bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-Regulated Expression of Pro-Apoptotic Long Noncoding RNA lincRNA-p21 with Enhanced Cell Apoptosis in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Chen Yi-Cheng , Kuo Pin-Yu , Chou Yu-Chi , Chong Hao-Earn , Hsieh Yu-Tung , Yang Mei-Lin , Wu Chao-Liang , Shiau Ai-Li , Wang Chrong-Reen
Published: December 2020

Accelerated cell apoptosis with dysregulated long noncoding RNAs is the crucial pathogenesis in lupus nephritis (LN). Pro-apoptotic lincRNA-p21 was studied in LN patients, cell lines with lentivirus-mediated overexpression and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-conducted repression, and a mouse model. Clinical samples were from patients and age/sex-matched controls. Expression of lincRNA-p21 and endogenous RNA target miR-181a, were examined in mononuclear and urine cells. Guide RNA sequences targeting lincRNA-p21 were cloned into CRISPRi with dCas9/ Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain. LincRNA-p21-silened transfectants were investigated for apoptosis and miR-181a expression. LincRNA-p21-overexpressed cells were evaluated for apoptosis and p53-related down-stream molecules. Balb/C mice were injected with pristane to induce LN and examined for apoptosis and lincRNA-p21. Higher lincRNA-p21 levels were found in LN mononuclear and urine cells, positively correlated with activity. There were lower miR-181a levels in LN mononuclear cells, negatively correlated with activity. Doxorubicin-induced apoptotic cells had up-regulated lincRNA-p21 levels. CRISPRi with dCas9/KARA domain showed efficient repression ability on transcription initiation/elongation. CRISPRi-conducted lincRNA-p21-silenced transfectants displayed reduced apoptosis with up-regulated miR-181a levels, whereas lentivirus-mediated lincRNA-p21-overexpressed cells revealed enhanced apoptosis with up-regulated downstream PUMA/Bax expression. LN mice had glomerular apoptosis with progressive increased lincRNA-p21 levels. Our results demonstrate up-regulated lincRNA-p21 expression in LN, implicating a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target.
Novel Insights into Selected Disease-Causing Mutations within the SLC35A1 Gene Encoding the CMP-Sialic Acid Transporter
Authors: Szulc Bożena , Zadorozhna Yelyzaveta , Olczak Mariusz , Wiertelak Wojciech , Maszczak-Seneczko Dorota
Published: December 2020

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of rare genetic and metabolic diseases caused by alterations in glycosylation pathways. Five patients bearing CDG-causing mutations in the SLC35A1 gene encoding the CMP-sialic acid transporter (CST) have been reported to date. In this study we examined how specific mutations in the SLC35A1 gene affect the protein’s properties in two previously described SLC35A1-CDG cases: one caused by a substitution (Q101H) and another involving a compound heterozygous mutation (T156R/E196K). The effects of single mutations and the combination of T156R and E196K mutations on the CST’s functionality was examined separately in CST-deficient HEK293T cells. As shown by microscopic studies, none of the CDG-causing mutations affected the protein’s proper localization in the Golgi apparatus. Cellular glycophenotypes were characterized using lectins, structural assignment of N- and O-glycans and analysis of glycolipids. Single Q101H, T156R and E196K mutants were able to partially restore sialylation in CST-deficient cells, and the deleterious effect of a single T156R or E196K mutation on the CST functionality was strongly enhanced upon their combination. We also revealed differences in the ability of CST variants to form dimers. The results of this study improve our understanding of the molecular background of SLC35A1-CDG cases.
Lamin-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Alters Mechanical Signaling and Skeletal Muscle Growth
Authors: Owens Daniel , Messéant Julien , Moog Sophie , Viggars Mark , Ferry Arnaud , Mamchaoui Kamel , Lacène Emmanuelle , Roméro Norma , Brull Astrid , Bonne Gisèle , Butler-Browne Gillian , Coirault Catherine
Published: December 2020

Laminopathies are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by mutations in the LMNA gene, which encodes the nuclear envelope proteins lamins A and C. The most frequent diseases associated with LMNA mutations are characterized by skeletal and cardiac involvement, and include autosomal dominant Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B, and LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (LMNA-CMD). Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for LMNA-CMD are not yet understood, severe contracture and muscle atrophy suggest that mutations may impair skeletal muscle growth. Using human muscle stem cells (MuSCs) carrying LMNA-CMD mutations, we observe impaired myogenic fusion with disorganized cadherin/β catenin adhesion complexes. We show that skeletal muscle from Lmna-CMD mice is unable to hypertrophy in response to functional overload, due to defective fusion of activated MuSCs, defective protein synthesis and defective remodeling of the neuromuscular junction. Moreover, stretched myotubes and overloaded muscle fibers with LMNA-CMD mutations display aberrant mechanical regulation of the yes-associated protein (YAP). We also observe defects in MuSC activation and YAP signaling in muscle biopsies from LMNA-CMD patients. These phenotypes are not recapitulated in closely related but less severe EDMD models. In conclusion, combining studies in vitro, in vivo, and patient samples, we find that LMNA-CMD mutations interfere with mechanosignaling pathways in skeletal muscle, implicating A-type lamins in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth.
Comparative Analysis Delineates the Transcriptional Resistance Mechanisms for Pod Borer Resistance in the Pigeonpea Wild Relative Cajanus scarabaeoides (L.) Thouars
Authors: Njaci Isaac , Ngugi-Dawit Abigail , Oduor Richard , Kago Leah , Williams Brett , Hoang Linh , Mundree Sagadevan , Ghimire Sita
Published: December 2020

Insect pests pose a serious threat to global food production. Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)) is one of the most destructive pests of leguminous crops. The use of host resistance has been an effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach for controlling several agricultural pests. The exploitation of natural variations in crop wild relatives could yield pest-resistant crop varieties. In this study, we used a high-throughput transcriptome profiling approach to investigate the defense mechanisms of susceptible cultivated and tolerant wild pigeonpea genotypes against H. armigera infestation. The wild genotype displayed elevated pest-induced gene expression, including the enhanced induction of phytohormone and calcium/calmodulin signaling, transcription factors, plant volatiles and secondary metabolite genes compared to the cultivated control. The biosynthetic and regulatory processes associated with flavonoids, terpenes and glucosinolate secondary metabolites showed higher accumulations in the wild genotype, suggesting the existence of distinct tolerance mechanisms. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying insect resistance in the wild pigeonpea genotype. This information highlights the indispensable role of crop wild relatives as a source of crucial genetic resources that could be important in devising strategies for crop improvement with enhanced pest resistance.
New Strategies to Overcome Present CRISPR/Cas9 Limitations in Apple and Pear: Efficient Dechimerization and Base Editing
Authors: Malabarba Jaiana , Chevreau Elisabeth , Dousset Nicolas , Veillet Florian , Moizan Julie , Vergne Emilie
Published: December 2020

Despite recent progress, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in perennial plants still has many obstacles to overcome. Our previous results with CRISPR/Cas9 in apple and pear indicated the frequent production of phenotypic and genotypic chimeras, after editing of the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene conferring albino phenotype. Therefore, our first objective was to determine if adding an adventitious regeneration step from leaves of the primary transgenic plants (T0) would allow a reduction in chimerism. Among hundreds of adventitious buds regenerated from a variegated T0 line, 89% were homogeneous albino. Furthermore, the analysis of the target zone sequences of twelve of these regenerated lines (RT0 for “regenerated T0” lines) indicated that 99% of the RT0 alleles were predicted to produce a truncated target protein and that 67% of RT0 plants had less heterogeneous editing profiles than the T0. Base editors are CRISPR/Cas9-derived new genome-editing tools that allow precise nucleotide substitutions without double-stranded breaks. Hence, our second goal was to demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9 base editing in apple and pear using two easily scorable genes: acetolactate synthase—ALS (conferring resistance to chlorsulfuron) and PDS. The two guide RNAs under MdU3 and MdU6 promoters were coupled into a cytidine base editor harboring a cytidine deaminase fused to a nickase Cas9. Using this vector; we induced C-to-T DNA substitutions in the target genes; leading to discrete variation in the amino-acid sequence and generating new alleles. By co-editing ALS and PDS genes; we successfully obtained chlorsulfuron resistant and albino lines in pear. Overall; our work indicates that a regeneration step can efficiently reduce the initial chimerism and could be coupled with the application of base editing to create accurate genome edits in perennial plants.
MicroRNAs and Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Manetti Alice Chiara , Maiese Aniello , Paolo Marco Di , De Matteis Alessandra , La Russa Raffaele , Turillazzi Emanuela , Frati Paola , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: December 2020

Sepsis is a severe condition characterized by systemic inflammation. One of the most involved organs in sepsis is the heart. On the other hand, heart failure and dysfunction are some of the most leading causes of death in septic patients. miRNAs are short single-strand non-coding ribonucleic acids involved in the regulation of gene expression on a post-transcriptional phase, which means they are a part of the epigenetic process. Recently, researchers have found that miRNA expression in tissues and blood differs depending on different conditions. Because of this property, their use as serum sepsis biomarkers has also been explored. A narrative review is carried out to gather and summarize what is known about miRNAs’ influence on cardiac dysfunction during sepsis. When reviewing the literature, we found at least 77 miRNAs involved in cardiac inflammation and dysfunction during sepsis. In the future, miRNAs may be used as early sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction biomarkers or as new drug targets. This could help clinicians to early detect, prevent, and treat cardiac damage. The potential role of miRNAs as new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies worth deepening the complex network between non-coding RNA and biological pathways. Additional studies are needed to further investigate their role in sepsis-induced myocardium injury.
Shiftwork and Light at Night Negatively Impact Molecular and Endocrine Timekeeping in the Female Reproductive Axis in Humans and Rodents
Authors: Yaw Alexandra , McLane-Svoboda Autumn , Hoffmann Hanne
Published: December 2020

Shiftwork, including work that takes place at night (nightshift) and/or rotates between day and nightshifts, plays an important role in our society, but is associated with decreased health, including reproductive dysfunction. One key factor in shiftwork, exposure to light at night, has been identified as a likely contributor to the underlying health risks associated with shiftwork. Light at night disrupts the behavioral and molecular circadian timekeeping system, which is important for coordinated timing of physiological processes, causing mistimed hormone release and impaired physiological functions. This review focuses on the impact of shiftwork on reproductive function and pregnancy in women and laboratory rodents and potential underlying molecular mechanisms. We summarize the negative impact of shiftwork on female fertility and compare these findings to studies in rodent models of light shifts. Light-shift rodent models recapitulate several aspects of reproductive dysfunction found in shift workers, and their comparison with human studies can enable a deeper understanding of physiological and hormonal responses to light shifts and the underlying molecular mechanisms that may lead to reproductive disruption in human shift workers. The contributions of human and rodent studies are essential to identify the origins of impaired fertility in women employed in shiftwork.
A Modular Design Concept for Shaping Future Wireless TSN Solutions
Authors: Fischer Christoph , Krummacker Dennis , Karrenbauer Michael , Schotten Hans Dieter
Published: December 2020

The use of wireless communication systems in industrial environments is gaining international importance. The requirements, which are placed thereby on the communication systems, are manifold depending on the specific use. In the field of industrial manufacturing, however, many applications are characterized by high reliability requirements and hard real-time demands. The latter requires a time-deterministic handling of processed transmissions and therefore requires the use of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) solutions. In this paper, we briefly describe which functionalities characterize a wireless TSN system and which approaches have already been pursued in the literature and standardization. Subsequently, we present a concept for a toolbox that allows one to combine the required functionalities into a working solution, which can be used as a guideline for software-based implementation. Additionally, since reliability of transmissions is one of the key challenges, especially in wireless communication, to achieve a performance comparable to wired systems, we provide some further design considerations to improve.
Non-Invasive Genotyping of Honey Bee Queens Apis mellifera L.: Transition of the DraI mtDNA COI-COII Test to In Silico
Authors: Madella Shayne , Grubbs Kyle , Alburaki Mohamed
Published: December 2020

The honey bee Apis mellifera L. colony is headed by a single and indispensable queen, whose duty it is to ensure brood production and provide pheromonal stability within the colony. This study presents a non-invasive method that allows the identification of the queen maternal lineage and subspecies using the remaining tissue of her clipped wing. The DraI mtDNA COI-COII (DmCC) test was applied to various sizes of queen and worker wings and the results were compared with data obtained from other bee tissues. Furthermore, we propose a new method allowing in silico transition of the DmCC test and haplotype identification based on extended sequencing of the tRNAleu and COII genes. Our results show that DNA extracted by Chelex 10% from one-third of a queen’s wing is deemed adequate for a successful identification of her maternal evolutionary lineage, haplotype and subspecies. The in silico method proposed in this study fully adheres to the established guidelines of the DmCC, provides a universal standard for haplotype identification, and offers faster and more precise results by reconciling both cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) and Sanger sequencing approaches.
A New Proposal for the Closed-Loop Orientation Control of a Windfloat Turbine System
Authors: Horno Leticia Del , Somolinos José A. , Segura Eva , Morales Rafael
Published: December 2020

It is believed that offshore wind power will play an important role in fulfilling the environmental commitments made in the Paris Agreement signed in 2015. The use of floating solutions in offshore wind power is gaining prominence, since it allows the expansion of these technologies to a large number of regions in which this has not been technically feasible until now. One of the current issues that needs to be studied in detail as regards offshore wind structures are the oscillations produced by the waves and the wind that could cause important problems in the turbine such as the reduction of the efficiency and performance or the appearance of structural damages owing to undesired loads on the blades, among others. This signifies that the inclination of the structure must not exceed a certain small value in the operating phase. This paper, therefore, presents a simple dynamic modeling and a nonlinear multivariable control model-based system for a Windfloat turbine whose main function is to stabilize the system and to keep it vertical in order to improve its operation and, therefore, maintain the offshore wind turbine in the optimal conditions required to harness energy from the wind. The effectiveness of both the dynamic model and the proposed control algorithm has been demonstrated by developing various simulations in a MATLAB-Orcaflex environment, in which the Windfloat structure proved to have very small vertical deviations when wind impinges over the rotor, despite the undesirable effects caused by parametric uncertainties (e.g., the effect of the anchoring cables) in the system and unmodeled unmatched perturbations (such as the effects of the wind and the waves on the Windfloat turbine).
Colonization of Solanum melongena and Vitis vinifera Plants by Botrytis cinerea Is Strongly Reduced by the Exogenous Application of Tomato Systemin
Authors: Molisso Donata , Coppola Mariangela , Aprile Anna Maria , Avitabile Concetta , Natale Roberto , Romanelli Alessandra , Chiaiese Pasquale , Rao Rosa
Published: December 2020

Plant defense peptides are able to control immune barriers and represent a potential novel resource for crop protection. One of the best-characterized plant peptides is tomato Systemin (Sys) an octadecapeptide synthesized as part of a larger precursor protein. Upon pest attack, Sys interacts with a leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase, systemin receptor SYR, activating a complex intracellular signaling pathway that leads to the wound response. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the direct delivery of the peptide to Solanum melongena and Vitis vinifera plants protects from the agent of Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea). The observed disease tolerance is associated with the increase of total soluble phenolic content, the activation of antioxidant enzymes, and the up-regulation of defense-related genes in plants treated with the peptide. Our results suggest that in treated plants, the biotic defense system is triggered by the Sys signaling pathway as a consequence of Sys interaction with a SYR-like receptor recently found in several plant species, including those under investigation. We propose that this biotechnological use of Sys, promoting defense responses against invaders, represents a useful tool to integrate into pest management programs for the development of novel strategies of crop protection.
Role and Interpretation of Antifungal Susceptibility Testing for the Management of Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Lamoth Frederic , Lewis Russell E. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: December 2020

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with high mortality rates and timely appropriate antifungal therapy is essential for good outcomes. Emerging antifungal resistance among Candida and Aspergillus spp., the major causes of IFI, is concerning and has led to the increasing incorporation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) to guide clinical decisions. However, the interpretation of AST results and their contribution to management of IFIs remains a matter of debate. Specifically, the utility of AST is limited by the delay in obtaining results and the lack of pharmacodynamic correlation between minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and clinical outcome, particularly for molds. Clinical breakpoints for Candida spp. have been substantially revised over time and appear to be reliable for the detection of azole and echinocandin resistance and for outcome prediction, especially for non-neutropenic patients with candidemia. However, data are lacking for neutropenic patients with invasive candidiasis and some non-albicans Candida spp. (notably emerging Candida auris). For Aspergillus spp., AST is not routinely performed, but may be indicated according to the epidemiological context in the setting of emerging azole resistance among A. fumigatus. For non-Aspergillus molds (e.g., Mucorales, Fusarium or Scedosporium spp.), AST is not routinely recommended as interpretive criteria are lacking and many confounders, mainly host factors, seem to play a predominant role in responses to antifungal therapy. This review provides an overview of the pre-clinical and clinical pharmacodynamic data, which constitute the rationale for the use and interpretation of AST testing of yeasts and molds in clinical practice.
Bis(2,2′-bipyridil)Copper(II) Chloride Complex: Tyrosinase Biomimetic Catalyst or Redox Mediator?
Authors: Sýs Milan , Mukherjee Atripan , Jashari Granit , Adam Vojtěch , Ashrafi Amir M. , Novák Miroslav , Richtera Lukáš
Published: December 2020

In this article, construction of amperometric sensor(s) based on screen-printed carbon electrodes covered by thin layers of two types of carbon nanomaterials serving as amplifiers, and containing [Cu(bipy)2Cl]Cl∙5H2O complex is reported. Their performance and biomimetic activity towards two selected neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) was studied mainly using flow injection analysis (FIA). The important parameters of FIA such as working potential, flow rate, and pH were optimized. The mechanism of the catalytic activity is explained and experimentally confirmed. It reveals that presence of hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role which leads to answer the title question: can presented complex really be considered as a tyrosinase biomimetic catalyst or only as a redox mediator?
Femur Auxetic Meta-Implants with Tuned Micromotion Distribution
Authors: Ghavidelnia Naeim , Bodaghi Mahdi , Hedayati Reza
Published: December 2020

Stress shielding and micromotions are the most significant problems occurring at the bone-implants interface due to a mismatch of their mechanical properties. Mechanical 3D metamaterials, with their exceptional behaviour and characteristics, can provide an opportunity to solve the mismatch of mechanical properties between the bone and implant. In this study, a new porous femoral hip meta-implant with graded Poisson’s ratio distribution was introduced and its results were compared to three other femoral hip implants (one solid implant, and two porous meta-implants, one with positive and the other with a negative distribution of Poisson’s ratio) in terms of stress and micromotion distributions. For this aim, first, a well-known auxetic 3D re-entrant structure was studied analytically, and precise closed-form analytical relationships for its elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio were derived. The results of the analytical solution for mechanical properties of the 3D re-entrant structure presented great improvements in comparison to previous analytical studies on the structure. Moreover, the implementation of the re-entrant structure in the hip implant provided very smooth results for stress and strain distributions in the lattice meta-implants and could solve the stress shielding problem which occurred in the solid implant. The lattice meta-implant based on the graded unit cell distribution presented smoother stress-strain distribution in comparison with the other lattice meta-implants. Moreover, the graded lattice meta-implant gave minimum areas of local stress and local strain concentration at the contact region of the implants with the internal bone surfaces. Among all the cases, the graded meta-implant also gave micromotion levels which are the closest to values reported to be desirable for bone growth (40 µm).
Validation of Multiaxial Fatigue Strength Criteria on Specimens from Structural Steel in the High-Cycle Fatigue Region
Authors: Fojtík František , Papuga Jan , Fusek Martin , Halama Radim
Published: December 2020

The paper describes results of fatigue strength estimates by selected multiaxial fatigue strength criteria in the region of high-cycle fatigue, and compares them with own experimental results obtained on hollow specimens made from ČSN 41 1523 structural steel. The specimens were loaded by various combinations of load channels comprising push–pull, torsion, bending and inner and outer pressures. The prediction methods were validated on fatigue strengths at seven different numbers of cycles spanning from 100,000 to 10,000,000 cycles. No substantial deviation of results based on the selected lifetime was observed. The PCRN method and the QCP method provide best results compared with other assessed methods. The results of the MMP criterion that allows users to evaluate the multiaxial fatigue loading quickly are also of interest because the method provides results only slightly worse than the two best performing solutions.
Multi-Response Optimization of Ultrafine Cement-Based Slurry Using the Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis Method
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Qiao Weiguo , Wu Yue , Fan Zhenwang , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2020

The grouting technique is an important method in underground engineering that prevents water seepage and reinforces fractured rock mass. In this research, ultrafine cement-based grouting material, including ultrafine cement (UC), ultrafine fly ash (UFA), polycarboxylate superplasticizer (SP), colloidal nanosilica (CNS), sodium sulfate solution (SS) and water, was developed. The flow time, viscosity, bleeding, setting time and uniaxial compressive strength of the UC-based slurry were measured by orthogonal experiments, and the optimal mix proportion of the UC-based slurry was obtained based on the Taguchi-Grey relational analysis method. Microstructure analysis of the UC-based slurry was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests. The results showed that the Bingham model could provide a satisfactory description of the rheological properties of the UC-based slurry. The addition of CNS and SS could promote the hydration of the UC-based slurry and improve the microstructure of the hardened slurry, thereby increasing the strength of the hardened slurry. The optimum ratio for the UC-based slurry was water/solid (W/S) ratio of 1.0, and the contents of UFA, SP, CNS and SS by mass of UC were 40%, 0.2%, 4% and 4%, respectively.
Corrosion Behaviour of 316L Stainless Steel in CNTs–Water Nanofluid: Effect of Temperature
Authors: Abdeen Dana H. , Atieh Muataz A. , Merzougui Belabbes
Published: December 2020

The inhibition behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Gum Arabic (GA) on the corrosion of 316L stainless steel in CNTs–water nanofluid under the effect of different temperatures was investigated by electrochemical methods and surface analysis techniques. Thereby, 316L stainless steel samples were exposed to CNTs–water nanofluid under temperatures of 22, 40, 60 and 80 °C. Two concentrations of the CNTs (0.1 and 1.0 wt.% CNTs) were homogenously dispersed in deionized water using the surfactant GA and tested using three corrosion tests conducted in series: open circuit test, polarization resistance test, and potentiodynamic scans. These tests were also conducted on the same steel but in solutions of GA-deionized water only. Tests revealed that corrosion increases with temperature and concentration of the CNTs–water nanofluids, having the highest corrosion rate of 32.66 milli-mpy (milli-mil per year) for the 1.0 wt.% CNT nanofluid at 80 °C. In addition, SEM observations showed pits formation around areas of accumulated CNTs that added extra roughness to the steel sample. The activation energy analysis and optical surface observations have revealed that CNTs can desorb at higher temperatures, which makes the surface more vulnerable to corrosion attack.
Spatial Decomposition of a Broadband Pulse Caused by Strong Frequency Dispersion of Sound in Acoustic Metamaterial Superlattice
Authors: Jin Yuqi , Zubov Yurii , Yang Teng , Choi Tae-Youl , Krokhin Arkadii , Neogi Arup
Published: December 2020

An acoustic metamaterial superlattice is used for the spatial and spectral deconvolution of a broadband acoustic pulse into narrowband signals with different central frequencies. The operating frequency range is located on the second transmission band of the superlattice. The decomposition of the broadband pulse was achieved by the frequency-dependent refraction angle in the superlattice. The refracted angle within the acoustic superlattice was larger at higher operating frequency and verified by numerical calculated and experimental mapped sound fields between the layers. The spatial dispersion and the spectral decomposition of a broadband pulse were studied using lateral position-dependent frequency spectra experimentally with and without the superlattice structure along the direction of the propagating acoustic wave. In the absence of the superlattice, the acoustic propagation was influenced by the usual divergence of the beam, and the frequency spectrum was unaffected. The decomposition of the broadband wave in the superlattice’s presence was measured by two-dimensional spatial mapping of the acoustic spectra along the superlattice’s in-plane direction to characterize the propagation of the beam through the crystal. About 80% of the frequency range of the second transmission band showed exceptional performance on decomposition.
Phase Transformation in 316L Austenitic Steel Induced by Fracture at Cryogenic Temperatures: Experiment and Modelling
Authors: Nalepka Kinga , Skoczeń Błażej , Ciepielowska Marlena , Schmidt Rafał , Tabin Jakub , Schmidt Elwira , Zwolińska-Faryj Weronika , Chulist Robert
Published: December 2020

Investigations by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction with the use of synchrotron radiation, as well as parallel extended finite element (XFEM) simulations, reveal the evolution of the 316L stainless steel microstructure in the vicinity of a macro-crack developing at the temperature of liquid helium (4.2 K). The fracture propagation induces a dynamic, highly localized phase transformation of face-centred cubic austenite into α’ martensite with a body-centred cubic structure. Synchrotron studies show that the texture of the primary phase controls the transition process. The austenite grains, tending to the stable Brass orientation, generate three mechanisms of the phase transformation. EBSD studies reveal that the secondary phase particles match the ordered austenitic matrix. Hence, interphase boundaries with the Pitsch disorientation are most often formed and α’ martensite undergoes intensive twinning. The XFEM simulations, based on the experimentally determined kinetics of the phase transformation and on the relevant constitutive relationships, reveal that the macro-crack propagates mainly in the martensitic phase. Synchrotron and EBSD studies confirm the almost 100% content of the secondary phase at the fracture surface. Moreover, they indicate that the boundaries formed then are largely random. As a result, the primary beneficial role of martensite as reinforcing particles is eliminated.
Experimental Study on the Fracture Parameters of Concrete
Authors: Wang Zhanqiao , Gou Jin , Gao Danying
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to determine the influence of the volume fraction of steel fibers on the fracture parameters of concrete. Fifty notched steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams and ordinary concrete beams with 100 mm × 100 mm × 515 mm were cast and tested via a three-point bending test. Among them, the type of steel fiber was the milling type (MF), and the volume fraction of steel fiber added was 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%, respectively. The effects of the steel fiber volume fraction (VF) on the critical stress intensity factor (KIC), fracture energy (GF), the deflection at failure(δ0), the critical crack mouth opening displacement (CMODC) and the critical crack tip opening displacement (CTODC) were studied. Through the analysis of test phenomena and test data such as the load-deflection (P-δ) curve, load-crack mouth opening displacement (P-CMOD) curve and load-crack tip opening displacement (P-CTOD) curve, the following conclusions are drawn: with the increase of the steel fiber volume fraction, some fracture parameters increase gradually and maintain a certain linear growth. The gain ratio of the fracture parameters increases significantly, and the gain effect is obvious. Through this law of growth, the experimental statistical formulas of fracture energy and the critical stress intensity factor are summarized.
Uniformity of Thermoluminescence and Optically Stimulated Luminescence Signals Over the Length of Doped LiMgPO4 Crystal Rods Grown by Micro-Pulling-Down Method
Authors: Marczewska Barbara , Gieszczyk Wojciech , Kłosowski Mariusz , Książek Marzanna , Bilski Paweł , Boroń Łukasz
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this work was to systematically assess the distribution of thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties along the length of crystals grown by the micro-pulling-down method, in relation to the microstructure and distribution of activators. We analyzed lithium magnesium phosphate (LiMgPO4; LMP) crystals doped with terbium (Tb; 0.8 mol%) or with a combination of thulium (Tm; 0.8 mol% or 1.2 mol%) and boron (B; 10 mol%). Crystals of several centimeters in length and 3 mm in diameter were cut into 20–40 slices, depending on length. For each sample, TL glow curves and OSL decay curves were examined. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the microstructure and elemental composition of several selected samples. Two-dimensional TL readouts were performed to identify the areas with higher and lower signal emission. Our study showed that there may be significant differences not only in LMP sensitivity along the crystal’s axis but also on the surface of the slice. The distribution of activators varies depending on the type of crystals and strongly affects luminescence properties.
Mechanical and Air Permeability Performance of Novel Biobased Materials from Fungal Hyphae and Cellulose Fibers
Authors: Filipova Inese , Irbe Ilze , Spade Martins , Skute Marite , Dāboliņa Inga , Baltiņa Ilze , Vecbiskena Linda
Published: December 2020

Novel biobased materials from fungal hyphae and cellulose fibers have been proposed to address the increasing demand for natural materials in personal protective equipment (PPE). Materials containing commercially available kraft fibers (KF), laboratory-made highly fibrillated hemp fibers (HF) and fungal fibers (FF) obtained from fruiting bodies of lignicolous basidiomycetes growing in nature were prepared using paper production techniques and evaluated for their mechanical and air permeability properties. SEM and microscopy revealed the network structure of materials. The tensile index of materials was in the range of 8–60 Nm/g and air permeability ranged from 32–23,990 mL/min, depending on the composition of materials. HF was the key component for strength; however, the addition of FF to compositions resulted in higher air permeability. Chemical composition analysis (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) revealed the presence of natural polysaccharides, mainly cellulose and chitin, as well as the appropriate elemental distribution of components C, H and N. Biodegradation potential was proven by a 30-day-long composting in substrate, which resulted in an 8–62% drop in the C/N ratio. Conclusions were drawn about the appropriateness of fungal hyphae for use in papermaking-like technologies together with cellulose fibers. Developed materials can be considered as an alternative to synthetic melt and spun-blown materials for PPE.
Differential and Integral Calculus in First-Year Engineering Students: A Diagnosis to Understand the Failure
Authors: Bigotte de Almeida Maria Emília , Queiruga-Dios Araceli , Cáceres María José
Published: December 2020

Difficulties in the curricular units (CU) of the mathematical science area, particularly those related to differential and integral calculus (DIC), are often found among students of engineering degrees, leading to high failure rates. A research work was developed with the objective of finding the reasons that lead the students to fail in the CU of DIC (CU-DIC) taught in the 1st year of the engineering undergraduate degrees at the Coimbra Engineering Institute (ISEC), in Portugal. Applying a case study methodology, this article will present a current diagnosis with the objective to establish relationships between teaching methods and students’ learning strategies, and besides, we propose to build learning environments that lead to higher success. The analysis of collected data allows us to conclude that the CU-DIC in the ISEC maintain an identical distribution in the hourly load in several engineering degrees, where contents are adjusted to each context taking into account the CUs of each degree. The data analysis found better results in the academic year that includes two examination moments without any relationship between class attendance, dropout and pass rates. We propose some different teaching/learning strategies in CU-DIC and new learning environments that enhance freshmen students’ engagement and participation in their own learning process.
Binary Programming Model for Rostering Ambulance Crew-Relevance for the Management and Business
Authors: Horvat Aleksandra Marcikic , Dudic Branislav , Radovanov Boris , Melovic Boban , Sedlak Otilija , Davidekova Monika
Published: December 2020

The nature of health care services is very complex and specific, thus delays and organizational imperfections can cause serious and irreversible consequences, especially when dealing with emergency medical services. Therefore, constant improvements in various aspects of managing and organizing provision of emergency medical services are vital and unavoidable. The main goal of this paper is the development and application of a binary programming model to support decision making process, especially addressing scheduling workforce in organizations with stochastic demand. The necessary staffing levels and human resources allocation in health care organizations are often defined ad hoc, without empirical analysis and synchronization with the demand for emergency medical services. Thus, irrational allocation of resources can result in various negative impacts on the financial result, quality of medical services and satisfaction of both patients and employees. We start from the desired staffing levels determined in advance and try to find the optimal scheduling plan that satisfies all significant professional and regulatory constraints. In this paper a binary programming model has been developed and implemented in order to minimize costs, presented as the sum of required number of ambulance crews. The results were implemented for staff rostering process in the Ambulance Service Station in Subotica, Serbia. Compared to earlier scheduling done ad hoc at the station, the solution of the formulated model provides a better and equable engagement of crews. The developed model can be easily modified and applied to other organizations with the same, stochastic, nature of the demand.
A Radial Basis Function Finite Difference Scheme for the Benjamin–Ono Equation
Authors: Akers Benjamin , Liu Tony , Reeger Jonah
Published: December 2020

A radial basis function-finite differencing (RBF-FD) scheme was applied to the initial value problem of the Benjamin–Ono equation. The Benjamin–Ono equation has traveling wave solutions with algebraic decay and a nonlocal pseudo-differential operator, the Hilbert transform. When posed on R, the former makes Fourier collocation a poor discretization choice; the latter is challenging for any local method. We develop an RBF-FD approximation of the Hilbert transform, and discuss the challenges of implementing this and other pseudo-differential operators on unstructured grids. Numerical examples, simulation costs, convergence rates, and generalizations of this method are all discussed.
MULTIMOORA under Interval-Valued Neutrosophic Sets as the Basis for the Quantitative Heuristic Evaluation Methodology HEBIN
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Bausys Romualdas , Lescauskiene Ingrida , Usovaite Ana
Published: December 2020

During the last decade, researchers put a lot of effort into the development of the multi-criteria decision methods (MCDM) capable of dealing with the uncertainty and vagueness of the initial information. MCDM approaches that work under the environment of the interval-valued neutrosophic sets (IVNS) demonstrate credibility for the analysis of different opinions as well as for the inconsistency of the criteria evaluation data. The novel multicriteria decision-making approach MULTIMOORA-IVNS (multi-objective optimisation by ratio analysis under interval-valued neutrosophic sets) is presented in this paper. A novel heuristic evaluation methodology HEBIN (heuristic evaluation based on interval numbers) that exploits MULTIMOORA-IVNS for the processing of the evaluation results is also presented in this research. HEBIN is able to increase the accuracy of the checklists-based heuristic evaluation and to diminish the impact of the inconsistencies caused by the evaluators. A comparison of six e-commerce websites is introduced to reveal the practicalities of the proposed multicriteria decision-making application.
A Saint-Venant Model for Overland Flows with Precipitation and Recharge
Authors: Ersoy Mehmet , Lakkis Omar , Townsend Philip
Published: December 2020

We propose a one-dimensional Saint-Venant (open-channel) model for overland flows, including a water input–output source term modeling recharge via rainfall and infiltration (or exfiltration). We derive the model via asymptotic reduction from the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations under the shallow water assumption, with boundary conditions including recharge via ground infiltration and runoff. This new model recovers existing models as special cases, and adds more scope by adding water-mixing friction terms that depend on the rate of water recharge. We propose a novel entropy function and its flux, which are useful in validating the model’s conservation or dissipation properties. Based on this entropy function, we propose a finite volume scheme extending a class of kinetic schemes and provide numerical comparisons with respect to the newly introduced mixing friction coefficient. We also provide a comparison with experimental data.
Identifying Personalized Metabolic Signatures in Breast Cancer
Authors: Baloni Priyanka , Dinalankara Wikum , Earls John C. , Knijnenburg Theo A. , Geman Donald , Marchionni Luigi , Price Nathan D.
Published: December 2020

Cancer cells are adept at reprogramming energy metabolism, and the precise manifestation of this metabolic reprogramming exhibits heterogeneity across individuals (and from cell to cell). In this study, we analyzed the metabolic differences between interpersonal heterogeneous cancer phenotypes. We used divergence analysis on gene expression data of 1156 breast normal and tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and integrated this information with a genome-scale reconstruction of human metabolism to generate personalized, context-specific metabolic networks. Using this approach, we classified the samples into four distinct groups based on their metabolic profiles. Enrichment analysis of the subsystems indicated that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, citric acid cycle, androgen and estrogen metabolism, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification distinguished these four groups. Additionally, we developed a workflow to identify potential drugs that can selectively target genes associated with the reactions of interest. MG-132 (a proteasome inhibitor) and OSU-03012 (a celecoxib derivative) were the top-ranking drugs identified from our analysis and known to have anti-tumor activity. Our approach has the potential to provide mechanistic insights into cancer-specific metabolic dependencies, ultimately enabling the identification of potential drug targets for each patient independently, contributing to a rational personalized medicine approach.
Exogenous Fungal Endophthalmitis: Clues to Aspergillus Aetiology with a Pharmacological Perspective
Authors: Lupia Tommaso , Corcione Silvia , Fea Antonio Maria , Reibaldi Michele , Fallico Matteo , Petrillo Francesco , Galdiero Marilena , Scabini Silvia , Polito Maria Sole , Ciabatti Umberto , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

Exogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EXFE) represents a rare complication after penetrating ocular trauma of previously unresolved keratitis or iatrogenic infections, following intraocular surgery such as cataract surgery. The usual latency period between intraocular inoculation and presentation of symptoms from fungal endophthalmitis is several weeks to months as delayed-onset endophthalmitis. Aspergillus spp., is the most common causative mould pathogen implicated in this ocular infection and early diagnosis and prompt antimicrobial treatment, concomitantly in most cases with expert surgical attention, reduce unfavorable complications and increase the possibility of eye function preservation. Topical, intravitreal and systemic antifungal molecules are the mainstay of a medical approach to the disease and azoles, polyenes and in particular cases echinocandins are the pharmacological classes most commonly used in clinical practice. This review discusses pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic of antifungal agents in their principal modes of administration with a focus on their ability to achieve high drug concentration in the vitreous and ocular tissues.
Kinetics of the Thermal Decomposition of Rhodochrosite
Authors: Reyes Iván A. , Flores Mizraim , Palacios Elia G. , Islas Hernán , Juárez Julio C. , Reyes Martín , Teja Aislinn M. , Pérez Cristóbal A.
Published: December 2020

Manganese is a widely used element in the steel industry; its main source is a mineral named rhodochrosite (MnCO3). For industrial usage, rhodochrosite is reduced to different manganese oxides by means of nodulation furnaces. In this study, rhodochrosite was thermally analyzed at temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 1200 °C. XRD (Powder X-ray diffraction), XRF (X-ray fluorescence), AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry), and FESEM-EDX (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry) were used to characterize the mineral and the residues were analyzed by XRD and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) to determine the stoichiometry of the thermal decomposition reactions. Three mass losses were observed, the first attributed to the transformation from carbonate to manganese (III) oxide, the second to the reduction to manganese tetroxide, and the third to the decomposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) present as a contaminant in the studied mineral. Thermal decomposition kinetics shows that the first mass loss required 17.91 kJ mol−1, indicating a control by mass transport-controlled process. For the second and third mass loss, the apparent activation energy of 112.41 kJ mol−1 and 64.69 kJ mol−1 was obtained respectively, indicating that both mass loss events were rate-controlled.
Special Issue “Isotopic Techniques for Food Science”
Authors: Ogrinc Nives , Camin Federica
Published: December 2020

Today, the analytical verification of food safety and quality together with authenticity and traceability plays a central role in food analysis [...]