bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment of cardiac progenitor cells with bradykinin attenuates H2O2-induced cell apoptosis and improves cardiac function in rats by regulating autophagy
Authors: Wu Chan , Zhou Xiao-Xia , Li Jing-Zhou , Qiang Hai-Feng , Wang Yan , Li Gang
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that human cardiac c-Kit+ progenitor cells (hCPCs) can effectively improve ischemic heart disease. However, the major challenge in applying hCPCs to clinical therapy is the low survival rate of graft hCPCs in the host heart, which limited the benefit of transplanted hCPCs. Bradykinin (BK) is a principal active agent of the tissue kinin-kallikrein system. Our previous studies have highlighted that BK mediated the growth and migration of CPCs by regulating Ca2+ influx. However, the protective effect of BK on CPCs, improvement in the survival rate of BK-pretreated hCPCs in the infarcted heart, and the related mechanism remain elusive.

Methods

HCPCs were treated with H2O2 to induce cell apoptosis and autophagy, and different concentration of BK was applied to rescue the H2O2-induced injury detected by MTT assay, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, western blotting, and mitoSOX assays. The role of autophagy in the anti-apoptotic effect of BK was chemically activated or inhibited using the autophagy inducer, rapamycin, or the inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA). To explore the protective effect of BK on hCPCs, 3-MA or BK-pretreated hCPCs were transplanted into the myocardial infarcted rats. An echocardiogram was used to determine cardiac function, H&E and Masson staining were employed to assess pathological characteristics, HLA gene expression was quantified by qRT-PCR, and immunostaining was applied to examine neovascularization using confocal microscopy.

Results

The in vitro results showed that BK suppressed H2O2-induced hCPCs apoptosis and ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner by promoting pAkt and Bcl-2 expression and reducing cleaved caspase 3 and Bax expression. Moreover, BK restrained the H2O2-induced cell autophagy by decreasing LC3II/I, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression and increasing P62 expression. In the in vivo experiment, the transplanted BK- or 3-MA-treated hCPCs were found to be more effectively improved cardiac function by decreasing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration, and myocardial fibrosis, and promoting neovascularization in the infarcted heart, compared to untreated-hCPCs or c-kit- cardiomyocytes (CPC- cells).

Conclusions

Our present study established a new method to rescue transplanted hCPCs in the infarcted cardiac area via regulating cell apoptosis and autophagy of hCPCs by pretreatment with BK, providing a new therapeutic option for heart failure.
Predictors of cognitive impairment in primary age-related tauopathy: an autopsy study
Authors: Iida Megan A. , Farrell Kurt , Walker Jamie M. , Richardson Timothy E. , Marx Gabriel A. , Bryce Clare H. , Purohit Dushyant , Ayalon Gai , Beach Thomas G. , Bigio Eileen H. , Cortes Etty P. , Gearing Marla , Haroutunian Vahram , McMillan Corey T. , Lee Edward B. , Dickson Dennis W. , McKee Ann C. , Stein Thor D. , Trojanowski John Q. , Woltjer Randall L. , Kovacs Gabor G. , Kofler Julia K. , Kaye Jeffrey , White Charles L. , Crary John F.
Published: August 2021

Primary age-related tauopathy (PART) is a form of Alzheimer-type neurofibrillary degeneration occurring in the absence of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. While PART shares some features with Alzheimer disease (AD), such as progressive accumulation of neurofibrillary tangle pathology in the medial temporal lobe and other brain regions, it does not progress extensively to neocortical regions. Given this restricted pathoanatomical pattern and variable symptomatology, there is a need to reexamine and improve upon how PART is neuropathologically assessed and staged. We performed a retrospective autopsy study in a collection (n = 174) of post-mortem PART brains and used logistic regression to determine the extent to which a set of clinical and neuropathological features predict cognitive impairment. We compared Braak staging, which focuses on hierarchical neuroanatomical progression of AD tau and Aβ pathology, with quantitative assessments of neurofibrillary burden using computer-derived positive pixel counts on digitized whole slide images of sections stained immunohistochemically with antibodies targeting abnormal hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the entorhinal region and hippocampus. We also assessed other factors affecting cognition, including aging-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) and atrophy. We found no association between Braak stage and cognitive impairment when controlling for age (p = 0.76). In contrast, p-tau burden was significantly correlated with cognitive impairment even when adjusting for age (p = 0.03). The strongest correlate of cognitive impairment was cerebrovascular disease, a well-known risk factor (p < 0.0001), but other features including ARTAG (p = 0.03) and hippocampal atrophy (p = 0.04) were also associated. In contrast, sex, APOE, psychiatric illness, education, argyrophilic grains, and incidental Lewy bodies were not. These findings support the hypothesis that comorbid pathologies contribute to cognitive impairment in subjects with PART. Quantitative approaches beyond Braak staging are critical for advancing our understanding of the extent to which age-related tauopathy changes impact cognitive function.
A scoping review of registry captured indicators for evaluating quality of critical care in ICU
Authors: Jawad Issrah , Rashan Sumayyah , Sigera Chathurani , Salluh Jorge , Dondorp Arjen M. , Haniffa Rashan , Beane Abi
Published: August 2021

Background

Excess morbidity and mortality following critical illness is increasingly attributed to potentially avoidable complications occurring as a result of complex ICU management (Berenholtz et al., J Crit Care 17:1-2, 2002; De Vos et al., J Crit Care 22:267-74, 2007; Zimmerman J Crit Care 1:12-5, 2002). Routine measurement of quality indicators (QIs) through an Electronic Health Record (EHR) or registries are increasingly used to benchmark care and evaluate improvement interventions. However, existing indicators of quality for intensive care are derived almost exclusively from relatively narrow subsets of ICU patients from high-income healthcare systems. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically review the literature on QIs for evaluating critical care, identify QIs, map their definitions, evidence base, and describe the variances in measurement, and both the reported advantages and challenges of implementation.

Method

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane libraries from the earliest available date through to January 2019. To increase the sensitivity of the search, grey literature and reference lists were reviewed. Minimum inclusion criteria were a description of one or more QIs designed to evaluate care for patients in ICU captured through a registry platform or EHR adapted for quality of care surveillance.

Results

The search identified 4780 citations. Review of abstracts led to retrieval of 276 full-text articles, of which 123 articles were accepted. Fifty-one unique QIs in ICU were classified using the three components of health care quality proposed by the High Quality Health Systems (HQSS) framework. Adverse events including hospital acquired infections (13.7%), hospital processes (54.9%), and outcomes (31.4%) were the most common QIs identified. Patient reported outcome QIs accounted for less than 6%. Barriers to the implementation of QIs were described in 35.7% of articles and divided into operational barriers (51%) and acceptability barriers (49%).

Conclusions

Despite the complexity and risk associated with ICU care, there are only a small number of operational indicators used. Future selection of QIs would benefit from a stakeholder-driven approach, whereby the values of patients and communities and the priorities for actionable improvement as perceived by healthcare providers are prioritized and include greater focus on measuring discriminable processes of care.
PSTEP: project for solar–terrestrial environment prediction
Authors: Kusano Kanya , Ichimoto Kiyoshi , Ishii Mamoru , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Yoden Shigeo , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Asai Ayumi , Ebihara Yusuke , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Goto Tada-Nori , Hanaoka Yoichiro , Hayakawa Hisashi , Hosokawa Keisuke , Hotta Hideyuki , Hozumi Kornyanat , Imada Shinsuke , Iwai Kazumasa , Iyemori Toshihiko , Jin Hidekatsu , Kataoka Ryuho , Katoh Yuto , Kikuchi Takashi , Kubo Yûki , Kurita Satoshi , Matsumoto Haruhisa , Mitani Takefumi , Miyahara Hiroko , Miyoshi Yasunobu , Nagatsuma Tsutomu , Nakamizo Aoi , Nakamura Satoko , Nakata Hiroyuki , Nishizuka Naoto , Otsuka Yuichi , Saito Shinji , Saito Susumu , Sakurai Takashi , Sato Tatsuhiko , Shimizu Toshifumi , Shinagawa Hiroyuki , Shiokawa Kazuo , Shiota Daikou , Takashima Takeshi , Tao Chihiro , Toriumi Shin , Ueno Satoru , Watanabe Kyoko , Watari Shinichi , Yashiro Seiji , Yoshida Kohei , Yoshikawa Akimasa
Published: August 2021

Although solar activity may significantly impact the global environment and socioeconomic systems, the mechanisms for solar eruptions and the subsequent processes have not yet been fully understood. Thus, modern society supported by advanced information systems is at risk from severe space weather disturbances. Project for solar–terrestrial environment prediction (PSTEP) was launched to improve this situation through synergy between basic science research and operational forecast. The PSTEP is a nationwide research collaboration in Japan and was conducted from April 2015 to March 2020, supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. By this project, we sought to answer the fundamental questions concerning the solar–terrestrial environment and aimed to build a next-generation space weather forecast system to prepare for severe space weather disasters. The PSTEP consists of four research groups and proposal-based research units. It has made a significant progress in space weather research and operational forecasts, publishing over 500 refereed journal papers and organizing four international symposiums, various workshops and seminars, and summer school for graduate students at Rikubetsu in 2017. This paper is a summary report of the PSTEP and describes the major research achievements it produced.
PRDX1 is essential for the viability and maintenance of reactive oxygen species in chicken DT40
Authors: Moriwaki Takahito , Yoshimura Akari , Tamari Yuki , Sasanuma Hiroyuki , Takeda Shunichi , Seki Masayuki , Tano Keizo
Published: August 2021

Background

Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) is a member of a ubiquitous family of thiol peroxidases that catalyze the reduction of peroxides, including hydrogen peroxide. It functions as an antioxidant enzyme, similar to catalase and glutathione peroxidase. PRDX1 was recently shown act as a sensor of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and play a role in ROS-dependent intracellular signaling pathways. To investigate its physiological functions, PRDX1 was conditionally disrupted in chicken DT40 cells in the present study.

Results

The depletion of PRDX1 resulted in cell death with increased levels of intracellular ROS. PRDX1-depleted cells did not show the accumulation of chromosomal breaks or sister chromatid exchange (SCE). These results suggest that cell death in PRDX1-depleted cells was not due to DNA damage. 2-Mercaptoethanol protected against cell death in PRDX1-depleted cells and also suppressed elevations in ROS.

Conclusions

PRDX1 is essential in chicken DT40 cells and plays an important role in maintaining intracellular ROS homeostasis (or in the fine-tuning of cellular ROS levels). Cells deficient in PRDX1 may be used as an endogenously deregulated ROS model to elucidate the physiological roles of ROS in maintaining proper cell growth.
A new multi-level algorithm for balanced partition problem on large scale directed graphs
Authors: Li Xianyue , Pang Yufei , Zhao Chenxia , Liu Yang , Dong Qingzhen
Published: August 2021

Graph partition is a classical combinatorial optimization and graph theory problem, and it has a lot of applications, such as scientific computing, VLSI design and clustering etc. In this paper, we study the partition problem on large scale directed graphs under a new objective function, a new instance of graph partition problem. We firstly propose the modeling of this problem, then design an algorithm based on multi-level strategy and recursive partition method, and finally do a lot of simulation experiments. The experimental results verify the stability of our algorithm and show that our algorithm has the same good performance as METIS. In addition, our algorithm is better than METIS on unbalanced ratio.
Emerging Use of Public-Private Partnerships in Public Radiotherapy Facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Anakwenze Akinfenwa Chidinma P. , Ibraheem Abiola , Nwankwo Kenneth , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Ali-Gombe Musa , Aliyu Usman Malami , Ikhile Emmanuel , Adegboyega Omobolanle , Abdullahi Adamu , Klopp Ann H. , Schmeler Kathleen , Lin Lilie L. , Jhingran Anuja , Page Brandi R. , Leng Jim , Grover Surbhi , Ntekim Atara
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy (RT) treatment at public hospitals in Nigeria is often interrupted by prolonged periods of machine breakdown because of insufficient funds for maintenance and repair. These delays have prompted the uptake of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to acquire and maintain RT equipment. This study aimed to understand Nigeria's current RT capacity and the impact of PPPs on RT availability and cost.

METHODS

Eleven radiation oncologists, each representing one of the 11 RT centers in Nigeria (eight public and three private), were invited to complete a survey on the type, status, acquisition, and maintenance plan of existing RT equipment, cost incurred by patients for external-beam radiation (EBRT) and brachytherapy treatment, and number of patients treated per year on each machine. Type and status of equipment at nonresponding facilities were obtained through literature review and confirmed with the facility.

RESULTS

A total of eight (81%) respondents completed the survey, all representing public centers, three of which reported PPP use. They reported 11 megavoltage units in total (seven linear accelerators [LINACs] and four Cobalt-60s) and 10 brachytherapy afterloaders. Of those, 57% (4/7) of the LINACs, 100% (4/4) of the Cobalt-60s, and 63% (7/11) of the afterloaders were in clinical use. All commissioned equipment supported by PPPs (three LINACs and one afterloader) were in operation. The public EBRT equipment were nonfunctional 35% of the year (resulting in 60% fewer patients treated per year). The PPP EBRT and afterloaders did not experience any periods of breakdown, but PPP costs were 338% higher than public equipment.

CONCLUSION

This study characterizes the use of PPP as a more reliable method of RT delivery in Nigeria, albeit at higher costs.
Impact of Performance Status on Response and Survival Among Patients Receiving Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Krishnan Mridula , Kasinath Pooja , High Robin , Yu Fang , Teply Benjamin A.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:

Clinical trials, which led to the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have been almost exclusively performed in patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS of 0-1). However, ICI remains an attractive option for patients with advanced tumors and poor PS. We hypothesized that patients with ECOG PS ≥ 2 would have worse outcomes with ICI.

METHODS:

We retrospectively identified patients with advanced solid tumors who were treated with ICI at our institution. The log-rank test compared the survival among patients with different ECOG PS. We used a proportional hazards model to assess association between ECOG PS and overall survival (OS) with adjustment for covariates including age, sex, malignancy type, time from advance disease diagnosis, and line of therapy. We compared overall response rates between groups with Pearson chi-square exact test. We also analyzed in-hospital mortality and hospice referral rates.

RESULTS:

We identified 257 patients treated with ICI. One hundred eighty-two patients had ECOG PS 0-1, and 75 had ECOG PS ≥ 2. The median overall survival was 12.6 months for the ECOG PS 0-1 group compared with 3.1 months for the ECOG PS ≥ 2 group ( P < .001). The overall response rate for patients with ECOG PS 0-1 was 23% compared with 8% for those with poor PS ( P = .005). Patients with poor PS treated with ICI had similar hospice referral rates (67% for ECOG PS ≥ 2 v 61.9% for ECOG PS 0-1, P = .50) but were more likely to have in-hospital death as compared with the good PS group (28.6% v 15.1%, P = .035).

CONCLUSION:

Despite the appeal of ICI in patients with advanced malignancy and poor PS, outcomes in this cohort were poor. Prospective trials defining the activity and role of ICI in poor PS are urgently needed.
Gender, Generation, and Multiracial Identification in the United States
Authors: Xu Janet , Saperstein Aliya , Morning Ann , Iverson Sarah
Published: August 2021

Multiracial self-identification is frequently portrayed as a disproportionately female tendency, but previous research has not probed the conditions under which this relationship might occur. Using the 2015 Pew Survey of Multiracial Adults, we offer a more comprehensive analysis that considers gender differences at two distinct stages: reporting multiple races in one's ancestry and selecting multiple races to describe oneself. We also examine self-identification patterns by the generational locus of multiracial ancestry. We find that females are more likely to be aware of multiracial ancestry overall, but only first-generation females are more likely than their male counterparts to self-identify as multiracial. Finally, we explore the role of racial ancestry combination, finding that multiracial awareness and self-identification are likely gendered differently for different segments of the mixed-race population. This offers a more nuanced picture of how gender interacts with other social processes to shape racial identification in the United States.
Recessive, gain-of-function toxicity in an APOL1 BAC transgenic mouse model mirrors human APOL1 kidney disease
Authors: McCarthy Gizelle M. , Blasio Angelo , Donovan Olivia G. , Schaller Lena B. , Bock-Hughes Althea , Magraner Jose M. , Suh Jung Hee , Tattersfield Calum F. , Stillman Isaac E. , Shah Shrijal S. , Zsengeller Zsuzsanna K. , Subramanian Balajikarthick , Friedman David J. , Pollak Martin R.
Published: August 2021

People of recent sub-Saharan African ancestry develop kidney failure much more frequently than other groups. A large fraction of this disparity is due to two coding sequence variants in the APOL1 gene. Inheriting two copies of these APOL1 risk variants, known as G1 and G2, causes high rates of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), HIV-associated nephropathy and hypertension-associated end-stage kidney disease. Disease risk follows a recessive mode of inheritance, which is puzzling given the considerable data that G1 and G2 are toxic gain-of-function variants. We developed coisogenic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice harboring either the wild-type (G0), G1 or G2 forms of human APOL1. Expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) via plasmid tail vein injection results in upregulation of APOL1 protein levels together with robust induction of heavy proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in G1/G1 and G2/G2 but not G0/G0 mice. The disease phenotype was greater in G2/G2 mice. Neither heterozygous (G1/G0 or G2/G0) risk variant mice nor hemizygous (G1/−, G2/−) mice had significant kidney injury in response to IFN-γ, although the heterozygous mice had a greater proteinuric response than the hemizygous mice, suggesting that the lack of significant disease in humans heterozygous for G1 or G2 is not due to G0 rescue of G1 or G2 toxicity. Studies using additional mice (multicopy G2 and a non-isogenic G0 mouse) supported the notion that disease is largely a function of the level of risk variant APOL1 expression. Together, these findings shed light on the recessive nature of APOL1-nephropathy and present an important model for future studies.
S-palmitoylation determines TMEM55B-dependent positioning of lysosomes
Authors: Rudnik Sönke , Heybrock Saskia , Saftig Paul , Damme Markus
Published: August 2021

The spatiotemporal cellular distribution of lysosomes depends on active transport mainly driven by microtubule motors such as kinesins and dynein. Different protein complexes attach these molecular motors to their vesicular cargo. TMEM55B (also known as PIP4P1), as an integral lysosomal membrane protein, is a component of such a complex that mediates the retrograde transport of lysosomes by establishing interactions with the cytosolic scaffold protein JIP4 (also known as SPAG9) and dynein–dynactin. Here, we show that TMEM55B and its paralog TMEM55A (PIP4P2) are S-palmitoylated proteins that are lipidated at multiple cysteine residues. Mutation of all cysteines in TMEM55B prevents S-palmitoylation and causes retention of the mutated protein in the Golgi. Consequently, non-palmitoylated TMEM55B is no longer able to modulate lysosomal positioning and the perinuclear clustering of lysosomes. Additional mutagenesis of the dileucine-based lysosomal sorting motif in non-palmitoylated TMEM55B leads to partial missorting to the plasma membrane instead of retention in the Golgi, implicating a direct effect of S-palmitoylation on the adaptor protein-dependent sorting of TMEM55B. Our data suggest a critical role for S-palmitoylation in the trafficking of TMEM55B and TMEM55B-dependent lysosomal positioning.
Activation of IRE1, PERK and salt-inducible kinases leads to Sec body formation inDrosophilaS2 cells
Authors: Zhang Chujun , van Leeuwen Wessel , Blotenburg Marloes , Aguilera-Gomez Angelica , Brussee Sem , Grond Rianne , Kampinga Harm H. , Rabouille Catherine
Published: August 2021

The phase separation of the non-membrane bound Sec bodies occurs in Drosophila S2 cells by coalescence of components of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit sites under the stress of amino acid starvation. Here, we address which signaling pathways cause Sec body formation and find that two pathways are critical. The first is the activation of the salt-inducible kinases (SIKs; SIK2 and SIK3) by Na+ stress, which, when it is strong, is sufficient. The second is activation of IRE1 and PERK (also known as PEK in flies) downstream of ER stress induced by the absence of amino acids, which needs to be combined with moderate salt stress to induce Sec body formation. SIK, and IRE1 and PERK activation appear to potentiate each other through the stimulation of the unfolded protein response, a key parameter in Sec body formation. This work shows the role of SIKs in phase transition and re-enforces the role of IRE1 and PERK as a metabolic sensor for the level of circulating amino acids and salt.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Safe and easy in vitro evaluation of tmRNA-SmpB-mediated trans-translation from ESKAPE pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Thépaut Marion , Campos-Silva Rodrigo , Renard Eva , Barloy-Hubler Frédérique , Ennifar Eric , Boujard Daniel , Gillet Reynald
Published: August 2021

In bacteria, trans-translation is the major quality control system for rescuing stalled ribosomes. It is mediated by tmRNA, a hybrid RNA with properties of both a tRNA and a mRNA, and the small protein SmpB. Because trans-translation is absent in eukaryotes but necessary for bacterial fitness or survival, it is a promising target for the development of novel antibiotics. To facilitate screening of chemical libraries, various reliable in vitro and in vivo systems have been created for assessing trans-translational activity. However, the aim of the current work was to permit the safe and easy in vitro evaluation of trans-translation from pathogenic bacteria, which are obviously the ones we should be targeting. Based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) reassembly during active trans-translation, we have created a cell-free assay adapted to the rapid evaluation of trans-translation in ESKAPE bacteria, with 24 different possible combinations. It can be used for easy high-throughput screening of chemical compounds as well as for exploring the mechanism of trans-translation in these pathogens.
Ehemalige Augustinerkirche: Schichtanschlüsse beim Chorfundament und Neuinterpretation vorklosterzeitlicher Befunde
Authors: Matt Christoph Ph.
Published: August 2021

An der Nordecke des Naturhistorischen Museums, wurden intakte Kulturschichten festgestellt, zudem konnte ein Stück des polygonalen Chorfundamentes der ehemaligen Augustinerkirche beobachtet werden.
Kurzbericht über die baugeschichtlichen Untersuchungen der Häuser Aeschenvorstadt 60-66
Authors: Ritzmann Hans
Published: August 2021

Die Basler Denkmalpflege hatte über mehrere Jahre die Gelegenheit, die letzten Altstadthäuser der Aeschenvorstadt systematisch zu untersuchen. Da mit dem Abbruch dieser Häuserzeile die letzten Spuren mittelalterlicher Bausubstanz in der Aeschenvorstadt verschwanden, sind die Ergebnisse für das Verständnis der Entwicklung der Vorstädte Basels von Bedeutung.
Die mittelalterlichen Stadtbefestigungen am Petersgraben und die Quartiere hinter der Stadtmauer
Authors: Matt Christoph Ph.
Published: August 2021

Der Verlauf der Burkhardschen und der Inneren Stadtmauer kann am Petersgraben gut rekonstruiert werden. Im Beitrag wird auch die Raumnutzung im Gebiet hinter der Mauer und - eng damit verbunden - um die bauliche Entwicklung der am Stadtrand gelegenen Siedlungsbereiche beleuchtet.
Inventar der Basler Stadtbefestigungen - Planvorlage und Katalog
Authors: Helmig Guido , Matt Christoph Ph.
Published: August 2021

Beim vorliegenden Inventar der Basler Stadtbefestigungen handelt es sich um den ersten Teil, der die landseitige Äussere Grossbasler Stadtmauer thematisiert. Der zweite Teil behandelt die rheinseitigen Grossbasler Stadtbefestigungen.

Ziel war es, den genauen Verlauf der Stadtmauer zu illustrieren sowie den Kenntnisstand zu den verschiedenen archäologischen Aufschlüssen zusammenzustellen. Es war uns ein Anliegen, die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen nicht nur in einem Plan festzuhalten und ein Inventar der mittelalterlichen Stadtmauern herzustellen, vielmehr wollten wir die Stadtbefestigungen als kulturgeschichtliches Denkmal begreifen und Informationen über die ganze Zeit ihres rund 500jährigen Bestehens sammeln.
Ein Ofen der Ziegelhütte zu St. Jakob
Authors: Richner Kaspar
Published: August 2021

Ein knapp 2 m breites Stück des Leitungsgrabens führte mitten durch einen Ofen, der zur städtischen Ziegelhütte St. Jakob gehörte und bis 1837 in Betrieb war.
Römische Keramik von der Flur «Im Hinterengeli», Riehen BS
Authors: Wild Werner
Published: August 2021

Das seit 1985 Flur «lm Hinterengeli» geborgene Fundmaterial besteht vor allem aus Keramik, wenigen Fragmenten von Gläsern, einer Münze und zahlreichen Ziegeln.

Die auf typologischem Weg gewonnene Datierung ergab für das Gebäude auf der Flur «Im Hinterengeli» in Riehen eine Besiedlung von der zweiten Hälfte des ersten Jahrhunderts n. Chr. bis ins erste Viertel des dritten Jahrhunderts n. Chr.

Nebst verkohlten Ziegelfragmenten weisen verbrannte Terra-Sigillate-Scherben auf eine Brandkatastrophe hin, mit der vielleicht auch das Besiedlungsende zusammenfällt.
Schuhmacherhandwerk in der Neuzeit
Authors: Matteotti René
Published: August 2021

Die Lederfunde aus der Alten Landvogtei in Riehen geben unter Berücksichtigung schriftlicher und bildlicher Quellen nicht nur einen willkommenen Eindruck von der damaligen Schuhmode und den Schuhen, die von den Bewohnern der Alten Landvogtei getragen wurden, sondern auch von der bisher kaum erforschten vorindustriellen Schuhherstellungstechnik.
Pain assessment and registration in medical oncology clinics: operationalised through the lens of health care professionals and patients
Authors: O'Connor Laserina , Hassett Aileen , Sheridan Noeleen
Published: August 2021

Background: Pain is a common symptom in patients who survive cancer and in those who live with progressive advanced disease. Systematic screening and documentation of pain are necessary to improve the quality of cancer pain treatment, because a key pain-related barrier is that patients are reluctant to discuss pain, due to fear that reporting pain will distract the healthcare professional from their cancer treatment.

Methods: This study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Data collection incorporated three strands. The first strand involved a quantitative enquiry in which medical chart reviews of patients (n=100) attending the medical oncology outpatient clinic were examined. The second qualitative strand comprised of semi-structured interviews with patients (n=10) attending that service. The third strand was qualitative and consisted of focus group discussions with healthcare professionals (n=12).

Results: All 100 patients had cancer. The quantitative findings confirmed the suboptimum assessment and subsequent recording of patient’s pain, that seemed to afford a reality check for all healthcare professionals. For patients, the outcomes of the anti-cancer treatment were their priority, and pain was perceived as inevitable, being associated with a cancer diagnosis. There were multifaceted complexities voiced amongst healthcare professionals associated with balancing the benefits and harms aligned with treating cancer pain.

Conclusions: Pain assessment in medical records was not systematically recorded by healthcare professionals. Patients were reluctant to self-report pain during their medical oncology outpatient review. The expectation that patients will self-report pain can be accommodated by healthcare professionals if a personalized pain goal is part of the cancer pain management plan during each clinical encounter. Healthcare professionals reported a need to take distinct responsibility for supplementing their dearth of knowledge, skills and beliefs regarding assessing and managing patients’ cancer pain. Optimal pain management stems from an interprofessional approach that was applied in this study design.
Manufacturing Wood–Plastic Composites from Waste Lignocellulose Plus Haloxylon Species and Recycled Plastics
Authors: Moghadam Sedigheh Kamali , Shamsian Mohammad , Shahri Hosein Rezayi
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research is to show useful utilization of agricultural residues such as cotton stalks and branches of pistachio, pomegranate, and Haloxylon species with recycled plastic in manufacturing wood–plastic composite (WPC) panels. Wood–plastic panels were made from a combination of agricultural residues (as natural fiber) and recycled plastic (as resin) at 50 percent, and 60 percent by weight fiber loading. Density and dimensions of the panels were 0.61 g/cm3 and 350 by 350 by 14 mm, respectively. Physical and mechanical properties of the panels including thickness swelling, water absorption, static bending (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity ), and internal bond were investigated. Physical and mechanical properties of the WPC panels decreased with an increase in fiber content from 50 percent to 60 percent. Physical and mechanical properties of samples made with 50 percent plastic were higher than samples with 40 percent plastic. The best values of physical and mechanical properties of the WPC panels were found at 10 percent and 5 percent Haloxylon particle loading, respectively. The highest values of mechanical properties of WPC panels were found at 50 percent plastic and 5 percent Haloxylon particle loading.
The Impact of Dovetail Angle in Single Dovetail Joints on Diagonal Compression Strength of Corner Joints for Box-Type Furniture
Authors: Çinar Hamza , Atar Musa , Üstündag Avni
Published: August 2021

This study aims to determine the impacts of dovetail angle for dovetail joints on the diagonal compression strength of box-type furniture corner joints prepared in different woods, with different dovetail angles, and with different adhesives. For this reason, after drilling joints of 75°, 78°, 81°, 84°, and 87° on Oriental beech, European oak, Scotch pine, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) samples, a diagonal compression test was applied on corners glued with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyurethane (Desmodur-vinyl trieketonol acetate [D-VTKA]) according to the ASTM D1037 standard. The highest result for dovetail diagonal compression strength was observed in the samples of Oriental beech (0.321 N mm−2), while the lowest was found in the samples of MDF (0.154 N mm−2) for wood types. With respect to adhesives, D-VTKA yielded the best results (0.268 N mm−2), while PVAc gave the worst results (0.252 N mm−2). Regarding angle types, the best result was obtained from the samples at 84° (0.302 N mm−2) and the worst from the samples at 75° (0.207 N mm−2) for dovetail joints. For the interaction of wood type, adhesive, and dovetail angle, the highest diagonal compression strength was found in the samples of Oriental beech + 81° + D-VTKA (0.445 N mm−2), while the lowest value was observed in MDF + 78° + D-VTKA (0.128 N mm−2). In conclusion, the angles and adhesives have significant effects on the corner joints of box-type furniture.
Evolution of Acoustical, Geometrical, Physical, and Mechanical Parameters from Seedling to Cutting Age in Eucalyptus Clones Used in the Pulp and Paper Industries in Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel , Lorensani Rafael Gustavo Mansini , Ruy Monica , Veiga Nadia Schiavon , Müller Gabriela , da Silva Alves Cilene , Martins Guilherme Alonso
Published: August 2021

Wood-processing industries must be able to estimate the properties of wood to properly manage the wood production chain. For this estimation, changes in certain characteristics over time must be identified so that they can be used to rapidly differentiate a clone or species. Of interest are acoustical, geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties, all measurable in seedlings. Thus, the objective of this research was to analyze the evolution of the ultrasonic wave propagation velocity, diameter, height, basic density, strength, and stiffness starting in nursery seedlings at 3 months of age to trees at 6 years of age, which is the cutting age used by the pulp and paper industry in Brazil. The experiment was conducted in 121 seedlings and 270 trees of three Eucalyptus clones. Within the age range analyzed, the results indicated that all parameters have the potential to be used in a predictive model to estimate the future quality of clones, although the predictive value of these parameters varies. The ultrasonic wave propagation velocity was the only property that maintained the coherent differences among clones from the seedling to the cutting age (6 yr old). The strength, stiffness, diameter, and height maintained coherence from 12 months to the cutting age, whereas the basic density was maintained from the age of 24 months to the cutting age. We hope that these results will contribute to improving the methods to select clones.
Effect of Blue Stain on Bond Shear Resistance of Polyurethane Resins Used for Cross-Laminated Timber
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Larkin Blake , Muszynski Lech , Morrell Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2021

The effect of blue stain on shear strength of cold-set polyurethane resin (PUR) bonds was investigated using lodgepole pine lumber with varying degrees of stain and two different wood grain orientations. While blue stain was associated with definite differences in wood permeability, it had no negative effect on shear strength or wood failure percent. The results indicate that blue stain will not adversely affect bond strength of PUR bonds.
Hardwood Log Grading in the United States—Part II: United States Forest Service Log Grades and the Hardwood Industry
Authors: Hassler Curt C. , Osborn Lawrence E. , Grushecky Shawn T. , McNeel Joseph F.
Published: August 2021

The major effort to develop hardwood log grades was undertaken by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS) during the 1940s through the 1960s. While the USDAFS officially adopted the grading system for their own use in 1952, it has never taken hold in the hardwood lumber industry. This article discusses the variety of reasons that have most likely contributed to this failure of adoption of the USDAFS system by the industry, ranging from ease of use, to individual log grades covering wide ranges of log characteristics/quality, and to overlapping grades for a given set of log attributes, among others. Finally, the authors suggest developing a hardwood log grading system that embraces the de facto industry system of scaling diameter and clear faces.
Hardwood Log Grading in the United States—Part 1: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Hassler Curt C. , Grushecky Shawn T. , Osborn Lawrence E. , McNeel Joseph F.
Published: August 2021

The ability to efficiently and consistently characterize the quality of hardwood sawlogs is an indispensable part of operating a hardwood sawmill. And it is equally important for buyers and sellers of hardwood logs to negotiate prices on a uniform basis of both scale and grade. While scaling of logs is relatively straightforward, assuming buyer and seller agree on a specific log rule to use (e.g., Doyle, Scriber, International), grading logs for the purposes of evaluating quality is more complex.

Hardwood log grading is an essential component of any hardwood sawmill's operation and effectively sets the stage for profit or loss. Various efforts have been made to develop a standardized log grading system by both the forest products industry and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDAFS) since the beginning of the 20th century. However, even after over a century of effort, there is still no broadly accepted standard for grading hardwood logs.

The purpose of this article is to document the historical evolution of hardwood log grading systems. Understanding the development of hardwood log grading systems over time can help to produce a better log grading standard in the future.
Effect of a Polymer Additive on Properties of Creosote-Treated Wood
Authors: Trebelhorn Daniel B. , Miyamoto Byrne , Morrell Jeffrey J. , Ellis Jeffrey , McKinney Stacey
Published: August 2021

The potential for using a low molecular weight polyethylene (PE) polymer to improve the properties of creosote-treated wood was evaluated on samples of six different wood species. Samples were impregnated with creosote alone or amended with the PE additive and then tested to failure in third-point loading to determine modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture. Samples were then subjected to three soak–dry cycles to assess the impact of moisture uptake on fastener performance or water repellency. The presence of the PE was associated with lower preservative retentions, but had no significant effect on modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, water repellency, or fastener withdrawal resistance. The results suggest that the additive limited preservative uptake, but did not improve any of the wood properties evaluated.
Do China's Plywood Exports Depend on Trade Partners? Evidence from the Gravity Model
Authors: Feng Xue , Zobel John M. , Wu Guochun , Hodges Donald G.
Published: August 2021

A gravity model was formulated to identify the factors related to China's plywood exports and examine whether the impact of factors depended on trade partners using panel data from 2005 to 2015. The data set was divided into three groups based on the income of trade partners. The findings reveal that the factors performed differently in the three groups. For the high income group, gross domestic product (GDP), per capita gross national income (GNI), the ratio of per capita forest area, and Open were related to China's plywood exports. GDP, the ratio of per capita forest area, exchange rate, and Open were correlated to China's plywood export for the middle income group. In the low income group, per capita GNI, the ratio of per capita forest area, Open and Free Trade Agreements were significantly related to China's plywood exports.
Mechanical Behavior of Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Made of Low-Added-Value Timber
Authors: Alencar Juliana Bello Mussi , de Melo Moura Jorge Daniel
Published: August 2021

The cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction system has recently emerged as an excellent alternative for civil construction. The objective of this work is to analyze the structural performance of CLT panels using plantation lumber, especially eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis) heartwood and pine (Pinus taeda). After visual grading, all boards were mechanically graded through the ultrasonic nondestructive testing method. Boards were organized to compose four types of three-layered CLT panels: 1) exclusively eucalyptus heartwood (EEE), 2) eucalyptus in the outer layers and pine in the central layer (EPE), 3) exclusively pine (PPP), and 4) pine in the outer layers and eucalyptus in the central layer (PEP). Three panels with graded timber were manufactured for each type, and one more panel was made out of ungraded timber, so each group had four panels altogether. Panels containing eucalyptus in the outer layers (EEE and EPE) were stiffer than the ones with pine in outer layers (PPP and PEP). However, the first two groups presented lower bending strength than the second ones. Modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture results were compared to values observed in the literature and to the international standard that regulates CLT (American National Standards Institute/American Plywood Association PRG 320). From the four types studied, only panels containing mostly eucalyptus (EEE and EPE) could meet the PRG 320 E2 class. Panels containing mostly pine (PPP and PEP) did not reach the thresholds of any class in terms of stiffness although their resistance was much higher than that specified in the standard.
Research on Consumers' Attitudes in China about Using Online-to-Offline Mode for Purchasing Wooden Furniture
Authors: Lin Meng , Wang Zhaojun , Zhang Zongli , Cao Yukun
Published: August 2021

The online-to-offline (O2O) business mode, designed to attract online shoppers to participate in in-person retail consumption, is rapidly emerging in popularity in China, and having a significant impact on traditional manufacturing. Taking the wooden furniture industry as a case study, this research surveyed consumers' attitudes toward using the O2O mode for wooden furniture shopping. Respondents were asked to rate their online and in-store experiences and attitudes about wooden furniture shopping via the O2O mode. On the basis of data processing of questionnaires, this study established hypotheses and conducted hypothesis testing by one-way analysis of variance and regression analysis. Results of this research indicated that Chinese consumers' attitudes about using the O2O mode for wooden furniture shopping were significantly affected by the region/city tiers in which the respondents resided. Consumers' attitudes in all regions were affected by subjective perceptions, the reputation and security of the Internet platform, and the quality of enterprise services. Specifically, those who live in tier 1 cities (most economically developed cities, e.g., Beijing, Tianjin) are more concerned about their shopping environment, whereas those who live in tier 3 cities (less economically developed cities) are more concerned about the Internet platform's service and promotions. Tier 2 cities (large cities that may be provincial capitals) are more concerned about convenience of online shopping and environment of the offline store. The results of this study could help enable business managers to develop appropriate marketing strategies for O2O wooden furniture shopping and provide reference for the transformation of business mode of wooden furniture manufacturing enterprises.
Contribution of Nontimber Forest Products to Rural Household Income in the Kassena-Nankana West District of Ghana
Authors: Adongo William Agia , Osei Collins Kwabena , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera
Published: August 2021

The contribution of income from nontimber forest products (NTFPs) to rural livelihoods and household income has received global recognition. However, there are growing concerns of overexploitation of NTFPs driven by poverty and policy neglect that threaten the sustainability of the NTFP resource base in Kassena-Nankana West District (KNWD) of Ghana. The study investigated the contribution of income from NTFPs to household income and socioeconomic factors that influence the collection and marketing of NTFPs in KNWD. Using a multistage sampling technique, quantitative data were collected from 375 households through structured survey questionnaires. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations. Results showed that income from NTFPs forms a significant part of household income with a contribution of 32.69 percent to household income. Regression analysis revealed sex of respondent (P = 0.057), household size (P = 0.046), agricultural land size (P = 0.000), NTFP retailers (P = 0.000), NTFP wholesalers (P = 0.000), and value-added NTFPs (P = 0.000) as significantly and positively correlated with income from NTFPs. Results further indicated that poor households depend primarily on NTFPs in order to achieve their subsistence and income needs compared to high-income households. This research recommends that stakeholders and policymakers consider the needs of forest-dependent communities in policy analysis on NTFP conservation measures. Also, the role of households, especially the low income (poor), in the management of forest resources should be spelled out since they depend primarily on NTFPs to meet their subsistence and income needs.
Cost Savings from Soy Flour Substitution in Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate for Bonding Flakes and Particle
Authors: Cheng Qingzheng , Essien Charles , Via Brian , Banerjee Sujit
Published: August 2021

Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) adhesive used in the manufacture of oriented strand board and particleboard can be partially substituted with soy flour for significant cost savings. The flour is about one-third of the cost of pMDI. Properties such as internal bond, wet modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, and thickness swelling are unaffected by soy flour substitution of up to 20 percent. Adding soy flour to the regular dose of pMDI can improve board properties and reduce delamination.
Forecasting Supply and Demand of the Wooden Furniture Industry in China
Authors: Lin Meng , Zhang Zongli , Cao Yukun
Published: August 2021

China is the world's largest furniture producer and exporter, but its furniture industry has always been at the bottom of the global value chain. Wooden furniture is the most important component of China's furniture industry. Its capacity and scale have been expanding; however, the industry's income and profit growth rate have declined. China's wooden furniture industry is in a period of transition, and industry regulators, participants, and even investors need to understand the future development trends of the industry. This study collected time series data for annual sales as well as the value of output, exports, and imports of the wooden furniture industry in China and used the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict future market supply and demand. The study found that each figure will continue to grow over the next 5 years. However, the industry as a whole will face the challenge of oversupply. In addition, the domestic market share on behalf of industrial competitiveness will decline year by year. Through a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the changing trend of China's wooden furniture production and its domestic and foreign markets, this study is the first to predict the supply and demand of research, filling the gap in the research field of wooden furniture, and its research ideas have some innovation. It can provide a reference for industry regulators, enterprise decision makers, and domestic and foreign investors.