bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Sequestration Potential of Chir Pine Forests Located in Kumaun Himalaya
Authors: Pant Harshit , Tewari Ashish
Published: August 2021

Himalayan forests act as reservoirs of carbon due to their high percentage of forest cover. The biomass values of these forests cluster around two different levels, which dwell between higher values (approximately 400 t/ha for Shorea robusta and Quercus leucotrichophora forests) and lower values (approximately 200 t/ha) for Pinus roxburghii forests. The present study is focused on assessment of variation in tree biomass and carbon sequestration at four sites dominated by chir pine (P. roxburghii Sarg.) forests located on two different slope aspects. We calculated the tree biomass following allometric equations based upon circumference at breast height by Chaturvedi and Singh (1982). The tree biomass values ranged between 97.87 ± 9.84 t/ha and 158.97 ± 9.39 t/ha; however, tree carbon values ranged between 46.48 ± 4.67 t/ha and 74.66 ± 7.17 t/ha across the study sites. Rates of carbon sequestration ranged between 0.2 ± 0.01 t/ha/yr and 3.96 ± 1.36 t/ha/yr. The rates were higher on slopes of northern aspect in comparison with southern aspect. The results emphasize that the biomass accumulation was higher in the trees located on northern aspects and can be better managed for developing a payment for ecosystem services strategy for following up of REDD+ in the country.
Effect of Growth Rings Per Inch and Specific Gravity on Compression Perpendicular to Grain in No. 2: 2 by 8 and 2 by 10 Southern Pine Lumber
Authors: Irby Nathan E. , França Frederico José Nistal , Barnes H. Michael , Seale R. Daniel , Shmulsky Rubin
Published: August 2021

Southern pine lumber 2 by 8s and 2 by 10s from across the Southeast were used as the parent material source for this study. Fundamental data were collected for each piece of lumber: growth rings per inch (RPI), presence of pith, and specific gravity (SG), among other information. After mechanical property evaluation through static bending, small clear specimens were cut from the lumber pieces and tested for compression perpendicular to grain (C⊥). Those values were then compared with 2 by 8 and 2 by 10 average RPI and density. The results were significant for both tests. Therefore, a segmentation of the growth ring data into groups of <3, 3 to 5, and >5 RPI was conducted. Correlations were run specific to each group, per both lumber sizes, and still significance was found. Segmentation of SG was not significant only for 2 by 8 SG <0.4. The results suggest that SG is a better predictor of C⊥ than RPI alone due to statistical significance found during these analyses.
Accelerated Polymerization of Ammonium Lignosulfonate from Loblolly Pine
Authors: Narron Robert , Wolken Gregory , Gargulak Jerry
Published: August 2021

Lignin bioproducts derived from pulping of woody biomass find utility in multiple industrial applications. Ammonium lignosulfonates have historically displayed unique polymerization characteristics relative to other lignin materials and show promise as sustainable adhesives for the panel industry. To further understand the system's chemistry, polymerization reactions were observed through the lens of viscosity build-up using high temperature rheological measurements. It was found that highly controllable lignosulfonate properties like cooking temperature, pH, and percentage dissolved solids each significantly contribute to gelation behavior. The concept of thermal priming to shorten gelation time was also introduced and demonstrated. Finally, possible applications for this technology are postulated.
Economic Contributions of West Virginia's Forest Products Industry Over Time: A Look at 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2017 Data
Authors: Gabbert C. Clinton , Gazal Kathryn , McNeel Joseph
Published: August 2021

West Virginia's forest products industry (FPI) has long been viewed as an important industry to the state. However, there is a lack of recent data regarding the economic contribution of the industry to the state's economy. The housing market collapse of the mid-2000s, subsequent recession, continued increasing global competition, natural gas boom, and other macroeconomic trends have affected the FPI in the state. The continuing evolution of the state economy necessitates a reexamination of the role the FPI plays in the state. Thus, this article examines the historical contribution of the FPI to West Virginia's economy using 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2017 data. Both the direct and total economic contributions of the industry substantially declined from 2006 to 2010. The largest declines were experienced in the secondary solid-wood products and wood furniture sectors. Between 2010 and 2015, the industry's direct and total contributions rose for all measures evaluated. Between 2015 and 2017, all measures of direct and total contributions of the industry also increased but at a much slower pace and remained lower than 2006 levels. The inability of the FPI in the state to return to 2006 levels of direct contributions suggests that long-term industry trends such as the continued offshoring of value-added forest products sectors and increased industry automation are still putting negative pressure on direct industry growth. Additionally, the industry is facing new challenges such as uncertainty about the future availability of the foreign markets and competition for resources from emerging industries.
Wood Functional Modification Based on Deposition of Nanometer Copper Film by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Jingkui , Wang Yanan , Tian He , Qi Dawei , Wang Ruoying
Published: August 2021

It can be helpful for selected applications to improve the functionality of wood by compounding nano-metal materials with wood, endowing the wood surface with certain physical properties, for example, metallicity, electrical conductivity, and hydrophobicity. Therefore, in this study, a thin copper film was deposited on the surface of Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongholica Litv. veneer by magnetron sputtering. The film was applied at both room temperature and 200°C to obtain nano-copper–wood composites. The physical properties of wood-based nano-metal composites were characterized. The results indicated that the wood veneer metallization had no effect on the crystallization zone of wood; there were still wood cellulose characteristic peaks, but the intensity of the diffraction peak decreased. At the same time, there were characteristic diffraction peaks of copper. The mechanical properties of the wood veneer surface changed greatly; the surface of copper-plated wood veneer had good electrical conductivity and the wettability of the wood surface transformed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. When the base temperature was 200°C, not only was the sheet resistance of the sample with coating time of 15 minutes about 4.6 times that of the sheet resistance of the sample at room temperature, but also the quality of the copper film on the wood surface was better than that at room temperature. The copper film was mainly composed of small particles with a compact arrangement.
Nuvolve Engineered Polysaccharides as Performance-Enhancing Additives for Latex Wood Adhesives
Authors: Marcinko Joseph J. , Lenges Christian , Kim Kyle , Harvey Monica
Published: August 2021

The work presented here focuses on the, incorporation of an engineered polysaccharide polymer, α-1,3-glucan, derived from the enzymatic polymerization of sucrose, as a performance-enhancing additive for commercial, latex-based wood adhesives used in wood bonding applications. Adhesive performance was measured on hard maple (Acer saccharum) using ASTM Standard Method D-905. Dynamic mechanical analysis and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were the characterization techniques used to assess the properties of room-temperature–cured adhesive films. Significant increases in shear stress were observed for these formulated latex adhesives containing the polysaccharide polymer.
Effect of Multiple Leaching Cycles on Decay Resistance of Micronized Copper Azole–Treated Southern Pine Sapwood
Authors: Xu Guoqi , Cappellazzi Jed , Konkler Matthew J. , Morrell Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2021

Copper remains one of the key biocides for protecting timber in soil contact. Historically, copper-based preservatives relied on solubilized copper. Over the past decade, micronized copper systems have largely replaced soluble copper systems in this application. While micronized copper chemistries have been shown to perform well over time with reduced copper leaching compared to solubilized copper, data are lacking on the effects of repeated leaching cycles on resistance of the timber to fungal attack. The potential effects of repeated leaching cycles of micronized copper azole–treated southern pine (Pinus spp.) blocks on both copper losses and resistance to fungal attack were explored over 20 leaching cycles using Gloeophyllum trabeum and Rhodonia placenta as test fungi. Copper losses during leaching were elevated for the first two cycles and steadily declined with additional cycling. There were no noticeable differences in fungal-associated weight losses in blocks exposed to G. trabeum. There was only a slight increase in average block weight losses with R. placenta, although blocks exposed to this fungus experienced higher weight losses with increased leaching cycles. The results suggest that repeated leaching exposures may produce some localized increases in susceptibility to fungal attack, but the overall effects were minor.
Soy Flour Substitution in Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate Resin for Composite Panel Applications
Authors: Asafu-Adjaye Osei , Via Brian , Banerjee Sujit
Published: August 2021

Partial substitution of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) resin by 10 to 15 percent soy flour for the manufacture of strand board improves board properties while decreasing cost. For particleboard and medium-density fiberboard the soy-substituted resin performs as well as the control pMDI. The reaction of soy flour with pMDI occurs over several hours as tracked by CO2 evolution. The soy-amended resin must be used within about 30 minutes of formulation. Uniform mixing of soy flour with pMDI is critical because unreacted soy flour tends to retain water, which degrades the wet properties of the board. The soy flour increases the tack of pMDI resin, which increases the surface coverage and the relative bonded area at the glue line.
Comparative Aboveground Performance of Pressure-Treated Copper Azole with Alternative Wood Protection Systems under Subtropical Conditions
Authors: Konkler Matthew J. , Presley Gerald , Morrell Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2021

The performance of several wood surface treatments as well as a silica treatment claiming to provide protection against fungal decay and termite attack in aboveground applications were examined in termite, ground proximity, and sandwich tests at a subtropical site near Hilo, Hawaii. In general, the surface treatments performed similarly to untreated controls and provided little or no protection against fungal or insect attack. The silicate treatment provided some termite and decay protection, but fungal decay resulted in rapid declines in condition after 50 to 54 months of exposure. Copper azole–treated lumber provided the best performance against both termites and fungal attack, illustrating the benefits of pressure treatment over surface treatments in high-decay-hazard environments. These results also illustrate the importance of rigorous testing and standardization protocols for any product that makes durability claims before it enters the market to ensure that it will perform as expected.
Intelligent Bamboo Part Sorting System Design via Machine Vision
Authors: Liu Tian-Hu , Wu Zi-Di , Chen Qin-Ling , Nie Xiang-Ning , Li Gui-Qi , Wang Hong-Jun , Zhang Di , Liu Wei , Wu Jin-Meng
Published: August 2021

The defect rate of initially produced block bamboo (Bambusoideae) parts is >20 percent. Sorting out these defective parts manually is a highly time-consuming and tedious process. An intelligent sorting system was developed based on machine vision using a Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network learning algorithm in this study. First, a high-speed charge-coupled device camera was used to obtain a series of images of perfect and defective block bamboo parts. Next, the RBF neural-network learning algorithm was applied to obtain defect characteristics and to locate defective parts moving forward on a conveyor belt. An array of air jets was designed to force defective parts off the belt. Experimental results showed that the average defective part removal rate of the proposed system was 91.7 percent.
Correlation among Physico-Acoustic Properties of Boscia angustifolia and Albizia adianthifolia Wood
Authors: Olaoye Kayode , Okon-Akan Omolabake , Adegoke Olaoluwa , Bobadoye A. O.
Published: August 2021

Underutilization of some wood species can be largely attributed to a dearth of scientific information. Therefore, identifying the acoustic characteristics of lesser used wood species such as Boscia angustifolia and Albizia adianthifolia wood is expected to encourage their use in acoustic applications. Thus, studying their acoustic properties and the relationship among these properties will help reveal their use potential for acoustic purposes and also highlight possible predictor variable(s) for other acoustic parameters in wood acoustics. This study aimed at measuring the acoustic properties of B. angustifolia and A. adianthifolia wood and investigating the correlation among these properties. Three trees of each species were felled, and a total of 270 wood samples of 20 by 20 by 300 mm3 were collected. The samples were conditioned before acoustic measurement. The longitudinal free vibration method was adopted to measure the acoustic properties. Some of the mean acoustic results obtained for B. angustifolia and A. adianthifolia wood were 835.89 Hz, 3,657.51 m/s, 0.008, 13.59 GPa, 935.39 m4 kg−1 s−1, and 807.78 Hz, 3,542.66 m/s, 0.009, 12.65 GPa, 731.75 m4 kg−1 s−1, respectively, for fundamental sound frequency (FF), velocity of sound (V), damping factor (tan δ), specific dynamic modulus of elasticity (Es), and acoustic conversion efficiency (ACE). The correlation of FF with tan δ was negatively significant (−0.59), while it was positively significant with Es and ACE (0.99 and 0.74). This study found the two wood species suitable for making frame boards only and highlights sound frequency and velocity of sound as the major predicting acoustic variables for measuring good acoustic wood.
Compression Properties of Small Clear Southern Yellow Pine Specimens Tested across Five Decades
Authors: Shmulsky Rubin , França Frederico José Nistal , Ratcliff J. Tedrick , Farber Benjamin , Senalik C. Adam , Ross Robert J. , Seale R. Daniel
Published: August 2021

Southern yellow pine (SYP) is one of the most used softwood species in the world. Most of this raw material come from fast-grown plantation trees. It is of interest to determine if SYP clear wood properties may have changed over the long term, in particular whether such properties may have declined. Herein, specific gravity (SG), ultimate compression strength parallel to grain (UCS‖), and UCS perpendicular to grain (UCS⊥) from three samples were compared: Sample 1 tested in 2014; Sample 2 from molding and millwork producers tested in 2017–2019; and Sample 3 from a study conducted in the mid-1960s. With respect to specific gravity (SG), the wood in Sample 1 was significantly lower than that from Samples 2 and 3. With respect to UCS‖, all three samples were statistically different. Adjusting to 12 percent moisture content had no influence on the mean separation of UCS‖. With respect to UCS⊥, no statistically significant differences were detected among the test data from any of the three samples. However, for the UCS data generated from the SG and moisture content–related model, Sample 2 was higher than Sample 3, and Sample 3 was higher than Sample 1, and these differences were statistically significant. Overall, these findings do not suggest that broad or consistent changes or declines of these wood strength properties have occurred during the past five decades.
[Technical Note] The Effect of Variables on Laboratory Termite Testing: Part II—Effect of Grain Orientation of Test Blocks
Authors: Lindsey G. B. , Amburgey T. L. , Barnes H. M.
Published: August 2021

The effect of test-block grain orientation on laboratory termite tests using American Wood-Preservers' Association Standard E1-97 was evaluated using Coptotermes formosanus. This research revealed that testing of samples with the 6-mm direction in either the longitudinal or the tangential direction was appropriate. The E1 standard was subsequently modified to allow either.
Kiln Drying Operations Scheduling with Dynamic Composition of Loading Patterns
Authors: Marier Philippe , Gaudreault Jonathan , Noguer Thomas
Published: August 2021

Planning and scheduling wood lumber drying operations is a very difficult problem. The literature proposes different methods aiming to minimize order lateness. They all make use of pre-established kiln loading patterns that are known to offer good physical stability in the kiln and allow full kiln space utilization. Instead, we propose a mixed integer programming (MIP) model, which can be used to generate loading patterns “on the fly.” This MIP model can be integrated into existing kiln drying operation planning/scheduling systems in order to improve their solutions. We show how this integration can be done by adapting a state of the art drying operations planning and scheduling methodology from the literature. We compare the solutions obtained by this system using the predefined loading patterns versus the solutions it generates if it is connected to our loading patterns generator MIP model. The study shows it is much better to dynamically create loading patterns than to use predefined ones, as most North American sawmills do.
Study on Performance of Flame Retardant and Smokeless Reed/Magnesite Cement Inorganic Particleboard
Authors: Zheng Xia , Li Peiqi , Lin Yunfei , Li Xingong
Published: August 2021

Flame-retardant reed inorganic particleboard was prepared by hot-pressing with reed particles as a reinforcing material and using magnesite cement as an inorganic adhesive. The effects of inorganic sizing amount, density, and hot-pressing temperature and time on the properties of reed inorganic particleboard were investigated by orthogonal testing. Particleboard properties were tested and characterized by means of a universal mechanical testing machine, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cone calorimetry. The results showed that the mechanical properties of particleboard prepared under conditions of 60 percent sizing capacity, 100°C hot-pressing temperature, 15 minutes hot-pressing time, and 1.2 g/cm3 density were the best, reaching the national standard for cement particleboard. At 60 percent sizing, the characteristic peak value of inorganic adhesive hydrate crystal phase was the largest, the crystallization area dense and orderly, and the coating effect on shavings good; these attributes confirmed the trend of mechanical properties of reed shavings board increasing with sizing amount. Thus, the sizing amount had a significant influence on flame retardancy and smoke suppression performance of this particleboard. With an increased application amount, the heat release and total heat release rates of the particleboard and total smoke generation rate showed decreasing trends. Additionally, when the ignition time was delayed, the flame retardancy and smoke suppression performance of the particleboard was enhanced.
Experimental Modal Analysis of Appropriate Boundary Conditions for the Evaluation of Cross-Laminated Timber Panels for an In-Line Approach
Authors: Faircloth Adam , Brancheriau Loic , Karampour Hassan , So Stephen , Bailleres Henri , Kumar Chandan
Published: August 2021

Transverse modal analysis of timber panels is a proven effective alternative method for approximating a material's elastic constants. Specific testing configurations, such as boundary conditions (BC) and location of sensor and impact, play a critical role in the accuracy of the results obtained from the experimental assessment. This article investigates signal-specific details, such as the signal quality factor, that directly relate to the damping properties and internal friction as well as frequency shifting obtained from six different BCs. A freely supported (FFFF), opposing minor sides (shorter length) simply supported, and major sides (longest length) free (SFSF), as well as the reverse of the SFSF configuration with minor sides free and major lengths simply supported (FSFS) and all sides simply supported (SSSS) setup, are investigated. Variations into the proposed methods used to achieve an FFFF supported system are also considered. A combination of experimental testing in parallel with finite element analysis was conducted to re-create the setup that would be used within a manufacturing facility for nondestructive assessment of full-size cross-laminated timber panels. The differences between all BC configurations for their resonance frequency quality and location indicate that a freely supported system provides higher-resolution results, good comparison of less than 10 percent error with the finite element analysis and experimental results, and advantages in a simple experimental setup for the intended application.
Orthotropic Viscoelastic Properties of Chinese Fir Wood Saturated with Water in Frozen and Non-frozen States
Authors: Li Zhu , Jiang Jiali , Lyu Jianxiong , Cao Jinzhen
Published: August 2021

In order to better understand the differences in orthotropic viscoelastic properties of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) in frozen and non-frozen states, the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) of the longitudinal, radial, and tangential specimens were investigated under water-saturated conditions with temperatures ranging from −120°C (or 30°C) to 280°C. Results revealed that the order of magnitude in E′ for each orientation was consistent for temperatures below 0°C, while the anisotropy in E′ was reduced due to the enhancement effect of ice. Frequency-dependent γ-relaxation was observed at approximately −96°C for all orthotropic directions. A sharp discontinuity in E′ occurred at approximately 0°C for each specimen, together with the corresponding sharp peak in the E″ spectrum. Furthermore, the frozen free water had an effect on the orthotropic viscoelastic behavior in the water-saturated specimens within the range of −120°C to 280°C. Specimens with a frozen history leveled off at the initial temperature ramping phase for each orientation, while a frozen history reduced the decline in stiffness of the wood specimens. Similar to the variations in E′, the dramatic loss of water increased the complexity of the E″ values. The loss of free water also had a pronounced effect on the viscoelastic properties during the temperature ramping process. Thus, in the wood industry, it necessary to consider the variations in the orthotropic viscoelastic performance of specimens under water-saturated conditions during the water loss process.
Performance of Oriented Strand Board Made with Soy Substituted Resin in Termite Choice Tests with Southern Yellow Pine
Authors: Cheng Qingzheng , Tang Juliet D. , Zhou Chengfeng , Jiang Wei , Hu Lixia , Nicholas Darrel D. , Via Brian
Published: August 2021

Soy flour was evaluated as a partial substitute for resin in the manufacture of oriented strand board (OSB), a wood-based composite that often replaces solid lumber and plywood in structural applications in the construction industry. Since the presence of soy could alter OSB biodegradation properties, termite resistance of OSB panels made with 0, 10, and 20 percent of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) resin substituted with soy flour (OSB0, OSB10, and OSB20, respectively) was investigated. Single choice tests between three types of OSB and southern yellow pine (SYP) solid wood and an OSB choice test (OSB0 vs. OSB10) were evaluated. Results indicated that termites always showed a preference for SYP, with the OSB becoming less palatable when soy flour was present. Percentage weight losses for OSB0, OSB10, and OSB20 were 5.7×, 8.4×, and 8.6× less, respectively, compared with SYP. In the absence of SYP, termites did not differentiate OSB0 from OSB10, with OSB10 showing 1.5× less weight loss compared with OSB0. Visual rating data supported weight loss data, except significantly less damage was only found when the choice paired SYP with OSB made with soy (OSB10 or OSB20). Termite consumption preference for SYP was explained by differences in water absorption kinetics. SYP reached saturation (105% moisture content) within 1 week on moist sand, while moisture content of OSB composites slowly climbed to 79 percent over 4 weeks, never reaching a plateau. Lower moisture content was due to the presence of water-repellent resin and wax in the OSB.
1001 Nights with Animus
Authors: Demiralp Seda
Published: August 2021

This paper provides a Jungian interpretation of the frame story of 1001 Nights. Using a psychodynamic approach, the key characters in the frame story are considered as different pieces of the female psyche during the journey of individuation. This reveals the story's hidden content about inner enemies of the female psyche, such as a tyrannical animus that feeds from an oppressive environment. With a happy ending that represents the union of the ego and the animus, 1001 Nights highlights a path to women's empowerment and social harmony that involves facing inner and outer demons. The essay also argues that with its emphasis on freedoms as a source of individual and social peace, 1001 Nights captures the Zeitgeist of the period from which it emerged, namely 9th-century Abbasid rule, particularly under the reign of Caliph al-Mamun.
Polarization-dependent refractive index analysis for nanoporous microcavities by ray tracing of a propagating electromagnetic field
Authors: Mikami Yuya , Yoshioka Hiroaki , Obata Nasim , Han Sangmin , Oki Yuji
Published: August 2021

In this study, we demonstrated an accurate estimation of the refractive index in nanoporous structures using a novel hybrid simulation method that combines electromagnetic field analysis and ray tracing based on wave optics and ray optics. A novel theoretical model for the refractive index in a nanoporous structure was developed using a simulation of the effective medium approximation (EMA) and screening effect with consideration of polarization dependence. The optical properties were then experimentally evaluated on aggregates of silica nanoparticles. Based on the measured properties, nanoparticles were predicted to have sufficient transparency for the optical cavity. A nanoporous microdisk laser was thus fabricated with laser dye to demonstrate that the nanoporous microdisk was capable of lasing. The microdisk functioned sufficiently as an optical cavity and had well-matched characteristics. This study provides a novel viewpoint of polarization dependence to estimate the refractive index of nanoporous materials by combining numerical simulations and experiments.
Femtosecond laser direct writing of Nd:YLF cladding waveguides for efficient 1047-nm laser emission
Authors: Wang Shixiang , Sun Xiaoli , Liu Hongliang , Ren Yingying , Jia Yuechen , Chen Feng
Published: August 2021

In this work, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of 1047-nm Q-switched mode-locked Nd:YLF cladding waveguide lasers fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) is reported. Modulated by Gr-ReS2-Gr heterostructure film, the fabricated waveguide laser delivers laser pulses with a pulse duration of as short as 31 ps at a fundamental repetition rate of up to 9.55 GHz. The maximum output power under the pulsed regime is determined to be 300 mW with a slope efficiency of 31.77%. The result in this work indicates promising applications of Gr-ReS2-Gr heterostructure film for modulation of ultrafast pulsed laser and compact Nd:YLF waveguide lasers for integrated photonics.
The Δ40p53 isoform inhibits p53-dependent eRNA transcription and enables regulation by signal-specific transcription factors during p53 activation
Authors: Levandowski Cecilia B. , Jones Taylor , Gruca Margaret , Ramamoorthy Sivapriya , Dowell Robin D. , Taatjes Dylan J.
Published: August 2021

The naturally occurring Δ40p53 isoform heterotetramerizes with wild-type p53 (WTp53) to regulate development, aging, and stress responses. How Δ40p53 alters WTp53 function remains enigmatic because their co-expression causes tetramer heterogeneity. We circumvented this issue with a well-tested strategy that expressed Δ40p53:WTp53 as a single transcript, ensuring a 2:2 tetramer stoichiometry. Human MCF10A cell lines expressing Δ40p53:WTp53, WTp53, or WTp53:WTp53 (as controls) from the native TP53 locus were examined with transcriptomics (precision nuclear run-on sequencing [PRO-seq] and RNA sequencing [RNA-seq]), metabolomics, and other methods. Δ40p53:WTp53 was transcriptionally active, and, although phenotypically similar to WTp53 under normal conditions, it failed to induce growth arrest upon Nutlin-induced p53 activation. This occurred via Δ40p53:WTp53-dependent inhibition of enhancer RNA (eRNA) transcription and subsequent failure to induce mRNA biogenesis, despite similar genomic occupancy to WTp53. A different stimulus (5-fluorouracil [5FU]) also showed Δ40p53:WTp53-specific changes in mRNA induction; however, other transcription factors (TFs; e.g., E2F2) could then drive the response, yielding similar outcomes vs. WTp53. Our results establish that Δ40p53 tempers WTp53 function to enable compensatory responses by other stimulus-specific TFs. Such modulation of WTp53 activity may be an essential physiological function for Δ40p53. Moreover, Δ40p53:WTp53 functional distinctions uncovered herein suggest an eRNA requirement for mRNA biogenesis and that human p53 evolved as a tetramer to support eRNA transcription.
Relating simulation studies by provenance—Developing a family of Wnt signaling models
Authors: Budde Kai , Smith Jacob , Wilsdorf Pia , Haack Fiete , Uhrmacher Adelinde M.
Published: August 2021

For many biological systems, a variety of simulation models exist. A new simulation model is rarely developed from scratch, but rather revises and extends an existing one. A key challenge, however, is to decide which model might be an appropriate starting point for a particular problem and why. To answer this question, we need to identify entities and activities that contributed to the development of a simulation model. Therefore, we exploit the provenance data model, PROV-DM, of the World Wide Web Consortium and, building on previous work, continue developing a PROV ontology for simulation studies. Based on a case study of 19 Wnt/β-catenin signaling models, we identify crucial entities and activities as well as useful metadata to both capture the provenance information from individual simulation studies and relate these forming a family of models. The approach is implemented inWebProv, a web application for inserting and querying provenance information. Our specialization of PROV-DM contains the entities Research Question, Assumption, Requirement, Qualitative Model, Simulation Model, Simulation Experiment, Simulation Data, and Wet-lab Data as well as activities referring to building, calibrating, validating, and analyzing a simulation model. We show that most Wnt simulation models are connected to other Wnt models by using (parts of) these models. However, the overlap, especially regarding the Wet-lab Data used for calibration or validation of the models is small. Making these aspects of developing a model explicit and queryable is an important step for assessing and reusing simulation models more effectively. Exposing this information helps to integrate a new simulation model within a family of existing ones and may lead to the development of more robust and valid simulation models. We hope that our approach becomes part of a standardization effort and that modelers adopt the benefits of provenance when considering or creating simulation models.
Modelling conformational state dynamics and its role on infection for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein variants
Authors: Teruel Natália , Mailhot Olivier , Najmanovich Rafael J.
Published: August 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein needs to be in an open-state conformation to interact with ACE2 to initiate viral entry. We utilise coarse-grained normal mode analysis to model the dynamics of Spike and calculate transition probabilities between states for 17081 variants including experimentally observed variants. Our results correctly model an increase in open-state occupancy for the more infectious D614G via an increase in flexibility of the closed-state and decrease of flexibility of the open-state. We predict the same effect for several mutations on glycine residues (404, 416, 504, 252) as well as residues K417, D467 and N501, including the N501Y mutation recently observed within the B.1.1.7, 501.V2 and P1 strains. This is, to our knowledge, the first use of normal mode analysis to model conformational state transitions and the effect of mutations on such transitions. The specific mutations of Spike identified here may guide future studies to increase our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and guide public health in their surveillance efforts.
Irf2bp2a regulates terminal granulopoiesis through proteasomal degradation of Gfi1aa in zebrafish
Authors: Gao Shuo , Wang Zixuan , Wang Luxiang , Wang Haihong , Yuan Hao , Liu Xiaohui , Chen Saijuan , Chen Zhu , de Thé Hugues , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Yiyue , Zhu Jun , Zhou Jun
Published: August 2021

The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays important roles in various biological processes as it degrades the majority of cellular proteins. Adequate proteasomal degradation of crucial transcription regulators ensures the proper development of neutrophils. The ubiquitin E3 ligase of Growth factor independent 1 (GFI1), a key transcription repressor governing terminal granulopoiesis, remains obscure. Here we report that the deficiency of the ring finger protein Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2a (Irf2bp2a) leads to an impairment of neutrophils differentiation in zebrafish. Mechanistically, Irf2bp2a functions as a ubiquitin E3 ligase targeting Gfi1aa for proteasomal degradation. Moreover, irf2bp2a gene is repressed by Gfi1aa, thus forming a negative feedback loop between Irf2bp2a and Gfi1aa during neutrophils maturation. Different levels of GFI1 may turn it into a tumor suppressor or an oncogene in malignant myelopoiesis. Therefore, discovery of certain drug targets GFI1 for proteasomal degradation by IRF2BP2 might be an effective anti-cancer strategy.
Effect of wall type, delayed mortality and mosquito age on the residual efficacy of a clothianidin-based indoor residual spray formulation (SumiShield™ 50WG) in southern Mozambique
Authors: Marti-Soler Helena , Máquina Mara , Opiyo Mercy , Alafo Celso , Sherrard-Smith Ellie , Malheia Arlindo , Cuamba Nelson , Sacoor Charfudin , Rabinovich Regina , Aide Pedro , Saúte Francisco , Paaijmans Krijn
Published: August 2021

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is one of the main malaria vector control strategies in Mozambique alongside the distribution of insecticide treated nets. As part of the national insecticide resistance management strategy, Mozambique introduced SumiShield™ 50WG, a third generation IRS product, in 2018. Its residual efficacy was assessed in southern Mozambique during the 2018–2019 malaria season. Using a susceptible Anopheles arabiensis strain, residual efficacy was assessed on two different wall surfaces, cement and mud-plastered walls, using standard WHO (World Health Organization) cone bioassay tests at three different heights. Female mosquitoes of two age groups (2–5 and 13–26 day old) were exposed for 30 minutes, after which mortality was observed 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h and 120h post-exposure to assess (delayed) mortality. Lethal times (LT) 90, LT50 and LT10 were estimated using Bayesian models. Mortality 24h post exposure was consistently below 80%, the current WHO threshold value for effective IRS, in both young and old mosquitoes, regardless of wall surface type. Considering delayed mortality, residual efficacies (mosquito mortality equal or greater than 80%) ranged from 1.5 to ≥12.5 months, with the duration depending on mortality time post exposure, wall type and mosquito age. Looking at mortality 72h after exposure, residual efficacy was between 6.5 and 9.5 months, depending on wall type and mosquito age. The LT50 and LT10 (i.e. 90% of the mosquitoes survive exposure to the insecticides) values were consistently higher for older mosquitoes (except for LT10 values for 48h and 72h post-exposure mortality) and ranged from 0.9 to 5.8 months and 0.2 to 7.8 months for LT50 and LT10, respectively. The present study highlights the need for assessing mosquito mortality beyond the currently recommended 24h post exposure. Failure to do so may lead to underestimation of the residual efficacy of IRS products, as delayed mortality will lead to a further reduction in mosquito vector populations and potentially negatively impact disease transmission. Monitoring residual efficacy on relevant wall surfaces, including old mosquitoes that are ultimately responsible for malaria transmission, and assessing delayed mortalities are critical to provide accurate and actionable data to guide vector control programmes.
Geometric morphometric analysis of spore shapes improves identification of fungi
Authors: Ordynets Alexander , Keßler Sarah , Langer Ewald
Published: August 2021

Morphology of organisms is an essential source of evidence for taxonomic decisions and understanding of ecology and evolutionary history. The geometric structure (i.e., numeric description of shape) provides richer and mathematically different information about an organism’s morphology than linear measurements. A little is known on how these two sources of morphological information (shape vs. size) contribute to the identification of organisms when implied simultaneously. This study hypothesized that combining geometric information on the outline with linear measurements results in better species identification than either evidence alone can provide. As a test system for our research, we used the microscopic spores of fungi from the genusSubulicystidium(Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota). We analyzed 2D spore shape data via elliptic Fourier and principal component analyses. Using flexible discriminant analysis, we achieved the highest species identification success rate for a combination of shape and size descriptors (64.7%). The shape descriptors alone predicted species slightly better than size descriptors (61.5% vs. 59.1%). We conclude that adding geometric information on the outline to linear measurements improves the identification of the organisms. Despite the high relevance of spore traits for the taxonomy of fungi, they were previously rarely analyzed with the tools of geometric morphometrics. Therefore, we supplement our study with an open access protocol for digitizing and summarizing fungal spores’ shape and size information. We propagate a broader use of geometric morphometric analysis for microscopic propagules of fungi and other organisms.
The relationship between sitting balance, trunk control and mobility with predictive for current mobility level in survivors of sub-acute stroke
Authors: Lee Kyeongbong , Lee DongGeon , Hong SoungKyun , Shin DooChul , Jeong SeYeon , Shin HyeonHui , Choi Wonjae , An SeungHeon , Lee GyuChang
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between sitting balance, trunk control, and mobility, as well as whether the sitting balance and trunk control can predict mobility level in sub-acute stroke survivors.

Methods

This is a observational and cross-sectional study. Fifty-five hemiplegic stroke survivors were participated in this study. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used to estimate mobility, and the Sitting Balance Scale (SBS) was used to examining sitting balance. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-trunk control (PASS-TC) were used for examining the trunk control. Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the relationship between TUG, SBS, TIS, TCT, and PASS-TC.

Results

The TUG is significantly correlated with SBS (r = -0.78), TIS (r = -0.76), TCT (r = -0.65), and PASS-TC (r = -0.67). In addition, the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve showed as cut-off value of SBS as >28.5, TIS > 16.5, TCT >82, and PASS-TC >10.5. The area under the ROC curve in each of the four tests is moderately accurate for predicting the mobility of sub-acute stroke survivors (0.84 ~0.90) (0.7 < AUC ≤ 9 (moderate informative)).

Implications

The SBS showed the highest correlation for mobility using TUG in the hemiplegic stroke survivors. Also, SBS was revealed as the most dominant examination tool predicting the mobility by TUG, it can be explained the sitting postural balance is the variable predicting the mobility in survivors of sub-acute stroke.
Impact of extent of internal acoustic meatus tumor removal using translabyrinthine approach for acoustic neuroma surgery
Authors: Chiang Kuan-Wei , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Yang Tsui-Fen , Wang Mao-Che
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Many studies have investigated the surgical outcome and predictive factors of acoustic neuroma using different approaches. The present study focused on large tumors due to the greater likelihood of internal acoustic meatus involvement and the greater application of surgical intervention than radiosurgery. There have been no previous reports on outcomes of internal acoustic meatus tumor removal. We investigated the impact of the extent of internal acoustic meatus tumor removal using a translabyrinthine approach for large acoustic neuroma surgery and predictive factors of tumor control.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 104 patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumor >3 cm treated by translabyrinthine approach microsurgery. Predictive factors of postoperative facial palsy, tumor control, and extent of internal acoustic meatus tumor removal were assessed.

Results

The mean tumor size was 38.95 ± 6.83 mm. Postoperative facial function showed 76.9% acceptable function (House–Brackmann grade 1 or 2) six months after surgery. The extent of internal acoustic meatus tumor removal was a statistically significant predictor factor of poor postoperative facial function. Younger age, larger tumor size needing radiosurgery, and more extensive removal of tumor were associated with better tumor control.

Conclusion

More extensive internal acoustic meatus tumor removal was associated with poor postoperative facial function and better tumor control.
Urban seismic monitoring in Brasília, Brazil
Authors: Maciel Susanne Taina Ramalho , Rocha Marcelo Peres , Schimmel Martin
Published: August 2021

Urban seismology has gained scientific interest with the development of seismic ambient noise monitoring techniques and also for being a useful tool to connect society with the Earth sciences. The interpretation of the sources of seismic records generated by sporting events, traffic, or huge agglomerations arouses the population’s curiosity and opens up a range of possibilities for new applications of seismology, especially in the area of urban monitoring. In this contribution, we present the analysis of seismic records from a station in the city of Brasilia during unusual episodes of silencing and noisy periods. Usually, cultural noise is observed in high-fequency bands. We showed in our analysis that cultural noise can also be observed in the low-frequency band, when high-frequency signal is attenuated. As examples of noisy periods, we have that of the Soccer World Cup in Brazil in 2014, where changes in noise are related to celebrations of goals and the party held by FIFA in the city, and the political manifestations in the period of the Impeachment trial in 2016, which reached the concentration of about 300,000 protesters. The two most characteristic periods of seismic silence have been the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the trucker strike that occurred across the country in 2018, both drastically reducing the movement of people in the city.
Antibiotic administration exacerbates acute graft vs. host disease-induced bone marrow and spleen damage in lymphopenic mice
Authors: McDaniel Mims Brianyell , Enriquez Josue , Pires dos Santos Andrea , Jones-Hall Yava , Dowd Scot , Furr Kathryn L. , Grisham Matthew B.
Published: August 2021

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potential cure for certain life-threatening malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that pre-transplant myeloablative conditioning damages the gut leading to translocation of intestinal bacteria and the development of acute graft vs. host disease (aGVHD). The overall objective of this study was to determine whether administration of broad spectrum antibiotics (Abx) affects the onset and/or severity of aGVHD in lymphopenic mice that werenotsubjected to toxic, pre-transplant conditioning.

Results

We found that treatment of NK cell-depleted recombination activating gene-1-deficient (-NK/RAG) recipients with an Abx cocktail containing vancomycin and neomycin for 7 days prior to and 4 weeks following adoptive transfer of allogeneic CD4+T cells, exacerbated the development of aGVHD-induced BM failure and spleen damage when compared to untreated–NK/RAG recipients engrafted with syngeneic or allogeneic T cells. Abx-treated mice exhibited severe anemia and monocytopenia as well as marked reductions in BM- and spleen-residing immune cells. Blinded histopathological analysis confirmed that Abx-treated mice engrafted with allogeneic T cells suffered significantly more damage to the BM and spleen than did untreated mice engrafted with allogeneic T cells. Abx-induced exacerbation of BM and spleen damage correlated with a dramatic reduction in fecal bacterial diversity, marked loss of anaerobic bacteria and remarkable expansion of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions

We conclude that continuous Abx treatment may aggravate aGVHD-induced tissue damage by reducing short chain fatty acid-producing anaerobes (e.g.Clostridium,Blautia) and/or by promoting the expansion of pathobionts (e.g.Akkermansia) and opportunistic pathogens (Cronobacter).
Abuse of alcohol among farmers: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Alves Roberta Machado , Santos Emelynne Gabrielly de Oliveira , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: August 2021

We sought to identify the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol abuse among farmers living in a medium-sized municipality in northeastern Brazil during 2019 and 2020. Trained interviewers applied the standardized questionnaire to 450 participants. Sociodemographic, health, income and work characteristics were investigated. The tracking of alcohol misuse was done using the CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty and Eye-opener), being the cut-off point ≥ 2. Poisson Regression was applied with robust estimation to verify the reasons of prevalence (RP) in bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of alcohol abuse among farmers was 32% (95% CI 27.8–36.4). Factors such as being male, having a diagnosis of mental disorder in the family, being a smoker, and using drugs were associated with the higher prevalence of the outcome. Being 60 years old or older was associated with a lower prevalence of alcohol abuse. These results indicate the need for social support to this group of workers in the context of occupational health.