bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating Morphometrics with DNA Barcoding to Reliably Separate Three Cryptic Species of Bombus Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Milam Joan , Johnson Dennis E. , Andersen Jeremy C. , Fassler Aliza B. , Narango Desiree L. , Elkinton Joseph S.
Published: September 2020

Despite their large size and striking markings, the identification of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) is surprisingly difficult. This is particularly true for three North American sympatric species in the subgenus Pyrobombus that are often misidentified: B. sandersoni Franklin, B. vagans Smith B. perplexus Cresson. Traditionally, the identification of these cryptic species was based on observations of differences in hair coloration and pattern and qualitative comparisons of morphological characters including malar length. Unfortunately, these characteristics do not reliably separate these species. We present quantitative morphometric methods to separate these species based on the malar length to width ratio (MRL) and the ratios of the malar length to flagellar segments 1 (MR1) and 3 (MR3) for queens and workers, and validated our determinations based on DNA barcoding. All three measurements discriminated queens of B. sandersoni and B. vagans with 100% accuracy. For workers, we achieved 99% accuracy by combining both MR1 and MR3 measurements, and 100% accuracy differentiating workers using MRL. Moreover, measurements were highly repeatable within and among both experienced and inexperienced observers. Our results, validated by genetic evidence, demonstrate that malar measurements provide accurate identifications of B. vagans and B. sandersoni. There was considerable overlap in the measurements between B. perplexus and B. sandersoni. However, these species can usually be reliably separated by combining malar ratio measurements with other morphological features like hair color. The ability to identify bumble bees is key to monitoring the status and trends of their populations, and the methods we present here advance these efforts.
Predictors of Long-Term Outcome in STEMI and NSTEMI—Insights from J-MINUET
Authors: Lechner Ivan , Reindl Martin , Metzler Bernhard , Reinstadler Sebastian J.
Published: September 2020

Although patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST- segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) share similar risk factors and comparable pathophysiology [...]
Stent-Assisted Coiling of Unruptured MCA Aneurysms Using the LVIS Jr. Device: A Multicenter Registry
Authors: Poncyljusz Wojciech , Zwarzany Łukasz , Limanówka Bartosz , Zbroszczyk Miłosz , Banach Mariusz , Bereza Sławomir , Sagan Leszek
Published: September 2020

Purpose: The low-profile visualized intraluminal support junior (LVIS Jr.) is a new generation low-profile braided stent. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the LVIS Jr. in the stent-assisted coiling of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. This was a multicenter retrospective study. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, complications, and the results of clinical and imaging follow-up were analyzed. Four centers participated in the study. A total of 162 consecutive patients with 162 unruptured MCA aneurysms were included for the analysis. The mean aneurysm size was 7.6 mm (range 2 to 37 mm) and 97.5% were wide-necked. Immediate postprocedural angiograms showed Raymond-Roy class 1 in 118 (72.8%), class 2 in 23 (14.2%), and class 3 in 21 patients (13%). Periprocedural complications occurred in 14 patients (8.6%). There were no procedure-related deaths. Follow-up imaging at 12–18 months post-procedure showed Raymond–Roy class 1 in 132 (81.5%), class 2 in 17 (10.5%), and class 3 in 13 patients (8%). There were 3 cases of in-stent stenosis (1.9%). All 162 patients had good clinical outcome (mRS score 0–2) at 90 days post-procedure. Stent-assisted coiling of unruptured MCA aneurysms with the LVIS Jr. stent is safe and effective, with high immediate and long-term total occlusion rates.
Trabeculated Myocardium in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Consequences
Authors: Casanova José David , Carrillo Josefa González , Jiménez Jesús Martín , Muñoz Javier Cuenca , Esparza Carmen Muñoz , Alvárez Marcos Siguero , Escribá Rubén , Milla Esther Burillo , de la Pompa José Luis , Raya Ángel , Gimeno Juan Ramón , Molina María Sabater , García Gregorio Bernabé
Published: September 2020

Aims: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is often accompanied by increased trabeculated myocardium (TM)—which clinical relevance is unknown. We aim to measure the left ventricular (LV) mass and proportion of trabeculation in an HCM population and to analyze its clinical implication. Methods and Results: We evaluated 211 patients with HCM (mean age 47.8 ± 16.3 years, 73.0% males) with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies. LV trabecular and compacted mass were measured using dedicated software for automatic delineation of borders. Mean compacted myocardium (CM) was 160.0 ± 62.0 g and trabecular myocardium (TM) 55.5 ± 18.7 g. The percentage of trabeculated myocardium (TM%) was 26.7% ± 6.4%. Females had significantly increased TM% compared to males (29.7 ± 7.2 vs. 25.6 ± 5.8, p < 0.0001). Patients with LVEF < 50% had significantly higher values of TM% (30.2% ± 6.0% vs. 26.6% ± 6.4%, p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis showed that female gender and neutral pattern of hypertrophy were directly associated with TM%, while dynamic obstruction, maximal wall thickness and LVEF% were inversely associated with TM%. There was no association between TM% with arterial hypertension, physical activity, or symptoms. Atrial fibrillation and severity of hypertrophy were the only variables associated with cardiovascular death. Multivariable analysis failed to demonstrate any correlation between TM% and arrhythmias. Conclusions: Approximately 25% of myocardium appears non-compacted and can automatically be measured in HCM series. Proportion of non-compacted myocardium is increased in female, non-obstructives, and in those with lower contractility. The amount of trabeculation might help to identify HCM patients prone to systolic heart failure.
Neuroinflammation in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Vernazza Stefania , Tirendi Sara , Bassi Anna Maria , Traverso Carlo Enrico , Saccà Sergio Claudio
Published: September 2020

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests oxidative damage and immune response defects are key factors contributing to glaucoma onset. Indeed, both the failure of the trabecular meshwork tissue in the conventional outflow pathway and the neuroinflammation process, which drives the neurodegeneration, seem to be linked to the age-related over-production of free radicals (i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction) and to oxidative stress-linked immunostimulatory signaling. Several previous studies have described a wide range of oxidative stress-related makers which are found in glaucomatous patients, including low levels of antioxidant defences, dysfunction/activation of glial cells, the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and so on. However, the intraocular pressure is still currently the only risk factor modifiable by medication or glaucoma surgery. This present review aims to summarize the multiple cellular processes, which promote different risk factors in glaucoma including aging, oxidative stress, trabecular meshwork defects, glial activation response, neurodegenerative insults, and the altered regulation of immune response.
Rationale and Design of the Future Optimal Research and Care Evaluation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (FORCE-ACS) Registry: Towards “Personalized Medicine” in Daily Clinical Practice
Authors: Chan Pin Yin Dean R. P. P. , Vos Gert-Jan A. , van der Sangen Niels M. R. , Walhout Ronald , Tjon Joe Gin R. Melvyn , Nicastia Deborah M. , Langerveld Jorina , Claassens Daniël M. F. , Gimbel Marieke E. , Azzahhafi Jaouad , Bor Willem L. , Oirbans Tom , Dekker Johan , Vlachojannis Georgios J. , van Bommel Rutger J. , Appelman Yolande , Henriques José P. S. , Kikkert Wouter J. , ten Berg Jurriën M.
Published: September 2020

Diagnostic and treatment strategies for acute coronary syndrome have improved dramatically over the past few decades, but mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction rates remain high. An aging population with increasing co-morbidities heralds new clinical challenges. Therefore, in order to evaluate and improve current treatment strategies, detailed information on clinical presentation, treatment and follow-up in real-world patients is needed. The Future Optimal Research and Care Evaluation in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (FORCE-ACS) registry (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03823547) is a multi-center, prospective real-world registry of patients admitted with (suspected) acute coronary syndrome. Both non-interventional and interventional cardiac centers in different regions of the Netherlands are currently participating. Patients are treated according to local protocols, enabling the evaluation of different diagnostic and treatment strategies used in daily practice. Data collection is performed using electronic medical records and quality-of-life questionnaires, which are sent 1, 12, 24 and 36 months after initial admission. Major end points are all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, revascularization and all bleeding requiring medical attention. Invasive therapy, antithrombotic therapy including patient-tailored strategies, such as the use of risk scores, pharmacogenetic guided antiplatelet therapy and patient reported outcome measures are monitored. The FORCE-ACS registry provides insight into numerous aspects of the (quality of) care for acute coronary syndrome patients.
Anxiety, Depression, and Colorectal Cancer Survival: Results from Two Prospective Cohorts
Authors: Trudel-Fitzgerald Claudia , Tworoger Shelley S. , Zhang Xuehong , Giovannucci Edward L. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: September 2020

Given the unalterable nature of most risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) survival (e.g., disease stage), identifying modifiable determinants is critical. We investigated whether anxiety and depression were related to CRC survival using data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS). Participants who received a CRC diagnosis and provided information about anxiety (nNHS = 335; nHPFS = 232) and depression (nNHS = 893; nHPFS = 272) within 4 years of diagnosis were included. Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of overall mortality, while controlling for covariates (sociodemographics, cancer characteristics, and lifestyle factors). Pooled risk estimates were derived from fixed effects meta-analyses of the cohorts. Among 1732 CRC patients, 814 deaths occurred during the 28-year follow-up. Each 1 standard deviation increase in anxiety or depression symptoms was associated with a similar 16% higher mortality risk (anxiety: 95% CI = 1.05–1.29; depression: 95% CI = 1.07–1.26). Comparable results were observed across all sensitivity analyses (introducing a 1-year lag, restricting to CRC-related mortality, considering potential behavioral pathways) and stratified models (cancer stage, sex). Our findings suggest greater anxiety and depression symptoms can not only impede adherence to healthy habits and reduce quality of life in cancer patients but could also be a marker for accelerated CRC progression.
Cigarette Smoking and Root Filled Teeth Extraction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cabanillas-Balsera Daniel , Segura-Egea Juan J. , Jiménez-Sánchez María C. , Areal-Quecuty Victoria , Sánchez-Domínguez Benito , Montero-Miralles Paloma , Saúco-Márquez Juan J. , Martín-González Jenifer
Published: September 2020

Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the possible association between smoking habits and the occurrence of root-filled teeth (RFT) extraction. Material and Methods: The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) question was in adult patients who had RFT, does the absence or presence of smoking habits affect the prevalence of extracted RFT? Systematic MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science, and PRISMA protocol was used to evaluate and present the results. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for certainty in the evidence. The risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane Collaboration common scheme for bias and ROBINS-I tool. Cumulative meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. PROSPERO registration code: CRD42020165279. Results: After search strategy, 571 articles were recovered, seven were selected for full-text analysis, and two reported data on inclusion criteria, including 516 RFT, 351 in non-smokers, and 165 in smoker subjects. The meta-analysis provided an odds ratio indicating significant association between smoking and the prevalence of extracted RFT (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.17–10.05, p = 0.02, I² = 64%). The certainty of the literature assessment was low per GRADE. Both studies were considered as moderate risk of bias. Conclusions: Tobacco smoking should be considered a negative prognostic factor for the outcome of root canal treatment, although the quality of the evidence is low. RFT of smoking patients are three times more likely to be extracted. Continuing to smoke after endodontic treatment may increase the risk of treatment failure. However, the overall strength of evidence is low. This must be considered a limitation of the present study and the conclusion should be valued with caution.
Towards a Walkable City: Principal Component Analysis for Defining Sub-Centralities in the Santiago Metropolitan Area
Authors: Correa-Parra Juan , Vergara-Perucich José , Aguirre-Nuñez Carlos
Published: September 2020

This article presents a methodology for evaluating the potential for an urban area to become a 15-min city based on its existing essential urban functions. To elaborate this methodology, the research focused on the Metropolitan Area of Santiago de Chile, by identifying 28 urban functions and applying principal component analysis to review how these georeferenced variables are grouped into synthetic components that illustrate the walkability of each block concerning access to these functions. Variables are mapped by GIS software to review where concentrations of essential urban functions occur and where there is a need to increase availability of these missing uses. One of the findings of this study in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago is that essential urban functions provided by the state present a relatively equitable distribution in the metropolis. In contrast, essential urban functions provided by the market are highly concentrated in specific clusters, segregating walkability areas in the metropolitan space. The methodology presented here is replicable for other cities, and the findings offer a critical perspective on land management and urban planning for this case study, where normative frameworks must change to implement the 15-min city.
Ephrin Receptors (Eph): EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 Expression in Uveal Melanoma—Associations with Clinical Parameters and Patient Survival
Authors: Gajdzis Malgorzata , Theocharis Stamatios , Gajdzis Pawel , Cassoux Nathalie , Gardrat Sophie , Donizy Piotr , Klijanienko Jerzy , Kaczmarek Radoslaw
Published: September 2020

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. The development of distant metastases is associated with a poor prognosis. Ephrine receptors (Eph) are the largest subpopulation of tyrosine kinase receptors. They play an important role in processes related to the formation and progression of cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of ephrin receptors EphA1, EphA5, and EphA7 in uveal melanoma and its associations with clinicopathological parameters, overall survival, and disease-free survival. The study included 94 previously untreated patients who underwent enucleation due to uveal melanoma. High expression of EphA1 was positively correlated with a smaller tumor size, less frequent extra-scleral extension, lower mitotic activity, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA5 was associated with less frequent chromosome 3 loss, absence of distant metastases, and more frequent vitreous hemorrhage. High expression of EphA7 was associated with a more frequent primary tumor location in the posterior pole. High EphA5 expression was associated with longer overall survival time. The above findings indicate that high expression of EphA1 and EphA5 can be considered a beneficial prognostic factor in uveal melanoma.
ITRAQ Proteomic Analysis of Yellow and Black Skin in Jinbian Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Ye Xiangchen , Zhou Lingling , Jia Jingyi , Wei Lingjing , Wen Yanhong , Yan Xueyu , Huang Jie , Gan Baojiang , Liu Kang , Lv Yejian , Hu Guangfu
Published: September 2020

Colors are important phenotypic traits for fitness under natural conditions in vertebrates. Previous studies have reported several functional genes and genetic variations of pigmentation, but the formation mechanisms of various skin coloration remained ambiguous in fish. Jinbian carp, a common carp variant, displays two colors (yellow and black) in the skin, thus, it is a good model for investigating the genetic basis of pigmentation. In the present study, using the Jinbian carp as model, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (ITRAQ) proteomics analysis was performed for yellow and black skin, respectively. The results showed that 467 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between the yellow skin and the black skin. Similar to mammals, the up-regulated DEPs in black skin included UV excision repair protein RAD23 homolog A (Rad23a), melanoregulin (mreg), 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid oxidase5 (tyrp1) and melanocyte protein PMEL (PMEL), which were mainly grouped into melanogenesis pathway. However, several up-regulated DEPs in yellow skin were mainly enriched in nucleotide metabolism, such as GTPase IMAP family member 5 (GIMAP5), AMP deaminase 1 (AMPD1), adenosylhomocysteinase b (ahcy-b), and pyruvate kinase (PKM). In summary, several candidate proteins and their enrichment pathways for color variation in Jinbian carp were identified, which may be responsible for the formation of different colorations.
Rare Earth Cerium Increases the Corrosion Resistance of NdFeB Magnets
Authors: Dai Jialei , Yang Zixuan , Liu Qian
Published: September 2020

Herein, we investigated the effects of Ce on the corrosion behavior of NdFeB magnets in 3.5% NaCl solutions using electrochemical tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). We demonstrated that Ce markedly enhances the corrosion resistance of NdFeB magnets. Ce primarily replaces Nd in the Nd-rich phase instead of matrix phase, increasing the surface potential of the Nd-rich phase. An increase in the Ce content from 0 to 5.21 wt%, decreased the potential difference between the main phase and (Nd, Ce)-rich phase from 350.2 mV to 97.7 mV; therefore, the corrosion resistance of the magnetic materials increased. The corrosion resistance constituted the Nd-rich phase < the void < metal matrix. Moreover, based on the results of the study, we discussed the impact mechanism of additions of Ce on the corrosion resistance of the magnets.
Precipitates in Compact Strip Production (CSP) Process Non-Oriented Electrical Steel
Authors: Qiao Jia-long , Guo Fei-hu , Hu Jin-wen , Xiang Li , Qiu Sheng-tao , Wang Hai-jun
Published: September 2020

Nitrogen and Sulfur in non-oriented electrical steel would form precipitates, which would severely affect its magnetic properties. Precipitates in compact strip production (CSP) process non-oriented electrical steel were investigated using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The precipitation mechanism and influence on grain growth were analyzed experimentally and theoretically. The results showed that the main particles in steel were AlN, TiN, MnS, Cu2S, and fine oxide inclusions. The spherical or quasi-spherical of MnS and Cu2S were more liable to precipitate along grain boundaries. During the soaking process, the amount of MnS precipitated on the grain boundary was much larger than that of Cu2S. AlN and TiN in cubic shape precipitated inside grains or grain boundaries. Precipitates preferentially nucleated at grain boundaries, and TiN, MnS mainly precipitated during soaking. In the subsequent processes after soaking, AlN and Cu2S would precipitate unceasingly with the decrease in the average size. The distribution density, the volume fraction, and the average size of the precipitates in the annealed sheets were 9.08 × 1013/cm3, 0.06%, and 54.3 nm, respectively. Precipitates with the grain size of 30–500 nm hindered the grain growth, the grains with 100–300 nm played a major role in inhibiting the grain growth, and the grains with the grain size of 70–100 nm took the second place.
Effects of Iron Oxidation State and Chromium Distribution on the Corrosion Resistance of High Interstitial Stainless Steel for Down-Hole Application
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Ahn Cheolmin , Khalfaoui Walid , Mishra Brajendra , Jo Ilguk , Lee Eunkyung
Published: September 2020

The corrosion properties of Fe-Cr-Mn-C-N high interstitial austenitic stainless cast steels were investigated for down-hole application in sour environments. The two cast alloys contained 0.66% and 0.71% of total nitrogen and carbon. The corrosion properties of the alloys that were solution-treated and fast-cooled were directly responsible for high corrosion resistance in NaCl solution, including resistance to pitting corrosion resulting from a better distribution of chromium chemical compound in the high interstitial stainless cast steel. However, the sour corrosion resistance of the alloys decreased with the fast cooling rate, which can be attributed to the increased amount of ferrite containing Fe2+, which causes iron sulfide precipitate formation in H2S.
The Effect of Drawing Deformation Rate Induced Inhomogeneous Local Distortion on Phase Transformation of 304H Stainless Wire
Authors: Xu Qinhua , Peng Zhixian , Zhu Jianxin , Li Mingyang , Zong Yong , Yan Lei , Li Chaoqun , Peng Ke , Cheng Zhaoyang , Liu Jing
Published: September 2020

The micro/macro magnetic properties, local element distribution, martensite transformation, and mechanical properties of 304H stainless wires are determined for two cold drawing chains. Finite element simulations are used to analyse the local strain and heat generation. The results show that there is obvious inhomogeneity in the magnetic properties, strain/stress relationship, and strain-induced heat within the drawn wires. Comparing wires with the same total strain, a larger area reduction of previous drawing processes contributes to a higher volume of the martensite phase, while a smaller area reduction of the first process results in an inhibited phase transformation. A higher single strain in the first drawing process leads to additional heat generation at the subsurface of the wire, which would eventually retard the martensite transformation. The inhomogeneous deformation-induced differences in the grain size affect the stability of austenite and transform the final martensite.
Capturing and Micromechanical Analysis of the Crack-Branching Behavior in Welded Joints
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Yang Jie , Chen Haofeng , Yang Qianyu
Published: September 2020

During the crack propagation process, the crack-branching behavior makes fracture more unpredictable. However, compared with the crack-branching behavior that occurs in brittle materials or ductile materials under dynamic loading, the branching behavior has been rarely reported in welded joints under quasi-static loading. Understanding the branching criterion or the mechanism governing the bifurcation of a crack in welded joints is still a challenge. In this work, three kinds of crack-branching models that reflect simplified welded joints were designed, and the aim of the present paper is to find and capture the crack-branching behavior in welded joints and to shed light on its branching mechanism. The results show that as long as there is another large enough propagation trend that is different from the original crack propagation direction, then crack-branching behavior occurs. A high strength mismatch that is induced by both the mechanical properties and dimensions of different regions is the key of crack branching in welded joints. Each crack branching is accompanied by three local high stress concentrations at the crack tip. Three pulling forces that are created by the three local high stress concentrations pull the crack, which propagates along with the directions of stress concentrations. Under the combined action of the three pulling forces, crack branching occurs, and two new cracks initiate from the middle of the pulling forces.
Shape Effect of Surface Defects on Nanohardness by Quasicontinuum Method
Authors: Zhang Zhongli , Wang Can , Hu Xiaowen , Ni Yushan
Published: September 2020

Nanoindentation on a platinum thin film with surface defects in a rectangular shape and triangular shape was simulated using the quasicontinuum method to study the shape effect of surface defects on nanohardness. The results show that the nanohardness of thin film with triangular defects is basically larger than those with rectangular defects, which is closely related to the height of the surface defects at the boundary near to the indenter. Moreover, the triangular defect might have an enhancement effect on nanohardness by a certain size of the defects and the boundary orientation of the defect, where such an enhancement effect increases as the defect grows. Furthermore, the nanohardness decreases when the defect is folded from wide to narrow in the same atom cavity, and particularly expresses a more obvious drop when the height of the defects increases. In addition, larger sizes of the rectangular defect induce more reduction in nanohardness, while the nanohardness of the triangular surface defect is sensitive to the periodic arrangement of atoms changed by the boundary orientation of the defect, which is well explained and demonstrated by the calculation formula theory of necessary load for dislocation emission.
Feasibility Study for a Chemical Process Particle Size Characterization System for Explosive Environments Using Low Laser Power
Authors: Ross-Jones Jesse , Teumer Tobias , Wunsch Susann , Petri Lukas , Nirschl Hermann , Krause Mathias J. , Methner Frank-Jürgen , Rädle Matthias
Published: September 2020

The industrial particle sensor market lacks simple, easy to use, low cost yet robust, safe and fast response solutions. Towards development of such a sensor, for in-line use in micro channels under continuous flow conditions, this work introduces static light scattering (SLS) determination of particle diameter using a laser with an emission power of less than 5 µW together with sensitive detectors with detection times of 1 ms. The measurements for the feasibility studies are made in an angular range between 20° and 160° in 2° increments. We focus on the range between 300 and 1000 nm, for applications in the production of paints, colors, pigments and crystallites. Due to the fast response time, reaction characteristics in microchannel designs for precipitation and crystallization processes can be studied. A novel method for particle diameter characterization is developed using the positions of maxima and minima and slope distribution. The novel algorithm to classify particle diameter is especially developed to be independent of dispersed phase concentration or concentration fluctuations like product flares or signal instability. Measurement signals are post processed and particle diameters are validated against Mie light scattering simulations. The design of a low cost instrument for industrial use is proposed.
Automatic Sorting System for Rigid Piezoelectric Transducer Wafers Used in Displacement Adjustment
Authors: Ren Tongqun , Li Xin , Wang Xiaodong , Xu Zheng , Liu Yugang , Yang Jin , Guo Jiang
Published: September 2020

Piezoelectric transducer wafers are usually used in pairs to adjust the resonant cavity length of the ring laser gyro. In practice, the paired wafers are required to have similar piezoelectric charge coefficient d31. To handle the pairing operation in-batch, an automatic sorting system was developed on the basis of deformation measurement, which adopted a frame of a Cartesian-coordinate robot. The wafers were self-aligned in the vertical direction, and a vacuum holder was used to pick up, transfer, and then place them on thee testing desk one by one. The excitation voltage was loaded on the wafer by a specifically designed electrode, and the resulting micro deformation was measured by dual opposite inductive micrometers using the relative measurement principle. This particular electrode has the function of attitude self-adjustment and vacuum adsorption, which is conducive to loading the voltage reliably and protecting the wafer from undesired damage. Finally, the wafers were transported to different stock bins based on the measuring results. This system is suited to handle a mass of wafers by continuous processing on site for its high reliability and measurement consistency. The measurement accuracy, validated by laser interferometry, was better than 0.5 μm and the repeatability was superior to 0.1 μm.
Microbiome Management by Biological and Chemical Treatments in Maize Is Linked to Plant Health
Authors: Kusstatscher Peter , Wicaksono Wisnu Adi , Thenappan Dhivya P. , Adam Eveline , Müller Henry , Berg Gabriele
Published: September 2020

The targeted application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) provides the key for a future sustainable agriculture with reduced pesticide application. PGPR interaction with the indigenous microbiota is poorly understood, but essential to develop reliable applications. Therefore, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila SPA-P69 was applied as a seed coating and in combination with a fungicide based on the active ingredients fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M, captan and ziram. The plant performances and rhizosphere compositions of treated and non-treated maize plants of two field trials were analyzed. Plant health was significantly increased by treatment; however, overall corn yield was not changed. By applying high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA and the ITS genes, the bacterial and fungal changes in the rhizosphere due to different treatments were determined. Despite the fact that treatments had a significant impact on the rhizosphere microbiota (9–12%), the field site was identified as the main driver (27–37%). The soil microbiota composition from each site was significantly different, which explains the site-specific effects. In this study we were able to show the first indications how PGPR treatments increase plant health via microbiome shifts in a site-specific manner. This way, first steps towards a detailed understanding of PGPRs and developments of consistently efficient applications in diverse environments are made.
A Dynamic Model of Inertia Cone Crusher Using the Discrete Element Method and Multi-Body Dynamics Coupling
Authors: Cheng Jiayuan , Ren Tingzhi , Zhang Zilong , Liu Dawei , Jin Xin
Published: September 2020

The cone crusher is an indispensable equipment in complex ore mineral processing and a variant of the cone crusher is the inertia cone crusher. A real-time dynamic model based on the multibody dynamic and discrete element method is established to analyze the performance of the inertia cone crusher. This model considers an accurate description of the mechanical motions, the nonlinear contact, and the ore material loading response. Especially the calibration of ore material simulated parameters is based on the Taguchi method for the Design of Experiments. For model verification, the industrial-scale experiment was conducted on a GYP1200 inertia cone crusher. Two different drive speeds were included in the experiments, and the testing devices were used to acquire crusher performances, for instance, displacement amplitude, power draw, product size distribution, and throughput capacity in order to accurately compare simulation results. The preliminary model can be qualitatively evaluated the flow pattern of particles and quantitatively evaluated the crushing force distribution in the concave. Furthermore, the simulation predicts the variety of crusher performances using the drive speed and the fixed cone mass as input variables. The simulation model provides novel insight regarding the improvement of linings wear period, lowering manufacturing cost, and obtaining optimal operation parameters.
Compaction Characteristics of Kaolin Reinforced with Raw and Rubberized Oil Palm Shell
Authors: Loi Shi Jun , Anandan Subhashini , Tan Yi Sheng , Raghunandan Mavinakere Eshwaraiah
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an attempt to evaluate the suitability of oil palm shell (OPS) and rubberized OPS (ROPS), an alternative bio-material, as reinforcement in kaolin. OPS was surface coated with rubber, and its water absorption potential was studied in 5 media involving water and kaolin samples (with different water contents). The water absorption data measured in the laboratory was used as an indirect measure to verify the degradability of ROPS samples when used as reinforcements in kaolin. The surface treatment of OPS with rubber was found to perform well, with around a fivefold decrease in water absorption, thus making it an ideal treatment procedure to this end. Kaolin-ROPS mixtures with different OPS and ROPS proportions (0, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight) were prepared in laboratory to evaluate their compaction behaviors. Both standard proctor compaction and mini-compaction procedures were adopted in this study to ensure applicability of the findings across a wide range of compaction methods adopted in the laboratory. Compaction curves obtained for both kaolin-OPS and kaolin-ROPS mixes showed a decreasing trend in the maximum dry density values with increasing proportions of OPS and ROPS. Optimum water content of kaolin-OPS mixtures did not show a significant variation, while kaolin-ROPS mixture showed a downward trend with increasing ROPS contents, thereby signifying improvement in the compaction characteristics after OPS reinforcement in kaolin.
The Lotsberg Salt Formation in Central Alberta (Canada)—Petrology, Geochemistry, and Fluid Inclusions
Authors: Toboła Tomasz , Kukiałka Piotr
Published: September 2020

The Lotsberg Salt Formation (LSF) of the Lower Devonian age occupies a large area in Alberta (Canada). It has been used for brine production, disposal, and storage purposes since the 1950s. Its petrological and geochemical features remain poorly understood up to now. Previous studies showed that these salt rocks are large crystalline and distinguishable by a very low bromine content (2–5 ppm). Our studies reveal that the main impurity is dolomite with an addition of haematite. It showed, also, a lack of sulphate minerals (anhydrite). Manganite also occurs within the halite crystals. Microthermometric measurements of primary fluid inclusions in halite show a large range of homogenization temperatures from 32.4 °C to 357.0 °C with the highest temperature in the upper part of the salt profile. Geochemical analysis confirms the low bromine contents, which is between 0.67–12.74 ppm. Potassium contents (166–3651 ppm) seem to be in the normal range for salt rocks, but magnesium content (25–177 ppm) is much lower than potassium. Rubidium is, as well, within the normal range, with values between <0.01 ppm and 3.13 ppm, while caesium contents (5.07–211.22 ppm) are almost sixty times higher in comparison to those of rubidium. The high concentration of Cs, Mn, Rb, and the high homogenization temperatures of the host minerals suggest that the LSF underwent extensive ion exchange related to hydrothermal inflow. These hydrothermal solutions originated from the basement of the LSF.
Screening of Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum with Potential Probiotic Activities for Inhibiting ETEC K88 in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Ma Hao , Yu Haojie , Qin Guangyong , Tan Zhongfang , Wang Yanping , Pang Huili
Published: September 2020

For screening excellent lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to inhibit enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88, inhibitory activities of more than 1100 LAB strains isolated from different materials, and kept in the lab, were evaluated in this study. Nine strains with inhibition zones, at least 22.00 mm (including that of a hole puncher, 10.00 mm), and good physiological and biochemical characteristics identified by 16S DNA gene sequencing and recA gene multiple detection, were assigned to Lactobacillus (L.) plantarum subsp. plantarum (5), L. fermentum (1), L. reuteri (1), Weissella cibaria (1) and Enterococcus faecalis (1), respectively. As investigated for their tolerance abilities and safety, only strain ZA3 possessed high hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation abilities, had high survival rate in low pH, bile salt environment, and gastrointestinal (GI) fluids, was sensitive to ampicillin, and resistant to norfloxacin and amikacin, without hemolytic activity, and did not carry antibiotic resistance genes, but exhibited broad spectrum activity against a wide range of microorganisms. Antibacterial substance may attribute to organic acids, especially lactic acid and acetic acid. The results indicated that the selected strain L. plantarum subsp. plantarum ZA3 could be considered a potential probiotic to inhibit ETEC K88 in weaned piglets for further research.
Heteromerization of Endogenous Mu and Delta Opioid Receptors Induces Ligand-Selective Co-Targeting to Lysosomes
Authors: Derouiche Lyes , Pierre Florian , Doridot Stéphane , Ory Stéphane , Massotte Dominique
Published: September 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that native mu and delta opioid receptors can associate to form heteromers in discrete brain neuronal circuits. However, little is known about their signaling and trafficking. Using double-fluorescent knock-in mice, we investigated the impact of neuronal co-expression on the internalization profile of mu and delta opioid receptors in primary hippocampal cultures. We established ligand selective mu–delta co-internalization upon activation by 1-[[4-(acetylamino)phenyl]methyl]-4-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid, ethyl ester (CYM51010), [d-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO), and deltorphin II, but not (+)-4-[(αR)-α-((2S,5R)-4-Allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80), morphine, or methadone. Co-internalization was driven by the delta opioid receptor, required an active conformation of both receptors, and led to sorting to the lysosomal compartment. Altogether, our data indicate that mu–delta co-expression, likely through heteromerization, alters the intracellular fate of the mu opioid receptor, which provides a way to fine-tune mu opioid receptor signaling. It also represents an interesting emerging concept for the development of novel therapeutic drugs and strategies.
Discovery of Novel Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and Histone Deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) Dual Inhibitors Derived from the Natural Product Saprorthoquinone
Authors: Lin Yang , Zhang Heyanhao , Niu Tong , Tang Mei-Lin , Chang Jun
Published: September 2020

The discovery of IDO1 and HDAC1 dual inhibitors may provide a novel strategy for cancer treatment by taking advantages of both immunotherapeutic and epigenetic drugs. In this paper, saprorthoquinone (1) and 13 of its analogues from Salvia prionitis Hance were investigated for their SAR against IDO1, the results demonstrated the ortho-quinone was a key pharmacophore. Then a series of IDO1 and HDAC dual inhibitors connected by appropriate linkers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated from the hit compound saprorthoquinone (1). Among them, compound 33d showed balanced activity against both IDO1 (IC50 = 0.73 μM) and HDAC1 (IC50 = 0.46 μM). Importantly, the structure of 33d suggested that an ortho-quinone pharmacophore and a N-(2-aminophenyl) amide pharmacophore were necessary for the IDO inhibition and HDAC inhibition respectively. Meanwhile, these two pharmacophore groups should be combined by a pentane linker. Moreover, the binding modes of 33d to the enzyme active site showed that the hydrogen bond with Leu234 of IDO1 appeared to confer increased potency to this class of inhibitors, which may explain the higher activity of 33d. This study provides a new strategy for future IDO1/HDAC dual inhibitors with synergistic antitumor activity started from lead compound 33d.
Mixed Amphiphilic Polymeric Nanoparticles of Chitosan, Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Poly(methyl methacrylate) for Intranasal Drug Delivery: A Preliminary In Vivo Study
Authors: Schlachet Inbar , Moshe Halamish Hen , Sosnik Alejandro
Published: September 2020

Intranasal (i.n.) administration became an alternative strategy to bypass the blood–brain barrier and improve drug bioavailability in the brain. The main goal of this work was to preliminarily study the biodistribution of mixed amphiphilic mucoadhesive nanoparticles made of chitosan-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) and ionotropically crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate in the brain after intravenous (i.v.) and i.n. administration to Hsd:ICR mice. After i.v. administration, the highest nanoparticle accumulation was detected in the liver, among other peripheral organs. After i.n. administration of a 10-times smaller nanoparticle dose, the accumulation of the nanoparticles in off-target organs was much lower than after i.v. injection. In particular, the accumulation of the nanoparticles in the liver was 20 times lower than by i.v. When brains were analyzed separately, intravenously administered nanoparticles accumulated mainly in the “top” brain, reaching a maximum after 1 h. Conversely, in i.n. administration, nanoparticles were detected in the “bottom” brain and the head (maximum reached after 2 h) owing to their retention in the nasal mucosa and could serve as a reservoir from which the drug is released and transported to the brain over time. Overall, results indicate that i.n. nanoparticles reach similar brain bioavailability, though with a 10-fold smaller dose, and accumulate in off-target organs to a more limited extent and only after redistribution through the systemic circulation. At the same time, both administration routes seem to lead to differential accumulation in brain regions, and thus, they could be beneficial in the treatment of different medical conditions.
Synthesis and Performance of MOF-Based Non-Noble Metal Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review
Authors: Delaporte Nicolas , Rivard Etienne , Natarajan Sadesh K. , Benard Pierre , Trudeau Michel L. , Zaghib Karim
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a prime energy carrier for bridging the gap between renewable energy supply and demand. As the energy-generating component of the hydrogen cycle, affordable and reliable fuel cells are of key importance to the growth of the hydrogen economy. However, the use of scarce and costly Pt as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains an issue to be addressed, and in this regard, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are viewed as promising non-noble alternatives because of their self-assembly capability and tunable properties. Herein, recent (2018–2020) works on MOF-based electrocatalysts containing N-doped C, Mn, Fe, Co, multiple metals, and multiple sites are reviewed and summarized with a focus on ORR activity, and the principal physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance of these catalysts realized using rotating electrodes are compared.
How Does Our Brain Process Sugars and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Differently: A Systematic Review on Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Authors: Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Wong Natalie Sui Miu
Published: September 2020

This systematic review aimed to reveal the differential brain processing of sugars and sweeteners in humans. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies published up to 2019 were retrieved from two databases and were included into the review if they evaluated the effects of both sugars and sweeteners on the subjects’ brain responses, during tasting and right after ingestion. Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The number of participants per study ranged from 5 to 42, with a total number of study participants at 396. Seven studies recruited both males and females, 7 were all-female and 6 were all-male. There was no consistent pattern showing that sugar or sweeteners elicited larger brain responses. Commonly involved brain regions were insula/operculum, cingulate and striatum, brainstem, hypothalamus and the ventral tegmental area. Future studies, therefore, should recruit a larger sample size, adopt a standardized fasting duration (preferably 12 h overnight, which is the most common practice and brain responses are larger in the state of hunger), and reported results with familywise-error rate (FWE)-corrected statistics. Every study should report the differential brain activation between sugar and non-nutritive sweetener conditions regardless of the complexity of their experiment design. These measures would enable a meta-analysis, pooling data across studies in a meaningful manner.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Alleviates Intestinal, Extra-Intestinal and Systemic Inflammatory Responses during Acute Campylobacter jejuni-induced Enterocolitis in Mice
Authors: Heimesaat Markus M. , Mousavi Soraya , Kløve Sigri , Genger Claudia , Weschka Dennis , Tamas Andrea , Reglodi Dora , Bereswill Stefan
Published: September 2020

Human Campylobacter jejuni infections are emerging, and constitute a significant health burden worldwide. The ubiquitously expressed pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is well-known for its cell-protective and immunomodulatory effects. In our actual intervention study, we used an acute campylobacteriosis model and assessed the potential disease-alleviating effects of exogenous PACAP. Therefore, secondary abiotic IL-10−/− mice were perorally infected with C. jejuni and treated with synthetic PACAP38 intraperitoneally from day 2 until day 5 post-infection. Whereas PACAP did not interfere with the gastrointestinal colonization of the pathogen, mice from the PACAP group exhibited less severe clinical signs of C. jejuni-induced disease, as compared to mock controls, which were paralleled by alleviated apoptotic, but enhanced cell proliferative responses in colonic epithelia on day 6 post-infection. Furthermore, PACAP dampened the accumulation of macrophages and monocytes, but enhanced regulatory T cell responses in the colon, which were accompanied by less IFN-γ secretion in intestinal compartments in PACAP versus mock-treated mice. Remarkably, the inflammation-dampening properties of PACAP could also be observed in extra-intestinal organs, and strikingly, even the systemic circulation on day 6 post-infection. For the first time, we provide evidence that synthetic PACAP might be a promising candidate to combat acute campylobacteriosis and post-infectious sequelae.