bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Entanglement Sudden Death in Two Atoms with Dipole–Dipole and Ising Interactions Coupled to a Radiation Field at Non-Zero Detuning
Authors: Sadiek Gehad , Al-Dress Wiam , Shaglel Salwa , Elhag Hala
Published: May 2021

We investigate the time evolution and asymptotic behavior of a system of two two-level atoms (qubits) interacting off-resonance with a single mode radiation field. The two atoms are coupled to each other through dipole–dipole as well as Ising interactions. An exact analytic solution for the system dynamics that spans the entire phase space is provided. We focus on initial states that cause the system to evolve to entanglement sudden death (ESD) between the two atoms. We find that combining the Ising and dipole–dipole interactions is very powerful in controlling the entanglement dynamics and ESD compared with either one of them separately. Their effects on eliminating ESD may add up constructively or destructively depending on the type of Ising interaction (Ferromagnetic or anti-Ferromagnetic), the detuning parameter value, and the initial state of the system. The asymptotic behavior of the ESD is found to depend substantially on the initial state of the system, where ESD can be entirely eliminated by tuning the system parameters except in the case of an initial correlated Bell state. Interestingly, the entanglement, atomic population and quantum correlation between the two atoms and the field synchronize and reach asymptotically quasi-steady dynamic states. Each one of them ends up as a continuous irregular oscillation, where the collapse periods vanish, with a limited amplitude and an approximately constant mean value that depend on the initial state and the system parameters choice. This indicates an asymptotic continuous exchange of energy (and strong quantum correlation) between the atoms and the field takes place, accompanied by diminished ESD for these chosen setups of the system. This system can be realized in spin states of quantum dots or Rydberg atoms in optical cavities, and superconducting or hybrid qubits in linear resonators.
Trust, but Verify: Informed Consent, AI Technologies, and Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Pickering Brian
Published: May 2021

To use technology or engage with research or medical treatment typically requires user consent: agreeing to terms of use with technology or services, or providing informed consent for research participation, for clinical trials and medical intervention, or as one legal basis for processing personal data. Introducing AI technologies, where explainability and trustworthiness are focus items for both government guidelines and responsible technologists, imposes additional challenges. Understanding enough of the technology to be able to make an informed decision, or consent, is essential but involves an acceptance of uncertain outcomes. Further, the contribution of AI-enabled technologies not least during the COVID-19 pandemic raises ethical concerns about the governance associated with their development and deployment. Using three typical scenarios—contact tracing, big data analytics and research during public emergencies—this paper explores a trust-based alternative to consent. Unlike existing consent-based mechanisms, this approach sees consent as a typical behavioural response to perceived contextual characteristics. Decisions to engage derive from the assumption that all relevant stakeholders including research participants will negotiate on an ongoing basis. Accepting dynamic negotiation between the main stakeholders as proposed here introduces a specifically socio–psychological perspective into the debate about human responses to artificial intelligence. This trust-based consent process leads to a set of recommendations for the ethical use of advanced technologies as well as for the ethical review of applied research projects.
Relationship between Air Pollutant Exposure and Gynecologic Cancer Risk
Authors: Yu Qiwei , Zhang Liqiang , Hou Kun , Li Jingwen , Liu Suhong , Huang Ke , Cheng Yang
Published: May 2021

Exposure to air pollution has been suggested to be associated with an increased risk of women’s health disorders. However, it remains unknown to what extent changes in ambient air pollution affect gynecological cancer. In our case–control study, the logistic regression model was combined with the restricted cubic spline to examine the association of short-term exposure to air pollution with gynecological cancer events using the clinical data of 35,989 women in Beijing from December 2008 to December 2017. We assessed the women’s exposure to air pollutants using the monitor located nearest to each woman’s residence and working places, adjusting for age, occupation, ambient temperature, and ambient humidity. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were examined to evaluate gynecologic cancer risk in six time windows (Phase 1–Phase 6) of women’s exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, CO, O3, and SO2) and the highest ORs were found in Phase 4 (240 days). Then, the higher adjusted ORs were found associated with the increased concentrations of each pollutant (PM2.5, CO, O3, and SO2) in Phase 4. For instance, the adjusted OR of gynecological cancer risk for a 1.0-mg m−3 increase in CO exposures was 1.010 (95% CI: 0.881–1.139) below 0.8 mg m−3, 1.032 (95% CI: 0.871–1.194) at 0.8–1.0 mg m−3, 1.059 (95% CI: 0.973–1.145) at 1.0–1.4 mg m−3, and 1.120 (95% CI: 0.993–1.246) above 1.4 mg m−3. The ORs calculated in different air pollution levels accessed us to identify the nonlinear association between women’s exposure to air pollutants (PM2.5, CO, O3, and SO2) and the gynecological cancer risk. This study supports that the gynecologic risks associated with air pollution should be considered in improved public health preventive measures and policymaking to minimize the dangerous effects of air pollution.
Perceptions of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: The Influence of Sexual Minority Stigma and Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence among Bisexual and Lesbian Women
Authors: Islam Sabrina
Published: May 2021

Sexual minority women (SMW; bisexual, lesbian) experience psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately more than physical forms and have higher lifetime victimization rates than heterosexual women. This study presents an examination of perceptions of psychological IPV, sexual minority stigma, and childhood exposure to domestic violence among a sample of 183 SMW residing within the U.S. With an emphasis on group differences between bisexual and lesbian women, findings indicate that bisexual women evaluated vignettes depicting psychological IPV occurring among women in same-gender relationships with more negative sentiment than lesbian women. Significant associations between enacted and internalized forms of stigma and perceptions of psychological IPV also varied among bisexual and lesbian women. No significant relationships were found between perceived stigma and perceptions of IPV in either group. Furthermore, no moderation effects were detected for childhood exposure to domestic violence or sexual orientation in the relationship between sexual minority stigma and perceptions of IPV. Implications and suggestions are discussed with particular attention to the heterogeneity of experiences among SMW as a necessary area of further study.
The Effect of Sport Practice on Enhanced Cognitive Processing of Bodily Indices: A Study on Volleyball Players and Their Ability to Predict Hand Gestures
Authors: Ottoboni Giovanni , Nicoletti Roberto , Tessari Alessia
Published: May 2021

To program proper reactions, athletes must anticipate opponents’ actions on the basis of previous visuomotor experience. In particular, such abilities seem to rely on processing others’ intentions to act. We adopted a new approach based on an attentional spatial compatibility paradigm to investigate how elite volleyball players elaborate both spatial and motor information at upper-limb posture presentation. Forty-two participants (18 volleyball players and 17 nonathlete controls assigned to Experiments 1 a and b, and eight basketball players assigned to Experiment 2) were tested to study their ability to process the intentions to act conveyed by hands and extract motor primitives (i.e., significant components of body movements). Analysis looked for a spatial compatibility effect between direction of the spike action (correspondence factor) and response side for both palm and back of the hand (view factor). We demonstrated that volleyball players encoded spatial sport-related indices from bodily information and showed preparatory motor activation according to the direction of the implied spike actions for the palm view (Experiment 1; hand simulating a cross-court spike, p = 0.013, and a down-the-line spike, p = 0.026) but both nonathlete controls (Experiment 1; both p < 0.05) and other sports athletes (basketball players, Experiment 2; p = 0.34, only cross-court spike) did not. Results confirm that elite players’ supremacy lies in the predictive abilities of coding elementary motor primitives for their sport discipline.
Geography Matters, But… Evolving Success Factors for Nature-Oriented Health Tourism within Selected Alpine Destinations
Authors: Schmude Jürgen , Pillmayer Markus , Witting Maximilian , Corradini Philipp
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes the success factors of health tourism based on natural attractions in selected European spa and health destinations. The natural resources included in the offers, such as water, salt, and air, play a central role in this context, as their evidence-based effects have a high relevance for the health and wellbeing of tourists. Due to its specific geographical location and considering the threat of climate change, however, this offer is facing increasing challenges which make adaptation strategies necessary. In addition to a conceptional introduction to the topic, this paper contains a descriptive analysis of tourism statistics and the results from self-administered questionnaires with six selected representatives from alpine health destinations (DE, FR, IT, AT, CH, SI). The results show varying forms of health tourism based on natural attractions, which are also reflected in online marketing, with potential for optimization. The web research and the responses to the questionnaire revealed that evidence-based studies hardly play a role in promoting health touristic offers. Furthermore, climate change effects on natural attractions are considered extremely small and tend to prompt the development of new offers. Health destinations are advised to generate a clearer focus on the risks of climate change regarding natural resources.
Affective Responses during High-Intensity Interval Exercise Compared with Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise in Inactive Women
Authors: Chu I-Hua , Wu Pei-Tzu , Wu Wen-Lan , Yu Hsiang-Chi , Yu Tzu-Cheng , Chang Yu-Kai
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on affective responses in inactive women. Thirty women with normal body mass index (BMI) and 30 women with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 participated in the study. All participants completed a graded exercise test and performed two exercise sessions (HIIE and MICE) in random order. Affective responses were assessed during and after each exercise session, using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), Self-Assessment-Manikin (SAM), and Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES). The results showed that the RPE scores were significantly higher in HIIE than in MICE. HIIE resulted in significantly lower pleasure scores using the SAM while arousal and dominance scores were significantly higher with HIIE compared to MICE. Positive well-being scores using the SEES were significantly lower with HIIE and both psychological distress and fatigue scores were significantly higher with HIIE. The results showed that affective responses with MICE were more positive than with HIIE, but no differences were found between normal and overweight/obese women. Based on these results, MICE may be a more acceptable exercise program for inactive women regardless of their weight status.
Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Fibroblast Population Plasticity on Melanoma Growth, Therapy Resistance and Immunoescape
Authors: Romano Veronica , Belviso Immacolata , Venuta Alessandro , Ruocco Maria Rosaria , Masone Stefania , Aliotta Federica , Fiume Giuseppe , Montagnani Stefania , Avagliano Angelica , Arcucci Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue represents a network constituted by cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). A key feature of CM is the high structural and cellular plasticity of TME, allowing its evolution with disease and adaptation to cancer cell and environmental alterations. In particular, during melanoma development and progression each component of TME by interacting with each other and with cancer cells is subjected to dramatic structural and cellular modifications. These alterations affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, phenotypic profile of stromal cells, cancer growth and therapeutic response. The stromal fibroblast populations of the TME include normal fibroblasts and melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) that are highly abundant and flexible cell types interacting with melanoma and stromal cells and differently influencing CM outcomes. The shift from the normal microenvironment to TME and from normal fibroblasts to MAFs deeply sustains CM growth. Hence, in this article we review the features of the normal microenvironment and TME and describe the phenotypic plasticity of normal dermal fibroblasts and MAFs, highlighting their roles in normal skin homeostasis and TME regulation. Moreover, we discuss the influence of MAFs and their secretory profiles on TME remodelling, melanoma progression, targeted therapy resistance and immunosurveillance, highlighting the cellular interactions, the signalling pathways and molecules involved in these processes.
Understanding the Role of Perilipin 5 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Novel Insights
Authors: Mass Sanchez Paola Berenice , Krizanac Marinela , Weiskirchen Ralf , Asimakopoulos Anastasia
Published: May 2021

Consumption of high-calorie foods, such as diets rich in fats, is an important factor leading to the development of steatohepatitis. Several studies have suggested how lipid accumulation creates a lipotoxic microenvironment for cells, leading cells to deregulate their transcriptional and translational activity. This deregulation induces the development of liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subsequently also the appearance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is one of the deadliest types of cancers worldwide. Understanding its pathology and studying new biomarkers with better specificity in predicting disease prognosis can help in the personalized treatment of the disease. In this setting, understanding the link between NAFLD and HCC progression, the differentiation of each stage in between as well as the mechanisms underlying this process, are vital for development of new treatments and in exploring new therapeutic targets. Perilipins are a family of five closely related proteins expressed on the surface of lipid droplets (LD) in several tissues acting in several pathways involved in lipid metabolism. Recent studies have shown that Plin5 depletion acts protectively in the pathogenesis of liver injury underpinning the importance of pathways associated with PLIN5. PLIN5 expression is involved in pro-inflammatory cytokine regulation and mitochondrial damage, as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, making it critical target of the NAFLD-HCC studies. The aim of this review is to dissect the recent findings and functions of PLIN5 in lipid metabolism, metabolic disorders, and NAFLD as well as the progression of NAFLD to HCC.
Living-Cell Diffracted X-ray Tracking Analysis Confirmed Internal Salt Bridge Is Critical for Ligand-Induced Twisting Motion of Serotonin Receptors
Authors: Mio Kazuhiro , Fujimura Shoko , Ishihara Masaki , Kuramochi Masahiro , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Kubo Tai , Sasaki Yuji C.
Published: May 2021

Serotonin receptors play important roles in neuronal excitation, emotion, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction. The serotonin receptor subtype 2A (5-HT2AR) is a Gq-coupled GPCR, which activate phospholipase C. Although the structures and functions of 5-HT2ARs have been well studied, little has been known about their real-time dynamics. In this study, we analyzed the intramolecular motion of the 5-HT2AR in living cells using the diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT) technique. The DXT is a very precise single-molecular analytical technique, which tracks diffraction spots from the gold nanocrystals labeled on the protein surface. Trajectory analysis provides insight into protein dynamics. The 5-HT2ARs were transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells, and the gold nanocrystals were attached to the N-terminal introduced FLAG-tag via anti-FLAG antibodies. The motions were recorded with a frame rate of 100 μs per frame. A lifetime filtering technique demonstrated that the unliganded receptors contain high mobility population with clockwise twisting. This rotation was, however, abolished by either a full agonist α-methylserotonin or an inverse agonist ketanserin. Mutation analysis revealed that the “ionic lock” between the DRY motif in the third transmembrane segment and a negatively charged residue of the sixth transmembrane segment is essential for the torsional motion at the N-terminus of the receptor.
Enhanced Activity and Sustained Release of Protocatechuic Acid, a Natural Antibacterial Agent, from Hybrid Nanoformulations with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: AbouAitah Khaled , Piotrowska Urszula , Wojnarowicz Jacek , Swiderska-Sroda Anna , El-Desoky Ahmed H. H. , Lojkowski Witold
Published: May 2021

Hybrid nanostructures can be developed with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and natural antibacterials. ZnO NPs can also exert antibacterial effects, and we used them here to examine their dual action in combination with a natural antibacterial agent, protocatechuic acid (PCA). To produce hybrid nanoformulations, we functionalized ZnO NPs with four types of silane organic molecules and successfully linked them to PCA. Physicochemical assessment confirmed PCA content up to ~18% in hybrid nanoformulations, with a PCA entrapment efficiency of ~72%, indicating successful connection. We then investigated the in vitro release kinetics and antibacterial effects of the hybrid against Staphylococcus aureus. PCA release from hybrid nanoformulations varied with silane surface modification. Within 98 h, only 8% of the total encapsulated PCA was released, suggesting sustained long-term release. We used nanoformulation solutions collected at days 3, 5, and 7 by disc diffusion or log reduction to evaluate their antibacterial effect against S. aureus. The hybrid nanoformulation showed efficient antibacterial and bactericidal effects that also depended on the surface modification and at a lower minimum inhibition concentration compared with the separate components. A hybrid nanoformulation of the PCA prodrug and ZnO NPs offers effective sustained-release inhibition of S. aureus growth.
Interplay of RNA-Binding Proteins and microRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Kinoshita Chisato , Kubota Noriko , Aoyama Koji
Published: May 2021

The number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is increasing, along with the growing number of older adults. This escalation threatens to create a medical and social crisis. NDs include a large spectrum of heterogeneous and multifactorial pathologies, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple system atrophy, and the formation of inclusion bodies resulting from protein misfolding and aggregation is a hallmark of these disorders. The proteinaceous components of the pathological inclusions include several RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which play important roles in splicing, stability, transcription and translation. In addition, RBPs were shown to play a critical role in regulating miRNA biogenesis and metabolism. The dysfunction of both RBPs and miRNAs is often observed in several NDs. Thus, the data about the interplay among RBPs and miRNAs and their cooperation in brain functions would be important to know for better understanding NDs and the development of effective therapeutics. In this review, we focused on the connection between miRNAs, RBPs and neurodegenerative diseases.
Comparison and Characterization of a Cell Wall Invertase Promoter from Cu-Tolerant and Non-Tolerant Populations of Elsholtzia haichowensis
Authors: Liu Rongxiang , Zhao Jing , Xu Zhongrui , Xiong Zhiting
Published: May 2021

Cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity and the expression of the corresponding gene were previously observed to be significantly elevated in a Cu-tolerant population of Elsholtzia haichowensis relative to a non-tolerant population under copper stress. To understand the differences in CWIN gene regulation between the two populations, their CWIN promoter β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter vectors were constructed. GUS activity was measured in transgenic Arabidopsis in response to copper, sugar, and phytohormone treatments. Under the copper treatment, only the activity of the CWIN promoter from the Cu-tolerant population was slightly increased. Glucose and fructose significantly induced the activity of CWIN promoters from both populations. Among the phytohormone treatments, only salicylic acid induced significantly higher (p < 0.05) activity of the Cu-tolerant CWIN promoter relative to the non-tolerant promoters. Analysis of 5′-deletion constructs revealed that a 270-bp promoter fragment was required for SA induction of the promoter from the Cu-tolerant population. Comparison of this region in the two CWIN promoters revealed that it had 10 mutation sites and contained CAAT-box and W-box cis-elements in the Cu-tolerant promoter only. This work provides insights into the regulatory role of SA in CWIN gene expression and offers an explanation for differences in CWIN expression between E. haichowensis populations.
Palmitoylethanolamide: A Natural Compound for Health Management
Authors: Clayton Paul , Hill Mariko , Bogoda Nathasha , Subah Silma , Venkatesh Ruchitha
Published: May 2021

All nations which have undergone a nutrition transition have experienced increased frequency and falling latency of chronic degenerative diseases, which are largely driven by chronic inflammatory stress. Dietary supplementation is a valid strategy to reduce the risk and severity of such disorders. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like lipid mediator with extensively documented anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. It is well tolerated and devoid of side effects in animals and humans. PEA’s actions on multiple molecular targets while modulating multiple inflammatory mediators provide therapeutic benefits in many applications, including immunity, brain health, allergy, pain modulation, joint health, sleep and recovery. PEA’s poor oral bioavailability, a major obstacle in early research, has been overcome by advanced delivery systems now licensed as food supplements. This review summarizes the functionality of PEA, supporting its use as an important dietary supplement for lifestyle management.
δ-Catenin Participates in EGF/AKT/p21Waf Signaling and Induces Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Shen Yingjie , Lee Hyoung Jae , Zhou Rui , Kim Hangun , Chen Gen , Cho Young-Chang , Kim Kwonseop
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most leading cause of death in males. Our previous studies have demonstrated that δ-catenin plays an important role in prostate cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of δ-catenin has not been fully explored yet. In the present study, we found that δ-catenin could induce phosphorylation of p21Waf and stabilize p21 in the cytoplasm, thus blocking its nuclear accumulation for the first time. We also found that δ-catenin could regulate the interaction between AKT and p21, leading to phosphorylation of p21 at Thr-145 residue. Finally, EGF was found to be a key factor upstream of AKT/δ-catenin/p21 for promoting proliferation and metastasis in prostate cancer. Our findings provide new insights into molecular controls of EGF and the development of potential therapeutics targeting δ-catenin to control prostate cancer progression.
Dadaist2: A Toolkit to Automate and Simplify Statistical Analysis and Plotting of Metabarcoding Experiments
Authors: Ansorge Rebecca , Birolo Giovanni , James Stephen A. , Telatin Andrea
Published: May 2021

The taxonomic composition of microbial communities can be assessed using universal marker amplicon sequencing. The most common taxonomic markers are the 16S rDNA for bacterial communities and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for fungal communities, but various other markers are used for barcoding eukaryotes. A crucial step in the bioinformatic analysis of amplicon sequences is the identification of representative sequences. This can be achieved using a clustering approach or by denoising raw sequencing reads. DADA2 is a widely adopted algorithm, released as an R library, that denoises marker-specific amplicons from next-generation sequencing and produces a set of representative sequences referred to as ‘Amplicon Sequence Variants’ (ASV). Here, we present Dadaist2, a modular pipeline, providing a complete suite for the analysis that ranges from raw sequencing reads to the statistics of numerical ecology. Dadaist2 implements a new approach that is specifically optimised for amplicons with variable lengths, such as the fungal ITS. The pipeline focuses on streamlining the data flow from the command line to R, with multiple options for statistical analysis and plotting, both interactive and automatic.
MicroRNA Zma-miR528 Versatile Regulation on Target mRNAs during Maize Somatic Embryogenesis
Authors: Luján-Soto Eduardo , Juárez-González Vasti T. , Reyes José L. , Dinkova Tzvetanka D.
Published: May 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the accumulation and translation of their target mRNAs through sequence complementarity. miRNAs have emerged as crucial regulators during maize somatic embryogenesis (SE) and plant regeneration. A monocot-specific miRNA, mainly accumulated during maize SE, is zma-miR528. While several targets have been described for this miRNA, the regulation has not been experimentally confirmed for the SE process. Here, we explored the accumulation of zma-miR528 and several predicted targets during embryogenic callus induction, proliferation, and plantlet regeneration using the maize cultivar VS-535. We confirmed the cleavage site for all tested zma-miR528 targets; however, PLC1 showed very low levels of processing. The abundance of zma-miR528 slightly decreased in one month-induced callus compared to the immature embryo (IE) explant tissue. However, it displayed a significant increase in four-month sub-cultured callus, coincident with proliferation establishment. In callus-regenerated plantlets, zma-miR528 greatly decreased to levels below those observed in the initial explant. Three of the target transcripts (MATE, bHLH, and SOD1a) showed an inverse correlation with the miRNA abundance in total RNA samples at all stages. Using polysome fractionation, zma-miR528 was detected in the polysome fraction and exhibited an inverse distribution with the PLC1 target, which was not observed at total RNA. Accordingly, we conclude that zma-miR528 regulates multiple target mRNAs during the SE process by promoting their degradation, translation inhibition or both.
Dopaminergic Receptor Targeting in Multiple Sclerosis: Is There Therapeutic Potential?
Authors: Melnikov Mikhail , Pashenkov Mikhail , Boyko Alexey
Published: May 2021

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that mediates neuropsychological functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies have shown the modulatory effect of dopamine on the cells of innate and adaptive immune systems, including Th17 cells, which play a critical role in inflammatory diseases of the CNS. This article reviews the literature data on the role of dopamine in the regulation of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The influence of dopaminergic receptor targeting on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and MS pathogenesis, as well as the therapeutic potential of dopaminergic drugs as add-on pathogenetic therapy of MS, is discussed.
Contribution of Evolutionary Selected Immune Gene Polymorphism to Immune-Related Disorders: The Case of Lymphocyte Scavenger Receptors CD5 and CD6
Authors: Casadó-Llombart Sergi , Velasco-de Andrés María , Català Cristina , Leyton-Pereira Alejandra , Lozano Francisco , Bosch Elena
Published: May 2021

Pathogens are one of the main selective pressures that ancestral humans had to adapt to. Components of the immune response system have been preferential targets of natural selection in response to such pathogen-driven pressure. In turn, there is compelling evidence showing that positively selected immune gene variants conferring increased resistance to past or present infectious agents are today associated with increased risk for autoimmune or inflammatory disorders but decreased risk of cancer, the other side of the same coin. CD5 and CD6 are lymphocytic scavenger receptors at the interphase of the innate and adaptive immune responses since they are involved in both: (i) microbial-associated pattern recognition; and (ii) modulation of intracellular signals mediated by the clonotypic antigen-specific receptor present in T and B cells (TCR and BCR, respectively). Here, we review available information on CD5 and CD6 as targets of natural selection as well as on the role of CD5 and CD6 variation in autoimmunity and cancer.
Hsp100 Molecular Chaperone ClpB and Its Role in Virulence of Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Kędzierska-Mieszkowska Sabina , Zolkiewski Michal
Published: May 2021

This review focuses on the molecular chaperone ClpB that belongs to the Hsp100/Clp subfamily of the AAA+ ATPases and its biological function in selected bacterial pathogens, causing a variety of human infectious diseases, including zoonoses. It has been established that ClpB disaggregates and reactivates aggregated cellular proteins. It has been postulated that ClpB’s protein disaggregation activity supports the survival of pathogenic bacteria under host-induced stresses (e.g., high temperature and oxidative stress), which allows them to rapidly adapt to the human host and establish infection. Interestingly, ClpB may also perform other functions in pathogenic bacteria, which are required for their virulence. Since ClpB is not found in human cells, this chaperone emerges as an attractive target for novel antimicrobial therapies in combating bacterial infections.
Preposition Stranding vs. Pied-Piping—The Role of Cognitive Complexity in Grammatical Variation
Authors: Günther Christine
Published: May 2021

Grammatical variation has often been said to be determined by cognitive complexity. Whenever they have the choice between two variants, speakers will use that form that is associated with less processing effort on the hearer’s side. The majority of studies putting forth this or similar analyses of grammatical variation are based on corpus data. Analyzing preposition stranding vs. pied-piping in English, this paper sets out to put the processing-based hypotheses to the test. It focuses on discontinuous prepositional phrases as opposed to their continuous counterparts in an online and an offline experiment. While pied-piping, the variant with a continuous PP, facilitates reading at the wh-element in restrictive relative clauses, a stranded preposition facilitates reading at the right boundary of the relative clause. Stranding is the preferred option in the same contexts. The heterogenous results underline the need for research on grammatical variation from various perspectives.
Effect of Mo and Ta on the Mechanical and Superelastic Properties of Ti-Nb Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Kalita Damian , Rogal Łukasz , Berent Katarzyna , Góral Anna , Dutkiewicz Jan
Published: May 2021

The effect of ternary alloying elements (Mo and Ta) on the mechanical and superelastic properties of binary Ti-14Nb alloy fabricated by the mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering was investigated. The materials were prepared in two ways: (i) by substituting Nb in base Ti-14Nb alloy by 2 at.% of the ternary addition, giving the following compositions: Ti-8Nb-2Mo and Ti-12Nb-2Ta and (ii) by adding 2 at.% of the ternary element to the base alloy. The microstructures of the materials consisted of the equiaxed β-grains and fine precipitations of TiC. The substitution of Nb by both Mo and Ta did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the base Ti-14Nb alloy, however, their addition resulted in a decrease of yield strength and increase of plasticity. This was associated with the occurrence of the {332} <113> twinning that was found during the in-situ observations. The elevated concentration of interstitial elements (oxygen and carbon) lead to the occurrence of stress-induced martensitic transformation and twinning mechanisms at lower concentration of β-stabilizers in comparison to the conventionally fabricated materials. The substitution of Nb by Mo, and Ta caused the slight improvement of the superelastic properties of the base Ti-14Nb alloy, whereas their addition deteriorated the superelasticity.
The Effect of Surfactant-Modified Montmorillonite on the Cross-Linking Efficiency of Polysiloxanes
Authors: Wójcik-Bania Monika , Matusik Jakub
Published: May 2021

Polymer–clay mineral composites are an important class of materials with various applications in the industry. Despite interesting properties of polysiloxanes, such matrices were rarely used in combination with clay minerals. Thus, for the first time, a systematic study was designed to investigate the cross-linking efficiency of polysiloxane networks in the presence of 2 wt % of organo-montmorillonite. Montmorillonite (Mt) was intercalated with six quaternary ammonium salts of the cation structure [(CH3)2R’NR]+, where R = C12, C14, C16, and R’ = methyl or benzyl substituent. The intercalation efficiency was examined by X-ray diffraction, CHN elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Textural studies have shown that the application of freezing in liquid nitrogen and freeze-drying after the intercalation increases the specific surface area and the total pore volume of organo-Mt. The polymer matrix was a poly(methylhydrosiloxane) cross-linked with two linear vinylsiloxanes of different siloxane chain lengths between end functional groups. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies have shown that the increase in d-spacing of organo-Mt and the benzyl substituent influence the degree of nanofillers’ exfoliation in the nanocomposites. The increase in the degree of organo-Mt exfoliation reduces the efficiency of hydrosilylation reaction monitored by FTIR. This was due to physical hindrance induced by exfoliated Mt particles.
Recatest—A Technique for Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Deferment and Degraded PVD Coatings and CVD Layers in the Deformed Area in the Scratch Test
Authors: Domanowski Piotr , Betiuk Marek
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the paper is to present a new Recatest testing technique which uses a series of abrasions within a scratch and its innovative application to describe selected quantitative parameters of locally, plastically deformed substrate and coating materials detected on the spherical microsection in the scratch test. The exposed material structures are subject to a metallographic analysis which allows for the determination of the quantitative parameters, which in turn allow for a description of the change in dynamics of the coating structure within the scratch area as a function of load. These parameters include scratch depth (hs), coating thickness (h1), flash height (hoc, hos), depth of intended material (hd), material depth under scratch (hcp), and material depth under coating (hdb). The paper also includes a description of the Recalo test device designed by the authors, which is used to make a series of spherical abrasion traces on the scratch surface. Recalo is dedicated to the Recatest technique. The analysed material was the CrN/CrCN/HS6-5-2, AlCrN -Alcrona-Balinit/D2 coatings deposited on tool steels.
DC and AC Conductivity, Biosolubility and Thermal Properties of Mg-Doped Na2O–CaO–P2O5 Glasses
Authors: Wójcik Natalia Anna , Ali Sharafat , Karczewski Jakub Lech , Jonson Bo , Bartmański Michał , Barczyński Ryszard Jan
Published: May 2021

Bioactive glasses have recently been extensively used to replace, regenerate, and repair hard tissues in the human body because of their ability to bond with living tissue. In this work, the effects of replacing Na2O with MgO on the electrical, biosolubility, and thermal properties of the target glass 10Na2O–60P2O5–30CaO (in mol%) were investigated. The electrical properties of the glasses were studied with the impedance spectroscopy technique. At 473 K, DC conductivity values decreased from 4.21 × 10−11 to 4.21 × 10−12 S cm−1 after complete substitution of MgO for Na2O. All samples had a similar activation energy of the DC conduction process ~1.27 eV. Conduction mechanisms were found to be due to hop of ions: Na+, Mg2+, and probable H+. FTIR analysis showed that, as the Mg content increased, the Q2 unit (PO2−) shifted towards higher wavenumbers. The proportion of Q3 unit (P2O5) decreased in the glass structure. This confirmed that the replacement of Na+ by Mg2+ was accompanied by concurrent polymerization of the calcium–phosphate glass network. The biosolubility test in the phosphate-buffered saline solution showed that the magnesium addition enhanced the biosolubility properties of Na2O–CaO–P2O5 glasses by increasing their dissolution rate and supporting forming CaP-rich layers on the surface. The glass transition temperature increased, and thermal stability decreased substantially upon substitution of Na2O by MgO.
Thermal Damage-Free Microwave Annealing with Efficient Energy Conversion for Fabricating of High-Performance a-IGZO Thin-Film Transistors on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Park Ki-Woong , Cho Won-Ju
Published: May 2021

In this study, we applied microwave annealing (MWA) to fabricate amorphous In-Ga-Zn-O (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) without thermal damage to flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. Microwave energy is highly efficient for selective heating of materials when compared to conventional thermal annealing (CTA). We applied MWA and CTA to a-IGZO TFTs on PI substrate to evaluate the thermal damage to the substrates. While the PI substrate did not suffer thermal damage even at a high power in MWA, it suffered severe damage at high temperatures in CTA. Moreover, a-IGZO TFTs were prepared by MWA at 600 W for 2 min, whereas the same process using CTA required 30 min at a temperature of 300 °C, which is a maximum process condition in CTA without thermal damage to the PI substrate. Hence, MWA TFTs have superior electrical performance when compared to CTA TFTs, because traps/defects are effectively eliminated. Through instability evaluation, it was found that MWA TFTs were more stable than CTA TFTs against gate bias stress at various temperatures. Moreover, an MWA TFT-constructed resistive load inverter exhibited better static and dynamic characteristics than the CTA TFT-constructed one. Therefore, MWA is a promising thermal process with efficient energy conversion that allows the fabrication of high-performance electronic devices.
Effect of Mixed Recycled Aggregate on the Mechanical Strength and Microstructure of Concrete under Different Water Cement Ratios
Authors: Meng Tao , Wei Huadong , Yang Xiufen , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yuncai , Zhang Cungui
Published: May 2021

Mixed recycled aggregate (MRA) is a kind of recycled aggregate containing discarded bricks and other impurities that is inferior to ordinary recycled concrete aggregate. To study the effect of MRA in concrete, specimens with 100% MRA under different water–cement ratios (W/C) of 0.50, 0.42, 0.36 and 0.30 were prepared, and the mechanical properties and microstructure were tested. Results show that compared with ordinary concrete, the compressive strength of mixed recycled aggregate concrete (MRAC) with the same W/C was reduced by more than 50% at 28 days, but the axial compression ratio was relatively high, reaching over 0.87. Affected by the high water absorption of MRA, the hydration rate of cement slowed, which was beneficial to the long-term development of the properties of MRAC. An appropriate increase in cement content could strengthen MRA and densify the pore structure of MRAC. The research results of this article prove that MRA has high utilization value and could be used to prepare MRAC with application potential using optimal gradation, which is of positive significance for promoting the consumption of construction waste.
Experimental Study on Timber−Lightweight Concrete Composite Beams with Ductile Bolt Connectors
Authors: Hu Yafeng , Wei Yang , Chen Si , Yan Yadong , Zhang Weiyao
Published: May 2021

A timber–lightweight−concrete (TLC) composite beam connected with a ductile connector in which the ductile connector is made of a stainless−steel bolt anchored with nuts at both ends was proposed. The push−out results and bending performance of the TLC composite specimens were investigated by experimental testing. The push−out results of the shear specimens show that shear–slip curves exhibit good ductility and that their failure can be attributed to bolt buckling accompanied by lightweight concrete cracking. Through the bending tests of ten TLC composite beams and two contrast (pure timber) beams, the effects of different bolt diameters on the strengthening effect of the TLC composite beams were studied. The results show that the TLC composite beams and contrast timber beams break on the timber fiber at the lowest edge of the TLC composite beam, and the failure mode is attributed to bending failure, whereas the bolt connectors and lightweight concrete have no obvious breakage; moreover, the ductile bolt connectors show a good connection performance until the TLC composite beams fail. The ultimate bearing capacities of the TLC composite beams increase 2.03–3.5 times compared to those of the contrast beams, while the mid-span maximum deformation decrease nearly doubled.
Influence of Alkali Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Coir and Abaca Fibers
Authors: Valášek Petr , Müller Miroslav , Šleger Vladimír , Kolář Viktor , Hromasová Monika , D’Amato Roberto , Ruggiero Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Composite materials with natural fillers have been increasingly used as an alternative to synthetically produced materials. This trend is visible from a representation of polymeric composites with natural cellulose fibers in the automotive industry of the European Union. This trend is entirely logical, owing to a preference for renewable resources. The experimental program itself follows pronounced hypotheses and focuses on a description of the mechanical properties of untreated and alkali-treated natural vegetable fibers, coconut and abaca fibers. These fibers have great potential for use in composite materials. The results and discussion sections contribute to an introduction of an individual methodology for mechanical property assessment of cellulose fibers, and allows for a clear definition of an optimal process of alkalization dependent on the content of hemicellulose and lignin in vegetable fibers. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of alkali treatment on the surface microstructure and tensile properties of coir and abaca fibers. These fibers were immersed into a 5% solution of NaOH at laboratory temperature for a time interval of 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h, rinsed and dried. The fiber surface microstructures before and after the alkali treatment were evaluated by SEM (scanning electron microscopy). SEM analysis showed that the alkali treatment in the NaOH solution led to a gradual connective material removal from the fiber surface. The effect of the alkali is evident from the visible changes on the surface of the fibers.
Properties of Concretes Incorporating Recycling Waste and Corrosion Susceptibility of Reinforcing Steel Bars
Authors: Blikharskyy Zinoviy , Sobol Khrystyna , Markiv Taras , Selejdak Jacek
Published: May 2021

In this paper, properties of concretes incorporating recycling waste and corrosion susceptibility of reinforcing steel bars were studied. It was established that fineness of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA) and their simultaneous combination have an influence on the kinetics of strength development of Portland cements and concretes. The compressive strength of concrete containing 10% by mass of GGBFS and 10% by mass of FA even exceeds the compressive strength of control concrete by 6.5% and concrete containing 20% by mass of GGBFS by 8.8% after 56 days of hardening. The formation of the extra amount of ettringite, calcium hydrosilicates as well as hydroaluminosilicates causes tightening of a cement matrix of concrete, reducing its water absorption, and improving its resistance to freezing and thawing damage.
Permanent Deformation and Stiffness Degradation of Open Hole Glass/PA6 UD Thermoplastic Composite in Tension and Compression
Authors: Sevenois Ruben Dirk , Yang Xiaoyu , Verboven Erik , Kersemans Mathias , Van Paepegem Wim
Published: May 2021

UD glass/PA6 coupons with an open hole are subjected to tensile and compressive loading. Three layups: [0/90]5s, [+45/−45]5s and [+45/0/−45/90]3s with a shape based on ASTM D5766 were tested. Both monotonic loading as well as loading–unloading–reloading tests were executed. The strain field on the sample surface was measured with digital image correlation. This allowed identifying the distribution of the strain field during loading, permanent deformation and the evolution of the sample elastic modulus. This information is not frequently measured. Yet, it is vital for the development and validation of advanced failure models. The results indicate that the thermoplastic matrix allows large plastic deformation under tensile loading for the specimens with layup [+45/−45]5s. In addition, the specimen elastic modulus reduces by about 70%. The other layups show minor permanent deformation, while the elastic modulus reduces by up to 15%. Furthermore, the quasi-isotropic laminate shows a significant post-failure load-bearing capacity under compression loading. The results are complemented with post-mortem damage and fracture observations using optical microscopy and ultrasound inspection.