bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential Effectiveness of Biochar Application to Reduce Soil Cd Bioavailability and Encourage Oak Seedling Growth
Authors: Amirahmadi Elnaz , Mohammad Hojjati Seyed , Kammann Claudia , Ghorbani Mohammad , Biparva Pourya
Published: May 2020

Today, it is very important to protect plants in soils contaminated with metals. We investigated the behavior of cadmium during the establishment of oak seedlings (Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey.) under biochar influence. This study was conducted in pots with loamy soil. Cadmium was added to soil at 0, 10, 30, and 50 mg per kg of soil, indicated by Control, Cd10, Cd30 and Cd50. Biochar was produced at 500–550 °C from rice husk and added at 1, 3, and 5% (wt/wt) levels, indicated by B1, B3, B5, and mixed with soil at planting in three replications. Generally, increasing biochar rates had significant effects on seedling height, diameter, and biomass. This coincided with Cd immobilization in the contaminated soil which reflects a decrease in Cd concentrations in the plant bioavailability of Cd. The tolerance index increased significantly, by 40.9%, 56%, and 60.6% in B1, B3, and B5 with Cd50, respectively, compared to polluted soil. The percent of Cd removal efficiency for Cd50 was 21%, 47%, and 67% in B1, B2, and B5, respectively. Our study highlights that biochar can reduce Cd bioavailability and improve the growth of oak seedlings in contaminated soil.
Numerical Investigation into the Effect of Different Parameters on the Geometrical Precision in the Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion Process Chain
Authors: De Baere David , Moshiri Mandanà , Mohanty Sankhya , Tosello Guido , Hattel Jesper Henri
Published: May 2020

Due to the layer-by-layer nature of the process, parts produced by laser-based powder bed fusion (LPBF) have high residual stresses, causing excessive deformations. To avoid this, parts are often post-processed by subjecting them to specially designed heat treatment cycles before or after their removal from the base plate. In order to investigate the effects of the choice of post-processing steps, in this work the entire LPBF process chain is modelled in a commercial software package. The developed model illustrates the possibilities of implementing and tailoring the process chain model for metal additive manufacturing using a general purpose finite element (FE) solver. The provided simplified computational example presents an idealised model to analyse the validity of implementing the LPBF process chain in FE software. The model is used to evaluate the effect of the order of the process chain, the heat treatment temperature and the duration of the heat treatment. The results show that the model is capable of qualitatively capturing the effect of the stress relaxation that occurs during a heat treatment at elevated temperature. Due to its implementation, the model is relatively insensitive to duration and heat treatment temperature, at least as long as it is above the relaxation temperature. Furthermore, the simulations suggest that, when post-processing, it is necessary to perform the stress relaxation before the part is removed from the base plate, in order to avoid a significant increase of the deformation. The paper demonstrates the capability of the simulation tool to evaluate the effects of variations in the process chain steps and highlights its potential usage in directing decision-making for LPBF process chain design.
Phase Stability in U-6Nb Alloy Doped with Ti from the First Principles Theory
Authors: Landa Alexander , Söderlind Per , Wu Amanda
Published: May 2020

First-principles calculations within the density-functional-theory (DFT) approach are conducted in order to explore and explain the effect of small amounts of titanium on phase stability in the U-6Nb alloy. During rapid quenching from high to room temperature, metastable phases α′ (orthorhombic), α″ (monoclinic), and γ0 (tetragonal) can form, depending on Nb concentration. Important mechanical properties depend on the crystal structure and, therefore, an understanding of the effect of impurities on phase stability is essential. Insights on this issue are obtained from quantum-mechanical DFT calculations. The DFT framework does not rely on any material-specific assumptions and is therefore ideal for an unbiased investigation of the U-Nb system.
Technological Aspects in Manufacturing of Non-Circular Gears
Authors: Sałaciński Tadeusz , Przesmycki Aleksander , Chmielewski Tomasz
Published: May 2020

The construction and manufacture of non-circular gears is one of the most difficult issues in machine technology. Due to the limited technological capabilities of traditional machines and tools, past manufacturing methods were unable to calculate the assumed shape of the tooth line and its profile. Modern manufacturing methods using computer numerical control allow for the generation of non-circular gears with free-form tooth profiles and curvilinear teeth in their lengthwise direction. These methods are also used to manufacture internal gears. This article provides a review of the methods of machining non-circular gears and presents the results of the research on the Fellows method using a shaper cutter, as well as the wire electrical discharge machining method.
Mechanism and Compensation of Measurement Error Induced by Thermal Deformation of Digital Camera in Photo Mechanics
Authors: Zhou Shichao , Zhu Haibin , Ma Qinwei , Ma Shaopeng
Published: May 2020

A thermal-induced measurement error induced by thermal deformation of digital camera in photo mechanics methods that has the same magnitude of the error as that in the resistance strain measurement method reduces the accuracy of high-precision measurement substantially and must, therefore, be compensated. Starting from the underlying mechanism of a thermal-induced measurement error, we investigated the image error introduced by thermal behaviours of digital cameras widely used in photo mechanics. We experimentally determined the relationships between the thermal behaviours and temperature, derived the relationship between the image error and measurement error of photo mechanics methods, and eventually established a physical model to explain the underlying relationship between the thermal-induced measurement error and temperature. Furthermore, based on the investigation of the underlying mechanism, we introduced three types of temperature compensation methods for photo mechanics, namely the model compensation method, the preheating method, and the compensation specimen method. We experimentally demonstrated the feasibility of these compensation methods. The model compensation method only needs the data regarding the environmental temperature during operation of the digital camera to implement the correction of the measurement results and enhance the measurement accuracy of photo mechanics methods. The preheating method is suitable for indoor photo mechanics measurements wherein the environmental temperature is almost constant, which ensures that the appearance of thermal balance of the digital camera after a period of self-heating. The compensation specimen method reduces the effective resolution of the images and it also requires that the image error forms in the region of tested specimen are the same as that in the region of the compensation specimen.
Pressure Wave Caused by Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Underwater Explosion—Short Review
Authors: Kiciński Radosław , Szturomski Bogdan
Published: May 2020

The development of computational techniques and computer hardware has an impact the analysis of short-term (fast-changing) processes, such as the impact of a non-contact underwater explosion pressure waves. A theory of underwater explosions, gas bubble formation and pressure waves are presented. The course of the pressure wave in time, and its propagation in the acoustic medium are presented. The study presents empirical descriptions of non-contact pressure explosion waves. We propose to use them in simulations of ship hull strength and other objects immersed in liquids that are exposed to the effects of non-contact trinitrotoluene (TNT)-charge explosions. Pressure distributions and their time courses given by authors such as R.H. Cole, J.S. Nawagin, W. Stiepanow, T.E. Farley and H.G. Snay, T.L. Geers and K.S. Hunter are compared. A method of pressure wave modeling using acoustic media implemented in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) programs is presented. The results of the values and the time course of the pressure acting on the underwater object are given. The influence of FEM (Finite Element Method) mesh density on the obtained results is examined and presented. The aim of the article is to expand our knowledge of underwater explosions, compare mathematical descriptions of the pressure waves developed by different authors and show the differences between them. In addition, we present the distinction between contact and non-contact explosions and analyze how changes in the mesh density of acoustic elements affects the reflection of the incident wave caused by an underwater explosion.
A Fine Fast Acquisition Scheme for a Communication and Navigation Fusion System
Authors: Deng Zhongliang , Jia Buyun , Tang Shihao , Fu Xiao
Published: May 2020

A novel communication and navigation fusion system (CNFS) based on cellular communication system is developed to realize high-accuracy localization. Because of the small signal coverage of every transmitter and the fluctuation of received signal and noise, the CNFS positioning receiver requires fast processing of signal and stable performance. As the first operation performed by receiver, signal acquisition with fast speed and stable detection performance should be realized. This paper proposed a novel fast acquisition method with fine detection performance using search space reduction (SSR) and DD-MAX/TC-CACFAR techniques. SSR method is utilized to reduce the size and number of search space in the cross ambiguity function (CAF) evaluation stage. DD-MAX/TC-CACFAR method is employed to realize fine and stable detection performance in signal detection stage. The expressions of acquisition time are then derived considering the size and number of search space and the detection performance. Theoretical performance analysis and Monte Carlo simulation, which contain the comparison with other acquisition method, are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method. Simulation and analysis results show that the proposed method can realize fast acquisition with fine and stable detection performance.
Unfavorable Effects of Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions on the Peritoneal Membrane: The Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Roumeliotis Stefanos , Dounousi Evangelia , Salmas Marios , Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: May 2020

One of the main limitations to successful long-term use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as a renal replacement therapy is the harmful effects of PD solutions to the structure and function of the peritoneal membrane (PM). In PD, the PM serves as a semipermeable membrane that, due to exposure to PD solutions, undergoes structural alterations, including peritoneal fibrosis, vasculopathy, and neoangiogenesis. In recent decades, oxidative stress (OS) has emerged as a novel risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular disease in PD patients. Moreover, it has become evident that OS plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and development of the chronic, progressive injury of the PM. In this review, we aimed to present several aspects of OS in PD patients, including the pathophysiologic effects on the PM, clinical implications, and possible therapeutic antioxidant strategies that might protect the integrity of PM during PD therapy.
Dietary Silk Peptide Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signaling
Authors: Chei Sungwoo , Oh Hyun-Ji , Lee Kippeum , Jin Heegu , Lee Jeong-Yong , Lee Boo-Yong
Published: May 2020

Acid-hydrolyzed silk peptide (SP) is a valuable material that has been used traditionally to treat various diseases, however, the mechanism by which it affects inflammatory responses is unknown. To examine the effects of SP on inflammatory responses, we used macrophages as a vehicle for examining signaling via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which plays an important role in innate immune responses to pathogenic infections and pathogen-derived molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We then confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of SP by examining lymph node, spleen, and serum samples from C57BL/6 mice injected with LPS. We also used LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells (a murine macrophage cell line) to identify the mechanism by which SP modulates immune responses via the TLR4 signaling pathway. In addition, we showed that SP prevents LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. In summary, SP inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by modulating the TLR4 signaling pathway.
Isorhamnetin: A Nematocidal Flavonoid from Prosopis laevigata Leaves Against Haemonchus contortus Eggs and Larvae
Authors: Delgado-Núñez Edgar Jesús , Zamilpa Alejandro , González-Cortazar Manasés , Olmedo-Juárez Agustín , Cardoso-Taketa Alexandre , Sánchez-Mendoza Ernesto , Tapia-Maruri Daniel , Salinas-Sánchez David Osvaldo , Mendoza-de Gives Pedro
Published: May 2020

Haemonchus contortus affect small ruminants all over the world. Anthelmintics cause resistance, contamination, and a risk of public health. Prosopis laevigata is a plant used as a home remedy against many diseases in Mexico. This study arose from a preliminary study where a P. laevigata hydroalcoholic extract (Pl-hae) showed anthelmintic activity (aa) against H. contortus. Searching for bioactive compounds (bac) with high aa, the Pl-hae was fractioned obtaining an aqueous (Aq-F) and an ethyl acetate fraction (EtAc-F), and a flavonoid with aa identified as isorhamnetin was obtained from EtAc-F. Both fractions were in vitro assessed by the egg hatch test (eht) and larval mortality (lm) assays. The bac obtained from EtAc-F were characterised by NMR analysis. The highest aa were recorded with EtAc-F, resulting in 100% eht and 80.45% lm at 0.75 and 30 mg/mL, respectively. Alterations in eggs and larvae attributed to isorhamnetin were recorded by environmental scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning and by high-resolution digital-coupled camera. This flavonoid caused 100% eht at 0.07 mg/mL after 48 h and 100% lm at 7.5 mg/mL after 72 h exposure. Isorhamnetin has promising potential as an anthelmintic against sheep haemonchosis.
Boosting Slow Oscillations during Sleep to Improve Memory Function in Elderly People: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Salfi Federico , D’Atri Aurora , Tempesta Daniela , De Gennaro Luigi , Ferrara Michele
Published: May 2020

Sleep represents a crucial time window for the consolidation of memory traces. In this view, some brain rhythms play a pivotal role, first of all the sleep slow waves. In particular, the neocortical slow oscillations (SOs), in coordination with the hippocampal ripples and the thalamocortical spindles, support the long-term storage of the declarative memories. The aging brain is characterized by a disruption of this complex system with outcomes on the related cognitive functions. In recent years, the advancement of the comprehension of the sleep-dependent memory consolidation mechanisms has encouraged the development of techniques of SO enhancement during sleep to induce cognitive benefits. In this review, we focused on the studies reporting on the application of acoustic or electric stimulation procedures in order to improve sleep-dependent memory consolidation in older subjects. Although the current literature is limited and presents inconsistencies, there is promising evidence supporting the perspective to non-invasively manipulate the sleeping brain electrophysiology to improve cognition in the elderly, also shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the sleep-memory relations during healthy and pathological aging.
The Energy Cost of Cold Thermal Discomfort in the Global South
Authors: Alnuaimi Abdulla N. , Natarajan Sukumar
Published: May 2020

The Global South, much of it in warm tropical latitudes, is expected to double its total energy demand by 2050. In addition to increased mean demand, greater demand for space cooling during external temperature peaks will exacerbate the strain on already fragile energy networks. Recent anecdotal evidence that a proportion of the increase in cooling demand is driven by cold—rather than warm—indoor thermal discomfort, suggests the imposition of an unnecessary cooling energy cost. Here, we investigate the impact of this cost on the expanding Global South using field data from four cities in India, Philippines, and Thailand. We observe that mean cold discomfort across the four cities is roughly 45 percentage points higher than warm discomfort, suggesting warmer indoor temperatures would not only lower overall discomfort but also reduce cooling energy demand. Computer simulations using a calibrated building model reveal that average savings of 10%/Kelvin and peak reductions of 3%–19%, would be feasible across the expected external temperature range in these cities. This suggests that more climatically appropriate indoor thermal comfort standards in the Global South would not only significantly counteract the expected rise in energy demand, but also produce more comfortable indoor conditions and reduce peak demand.
Genetic Alterations Featuring Biological Models to Tailor Clinical Management of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Nelson Shannon R. , Walsh Naomi
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This high mortality rate is due to the disease’s lack of symptoms, resulting in a late diagnosis. Biomarkers and treatment options for pancreatic cancer are also limited. In order to overcome this, new research models and novel approaches to discovering PDAC biomarkers are required. In this review, we outline the hereditary and somatic causes of PDAC and provide an overview of the recent genome wide association studies (GWAS) and pathway analysis studies. We also provide a summary of some of the systems used to study PDAC, including established and primary cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and newer models such as organoids and organ-on-chip. These ex vitro laboratory systems allow for critical research into the development and progression of PDAC.
Y RNA: An Overview of Their Role as Potential Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Human Cancers
Authors: Gulìa Caterina , Signore Fabrizio , Gaffi Marco , Gigli Silvia , Votino Raffaella , Nucciotti Roberto , Bertacca Luca , Zaami Simona , Baffa Alberto , Santini Edoardo , Porrello Alessandro , Piergentili Roberto
Published: May 2020

Y RNA are a class of small non-coding RNA that are largely conserved. Although their discovery was almost 40 years ago, their function is still under investigation. This is evident in cancer biology, where their role was first studied just a dozen years ago. Since then, only a few contributions were published, mostly scattered across different tumor types and, in some cases, also suffering from methodological limitations. Nonetheless, these sparse data may be used to make some estimations and suggest routes to better understand the role of Y RNA in cancer formation and characterization. Here we summarize the current knowledge about Y RNA in multiple types of cancer, also including a paragraph about tumors that might be included in this list in the future, if more evidence becomes available. The picture arising indicates that Y RNA might be useful in tumor characterization, also relying on non-invasive methods, such as the analysis of the content of extracellular vesicles (EV) that are retrieved from blood plasma and other bodily fluids. Due to the established role of Y RNA in DNA replication, it is possible to hypothesize their therapeutic targeting to inhibit cell proliferation in oncological patients.
Population Study of Ovarian Cancer Risk Prediction for Targeted Screening and Prevention
Authors: Gaba Faiza , Blyuss Oleg , Liu Xinting , Goyal Shivam , Lahoti Nishant , Chandrasekaran Dhivya , Kurzer Margarida , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Sanderson Saskia , Lanceley Anne , Ahmed Munaza , Side Lucy , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Wallis Yvonne , Wallace Andrew , Waller Jo , Luccarini Craig , Yang Xin , Dennis Joe , Dunning Alison , Lee Andrew , Antoniou Antonis C. , Legood Rosa , Menon Usha , Jacobs Ian , Manchanda Ranjit
Published: May 2020

Unselected population-based personalised ovarian cancer (OC) risk assessment combining genetic/epidemiology/hormonal data has not previously been undertaken. We aimed to perform a feasibility study of OC risk stratification of general population women using a personalised OC risk tool followed by risk management. Volunteers were recruited through London primary care networks. Inclusion criteria: women ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria: prior ovarian/tubal/peritoneal cancer, previous genetic testing for OC genes. Participants accessed an online/web-based decision aid along with optional telephone helpline use. Consenting individuals completed risk assessment and underwent genetic testing (BRCA1/BRCA2/RAD51C/RAD51D/BRIP1, OC susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms). A validated OC risk prediction algorithm provided a personalised OC risk estimate using genetic/lifestyle/hormonal OC risk factors. Population genetic testing (PGT)/OC risk stratification uptake/acceptability, satisfaction, decision aid/telephone helpline use, psychological health and quality of life were assessed using validated/customised questionnaires over six months. Linear-mixed models/contrast tests analysed impact on study outcomes. Main outcomes: feasibility/acceptability, uptake, decision aid/telephone helpline use, satisfaction/regret, and impact on psychological health/quality of life. In total, 123 volunteers (mean age = 48.5 (SD = 15.4) years) used the decision aid, 105 (85%) consented. None fulfilled NHS genetic testing clinical criteria. OC risk stratification revealed 1/103 at ≥10% (high), 0/103 at ≥5%–<10% (intermediate), and 100/103 at <5% (low) lifetime OC risk. Decision aid satisfaction was 92.2%. The telephone helpline use rate was 13% and the questionnaire response rate at six months was 75%. Contrast tests indicated that overall depression (p = 0.30), anxiety (p = 0.10), quality-of-life (p = 0.99), and distress (p = 0.25) levels did not jointly change, while OC worry (p = 0.021) and general cancer risk perception (p = 0.015) decreased over six months. In total, 85.5–98.7% were satisfied with their decision. Findings suggest population-based personalised OC risk stratification is feasible and acceptable, has high satisfaction, reduces cancer worry/risk perception, and does not negatively impact psychological health/quality of life.
Long-Term Survival, Vascular Occlusive Events and Efficacy Biomarkers of First-Line Treatment of CML: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Haguet Hélène , Graux Carlos , Mullier François , Dogné Jean-Michel , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Large randomized clinical trials and prior meta-analyses indicate that second-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) improve surrogate biomarkers in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) without providing survival benefits. The objective is to evaluate the long-term efficacy and the occurrence of vascular occlusion with second-generation BCR-ABL TKIs compared with imatinib in patients with CML. Three scientific databases, a clinical registry and abstracts from congress were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials that compared a second-generation BCR-ABL TKI to imatinib in patients with CML. Outcomes extracted were overall survival, major molecular response and complete cytogenetic response, arterial occlusive events and venous thromboembolism. These data were synthesized by odds ratios using a fixed-effect model. This meta-analysis included 4659 participants from 14 trials. Second-generation BCR-ABL TKIs did not improve overall survival compared with imatinib, even at longer follow-up (OR, 1.17 (95% CI, 0.91–1.52)). They improved surrogate biomarkers at 12 and 24 months but increased the risk of arterial occlusion (ORPETO, 2.81 (95% CI, 2.11–3.73)). The long-term benefits of second-generation TKIs are restricted to surrogate outcomes and do not translate into prolonged survival compared to imatinib. Given the long-term use, frontline therapy should be chosen carefully, with special attention to the patients’ quality of life and cardiovascular risks.
Non-Coding RNAs: Regulating Disease Progression and Therapy Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Manna Debashri , Sarkar Devanand
Published: May 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary liver cancer arising from hepatocytes, is a universal health problem and one of the most common malignant tumors. Surgery followed by chemotherapy as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as sorafenib, are primary treatment procedures for HCC, but recurrence of disease because of therapy resistance results in high mortality. It is necessary to identify novel regulators of HCC for developing effective targeted therapies that can significantly interfere with progression of the disease process. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are an abundant group of versatile RNA transcripts that do not translate into proteins, rather serve as potentially functional RNAs. The role of ncRNAs in regulating diverse aspects of the carcinogenesis process are gradually being elucidated. Recent advances in RNA sequencing technology have identified a plethora of ncRNAs regulating all aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis process and serving as potential prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers. The present review provides a comprehensive description of the biological roles of ncRNAs in disease process and therapy resistance, and potential clinical application of these ncRNAs in HCC.
In Vitro Effects of Streptococcus oralis Biofilm on Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Cells
Authors: Ingendoh-Tsakmakidis Alexandra , Eberhard Jörg , Falk Christine S. , Stiesch Meike , Winkel Andreas
Published: May 2020

Human gingival epithelial cells (HGEps) and fibroblasts (HGFs) are the main cell types in peri-implant soft tissue. HGEps are constantly exposed to bacteria, but HGFs are protected by connective tissue as long as the mucosa–implant seal is intact. Streptococcus oralis is one of the commensal bacteria, is highly abundant at healthy implant sites, and might modulate soft tissue cells—as has been described for other streptococci. We have therefore investigated the effects of the S. oralis biofilm on HGEps and HGFs. HGEps or HGFs were grown separately on titanium disks and responded to challenge with S. oralis biofilm. HGFs were severely damaged after 4 h, exhibiting transcriptional inflammatory and stress responses. In contrast, challenge with S. oralis only induced a mild transcriptional inflammatory response in HGEps, without cellular damage. HGFs were more susceptible to the S. oralis biofilm than HGEps. The pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6) was attenuated in HGFs, as was interleukin 8 (CXCL8) in HGEps. This indicates that S. oralis can actively protect tissue. In conclusion, commensal biofilms can promote homeostatic tissue protection, but only if the implant–mucosa interface is intact and HGFs are not directly exposed.
Knockdown of the Ribosomal Protein eL29 in Mammalian Cells Leads to Significant Changes in Gene Expression at the Transcription Level
Authors: Gopanenko Alexander V. , Kolobova Alena V. , Meschaninova Maria I. , Venyaminova Alya G. , Tupikin Alexey E. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Malygin Alexey A. , Karpova Galina G.
Published: May 2020

An imbalance in the synthesis of ribosomal proteins can lead to the disruption of various cellular processes. For mammalian cells, it has been shown that the level of the eukaryote-specific ribosomal protein eL29, also known as the one interacting with heparin/heparan sulfate, substantially affects their growth. Moreover, in animals lacking this protein, a number of anatomical abnormalities have been observed. Here, we applied next-generation RNA sequencing to HEK293 cells transfected with siRNAs specific for the mRNA of eL29 to determine what changes occur in the transcriptome profile with a decrease in the level of the target protein. We showed that an approximately 2.5-fold decrease in the content of eL29 leads to statistically significant changes in the expression of more than a thousand genes at the transcription level, without a noticeable effect on cell viability, rRNA level, and global translation. The set of eL29-dependent genes included both up-regulated and down-regulated ones, among which there are those previously identified as targets for proteins implicated in oncogenesis. Thus, our findings demonstrate that an insufficiency of eL29 in mammalian cells causes a significant reorganization of gene expression, thereby highlighting the relationship between the cellular balance of eL29 and the activities of certain genes.
Effect of Interface Coating on High Temperature Mechanical Properties of SiC–SiC Composite Using Domestic Hi–Nicalon Type SiC Fibers
Authors: Jin Enze , Sun Wenting , Liu Hongrui , Wu Kun , Ma Denghao , Sun Xin , Feng Zhihai , Li Junping , Yuan Zeshuai
Published: May 2020

Here we show that when the temperature exceeded 1200 °C, the tensile strength drops sharply with change of fracture mode from fiber pull-out to fiber-break. Theoretical analysis indicates that the reduction of tensile strength and change of fracture mode is due to the variation of residual radial stress on the fiber–matrix interface coating. When the temperature exceeds the preparation temperature of the composites, the residual radial stress on the fiber–matrix interface coating changes from tensile to compressive, leading to the increase of the interface strength with increasing temperature. The fracture behavior of SiC–SiC composites changes from ductile to brittle when the strength of fiber–matrix interface coating exceeds the critical value. Theoretical analysis predicts that the high temperature tensile strength can increase with a decrease in fiber–matrix interface thickness, which is verified by experiments.
Structural, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, Morphological Approach, and Spectroscopic Study of New Hybrid Iodobismuthate Containing Tetranuclear 0D Cluster Bi4I16·4(C6H9N2) 2(H2O)
Authors: Ferjani Hela
Published: May 2020

The Bi4I16·4(C6H9N2) 2(H2O) compound was synthesized by slow evaporation at room temperature. It exhibits a zero-dimensional (0D) tetrameric structure, comprising [Bi4I16]4− distorted octahedra, with strong I⋯I interactions among adjacent anionic clusters. We used Hirshfeld surface analysis to discuss the strength of hydrogen bonds and to quantify the inter-contacts (two-dimensional (2D) fingerprint plots). It revealed that the hydrogen bonding interactions H⋯I (56.3%), π–π stacking (11.7%), and I⋯I interactions (5.9%) play the major role in the stability of the crystal structure. The crystal morphology was simulated using Bravais–Friedel, Donnay–Harker (BFDH) and growth morphology (GM) methods. The experimental habit of the title compound was adequately reproduced by the two models. The calculated results show that the crystal morphology of the title compound in a vacuum is dominated by five facets: (020), (011), (110), (10−1), and (11−1). The (020) facet is the largest among all the facets calculated. Projection of the facet showed that there are a few polar groups on the (020) facet. In the 50–400 and 400–4000 cm−1 frequency regions, we measured the Raman and infrared spectra, respectively, of the title compound, and we assigned the observed vibration modes.
Longitude, Forest Fragmentation, and Plant Size Influence Cycas micronesica Mortality Following Island Insect Invasions
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Krishnapillai Murukesan V.
Published: May 2020

Island invasions may cause severe changes in biodiversity, but the factors that influence these changes are not well understood. We established 120 plots in Cycas micronesica habitats throughout Guam in 2005 following the invasion of the armored scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui, then observed plant mortality through 2020. We used transects in Yap as benchmarks, as the Yap C. micronesica population is not threatened. The initial Guam plots contained about 1600 seedlings, 1160 juveniles, and 1240 mature plants per ha. Seedling mortality was 100% by 2006, juvenile mortality was 100% by 2014, and the 2020 census revealed 96% mortality of the plant population. Localities in western Guam and isolated forest fragments exhibited the greatest mortality, with 100% extirpation from two fragmented western localities. The juvenile and mature trees in Yap were unchanged from 2010 to 2018, but the seedling count was heterogeneous among the years. Constrained recruitment from seedlings to juveniles explained these dynamics. Yap transects contained about 6120 seedlings, 3400 juveniles, and 1250 mature plants per ha. Biological control of the invasive insects remains the acute conservation action needed for the Guam population. Lessons learned may be useful in other regions where invasions of non-native pests threaten biodiversity.
Highlighting the Crude Oil Bioremediation Potential of Marine Fungi Isolated from the Port of Oran (Algeria)
Authors: Maamar Ahlem , Lucchesi Marie-Elisabeth , Debaets Stella , Nguyen van Long Nicolas , Quemener Maxence , Coton Emmanuel , Bouderbala Mohammed , Burgaud Gaëtan , Matallah-Boutiba Amaria
Published: May 2020

While over hundreds of terrestrial fungal genera have been shown to play important roles in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons, few studies have so far focused on the fungal bioremediation potential of petroleum in the marine environment. In this study, the culturable fungal communities occurring in the port of Oran in Algeria, considered here as a chronically-contaminated site, have been mainly analyzed in terms of species richness. A collection of 84 filamentous fungi has been established from seawater samples and then the fungi were screened for their ability to utilize and degrade crude oil. A total of 12 isolates were able to utilize crude oil as a unique carbon source, from which 4 were defined as the most promising biodegrading isolates based on a screening test using 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol as a proxy to highlight their ability to metabolize crude oil. The biosurfactant production capability was also tested and, interestingly, the oil spreading and drop-collapse tests highlighted that the 4 most promising isolates were also those able to produce the highest quantity of biosurfactants. The results generated in this study demonstrate that the most promising fungal isolates, namely Penicillium polonicum AMF16, P. chrysogenum AMF47 and 2 isolates (AMF40 and AMF74) affiliated to P. cyclopium, appear to be interesting candidates for bioremediation of crude oil pollution in the marine environment within the frame of bioaugmentation or biostimulation processes.
Paramecium Diversity and a New Member of the Paramecium aurelia Species Complex Described from Mexico
Authors: Potekhin Alexey , Mayén-Estrada Rosaura
Published: May 2020

Paramecium (Ciliophora) is an ideal model organism to study the biogeography of protists. However, many regions of the world, such as Central America, are still neglected in understanding Paramecium diversity. We combined morphological and molecular approaches to identify paramecia isolated from more than 130 samples collected from different waterbodies in several states of Mexico. We found representatives of six Paramecium morphospecies, including the rare species Paramecium jenningsi, and Paramecium putrinum, which is the first report of this species in tropical regions. We also retrieved five species of the Paramecium aurelia complex, and describe one new member of the complex, Paramecium quindecaurelia n. sp., which appears to be a sister species of Paramecium biaurelia. We discuss criteria currently applied for differentiating between sibling species in Paramecium. Additionally, we detected diverse bacterial symbionts in some of the collected ciliates.
Serum and Echocardiographic Markers May Synergistically Predict Adverse Cardiac Remodeling after ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Pecherina Tamara , Kutikhin Anton , Kashtalap Vasily , Karetnikova Victoria , Gruzdeva Olga , Hryachkova Oksana , Barbarash Olga
Published: May 2020

Improvement of risk scoring is particularly important for patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who generally lack efficient monitoring of progressing heart failure. Here, we evaluated whether the combination of serum biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters may be useful to predict the remodeling-related outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and preserved LVEF (HFpEF) as compared to those with reduced LVEF (HFrEF). Echocardiographic assessment and measurement of the serum levels of NT-proBNP, sST2, galectin-3, matrix metalloproteinases, and their inhibitors (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1) was performed at the time of admission (1st day) and on the 10th–12th day upon STEMI onset. We found a reduction in NT-proBNP, sST2, galectin-3, and TIMP-1 in both patient categories from hospital admission to the discharge, as well as numerous correlations between the indicated biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters, testifying to the ongoing ventricular remodeling. In patients with HFpEF, NT-proBNP, sST2, galectin-3, and MMP-3 correlated with the parameters reflecting the diastolic dysfunction, while in patients with HFrEF, these markers were mainly associated with LVEF and left ventricular end-systolic volume/diameter. Therefore, the combination of the mentioned serum biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters might be useful for the prediction of adverse cardiac remodeling in patients with HFpEF.
Characterization of Stem-like Circulating Tumor Cells in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhu Lei , Hissa Barbara , Győrffy Balázs , Jann Johann-Christoph , Yang Cui , Reissfelder Christoph , Schölch Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most frequent cause of death from cancer. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with stem-like characteristics lead to distant metastases and thus contribute to the dismal prognosis of PDAC. Our purpose is to investigate the role of stemness in CTCs derived from a genetically engineered mouse model of PDAC and to further explore the potential molecular mechanisms. The publically available RNA sequencing dataset GSE51372 was analyzed, and CTCs with (CTC-S) or without (CTC-N) stem-like features were discriminated based on a principal component analysis (PCA). Differentially expressed genes, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and further functional enrichment analyses were performed. The prognostic role of the candidate gene (CTNNB1) was assessed in a clinical PDAC patient cohort. Overexpression of the pluripotency marker Klf4 (Krüppel-like factor 4) in CTC-S cells positively correlates with Ctnnb1 (β-Catenin) expression, and their interaction presumably happens via protein–protein binding in the nucleus. As a result, the adherens junction pathway is significantly enriched in CTC-S. Furthermore, the overexpression of Ctnnb1 is a negative prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in human PDAC cohort. Overexpression of Ctnnb1 may thus promote the metastatic capabilities of CTCs with stem-like properties via adherens junctions in murine PDAC.
Performance of Radiomics Features in the Quantification of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis from HRCT
Authors: Stefano Alessandro , Gioè Mauro , Russo Giorgio , Palmucci Stefano , Torrisi Sebastiano Emanuele , Bignardi Samuel , Basile Antonio , Comelli Albert , Benfante Viviana , Sambataro Gianluca , Falsaperla Daniele , Torcitto Alfredo Gaetano , Attanasio Massimo , Yezzi Anthony , Vancheri Carlo
Published: May 2020

Background: Our study assesses the diagnostic value of different features extracted from high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These features are investigated over a range of HRCT lung volume measurements (in Hounsfield Units) for which no prior study has yet been published. In particular, we provide a comparison of their diagnostic value at different Hounsfield Unit (HU) thresholds, including corresponding pulmonary functional tests. Methods: We consider thirty-two patients retrospectively for whom both HRCT examinations and spirometry tests were available. First, we analyse the HRCT histogram to extract quantitative lung fibrosis features. Next, we evaluate the relationship between pulmonary function and the HRCT features at selected HU thresholds, namely −200 HU, 0 HU, and +200 HU. We model the relationship using a Poisson approximation to identify the measure with the highest log-likelihood. Results: Our Poisson models reveal no difference at the −200 and 0 HU thresholds. However, inferential conclusions change at the +200 HU threshold. Among the HRCT features considered, the percentage of normally attenuated lung at −200 HU shows the most significant diagnostic utility. Conclusions: The percentage of normally attenuated lung can be used together with qualitative HRCT assessment and pulmonary function tests to enhance the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnostic process.
Who Bites Me? A Tentative Discriminative Key to Diagnose Hematophagous Ectoparasites Biting Using Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Akhoundi Mohammad , Sereno Denis , Marteau Anthony , Bruel Christiane , Izri Arezki
Published: May 2020

Arthropod blood feeders are vectors of several human pathogenic agents, including viruses (e.g., yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue fever), parasites (e.g., malaria, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis), or bacteria (e.g., plague). Besides their role as a vector of pathogens, their biting activities cause a nuisance to humans. Herein, we document clinical symptoms associated with the biting of ten clusters of hematophagous arthropods, including mosquitoes, biting midges and sandflies, lice, ticks, tsetse flies, blackflies, horse flies, fleas, triatomine and bed bugs. Within the framework of clinical history and entomo-epidemiological information, we propose a tentative discriminative key that can be helpful for practicing physicians in identifying hematophagous arthropods biting humans and delivering treatment for the associated clinical disorders.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Final Stage of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Golaszewski Stefan M. , Wutzl Bettina , Unterrainer Axel F. , Florea Cristina , Schwenker Kerstin , Frey Vanessa N. , Kronbichler Martin , Rattay Frank , Nardone Raffaele , Hauer Larissa , Sellner Johann , Trinka Eugen
Published: May 2020

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rare fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system. The clinical course is characterized by rapid progression of neurological and neuromuscular symptoms. The late stage with loss of consciousness is not well characterized. We report a 62-year-old male patient with sCJD with the clinical picture of a vegetative state/apallic syndrome, in whom we studied cortical responses using a vibration paradigm. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigation demonstrated a clear response within the sensorimotor cortex, the cerebellum, the parietal cortex, the insular, and frontal inferior region. The finding of persistent cortical activity on fMRI in a patient with CJD in a state of unconsciousness has implications for the clinical management and for ethical considerations.
Applications of Electromagnetic Waves: Present and Future
Authors: Amineh Reza K.
Published: May 2020

Electromagnetic (EM) waves carry energy through propagation in space [...]
An Advanced Pruning Method in the Architecture of Extreme Learning Machines Using L1-Regularization and Bootstrapping
Authors: de Campos Souza Paulo Vitor , Bambirra Torres Luiz Carlos , Lacerda Silva Gustavo Rodrigues , Braga Antonio de Padua , Lughofer Edwin
Published: May 2020

Extreme learning machines (ELMs) are efficient for classification, regression, and time series prediction, as well as being a clear solution to backpropagation structures to determine values in intermediate layers of the learning model. One of the problems that an ELM may face is due to a large number of neurons in the hidden layer, making the expert model a specific data set. With a large number of neurons in the hidden layer, overfitting is more likely and thus unnecessary information can deterioriate the performance of the neural network. To solve this problem, a pruning method is proposed, called Pruning ELM Using Bootstrapped Lasso BR-ELM, which is based on regularization and resampling techniques, to select the most representative neurons for the model response. This method is based on an ensembled variant of Lasso (achieved through bootstrap replications) and aims to shrink the output weight parameters of the neurons to 0 as many and as much as possible. According to a subset of candidate regressors having significant coefficient values (greater than 0), it is possible to select the best neurons in the hidden layer of the ELM. Finally, pattern classification tests and benchmark regression tests of complex real-world problems are performed by comparing the proposed approach to other pruning models for ELMs. It can be seen that statistically BR-ELM can outperform several related state-of-the-art methods in terms of classification accuracies and model errors (while performing equally to Pruning-ELM P-ELM), and this with a significantly reduced number of finally selected neurons.
Isolation Design Flow Effectiveness Evaluation Methodology for Zynq SoCs
Authors: Malik Arsalan Ali , Ullah Anees , Zahir Ali , Qamar Affaq , Khattak Shadan Khan , Reviriego Pedro
Published: May 2020

Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM)-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are increasingly being used in many application domains due to their higher logic density and reconfiguration capabilities. However, with state-of-the-art FPGAs being manufactured in the latest technology nodes, reliability is becoming an important issue, particularly for safety-critical avionics, automotive, aerospace, industrial robotics, medical, and financial systems. Therefore, fault tolerant system design methodologies have become essential in the aforementioned application domains. The Isolation Design Flow (IDF) is one such design methodology that has promising prospects due to its ability to isolate logic design modules at the physical level for fault containment purposes. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of the IDF. To do so, reverse engineering is used to enable fault injection on the IDF designs with minimal changes in the bit-stream. This reduces the time needed to inject a fault significantly thus accelerating the evaluation process. Then this methodology is applied to a case study of a single-chip cryptography application on a ZynQ SoC. Specifically, an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) Duplication With Comparison (DWC) design is physically isolated with IDF and subsequently subjected to frame-level Fault Injection (FI) in the configuration memory.
Overview of Maximum Power Point Tracking Methods for PV System in Micro Grid
Authors: Ko Jae-Sub , Huh Jun-Ho , Kim Jong-Chan
Published: May 2020

This paper presents an overview of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods for photovoltaic (PV) systems used in the Micro Grids of PV systems. In the PV system, the output varies nonlinearly with temperature and radiation, and the point at which power is maximized appears accordingly. The MPPT of the PV system can improve output by about 25%, and it is very important to operate at this point at all times. Various methods of tracking the MPP of the PV system have been studied and proposed. In this paper, we discuss commonly used methods for the MPPT of PV systems, methods using artificial intelligence control, and mixed methods, and present the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each method.