bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room and High Temperature Tribological Performance of Multilayered TiSiN/TiN and TiSiN/TiN(Ag) Coatings Deposited by Sputtering
Authors: Fernandes Filipe , AL-Rjoub Abbas , Cavaleiro Diogo , Polcar Tomas , Cavaleiro Albano
Published: December 2020

In this study, we compare the tribological performance of a multilayer TiSiN/Ti(Ag)N coating with a TiSiN/TiN coating with a similar Si content in order to demonstrate the effect of the solid lubricant phase, silver. For Al2O3 balls, the hardness and reduced modulus determine the tribological performance of the coatings for tests conducted at room temperature (RT) against Al2O3 balls. At 550 °C, the TiSiN/TiN coating failed, whereas the Ag-containing coating performed better due to the presence of Ag in the contact, which decreased the shear stress and, consequently, the friction. For tests against TiAl6V4 balls, the Ag-containing coating was always better than the TiSiN/TiN one. At 550 °C, Ag in the wear track prevented the adhesion of the oxidized Ti-alloy wear debris in the contact, favoring the adhesion of wear debris from the coating to both the coating and counterpart surfaces. No wear could be measured for the 700 °C tests for both coatings due to different reasons: (i) the presence of oxidized adhered material from the ball to the reference TiSiN/TiN coating surface protected from wear and (ii) the presence of Ag-agglomerated particles decreased the friction and minimized the adhesion wear of the counterpart for the TiSiN/TiN(Ag) coating.
Electrophoretic Deposition of 45S5 Bioglass® Coatings on the Ti6Al4V Prosthetic Alloy with Improved Mechanical Properties
Authors: Azzouz Imen , Faure Joël , Khlifi Kaouther , Cheikh Larbi Ahmed , Benhayoune Hicham
Published: December 2020

In this paper, 45S5 Bioglass® coatings were elaborated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. An adequate grinding protocol was developed to obtain a stable suspension of submicrometric particles in isopropanol. The voltage and the deposition time of EPD were optimized. An optimal voltage of 30 V and two deposition times (30 and 90 s) were chosen to obtain two different coatings with thicknesses of 21 and 85 µm, respectively. The as-deposited coatings were thermally treated following a two-step protocol: one hour at 120 °C followed by one hour at 450 °C. The surface morphology and the chemical analysis of the 45S5 Bioglass® coatings were assessed, before and after heat treatment, by scanning electron microscopy associated to X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDXS). Their structural analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). A scratch test study was developed for mechanical properties analysis. The obtained results revealed that the obtained coatings were homogeneous, weakly crystallized with an important compactness. An increase in the critical load LC associated with the cohesive limit of the film (from Lc = 3.39 N to Lc = 5.18 N) was observed when the coating thickness was decreased from 85 to 21 µm. After the thermal treatment, the chemical composition of the coatings was not altered, and their mechanical properties were improved.
Development of Chitosan/Peptide Films: Physical, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Li Chen , Pei Jiliu , Zhu Shengyu , Song Yukang , Xiong Xiaohui , Xue Feng
Published: December 2020

Chitosan/peptide films were prepared by incorporating peptides (0.4%, w/v) from soy, corn and caseins into chitosan films. The presence of peptides significantly affected the physical, antibacterial and antioxidative properties of chitosan films. Among these films, those containing corn peptide showed the best water vapor barrier properties, and the tensile strength and elongation at break increased to 24.80 Mpa and 23.94%, respectively. Characterization of surface hydrophobicity and thermal stability suggested the strongest intermolecular interactions between corn peptides and chitosan. Moreover, films containing casein peptides showed the highest antibacterial activity and radical scavenging activity. The DPPH scavenging rate of films containing casein peptides reached 46.11%, and ABTS scavenging rate reached 66.79%. These results indicate the chitosan/peptide films may be promising food packaging materials.
Protein–TiO2: A Functional Hybrid Composite with Diversified Applications
Authors: Anaya-Esparza Luis Miguel , Villagrán-de la Mora Zuamí , Rodríguez-Barajas Noé , Sandoval-Contreras Teresa , Nuño Karla , López-de la Mora David A. , Pérez-Larios Alejandro , Montalvo-González Efigenia
Published: December 2020

Functionalization of protein-based materials by incorporation of organic and inorganic compounds has emerged as an active research area due to their improved properties and diversified applications. The present review provides an overview of the functionalization of protein-based materials by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles. Their effects on technological (mechanical, thermal, adsorptive, gas-barrier, and water-related) and functional (antimicrobial, photodegradation, ultraviolet (UV)-protective, wound-healing, and biocompatibility) properties are also discussed. In general, protein–TiO2 hybrid materials are biodegradable and exhibit improved tensile strength, elasticity, thermal stability, oxygen and water resistance in a TiO2 concentration-dependent response. Nonetheless, they showed enhanced antimicrobial and UV-protective effects with good biocompatibility on different cell lines. The main applications of protein–TiO2 are focused on the development of eco-friendly and active packaging materials, biomedical (tissue engineering, bone regeneration, biosensors, implantable human motion devices, and wound-healing membranes), food preservation (meat, fruits, and fish oil), pharmaceutical (empty capsule shell), environmental remediation (removal and degradation of diverse water pollutants), anti-corrosion, and textiles. According to the evidence, protein–TiO2 hybrid composites exhibited potential applications; however, standardized protocols for their preparation are needed for industrial-scale implementation.
COTS-Based Real-Time System Development: An Effective Application in Pump Motor Control
Authors: Adam George K. , Petrellis Nikos , Kontaxis Panagiotis A. , Stylianos Tilemachos
Published: December 2020

The progress of embedded control systems in the last several years has made possible the realization of highly-effective controllers in many domains. It is essential for such systems to provide effective performance at an affordable cost. Furthermore, real-time embedded control systems must have low energy consumption, as well as be reliable and timely. This research investigates primarily the feasibility of implementing an embedded real-time control system, based on a low-cost, commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) microcontroller platform. It explores real-time issues, such as the reliability and timely response, of such a system implementation. This work presents the development and performance evaluation of a novel real-time control architecture, based upon a BeagleBoard microcontroller, and applied into the PWM (pulse width modulation) control of a three-phase induction motor in a suction pump. The approach followed makes minimal use of general-purpose hardware (BeagleBone Black microcontroller board) and open-source software components (including Linux Operating System with PREEMPT_RT real-time support) for building a reliable real-time control system. The applicability of the proposed control system architecture is validated and evaluated in a real case study in manufacturing. The results provide sufficient evidence of the efficiency and reliability of the proposed approach into the development of a real-time control system based upon COTS components.
Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Metals and Alloys
Authors: Barella Silvia , Ripamonti Dario
Published: December 2020

In order to design a fully functional manufactured component the designer needs a deep understanding of the materials behavior, which includes not only its in-service performance but also the effect of the processing routine [...]
Diagnosis and Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Time of COVID-19
Authors: Kassirian Shayan , Taneja Ravi , Mehta Sanjay
Published: December 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a serious illness with significant morbidity and mortality, characterized by hypoxemic respiratory failure most commonly due to pneumonia, sepsis, and aspiration. Early and accurate diagnosis of ARDS depends upon clinical suspicion and chest imaging. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an important novel cause of ARDS with a distinct time course, imaging and laboratory features from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection to hypoxemic respiratory failure, which may allow diagnosis and management prior to or at earlier stages of ARDS. Treatment of ARDS remains largely supportive, and consists of incremental respiratory support (high flow nasal oxygen, non-invasive respiratory support, and invasive mechanical ventilation), and avoidance of iatrogenic complications, all of which improve clinical outcomes. COVID-19-associated ARDS is largely similar to other causes of ARDS with respect to pathology and respiratory physiology, and as such, COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure should typically be managed as other patients with ARDS. Non-invasive respiratory support may be beneficial in avoiding intubation in COVID-19 respiratory failure including mild ARDS, especially under conditions of resource constraints or to avoid overwhelming critical care resources. Compared to other causes of ARDS, medical therapies may improve outcomes in COVID-19-associated ARDS, such as dexamethasone and remdesivir. Future improved clinical outcomes in ARDS of all causes depends upon individual patient physiological and biological endotyping in order to improve accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis as well as optimal targeting of future therapies in the right patient at the right time in their disease.
Investigation on the Flow Field Entropy Structure of Non-Synchronous Blade Vibration in an Axial Turbocompressor
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Hou Anping
Published: December 2020

In order to explore the inducing factors and mechanism of the non-synchronous vibration, the flow field structure and its formation mechanism in the non-synchronous vibration state of a high speed turbocompressor are discussed in this paper, based on the fluid–structure interaction method. The predicted frequencies fBV (4.4EO), fAR (9.6EO) in the field have a good correspondence with the experimental data, which verify the reliability and accuracy of the numerical method. The results indicate that, under a deviation in the adjustment of inlet guide vane (IGV), the disturbances of pressure in the tip diffuse upstream and downstream, and maintain the corresponding relationship with the non-synchronous vibration frequency of the blade. An instability flow that developed at the tip region of 90% span emerged due to interactions among the incoming main flow, the axial separation backflow, and the tip leakage vortices. The separation vortices in the blade passage mixed up with the tip leakage flow reverse at the trailing edge of blade tip, presenting a spiral vortex structure which flows upstream to the leading edge of the adjacent blade. The disturbances of the spiral vortexes emerge to rotate at 54.5% of the rotor speed in the same rotating direction as a modal oscillation. The blade vibration in the turbocompressor is found to be related to the unsteadiness of the tip flow. The large pressure oscillation caused by the movement of the spiral vortex is regarded as the one of the main drivers for the non-synchronous vibration for the present turbocompressor, besides the deviation in the adjustment of IGV.
Information Theoretic Measures and Their Applications
Authors: Rosso Osvaldo A. , Montani Fernando
Published: December 2020

The concept of entropy, an ever-growing physical magnitude that measured the degree of decay of order in a physical system, was introduced by Rudolf Clausius in 1865 through an elegant formulation of the second law of thermodynamics [...]
Task-Level Aware Scheduling of Energy-Constrained Applications on Heterogeneous Multi-Core System
Authors: Huang Kai , Jing Ming , Jiang Xiaowen , Chen Siheng , Li Xiaobo , Tao Wei , Xiong Dongliang , Liu Zhili
Published: December 2020

Minimizing the schedule length of parallel applications, which run on a heterogeneous multi-core system and are subject to energy consumption constraints, has recently attracted much attention. The key point of this problem is the strategy to pre-allocate the energy consumption of unscheduled tasks. Previous articles used the minimum value, average value or a power consumption weight value as the pre-allocation energy consumption of tasks. However, they all ignored the different levels of tasks. The tasks in different task levels have different impact on the overall schedule length when they are allocated the same energy consumption. Considering the task levels, we designed a novel task energy consumption pre-allocation strategy that is conducive to minimizing the scheduling time and developed a novel task schedule algorithm based on it. After getting the preliminary scheduling results, we also proposed a task execution frequency re-adjustment mechanism that can re-adjust the execution frequency of tasks, to further reduce the overall schedule length. We carried out a considerable number of experiments with practical parallel application models. The results of the experiments show that our method can reach better performance compared with the existing algorithms.
Design and Implementation of Edge-Fog-Cloud System through HD Map Generation from LiDAR Data of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Lee Junwon , Lee Kieun , Yoo Aelee , Moon Changjoo
Published: December 2020

Self-driving cars, autonomous vehicles (AVs), and connected cars combine the Internet of Things (IoT) and automobile technologies, thus contributing to the development of society. However, processing the big data generated by AVs is a challenge due to overloading issues. Additionally, near real-time/real-time IoT services play a significant role in vehicle safety. Therefore, the architecture of an IoT system that collects and processes data, and provides services for vehicle driving, is an important consideration. In this study, we propose a fog computing server model that generates a high-definition (HD) map using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data generated from an AV. The driving vehicle edge node transmits the LiDAR point cloud information to the fog server through a wireless network. The fog server generates an HD map by applying the Normal Distribution Transform-Simultaneous Localization and Mapping(NDT-SLAM) algorithm to the point clouds transmitted from the multiple edge nodes. Subsequently, the coordinate information of the HD map generated in the sensor frame is converted to the coordinate information of the global frame and transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the cloud server creates an HD map by integrating the collected point clouds using coordinate information.
Accounting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Forest Edge Degradation: Gold Mining in Guyana as a Case Study
Authors: Brown Sandra , Mahmood Abu R. J. , Goslee Katherine M. , Pearson Timothy R. H. , Sukhdeo Hansrajie , Donoghue Daniel N. M. , Watt Pete
Published: December 2020

Background and Methods: Degradation of forests in developing countries results from multiple activities and is perceived to be a key source of greenhouse gas emissions, yet there are not reliable methodologies to measure and monitor emissions from all degrading activities. Therefore, there is limited knowledge of the actual extent of emissions from forest degradation. Degradation can be either in the forest interior, with a repeatable defined pattern within areas of forest, as with timber harvest, or on the forest edge and immediately bounding areas of deforestation. Forest edge degradation is especially challenging to capture with remote sensing or to predict from proxy factors. This paper addresses forest edge degradation and: (1) proposes a low cost methodology for assessing forest edge degradation surrounding deforestation; (2) using the method, provides estimates of gross carbon emissions from forest degradation surrounding and caused by alluvial mining in Guyana, and (3) compares emissions from mining degradation with other sources of forest greenhouse gas emissions. To estimate carbon emissions from forest degradation associated with mining in Guyana, 100 m buffers were located around polygons pre-mapped as mining deforestation, and within these buffers rectangular transects were established. Researchers collected ground data to produce estimates of the biomass damaged as a result of mining activities to apply to the buffer area around the mining deforestation. Results: The proposed method to estimate emissions from forest edge degradation was successfully piloted in Guyana, where 61% of the transects lost 10 Mg C ha−1 or less in trees from mining damage and 46% of these transects lost 1 Mg C ha−1 or less. Seventy percent of the damaged stems and 60% of carbon loss occurred in the first 50 m of the transects. The median loss in carbon stock from mining damage was 2.2 Mg C ha−1 (95% confidence interval: 0.0–10.2 Mg C ha−1). The carbon loss from mining degradation represented 1.0% of mean total aboveground carbon stocks, with emissions from mining degradation equivalent to ~2% of all emissions from forest change in Guyana. Conclusions: Gross carbon emissions from forest degradation around mining sites are of little significance regardless of persistence and potential forest recovery. The development of cost- and time-effective buffers around deforestation provides a sound approach to estimating carbon emissions from forest degradation adjacent to deforestation including surrounding mining. This simple approach provides a low-cost method that can be replicated anywhere to derive forest degradation estimates.
Elastic Settlement Analysis of Rigid Rectangular Footings on Sands and Clays
Authors: Pantelidis Lysandros , Gravanis Elias
Published: December 2020

In this paper an elastic settlement analysis method for rigid rectangular footings applicable to both clays and sands is proposed. The proposed method is based on the concept of equivalent shape, where any rectangular footing is suitably replaced by a footing of elliptical shape; the conditions of equal area and equal perimeter are satisfied simultaneously. The case of clay is differentiated from the case of sand using different contact pressure distribution, whilst, additionally, for the sands, the modulus of elasticity increases linearly with depth. The method can conveniently be calibrated against any set of settlement data obtained analytically, experimentally, or numerically; in this respect the authors used values which have been derived analytically from third parties. Among the most interesting findings is that sands produce “settlement x soil modulus/applied pressure” values approximately 10% greater than the respective ones corresponding to clays. Moreover, for large Poisson’s ratio (v) values, the settlement of rigid footings is closer to the settlement corresponding to the corner of the respective flexible footings. As v decreases, the derived settlement of the rigid footing approaches the settlement value corresponding to the characteristic point of the respective flexible footing. Finally, corrections for the net applied pressure, footing rigidity, and non-elastic response of soil under loading are also proposed.
Quality of GNSS Traces from VGI: A Data Cleaning Method Based on Activity Type and User Experience
Authors: Àvila Callau Aitor , Pérez-Albert Yolanda , Serrano Giné David
Published: December 2020

VGI (Volunteered Geographic Information) refers to spatial data collected, created, and shared voluntarily by users. Georeferenced tracks are one of the most common components of VGI, and, as such, are not free from errors. The cleaning of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracks is usually based on the detection and removal of outliers using their geometric characteristics. However, according to our experience, user profile differentiation is still a novelty, and studies delving into the relationship between contributor efficiency, activity, and quality of the VGI produced are lacking. The aim of this study is to design a procedure to filter GNSS traces according to their quality, the type of activity pursued, and the contributor efficiency with VGI. Source data are obtained Wikiloc. The methodology includes tracks classification according mobility types, box plot analysis to identify outliers, bivariate user segmentation according to level of activity and efficiency, and the study of its spatial behavior using kernel-density maps. The results reveal that out of 44,326 tracks, 8096 (18.26%) are considered erroneous, mainly (73.02%) due to contributors’ poor practices and the remaining being due to bad GNSS reception. The results also show a positive correlation between data quality and the author’s efficiency collecting VGI.
A High-Resolution Spatial and Time-Series Labeled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Image Dataset for Middle-Season Rice
Authors: Zhou Dongbo , Liu Shuangjian , Yu Jie , Li Hao
Published: December 2020

The existing remote sensing image datasets target the identification of objects, features, or man-made targets but lack the ability to provide the date and spatial information for the same feature in the time-series images. The spatial and temporal information is important for machine learning methods so that networks can be trained to support precision classification, particularly for agricultural applications of specific crops with distinct phenological growth stages. In this paper, we built a high-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image dataset for middle-season rice. We scheduled the UAV data acquisition in five villages of Hubei Province for three years, including 11 or 13 growing stages in each year that were accompanied by the annual agricultural surveying business. We investigated the accuracy of the vector maps for each field block and the precise information regarding the crops in the field by surveying each village and periodically arranging the UAV flight tasks on a weekly basis during the phenological stages. Subsequently, we developed a method to generate the samples automatically. Finally, we built a high-resolution UAV image dataset, including over 500,000 samples with the location and phenological growth stage information, and employed the imagery dataset in several machine learning algorithms for classification. We performed two exams to test our dataset. First, we used four classical deep learning networks for the fine classification of spatial and temporal information. Second, we used typical models to test the land cover on our dataset and compared this with the UCMerced Land Use Dataset and RSSCN7 Dataset. The results showed that the proposed image dataset supported typical deep learning networks in the classification task to identify the location and time of middle-season rice and achieved high accuracy with the public image dataset.
Advances in Transgenic Mouse Models to Study Infections by Human Pathogenic Viruses
Authors: Masemann Dörthe , Ludwig Stephan , Boergeling Yvonne
Published: December 2020

Medical research is changing into direction of precision therapy, thus, sophisticated preclinical models are urgently needed. In human pathogenic virus research, the major technical hurdle is not only to translate discoveries from animals to treatments of humans, but also to overcome the problem of interspecies differences with regard to productive infections and comparable disease development. Transgenic mice provide a basis for research of disease pathogenesis after infection with human-specific viruses. Today, humanized mice can be found at the very heart of this forefront of medical research allowing for recapitulation of disease pathogenesis and drug mechanisms in humans. This review discusses progress in the development and use of transgenic mice for the study of virus-induced human diseases towards identification of new drug innovations to treat and control human pathogenic infectious diseases.
Proteomic Study Identifies Glycolytic and Inflammation Pathways Involved in Recurrent Otitis Media
Authors: Ura Blendi , Celsi Fulvio , Zupin Luisa , Arrigoni Giorgio , Battisti Ilaria , Gaita Bartolomea , Grasso Domenico Leonardo , Orzan Eva , Sagredini Raffaella , Barbi Egidio , Crovella Sergio
Published: December 2020

Recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) in children is clinically defined as the occurrence of at least three episodes of acute otitis media over a course of 6 months. A further common pathological condition of interest in the context of pediatric otolaryngology is adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH), a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Aimed at unraveling the differential modulation of proteins in the two pathologies and at understanding the possible pathways involved in their onset, we analyzed the proteomic profile of the adenoids from 14 RAOM and ATH patients by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS). The 2-DE coupled with MS allowed us to identify 23 spots with significant (p-value < 0.05) changes in protein amount, recognizing proteins involved in neutrophil degranulation and glycolysis pathways.
Diagnostic Utility of Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis in Mendelian Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Haghshenas Sadegheh , Bhai Pratibha , Aref-Eshghi Erfan , Sadikovic Bekim
Published: December 2020

Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders customarily present with complex and overlapping symptoms, complicating the clinical diagnosis. Individuals with a growing number of the so-called rare disorders exhibit unique, disorder-specific DNA methylation patterns, consequent to the underlying gene defects. Besides providing insights to the pathophysiology and molecular biology of these disorders, we can use these epigenetic patterns as functional biomarkers for the screening and diagnosis of these conditions. This review summarizes our current understanding of DNA methylation episignatures in rare disorders and describes the underlying technology and analytical approaches. We discuss the computational parameters, including statistical and machine learning methods, used for the screening and classification of genetic variants of uncertain clinical significance. Describing the rationale and principles applied to the specific computational models that are used to develop and adapt the DNA methylation episignatures for the diagnosis of rare disorders, we highlight the opportunities and challenges in this emerging branch of diagnostic medicine.
Methylation: An Ineluctable Biochemical and Physiological Process Essential to the Transmission of Life
Authors: Menezo Yves , Clement Patrice , Clement Arthur , Elder Kay
Published: December 2020

Methylation is a universal biochemical process which covalently adds methyl groups to a variety of molecular targets. It plays a critical role in two major global regulatory mechanisms, epigenetic modifications and imprinting, via methyl tagging on histones and DNA. During reproduction, the two genomes that unite to create a new individual are complementary but not equivalent. Methylation determines the complementary regulatory characteristics of male and female genomes. DNA methylation is executed by methyltransferases that transfer a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor, to cytosine residues of CG (also designated CpG). Histones are methylated mainly on lysine and arginine residues. The methylation processes regulate the main steps in reproductive physiology: gametogenesis, and early and late embryo development. A focus will be made on the impact of assisted reproductive technology and on the impact of endocrine disruptors (EDCs) via generation of oxidative stress.
Airway Redox Homeostasis and Inflammation Gone Awry: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Emerging Therapeutics in Respiratory Pathology
Authors: Checa Javier , Aran Josep M.
Published: December 2020

As aerobic organisms, we are continuously and throughout our lifetime subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere and, most often, to environmental threats. The lung is the internal organ most highly exposed to this milieu. Therefore, it has evolved to confront both oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a variety of pollutants, pathogens, and allergens that promote inflammation and can harm the airways to different degrees. Indeed, an excess of ROS, generated intrinsically or from external sources, can imprint direct damage to key structural cell components (nucleic acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins) and indirectly perturb ROS-mediated signaling in lung epithelia, impairing its homeostasis. These early events complemented with efficient recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated recognition patterns by the airway resident cells alert the immune system, which mounts an inflammatory response to remove the hazards, including collateral dead cells and cellular debris, in an attempt to return to homeostatic conditions. Thus, any major or chronic dysregulation of the redox balance, the air–liquid interface, or defects in epithelial proteins impairing mucociliary clearance or other defense systems may lead to airway damage. Here, we review our understanding of the key role of oxidative stress and inflammation in respiratory pathology, and extensively report current and future trends in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments focusing on the following major acute and chronic lung diseases: acute lung injury/respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.
Data on Herbivore Performance and Plant Herbivore Damage Identify the Same Plant Traits as the Key Drivers of Plant–Herbivore Interaction
Authors: Münzbergová Zuzana , Skuhrovec Jiří
Published: December 2020

Data on plant herbivore damage as well as on herbivore performance have been previously used to identify key plant traits driving plant–herbivore interactions. The extent to which the two approaches lead to similar conclusions remains to be explored. We determined the effect of a free-living leaf-chewing generalist caterpillar, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on leaf damage of 24 closely related plant species from the Carduoideae subfamily and the effect of these plant species on caterpillar growth. We used a wide range of physical defense leaf traits and leaf nutrient contents as the plant traits. Herbivore performance and leaf damage were affected by similar plant traits. Traits related to higher caterpillar mortality (higher leaf dissection, number, length and toughness of spines and lower trichome density) also led to higher leaf damage. This fits with the fact that each caterpillar was feeding on a single plant and, thus, had to consume more biomass of the less suitable plants to obtain the same amount of nutrients. The key plant traits driving plant–herbivore interactions identified based on data on herbivore performance largely corresponded to the traits identified as important based on data on leaf damage. This suggests that both types of data may be used to identify the key plant traits determining plant–herbivore interactions. It is, however, important to carefully distinguish whether the data on leaf damage were obtained in the field or in a controlled feeding experiment, as the patterns expected in the two environments may go in opposite directions.
Infection Patterns and Fitness Effects of Rickettsia and Sodalis Symbionts in the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea
Authors: Sontowski Rebekka , Gerth Michael , Richter Sandy , Gruppe Axel , Schlegel Martin , van Dam Nicole M. , Bleidorn Christoph
Published: December 2020

Endosymbionts are widely distributed in insects and can strongly affect their host ecology. The common green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) is a neuropteran insect which is widely used in biological pest control. However, their endosymbionts and their interactions with their hosts have not been very well studied. Therefore, we screened for endosymbionts in natural and laboratory populations of Ch. carnea using diagnostic PCR amplicons. We found the endosymbiont Rickettsia to be very common in all screened natural and laboratory populations, while a hitherto uncharacterized Sodalis strain was found only in laboratory populations. By establishing lacewing lines with no, single or co-infections of Sodalis and Rickettsia, we found a high vertical transmission rate for both endosymbionts (>89%). However, we were only able to estimate these numbers for co-infected lacewings. Sodalis negatively affected the reproductive success in single and co-infected Ch. carnea, while Rickettsia showed no effect. We hypothesize that the fitness costs accrued by Sodalis infections might be more tolerable in the laboratory than in natural populations, as the latter are also prone to fluctuating environmental conditions and natural enemies. The economic and ecological importance of lacewings in biological pest control warrants a more profound understanding of its biology, which might be influenced by symbionts.
Susceptibility of Various Developmental Stages of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, to Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Authors: Acharya Rajendra , Hwang Hwal-Su , Mostafiz Md Munir , Yu Yeon-Su , Lee Kyeong-Yeoll
Published: December 2020

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, which is native to Central and South America, has recently invaded Africa and Asia, causing serious damage to various crops. Although management to date has been largely unsuccessful, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a potential biological control agent that could be used to control the late larval and pupal stages of S. frugiperda that dwell under the ground. Here, we compared the virulence of seven EPNs against larval and pupal stages of S. frugiperda. In a Petri dish assay, both Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae were highly virulent against younger larvae, whereas S. arenarium and S. longicaudum were highly virulent against older larvae. In contrast, H. bacteriophora, Heterorhabditis sp., and S. kushidai showed low virulence against all larval stages. In soil column and pot assays, H. indica, S. carpocapsae, and S. longicaudum were highly virulent against late larval and pupal stages compared with the other EPN species. Thus, H. indica, S. carpocapsae, and S. longicaudum are recommended for the biological control of S. frugiperda. Our study provides important information of EPNs for the practical application of biological control of fall armyworm.
A Multi-mRNA Host-Response Molecular Blood Test for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Proceedings from a Clinical Advisory Panel
Authors: Ducharme James , Self Wesley H. , Osborn Tiffany M. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Romanowsky Jonathan , Sweeney Timothy E. , Liesenfeld Oliver , Rothman Richard E.
Published: December 2020

Current diagnostics are insufficient for diagnosis and prognosis of acute infections and sepsis. Clinical decisions including prescription and timing of antibiotics, ordering of additional diagnostics and level-of-care decisions rely on understanding etiology and implications of a clinical presentation. Host mRNA signatures can differentiate infectious from noninfectious etiologies, bacterial from viral infections, and predict 30-day mortality. The 29-host-mRNA blood-based InSepTM test (Inflammatix, Burlingame, CA, formerly known as HostDxTM Sepsis) combines machine learning algorithms with a rapid point-of-care platform with less than 30 min turnaround time to enable rapid diagnosis of acute infections and sepsis, as well as prediction of disease severity. A scientific advisory panel including emergency medicine, infectious disease, intensive care and clinical pathology physicians discussed technical and clinical requirements in preparation of successful introduction of InSep into the market. Topics included intended use; patient populations of greatest need; patient journey and sample flow in the emergency department (ED) and beyond; clinical and biomarker-based decision algorithms; performance characteristics for clinical utility; assay and instrument requirements; and result readouts. The panel identified clear demand for a solution like InSep, requirements regarding test performance and interpretability, and a need for focused medical education due to the innovative but complex nature of the result readout. Innovative diagnostic solutions such as the InSep test could improve management of patients with suspected acute infections and sepsis in the ED, thereby lessening the overall burden of these conditions on patients and the healthcare system.
Exploring the Dynamics of Urban Greenness Space and Their Driving Factors Using Geographically Weighted Regression: A Case Study in Wuhan Metropolis, China
Authors: Yang Chengjie , Li Ruren , Sha Zongyao
Published: December 2020

Urban greenness plays a vital role in supporting the ecosystem services of a city. Exploring the dynamics of urban greenness space and their driving forces can provide valuable information for making solid urban planning policies. This study aims to investigate the dynamics of urban greenness space patterns through landscape indices and to apply geographically weighted regression (GWR) to map the spatially varied impact on the indices from economic and environmental factors. Two typical landscape indices, i.e., percentage of landscape (PLAND) and aggregation index (AI), which measure the abundance and fragmentation of urban greenness coverage, respectively, were taken to map the changes in urban greenness. As a case study, the metropolis of Wuhan, China was selected, where time-series of urban greenness space were extracted at an annual step from the Landsat collections from Google Earth Engine during 2000–2018. The study shows that the urban greenness space not only decreased significantly, but also tended to be more fragmented over the years. Road network density, normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), terrain elevation and slope, and precipitation were found to significantly correlate to the landscape indices. GWR modeling successfully captures the spatially varied impact from the considered factors and the results from GWR modeling provide a critical reference for making location-specific urban planning.
Challenges of Effective Communication in the Criminal Justice Process: Findings from Interviews with Victims of Sexual Offences in Australia
Authors: Davies Rhiannon , Bartels Lorana
Published: December 2020

This article focuses on gendered experiences of the criminal justice system, specifically the experiences of adult female victims of sexual offending and the communication difficulties they experience during the criminal justice process. Drawing on the findings from qualitative interviews about sentencing with six victims and 15 justice professionals in Australia, we compare the lived experiences of the victims with the perceptions of the justice professionals who work with them, revealing a significant gap between the information justice professionals believe they are providing and the information victims recall receiving. We then analyse the international literature to distil effective communication strategies, with the goal of improving victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system as a whole. Specifically, we recommend verbal communication skills training for justice professionals who work with victims of crime and the development of visual flowcharts to help victims better understand the criminal justice process. We also recommend that Australian victims’ rights regimes be reformed to place the responsibility for providing information about the criminal process on the relevant justice agencies, rather than requiring the victim to seek this information, and suggest piloting automated notification systems to help agencies fulfil their obligations to provide victims with such information.
Fish Bone Derived Bi-Phasic Calcium Phosphate Coatings Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Popescu-Pelin Gianina , Ristoscu Carmen , Duta Liviu , Pasuk Iuliana , Stan George E. , Stan Miruna Silvia , Popa Marcela , Chifiriuc Mariana C. , Hapenciuc Claudiu , Oktar Faik N. , Nicarel Anca , Mihailescu Ion N.
Published: December 2020

We report on new biomaterials with promising bone and cartilage regeneration potential, from sustainable, cheap resources of fish origin. Thin films were fabricated from fish bone-derived bi-phasic calcium phosphate targets via pulsed laser deposition with a KrF * excimer laser source (λ = 248 nm, τFWHM ≤ 25 ns). Targets and deposited nanostructures were characterized by SEM and XRD, as well as by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and FTIR spectroscopy. Films were next assessed in vitro by dedicated cytocompatibility and antimicrobial assays. Films were Ca-deficient and contained a significant fraction of β-tricalcium phosphate apart from hydroxyapatite, which could contribute to an increased solubility and an improved biocompatibility for bone regeneration applications. The deposited structures were biocompatible as confirmed by the lack of cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblast cells, making them promising for fast osseointegration implants. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) coatings inhibited the microbial adhesion and/or the subsequent biofilm development. A persistent protection against bacterial colonization (Escherichia coli) was demonstrated for at least 72 h, probably due to the release of the native trace elements (i.e., Na, Mg, Si, and/or S) from fish bones. Progress is therefore expected in the realm of multifunctional thin film biomaterials, combining antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties for advanced implant coatings and nosocomial infections prevention applications.
Mixed-Matrix Membranes Comprising of Polysulfone and Porous UiO-66, Zeolite 4A, and Their Combination: Preparation, Removal of Humic Acid, and Antifouling Properties
Authors: Anjum Tanzila , Tamime Rahma , Khan Asim
Published: December 2020

High-performance Mixed-Matrix Membranes (MMMs) comprising of two kinds of porous fillers UiO-66 and Zeolite 4Aand their combination were fabricated with polysulfone (PSf) polymer matrix. For the very first time, UiO-66 and Zeolite 4A were jointly used as nanofillers in MMMs with the objective of complimenting synergistic effects. The individual and complimentary effects of nanofillers were investigated on membrane morphology and performance, pure water flux, humic acid rejection, static humic acid adsorption, and antifouling properties of membranes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of membranes confirmed that all MMMs possessed wider macrovoids with higher nanofiller loadings than neat PSf membranes and the MMMs (PSf/UiO-66 and PSf/Zeolite 4A-UiO-66) showed tendency of agglomeration with high nanofiller loadings (1 wt% and 2 wt%). All MMMs exhibited better hydrophilicity and lower static humic acid adsorption than neat PSf membranes. Pure water flux of MMMs was higher than neat PSf membranes but the tradeoff between permeability and selectivity was witnessed in the MMMs with single nanofiller. However, MMMs with combined nanofillers (PSf/Zeolite 4A-UiO-66) showed no such tradeoff, and an increase in both permeability and selectivity was achieved. All MMMs with lower nanofiller loadings (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) showed improved flux recovery. PSf/Zeolite 4A-UiO-66 (0.5 wt%) membranes showed the superior antifouling properties without sacrificing permeability and selectivity.
Perfluorodioxolane Polymers for Gas Separation Membrane Applications
Authors: Okamoto Yoshiyuki , Chiang Hao-Chun , Fang Minfeng , Galizia Michele , Merkel Tim , Yavari Milad , Nguyen Hien , Lin Haiqing
Published: December 2020

Since the discovery of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in 1938, fluorinated polymers have drawn attention in the chemical and pharmaceutical field, as well as in optical and microelectronics applications. The reasons for this attention are their high thermal and oxidative stability, excellent chemical resistance, superior electrical insulating ability, and optical transmission properties. Despite their unprecedented combination of desirable attributes, PTFE and copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with hexafluoropropylene and perfluoropropylvinylether are crystalline and exhibit poor solubility in solvents, which makes their processability very challenging. Since the 1980s, several classes of solvent-soluble amorphous perfluorinated polymers showing even better optical and gas transport properties were developed and commercialized. Amorphous perfluoropolymers exhibit, however, moderate selectivity in gas and liquid separations. Recently, we have synthesized various new perfluorodioxolane polymers which are amorphous, soluble, chemically and thermally stable, while exhibiting much enhanced selectivity. In this article, we review state-of-the-art and recent progress in these perfluorodioxolane polymers for gas separation membrane applications.
A “Graft to” Electrospun Zwitterionic Bilayer Membrane for the Separation of Hydraulic Fracturing-Produced Water via Membrane Distillation
Authors: Chiao Yu-Hsuan , Yap Ang Micah Belle Marie , Huang Yu-Xi , DePaz Sandrina Svetlana , Chang Yung , Almodovar Jorge , Wickramasinghe S. Ranil
Published: December 2020

Simultaneous fouling and pore wetting of the membrane during membrane distillation (MD) is a major concern. In this work, an electrospun bilayer membrane for enhancing fouling and wetting resistance has been developed for treating hydraulic fracture-produced water (PW) by MD. These PWs can contain over 200,000 ppm total dissolved solids, organic compounds and surfactants. The membrane consists of an omniphobic surface that faces the permeate stream and a hydrophilic surface that faces the feed stream. The omniphobic surface was decorated by growing nanoparticles, followed by silanization to lower the surface energy. An epoxied zwitterionic polymer was grafted onto the membrane surface that faces the feed stream to form a tight antifouling hydration layer. The membrane was challenged with an aqueous NaCl solution containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an ampholyte and crude oil. In the presence of SDS and crude oil, the membrane was stable and displayed salt rejection (>99.9%). Further, the decrease was much less than the base polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) electrospun membrane. The membranes were also challenged with actual PW. Our results highlight the importance of tuning the properties of the membrane surface that faces the feed and permeate streams in order to maximize membrane stability, flux and salt rejection.
Probing the Deformation Mechanisms of Nanocrystalline Silver by In-Situ Tension and Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Sun Baoru , Shen Tongde
Published: December 2020

The mechanisms responsible for the deformation of nanocrystalline materials are not well understood although many mechanisms have been proposed. This article studies the room-temperature stress-strain relations of bulk nanocrystalline silver deformed in a tension mode at a constant strain rate. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns were gathered from the deformed specimen and used to deduce such structural parameters as the grain size and the density of dislocations, twins, and stacking faults. Our quantitative results indicate that grain growth and twinning occur in the stage of elastic deformation. Detwinning and accumulation of stacking faults occur in the early stage of plastic deformation, where the strength of nanocrystalline silver correlates well with the square root of stacking faults probability. Grain shrinking and generation of statistically stored dislocations occur in the final stage of plastic deformation, where the strength of nanocrystalline silver correlates well with the square root of the density of dislocations (statistically stored and geometrically necessary). Our results suggest that multiple deformation mechanisms such as grain growth, grain shrinking, twinning, detwinning, stacking faults, and dislocations, rather than a single deformation mechanism, occur in the elastic and plastic deformation stages of nanocrystalline silver.