bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictions of radiation pattern and in–out asymmetries in the DEMO scrape-off layer using fluid neutrals
Authors: Aho-Mantila L. , Subba F. , Bernert M. , Coster D.P. , Wiesen S. , Wischmeier M. , Bonnin X. , Brezinsek S. , David P. , Militello F. , The ASDEX Upgrade Team  , The EUROfusion MST1 Team
Published: January 2022

Strongly radiating and detached high-power discharges in present-day full-metal tokamaks have a characteristic radiation pattern involving condensation of radiation near the X-point, with significant radiative losses above the X-point. In contrast, Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO) divertor exhaust scoping studies using reduced physics models, including a fluid description for the neutrals, place the strongest radiation fronts in the divertor legs, near the separatrix. The present contribution studies sensitivity of the radiation pattern corresponding to maximal divertor impurity radiation to those physics models that are typically neglected in the simulations due to their computational expense: cross-field drifts, complex impurity models and kinetic neutrals. Model benchmarking is carried out in comparison to L-mode discharges, which are shown to feature both divertor and X-point radiation. The simulated plasma conditions with maximal divertor radiation have in–out asymmetries in the divertor legs and at the divertor entrance, and the asymmetries and the radiation patterns are observed to be sensitive to both cross-field drift effects and the neutral model. DEMO simulations, carried out using SOLPS-ITER, show an impact of cross-field drifts on the divertor asymmetries, but the impact is not large enough to move the radiation front from the divertor legs to regions above the X-point.
Bottled water quality and associated health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 years of published data from China
Authors: Cohen Alasdair , Cui Jingyi , Song Qingyang , Xia Qiwen , Huang Jiexuan , Yan Xinjia , Guo Yalu , Sun Yixin , Colford John M , Ray Isha
Published: January 2022

Bottled water is a rapidly growing yet relatively understudied source of drinking water globally. In addition to concerns about the safety of bottled water, the adverse environmental health and social impacts associated with bottled water production, distribution, consumption, and reliance are considerable. Our objective was to comprehensively review, analyze, and synthesize ∼20 years of publicly available data on bottled water quality and associated health outcomes in China. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of publicly available studies of bottled water quality and associated health outcomes in China published between 1995 and early 2016 (in Chinese and English). We pre-specified and registered our study protocol, independently replicated key analyses, and followed standardized reporting guidelines. Our search identified 7059 potentially eligible records. Following screening, after full-text review of 476 publications, 216 (reporting results from 625 studies) met our eligibility criteria. Among many findings, 93.7% (SD = 10.1) of 24 585 samples tested for total coliforms (n = 241 studies), and 92.6% (SD = 12.7) of 7261 samples tested for nitrites (n = 85 studies), were in compliance with China’s relevant bottled water standards. Of the studies reporting concentration data for lead (n = 8), arsenic (n = 5), cadmium (n = 3), and mercury (n = 3), median concentrations were within China’s standards for all but one study of cadmium. Only nine publications reported health outcome data, eight of which were outbreak investigations. Overall, we observed evidence of stable or increasing trends in the proportions of samples in compliance over the ∼20 year period; after controlling for other variables via meta-regression, the association was significant for microbiological but not chemical outcomes (p = 0.017 and p = 0.115, respectively). Bottled water is typically marketed as being safe, yet in most countries it is less well-regulated than utility-supplied drinking water. Given the trend of increasing bottled water use in China and globally—and the associated environmental health impacts—we hope this work will help to inform policies and regulations for improving bottled water safety, while further highlighting the need for substantially expanding the provision of safe and affordable utility-supplied drinking water globally.
Application of microbiological fertilizers in barley cultivation technology
Authors: Koryagin Yu V , Kulikova E G , Koryagina N V , Trishina V A
Published: January 2022

The current research was aimed at assessing the yield and grain quality of spring barley inoculated during sowing with microbiological fertilizers “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” on leached chernozem in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region at a dose of 2 l/t. These microbiological fertilizers “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” used for seed inoculation had practically no effect on field germination and safety of spring barley. With the pre-sowing treatment of Azotovit seeds, the sparseness of crops averaged 11.1%, with the treatment of Phosphatovit seeds - 9.5%, and with the treatment of both Azotovit and Phosphatovit seeds amounted to 7.4% at 15.7% on control. The use of the fertilizers led to an increase in the productivity of spring barley seeds up to 3.25 t/ha. The highest grain yield was obtained with the combined use of “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit”, where the yield was higher than in the control by 0.36 t/ha (12.3%). The number of seeds per 1 crop and the mass of seeds per 1 crop, with the combined use of “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit”, on average over two years of research increased by 2.8 pcs and 0.108 g, relatively, compared with the control group. Grain quality indicators have improved. Treatment of seeds of spring barley before sowing with micronutrient fertilizers increased the weight of 1000 grains by 3.5 g in comparison with the control group; increased the grain size by 2.7-13.1 g/l. The smallest increase in the grain productivity was observed in the case with seed treatment before sowing “Azotovit” and “Phosphatovit” by 2.7 g/l and 3.9 g/l, relatively, and the greatest increase in the grain productivity was obtained in the case with the combined use of both fertilizers by 13.1 g/l. This indicates a positive effect from the use of microbiological fertilizers in the barley cultivation technology.
Miscanthus giganteus in the Middle Volga region: opportunities and prospects
Authors: Gushchina V A , Volodkin A A , Ostroborodova N I , Lykova A S
Published: January 2022

The main raw material for the production of cellulose is wood, which is also used as fuel, but it takes at least 80 years to regenerate forests. Therefore, it became necessary to find other possible sources of energy and cellulose. Miscanthus giganteus could become a possible and efficient renewable raw material. It also could replace forest crops in several ways. In this regard, in the Middle Volga region, which belongs to the zone of unstable moisture, the current research has been carried out since 2013 on the application of Miscanthus giganteus in light gray soil. Well-formed plants in the year the sowing with sufficient moisture provided the yield of the aboveground mass of 14 t/ha, in the second year it increased 2 times, in the third, despite the arid conditions, it reached 36 t/ha. The next two years were the most productive, when, with sufficient moisture, it was received 40 and 41 t/ha. In the severely arid years 2018 and 2019, it decreased by 9 and 11 t/ha, respectively, in relation to the fifth year of growing. The growing season of the last two years was favorable, but precipitation fell earlier or later than the critical phases of Miscanthus giganteus growing, which led to a decrease in yield to 25 t/ha. On average, per year, starting from the second year of growing, it could form 32 t/ha of energy biomass, which in terms of cellulose content, depending on the age of plants, is equal to wood (48.10-59.81%), and in terms of calorific value, raw materials correspond to the European standards.
Effect of liming and fertilisation systems on the physico-chemical properties of leached chernozem (black soil)
Authors: Zheryakov E V , Zheryakova Y I , Breducheva E S
Published: January 2022

Long-term agricultural use of chernozems (black soils) leads to a decline in their effective fertility. The depletion of the arable and subsoil horizons in calcium can occur under the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors. The strongest anthropogenic impact on physico-chemical properties is caused by varying levels of fertilizer application. Average annual rate of pHkcl decrease on unfertilized variant was 0.008-0.01 units per year. At the same time in the grain-fallow crop rotation the decrease of pHkcl is more intensive than in the grain-grass crop rotation. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers the growth rate of acidity increased by 1.8-2.1 times. After 12 years after application of organic fertilizers the value of acidity increased by 0.13-0.15 units after carrying out the experiment with pHkcl in comparison with initial values. The application of dolomite flour contributed to the increase of pHkcl by 0.41-0.53 units as early as one year after application of the ameliorant, the maximum shift was observed on the 4th-5th years. The application of organic and mineral fertilizers contributed to the trend of increasing the content of available phosphorus in the soil, compared with the unfertilized variant in both crop rotations. The content of mobile forms of phosphorus increased in the variants where green manure crops were sown. The application of manure and mineral fertilizers had no significant effect on the content of potassium in the soil. When using organo-mineral fertilizer system, as well as its combination with crop-sideration, there was a tendency of some increase in potassium content in the arable layer. The minimum additional yield was obtained for all crops with the application of 8 tonnes of manure per hectare of crop rotation land, and the maximum was obtained with the organo-mineral fertilisation system and its combination with crop-sideration. Liming increased the productivity of all crops.
Vegetable crop breeding for increased antioxidant content is a promising direction for healthy food production
Authors: Pivovarov V F , Soldatenko A V , Pishnaya O N
Published: January 2022

The article presents the directions and results of breeding work of FSBSI Federal Scientific Centre for Vegetable Growing for improved biochemical composition of vegetable crops. The gene pool of traditional and rare vegetable crops is evaluated by their antioxidant properties, the best samples with high content of dry matter, sugars, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, macro- and microelements are selected as the starting material for further breeding for improved biochemical composition. Especially valuable in this direction are cabbages, onions, pumpkins, nightshades, root crops, greens and low-spreading crops. It is shown that in recent years there has been considerable interest in the food use of seedlings of various vegetable crops. Scientists and breeders are increasingly turning to wild species as sources of new material to expand the genetic basis of crops to enhance their antioxidant status, adaptive potential and resistance to biotic stresses, such crops include chervil, ornamental onions, spicy-flavored crops and others. It is shown that breeding vegetable crops for improving the biochemical composition of fruits has great prospects, since the introduction into production of varieties and hybrids with high antioxidant status will increase their food and medicinal value without additional costs of irreplaceable energy sources and will serve as the basis for creating functional products. Functional foods should be obligatory on the market alongside traditional foods, as they can complement traditional ones by acting as a kind of medicinal or preventive remedy.
Seed productivity of festulolium (× Festulolium F. Ashers. EtGraebn.) of the Emerald variety in the forest-steppe conditions of the Middle Volga region
Authors: Galiullin A A , Kalinichev E A , Ilyina G V
Published: January 2022

The current research deals with the effect of exogenous seed treatment of festulolium plants with the Emerald festolulolium variety. The results allow to conclude that Megamix-Profi at a dose of 2 l/t of seeds increases the photosynthetic activity of festulolium plants, improves the structure of the yields, and increases yields in quantity and quality by an average of 149 kg/ha, which is 18.5% higher than in the control. Moreover, the examined crops obtained the greatest indicators of adaptability and stability to cultivation conditions.
A direct methodology for the calibration of ductile damage models from a simple multiaxial test
Authors: Cortis Gabriele , Nalli Filippo , Piacenti Marcello
Published: January 2022

In the present work a straightforward calibration procedure of ductile damage models is proposed. The direct methodology involves the use of a simple multiaxial specimen, to be tested with a universal testing machine, capable to reproduce different stress states in the material. The specimen geometry was the one proposed by Driemeier et al. [1]. In addition, a numerical-analytical procedure was devised for the identification of material strains to fracture and corresponding stress states, directly from experimental tests. This allowed to overcome the use of Finite Element Analysis and inverse methods usually adopted to retrieve the local parameters representative of the material ductility.
On the statistical nature of fatigue crack-growth through Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data
Authors: Giannella V.
Published: January 2022

Understanding factors that contribute to scatter in crack-growth rates data is fundamental to reduce risk of unexpected structural failures. This document discusses the statistical nature of material scattering observed in fatigue crack propagation tests through a comparison between Monte Carlo simulations and experimental test data. The case study consists of constant amplitude tests on central cracked 2024-T3 aluminium alloy plate specimens loaded in pure Mode-I with stress ratio R equals to 0.2. It was found that results of simulations matched the experimental fatigue lives in terms of both mean value and dispersion around it. Based on these outcomes, the crack-growth behaviour can be described in a statistical manner with the expectation to reduce the inaccuracy present in life predictions.
Implementation of the Peak Stress Method for the automated FEM-assisted design of welded joints subjected to constant amplitude multiaxial fatigue loads
Authors: Visentin A , Campagnolo A , Sacchet F , Meneghetti G
Published: January 2022

The Peak Stress Method (PSM) is a local approach to the fatigue strength assessment of welded structures. Starting from FE-calculated opening, in-plane shear and out-of-plane shear peak stresses at the weld toe and weld root, the PSM defines an equivalent peak stress for estimating the fatigue failure location and fatigue life of welded structures, in compliance with properly defined design curves. An interactive tool has been developed in Ansys® Mechanical to automate all calculation tasks required to apply the PSM to generic welded structures. The developed application allows to identify and analyse all weld toe and weld root lines of the structure in a full-automated way, performing fatigue life estimation on each analysed node. Finally, fatigue life results can be visualized directly on the model’s geometry through dedicated contour plots. In this work, some joint geometries taken from the literature and related to steel welded joints subjected to multiaxial fatigue loads are re-analysed taking advantage of two design procedures: (i) manual application of the PSM, (ii) automated implementation of the PSM. Taking advantage of the tool developed in Ansys®, a remarkable reduction in analysis time and effort can be achieved, with respect to manual PSM analyses.
A semi-analytical method for the calculation of double-ellipsoidal heat source parameters in welding simulation
Authors: Trupiano S , Belardi V G , Fanelli P , Gaetani L , Vivio F
Published: January 2022

Structural integrity assessment of welded components requires the determination of residual stress and deformations induced by the welding process. The implementation of both a numerical static mechanical analysis and a thermal transient analysis is needed in order to accurately determine stress and strain fields. The most faithful representation of the heat flow provided by the welding torch in thermal simulations is realized with Goldak’s double ellipsoid, especially in case of MIG/MAG and combined TIG-MIG/MAG welding. The correct determination of the temperature trends during the welding process simulation is essential for the subsequent mechanical FEA. In order to obtain the above-mentioned temperature trends, some parameters must be determined ex ante, e.g., the geometrical characteristics of Goldak’s double ellipsoid. Generally, a large number of trial simulations must be performed in order to define these parameters. However, manual fitting is often complicated. To overcome such difficulties, in this work, it is reported a combined analytical and numerical method to determine the parameters using the genetic algorithm NSGA-II. First-attempt parameters are obtained through the solution of the Fachinotti’s analytical formulation. This first stage requires a restricted set of experimental data, such as weld pool extension and one temperature trend in the proximity of the seam. Afterwards, first-attempt parameters and experimental data are used to determine the final parameters by means of a set of numerical thermal simulations guided through the genetic algorithm optimization. To confirm the good-functioning of the method, a numerical analysis for the simulation of the experimental data and another FE simulation performed with the final results of the method are presented.
Discrete model for 3D motion of helical springs
Authors: De Crescenzo F , Salvini P
Published: January 2022

Large displacements of coiled springs are affected by both contact between coils and geometric non-linearities. The two phenomena also interact with each other and the only technology that efficiently accounts for both is Finite Elements Method (FEM). Such analysis can become very expensive, especially when a great number of elements and contacts are involved, as it is often the case. A discrete 3D model for fast and efficient simulation of non-linear springs is presented. The discrete model is based on equivalent beam theory and each node is associated with a contact region placed on the helix. Thus contact is accounted on its real occurrence and fast non-linear solution procedure is implemented. A study case is presented and comparison with FEM is discussed.
Assessment of the deformation behavior of a tensegrity floor through photogrammetry
Authors: Chiappini G , Coccia M , Rossi M , Marchione F , Munafò P , Scoccia C , Luca C
Published: January 2022

Tensegrity structures are interesting elements that can be used to create innovative building components. In this work, the deformation behavior of a new type of tensegrity floor (patent n. 0001426973) was investigated through image analysis and photogrammetry, using stereoscopic algorithms. The main innovation of the proposed tensegrity floor is the structural cooperation between glass tiles and steel components, obtained using suitable adhesive joints. In order to evaluate the deformation of the floor under different loading conditions a non-contact measurement system was developed and validated on a scale prototype of the floor. The used method is a stereoscopic optical technique based on the grid method, the validation was performed comparing the measured displacement with the one measured in the same floor with linear displacement sensors. The stereoscopic images were processed with Matlab®, furthermore, a combination of interpolation algorithms were employed to generate the full-field map of the displacement. Two configurations of the floor (with and without the adhesive joints) and three loading conditions were investigated. The analysis demonstrates that the adhesive joints produce a reduction of the overall deflection of the floor of about 60%, falling within the admissible values established by Italian building code. The measurement system is reasonably accurate and can be used in future applications where linear transducers cannot be installed.
Dynamic behaviour of a battery pack for agricultural applications
Authors: Mocera F , Martelli S , Costamagna M
Published: January 2022

Fight and contrast against climate change and global warming can be considered the most important challenge for the next decades. One of the most involved sectors is the one related to the carriage of passengers and goods, and, recently, also the work vehicles too. The agricultural machines and tractors are no exception to this. Indeed, agricultural industry is the second contributor in terms of pollutant emissions. So, research about agricultural machinery is focusing itself about the development of more sustainable propulsion systems such as hybrid or full-electric solutions. One of the most important components of a hybrid or full electric vehicle is the battery pack. The lack of adequate vibration isolation is the main cause of battery pack failure during operation. In the field of the agricultural vehicles, since the maximum speed is quite low and the weight of the various subsystems are high, combined with heavy working cycles, the dynamic analysis of the battery pack focuses on its low frequency behaviour. In this context, this paper focuses the attention on the dynamic behaviour of a battery pack, thought for a plug-in hybrid electric orchard tractor, through simulations obtained taking advantage of FEM and multibody software. In particular, it will be illustrated the dynamic behaviour of the battery pack while the tractor is moving on a bumpy road and when the tractor chassis is subjected to an impulsive load.
Active thermography technique for barrier coatings characterization
Authors: Curà F , Sesana R , Corsaro L , Mantoan R
Published: January 2022

Aim of this paper is to define and set up an experimental procedure, based on active thermography, for the characterization of thermal barrier coatings for industrial applications, above all in aerospace field. The developed procedure is intended to be a fast and reliable method, alternative to the consolidated one described in International Standards as ISO18755 and ISO18555. In particular, this approach consists of a pulsed active thermography, in transmission configuration, obtained by means of a laser excitation. Temperature data processing, according to and adapting Standard procedures, allowed us to determine thermal parameters as conductivity and diffusivity. Obtained results were compared in terms of thermal properties variation with respect to base and coated materials, and in term of different coating procedures. These results were also compared to those available in literature.
Evaluation of the thermomechanical Shape memory polymers in equi-biaxial condition by hydraulic bulge test
Authors: Coccia M , Farotti E , Lattanzi A
Published: January 2022

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are materials capable of changing their primary shape to a secondary shape thanks to the so called Shape Memory Effect (SME) phenomenon. The shape-shifting is achieved through the action of an external stimulus, such as heat, electricity, pH, etc. In this paper, experiments on a thermally actuated thin film of a Shape Memory Thermoplastic Polyurethane (SMPU) were performed to calibrate the parameters of a constitutive model which accounts the rubbery/glassy phase transition mechanism behind the shape memory behaviour. In particular, thermomechanical uniaxial tensile tests have been carried out in order to the Young modulus and Poisson’s ratio above/under glass transition temperature and the fixity/recovery ratio. Additionally, the hydraulic bulge test (HBT) in a thermally controlled loading/unloading cycle was used to study the behaviour of the SME at large strains under equi-biaxial stress state. The corresponding outcomes were, therefore, employed to validate the results of the initial calibration by means of a Finite Element (FE) simulation of the HBT.
Adhesion of viscoelastic media: an assessment of a recent JKR-like solution
Authors: Violano G , Orlando G , Demelio G P , Afferrante L
Published: January 2022

Adhesion of soft compliant solids is irreversible and rate-dependent. As a result, two different paths are observed in loading-unloading adhesion experiments because of dissipation occurring in the unloading phase. An effective surface energy is usually introduced to take account of such dissipation.

Here, by exploiting a recent theoretical solution developed to study the detachment of a rigid sphere from a viscoelastic substrate (Violano et al., 2021), two different approaches are considered to calculate the surface energy. The first approach is based on the phenomenological equation derived by Gent & Schultz (A. N. Gent & J. Schultz, 1972), the latter exploits Persson & Brener theory for viscoelastic crack propagation (B. N. J. Persson & E. A. Brener, 2005).

In both cases, results are observed to be in good agreement with experimental data taken from the literature.
Analysis of the rider’s body movement during the intervention of the Autonomous Emergency Braking system for Motorcycles (MAEB)
Authors: Cassese Giovanni , Lucci Cosimo , Savino Giovanni , Baldanzini Niccolò
Published: January 2022

Among the rider assistance systems for powered-two-wheelers (PTWs) that are currently in the developing stage, autonomous emergency braking (identified by the acronym MAEB - Motorcycle Autonomous Emergency Braking) was shown to be promising to significantly improve the safety of such vehicles. This system, which is already available on passenger cars and trucks (known as AEB), reduces the vehicle speed in the event of a forthcoming collision. The lack of implementation of AEB on standard motorcycles is due to the characteristic capsize instability of PTWs and their complex dynamics, which is, strongly influenced by the motion of the rider. In a recent field-test campaign within the EU funded project “PIONEERS”, tests were conducted with common riders as participants to evaluate the intervention of MAEB in urban riding scenarios. A combined analysis of the data recorded from the vehicle, data related to the movement of the rider’s body measured through an inertial measurement unit and videos recorded during the test, allowed characterizing the different behaviours of the rider’s body in response to the activation of the automatic braking system in straight riding conditions. The results showed that body movement can be used as an indicator of the riders’ ability to control the vehicle under automatic braking conditions. In addition, in tests conducted with 0.5 g automatic decelerations, riders showed to be able to recover to natural riding position within the timeframe of the automatic braking activation event. This study defined an innovative method for evaluating the response of motorcyclists to the braking intervention and provides insights into the applicability of MAEB on standard vehicles.
Unraveling the complex genetic basis of growth in New Zealand silver trevally (Pseudocaranx georgianus)
Authors: Valenza-Troubat Noemie , Montanari Sara , Ritchie Peter , Wellenreuther Maren
Published: January 2022

Growth directly influences production rate and therefore is one of the most important and well-studied traits in animal breeding. However, understanding the genetic basis of growth has been hindered by its typically complex polygenic architecture. Here, we performed quantitative trait locus mapping and genome-wide association studies for 10 growth traits that were observed over 2 years in 1,100 F1 captive-bred trevally (Pseudocaranx georgianus). We constructed the first high-density linkage map for trevally, which included 19,861 single nucleotide polymorphism markers, and discovered 8 quantitative trait loci for height, length, and weight on linkage groups 3, 14, and 18. Using genome-wide association studies, we further identified 113 single nucleotide polymorphism-trait associations, uncovering 10 genetic hot spots involved in growth. Two of the markers found in the genome-wide association studies colocated with the quantitative trait loci previously mentioned, demonstrating that combining quantitative trait locus mapping and genome-wide association studies represents a powerful approach for the identification and validation of loci controlling complex traits. This is the first study of its kind for trevally. Our findings provide important insights into the genetic architecture of growth in this species and supply a basis for fine mapping quantitative trait loci, genomic selection, and further detailed functional analysis of the genes underlying growth in trevally.
Heterogeneity in effective size across the genome: effects on the inverse instantaneous coalescence rate (IICR) and implications for demographic inference under linked selection
Authors: Boitard Simon , Arredondo Armando , Chikhi Lounès , Mazet Olivier
Published: January 2022

The relative contribution of selection and neutrality in shaping species genetic diversity is one of the most central and controversial questions in evolutionary theory. Genomic data provide growing evidence that linked selection, i.e. the modification of genetic diversity at neutral sites through linkage with selected sites, might be pervasive over the genome. Several studies proposed that linked selection could be modeled as first approximation by a local reduction (e.g. purifying selection, selective sweeps) or increase (e.g. balancing selection) of effective population size (Ne). At the genome-wide scale, this leads to variations of Ne from one region to another, reflecting the heterogeneity of selective constraints and recombination rates between regions. We investigate here the consequences of such genomic variations of Ne on the genome-wide distribution of coalescence times. The underlying motivation concerns the impact of linked selection on demographic inference, because the distribution of coalescence times is at the heart of several important demographic inference approaches. Using the concept of inverse instantaneous coalescence rate, we demonstrate that in a panmictic population, linked selection always results in a spurious apparent decrease of Ne along time. Balancing selection has a particularly large effect, even when it concerns a very small part of the genome. We also study more general models including genuine population size changes, population structure or transient selection and find that the effect of linked selection can be significantly reduced by that of population structure. The models and conclusions presented here are also relevant to the study of other biological processes generating apparent variations of Ne along the genome.
Small RNA populations reflect the complex dialogue established between heterograft partners in grapevine
Authors: Rubio Bernadette , Stammitti Linda , Cookson Sarah Jane , Teyssier Emeline , Gallusci Philippe
Published: January 2022

Grafting is an ancient method that has been intensively used for the clonal propagation of vegetables and woody trees. Despite its importance in agriculture the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic changes of plants following grafting are still poorly understood. In the present study, we analyse the populations of small RNAs in homo and heterografts and take advantage of the sequence differences in the genomes of heterograft partners to analyse the possible exchange of small RNAs. We demonstrate that the type of grafting per se dramatically influences the small RNA populations independently of genotypes but also show genotype specific effects. In addition, we demonstrate that bilateral exchanges of small RNAs, mainly short interfering RNAs, may occur in heterograft with the preferential transfer of small RNAs from the scion to the rootstock. Altogether, the results suggest that small RNAs may have an important role in the phenotype modifications observed in heterografts.
Intrapuparial Development and Age Estimation of Calliphora grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for Postmortem Interval Estimation
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Hou Yiding , Wang Man , Wang Yu , Xu Wang , Zhang Yanan , Wang Jiangfeng
Published: January 2022

Calliphora grahami (Aldrich, 1930) (Diptera: calliphoridae) is a forensically important blow fly that is widely distributed across Asia, North America, Russia, and Mexico. Calliphora grahami is frequently found on corpses during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. It is among the early colonizers of cadavers during the cold season, and sometimes, the only necrophagous blow fly on cadavers. Therefore, this species is of forensic significance, although very few studies have explored the application of its intrapuparial age for PMI estimation. This study aimed to examine the intrapuparial development of C. grahami and establish a method for estimating its intrapuparial age. Herein, the C. grahami puparia were studied under six different temperatures (13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28°C) for the intrapuparial age estimation, and a total of 5776 puparia were sampled. The morphological changes were divided into 11 stages based on the 1) development of legs and wings, 2) differentiation of the head, thorax, and abdomen, 3) growth and color of the bristles, and 4) color changes of the compound eyes. The corresponding time of each stage was determined. Moreover, the observation and classification of individual morphological features, including compound eyes, antennae, mouthparts, thorax, abdomen, legs, and wings was used to improve the precision of intrapuparial age estimation. The findings of this study provide important information on the use of C. grahami intrapuparia to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin).
Kingdom-Wide Analysis of Fungal Protein-Coding and tRNA Genes Reveals Conserved Patterns of Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Wint Rhondene , Salamov Asaf , Grigoriev Igor V
Published: January 2022

Protein-coding genes evolved codon usage bias due to the combined but uneven effects of adaptive and nonadaptive influences. Studies in model fungi agree on codon usage bias as an adaptation for fine-tuning gene expression levels; however, such knowledge is lacking for most other fungi. Our comparative genomics analysis of over 450 species supports codon usage and transfer RNAs (tRNAs) as coadapted for translation speed and this is most likely a realization of convergent evolution. Rather than drift, phylogenetic reconstruction inferred adaptive radiation as the best explanation for the variation of interspecific codon usage bias. Although the phylogenetic signals for individual codon and tRNAs frequencies are lower than expected by genetic drift, we found remarkable conservation of highly expressed genes being codon optimized for translation by the most abundant tRNAs, especially by inosine-modified tRNAs. As an application, we present a sequence-to-expression neural network that uses codons to reliably predict highly expressed transcripts. The kingdom Fungi, with over a million species, includes many key players in various ecosystems and good targets for biotechnology. Collectively, our results have implications for better understanding the evolutionary success of fungi, as well as informing the biosynthetic manipulation of fungal genes.
Neutralizing Antibodies and Cytokines in Breast Milk After Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Narayanaswamy Vignesh , Pentecost Brian T. , Schoen Corina N. , Alfandari Dominique , Schneider Sallie S. , Baker Ryan , Arcaro Kathleen F.
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate immune responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA-based vaccines present in breast milk and transfer of the immune responses to breastfeeding infants.

METHODS:

We enrolled 30 lactating women who received mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines from January through April 2021 in this cohort study. Women provided serial milk samples, including milk expressed before vaccination, across 2–3 weeks after the first dose, and across 3 weeks after the second dose. Women provided their blood, spotted on cards (dried blood spots), 19 days after the first dose and 21 days after the second dose. Stool samples from the breastfed infants were collected 21 days after mothers' second vaccination. Prepandemic samples of milk, dried blood spots, and infant stool were used as controls. Milk, dried blood spots, and infant stool were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for receptor-binding domain (RBD)–specific immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG. Milk samples were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies against the spike and four variants of concern: D614G, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Gamma (P.1). Levels of 10 cytokines were measured in milk samples.

RESULTS:

Milk from COVID-19-immunized women neutralized the spike and four variants of concern, primarily driven by anti-RBD IgG. The immune response in milk also included significant elevation of interferon-γ. The immune response to maternal vaccination was reflected in breastfed infants: anti-RBD IgG and anti-RBD IgA were detected in 33% and 30% of infant stool samples, respectively. Levels of anti-RBD antibodies in infant stool correlated with maternal vaccine side effects. Median antibody levels against RBD were below the positive cutoffs in prepandemic milk and infant stool samples.

CONCLUSION:

Humoral and cellular immune responses to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination are present in most women’s breast milk. The milk anti-RBD antibodies can neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike and variants of concern. Anti-RBD antibodies are transferred to breastfed infants, with the potential to confer passive immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Prognostic Implications of an Autophagy-related Gene Signature in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Wei-Shuai , Feng Yi-Xing , Li Sheng-Nan , Shao Yue-Juan , Wang Kun
Published: January 2022

Background:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose and resistant to therapy and has a poor prognosis. Autophagy plays a vital role in PDAC development and progression. This study aimed to establish an autophagy-related gene (ARG) signature to predict the prognosis of patients with PDAC.

Materials and Methods:

The expression profiles of PDAC and healthy pancreatic tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome of Atlas (TCGA) and GTEx (Genotype-Tissue Expression) databases, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on differentially expressed ARGs to identify the optimal prognosis-related genes.

Results:

A total of 73 ARGs demonstrated significant differences in expression levels between PDAC and healthy pancreatic tissues. Several pathways that play crucial roles in biological processes were identified via enrichment analyses. Furthermore, an ARG signature was established based on overall survival–related ARGs (CASP4, BAK1, PIK3R4, CASP8, BIRC5, RPTOR, and CAPN1) using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Cox regression analysis confirmed that the 7-gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for patients with PDAC (P<0.001). In addition, the GSE21501 and GSE28735 datasets were used to validate the predictive value of the prognostic model for PDAC. We also constructed a clinical nomogram with a concordance index of 0.712 to predict the overall survival of patients by integrating clinical characteristics and the ARG signature. Calibration curves substantiated fine concordance between nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion:

We constructed a new ARG-related prognostic model, which can be a prognostic biomarker and offers insights into identifying potential therapeutic targets for PDAC.
An inspiration to the studies on mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion action derived from 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Authors: Guo Yi , Li Yongming , Xu Tianle , Zhu Michael Xi , Xu Zhifang , Dou Baomin , Li Yanwei , Chen Zhihan
Published: January 2022

The editorial board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine recently convened an academic seminar with a focus on studies regarding the mechanisms mediating acupuncture efficacy and moxibustion action inspired by the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Specifically, Professor Bailong Xiao introduced the Nobel Prize for research on the mechanically activated Piezo ion channel, evaluating the structure of the Piezo channel and its physiological and pathological functions, and proposed a possible role for the Piezo channel in acupuncture mechanical stimulation. Professor Michael Xi Zhu introduced the discovery of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family, reporting that the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine and acupuncture may be achieved via the TRP family, and that information regarding associations between the meridian and lymphatic systems may have important research and medical value. In addition, Professor Tianle Xu reviewed the history of ion channel research, particularly the physiological and pharmacological effects of non-classical ion channels (eg, the acid sensing ion channel family) and pointed out that the characterization and neural circuits of acupuncture deqi manipulation are important for elucidating the mechanisms of acupuncture actions. Professor Yongming Li similarly proposed that the 2021 Nobel Prize may open the door to disclosing the histological basis of acupuncture and moxibustion and analyzing the main scientific concerns regarding the clinical translation of acupuncture and moxibustion from basic to translational research. Finally, Professor Yi Guo summarized the study progress of the acupoint microenvironment induced by acupuncture over the course of nearly 30 years and put forward the hypothesis that acupuncture may initiate the physical-chemical coupling network by activating ion channel receptors in acupoints via physical and mechanical stimulation. Therefore, we conclude that a primary achievement of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is in helping interpret how acupuncture and moxibustion adjust homeostasis (ie, by activating mechanical and thermal sensation), which is conducive to validating and promoting the clinical efficacy of acupuncture modalities.
Upregulated NOTCH Signaling in the Lens of Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Compared With Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Suggests Protective Role
Authors: Pradhan Zia S. , Dixit Shivani , Krishna Lekshmi , Shetty Reshma , Tejwani Sushma , Rao Harsha L. , Shetty Rohit , Webers Carroll A.B. , Das Debashish
Published: January 2022

Précis:

NOTCH signaling is significantly upregulated in the lens capsules of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) but not in those with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) when compared with healthy controls.

Purpose:

NOTCH signaling has neuroprotective functions and altered NOTCH signaling is associated with neurodegenerative diseases with protein aggregation such as Alzheimer disease. As PXG is also a protein aggregate disease associated with neural degeneration, NOTCH molecular expression was explored in the lens capsules of patients with PXF, PXG, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and healthy controls.

Methods:

Anterior lens capsules were collected from 106 patients (27 PXF, 24 PXG, 22 POAG, and 33 controls) undergoing cataract surgery. Gene expression profiling for NOTCH pathway molecules (ligands, receptors, and downstream target genes) was performed on the tissue using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results were confirmed by protein analysis using dot-blot or immunostaining techniques.

Results:

There was no difference in the demographic characteristics between the groups. There was an increase in NOTCH4 receptor expression (>14-fold) in the PXF group as compared with the controls. Similarly, the Delta-like 3 and Delta-like 4 ligands were significantly elevated in the PXF group compared with controls (P<0.05). Downstream targets HES3, HES5, and HEY1 expression were significantly elevated (P<0.005) in PXF lens capsules, confirming a higher activity of NOTCH signaling in this cohort. Immunostaining also corroborated the gene expression profile.

Conclusion:

The finding that NOTCH signaling is significantly upregulated in the lens capsule of eyes with PXF and not in PXG or POAG patients suggests a possible protective role in the development of glaucoma.
Migraine disability, pain catastrophizing, and headache severity are associated with evoked pain and targeted by mind–body therapy
Authors: Krimmel Samuel R. , Keaser Michael L. , Speis Darrah , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A. , Seminowicz David A.
Published: January 2022

Meta-analysis suggests that migraine patients are no more sensitive to experimentally evoked pain than healthy control subjects. At the same time, studies have linked some migraine symptoms to quantitative sensory testing (QST) profiles. Unfortunately, previous studies associating migraine symptoms and QST have important methodological shortcomings, stemming from small sample sizes, and frequent use of univariate statistics for multivariate research questions. In the current study, we seek to address these limitations by using a large sample of episodic migraine patients (n = 103) and a multivariate analysis that associates pain ratings from many thermal intensities simultaneously with 12 clinical measures ranging from headache frequency to sleep abnormalities. We identified a single dimension of association between thermal QST and migraine symptoms that relates to pain ratings for all stimulus intensities and a subset of migraine symptoms relating to disability (Headache Impact Test 6 and Brief Pain Inventory interference), catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and pain severity (average headache pain, Brief Pain Inventory severity, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire 2). Headache frequency, allodynia, affect, and sleep disturbances were unrelated to this dimension. Consistent with previous research, we did not observe any difference in QST ratings between migraine patients and healthy control subjects. Additionally, we found that the linear combination of symptoms related to QST was modified by the mind–body therapy enhanced mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR+). These results suggest that QST has a selective relationship with pain symptoms even in the absence of between-subjects differences between chronic pain patients and healthy control subjects.
Biofilm Alterations on the Stepwise Acquisition of Fluconazole-resistant Candida Albicans Isolates
Authors: Song Na-Na , Qian Guan-Yu , Zheng Hai-Lin , Zhou Xiao-Wei , Mei Huan , Li Dong-Mei , Li Xiao-Fang , Liu Wei-Da
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

By assessing and comparing the phenotypic changes on the stepwise acquisition of fluconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates, we could find and describe the relationship between drug resistance and biofilm formation ability in a series of clonal strains.

Methods:

We performed antifungal susceptibility of five drugs (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B) to further verify the antifungal activity of the six isolates in vitro. Then we combined hyphal formation assay, cell surface hydrophobicity test positively related to adherence ability, and biofilm assays in vitro to observe and compare the phenotypic characteristics of our six clonal strains.

Results:

Biofilm capability is enhanced for four drug- intermediate strains, whereas the initial susceptible strain and the final resistant strain are both poor in adherence, hyphal growth and biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

It was suggested that the biofilm formation ability were not absolutely related to the degree of fluconazole resistance.