bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine Root and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics during Stand Development Following Shifting Agriculture in Northeast India
Authors: Singha Dipendra , Brearley Francis Q. , Tripathi Shri Kant
Published: November 2020

Nitrogen (N) dynamics during changes in land use patterns in tropical forests may profoundly affect fine root dynamics and nutrient cycling processes. Variations in fine root biomass and soil N dynamics were assessed in developing stands of increasing ages following shifting agriculture in Mizoram, Northeast India, and comparisons were made with a natural forest stand. Concentrations of soil available N (NH4-N and NO3-N) and the proportion of NH4-N in total available N increased with stand age. The N-mineralization rate also increased with stand age whilst the proportion of nitrification relative to ammonification declined during succession. Fine root biomass and N-mineralization increased, and available N decreased during the monsoon season while this pattern was reversed during the winter season. A greater proportion of fine roots were <0.5 mm diameter in the younger sites, and turnover of fine roots was more rapid in the developing stands compared to the natural forest. Fine root biomass was correlated positively with N-mineralization rate and soil water content. Thus, it can be concluded that the fine root growth was aided by rapid N-mineralization, and both fine root growth and N-mineralization increase as stands redevelop following shifting cultivation disturbance.
A Deep Learning Approach for Calamity Assessment Using Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Scharvogel Daniel , Brandmeier Melanie , Weis Manuel
Published: November 2020

The number of severe storm events has increased in recent decades due to climate change. These storms are one of the main causes for timber loss in European forests and damaged areas are prone to further degradation by, for example, bark beetle infestations. Usually, manual mapping of damaged areas based on aerial photographs is conducted by forest departments. This is very time-consuming and therefore automatic detection of windthrows based on active and passive remote sensing data is an ongoing research topic. In this study we evaluated state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in combination with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for calamity assessment. The study area is in in the northern part of Hesse (Germany) and was covered by twelve Sentinel-2 scenes from 2018. Labels of damaged areas from the Friedericke storm (18 January 2018) were provided by HessenForst. We conducted several experiments based on a custom U-Net setup to derive the optimal architecture and input data as well as to assess the transferability of the model. Results highlight the possibility to detect damaged forest areas using Sentinel-2 data. Using a binary classification, accuracies of more than 92% were achieved with an Intersection over Union (IoU) score of 46.6%. The proposed workflow was integrated into ArcGIS and is suitable for fast detection of damaged areas directly after a storm and for disaster management but is limited by the deca-meter spatial resolution of the Sentinel-2 data.
Perceived Loudness Sensitivity Influenced by Brightness in Urban Forests: A Comparison When Eyes Were Opened and Closed
Authors: Hong Xin-Chen , Wang Guang-Yu , Liu Jiang , Dang Emily
Published: November 2020

Soundscape plays a positive, health-related role in urban forests, and there is a competitive allocation of cognitive resources between soundscapes and lightscapes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between perceived loudness sensitivity and brightness in urban forests through eye opening and closure. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather soundscape and lightscape information at 44 observation sites in urban forested areas. Diurnal variations, Pearson’s correlations, and formula derivations were then used to analyze the relationship between perception sensitivity and how perceived loudness sensitivity was influenced by lightscape. Our results suggested that soundscape variation plays a role in audio–visual perception in urban forests. Our findings also showed a gap in perception sensitivity between loudness and brightness, which conducted two opposite conditions bounded by 1.24 dBA. Furthermore, we found that the effect of brightness on perceived loudness sensitivity was limited if variations of brightness were sequential and weak. This can facilitate the understanding of individual perception to soundscape and lightscape in urban forests when proposing suitable design plans.
My Tongue is a Mountain: Land, Belonging and the Politics of Voice
Authors: Yellowhorse Sandra
Published: November 2020

Indigenous story is about place and our orientation to the place(s) we live through and in. This essay is about Diné (Navajo) identity and its entanglements with the authority of words and the politics of voice within the academy. It is about how voice or narrative are political acts that ground Indigenous peoples in land and territory. In Diné communities, there are ongoing discussions regarding the politics of authority and representation in the erasure of Indigenous voices in academic spaces. Such academic erasure has ripple effects into the ongoing contestation of land and belonging. These ripple effects fuel identity politics among Diné people on the community level. I argue that Diné people themselves are erased and the everyday narrations of our realities and experiences through these normalized academic processes. In addressing those academic processes, I draw attention to another framework for identity politics that encourages and supports not only our voices as Diné people but upholds our intellectual sovereignty and claims to land. I engage narrative to bring forward an understanding that our relationships to words and story extend beyond our tongues.
Bracon brevicornis Genome Showcases the Potential of Linked-Read Sequencing in Identifying a Putative Complementary Sex Determiner Gene
Authors: Ferguson Kim B. , Pannebakker Bart A. , Centurión Alejandra , van den Heuvel Joost , Nieuwenhuis Ronald , Becker Frank F. M. , Schijlen Elio , Thiel Andra , Zwaan Bas J. , Verhulst Eveline C.
Published: November 2020

Bracon brevicornis is an ectoparasitoid of a wide range of larval-stage Lepidopterans, including several pests of important crops, such as the corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. It is also one of the earliest documented cases of complementary sex determination in Hymenoptera. Here, we present the linked-read-based genome of B. brevicornis, complete with an ab initio-derived annotation and protein comparisons with fellow braconids, Fopius arisanus and Diachasma alloeum. We demonstrate the potential of linked-read assemblies in exploring regions of heterozygosity and search for structural and homology-derived evidence of the complementary sex determiner gene (csd).
Targeted Sequencing of Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas from Patients with Metachronous Pulmonary Metastases
Authors: Hlavac Viktor , Mohelnikova-Duchonova Beatrice , Lovecek Martin , Ehrmann Jiri , Brynychova Veronika , Kolarova Katerina , Soucek Pavel
Published: November 2020

Mutation spectra of 250 cancer driver, druggable, and actionable genes were analyzed in surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients who developed metachronous pulmonary metastases. Targeted sequencing was performed in DNA from blood and archival samples of 15 primary tumors and three paired metastases. Results were complemented with the determination of G12V mutation in KRAS by droplet digital PCR. The median number of protein-changing mutations was 52 per patient. KRAS and TP53 were significantly enriched in fractions of mutations in hotspots. Individual gene mutation frequencies or mutational loads accounting separately for drivers, druggable, or clinically actionable genes, did not significantly associate with patients’ survival. LRP1B was markedly mutated in primaries of patients who generalized (71%) compared to those developing solitary pulmonary metastases (0%). FLG2 was mutated exclusively in primary tumors compared to paired metastases. In conclusion, signatures of prognostically differing subgroups of PDAC patients were generated for further utilization in precision medicine.
Prioritizing Flood-Prone Areas Using Spatial Data in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Henry Sheika , Laroche Anne-Marie , Hentati Achraf , Boisvert Jasmin
Published: November 2020

Over the years, floods have caused economic damage that has impacted development in many regions. As a result, a comprehensive overview of flood-prone areas at the provincial scale is important in order to identify zones that require detailed assessment with hydrodynamic models. This study presents two approaches that were used to prioritize flood-prone areas at the provincial scale in New Brunswick, Canada. The first approach is based on a spatial multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) technique, while the second approach pertains to flood exposure analysis. The results show the variation in the identified flood-prone areas and, depending on the methodology and scenario used, prioritization changes. Therefore, a standard methodology might not be feasible and should be developed based on the objective of the study. The results obtained can be useful for flood risk practitioners when making decisions about where to commence detailed flood hazard and risk assessment.
Self-Selection of Agricultural By-Products and Food Ingredients by Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Impact on Food Utilization and Nutrient Intake
Authors: Morales-Ramos Juan A. , Rojas M. Guadalupe , Kelstrup Hans C. , Emery Virginia
Published: November 2020

Nutrient self-selection was used to determine optimal intake ratios of macro-nutrients by Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. Self-selection experiments consisted of 9 combinations (treatments) of 8 ingredients, from a total of 20 choices, radially distributed in a multiple-choice arena presented to groups of 100 T. molitor larvae (12th–13th instar). Larvae freely selected and feed on the pelletized ingredients for a period of 21 days at 27 °C, 75% RH, and dark conditions. Consumption (g) of each ingredient, larval live weight gained (mg), and frass production were recorded and used to calculate food assimilation and efficiency of conversion of ingested food. The macro-nutrient intake ratios were 0.06 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.01, and 0.71 ± 0.03 for lipid, protein, and carbohydrate, respectively on the best performing treatments. The intake of neutral detergent fiber negatively impacted food assimilation, food conversion and biomass gain. Food assimilation, food conversion, and biomass gain were significantly impacted by the intake of carbohydrate in a positive way. Cabbage, potato, wheat bran, rice bran (whole and defatted), corn dry distillers’ grain, spent brewery dry grain, canola meal and sunflower meal were considered suitable as T. molitor diets ingredients based on their relative consumption percentages (over 10%) within treatment.
Peripheral Markers of Depression
Authors: Nobis Aleksander , Zalewski Daniel , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: November 2020

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, creating a high medical and socioeconomic burden. There is a growing interest in the biological underpinnings of depression, which are reflected by altered levels of biological markers. Among others, enhanced inflammation has been reported in MDD, as reflected by increased concentrations of inflammatory markers—C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and soluble interleukin-2 receptor. Oxidative and nitrosative stress also plays a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Notably, increased levels of lipid peroxidation markers are characteristic of MDD. Dysregulation of the stress axis, along with increased cortisol levels, have also been reported in MDD. Alterations in growth factors, with a significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and an increase in fibroblast growth factor-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations have also been found in MDD. Finally, kynurenine metabolites, increased glutamate and decreased total cholesterol also hold promise as reliable biomarkers for MDD. Research in the field of MDD biomarkers is hindered by insufficient understanding of MDD etiopathogenesis, substantial heterogeneity of the disorder, common co-morbidities and low specificity of biomarkers. The construction of biomarker panels and their evaluation with use of new technologies may have the potential to overcome the above mentioned obstacles.
Adolescent Sport Participation and Age at Menarche in Relation to Midlife Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, Fitness, and Physical Activity
Authors: Ravi Suvi , Kujala Urho M. , Tammelin Tuija H. , Hirvensalo Mirja , Kovanen Vuokko , Valtonen Maarit , Waller Benjamin , Aukee Pauliina , Sipilä Sarianna , Laakkonen Eija K.
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to investigate the associations of competitive sport participation in adolescence and age at menarche (AAM) with body composition, femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), physical performance, and physical activity (PA) in middle-aged women. 1098 women aged 47–55 years formed the sample of this retrospective study. Participants self-reported their PA level at age 13–16 years and AAM. The protocol also included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical performance tests, and accelerometer-measured PA. Participants were divided into three groups according to their PA level at the age of 13–16 (no exercise, regular PA, and competitive sport) and according to their AAM (≤12, 13, and ≥14 years). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, participation in competitive sport at age 13–16 was associated with higher midlife lean mass and BMD, and better physical performance compared to groups with no exercise or regular PA. Individuals with AAM ≥ 14 years had lower midlife BMI and fat mass than participants in the other AAM groups and pre- and perimenopausal women with AAM ≥ 14 years had lower BMD than those with AAM ≤ 12. The findings indicate that participation in competitive sport in adolescence is associated with healthier body composition, higher BMD, and better physical performance in midlife, but BMD might be impaired if menarche occurs late.
High Molecular Weight Hyaluronan Promotes Corneal Nerve Growth in Severe Dry Eyes
Authors: van Setten Gysbert-Botho , Stachs Oliver , Dupas Bénédicte , Turhan Semra Akkaya , Seitz Berthold , Reitsamer Herbert , Winter Karsten , Horwath-Winter Jutta , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Müller-Lierheim Wolfgang G. K.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high molecular weight hyaluronan (HMWHA) eye drops on subbasal corneal nerves in patients suffering from severe dry eye disease (DED) and to evaluate the damage of subbasal corneal nerves associated with severe DED. Designed as an international, multicenter study, 16 patients with symptoms of at least an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of 33, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) of at least Oxford grade 3, were included and randomized into two study arms. The control group continued to use their individual optimum artificial tears over the study period of eight weeks; in the verum group, the artificial tears were substituted by eye drops containing 0.15% HMWHA. At the baseline visit, and after eight weeks, the subbasal nerve plexus of 16 patients were assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM). The images were submitted to a masked reading center for evaluation. Results showed a significant increase of total nerve fiber lengths (CNFL) in the HMWHA group (p = 0.030) when compared to the control group, where the total subbasal CNFL did not significantly change from baseline to week 8. We concluded that in severe DED patients, HMWHA from topically applied eye drops could cross the epithelial barrier and reach the subbasal nerve plexus, where it exercised a trophic effect.
Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection on Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases
Authors: Garcia-Clemente Marta , de la Rosa David , Máiz Luis , Girón Rosa , Blanco Marina , Olveira Casilda , Canton Rafael , Martinez-García Miguel Angel
Published: November 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a ubiquitous and opportunistic microorganism and is considered one of the most significant pathogens that produce chronic colonization and infection of the lower respiratory tract, especially in people with chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and bronchiectasis. From a microbiological viewpoint, the presence and persistence of P. aeruginosa over time are characterized by adaptation within the host that precludes any rapid, devastating injury to the host. Moreover, this microorganism usually develops antibiotic resistance, which is accelerated in chronic infections especially in those situations where the frequent use of antimicrobials facilitates the selection of “hypermutator P. aeruginosa strain”. This phenomenon has been observed in people with bronchiectasis, CF, and the “exacerbator” COPD phenotype. From a clinical point of view, a chronic bronchial infection of P. aeruginosa has been related to more severity and poor prognosis in people with CF, bronchiectasis, and probably in COPD, but little is known on the effect of this microorganism infection in people with asthma. The relationship between the impact and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection in people with airway diseases emerges as an important future challenge and it is the most important objective of this review.
Glutathione Peroxidase 3 as a Biomarker of Recurrence after Lung Cancer Surgery
Authors: Kho Bo Gun , Park Ha-Young , Cho Hyun-Joo , Park Cheol Kyu , Kim Young-Chul , Yun Ju-Sik , Song Sang-Yun , Na Kook-Joo , Choi Yoo-Duk , Lee Seung-Won , Oh In-Jae
Published: November 2020

We aimed to examine the usefulness of serum glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) as a biomarker of lung cancer recurrence after complete resection. We prospectively collected serial serum samples at the baseline, as well as 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery from complete resection cases in 2013. GPx3 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical tests including t-tests and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Totally, 135 patients were enrolled, and 39 (28.9%) showed relapse during the median follow-up period (63.60 months; range, 0.167–81.867). The mean GPx3 change was significantly higher in the recurrence group at 6 months (0.32 ± 0.38 vs. 0.15 ± 0.29, p = 0.016) and 12 months (0.40 ± 0.37 vs. 0.13 ± 0.28, p = 0.001). The high GPx3 change group showed significantly higher 60-months recurrence rates than the low group (48.1% vs. 25.2% at 3 months, p = 0.005; 54.5% vs. 28.9% at 6 months, p = 0.018; 38.3% vs. 18.3% at 12 months, p = 0.035). High GPx3 change at 3 months were independent risk factors of recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 3.318, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.582–6.960, p = 0.002) and survival (HR 3.150, 95% CI, 1.301–7.628, p = 0.011). Therefore, serum GPx3 changes after surgery may be useful predictive biomarkers for recurrence in lung cancer. Larger-scale validation studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Cardiogenic Shock Patients Undergoing Impella CP Treatment vs. Standard of Care
Authors: Scherer Clemens , Lüsebrink Enzo , Kupka Danny , Stocker Thomas J. , Stark Konstantin , Stremmel Christopher , Orban Mathias , Petzold Tobias , Germayer Antonia , Mauthe Katharina , Kääb Stefan , Mehilli Julinda , Braun Daniel , Theiss Hans , Brunner Stefan , Hausleiter Jörg , Massberg Steffen , Orban Martin
Published: November 2020

The number of patients treated with the mechanical circulatory support device Impella Cardiac Power (CP) for cardiogenic shock is steadily increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term survival and complications related to this modality. Patients undergoing Impella CP treatment for cardiogenic shock were retrospectively enrolled and matched with cardiogenic shock patients not treated with mechanical circulatory support between 2010 and 2020. Data were collected from the cardiogenic shock registry of the university hospital of Munich (DRKS00015860). 70 patients with refractory cardiogenic shock without mechanical circulatory support were matched with 70 patients treated with Impella CP. At presentation, the mean age was 67 ± 15 years with 80% being male in the group without support and 67 ± 14 years (p = 0.97) with 76% being male (p = 0.68) in the group with Impella. There was no significant difference in the rate of cardiac arrest (47% vs. 51%, p = 0.73) and myocardial infarction was the predominant cause of cardiogenic shock in both groups (70% vs. 77%). A total of 41% of patients without cardiocirculatory support and 54% of patients with Impella support died during the first month (p = 0.17). After one year, mortality rates were similar in both groups (55% in conventional vs. 59% in Impella CP group, p = 0.30) as was mortality rate at long-term 5-years follow-up (64% in conventional vs. 73% in Impella CP group, p = 0.33). The rate of clinically significant bleedings during ICU stay was lower in the conventional group than in the Impella support group (15% vs. 43%, p = 0.002). In this small observational and non-randomized analysis no difference in long-term outcome between patients treated with Impella CP vs. guideline directed cardiogenic shock therapy without mechanical circulatory support could be detected. Care must be taken regarding the high rate of bleeding and vascular complications when using Impella CP. Large, adequately powered studies are urgently needed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Impella CP in cardiogenic shock.
A Reply to Contrary to the Conclusions Stated in the Paper, Only Dry Fat-Free Mass Was Different between Groups upon Reanalysis—Comment on: “Intermittent Energy Restriction Attenuates the Loss of Fat-Free Mass in Resistance Trained Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
Authors: Campbell Bill I.
Published: November 2020

We would like to thank Dr [...]
Preventive Moderate Continuous Running-Exercise Conditioning Improves the Healing of Non-Critical Size Bone Defects in Male Wistar Rats: A Pilot Study Using µCT
Authors: Bourzac Céline , Bensidhoum Morad , Manassero Mathieu , Chappard Christine , Michoux Nicolas , Pallu Stéphane , Portier Hugues
Published: November 2020

Although physical exercise has unquestionable benefits on bone health, its effects on bone healing have been poorly investigated. This study evaluated the effects of preemptive moderate continuous running on the healing of non-critical sized bone defects in rats by µCT. We hypothesized that a preemptive running exercise would quicken bone healing. Twenty 5-week-old, male, Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the following groups (n = 10): sedentary control (SED) or continuous running (EX, 45 min/d, 5 d/week at moderate speed, for 8 consecutive weeks). A 2 mm diameter bone defect was then performed in the right tibia and femur. No exercise was performed during a 4 week-convalescence. Healing-tissue trabecular microarchitectural parameters were assessed once a week for 4 weeks using µCT and plasma bone turnover markers measured at the end of the study protocol (time point T12). At T12, bone volume fraction (BV/TV; BV: bone volume, TV: tissue volume) of the healing tissue in tibiae and femurs from EX rats was higher compared to that in SED rats (p = 0.001). BV/TV in EX rats was also higher in tibiae than in femurs (p < 0.01). The bone mineral density of the healing tissue in femurs from EX rats was higher compared to that in femurs from SED rats (p < 0.03). N-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I in EX rats was decreased compared to SED rats (p < 0.05), while no differences were observed for alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone. The study provides evidence that preemptive moderate continuous running improves the healing of non-critical sized bone defects in male Wistar rats.
Characterization of Soft S-Open Sets in Bi-Soft Topological Structure Concerning Crisp Points
Authors: Mehmood Arif , Al-Shomrani Mohammed M. , Zaighum Muhammad Asad , Abdullah Saleem
Published: November 2020

In this article, a soft s-open set in soft bitopological structures is introduced. With the help of this newly defined soft s-open set, soft separation axioms are regenerated in soft bitopological structures with respect to crisp points. Soft continuity at some certain points, soft bases, soft subbase, soft homeomorphism, soft first-countable and soft second-countable, soft connected, soft disconnected and soft locally connected spaces are defined with respect to crisp points under s-open sets in soft bitopological spaces. The product of two soft  axioms with respect crisp points with almost all possibilities in soft bitopological spaces relative to semiopen sets are introduced. In addition to this, soft (countability, base, subbase, finite intersection property, continuity) are addressed with respect to semiopen sets in soft bitopological spaces. Product of soft first and second coordinate spaces are addressed with respect to semiopen sets in soft bitopological spaces. The characterization of soft separation axioms with soft connectedness is addressed with respect to semiopen sets in soft bitopological spaces. In addition to this, the product of two soft topological spaces is (  space if each coordinate space is soft  space, product of two sot topological spaces is (S regular and C regular) space if each coordinate space is (S regular and C regular), the product of two soft topological spaces is connected if each coordinate space is soft connected and the product of two soft topological spaces is (first-countable, second-countable) if each coordinate space is (first countable, second-countable).
Microstructural Study of Al-Ag-Cu-Si Filler Metal for Brazing High-Strength Aluminum Alloys to Stainless Steel
Authors: Fedorov Vasilii , Uhlig Thomas , Podlesak Harry , Wagner Guntram
Published: November 2020

The study deals with the investigation of the microstructural constituents of the brazing filler Al-Ag-Cu-Si and the microstructure of brazed aluminum/stainless steel joints. The low liquidus temperature of the Al-Ag-Cu-Si filler of 497 °C allows the joining of the stainless steel and high-strength, thus far non-brazeable aluminum alloys. Brazing was carried out at a temperature of 520 °C in a vacuum furnace. Due to the lower heat input into the liquid brazing filler, the Fe-Al intermetallic layer in the reaction zone of the brazed joints is thin, which is required for good mechanical properties of the joints. The microstructure was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The chemical compositions of the microstructural constituents were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). The results have shown that the ternary eutectic microstructure of the brazing filler consists of the α-Al solid solution phase, the θ-Al2Cu phase and a lamelled Ag-Al constituent. During the cooling of the solid filler metal, the Ag2Al phase forms lamellar segregates of μ-Ag3Al with a lamellae thickness of a few nanometers. Thus, the third eutectic constituent is a composition of two phases. The silicon content of the filler metal forms precipitates embedded inside the eutectic cells and in small dimensions inside the cell walls. Moreover, the silicon content prefers the wetting of the stainless steel surface and the formation of the Al7Fe2Si reaction layer with a thickness of 8 µm. The microstructure of the brazing zone is modified in comparison to the solidified pure filler metal. α-Al cells dominate the hypoeutectic structure. Intermetallic phases appear inside the α-cells as well as in the cell walls. Additionally, particles of the reaction phase occur inside the cell walls near the stainless steel. At the interface to the stainless steel in the reaction layer, no cracks or microcracks were detected.
Mechanism of Ion-Diffusion Solid-Phase Reduction of Iron Oxides of Technogenic Origin in the Presence of the Liquid Phase and without it
Authors: Sheshukov Oleg , Mikheenkov Mikhail , Vedmid’ Larisa , Nekrasov Iliya , Egiazaryan Denis
Published: November 2020

The processes of iron oxides’ reduction have a complex physicochemical mechanism, with the participation of solid, liquid, and gaseous substances. The article discusses the existing models for the reduction of iron oxides and provides data on the thermodynamic possibility of carrying out the reactions of their reduction through the solid and gas phases. Experimental data on the reduction of iron from industrial scale, obtained by the DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) method, show the kinetic dependence of the rate and completeness of recovery on external factors: pressing pressure during sample preparation and the reagents’ composition. The pressing pressure, under conditions of iron ions’ solid-phase diffusion, has the significant effect by increasing the reagents’ contact area. Under conditions of iron ions’ comprehensive diffusion, the pressing pressure does not affect the reduction processes rate. The introduction of 10 mass.% flux into the raw mixture composition leads to a partially liquid-phase diffusion of iron ions and weakens the effect of the pressing pressure in this process. An ion diffusion-catalytic mechanism is proposed to describe the observed effects during the reduction of iron oxide of technogenic origin.
Recovery of Gallium from Smartphones—Part II: Oxidative Alkaline Pressure Leaching of Gallium from Pyrolysis Residue
Authors: Flerus Benedikt , Friedrich Bernd
Published: November 2020

In this article, we examine the selective hydrometallurgical extraction of gallium from pyrolyzed smartphones. Gallium-enriched pyrolysis residue originating from pyrolyzed smartphones was leached using NaOH and gaseous oxygen at elevated temperatures and pressures. The high content of organic carbon in the material strongly influenced the leaching performance. Oxygen, which is indispensable for the dissolution of gallium, also oxidized the organic carbon in the feed so that CO2 was released, which had a neutralizing effect on the alkaline solution. As a result, the CO2 formation complicated the accurate process control as the leaching temperature increased. The highest gallium yield of 82% was obtained at 180 °C, 5 g/L NaOH and 5 bar oxygen pressure. Decreased temperatures, NaOH concentrations and oxygen pressures resulted in lower leaching yields but with a higher selectivity for Ga. Temperatures higher than 180 °C resulted in extensive carbon oxidation, NaOH consumption and the coextraction of Cu and Ag. We propose that those conditions also facilitated the formation of water-soluble organic compounds, which would also influence the metal dissolution.
Prediction of Equilibrium Phase, Stability and Stress-Strain Properties in Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Al High Entropy Alloys Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Filipoiu Nicolae , Nemnes George Alexandru
Published: November 2020

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are still a largely unexplored class of materials with high potential for applications in various fields. Motivated by the huge number of compounds in a given HEA class, we develop machine learning techniques, in particular artificial neural networks, coupled to ab initio calculations, in order to accurately predict some basic HEA properties: equilibrium phase, cohesive energies, density of states at the Fermi level and the stress-strain relation, under conditions of isotropic deformations. Known for its high tensile ductility and fracture toughness, the Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Al alloy has been considered as a test candidate material, particularly by adjusting the Al content. However, further enhancement of the microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties is possible by modifying also the fractions of the base alloy. Using deep neural networks, we map structural and chemical neighborhood information onto the quantities of interest. This approach offers the possibility for an efficient screening over a huge number of potential candidates, which is essential in the exploration of multi-dimensional compositional spaces.
Metabolic Profiling of Hybrids Generated from Pummelo and Citrus latipes in Relation to Their Attraction to Diaphorina citri, the Vector of Huanglongbing
Authors: Killiny Nabil , Jones Shelley E. , Hijaz Faraj , Kishk Abdelaziz , Santos-Ortega Yulica , Nehela Yasser , Omar Ahmad A. , Yu Qibin , Gmitter Fred G. , Grosser Jude W. , Dutt Manjul
Published: November 2020

The citrus industry at present is severely affected by huanglongbing disease (HLB). HLB is caused by the supposed bacterial pathogen “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” and is transmitted by the insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. Developing new citrus hybrids to improve HLB management is much needed. In this study, we investigated the metabolomic profiles of three new hybrids produced from the cross of C2-5-12 Pummelo (Citrus maxima (L.) Osbeck) × pollen from Citrus latipes. The hybrids were selected based on leaf morphology and seedling vigor. The selected hybrids exhibited compact and upright tree architecture as seen in C. latipes. Hybrids were verified by simple sequence repeat markers, and were subjected to metabolomic analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polar metabolites profiling also showed that the new hybrids were different from their parents. Interestingly, the levels of stored VOCs in hybrid II were higher than those observed in its parents and other hybrids. The level of most VOCs released by hybrid II was also higher than that released from its parents. Additionally, the preference assay showed that hybrid II was more attractive to D. citri than its parents and other hybrids. The leaf morphology, compact and upright architecture of hybrid II, and its attraction to D. citri suggest that it could be used as a windbreak and trap tree for D. citri (double duty), once its tolerance to HLB disease is confirmed. Our results showed that metabolomic analysis could be successfully used to understand the biochemical mechanisms controlling the interaction of D. citri with its host plants.
The Effect of Chrysin-Loaded Phytosomes on Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice
Authors: Kim Seong-min , Imm Jee-Young
Published: November 2020

Although a variety of beneficial health effects of natural flavonoids, including chrysin, has been suggested, poor solubility and bioavailability limit their practical use. As a promising delivery system, chrysin-loaded phytosomes (CPs) were prepared using egg phospholipid (EPL) at a 1:3 molar ratio and its antidiabetic effects were assessed in db/db diabetic mice. Male C57BLKS/J-db/db mice were fed a normal diet (control), chrysin diet (100 mg chrysin/kg), CP diet (100 mg chrysin equivalent/kg), metformin diet (200 mg/kg) or EPL diet (vehicle, the same amount of EPL used for CP preparation) for 9 weeks. Administration of CP significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in db/db mice compared with the control. An oral glucose tolerance test and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance were significantly improved in the CP group (p < 0.05). CP treatment suppressed gluconeogenesis via downregulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase while it promoted glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle and liver of db/db mice (p < 0.05). The CP-mediated improved glucose utilization in the muscle was confirmed by upregulation of glucose transporter type 4, hexokinase2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ during treatment (p < 0.05). The CP-induced promotion of GLUT4 plasma translocation was confirmed in the skeletal muscle of db/db mice (p < 0.05). Based on the results, CP showed greater antidiabetic performance compared to the control by ameliorating insulin resistance in db/db mice and phytosome can be used as an effective antidiabetic agent.
CeO2 Nanomaterials from Diesel Engine Exhaust Induce DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress in Human and Rat Sperm In Vitro
Authors: Cotena Martina , Auffan Mélanie , Robert Stéphane , Tassistro Virginie , Resseguier Noémie , Rose Jérôme , Perrin Jeanne
Published: November 2020

Cerium dioxide nanomaterials (CeO2 NMs) are widely used in nano-based diesel additives to decrease the emission of toxic compounds, but they have been shown to increase the emission of ultrafine particles as well as the amount of released Ce. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development included CeO2 NMs in the priority list of nanomaterials that require urgent evaluation, and the potential hazard of aged CeO2 NM exposure remains unexplored. Herein, human and rat sperm cells were exposed in vitro to a CeO2 NM-based diesel additive (called EnviroxTM), burned at 850 °C to mimic its release after combustion in a diesel engine. We demonstrated significant DNA damage after in vitro exposure to the lowest tested concentration (1 µg·L−1) using the alkaline comet assay (ACA). We also showed a significant increase in oxidative stress in human sperm after in vitro exposure to 1 µg·L−1 aged CeO2 NMs evaluated by the H2DCF-DA probe. Electron microscopy showed no internalization of aged CeO2 NMs in human sperm but an affinity for the head plasma membrane. The results obtained in this study provide some insight on the complex cellular mechanisms by which aged CeO2 NMs could exert in vitro biological effects on human spermatozoa and generate ROS.
Mobilization of Iron Stored in Bacterioferritin Is Required for Metabolic Homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Punchi Hewage Achala N. D. , Fontenot Leo , Guidry Jessie , Weldeghiorghis Thomas , Mehta Anil K. , Donnarumma Fabrizio , Rivera Mario
Published: November 2020

Iron homeostasis offers a significant bacterial vulnerability because pathogens obtain essential iron from their mammalian hosts, but host-defenses maintain vanishingly low levels of free iron. Although pathogens have evolved mechanisms to procure host-iron, these depend on well-regulated iron homeostasis. To disrupt iron homeostasis, our work has targeted iron mobilization from the iron storage protein bacterioferritin (BfrB) by blocking a required interaction with its cognate ferredoxin partner (Bfd). The blockade of the BfrB–Bfd complex by deletion of the bfd gene (Δbfd) causes iron to irreversibly accumulate in BfrB. In this study we used mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy to compare the proteomic response and the levels of key intracellular metabolites between wild type (wt) and isogenic ΔbfdP. aeruginosa strains. We find that the irreversible accumulation of unusable iron in BfrB leads to acute intracellular iron limitation, even if the culture media is iron-sufficient. Importantly, the iron limitation and concomitant iron metabolism dysregulation trigger a cascade of events that lead to broader metabolic homeostasis disruption, which includes sulfur limitation, phenazine-mediated oxidative stress, suboptimal amino acid synthesis and altered carbon metabolism.
Multiple Introductions and Predominance of Rotavirus Group A Genotype G3P[8] in Kilifi, Coastal Kenya, 4 Years after Nationwide Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Mwanga Mike J. , Verani Jennifer R. , Omore Richard , Tate Jacqueline E. , Parashar Umesh D. , Murunga Nickson , Gicheru Elijah , Breiman Robert F. , Nokes D. James , Agoti Charles N.
Published: November 2020

Globally, rotavirus group A (RVA) remains a major cause of severe childhood diarrhea, despite the use of vaccines in more than 100 countries. RVA sequencing for local outbreaks facilitates investigation into strain composition, origins, spread, and vaccine failure. In 2018, we collected 248 stool samples from children aged less than 13 years admitted with diarrheal illness to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya. Antigen screening detected RVA in 55 samples (22.2%). Of these, VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) segments were successfully sequenced in 48 (87.3%) and phylogenetic analysis based on the VP7 sequences identified seven genetic clusters with six different GP combinations: G3P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4], G2P[8], G9P[8] and G12P[8]. The G3P[8] strains predominated the season (n = 37, 67.2%) and comprised three distinct G3 genetic clusters that fell within Lineage I and IX (the latter also known as equine-like G3 Lineage). Both the two G3 lineages have been recently detected in several countries. Our study is the first to document African children infected with G3 Lineage IX. These data highlight the global nature of RVA transmission and the importance of increasing global rotavirus vaccine coverage.
Tandem Mass-Remainder Analysis of Industrially Important Polyether Polyols
Authors: Hashimov Mahir , Kuki Ákos , Nagy Tibor , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor
Published: November 2020

The characteristics of the polyalkylene oxide polyether polyols highly influence the properties of final polyurethane products. As a novel approach, in order to gain structural information, the recently invented data mining procedures, namely the Mass-remainder analysis (MARA) and the Multistep Mass-remainder analysis (M-MARA) are successfully applied for the processing of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data of various industrially important polyether polyols. M-MARA yields an ultra-simplified graphical representation of the MS/MS spectra and sorts the product ions based on their double bond equivalent (DBE) values. The maximum DBE values unambiguously differentiate among the various polyether polyols. Accordingly, the characteristic DBE values were 0, 1 for the linear diol polyethers, 0, 1, 2 for the three-arm, and 0, 1 2, 3, 4 for the six-arm polyether polyols. In addition, it was also found that the characteristic collision energy necessary for the optimum fragmentation yield depended linearly on the molecular weight of the polyols. This relationship offers an easy way for instrument tuning to gain structural information.
Numerical Study of Using FRP and Steel Rebars in Simply Supported Prestressed Concrete Beams with External FRP Tendons
Authors: Pang Miao , Li Zhangxiang , Lou Tiejiong
Published: November 2020

This study aimed at examining the feasibility of using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars instead of steel ones in prestressed concrete beams (PCBs) with external FRP tendons. By applying an experimentally validated program, numerical tests were performed on simply supported PCBs, with investigated variables including rebars’ type and area. Three types of rebars were considered, i.e., carbon, glass FRPs (CFRP, GFRP), and reinforcing steel. The ratio of tensile rebars ranged from 0.22% to 2.16%. The results indicated that the beams with CFRP rebars exhibited better crack mode and higher ultimate load than the beams with GFRP or steel rebars. GFRP rebars led to considerably higher ultimate deflection and tendon stress increment than steel rebars. In addition, several models for calculating the ultimate stress in unbonded tendons were assessed. An analytical model was also proposed to predict the tendon stress at ultimate and flexural strength in externally PCBs with steel and FRP rebars. The model predictions agreed well with the numerical results.
Migrant Buddhists and Korean “Multiculturalism”—A Brief Survey of the Issues Surrounding Support for South Korea’s Immigrant Buddhist Communities
Authors: Kim Kyungrae , Park Cheonghwan
Published: November 2020

The three largest Korean religious organizations have worked to provide material, educational, medical, and social support to the various growing migrant communities. Among them, the Catholic community has been the most organized, sustained, and effective in its support of migrants by systematically providing for the legal, material, educational, and medical needs of various immigrant communities while advocating for their rights. Although lacking the centralized authority and organization of the Catholics, since the 1990s, Korea’s Protestants have also been active in supporting their country’s growing immigrant communities, which Evangelical churches also view as fertile grounds for proselytizing. The Korean Buddhist community, in comparison, has been slower to engage with Korea’s immigrants and has provided considerably fewer support services. In 2008, the Jogye Order organized the Maha Association for Supporting Immigrants to coordinate individual and localized Buddhist migrant support services at a national level. This article examines the Buddhist reactions to the increase in South Korean immigration over recent decades, with a focus on immigrant-support efforts supported by the Jogye Order for migrant Buddhist communities.
Rainmakers for the Cosmopolitan Empire: A Historical and Religious Study of 18th Century Tibetan Rainmaking Rituals in the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Kim Hanung
Published: November 2020

Although Tibetan rainmaking rituals speak of important aspects of both history and religion, scholars thus far have paid only biased attention to the rituals and performative aspects rather than the abundant textual materials available. To address that issue, this article analyzes a single textual manual on Tibetan rainmaking rituals to learn the significance of rainmaking in late Imperial Chinese history. The article begins with a historical overview of the importance of Tibetan rainmaking activities for the polities of China proper and clearly demonstrates the potential for studying these ritual activities using textual analysis. Then it focuses on one Tibetan rainmaking manual from the 18th century and its author, Sumpa Khenpo, to illustrate that potential. In addition to the author’s autobiographical accounts of the prominence of weather rituals in the Inner Asian territory of Qing China, a detailed outline of Sumpa Khenpo’s rainmaking manual indicates that the developmental aspects of popular weather rituals closely agreed with the successful dissemination of Tibetan Buddhism in regions where Tibetan Buddhist clerics were active. As an indicator of late Imperial Chinese history, this function of Tibetan rainmaking rituals is a good barometer of the successful operation of a cosmopolitan empire, a facilitator of which was Tibetan Buddhism, in the 18th century during the High Qing era.