bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desempenho, consumo e digestibilidade de nutrientes em cordeiros alimentados com níveis crescentes de farelo de crambe
Authors: Moreira Kariny Ferreira , Santos Cassiane Gomes dos , Pacheco Juscilene Aparecida Silva , Rocha Alexandro Aluísio , Figueiredo Darcilene Maria de
Published: October 2020

Objetivou-se avaliar níveis crescentes de substituição (0, 25, 50, 75%MS) da proteína bruta do concentrado pela proteína bruta do farelo de crambe. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos, peso vivo médio inicial de 17,50±3,90 kg distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Todos os ingredientes da dieta, sobras e fezes foram submetidos às análises bromatológicas. Foi realizado ensaio de digestibilidade dos animais. Foi realizada coleta spot de urina para a determinação dos derivados de purina, eficiência de síntese microbiana nitrogênio ureico urinário e coleta de sangue para determinação de nitrogênio uréico sérico e para mensuração das enzimas hepáticas alanina aminotrasferase e aspartano aminotrasferase. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e estudo de regressão ao nível de significância de 5%. Não houve efeito significativo para ganho médio diário, eficiência alimentar e conversão alimentar. Houve efeito significativo linear decrescente para o consumo em kg.dia-1 de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e carboidratos não fibrosos corrigidos para cinzas e proteína. Não houve efeito da inclusão do farelo de crambe na dieta sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Verificou-se efeito linear crescente nos parâmetros de avaliação de eficiência de síntese microbiana, fluxo de compostos nitrogenados microbianos, fluxo intestinal relativo de nitrogênio microbiano. Contudo não houve efeito em relação às enzimas hepáticas. Pode-se concluir que o farelo de crambe oriundo da produção de biodiesel pode ser utilizado como alimento alternativo proteico podendo substituir em até 75% da proteína bruta do concentrado sem comprometer o desempenho animal.
Method for characterization of volatile organic compounds in the diet of Centris analis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Centridini) immatures
Authors: Sousa Paulo Herbesson Pereira de , Silva Cláudia Inês da , Freitas Breno  Magalhães , Soares Tigressa Helena Rodrigues , Bomfim Isac Gabriel Abrahao , Zocolo Guilherme Julião
Published: October 2020

This study tested three types of Solid-Phase Microextraction fibers in developing a method to extract volatile organic compounds present in the diet of immature Centris analis. Samples were placed in glass vials with metal lids and added with 3g NaCl and 8 ml deionized water. Extraction and characterization were carried out using a Headspace – Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) with Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, and the three types of fibers were polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), divinylbenzene/ carboxen/ polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) and carboxen/ polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS). Each type of fiber was exposed to volatiles for 30 min and analyzed in a chromatograph Agilent GC-MS equipped with a quadrupole detector (MSD 5977A), containing a HP-5MS (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm) column and Helium as the carrier gas (1 ml.min-1). The CAR / PDMS fiber favored the extraction of volatile compounds to semi-volatile compounds, followed by DVB / CAR / PDMS, while PDMS presented a lower number of extracted compounds, which can be attributed to its apolar nature. The volatile compounds identified in the diet included alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and terpenes. The SPME technique has proven effective in the extraction of volatile organic compounds from immature of Centris analis diet, being the CAR/PDMS the most suitable fiber for this.
Criação e implementação de uma liga acadêmica de estomaterapia em campus proveniente da expansão e interiorização das universidades públicas
Authors: Silveira Isaque Souza da , Barboza Lucas Eduardo Mello , Alvarez Adriana Bispo , Bernardo Larissa Aguiar , Souza Norma Valéria Dantas de Oliveira , Santos Déborah Machado dos
Published: October 2020

As Ligas Acadêmicas (LA) são organizações sem fins lucrativos que visam o aprofundamento de temas em determinada área de estudo, sendo constituídas por estudantes de graduação e orientadas por profissionais associados à Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES). As LA compreendem uma organização relevante para a formação acadêmica, neste caso, do futuro profissional enfermeiro. Porém, é possível perceber a insuficiência de estudos no que tange à criação, implementação e consolidação das LA em Enfermagem e, mais especificamente, das Ligas Acadêmicas de Estomaterapia (LAET). O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em relatar a experiência acerca da criação e implementação de uma LAET em um campus proveniente da expansão e interiorização das Universidades Públicas. Trata-se de um relato de experiência de cunho qualitativo e descritivo sobre a criação e implementação de uma LAET no Campus UFRJ-Macaé. Além de etapas como idealização, encontros para definição de critérios, criação e aprovação do estatuto, seleção de ligantes, atividades internas e externas, é possível considerar a reorganização das atividades remotas devido à pandemia de COVID-19, contemplando as estratégias para adaptação ao novo cenário. Durante o processo de idealização, fundação e implementação da LACEnfE, vivenciaram-se desafios e possibilidades no que concerne ao protagonismo e o engajamento estudantil em sua formação. O desenvolvimento de etapas para criação, fundação e implementação da LACEnfE, baseada em uma estrutura organizada, mostrou-se efetivo e pode ser considerado um modelo a ser referenciado, facilitando e auxiliando na autonomia do acadêmico, partícipe do processo.
Aplicativos móveis e o ensino de astronomia
Authors: Simões Cleonir Coelho , Voelzke Marcos  Rincon
Published: October 2020

Este artigo discorre sobre os temas tecnologias digitais e ensino de astronomia e tem como objetivos, descrever parcialmente um experimento realizado em uma instituição federal de ensino do interior de Minas Gerais, envolvendo 40 estudantes do ensino técnico integrado e apresentar os resultados de um levantamento realizado em sites da internet, buscando identificar os dez mais citados aplicativos para astronomia. Os estudantes participaram de oficinas de observação do céu noturno a olho nu, com telescópios e com o auxílio de dois aplicativos móveis para astronomia. As oficinas ocorreram uma vez por semana, nas dependências da instituição e fora do horário das aulas. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo que teve como principal instrumento de coleta de dados os relatos dos participantes e a observação. Como resultados, identificou-se um grande número de aplicativos móveis para astronomia, verificou-se a boa aceitação dessa tecnologia por parte dos participantes da pesquisa e comprovou-se a contribuição que esse tipo de tecnologia pode agregar ao ensino de astronomia.
Lipectomia bucal: relato de complicação cirúrgica mediata
Authors: Alves Júnior Luiz Carlos , Sousa Bruno Bezerra de , Zacarias Victor Luiz Barbosa , Germano Adriano Rocha
Published: October 2020

O coxim adiposo bucal é descrito como um tecido gorduroso localizado na face e a sua remoção é conhecida como lipectomia bucal ou bichectomia, podendo ser indicada com finalidade estética e funcional. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de complicação mediata após a lipectomia bucal. Paciente, 33 anos, sexo feminino, buscou tratamento por apresentar morsicatio bilateral. Foi realizada cirurgia de lipectomia bucal e após três horas do fim do procedimento, a paciente relatou edema na face desproporcional e unilateral direito, com presença de dor leve e latejante, havendo evidente formação de hematoma periorbitário e equimose no olho direito. A paciente necessitou de nova intervenção para explorar a ferida, necessitando de drenagem do hematoma, seguida de manobras de compressão e cauterização com bisturi elétrico monopolar. Diante da estabilização do sangramento, a paciente foi orientada a fazer uso de antibiótico, bem como controlar a dor com analgésicos e crioterapia, sendo monitorada diariamente até que a regressão do edema fosse evidente. O hematoma regrediu com 30 dias, não havendo prejuízo funcional e estético. A cirurgia de lipectomia bucal deve ser realizada por um profissional qualificado com experiência em ambiente ambulatorial e hospitalar, com capacidade de intervir precocemente nas possíveis intercorrências, minimizando a possibilidade de evolução para complicações mais significativas.
Comparative Study on Synchronized Permutation Tests in Balanced IXJ Designs in Case of Non-Normally Distributed Error Terms
Authors: YILDIZ KAÇAR Dilşad , GÖKPINAR Fikri , BAYRAK Hülya
Published: October 2020

ANOVA methodology is one of the important models in the experimental design theory. Synchronized permutation provides exact solution in factorial designs within a nonparametric framework. Synchronized permutation tests have quadratic form test statistics. In this paper we studied synchronized permutation tests with absolute value form in the test statistics for main factors and interaction for IXJ balanced factorial designs in case of nonnormal distributed error terms. Then we investigate the behavior of synchronized permutation tests with absolute value form and quadratic form in the test statistics in a comparative simulation study with the parametric ANOVA is reported in 3X2 design when error terms normal and non-normal distributed.
İklim Değişikliğinin Antalya İlindeki Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae, Ev Sivrisineği)’e Etkisi
Authors: ÜNAL Aytül , ÖZASLAN Begüm Su , ÜNAL Orhan
Published: October 2020

Antalya ilinde yaygın bir tür olan Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Culicidae, Ev Sivrisineği)’in değişen iklim şartlarında verdiği nesil sayısının yıllara bağlı olarak değişip değişmediği araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada Akdeniz Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Vektör Ekolojisi ve Kontrol Laboratuvarından temin edilen C. pipiens yumurtaları kullanılmıştır. Gelişmenin Sıfır Olduğu Sıcaklığı (K), Gelişme evresinde son gelişim noktasına ulaşabilmek için gereken sıcaklık birimi olan Termal Konstant (S)’ı ve Antalya ilinde kaç nesil verdiğini bulmak için 3 tekrarlı deneyler yapılmıştır. Eşit sayıda yumurtalar içinde yarısına kadar su bulunan iki ayrı kavanoza bırakılmıştır. Her iki kavanoza 1’er adet balık yemi atılmıştır. Kavanozlar delikli kapakla kapatılmış ve kavanozlardan biri floresan lamba ile 12 saat ışık 12 saat karanlık şeklinde ışıklandırılmış 20 °C’ye ayarlanmış odaya diğeri ise 26 °C’ye ayarlanmış odaya bırakılmış ve gelişim evreleri takip edilmiştir. Denemeler sonucunda, C. pipiens’in gelişmenin sıfır olduğu sıcaklık (K) değeri ve gelişme evresinde son gelişim noktasına ulaşabilmek için gereken sıcaklık birimi olan Termal Konstant (S) değerleri hesaplanmıştır. C. pipiens’e ait Efektif Sıcaklığı [(T-K)] hesaplamak ve kaç nesil verdiğini bulmak için Antalya iline ait çok yıllık (1980-2019 arası) iklimsel veriler 10 yıllık 4 döneme ayrılmış ve hesaplamalar yapılmıştır. Denemeler sonucunda yumurtadan ergin hale geçme ortalama 20 °C’de 12.33 günde, 26 °C’de ise 8.33 olarak bulunmuştur. Ayrıca Antalya ilinde aylık ortalama sıcaklık değerlerinin geçmişten günümüze kadar arttığı, bu artışla C. pipiens’in yıllık nesil verme sayısının 24.03’den 28.01’e çıktığı ve C. pipiens’in bütün aylarda gelişim gösterdiği görülmüştür. Türün mücadelesi Antalya ili için bütün yıla yayılmalı, türün yumurta bırakabileceği ortamlar ıslah edilmeli ve düzenli olarak ilaçlanmalıdır
Fine-scale taxonomic and temporal variability in the energy density of invertebrate prey of juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: Weil J , Duguid WDP , Juanes F
Published: October 2020

Variation in the energy content of prey can drive the diet choice, growth and ultimate survival of consumers. In Pacific salmon species, obtaining sufficient energy for rapid growth during early marine residence is hypothesized to reduce the risk of size-selective mortality. In order to determine the energetic benefit of feeding choices for individuals, accurate estimates of energy density (ED) across prey groups are required. Frequently, a single species is assumed to be representative of a larger taxonomic group or related species. Further, single-point estimates are often assumed to be representative of a group across seasons, despite temporal variability. To test the validity of these practices, we sampled zooplankton prey of juvenile Chinook salmon to investigate fine-scale taxonomic and temporal differences in ED. Using a recently developed model to estimate the ED of organisms using percent ash-free dry weight, we compared energy content of several groups that are typically grouped together in growth studies. Decapod megalopae were more energy rich than zoeae and showed family-level variability in ED. Amphipods showed significant species-level variability in ED. Temporal differences were observed, but patterns were not consistent among groups. Bioenergetic model simulations showed that growth rate of juvenile Chinook salmon was almost identical when prey ED values were calculated on a fine scale or on a taxon-averaged coarse scale. However, single-species representative calculations of prey ED yielded highly variable output in growth depending on the representative species used. These results suggest that the latter approach may yield significantly biased results.
Conclusion
Authors: Lewis David G.
Published: October 2020

The conclusion discusses the relevance of Carl Schmitt’s thought for the 21st century. This section outlines five conceptual pillars that underpinned the Russian political system during two decades of Putinist rule. It explains how authoritarian responses to social and political challenges ultimately created serious systemic failings that began to undermine the legitimacy of the Putinist state in the late 2010s.
Non- Invasive Cone Beam Tomography (CBCT) to diagnose jaw bone Osteomyelitis in Sickle cell anaemia patients.
Authors: Khanna Mehak , Prabhu Disha
Published: October 2020

Patients suffering from haemoglobinopathies most commonly show bone infection as a complication, of which Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients are the most susceptible to osteomyelitis. There are very few documented cases of jaw bone osteomyelitis in SCA patients. Keeping in mind the number of children diagnosed with SCA in India, this article reports how a commonly available and non-invasive radiographic method, dental CBCT, can be used to timely diagnose jaw bone osteomyelitis.

Key Words : Sickle Cell Anemia ,Chronic Osteomyelitis , Jaw , Mandible , Case Report India , Sickle Cell Anemia complications , Radiograph , CBCT , Third molar pain , Onion skin appearance , Punched out lesions
Optimizing the Growth, Health, Reproductive Performance, and Gonadal Histology of Broodstock Fantail Goldfish (Carassius auratus, L.) by Dietary Cacao Bean Meal
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan. S. , Amer Shimaa A. , Al-Sadek Dina M. M. , Khalil Alshimaa A. , Zaki Eman M. , El-Araby Doaa A.
Published: October 2020

The potential effects of cacao bean meal, Theobroma cacao L., (CBM) on the growth, health status, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant, immune status, physiological parameters, female reproductive performance, and gonadal histological features of fantail goldfish (Carassius auratus, L.) were evaluated using a complete randomized block design with sex as a block. The trial lasted for 60 days. A total of 54 healthy fantail goldfish (36 broodstock females and 18 broodstock males) were randomly allocated into three treatments with supplementation of three levels of cocoa powder 0, 5, and 10 g kg−1 diet, CBM0, CBM5, and CBM10, respectively, with the sex ratio being four females:two males per replicate. The body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of males were increased in the CBM10 treatment (p < 0.05). The CBM10 diet improved relative feed costs (p < 0.05). Females fed on the CBM10 diet had an increase in the serum level of total protein (p = 0.001). Females fed on a diet supplemented with CBM5 showed a decrease in the serum level of triglyceride compared to females fed on CBM0 and CBM10 diets (p = 0.03). CBM10 diet increased the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of fish compared to CBM0 and CBM5 diets (p = 0.004). Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were significantly increased in males fed on the CBM10 diet. The female reproductive performance was improved by CBM supplementation (p < 0.05). Ovarian histology exhibited increased granulation and follicle numbers after dietary CBM supplementation compared to the control treatment. Therefore, cacao bean meal can be used as a feed supplement in the diets of fantail goldfish for improving the growth, health status, and female reproductive performance, economic efficiency, and gonadal histological structure.
Immune Response in Young Thoroughbred Racehorses under Training
Authors: Cappelli Katia , Amadori Massimo , Mecocci Samanta , Miglio Arianna , Antognoni Maria Teresa , Razzuoli Elisabetta
Published: October 2020

Training has a great impact on the physiology of an athlete and, like all stressful stimuli, can trigger an innate immune response and inflammation, which is part of a wider coping strategy of the host to restore homeostasis. The Thoroughbred racehorse is a valid animal model to investigate these changes thanks to its homogeneous training and highly selected genetic background. The aim of this study was to investigate modifications of the innate immune response and inflammation in young untrained Thoroughbred racehorses during the first training season through haematological and molecular investigations. Twenty-nine Thoroughbred racehorses were followed during their incremental 3-month sprint exercise schedule. Blood collection was performed at time 0 (T0; before starting the intense training period), 30 days after T0 (T30), and 90 days after T0 (T90). Haematological parameters (red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets) were evaluated and haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cells width distribution + standard deviation (RDW-SD) were calculated. Moreover, via RT-qPCR, we investigated the expression of, Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 4 (IL-4) Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 2 (IL-2), Interleukin 3 (IL-3), Interleukin 5 (IL-5) Interleukin 8 (IL-8), Trasformig Growth Factor β and α (TGF-β), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and Interferon γ (IFN-γ)genes. Main corpuscular volume (MCV) showed a significant (p = 0.008) increase at T90. Main corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were significantly augmented at both T30 (p < 0.001) and T90 (p < 0.001). Basophils were significant increased at T30 (p = 0.02) and eosinophils were significantly increased at T90 (p = 0.03). Significant differences in gene expression were found for all the genes under study, with the exception of IFN-γ and TNF-α. In particular, IL-2 (T30, p = 0.011; T90, p = 0.015), IL-4 (T30, p = 0.009; T90, p < 0.001), and IL-8 (T30, p < 0.001; T90, p < 0.001) genes were significantly upregulated at both T30 and T90 with respect to T0, TGF-β was intensely downregulated at T30 (p < 0.001), IL-5 gene expression was significantly decreased at T90 (p = 0.001), while IL-1β (p = 0.005) and IL-3 (p = 0.001) expression was strongly augmented at the same time. This study highlighted long-term adjustments of O2 transport capability that can be reasonably traced back to exercise adaptation. Moreover, the observed changes of granulocyte numbers and functions and inflammatory cytokine gene expression confirm a major role of the innate immune system in the response to the complex of stressful stimuli experienced during the training period.
Analysis of the Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Methicillin-Sensitive S. aureus Pathotypes Isolated on a Commercial Rabbit Farm in Italy
Authors: Attili Anna-Rita , Bellato Alessandro , Robino Patrizia , Galosi Livio , Papeschi Cristiano , Rossi Giacomo , Fileni Eleonora , Linardi Martina , Cuteri Vincenzo , Chiesa Francesco , Nebbia Patrizia
Published: October 2020

The breeding of meat rabbits is an important sector in the livestock industry in Italy. The focus of this study was to describe the antibiotic resistance profile distribution among the Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolated in a rabbit farm. From 400 animals of different ages and three farm workers, 96 randomly selected strains isolated from various anatomical sites and lesions were analysed. According to spa typing and the resistance profiles towards veterinary and human antibiotics, 26 pathotypes were identified. The highest resistance was observed against Tetracyclines (92.3%) and Macrolides (80.8%), while almost all were susceptible to Penicillins, according to the limited use of β-lactams on the farm. In total, 92.3% of pathotypes were multidrug resistant (MDRs). Two MDR pathotypes belonging to the t2802 spa type were isolated from both farmers and rabbits. Age categories harboured significantly different pathotypes (p = 0.019), while no association was found between pathotypes and lesions (p = 0.128) or sampling sites (p = 0.491). The antibiotic resistance was observed to increase with the time spent in the farm environment (age category). The selective pressure exerted by antibiotic use acted by giving advantage to more resistant strains rather than by lowering susceptibility to various drug categories within strains.
Influence of Disc Temperature on Ultrafine, Fine, and Coarse Particle Emissions of Passenger Car Disc Brakes with Organic and Inorganic Pad Binder Materials
Authors: Niemann Hartmut , Winner Hermann , Asbach Christof , Kaminski Heinz , Frentz Georg , Milczarek Roman
Published: October 2020

Passenger car disc brakes are a source of ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles. It is estimated that 21% of total traffic-related PM10 emissions in urban environments originate from airborne brake wear particles. Particle number emission factors are in the magnitude of 1010 km−1 wheel brake during real-world driving conditions. Due to the complexity of the tribological processes and the limited observability of the friction zone between brake disc and pad, the phenomena causing particle emission of disc brakes are only partially understood. To generate a basis for understanding the emission process and, based on this, to clarify which influencing variables have how much potential for reduction measures, one approach consists in the identification and quantification of influencing variables in the form of emission maps. The subject of this publication is the influence of disc brake temperature on ultrafine, fine, and coarse particle emissions, which was investigated with a systematic variation of temperature during single brake events on an enclosed brake dynamometer. The systematic variation of temperature was achieved by increasing or decreasing the disc temperature stepwise which leads to a triangular temperature variation. Two types of brake pads were used with the main distinction in its chemical composition being organic and inorganic binder materials. The critical disc brake temperature for the generation of ultrafine particles based on nucleation is at approximately 180 °C for pads with an organic binder and at approximately 240 °C for pads with inorganic binder materials. Number concentration during those nucleation events decreased for successive events, probably due to aging effects. PM10 emissions increased by factor 2 due to an increase in temperature from 80 °C to 160 °C. The influence of temperature could be only repeatable measured for disc brake temperatures below 180 °C. Above this temperature, the emission behavior was dependent on the temperature history, which indicates also a critical temperature for PM10 relevant emissions but not in an increasing rather than a decreasing manner.
Atomic Data Assessment with PyNeb
Authors: Morisset Christophe , Luridiana Valentina , García-Rojas Jorge , Gómez-Llanos Verónica , Bautista Manuel , Mendoza Claudio
Published: October 2020

PyNeb is a Python package widely used to model emission lines in gaseous nebulae. We take advantage of its object-oriented architecture, class methods, and historical atomic database to structure a practical environment for atomic data assessment. Our aim is to reduce the uncertainties in the parameter space (line ratio diagnostics, electron density and temperature, and ionic abundances) arising from the underlying atomic data by critically selecting the PyNeb default datasets. We evaluate the questioned radiative-rate accuracy of the collisionally excited forbidden lines of the N- and P-like ions (O ii, Ne iv, S ii, Cl iii, and Ar iv), which are used as density diagnostics. With the aid of observed line ratios in the dense NGC 7027 planetary nebula and careful data analysis, we arrive at emissivity ratio uncertainties from the radiative rates within 10%, a considerable improvement over a previously predicted 50%. We also examine the accuracy of an extensive dataset of electron-impact effective collision strengths for the carbon isoelectronic sequence recently published. By estimating the impact of the new data on the pivotal [N ii] and [O iii] temperature diagnostics and by benchmarking the collision strength with a measured resonance position, we question their usefulness in nebular modeling. We confirm that the effective-collision-strength scatter of selected datasets for these two ions does not lead to uncertainties in the temperature diagnostics larger than 10%.
Prediction of Joint Shear Deformation Index of RC Beam–Column Joints
Authors: Gombosuren Dagvabazar , Maki Takeshi
Published: October 2020

In the analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, beam–column joints are regarded as rigid nodes. In fact, joint deformation may make a significant difference in the lateral response of RC buildings if joints are not properly designed and detailed. To consider joint flexibility, several types of joint models have been proposed. However, these models require complicated computations, consequently making them challenging to apply in engineering practice. This paper proposed a simple approach for predicting the contribution of the joint deformation to the total deformation of RC interior beam–column joints under critical structural deformations. To develop such a simple and accurate approach, experimental and analytical studies were performed on RC interior beam–column joints. In this study, eight half-scale joint specimens were tested under reversed cyclic loading, and 39 full–scale FE models were constructed, varying the selected key parameters. The experimental and analytical results showed that the “joint shear” is a useful index for the beam–column joints with high shear stress levels of vj>1.7 fc′ but is unsuitable for defining the failure of beam–column joints with medium or low shear stress levels of vj≈1.25–1.7fc′ and vj≈1.0fc′. Based on the results, three equations were developed to predict the joint shear deformation index (SDI) of RC interior beam–column connections corresponding to three different types of failure (i.e., joint failure before beam yielding, joint failure after beam yielding, and beam flexural failure). SDI predictions of the proposed equations correlate well with 50 test results of beam–column joints available from the literature.
Hypergolic Materials Synthesis through Reaction of Fuming Nitric Acid with Certain Cyclopentadienyl Compounds
Authors: Chalmpes Nikolaos , Bourlinos Athanasios B. , Šedajová Veronika , Kupka Vojtěch , Moschovas Dimitrios , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Karakassides Michael A. , Gournis Dimitrios
Published: October 2020

Recently we have shown the importance of hypergolic reactions in carbon materials synthesis. However, hypergolic reactions could be certainly expanded beyond carbon synthesis, offering a general preparative pathway towards a larger variety of materials. Cyclopentadienyls are one of the most common ligands in organometallic chemistry that react hypergolicly on contact with strong oxidizers. By also considering the plethora of cyclopentadienyl compounds existing today, herein we demonstrate the potential of such compounds in hypergolic materials synthesis in general (carbon or inorganic). In a first example, we show that cyclopentadienyllithium reacts hypergolicly with fuming nitric acid to produce carbon. In a second one, we show that ferrocene and cobaltocene also react hypergolicly with the concentrated acid to afford magnetic inorganic materials, such as γ-Fe2O3 and metallic Co, respectively. The present results further emphasize the importance and universal character of hypergolic reactions in materials science synthesis, as an interesting new alternative to other existing and well-established preparative methods.
Characterization of a PERK Kinase Inhibitor with Anti-Myeloma Activity
Authors: Bagratuni Tina , Patseas Dimitrios , Mavrianou-Koutsoukou Nefeli , Liacos Christine Ivy , Sklirou Aimilia D. , Rousakis Pantelis , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Terpos Evangelos , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: October 2020

Due to increased immunoglobulin production and uncontrolled proliferation, multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells develop a phenotype of deregulated unfolded protein response (UPR). The eIF2-alpha kinase 3 [EIF2αK3, protein kinase R (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK)], the third known sensor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is a serine-threonine kinase and, like the other two UPR-related proteins, i.e., IRE1 and ATF6, it is bound to the ER membrane. MM, like other tumors showing uncontrolled protein secretion, is highly dependent to UPR for survival; thus, inhibition of PERK can be an effective strategy to suppress growth of malignant plasma cells. Here, we have used GSK2606414, an ATP-competitive potent PERK inhibitor, and found significant anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in a panel of MM cell lines. These effects were accompanied by the downregulation of key components of the PERK pathway as well as of other UPR elements. Consistently, PERK gene expression silencing significantly increased cell death in MM cells, highlighting the importance of PERK signaling in MM biology. Moreover, GSK2606414, in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, exerted an additive toxic effect in MM cells. Overall, our data suggest that PERK inhibition could represent a novel combinatorial therapeutic approach in MM.
Integrative Analysis of Cell Crosstalk within Follicular Lymphoma Cell Niche: Towards a Definition of the FL Supportive Synapse
Authors: Pangault Céline , Amé-Thomas Patricia , Rossille Delphine , Dulong Joëlle , Caron Gersende , Nonn Céline , Chatonnet Fabrice , Desmots Fabienne , Launay Vincent , Lamy Thierry , Fest Thierry , Tarte Karin
Published: October 2020

Follicular lymphoma (FL), the most frequent indolent non-Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma, is considered as a prototypical centrocyte-derived lymphoma, dependent on a specific microenvironment mimicking the normal germinal center (GC). In agreement, several FL genetic alterations affect the crosstalk between malignant B cells and surrounding cells, including stromal cells and follicular helper T cells (Tfh). In our study, we sought to deconvolute this complex FL supportive synapse by comparing the transcriptomic profiles of GC B cells, Tfh, and stromal cells, isolated from normal versus FL tissues, in order to identify tumor-specific pathways. In particular, we highlighted a high expression of IL-6 and IL-7 in FL B cells that could favor the activation of FL Tfh overexpressing IFNG, able in turn to stimulate FL B cells without triggering MHC (major histocompatibility) class II expression. Moreover, the glycoprotein clusterin was found up-regulated in FL stromal cells and could promote FL B cell adhesion. Finally, besides its expression on Tfh, CD200 was found overexpressed on tumor B cells and could contribute to the induction of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase by CD200R-expressing dendritic cells. Altogether our findings led us to outline the contribution of major signals provided by the FL microenvironment and their interactions with malignant FL B cells.
Sex Differences in Diabetes- and TGF-β1-Induced Renal Damage
Authors: Ziller Nadja , Kotolloshi Roland , Esmaeili Mohsen , Liebisch Marita , Mrowka Ralf , Baniahmad Aria , Liehr Thomas , Wolf Gunter , Loeffler Ivonne
Published: October 2020

While females are less affected by non-diabetic kidney diseases compared to males, available data on sex differences in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are controversial. Although there is evidence for an imbalance of sex hormones in diabetes and hormone-dependent mechanisms in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signaling, causes and consequences are still incompletely understood. Here we investigated the influence of sex hormones and sex-specific gene signatures in diabetes- and TGF-β1-induced renal damage using various complementary approaches (a db/db diabetes mouse model, ex vivo experiments on murine renal tissue, and experiments with a proximal tubular cell line TKPTS). Our results show that: (i) diabetes affects sex hormone concentrations and renal expression of their receptors in a sex-specific manner; (ii) sex, sex hormones and diabetic conditions influence differences in expression of TGF-β1, its receptor and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7); (iii) the sex and sex hormones, in combination with variable TGF-β1 doses, determine the net outcome in TGF-β1-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a profibrotic cytokine. Altogether, these results suggest complex crosstalk between sex hormones, sex-dependent expression pattern and profibrotic signals for the precise course of DN development. Our data may help to better understand previous contradictory findings regarding sex differences in DN.
Successful Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation from a Matched Related Donor with Beta-Thalassemia Minor for Severe Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Jung Mi Young , Lim Young Tae , Lim Hyunji , Hah Jeong Ok , Lee Jae Min
Published: October 2020

The first-line treatment for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with full-matched related donors considered the most suitable. We report a case of SAA in which the patient successfully underwent HSCT from a donor with β-thalassemia minor. The patient in this case underwent HSCT from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched younger brother with β-thalassemia minor. A 7-year-old girl was referred to our facility following a 6-month history of easy bruising and pallor. Laboratory examinations showed pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow with cellularity of <5%. She was diagnosed with acquired SAA, and HLA typing of her family members was performed. Her younger brother was an HLA-matched sibling but had β-thalassemia minor. Since his hemoglobin levels were maintained at 10–11 d/dL, he was considered a suitable HSCT donor. The conditioning regimen included fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and anti-thymocyte globulin. The CD34+ and CD3+ cell counts were 6.6 × 106/kg and 0.48 × 108/kg, respectively. White blood cell engraftment was evident on day +11. Regimen-associated toxicities, such as anorexia and enteritis, were mild; no infections occurred, and no symptoms of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. The 30-day follow-up bone marrow examination revealed normocellular marrow with 80%–90% cellularity. Acute or chronic GVHD has not been reported, and good performance status has been observed throughout the 5 years after HSCT. β-thalassemia minor patients can be considered as bone marrow donors for SAA patients.
Identifying Downregulation of Autophagy Markers in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Huang Fu-Chen , Huang Ying-Hsien , Kuo Ho-Chang , Li Sung-Chou
Published: October 2020

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of heart disease acquired in childhood. Even if treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) at the early stage; children are still at risk of developing coronary artery lesions. Accumulating evidence suggests that autophagy is enhanced in various heart diseases. Evaluating the pathogenic role of autophagy in KD and coronary artery lesions (CAL) may aid in identifying a potential therapeutic target for the treatment or prevention of the disease. Blood samples were obtained from 20 children with KD at the onset of disease and 21 days after IVIG therapy. Twenty children with other causes of febrile disease and 20 healthy children were included as controls. Total RNA was extracted from white blood cells; and autophagy-related gene mRNA expression levels were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The patients with KD had downregulated levels of LC3B mRNA (0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 1.67 ± 0.15; p < 0.001), BECN1 mRNA (0.70 ± 0.08 vs. 1.43 ± 0.23; p < 0.05), and ATG16L1 mRNA (0.28 ± 0.04 vs. 0.96 ± 0.16; p < 0.01) compared to the febrile control group. The values of these parameters all increased significantly 21 days after the IVIG therapy as follows: LC3B mRNA (1.77 ± 0.29 vs. 0.50 ± 0.06; p < 0.001), BECN1 mRNA (1.67 ± 0.36 vs. 0.70 ± 0.08; p < 0.05), and ATG16L1 mRNA (2.96 ± 0.43 vs. 0.28 ± 0.04; p < 0.001), while the level of ATG16L1 mRNA persists low in KD patients with CAL. Our results showed the autophagy-related genes expressions in KD and their change after IVIG administration. This suggests that autophagy may have a protective effect on KD.
Headache in Children: Selected Factors of Vascular Changes Involved in Underlying Processes of Idiopathic Headaches
Authors: Sordyl Joanna , Małecka-Tendera Ewa , Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Kopyta Ilona
Published: October 2020

Headaches are common complaints in children. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version), defines more than 280 types of headaches. Primary headaches refer to independent conditions that cause pain and include migraine, tension-type headaches (TTH), and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). Several agents are involved in the pathogenesis of headaches. The factors associated with predisposition to atherosclerosis seem to be particularly important from the clinical point of view. The influence of obesity on the incidence of headaches has been well established. Moreover, idiopathic headaches, especially migraine, are thought to be one of the first signs of disorders in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. The risk of migraine increases with increasing obesity in children. Another factor that seems to be involved in both obesity and headaches is the adiponectin level. Recent data also suggest new potential risk factors for atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), sCD40L (soluble CD40 ligand), serpin E1/PAI I (endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, their role is controversial because the results of clinical studies are often inconsistent. This review presents the current knowledge on the potential markers of atherosclerosis and platelet aggregation, which may be associated with primary headaches.
Effects of Stoichiometry on Structural, Morphological and Nanomechanical Properties of Bi2Se3 Thin Films Deposited on InP(111) Substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Hwang Yeong-Maw , Pan Cheng-Tang , Chen Bo-Syun , Le Phuoc Huu , Uyen Ngo Ngoc , Tuyen Le Thi Cam , Nguyen Vanthan , Luo Chih-Wei , Juang Jenh-Yih , Leu Jihperng , Jian Sheng-Rui
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the structural, morphological, compositional, nanomechanical, and surface wetting properties of Bi2Se3 thin films prepared using a stoichiometric Bi2Se3 target and a Se-rich Bi2Se5 target are investigated. The Bi2Se3 films were grown on InP(111) substrates by using pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction results revealed that all the as-grown thin films exhibited were highly c-axis-oriented Bi2Se3 phase with slight shift in diffraction angles, presumably due to slight stoichiometry changes. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses indicated that the Se-rich target gives rise to a nearly stoichiometric Bi2Se3 films, while the stoichiometric target only resulted in Se-deficient and Bi-rich films. Atomic force microscopy images showed that the films’ surfaces mainly consist of triangular pyramids with step-and-terrace structures with average roughness, Ra, being ~2.41 nm and ~1.65 nm for films grown with Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets, respectively. The hardness (Young’s modulus) of the Bi2Se3 thin films grown from the Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets were 5.4 GPa (110.2 GPa) and 10.3 GPa (186.5 GPa), respectively. The contact angle measurements of water droplets gave the results that the contact angle (surface energy) of the Bi2Se3 films obtained from the Bi2Se3 and Bi2Se5 targets were 80° (21.4 mJ/m2) and 110° (11.9 mJ/m2), respectively.
Biomass Steam Gasification: A Comparison of Syngas Composition between a 1-D MATLAB Kinetic Model and a 0-D Aspen Plus Quasi-Equilibrium Model
Authors: Marcantonio Vera , Monforti Ferrario Andrea , Di Carlo Andrea , Del Zotto Luca , Monarca Danilo , Bocci Enrico
Published: October 2020

Biomass is one of the most widespread and accessible energy source and steam gasification is one of the most important processes to convert biomass into combustible gases. However, to date the difference of results between the main models used to predict steam gasification producer gas composition have been not analyzed in details. Indeed, gasification, involving heterogeneous reactions, does not reach thermodynamic equilibrium and so thermodynamic models with experimental corrections and kinetic models are mainly applied. Thus, this paper compares a 1-D kinetic model developed in MATLAB, combining hydrodynamics and reaction kinetics, and a 0-D thermodynamic model developed in Aspen Plus, based on Gibbs free energy minimization applying the quasi-equilibrium approach, calibrated by experimental data. After a comparison of the results of the models against experimental data at two S/B ratios, a sensitivity analysis for a wide range of S/B ratios has been performed. The experimental comparison and sensitivity analysis shows that the two models provide sufficiently similar data in terms of the main components of the syngas although the thermodynamic model shows, with increasing S/B, a greater increase of H2 and CO2 and lower decrease of CH4 and CO respect to the kinetic one and the experimental data. Thus, the thermodynamic model, despite being calibrated by experimental data, can be used mainly to analyze global plant performance due to the reduced importance of the discrepancy from a global energy and plant perspective. Meanwhile, the more complex kinetic model should be used when a more precise gas composition is needed and, of course, for reactor design.
Discrepancy between Constant Properties Model and Temperature-Dependent Material Properties for Performance Estimation of Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Ponnusamy Prasanna , de Boor Johannes , Müller Eckhard
Published: October 2020

The efficiency of a thermoelectric (TE) generator for the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy can be easily but roughly estimated using a constant properties model (CPM) developed by Ioffe. However, material properties are, in general, temperature (T)-dependent and the CPM yields meaningful estimates only if physically appropriate averages, i.e., spatial averages for thermal and electrical resistivities and the temperature average (TAv) for the Seebeck coefficient (α), are used. Even though the use of αTAv compensates for the absence of Thomson heat in the CPM in the overall heat balance, we find that the CPM still overestimates performance (e.g., by up to 6% for PbTe) for many materials. The deviation originates from an asymmetric distribution of internally released Joule heat to either side of the TE leg and the distribution of internally released Thomson heat between the hot and cold side. The Thomson heat distribution differs from a complete compensation of the corresponding Peltier heat balance in the CPM. Both effects are estimated quantitatively here, showing that both may reach the same order of magnitude, but which one dominates varies from case to case, depending on the specific temperature characteristics of the thermoelectric properties. The role of the Thomson heat distribution is illustrated by a discussion of the transport entropy flow based on the α(T) plot. The changes in the lateral distribution of the internal heat lead to a difference in the heat input, the optimum current and thus of the efficiency of the CPM compared to the real case, while the estimate of generated power at maximum efficiency remains less affected as it is bound to the deviation of the optimum current, which is mostly <1%. This deviation can be corrected to a large extent by estimating the lateral Thomson heat distribution and the asymmetry of the Joule heat distribution. A simple guiding rule for the former is found.
Modelling of Hard Coal Beneficiation Process Utilising Negative Pressure Pneumatic Separator
Authors: Stańczyk Kamil
Published: October 2020

The dry separation methods for coal beneficiation have been regaining attention in the past decades. A number of improved or newly designed devices have been developed—one of them is a negative pressure pneumatic separator (NPPS). The said method of separation is based on the differences in the physical properties between coal and gangue minerals, such as the grain density, size, and shape. The aim of the hereby presented work was to develop working models describing the operation of the NPPS. To validate the models, the calculation results were compared with experimental results of the tests carried out in the previous study on the topic. Based on the findings it can be inferred that the models accurately predict the separation results, i.e., the majority of results are within the range of estimated measurement uncertainties. Consequently, the models allow one to optimise the process to obtain the products with desirable properties.
Islanding Detection Using a Micro-Synchrophasor for Distribution Systems with Distributed Generation
Authors: Subramanian Karthikeyan , Loganathan Ashok Kumar
Published: October 2020

Distributed Generation (DG) has changed the power generation system to small-scale instead of large-scale generation. The demanding issue with the interconnection of DG is the detection of unintended islanding in a network. Several methods proposed in the literature show drawbacks such as high non-detection zones (NDZ) and higher tripping time. In this paper, the IEEE 13 bus distribution network with DGs like wind and solar power plants is integrated at two buses. Islanding is detected by utilizing data from a micro-synchrophasor located at the distribution grid and the DG. The micro-synchrophasor-based unintended islanding detection algorithm is based on parameters such as voltage, rate of change of voltage, frequency, rate of change of frequency, voltage phase angle difference and the rate of change of the voltage phase angle difference between the utility and the islanded grid. The proposed islanding detection algorithm discriminates between islanding and non-islanding conditions and is highly efficient under zero power mismatch conditions. The proposed method has null NDZ and satisfies the IEEE 1547 standard for DG tripping time. The effectiveness of the proposed IDM was verified when there are multiple DGs in the islanded grid. Also, the proposed method does not require additional hardware as it can be incorporated in digital relays with synchrophasor functionality.