bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secagem de fibras de sisal em leito fixo: uma análise preditiva usando modelos concentrados
Authors: Diniz Jacqueline Félix de Brito , Magalhães Hortência Luma Fernandes , Lima Elisiane Santana de , Gomez Ricardo Soares , Porto Túlio Rafael Nascimento , Moreira Gicelia , Lima Wanderson Magno Paiva Barbosa de , Lima Antonio Gilson Barbosa de
Published: October 2020

Fibras de sisal tem despertado o interesse da academia e indústria, devido as suas excelentes características para uso em diversas aplicações. Essas fibras, ao serem extraídas da planta, estão úmidas e, são submetidas a secagem para redução do teor de umidade. O controle do processo de secagem é de grande importância para garantir a qualidade das fibras em termos de resistência mecânica e coloração. Nesse sentido, este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar teoricamente a secagem de fibras de sisal em estufa com circulação forçada de ar. Foram propostos modelos matemáticos para predizer o comportamento transiente do teor de umidade médio e temperatura superficial, e do teor de umidade de equilíbrio das fibras, em função da temperatura do ar de secagem e concentração de vapor de água no leito de fibras. Resultados preditos das cinéticas de secagem e aquecimento, e do teor de umidade de equilíbrio higroscópico das fibras são apresentados e comparados com os dados experimentais, em diferentes condições operacionais. Verificou-se que um bom ajuste foi obtido, com coeficiente de correlação maior que 0,99, para todos os modelos analisados.
Sucessão familiar em propriedades rurais
Authors: Brizzolla Maria Margarete Baccin , Chapoval Neto Alexandre , Krawszuk Gabriela Luisa , Berlezi Maiara
Published: October 2020

O tema sucessão familiar se torna relevante no estudo de gestão das propriedades rurais, visto que, muitas propriedades familiares estão vivenciando o processo sucessório e, muitas vezes, desconhecem como proceder na transmissão da gestão da propriedade a um sucessor. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever como os gestores das propriedades rurais estão realizando o processo de sucessão familiar. Como problema de pesquisa, buscou-se responder como os gestores das propriedades rurais estão trabalhando o processo de sucessão familiar? Com relação a metodologia, adotou-se os métodos de abordagem dedutivo, qualitativo e quantitativo. Os procedimentos utilizados foram o descritivo e a pesquisa de campo. A coleta dos dados deu-se através da observação, entrevista, questionário, pesquisa bibliográfica e pesquisa documental. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se a planilha eletrônica e análise de conteúdo. A fundamentação teórica foi composta por estudos anteriores relacionados ao tema. Buscou-se através de pesquisa bibliográfica os elementos que caracterizam a sucessão familiar; e as características das propriedades rurais pelo critério de porte. O estudo foi desenvolvido no ano de 2020, englobando 18 propriedades rurais do município de Alegria – RS. Como principais resultados do estudo, evidenciou-se que é imprescindível aos gestores das propriedades rurais terem conhecimento a respeito da sucessão familiar, pois a falta de um processo sucessório pode acarretar na ruptura do negócio familiar, e planejá-lo de forma correta permitirá a continuidade do negócio. Destaca-se que 61,11% dos gestores não fazem a preparação da sucessão. Identificou-se que a maioria dos pais incentivam seus filhos a permanecer morando e atuando na propriedade rural.
Quem são os futuros egressos de um curso de licenciatura em matemática de uma universidade pública do Estado do Paraná-Brasil
Authors: Santos Talita Secorun dos , Ferreira Luciano , Aguiar Fatima Jancinta
Published: October 2020

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo principal investigar o perfil dos alunos graduandos do Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática da Universidade Estadual do Paraná – Unespar, Campus de Campo Mourão. Tomamos como eixo central a seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quem são os sujeitos que optam pelo Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática?  A pesquisa foi pautada em uma abordagem qualitativa. Adotamos como metodologia alguns elementos da Análise Textual Discursiva de Moraes (2003). Este trabalho foi realizado com doze alunos do 3º e 4º ano do Curso de Licenciatura em Matemática da referida universidade. O instrumento de coleta de dados se constitui de um questionário com vinte e três questões. Os resultados indicam que os futuros egressos, em sua maioria, são jovens, estudaram em escola pública, escolheram o curso por gostar de matemática, há um desconhecimento dos ingressantes em relação ao curso e existe a intenção em seguir carreira docente, no entanto, há um desestímulo por conta das atuais políticas públicas, entre outras características.
Modelling Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: DOGAN S. A. , TRIFUNOVIC A.
Published: October 2020

Understanding mitochondrial role in normal physiology and pathological conditions has proven to be of high importance as mitochondrial dysfunction is connected with a number of disorders as well as some of the most common diseases (e.g. diabetes or Parkinson’s disease). Modeling mitochondrial dysfunction has been difficult mainly due to unique features of mitochondrial genetics. Here we discuss some of the most important mouse models generated so far and lessons learned from them.
Pengaruh Penyuluhan Terhadap Tingkat Pengetahuan Kesehatan Reproduksi Pada Remaja SMP N 1 Madapangga Tahun 2018
Authors: Budiwibowo Arif , - Junaidi , - Supriadin
Published: October 2020

Pengetahuan tentang kesehatan reproduksi sangat diperlukan oleh remaja sejak memasuki masa pubertas. Akan tetapi, pendidikan kesehatan reproduksi di Indonesia masih jarang dilaksanakan. Perlu ada pendidikan untuk mencegah terjadinya masalah terkait kesehatan reproduksi, salah satunya melalui penyuluhan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui pengaruh penyuluhan terhadap tingkat pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi pada remaja siswa SMP N 1 Madapangga.  Metode Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design. Sebanyak 33 sampel diambil secara cluster sampling dari siswa kelas II. Subyek diberi kuesioner pretest dilanjutkan dengan penyuluhan, dan diberi kuesioner posttest satu minggu setelahnya. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan paired t test dan alternatifnya yaitu uji Wilcoxon. Hasil Terdapat perbedaan tingkat pengetahuan yang bermakna setelah dilakukan penyuluhan (p<0,01). Perbedaan tingkat pengetahuan yang bermakna ada pada topik anatomi dan fisiologi kesehatan reproduksi, cara memelihara kesehatan organ reproduksi, serta penyakit menular seksual (PMS) dan HIV/AIDS dengan nilai p masing-masing 0,028; 0,022; dan 0,013 secara berurutan. Kesimpulan Penyuluhan berpengaruh terhadap tingkat pengetahuan kesehatan reproduksi remaja siswa SMP N 1 Madapangga. Terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan pada topik anatomi dan fisiologi organ reproduksi, cara memelihara kesehatan reproduksi, serta penyakit menular seksual (PMS) dan HIV/AIDS
HUBUNGAN KEMAMPUAN DASAR MATEMATIKA TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR FISIKA SISWA KELAS XI SMA NEGERI KOTA BIMA
Authors: - Mirwani
Published: October 2020

Telah dilakukan penelitian di pada SMAN Kota Bima dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kemampuan dasar matematika terhadap hasil belajar fisika siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri Kota Bima Tahun ajaran 2019/2020. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuatitatif dan Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian ex-post facto. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI dan diambil secara acak dengan teknik random sampling sebanyak 33 responden. Instrument yang digunakan adalah instrument tes hasil belajar  dan untuk analisis data menggunakan uji prasyarat uji linearitas dan uji hipotesis menggunakan uji korelasi product moment dan uji-t. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa diperoleh uji hipotesis ( uji-r ) rhitung = 0,990487 > rtabel = 0,344 kriteria pengujian ha diterima dan ho ditolak karena rhitung > rtabel dan uji hipotesis pada ( uji-t)  thitung = 4.010764 > ttabel = 1,695519 yang menunjukan bahwa Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan terdapat hubungan positif yang signifikan antara kemampuan dasar matematika terhadap hasil belajar fisika siswa kelas XI IPA SMA N Kota Bima tahun ajaran 2019/2020.
‘I am of Them’: Tom O'Flaherty's Socialist Fictions and the Irish Free State
Authors: Harkin Keelan
Published: October 2020

Tom O'Flaherty's unpublished novel Red Crom's Island is a distinctly political potboiler that envisions the Gaeltacht as a potential centre for leftist revolutionary activity. By comparison, O'Flaherty's two Anglophone short stories collections, Aranmen All and Cliffmen of the West, seem to eschew socialist politics in favour of ethnographic depictions of the Aran Islands. When read in conjunction, however, the novel appears to be a source for the short fiction, which prompts a reevaluation of the politics at work in both collections. In this article, I argue that reading the unpublished and published work in tandem with archival correspondences involving officials from the Irish Free State reveals the ways in which O'Flaherty sought to articulate the necessity of socialist values for the survival of the Aran Islands at a time in the 1930s when anti-Communist sentiment and distaste for socialism was on the rise in Ireland.
Mechanism and Management of Fentanyl-Induced Cough
Authors: Chen Rong , Tang Ling-hua , Sun Tao , Zeng Zi , Zhang Yun-yan , Ding Ke , Meng Qing-tao
Published: October 2020

Fentanyl-induced cough (FIC) often occurs after intravenous bolus administration of fentanyl analogs during induction of general anesthesia and analgesia procedure. The cough is generally benign, but sometimes it causes undesirable side effects, including elevated intra-abdominal, intracranial or intraocular pressure. Therefore, understanding the related mechanisms and influencing factors are of great significance to prevent and treat the cough. This paper reviews the molecular mechanism, influencing factors and preventive administration of FIC, focusing on the efficacy and side effects of various drugs in inhibiting FIC to provide some medical reference for anesthesiologists.
Expression, Characterization and Structure Analysis of a New GH26 Endo-β-1, 4-Mannanase (Man26E) from Enterobacter aerogenes B19
Authors: Liu Huijing , Liu Jie , Cui Tangbing
Published: October 2020

β-mannanase is one of the key enzymes to hydrolyze hemicellulose. At present, most β-mannanases are not widely applied because of their low enzyme activity and unsuitable enzymatic properties. In this work, a new β-mannanase from Enterobacter aerogenes was studied, which laid the foundation for its further application. Additionally, we will further perform directed evolution of the enzyme to increase its activity, improve its temperature and pH properties to allow it more applications in industry. A new β-mannanase (Man26E) from Enterobacter aerogenes was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. Man26E showed about 40 kDa on SDS-PAGE gel. The SWISS-MODEL program was used to model the tertiary structure of Man26E, which presented a core (α/β)8-barrel catalytic module. Based on the binding pattern of CjMan26 C, Man26E docking Gal1Man4 was investigated. The catalytic region consisted of a surface containing four solvent-exposed aromatic rings, many hydrophilic and charged residues. Man26E displayed the highest activity at pH 6.0 and 55 °C, and high acid and alkali stability in a wide pH range (pH 4–10) and thermostability from 40 to 50 °C. The enzyme showed the highest activity on locust bean gum, and the Km and Vmax were 7.16 mg mL−1 and 508 U mg−1, respectively. This is the second β-mannanase reported from Enterobacter aerogenes B19. The β-mannanase displayed high enzyme activity, a relatively high catalytic temperature and a broad range of catalytic pH values. The enzyme catalyzed both polysaccharides and manno-oligosaccharides.
Analysis of Wind Turbine Aging through Operation Curves
Authors: Astolfi Davide , Byrne Raymond , Castellani Francesco
Published: October 2020

The worsening with age of technical systems performance is a matter of fact which is particularly timely to analyze for horizontal-axis wind turbines because they constitute a mature technology. On these grounds, the present study deals with the assessment of wind turbine performance decline with age. The selected test case is a Vestas V52 wind turbine, installed in 2005 at the Dundalk Institute of Technology campus in Ireland. Operation data from 2008 to 2019 have been used for this study. The general idea is analyzing the appropriate operation curves for each working region of the wind turbine: in Region 2 (wind speed between 5 and 9 m/s), the generator speed–power curve is studied, because the wind turbine operates at fixed pitch. In Region 2 12 (wind speed between 9 and 13 m/s), the generator speed is rated and the pitch control is relevant: therefore, the pitch angle–power curve is analyzed. Using a support vector regression for the operation curves of interest, it is observed that in Region 2, a progressive degradation occurs as regards the power extracted for given generator speed, and after ten years (from 2008 to 2018), the average production has diminished of the order of 8%. In Region 2 12, the performance decline with age is less regular and, after ten years of operation, the performance has diminished averagely of the 1.3%. The gearbox of the test case wind turbine was substituted with a brand new one at the end of 2018, and it results that the performance in Region 2 12 has considerably improved after the gearbox replacement (+3% in 2019 with respect to 2018, +1.7% with respect to 2008), while in Region 2, an improvement is observed (+1.9% in 2019 with respect to 2018) which does not compensate the ten-year period decline (−6.5% in 2019 with respect to 2008). Therefore, the lesson is that for the test case wind turbine, the generator aging impacts remarkably on the power production in Region 2, while in Region 2 12, the impact of the gearbox aging dominates over the generator aging; for this reason, wind turbine refurbishment or component replacement should be carefully considered on the grounds of the wind intensity distribution onsite.
Ultrasonically-Assisted Dissolution of Sugarcane Bagasse during Dilute Acid Pretreatment: Experiments and Kinetic Modeling
Authors: Nadar Deslin , Naicker Kubendren , Lokhat David
Published: October 2020

Ultrasonic irradiation is known to enhance various physicochemical processes. In this work, the effect of ultrasound on the dissolution of sugarcane bagasse was studied, with the specific aims of quantifying the effect at low solids loading and mild reaction conditions, and determining whether the enhancement of dissolution by ultrasound is independent of temperature. The effects of agitation speed, reaction time, and sonication were examined on the dissolution of the biomass substrate at varying reaction temperatures during the pretreatment process. Sugarcane bagasse was mixed with a 0.3 M solution of sulfuric acid in a reaction vessel to undergo pretreatment. A kinetic model was applied to the mass dissolution of the biomass, as sonicated runs showed higher mass losses at each reaction time, compared to the non-sonicated runs. The ultrasonic enhancement in mass dissolution was seen to increase for an increase in the reaction time. It was observed that the induction period for the dissolution was eliminated by the application of ultrasound. Ultrasound was found to be more effective than temperature at enhancing mass dissolution at low solids loadings, and the effect of ultrasound was also found to be dependent on the temperature employed.
Chronic Effect of Fatmax Training on Body Weight, Fat Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Subjects: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Chávez-Guevara Isaac A. , Urquidez-Romero René , Pérez-León Jorge A. , González-Rodríguez Everardo , Moreno-Brito Verónica , Ramos-Jiménez Arnulfo
Published: October 2020

Exercise training performed at the maximal fat oxidation intensity (FMT) stands out as a potential treatment of overweight and obesity. This work is a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of studies about the effect of FMT on fat mass and maximal oxygen consumption using PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect as databases. Two independent reviewers selected 11 trials from 356 publications identified by the following keywords: fatmax, lipoxmax, maximal fat oxidation, peak of fat oxidation, physical training, physical exercise, body fat (BF), fat mass, overweight, and obesity. The risk of bias was assessed following the Cochrane Guidelines. The pooled mean difference was computed for each outcome with the random-effects model and the inverse-variance method. The meta-analysis was performed with the RevMan software v 5.3, and the heterogeneity across studies by the I2. The statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results showed that the FMT reduced body weight (MD = −4.30 kg, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%), fat mass (MD = −4.03 kg, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%), and waist circumference (MD = −3.34 cm, p < 0.01). Fat-free mass remains unchanged (MD = 0.08 kg, p = 0.85), but maximal oxygen consumption increased (MD = 2.96 mL∙kg−1∙min−1, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%). We conclude that FMT at short and medium-term (eight to twenty weeks) reduces body weight and BF, increasing cardiovascular fitness in low physical fitness people with obesity.
Prenatal Exposure to Gutkha, a Globally Relevant Smokeless Tobacco Product, Induces Hepatic Changes in Adult Mice
Authors: Doherty Lyons Shannon , Blum Jason L. , Hoffman-Budde Carol , Tijerina Pamela B. , Fiel M. Isabel , J. Conklin Daniel J. , Gany Francesca , Odin Joseph A. , Zelikoff Judith T.
Published: October 2020

Maternal exposures during pregnancy affect the onset and progression of adult diseases in the offspring. A prior mouse study indicated that maternal tobacco smoke exposure affects hepatic fibrosis in adult offspring. Gutkha, a broadly used smokeless tobacco (ST) product, is widely used by pregnant woman in many countries. The objective of this murine study was to evaluate whether oral maternal exposure to gutkha during pregnancy alters non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult offspring: risk factors for the progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis in adults remain elusive. Buccal cavity ‘painting’ of pregnant mice with gutkha began on gestational days (GD) 2–4 and continued until parturition. Beginning at 12 weeks of age, a subset of offspring were transitioned to a high-fat diet (HFD). Results demonstrated that prenatal exposure to gutkha followed by an HFD in adulthood significantly increased the histologic evidence of fatty liver disease only in adult male offspring. Changes in hepatic fibrosis-related cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1b and IL-6) and in hepatic collagen mRNA expression were observed when comparing adult male offspring exposed to gutkha in utero to those not exposed. These findings indicate that maternal use of gutkha during pregnancy affects NAFLD in adult offspring in a sex-dependent manner.
Personnel Well-Being in the Helsinki University Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Haravuori Henna , Junttila Kristiina , Haapa Toni , Tuisku Katinka , Kujala Anne , Rosenström Tom , Suvisaari Jaana , Pukkala Eero , Laukkala Tanja , Jylhä Pekka
Published: October 2020

In March 2020, strict measures took place in Finland to limit the COVID-19 pandemic. Majority of Finnish COVID-19 patients have been located in southern Finland and consequently cared for at the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) Helsinki University Hospital. During the pandemic, HUS personnel’s psychological symptoms are followed via an electronic survey, which also delivers information on psychosocial support services. In June 2020, the baseline survey was sent to 25,494 HUS employees, 4804 (19%) of whom answered; altogether, 62.4% of the respondents were nursing staff and 8.9% were medical doctors. While the follow-up continues for a year and a half, this report shares the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and the first results of psychological symptoms from our baseline survey. Out of those who were directly involved in the pandemic patient care, 43.4% reported potentially traumatic COVID-19 pandemic-related events (PTEs) vs. 21.8% among the others (p < 0.001). While over a half of the personnel were asymptomatic, a group of respondents reported PTEs and concurrent depression, insomnia, and anxiety symptoms. This highlights the need to ensure appropriate psychosocial support services to all traumatized personnel; especially, nursing staff may require attention.
Malondialdehyde as a Useful Biomarker of Low Hand Grip Strength in Community-Dwelling Stroke Patients
Authors: Mueangson Onchuma , Vongvaivanichakul Parinya , Kamdee Kornyok , Jansakun Chutima , Chulrik Wanatsanan , Pongpanitanont Pongphan , Sathirapanya Pornchai , Chunglok Warangkana
Published: October 2020

The assessment of muscle strength by hand grip strength (HGS) is used to evaluate muscle weakness and wasting among stroke patients. This study aimed to investigate the association of oxidative stress/oxidative damage and inflammatory biomarkers with muscle strength and wasting, as evaluated by HGS, among community-dwelling post-stroke patients. The HGS of both paretic and non-paretic limbs was negatively associated with modified Rankin scale (mRS) values. The serum levels of catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA), and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were significantly increased in post-stroke patients compared with non-stroke controls. Further analysis highlighted that hydrogen peroxide was positively correlated with HGS in the paretic limbs. Interestingly, an elevated MDA level, excluding advanced age and high mRS, increased the risk of low HGS in the non-paretic limbs of stroke patients. This study suggests that there is a detrimental association between MDA and muscle strength and early muscle wasting among post-stroke patients. Hence, MDA is a potentially useful biomarker of muscle weakness and wasting in post-stroke patients living in the community.
Predicting Cardiovascular Risk in Athletes: Resampling Improves Classification Performance
Authors: Barbieri Davide , Chawla Nitesh , Zaccagni Luciana , Grgurinović Tonći , Šarac Jelena , Čoklo Miran , Missoni Saša
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide. The aim of the present study is to verify the performances of a data mining methodology in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in athletes, and whether the results may be used to support clinical decision making. Anthropometric (height and weight), demographic (age and sex) and biomedical (blood pressure and pulse rate) data of 26,002 athletes were collected in 2012 during routine sport medical examinations, which included electrocardiography at rest. Subjects were involved in competitive sport practice, for which medical clearance was needed. Outcomes were negative for the largest majority, as expected in an active population. Resampling was applied to balance positive/negative class ratio. A decision tree and logistic regression were used to classify individuals as either at risk or not. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess classification performances. Data mining and resampling improved cardiovascular risk assessment in terms of increased area under the curve. The proposed methodology can be effectively applied to biomedical data in order to optimize clinical decision making, and—at the same time—minimize the amount of unnecessary examinations.
Crossbreeding of Yeasts Domesticated for Fermentation: Infertility Challenges
Authors: Fukuda Nobuo
Published: October 2020

Sexual reproduction is almost a universal feature of eukaryotic organisms, which allows the reproduction of new organisms by combining the genetic information from two individuals of different sexes. Based on the mechanism of sexual reproduction, crossbreeding provides an attractive opportunity to improve the traits of animals, plants, and fungi. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been widely utilized in fermentative production since ancient times. Currently it is still used for many essential biotechnological processes including the production of beer, wine, and biofuels. It is surprising that many yeast strains used in the industry exhibit low rates of sporulation resulting in limited crossbreeding efficiency. Here, I provide an overview of the recent findings about infertility challenges of yeasts domesticated for fermentation along with the progress in crossbreeding technologies. The aim of this review is to create an opportunity for future crossbreeding of yeasts used for fermentation.
Lipid A from Oligotropha carboxidovorans Lipopolysaccharide That Contains Two Galacturonic Acid Residues in the Backbone and Malic Acid A Tertiary Acyl Substituent
Authors: Choma Adam , Zamłyńska Katarzyna , Mazur Andrzej , Pastuszka Anna , Kaczyński Zbigniew , Komaniecka Iwona
Published: October 2020

The free-living Gram-negative bacterium Oligotropha carboxidovorans (formerly: Pseudomonas carboxydovorans), isolated from wastewater, is able to live in aerobic and, facultatively, in autotrophic conditions, utilizing carbon monoxide or hydrogen as a source of energy. The structure of O. carboxidovorans lipid A, a hydrophobic part of lipopolysaccharide, was studied using NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) techniques. It was demonstrated that the lipid A backbone is composed of two d-GlcpN3N residues connected by a β-(1→6) glycosidic linkage, substituted by galacturonic acids (d-GalpA) at C-1 and C-4’ positions. Both diaminosugars are symmetrically substituted by 3-hydroxy fatty acids (12:0(3-OH) and 18:0(3-OH)). Ester-linked secondary acyl residues (i.e., 18:0, and 26:0(25-OH) and a small amount of 28:0(27-OH)) are located in the distal part of lipid A. These very long-chain hydroxylated fatty acids (VLCFAs) were found to be almost totally esterified at the (ω-1)-OH position with malic acid. Similarities between the lipid A of O. carboxidovorans and Mesorhizobium loti, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Caulobacter crescentus as well as Aquifex pyrophylus were observed and discussed from the perspective of the genomic context of these bacteria.
Structural Analysis of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) Viral Capsid Protein 1 (VP1) in HIV-1 Infected Individuals
Authors: Prezioso Carla , Bianchi Martina , Obregon Francisco , Ciotti Marco , Sarmati Loredana , Andreoni Massimo , Palamara Anna Teresa , Pascarella Stefano , Moens Ugo , Pietropaolo Valeria
Published: October 2020

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) viral protein 1 (VP1) is the capsid protein that mediates virus attachment to host cell receptors and is the major immune target. Given the limited data on MCPyV VP1 mutations, the VP1 genetic variability was examined in 100 plasma and 100 urine samples from 100 HIV+ individuals. Sequencing of VP1 DNA in 17 urine and 17 plasma specimens, simultaneously MCPyV DNA positive, revealed that 27 samples displayed sequences identical to VP1 of MCC350 strain. VP1 from two urine specimens had either Thr47Ser or Ile115Phe substitution, whereas VP1 of one plasma contained Asp69Val and Ser251Phe substitutions plus deletion (∆) of Tyr79. VP1 DNA in the remaining samples had mutations encoding truncated protein. Three-dimensional prediction models revealed that Asp69Val, Ser251Phe, and Ile115Phe caused neutral effects while Thr47Ser and Tyr79∆ produced a deleterious effect reducing VP1 stability. A549 cells infected with urine or plasma samples containing full-length VP1 variants with substitutions, sustained viral DNA replication and VP1 expression. Moreover, medium harvested from these cells was able to infect new A549 cells. In cells infected by samples with truncated VP1, MCPyV replication was hampered. In conclusion, MCPyV strains with unique mutations in the VP1 gene are circulating in HIV+ patients. These strains display altered replication efficiency compared to the MCC350 prototype strain in A549 cells.
Immunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies: Emerging Therapies and Novel Approaches
Authors: Noh Ji-Yoon , Seo Huiyun , Lee Jungwoon , Jung Haiyoung
Published: October 2020

Immunotherapy is extensively investigated for almost all types of hematologic tumors, from preleukemic to relapse/refractory malignancies. Due to the emergence of technologies for target cell characterization, antibody design and manufacturing, as well as genome editing, immunotherapies including gene and cell therapies are becoming increasingly elaborate and diversified. Understanding the tumor immune microenvironment of the target disease is critical, as is reducing toxicity. Although there have been many successes and newly FDA-approved immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies, we have learned that insufficient efficacy due to disease relapse following treatment is one of the key obstacles for developing successful therapeutic regimens. Thus, combination therapies are also being explored. In this review, immunotherapies for each type of hematologic malignancy will be introduced, and novel targets that are under investigation will be described.
CD4 T Helper Cell Subsets and Related Human Immunological Disorders
Authors: Zhu Xiaoliang , Zhu Jinfang
Published: October 2020

The immune system plays a critical role in protecting hosts from the invasion of organisms. CD4 T cells, as a key component of the immune system, are central in orchestrating adaptive immune responses. After decades of investigation, five major CD4 T helper cell (Th) subsets have been identified: Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg (T regulatory), and Tfh (follicular T helper) cells. Th1 cells, defined by the expression of lineage cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ and the master transcription factor T-bet, participate in type 1 immune responses to intracellular pathogens such as mycobacterial species and viruses; Th2 cells, defined by the expression of lineage cytokines interleukin (IL)-4/IL-5/IL-13 and the master transcription factor GAΤA3, participate in type 2 immune responses to larger extracellular pathogens such as helminths; Th17 cells, defined by the expression of lineage cytokines IL-17/IL-22 and the master transcription factor RORγt, participate in type 3 immune responses to extracellular pathogens including some bacteria and fungi; Tfh cells, by producing IL-21 and expressing Bcl6, help B cells produce corresponding antibodies; whereas Foxp3-expressing Treg cells, unlike Th1/Th2/Th17/Tfh exerting their effector functions, regulate immune responses to maintain immune cell homeostasis and prevent immunopathology. Interestingly, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been found to mimic the functions of three major effector CD4 T helper subsets (Th1, Th2, and Th17) and thus can also be divided into three major subsets: ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s. In this review, we will discuss the differentiation and functions of each CD4 T helper cell subset in the context of ILCs and human diseases associated with the dysregulation of these lymphocyte subsets particularly caused by monogenic mutations.
Glycine Receptor Inhibition Differentially Affect Selected Neuronal Populations of the Developing Embryonic Cortex, as Evidenced by the Analysis of Spontaneous Calcium Oscillations
Authors: Ávila Denisse , Aedo Eduardo , Sánchez-Hechavarria Miguel , Ávila Claudio , Ávila Ariel
Published: October 2020

The embryonic developing cerebral cortex is characterized by the presence of distinctive cell types such as progenitor pools, immature projection neurons and interneurons. Each of these cell types is diverse on itself, but they all take part of the developmental process responding to intrinsic and extrinsic cues that can affect their calcium oscillations. Importantly, calcium activity is crucial for controlling cellular events linked to cell cycle progression, cell fate determination, specification, cell positioning, morphological development and maturation. Therefore, in this work we measured calcium activity in control conditions and in response to neurotransmitter inhibition. Different data analysis methods were applied over the experimental measurements including statistical methods entropy and fractal calculations, and spectral and principal component analyses. We found that developing projection neurons are differentially affected by classic inhibitory neurotransmission as a cell type and at different places compared to migrating interneurons, which are also heterogeneous in their response to neurotransmitter inhibition. This reveals important insights into the developmental role of neurotransmitters and calcium oscillations in the forming brain cortex. Moreover, we present an improved analysis proposing a Gini coefficient-based inequality distribution and principal component analysis as mathematical tools for understanding the earliest patterns of brain activity.
Trametinib Induces the Stabilization of a Dual GNAQ p.Gly48Leu- and FGFR4 p.Cys172Gly-Mutated Uveal Melanoma. The Role of Molecular Modelling in Personalized Oncology
Authors: Krebs Fanny S. , Gérard Camille , Wicky Alexandre , Aedo-Lopez Veronica , Missiaglia Edoardo , Bisig Bettina , Trimech Mounir , Michielin Olivier , Homicsko Krisztian , Zoete Vincent
Published: October 2020

We report a case of an uveal melanoma patient with GNAQ p.Gly48Leu who responded to MEK inhibition. At the time of the molecular analysis, the pathogenicity of the mutation was unknown. A tridimensional structural analysis showed that Gαq can adopt active and inactive conformations that lead to substantial changes, involving three important switch regions. Our molecular modelling study predicted that GNAQ p.Gly48Leu introduces new favorable interactions in its active conformation, whereas little or no impact is expected in its inactive form. This strongly suggests that GNAQ p.Gly48Leu is a possible tumor-activating driver mutation, consequently triggering the MEK pathway. In addition, we also found an FGFR4 p.Cys172Gly mutation, which was predicted by molecular modelling analysis to lead to a gain of function by impacting the Ig-like domain 2 folding, which is involved in FGF binding and increases the stability of the homodimer. Based on these analyses, the patient received the MEK inhibitor trametinib with a lasting clinical benefit. This work highlights the importance of molecular modelling for personalized oncology.
Sex Specific Expression of Interleukin 7, 8 and 15 in Placentas of Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Keckstein Simon , Pritz Sophia , Amann Niklas , Meister Sarah , Beyer Susanne , Jegen Magdalena , Kuhn Christina , Hutter Stefan , Knabl Julia , Mahner Sven , Kolben Thomas , Jeschke Udo , Kolben Theresa M.
Published: October 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is known to increase the risk for feto-maternal complications during pregnancy. A state of low-grade inflammation, with elevated levels of proinflammatory molecules, similar to patients with obesity or diabetes mellitus type 2 has also been partly described in GDM. The placenta, as unique interface between mother and fetus, is not only passively affected by changes in one of these organisms, but also acts as a modulator by expressing hormones and cytokines. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL) 7, 8 and 15 in GDM in placental tissue. A total number of 80 placentas were included (40 GDM/40 control group). The expression of IL-7, 8 and 15 was investigated in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) and syncytiotrophoblast (SCT) by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining. The immunohistochemical staining was evaluated with the semiquanitfied immunoreactive score (IRS). While the expression IL-15 was significantly upregulated in EVTs of women with GDM. The expression of IL-8 was significantly decreased in EVT of the GDM group. Furthermore, significant fetal sex specific differences were detectable in all three cytokines. Our findings suggest an involvement of the investigated cytokines in the maintenance of a state of chronic low-grade inflammation on placental level in patients suffering from GDM.
Vinylene-Bridged Cyclic Dipyrrin and BODIPY Trimers
Authors: Xue Songlin , Kuzuhara Daiki , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: October 2020

Vinylene-bridged cyclic boron–difluoride complex of dipyrrin (BODIPY) trimers were successfully prepared from expanded dimethyl-vinylene bridged hexaphyrin(2.1.2.1.2.1) Me-Hex that has the structure of alternate dipyrrins and vinylene bridges. The hexaphyrin(2.1.2.1.2.1) Me-Hex can coordinate with boron ions to afford five kinds of cyclic BODIPYs given by step-by-step boron complexations. Crystal structures of all cyclic BODIPYs except for 3BF2-Me-Hex(b) formed non-planar structures. The theoretical calculation predicted that mono-/bis-boron cyclic BODIPYs show the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) characteristics, whereas tri-boron cyclic BODIPYs have no ICT characteristics. Reflecting these electronic properties, tri-boron cyclic BODIPYs exhibit weak fluorescence in the red region, but mono-/bis-boron cyclic BODIPYs exhibit no emission. Vinylene bridged cyclic dipyrrin trimer Me-Hex is the novel porphyrinoid ligand allowed to control the boron coordination under different reaction conditions to form various boron complexes.
Natural Fibre as Reinforcement for Vintage Wood
Authors: Wdowiak-Postulak Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

In recent years, we have seen the construction of numerous good-looking buildings, each of which is perfectly safe, resistant to weather conditions, durable and economically efficient. Apart from their use in the structures of new buildings, natural fibres are even more important in the field of restoring historical heritage. The article presents experimental testing of old wooden beams made of the European larch Larix decidua Mill. with natural defects (knots, natural grain, deviations, cracks and voids) on a technical scale, reinforced with natural fibre. The tests were carried out to examine the response of heterogeneous wooden beams during bending with reinforced basalt fibres (BFRP). The wooden beams were cut out from the ceiling of an old building from 1860. The tests of reinforced wooden beams were intended to determine the increase in bearing capacity and rigidity after providing natural reinforcement. The tests allowed for determining the deflection, the distribution of deformations and images of failure for non-reinforced and reinforced beams. The performed tests have shown the effectiveness of the application of basalt fibres (BFRP) to the improvement of structural properties of existing beams, thus allowing an increase in flexural strength. It can be concluded that reinforcements using BFRP materials can be applied both to strengthening the existing structures with deteriorated mechanical properties, as well as to reduce the dimensions of a structure. Experimental tests have proven that, in the case of beams reinforced with natural basalt (BFRP), their rigidity increases by ca. 15.17% compared to the reference beams.
Numerical and Theoretical Analysis of the Inertia Effects and Interfacial Friction in SHPB Test Systems
Authors: Pei Pei , Pei Zhongcai , Tang Zhiyong
Published: October 2020

The dynamic properties of materials should be analyzed for the material selection and safety design of robots used in the army and other protective structural applications. Split Hopkinson pressure bars (SHPB) is a widely used system for measuring the dynamic behavior of materials between 102 and 104 s−1 strain rates. In order to obtain accurate dynamic parameters of materials, the influences of friction and inertia should be considered in the SHPB tests. In this study, the effects of the friction conditions, specimen shape, and specimen configuration on the SHPB results are numerically investigated for rate-independent material, rate-dependent elastic-plastic material, and rate-dependent visco-elastic material. High-strength steel DP500 and polymethylmethacrylate are the representative materials for the latter two materials. The rate-independent material used the same elastic modulus and hardening modulus as the rate-dependent visco-elastic material but without strain rate effects for comparison. The impact velocities were 3 and 10 m/s. The results show that friction and inertia can produce a significant increase in the flow stress, and their effects are affected by impact velocities. Rate-dependent visco-elasticity material specimen is the most sensitive material to friction and inertia effects among these three materials (rate-independent material, rate-dependent elastic-plastic material, and rate-dependent visco-elastic material). A theoretical analysis based on the conservation of energy is conducted to quantitatively analyze the relationship between the stress measured in the specimen and friction as well as inertia effects. Furthermore, the methods to reduce the influence of friction and inertia effects on the experimental results are further analyzed.
Characterization of Adhesives Bonding in Aircraft Structures
Authors: Romano Maria Grazia , Guida Michele , Marulo Francesco , Giugliano Auricchio Michela , Russo Salvatore
Published: October 2020

Structural adhesives play an important role in aerospace manufacturing, since they provide fewer points of stress concentration compared to faster joints. The importance of adhesives in aerospace is increasing significantly because composites are being adopted to reduce weight and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, adhesive joints are also studied to determine the crashworthiness of airframe structure, where the main task for the adhesive is not to dissipate the impact energy, but to keep joint integrity so that the impact energy can be consumed by plastic work. Starting from an extensive campaign of experimental tests, a finite element model and a methodology are implemented to develop an accurate adhesive model in a single lap shear configuration. A single lap joint finite element model is built by MSC Apex, defining two specimens of composite material connected to each other by means of an adhesive; by the Digimat multi-scale modeling solution, the composite material is treated; and finally, by MSC’s Marc, the adhesive material is characterized as a cohesive applying the Cohesive Zone Modeling theory. The objective was to determine an appropriate methodology to predict interlaminar crack growth in composite laminates, defining the mixed mode traction separation law variability in function of the cohesive energy (Gc), the ratio between the shear strength τ and the tensile strength σ (β1), and the critical opening displacement υc.
Investigation of Factors Influencing the Occurrence of 3C-Inclusions for the Thick Growth of on-Axis C-Face 4H-SiC Epitaxial Layers
Authors: Masumoto Keiko , Kojima Kazutoshi , Yamaguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

In this study, we grew homoepitaxial layers on 3-inch on-axis carbon-face 4H-silicon carbide substrates and attempted to suppress the generation of 3C-inclusions. It was found that the 3C-inclusion density decreased with increasing time spent on reaching an objective flow rate for the precursors. It is suggested that 3C-SiC nucleation occurred on large terraces of the on-axis substrates, which existed before the substrates were covered with spiral hillocks. This nucleation was suppressed owing to the decrease in the degree of supersaturation at the initial growth stage. Moreover, we found that the 3C-inclusions were also generated owing to contamination in the form of graphite products. Furthermore, we succeeded in growing a thick on-axis 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer on a 3-inch substrate and demonstrating its free-standing epitaxial layer with a thickness of 182 μm and a 3C-inclusion density of 2.0 cm−2.
3D Printing and NIR Fluorescence Imaging Techniques for the Fabrication of Implants
Authors: Suh Yong Joon , Lim Tae Hyeon , Choi Hak Soo , Kim Moon Suk , Lee Sang Jin , Kim Soon Hee , Park Chan Hum
Published: October 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology holds great potential to fabricate complex constructs in the field of regenerative medicine. Researchers in the surgical fields have used 3D printing techniques and their associated biomaterials for education, training, consultation, organ transplantation, plastic surgery, surgical planning, dentures, and more. In addition, the universal utilization of 3D printing techniques enables researchers to exploit different types of hardware and software in, for example, the surgical fields. To realize the 3D-printed structures to implant them in the body and tissue regeneration, it is important to understand 3D printing technology and its enabling technologies. This paper concisely reviews 3D printing techniques in terms of hardware, software, and materials with a focus on surgery. In addition, it reviews bioprinting technology and a non-invasive monitoring method using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence, with special attention to the 3D-bioprinted tissue constructs. NIR fluorescence imaging applied to 3D printing technology can play a significant role in monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of 3D structures for clinical implants. Consequently, these techniques can provide individually customized products and improve the treatment outcome of surgeries.
Microstructural and Tensile Properties Anisotropy of Selective Laser Melting Manufactured IN 625
Authors: Condruz Mihaela Raluca , Matache Gheorghe , Paraschiv Alexandru , Frigioescu Tiberius Florian , Badea Teodor
Published: October 2020

The present study was focused on the assessment of microstructural anisotropy of IN 625 manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) and its influence on the material’s room temperature tensile properties. Microstructural anisotropy was assessed based on computational and experimental investigations. Tensile specimens were manufactured using four building orientations (along Z, X, Y-axis, and tilted at 45° in the XZ plane) and three different scanning strategies (90°, 67°, and 45°). The simulation of microstructure development in specimens built along the Z-axis, applying all three scanning strategies, showed that the as-built microstructure is strongly textured and is influenced by the scanning strategy. The 45° scanning strategy induced the highest microstructural texture from all scanning strategies used. The monotonic tensile test results highlighted that the material exhibits significant anisotropic properties, depending on both the specimen orientation and the scanning strategy. Regardless of the scanning strategy used, the lowest mechanical performances of IN 625, in terms of strength values, were recorded for specimens built in the vertical position, as compared with all the other orientations.