carbon into the adhered build-up layers of work material on the rake and flank surfaces.
Fucoidan Suppresses Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Death against 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinum-Induced Neuronal Cytotoxicity via Regulation of PGC-1α Expression
Authors: Han Yong-Seok , Lee Jun Hee , Lee Sang Hun
Published: September 2019

Mitochondria are considered to be the powerhouses of cells. They are the most commonly damaged organelles within dopaminergic neurons in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite the importance of protecting neuronal mitochondria in PD patients, the detailed mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction during pathogenesis and pathophysiological progression of PD have not yet been elucidated. We investigated the protective action of fucoidan against the detrimental action of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+), a neurotoxin used to model PD, in the mitochondria of SH-SY5Y neural cells. Fucoidan increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and protected the cells from MPP+-induced apoptosis by upregulating the 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PGC-1α axis. These effects were blocked by the silencing of the PGC-1α axis. These results indicated that fucoidan protects SH-SY5Y cells from mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death caused by MPP+ treatment, via the AMPK-PGC-1α axis. These findings also suggest that fucoidan could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for PD.
Sparassis crispa Intake Improves the Reduced Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TNF-α Production That Occurs upon Exhaustive Exercise in Mice
Authors: Uchida Masataka , Horii Naoki , Hasegawa Natsuki , Oyanagi Eri , Yano Hiromi , Iemitsu Motoyuki
Published: September 2019

Our previous study showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production is inhibited by acute exhaustive exercise in mice, leading to transient immunodepression after exercise. Sparassis crispa (SC), an edible mushroom, has immunopotentiative properties. This study aimed to clarify the effects of SC intake on reduced LPS-induced TNF-α production upon exhaustive exercise in mice. Male C3H/HeN mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal chow intake + resting sedentary, normal chow intake + acute exhaustive treadmill running exercise, and SC intake (chow containing 5% SC powder for 8 weeks) + the exhaustive exercise groups. Each group was injected with LPS immediately after the exhaustive exercise or rest. Plasma and tissue TNF-α levels were significantly decreased by exhaustive exercise. However, this reduction of the TNF-α level was partially attenuated in the plasma and small intestine by SC intake. Although levels of TLR4 and MyD88 protein expression were significantly decreased in tissues by exhaustive exercise, the reduction of TLR4 and MyD88 levels in the small intestine was partially attenuated by SC intake. These results suggest that SC intake attenuates exhaustive exercise-induced reduction of TNF-α production via the retention of TLR4 and MyD88 expression in the small intestine.
Does an Age-Specific Treatment Program Augment the Efficacy of a Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss Program in Adolescence and Young Adulthood? Results from a Controlled Study
Authors: Warschburger Petra , Zitzmann Jana
Published: September 2019

Research on weight-loss interventions in emerging adulthood is warranted. Therefore, a cognitive-behavioral group treatment (CBT), including development-specific topics for adolescents and young adults with obesity (YOUTH), was developed. In a controlled study, we compared the efficacy of this age-specific CBT group intervention to an age-unspecific CBT group delivered across ages in an inpatient setting. The primary outcome was body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) over the course of one year; secondary outcomes were health-related and disease-specific quality of life (QoL). 266 participants aged 16 to 21 years (65% females) were randomized. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analyses (PPA) were performed. For both group interventions, we observed significant and clinically relevant improvements in BMI-SDS and QoL over the course of time with small to large effect sizes. Contrary to our hypothesis, the age-specific intervention was not superior to the age-unspecific CBT-approach.
Added Sugar Intake is Associated with Blood Pressure in Older Females
Authors: Mansoori Safiyah , Kushner Nicole , Suminski Richard R. , Farquhar William B. , Chai Sheau C.
Published: September 2019

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is highly prevalent in the aging population. Notably, diet and lifestyle have a strong influence on BP. We investigated the association between dietary factors and BP in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 128 participants, aged 65–80 years. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between diet, including meats, vegetables, grains, fruits, dairy, fats, and added sugar, and BP. There was a significant association between intake of added sugar and systolic BP and diastolic BP in females after controlling for age, income, body mass index, physical activity levels, daily calorie intake, and BP medication use. The model predicted that a decrease of 2.3 teaspoons (0.5 standard deviation) of added sugar would result in a 8.4 mmHg drop in systolic BP and a 3.7 mmHg drop in diastolic BP. Whole fruit was associated with a reduction in diastolic BP in both males and females, and the model predicted that, for every 0.71 cup increase in whole fruit consumption, there would be a decrease in diastolic BP of 2.8 mmHg. Our findings support the dietary guidelines of limiting daily intake of added sugar and increasing fruit consumption to promote overall cardiovascular health in older adults.
Understanding and Kinetic Modeling of Complex Degradation Pathways in the Solid Dosage Form: The Case of Saxagliptin
Authors: Robnik Blaž , Likozar Blaž , Wang Baifan , Stanić Ljubin Tijana , Časar Zdenko
Published: September 2019

Drug substance degradation kinetics in solid dosage forms is rarely mechanistically modeled due to several potential micro-environmental and manufacturing related effects that need to be integrated into rate laws. The aim of our work was to construct a model capable of predicting individual degradation product concentrations, taking into account also formulation composition parameters. A comprehensive study was done on active film-coated tablets, manufactured by layering of the drug substance, a primary amine compound saxagliptin, onto inert tablet cores. Formulation variables like polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 amount and film-coat polymer composition are incorporated into the model, and are connected to saxagliptin degradation, via formation of reactive impurities. Derived reaction equations are based on mechanisms supported by ab initio calculations of individual reaction activation energies. Alongside temperature, relative humidity, and reactant concentration, the drug substance impurity profile is dependent on micro-environmental pH, altered by formation of acidic PEG degradation products. A consequence of pH lowering, due to formation of formic acid, is lower formation of main saxagliptin degradation product epi-cyclic amidine, a better resistance of formulation to high relative humidity conditions, and satisfactory tablet appearance. Discovered insights enhance the understanding of degradational behavior of similarly composed solid dosage forms on overall drug product quality and may be adopted by pharmaceutical scientists for the design of a stable formulation.
Effectiveness of a Pharmacogenetic Tool at Improving Treatment Efficacy in Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Three Clinical Studies
Authors: Vilches Silvia , Tuson Miquel , Vieta Eduard , Álvarez Enric , Espadaler Jordi
Published: September 2019

Several pharmacogenetic tests to support drug selection in psychiatric patients have recently become available. The current meta-analysis aimed to assess the clinical utility of a commercial pharmacogenetic-based tool for psychiatry (Neuropharmagen®) in the treatment management of depressive patients. Random-effects meta-analysis of clinical studies that had examined the effect of this tool on the improvement of depressive patients was performed. Effects were summarized as standardized differences between treatment groups. A total of 450 eligible subjects from three clinical studies were examined. The random effects model estimated a statistically significant effect size for the pharmacogenetic-guided prescription (d = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.11–0.56, p-value = 0.004), which corresponded to approximately a 1.8-fold increase in the odds of clinical response for pharmacogenetic-guided vs. unguided drug selection. After exclusion of patients with mild depression, the pooled estimated effect size increased to 0.42 (95% CI = 0.19–0.65, p-value = 0.004, n = 287), corresponding to an OR = 2.14 (95% CI = 1.40–3.27). These results support the clinical utility of this pharmacogenetic-based tool in the improvement of health outcomes in patients with depression, especially those with moderate–severe depression. Additional pragmatic RCTs are warranted to consolidate these findings in other patient populations.
Bone Repair and Regenerative Biomaterials: Towards Recapitulating the Microenvironment
Authors: Aslankoohi Neda , Mondal Dibakar , Rizkalla Amin S. , Mequanint Kibret
Published: September 2019

Biomaterials and tissue engineering scaffolds play a central role to repair bone defects. Although ceramic derivatives have been historically used to repair bone, hybrid materials have emerged as viable alternatives. The rationale for hybrid bone biomaterials is to recapitulate the native bone composition to which these materials are intended to replace. In addition to the mechanical and dimensional stability, bone repair scaffolds are needed to provide suitable microenvironments for cells. Therefore, scaffolds serve more than a mere structural template suggesting a need for better and interactive biomaterials. In this review article, we aim to provide a summary of the current materials used in bone tissue engineering. Due to the ever-increasing scientific publications on this topic, this review cannot be exhaustive; however, we attempted to provide readers with the latest advance without being redundant. Furthermore, every attempt is made to ensure that seminal works and significant research findings are included, with minimal bias. After a concise review of crystalline calcium phosphates and non-crystalline bioactive glasses, the remaining sections of the manuscript are focused on organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
Comparative Study of Triboelectric Nanogenerators with Differently Woven Cotton Textiles for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Jeong Jaebum , Kwon Jin-Hyuk , Lim Kyungmin , Biswas Swarup , Tibaldi Alexandra , Lee Suwoong , Oh Hyun Ju , Kim Jong-Hyoung , Ko Jaehoon , Lee Dong-Wook , Cho Hanchul , Lang Philippe , Jang Jaewon , Lee Sohee , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kim Hyeok
Published: September 2019

A comparative study of the electrical performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with plain- and 2/1 twill-woven cotton textiles was conducted. Furthermore, the microstructures of the cotton fiber surfaces were examined to understand the fundamental mechanical interaction among the cotton fibers in the TENGs. The TENG with 2/1 twill-woven cotton textiles exhibited higher output voltages compared to that with plain-woven cotton textiles. The difference in the output voltage between the two types of TENGs resulted from the difference in triboelectric charge generation between the constituent cotton textiles. The higher output voltage of the TENG with 2/1 twill-woven cotton textiles was attributed to the higher density in triboelectric interactions among the cotton fiber molecules.
Sustainability Analysis of AISI 1018 Turning Operations under Surface Integrity Criteria
Authors: Vila Carlos , Ayabaca César , Díaz-Campoverde Carlos , Calle Orlando
Published: September 2019

While the world is moving towards achieving sustainable development goals for responsible production and consumption, there is a need for metrics deployment for lower practical levels. From a manufacturing perspective, definitions of sustainability indicators are required for industrial processes and operations. These metrics encourage the evaluation of manufactured parts and whether they meet the quality requirements in both a qualitative and quantitative way. The present contribution proposes a framework for defining a structured set of metrics customizable for operations in different manufacturing technologies. In order to validate the proposal, an experimental data analysis of turning operations was completed and the surface integrity was defined as the control feature. The selected material was AISI 1018 and the main process parameters were controlled in order to identify their influence—not only in the final mechanical quality of the part, but also in the sustainability indicators. To achieve this goal, a set of experiments was performed wherein some of the fundamental machining parameter values were fixed, while other key parameters were modified. The results obtained helped to determine the criteria for predicting the quality of the turning operation when the effects are not readily evident in visual or dimensional inspections, as well as in evaluating the environmental impact that guarantees optimal part manufacturing.