bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP)-Informed Personalized Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) Detection: An Exploratory Analysis from the PREDATOR Study of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection
Authors: Lonardi Sara , Nimeiri Halla , Xu Chang , Zollinger Daniel R. , Madison Russell W. , Fine Alexander D. , Gjoerup Ole , Rasola Cosimo , Angerilli Valentina , Sharma Shruti , Wu Hsin-Ta , Palsuledesai Charuta C. , Malhotra Meenakshi , Aleshin Alexey , Loupakis Fotios , Renkonen Elise , Hegde Priti , Fassan Matteo
Published: September 2022

A majority of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) experience recurrence post curative-intent surgery. The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy has shown to provide limited survival benefits when applied to all patients. Therefore, a biomarker to assess molecular residual disease (MRD) accurately and guide treatment selection is highly desirable for high-risk patients. This feasibility study evaluated the prognostic value of a tissue comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP)-informed, personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay (FoundationOne®Tracker) (Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) by correlating MRD status with clinical outcomes. ctDNA analysis was performed retrospectively on plasma samples from 69 patients with resected mCRC obtained at the MRD and the follow-up time point. Tissue CGP identified potentially actionable alterations in 54% (37/69) of patients. MRD-positivity was significantly associated with lower disease-free survival (DFS) (HR: 4.97, 95% CI: 2.67–9.24, p < 0.0001) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 27.05, 95% CI: 3.60–203.46, p < 0.0001). Similarly, ctDNA positive status at the follow-up time point correlated with a marked reduction in DFS (HR: 8.78, 95% CI: 3.59–21.49, p < 0.0001) and OS (HR: 20.06, 95% CI: 2.51–160.25, p < 0.0001). The overall sensitivity and specificity at the follow-up time point were 69% and 100%, respectively. Our results indicate that MRD detection using the tissue CGP-informed ctDNA assay is prognostic of survival outcomes in patients with resected mCRC. The concurrent MRD detection and identification of actionable alterations has the potential to guide perioperative clinical decision-making.
Transcriptome Analysis of Particulate Matter 2.5-Induced Abnormal Effects on Human Sebocytes
Authors: Na Hye-Won , Kim Hyun Soo , Choi Hyunjung , Cha Nari , Seo Young Rok , Hong Yong Deog , Kim Hyoung-June
Published: September 2022

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), an atmospheric pollutant with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 μm, can cause serious human health problems, including skin damage. Since sebocytes are involved in the regulation of skin homeostasis, it is necessary to study the effects of PM2.5 on sebocytes. We examined the role of PM2.5 via the identification of differentially expressed genes, functional enrichment and canonical pathway analysis, upstream regulator analysis, and disease and biological function analysis through mRNA sequencing. Xenobiotic and lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell barrier damage-related pathways were enriched; additionally, PM2.5 altered steroid hormone biosynthesis and retinol metabolism-related pathways. Consequently, PM2.5 increased lipid synthesis, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory cytokine expression, and oxidative stress and altered the lipid composition and expression of factors that affect cell barriers. Furthermore, PM2.5 altered the activity of sterol regulatory element binding proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinases, transforming growth factor beta-SMAD, and forkhead box O3-mediated pathways. We also suggest that the alterations in retinol and estrogen metabolism by PM2.5 are related to the damage. These results were validated using the HairSkin® model. Thus, our results provide evidence of the harmful effects of PM2.5 on sebocytes as well as new targets for alleviating the skin damage it causes.
Enzymatic Construction of DARPin-Based Targeted Delivery Systems Using Protein Farnesyltransferase and a Capture and Release Strategy
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yiao , Uslu Safak , Venkatachalapathy Sneha , Rashidian Mohammad , Schaefer Jonas V. , Plückthun Andreas , Distefano Mark D.
Published: September 2022

Protein-based conjugates have been extensively utilized in various biotechnological and therapeutic applications. In order to prepare homogeneous conjugates, site-specific modification methods and efficient purification strategies are both critical factors to be considered. The development of general and facile conjugation and purification strategies is therefore highly desirable. Here, we apply a capture and release strategy to create protein conjugates based on Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins (DARPins), which are engineered antigen-binding proteins with prominent affinity and selectivity. In this case, DARPins that target the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a diagnostic cell surface marker for many types of cancer, were employed. The DARPins were first genetically modified with a C-terminal CVIA sequence to install an enzyme recognition site and then labeled with an aldehyde functional group employing protein farnesyltransferase. Using a capture and release strategy, conjugation of the labeled DARPins to a TAMRA fluorophore was achieved with either purified proteins or directly from crude E. coli lysate and used in subsequent flow cytometry and confocal imaging analysis. DARPin-MMAE conjugates were also prepared yielding a construct manifesting an IC50 of 1.3 nM for cell killing of EpCAM positive MCF-7 cells. The method described here is broadly applicable to enable the streamlined one-step preparation of protein-based conjugates.
Potential of Rhizobia Nodulating Anthyllis vulneraria L. from Ultramafic Soil as Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Alleviating Nickel Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana L.
Authors: Sujkowska-Rybkowska Marzena , Rusaczonek Anna , Kasowska Dorota , Gediga Krzysztof , Banasiewicz Joanna , Stępkowski Tomasz , Bernacki Maciej Jerzy
Published: September 2022

Rhizobia, which enter into symbiosis with legumes, can also interact with non-legumes and promote plant growth. In this paper, we explored the effects of nickel (Ni, 200 µM) on Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) inoculated with plant growth-promoting (PGP) rhizobia nodulating ultramafic Anthyllis vulneraria. The isolated PGP strains tolerant to Ni were identified as Rhizobium sp. and Bradyrhizobium sp. The isolates highly differed in their PGP abilities and Ni resistance. Without Ni-stress, the plants inoculated with most isolates grew better and had higher photosynthetic efficiency than non-inoculated controls. Nickel treatment increased Ni concentration in inoculated plants. Plant growth, leaf anatomy, chloroplast ultrastructure, efficiency of photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system activity were significantly impaired by Ni, however, the majority of these effects were diminished in plants inoculated with the most effective PGP rhizobia. Real-time PCR revealed an increased expression level of genes involved in auxin and gibberellin biosynthesis in the inoculated, Ni-treated plants, and this may have improved shoot and root growth after inoculation with effective isolates. Our results also suggest a positive correlation between Ni-stress parameters and antioxidant defense system activity, and also between the effectiveness of photosynthesis and plant growth parameters. We showed that the selected rhizobia, naturally nodulating Anthyllis on Ni-rich ultramafic soils can promote Arabidopsis growth and increase plant tolerance to Ni by improving different physiological and biochemical mechanisms.
The Changes in Canine Parvovirus Variants over the Years
Authors: Hao Xiangqi , Li Yanchao , Xiao Xiangyu , Chen Bo , Zhou Pei , Li Shoujun
Published: September 2022

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is one of the most important pathogens in dogs, and despite the continual development of vaccines against CPV-2, CPV-2 is still circulating in the canine population. The CPV-2a/2b/2c variant has replaced the original CPV-2 virus and seems to exhibit accelerated transmission. Although CPV-2 infection has been frequently reported, no studies have summarized information of CPV-2 variants currently circulating worldwide. To track the evolution of CPV-2, we downloaded and analyzed all VP2 sequences from the NCBI database (from 1978 to 2022). We found that CPV-2c shows a tendency to replace CPV-2a as the new dominant variant in Asia, South America, North America and Africa. Additionally, CPV-2c, which is prevalent in most regions of Asia, carries two special mutations in VP2, A5G and Q370R, and has become a dominant mutation with spillover already occurring. In conclusion, this summary of the types of global epidemic variants provides new insight into the evolution of CPV-2 and raises awareness for blocking the spread of this virus. The spread of Asian-derived CPV-2c urgently needs to be further under surveillance.
Selenium-Stimulated Exosomes Enhance Wound Healing by Modulating Inflammation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Heo June Seok
Published: September 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have emerged as an attractive cell-free tool in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The current study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and wound-repair effects of both exosomes and selenium-stimulated exosomes, and check whether the latter had superior wound healing capacity over others. The cellular and molecular network of exosomes, as a paracrine signal, was extensively studied by performing miRNA arrays to explore the key mediators of exosomes in wound healing. Selenium is known to play a critical role in enhancing the proliferation, multi-potency, and anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs. Selenium-stimulated exosomes showed significant effects in inhibiting inflammation and improving pro-angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cell growth and the migration of human dermal fibroblasts and wound regeneration were more enhanced in the selenium-stimulated exosome group than in the selenium and exosome groups, thereby further promoting the wound healing in vivo. Taken together, selenium was found to augment the therapeutic effects of adipose MSC-derived exosomes in tissue regeneration. We concluded that selenium may be considered a vital agent for wound healing in stem cell-based cell-free therapies.
Lipidomics for Determining Giant Panda Responses in Serum and Feces Following Exposure to Different Amount of Bamboo Shoot Consumption: A First Step towards Lipidomic Atlas of Bamboo, Giant Panda Serum and Feces by Means of GC-MS and UHPLC-HRMS/MS
Authors: Zhu Chenglin , Pan Xin , Li Guo , Li Caiwu , Wu Daifu , Tang Junni , Huang Yan , Zou Likou , Laghi Luca
Published: September 2022

Lipidic metabolites play essential roles in host physiological health and growth performance, serving as the major structural and signaling components of membranes, energy storage molecules, and steroid hormones. Bamboo, as wild giant pandas’ exclusive diet, is the main determinant of giant pandas’ lipidome, both as a direct source and through microbiota activity. Interestingly, the consumption of bamboo has attracted little attention from a lipidomic perspective. In the current study, we outline the lipidomic atlas of different parts of bamboo. By gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we have been able to obtain the absolute quantification of 35 fatty acids pertaining to short chain fatty acids (8), medium chain fatty acids (6), long chain fatty acids (17), and very long chain fatty acids (4), while liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) allowed us to obtain the relative quantification of another 1638 lipids. Among the fatty acids quantified in absolute terms, eight showed significantly distinct concentrations among different bamboo parts. Subsequently, we investigated how the giant panda’s serum and fecal lipidome adapt to the most important annual change in their diet, represented by the consumption of high amounts of bamboo shoots, typical of spring, the weight-gaining season. Five fatty acids were significantly altered in feces and two in serum, respectively, due to the different levels of bamboo shoot consumption. Furthermore, significant differences of the main bacteria strains were observed in feces between the two groups at the genus level, pertaining to Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, and Vagococcus. Correlations between giant panda fecal microbiome and lipidome were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. These findings suggest that a balanced diet, important for the overall lipidomic function and giant panda health, could be reached even in this remarkable case of a single food-based diet, by administering to the giant panda’s combinations of different parts of bamboo, with specific lipidome profiles.
Dynamic Transcriptional Landscape of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Reveals Key Transcriptional Features Involved in Fish Development
Authors: Duan You , Zhang Qiangxiang , Jiang Yanxin , Zhang Wanting , Cheng Yingyin , Shi Mijuan , Xia Xiao-Qin
Published: September 2022

A high-quality baseline transcriptome is a valuable resource for developmental research as well as a useful reference for other studies. We gathered 41 samples representing 11 tissues/organs from 22 important developmental time points within 197 days of fertilization of grass carp eggs in order to systematically examine the role of lncRNAs and alternative splicing in fish development. We created a high-quality grass carp baseline transcriptome with a completeness of up to 93.98 percent by combining strand-specific RNA sequencing and single-molecule real-time RNA sequencing technologies, and we obtained temporal expression profiles of 33,055 genes and 77,582 transcripts during development and tissue differentiation. A family of short interspersed elements was preferentially expressed at the early stage of zygotic activation in grass carp, and its possible regulatory components were discovered through analysis. Additionally, after thoroughly analyzing alternative splicing events, we discovered that retained intron (RI) alternative splicing events change significantly in both zygotic activation and tissue differentiation. During zygotic activation, we also revealed the precise regulatory characteristics of the underlying functional RI events.
Near-Stall Modelling of a Pitching Airfoil at High Incidence, Mach Number and Reduced Frequency
Authors: Brandstetter Christoph , Stapelfeldt Sina
Published: September 2022

The prediction accuracy of aeroelastic stability in fans and compressors depends crucially on the accuracy of the underlying aerodynamic predictions. The prevalent approach in the field solves the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier—Stokes equations in the presence of blade vibration. Given the unsteady, three-dimensional and often separated nature of the flow in the regimes of aeroelastic interest, the confidence in URANS methods is questionable. This paper uses the simple test case of a pitching symmetric aerofoil with a sharp leading edge to illustrate the challenges of aeroelastic modelling. It compares coupled numerical simulations against time-resolved experimental measurements. The unsteady aerodynamic response of the pitching blade and its dependency on tip-clearance flow and time-averaged incidence angle are analyzed. The results indicate that differences in the unsteady aerodynamics between different numerical approaches close to stall can have a significant impact on local aerodynamic damping. Furthermore, for the chosen test case there is a strong correspondence between the local quasi-steady and unsteady behaviour which weakens, but is still present, towards stall.
From Text Representation to Financial Market Prediction: A Literature Review
Authors: Farimani Saeede Anbaee , Jahan Majid Vafaei , Milani Fard Amin
Published: September 2022

News dissemination in social media causes fluctuations in financial markets. (Scope) Recent advanced methods in deep learning-based natural language processing have shown promising results in financial market analysis. However, understanding how to leverage large amounts of textual data alongside financial market information is important for the investors’ behavior analysis. In this study, we review over 150 publications in the field of behavioral finance that jointly investigated natural language processing (NLP) approaches and a market data analysis for financial decision support. This work differs from other reviews by focusing on applied publications in computer science and artificial intelligence that contributed to a heterogeneous information fusion for the investors’ behavior analysis. (Goal) We study various text representation methods, sentiment analysis, and information retrieval methods from heterogeneous data sources. (Findings) We present current and future research directions in text mining and deep learning for correlation analysis, forecasting, and recommendation systems in financial markets, such as stocks, cryptocurrencies, and Forex (Foreign Exchange Market).
Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Cordycipitaceae), on the Bark Beetle, Ips typographus (L.), under Field Conditions
Authors: Fora Ciprian George , Boja Nicușor , Moatăr Mihaela , Tóth Ferenc , Balog Adalbert
Published: September 2022

The spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.), attack progression (adult and larval galleries) and parental and offspring mortality rate were assessed in managed forests of the Poiana Ruscă and Bihor Mountains, along with Western Romanian Carpathians using fungal (Beauveria bassiana) treatments. The results show that the effect of B. bassiana on adult (maternal) gallery length was similar to the untreated variant and was less effective than the synthetic insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin applied at a dose of 50 g/L. Additionally, its effect on the mean larval gallery number per maternal gallery was low. B. bassiana did not have a significant influence on the attack progression. Significant correlations between log diameter and I. typographus attack progression were detected; such differences were higher than the effect of any treatment. Altogether, abiotic (low humidity, high temperature) and biotic factors (log diameter) influenced the bark beetles’ attack progression and reduced the entomopathogenic fungal effects. Considering the efficacy of the B. bassiana treatment on logs infested with I. typographus, the results showed that parents and offspring were infected, but even if the fungal treatment was applied in high concentrations, the mortality rate remained relatively low. Further research is necessary to test if different B. bassiana strains and their commercially recommended concentrations might be more effective under dry and warm climate conditions, respectively.
Effect of Prenatal Yoga on Heart Rate Variability and Cardio-Respiratory Synchronization: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Žebeljan Ivan , Lučovnik Miha , Dinevski Dejan , Lackner Helmut K. , Moertl Manfred G. , Vesenjak Dinevski Izidora , Mujezinović Faris
Published: September 2022

The objective was to assess the effects of prenatal yoga on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardio-respiratory synchronization, used as proxies of autonomic nervous system activity. Sixty-nine healthy pregnant women were included; 33 in a yoga group attending at least one 90-min yoga class weekly throughout pregnancy, and 36 controls not involved in formal pregnancy exercise programs. Measurements of the time domain (SDNN, standard deviation of regular R-R intervals, and RMSSD, square root of mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals) and frequency domain (ln(LF/HF), natural logarithm of low-frequency to high-frequency power) HRV indices, as well as cardio-respiratory synchronization indexes were performed once per trimester before and after yoga or 30-min moderate-intensity walk. A statistical comparison was performed using a three-way analysis of the variance (p < 0.05 significant). Both the time domain and frequency domain HRV indices showed significant shifts towards parasympathetic dominance following yoga when compared to the controls throughout pregnancy (p = 0.002 for SDNN, p < 0.001 for RMSSD, and p = 0.006 for ln(LF/HF), respectively). There was a statistically non-significant trend towards higher synchronization between respiratory frequency and heart rate following yoga vs. controls (p = 0.057). Regular prenatal yoga was associated with enhanced parasympathetic activation persisting throughout pregnancy.
Biomarkers for the Prediction and Judgement of Sepsis and Sepsis Complications: A Step towards precision medicine?
Authors: von Groote Thilo , Meersch-Dini Melanie
Published: September 2022

Sepsis and septic shock are a major public health concern and are still associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Whilst there is growing understanding of different phenotypes and endotypes of sepsis, all too often treatment strategies still only employ a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Biomarkers offer a unique opportunity to close this gap to more precise treatment approaches by providing insight into clinically hidden, yet complex, pathophysiology, or by individualizing treatment pathways. Predicting and evaluating systemic inflammation, sepsis or septic shock are essential to improve outcomes for these patients. Besides opportunities to improve patient care, employing biomarkers offers a unique opportunity to improve clinical research in patients with sepsis. The high rate of negative clinical trials in this field may partly be explained by a high degree of heterogeneity in patient cohorts and a lack of understanding of specific endotypes or phenotypes. Moving forward, biomarkers can support the selection of more homogeneous cohorts, thereby potentially improving study conditions of clinical trials. This may finally pave the way to a precision medicine approach to sepsis, septic shock and complication of sepsis in the future.
Videolaryngoendoscopic and Stroboscopic Evaluation in Predicting the Malignancy Risk of Vocal Fold Leukoplakia
Authors: Leduchowska Agata , Morawska Joanna , Pietruszewska Wioletta
Published: September 2022

Background: Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL), despite our knowledge of its etiopathogenetic factors, and the development of laryngeal visualization, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Objective: This research aimed to explore the efficacy of clinical and morphological feature identification in videolaryngoendoscopy (VLE) using a three-tier classification, and videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) in predicting the risk of VFL malignant transformation. Material and Methods: We examined 98 patients with VFL by flexible endoscopy under VLE and VLS. Morphological characteristics of 123 lesions including the surface, margin, and texture were assessed; then, VFL was subdivided into three types: I—flat and smooth, II—elevated and smooth, and III—rough. Based on the histopathological findings, 76 (61.79%) lesions were classified as low- and 47 (38.21%) lesions as high-grade dysplasia. Results: The inter-rater agreement between two raters evaluating the VFL in VLE was almost perfect (Cohen’s kappa = 0.826; p < 0.00; 95%CI 0.748–0.904). In ROC curve analysis, the AUC difference between Rater I and Rater II was 0.024 (0.726 vs. 0.702). In multivariate analysis, high-risk VFL was positively related to unilateral plaque localization (p = 0.003), the type III VLE classification (p = 0.013), absence of a mucosal wave (p = 0.034), and a positive history of alcohol consumption (p = 0.047). In ROC analysis, VLE had an AUC of 0.726, with a high sensitivity of 95.7% and low specificity of 40.8%. The NPV was high, at 93.9%; however, the PPV was low, at 50%. The proposed logistic regression model including features significant in multivariate analysis showed lower sensitivity (80.9% vs. 95.7%) and lower NPV (86.2% vs. 93.9%); however, the specificity and PPV were improved (73.7% vs. 40.8% and 65.5% vs. 50.0%, respectively). Conclusions: The combination of clinical history with endoscopic (plaque morphology) and stroboscopic examination (mucosal wave assessment) can fairly estimate the degree of dysplasia in VFL and thus is recommended for use in clinical settings. The findings of this study can be used to guide the decision regarding immediate biopsy or watchful waiting.
Damage Analysis of Thermoplastic Composites with Embedded Metal Inserts Using In Situ Computed Tomography
Authors: Troschitz Juliane , Füßel René , Kupfer Robert , Gude Maik
Published: September 2022

Thermoplastic composites (TPCs) are predestined for use in lightweight structures, for example, in automotive engineering, due to their good specific mechanical properties. In many areas of lightweight design, the use of metal inserts for load introduction into composite structures has become established. The inserts can be embedded during composite manufacturing without fibre damage. The technology is based on the concept of moulding holes with a pin tool and simultaneously placing the insert in the moulded hole. The embedding process results in a complex material structure in the joining zone with inhomogeneous three-dimensional fibre orientation and locally varying fibre content. The local material structure has a significant influence on the mechanical behaviour of the joining zone. For this reason, in situ computed tomography (CT) analyses are conducted in this work for a better understanding of the damage behaviour in the joining zone. In situ CT push-out tests were carried in the two thickness directions of along and opposed to the direction of the embedding process. The characteristic local material structure in the joining zone led to direction-dependent damage behaviour based on different failure modes.
Bearing Characteristics of Multi-Wing Pile Foundations under Lateral Loads in Dapeng Bay Silty Clay
Authors: Wang Hao , Fu Dewei , Yan Tiantian , Pan Deng , Liu Weiwei , Ma Liqun
Published: September 2022

This study provides a theoretical basis for reinforcement of the soil around multi-wing piles. Limit analysis was used to determine the ultimate lateral capacity (ULC) of three- and four-wing piles in Dapeng Bay silty clay. The effects of the pile–soil interaction coefficient α, wing width Bw, and lateral-load direction β on the ULC of the pile and the shear plastic zone range of the surrounding soil were analyzed. The normalized ULC of the three-wing pile decreased when the wing–diameter ratio increased. When Bw was 0.15 m and α was 0.4, the ULC of the four-wing pile was 19% higher than that of the three-wing pile. As β increased, the normalized ULC of the four-wing pile decreased, whereas that of the three-wing pile went through a minimum at 30°. The size of the soil shear plastic ring did not depend on α for either pile type; it increased around the three-wing (but not the four-wing) pile with changes in β. However, there was also a double plastic ring of broken soil around the four-wing pile. The four-wing pile had a more symmetrical influence on the soil around the pile than the three-wing pile.
Together Apart: Evaluating Lichen-Phorophyte Specificity in the Canarian Laurel Forest
Authors: González-Montelongo Cristina , Pérez-Vargas Israel
Published: September 2022

The effects of host tree identity on epiphyte lichen communities are a controversial issue, as the results obtained in different forest environments studied are not consistent. We investigated the host preferences for lichens in the laurel forest of Macaronesia. For this purpose, we analyzed the lichen communities growing on the four most common trees (Erica canariensis Rivas-Mart., M. Osorio and Wildpret, Morella faya (Aiton) Wilbur, Laurus novoca-nariensis Rivas-Mart., Lousa, Fern. Prieto, E. Días, J.C. Costa and C. Aguiar, and Ilex canariensis Poir. in Lamarck) in the laurel forest of the Canary Islands. The diversity, richness, and lichen composition showed a repetitive and common pattern with the functional traits studied. Although the existence of specificity with respect to the phorophyte species was not demonstrated, there was a clear affinity of the epiphytic lichens to the physico-chemical features of the bark (texture and pH), canopy architecture, foliar characteristics, etc. Our results highlight the importance of the natural diversity of tree species in the laurel forest. Due to the diversity and uniqueness of the lichen species that support each of the phorophytes, this fact should be taken into account in landscape protection and restoration actions, especially in those islands where the forest is highly fragmented.
The Transcription Factor CsAtf1 Negatively Regulates the Cytochrome P450 Gene CsCyp51G1 to Increase Fludioxonil Sensitivity in Colletotrichum siamense
Authors: Guan Xiaoling , Song Miao , Lu Jingwen , Yang Hong , Li Xiao , Liu Wenbo , Zhang Yu , Miao Weiguo , Li Zhigang , Lin Chunhua
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have shown that the high-osmolarity glycerol mitogen-activated protein kinase (HOG MAPK) signaling pathway and its downstream transcription factor CsAtf1 are involved in the regulation of fludioxonil sensitivity in C. siamense. However, the downstream target genes of CsAtf1 related to the fludioxonil stress response remain unclear. Here, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) to identify genome-wide potential CsAtf1 target genes. A total of 3809 significantly differentially expressed genes were predicted to be directly regulated by CsAtf1, including 24 cytochrome oxidase-related genes. Among them, a cytochrome P450-encoding gene, designated CsCyp51G1, was confirmed to be a target gene, and its transcriptional expression was negatively regulated by CsAtf1, as determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the overexpression mutant CsCYP51G1 of C. siamense exhibited increased fludioxonil tolerance, and the CsCYP51G1 deletion mutant exhibited decreased fludioxonil resistance, which revealed that CsCyp51G1 is involved in fludioxonil sensitivity regulation in C. siamense. However, the cellular ergosterol content of the mutants was not consistent with the phenotype of fludioxonil sensitivity, which indicated that CsCyp51G1 regulates fludioxonil sensitivity by affecting factors other than the ergosterol level in C. siamense. In conclusion, our data indicate that the transcription factor CsAtf1 negatively regulates the cytochrome P450 gene CsCyp51G1 to increase fludioxonil sensitivity in C. siamense.
Michel Serres’s “Dream of Another Epistemology”: Provoking Somatic Encounters with the Universe
Authors: Moser Keith
Published: September 2022

This essay explores Michel Serres’s “poetic dream of another epistemology” connected to an anti-Cartesian, sensorial view of knowledge. The philosopher alludes to empirical studies from the field of cognitive neuroscience, which have demonstrated that the mind and body are interwoven as part of one integrated entity, in order to propose an alternative epistemological framework for (re-) envisioning the nature of knowledge. The philosopher’s rehabilitation of our senses illustrates that our body is replete with overlapping epistemological channels that bifurcate in all directions. Serres explains how somatic encounters with the universe enable us to constitute a stable sense of self in relation to the larger world. However, he recognizes that there are a plethora of obstacles standing in the way of allowing his epistemological dream to come to fruition. In what he refers to as the Exo-Darwinian, hominescent era, the (post-) modern, urbanized lifestyle affords very little contact with the remainder of the planet. Moreover, Serres laments how climate change has already forever eradicated spaces of meaning that are indispensable as part of an epistemological quest of knowing what and who we are as planetary beings.
Effect of Slurry Thickness on the Quality of Aluminized Coatings
Authors: Li Zhuoyue , Wang Cheng , Ding Xiangyu , Li Xin , Yu Jiabo , Li Qiuliang , Qu Yi
Published: September 2022

Diffusion aluminum coating is crucial to protect aero-engine turbine blades from high-temperature oxidation. Slurry aluminizing, as a commonly-used coating preparation technology, has variations in the process parameters that directly affect the quality of the coating. Therefore, this paper investigates the effect of slurry thickness on coating quality. Different forms of aluminized coatings were obtained by coating nine DZ22B nickel-based superalloy plates of the same size with different slurry thicknesses while keeping other parameters constant. These aluminized coatings were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and a surface gauge. The results show that the AlNi phase dominates the matrix of the aluminized coating, and the outer layer of the coating has white dotted precipitates of Cr. As the slurry thickness increases, the coating thickness increases, and the proportion of the outer layer in the overall coating increases. In contrast, the thickness of the interdiffusion layer does not change significantly. The thicker the slurry, the higher the Al content of the coating surface. A medium-thickness slurry can form a smooth aluminizing coating with a roughness Ra < 4.5 μm surface. The combined results show that a medium-thick slurry can produce a high-quality coating.
Frontier and Hot Topics of Pulsed Fiber Lasers via CiteSpace Scientometric Analysis: Passively Mode-Locked Fiber Lasers with Real Saturable Absorbers Based on Two-Dimensional Materials
Authors: Zhou Wen , Pang Xiuyang , Zhang Hanke , Yu Qiang , Liu Fangqi , Wang Wenyue , Zhao Yikun , Lu Yan , Yang Zixin
Published: September 2022

Pulsed fiber lasers, with high peak power and narrow pulse widths, have been proven to be an important tool for a variety of fields of application. In this work, frontier and hot topics in pulsed fiber lasers were analyzed with 11,064 articles. Benefitting from the scientometric analysis capabilities of CiteSpace, the analysis found that passively mode-locked fiber lasers with saturable absorbers (SAs) based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have become a hot research topic in the field of pulsed fiber lasers due to the advantages of self-starting operation, high stability, and good compatibility. The excellent nonlinear optical properties exhibited by 2D materials at nanometer-scale thicknesses have become a particularly popular research topic; the research has paved the way for exploring its wider applications. We summarize the performance of several typical 2D materials in ultrafast fiber lasers, such as graphene, topological insulators (TIs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and black phosphorus (BP). Meanwhile, we review and analyze the direction of the development of 2D SAs for ultrafast fiber lasers.
Piezoelectric Response and Substrate Effect of ZnO Nanowires for Mechanical Energy Harvesting in Internet-of-Things Applications
Authors: Wlazło Mateusz , Haras Maciej , Kołodziej Grzegorz , Szawcow Oliwia , Ostapko Jakub , Andrysiewicz Wojciech , Kharytonau Dzmitry S. , Skotnicki Thomas
Published: September 2022

Recently, an unprecedented growth in the internet of things (IoT) is being observed, which is becoming the main driver for the entire semiconductor industry. Reliable maintenance and servicing of the IoT is becoming challenging, knowing that the IoT nodes outnumber the human population by a factor of seven. Energy harvesting (EH) can overcome those difficulties, delivering the energyautonomous IoT nodes to the market. EH converts natural or waste energies (vibrations, heat losses, air flows, light, etc.) into useful energy. This article explores the performance of ZnO nanowires under mechanical actuation to characterize their piezoelectric performance. ZnO nanowires were fabricated using ALD and a subsequent chemical bath growth. AISI 301 steel was used as a substrate of the EH device to better fit the mechanical requirements for the piezoelectric generator. We determined that a thin layer of another oxide below ZnO provides outstanding adhesion. The samples were submitted under repetitive mechanical stress in order to characterize the output piezovoltage for different conditions. They exhibited a piezoelectric signal which was stable after hundreds of actuations. This shows good promise for the use of our device based on ZnO, an Earth-abundant and non-toxic material, as an alternative to the conventional and popular but harmful and toxic PZT. The designed measurement setup demonstrated that a AISI 301 steel substrate coated with ZnO deposited by ALD and grown in a chemical bath has promising performance as a piezoelectric material. Characterized ZnO samples generate up to 80 nJ of energy during 55 s runs under matched load conditions, which is sufficient to supply a modern IoT node.
Effect of Thermal Treatment on Corrosion Behavior of AISI 316L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Andreatta Francesco , Lanzutti Alex , Revilla Reynier I. , Vaglio Emanuele , Totis Giovanni , Sortino Marco , de Graeve Iris , Fedrizzi Lorenzo
Published: September 2022

The effect of post-processing heat treatment on the corrosion behavior of AISI 316L stainless steel manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is investigated in this work. Produced stainless steel was heat treated in a broad temperature range (from 200 °C to 1100 °C) in order to evaluate the electrochemical behavior and morphology of corrosion. The electrochemical behavior was investigated by potentiodynamic and galvanostatic polarization in a neutral and acidic (pH 1.8) 3.5% NaCl solution. The microstructure modification after heat treatment and the morphology of attack of corroded samples were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The fine cellular/columnar microstructure typically observed for additive-manufactured stainless steel evolves into a fine equiaxed austenitic structure after thermal treatment at high temperatures (above 800 °C). The post-processing thermal treatment does not negatively affect the electrochemical behavior of additive-manufactured stainless steel even after prolonged heat treatment at 1100 °C for 8 h and 24 h. This indicates that the excellent barrier properties of the native oxide film are retained after heat treatment.
Femtosecond UV Laser Ablation Characteristics of Polymers Used as the Matrix of Astronautic Composite Material
Authors: Lu Mingyu , Zhang Ming , Zhang Kaihu , Meng Qinggeng , Zhang Xueqiang
Published: September 2022

Ultrafast laser processing has recently emerged as a new tool for processing fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. In the astronautic industry, the modified epoxy resin (named 4211) and the modified cyanate ester resin (known as BS-4) are two of the most widely used polymers for polymer-based composites. To study the removal mechanism and ablation process of different material components during the ultrafast laser processing of FRPs, we isolated the role of the two important polymers from their composites by studying their femtosecond UV laser (260 fs, 343 nm) ablation characteristics for controllable machining and understanding the related mechanisms. Intrinsic properties for the materials’ transmission spectrum, the absorption coefficient and the optical bandgap (Eg), were measured, derived, and compared. Key parameters for controllable laser processing, including the ablation threshold (Fth), energy penetration depth (δeff), and absorbed energy density (Eabs) at the ablation threshold, as well as their respective “incubation” effect under multiple pulse excitations, were deduced analytically. The ablation thresholds for the two resins, derived from both the diameter-regression and depth-regression techniques, were compared between resins and between techniques. An optical bandgap of 3.1 eV and 2.8 eV for the 4211 and BS-4 resins, respectively, were obtained. A detectable but insignificant-to-ablation difference in intrinsic properties and ablation characteristics between the two resins was found. A systematic discrepancy, by a factor of 30~50%, between the two techniques for deriving ablation thresholds was shown and discussed. For the 4211 resin ablated by a single UV laser pulse, a Fth of 0.42 J/cm2, a δeff of 219 nm, and an Eabs of 18.4 kJ/cm3 was suggested, and they are 0.45 J/cm2, 183 nm, and 23.2 kJ/cm3, respectively, for the BS-4 resin. The study may shed light on the materials’ UV laser processing, further the theoretical modeling of ultrafast laser ablation, and provide a reference for the femtosecond UV laser processing characteristics of FRPs for the future.
Study of Bond–Slip Behavior and Constitutive Model of a New M-Section Steel-Skeleton Concrete
Authors: Wei Jun , Yang Qingshun , Yu Yang , Wang Qing , Zhou Lexiang , Chen Fei
Published: September 2022

In this study, the bond–slip behavior between a new type of M-section steel skeleton (i.e., M-section steel) applied in assembled shear wall structures and concrete was investigated. First, push-out tests were conducted on 21 M-section steel–concrete (MSSC) specimens, wherein the effects of the concrete cover, concrete strength, and anchorage length on the bond strength between the M-section steel and concrete were considered. Further, the crack patterns, strain distribution of M-section steel, and bond–slip curves of the MSSC specimens were investigated using conventional strain measurement and a non-contact optical three-dimensional deformation measurement system, Digital Image Correlation-3D (DIC-3D). The experimental results demonstrated that the bond–slip curves of the MSSC specimens were divided into four stages: the linear ascending, non-linear ascending, non-linear descending, and residual stages. The initial average bond strength τ¯s was mainly affected by the concrete strength and anchorage length, whereas the concrete cover and anchorage length influenced the residual average bond strength τ¯r, and the ultimate average bond strength τ¯u was affected by the concrete strength, concrete cover, and anchorage length. Consequently, a bond–slip constitutive model of M-section steel and concrete was proposed based on the experimental results, and consistency was observed in comparison with the test results, which verified the applicability of the proposed model. Furthermore, to verify the rationality of the bond–slip constitutive model, a numerical simulation was performed, wherein the bond–slip curves, stress clouds, and interfacial bond damage process of the MSSC specimens were investigated. The numerical simulation results indicated that the bond–slip constitutive model could accurately predict the entire failure process of the MSSC specimens.
Mössbauer Synchrotron and X-ray Studies of Ultrathin YFeO3 Films
Authors: Andreeva Marina , Baulin Roman , Nosov Aleksandr , Gribov Igor , Izyurov Vladimir , Kondratev Oleg , Subbotin Ilia , Pashaev Elkhan
Published: September 2022

The YFeO3 orthoferrite is one of the most promising materials for antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics. Most studies have dealt with bulk samples, while the thin YFeO3 films possess unusual and variable properties. Ultrathin (3–50 nm) YFeO3 films have been prepared by magnetron sputtering on the r-plane (1 1¯ 0 2)-oriented Al2O3 substrates (r-Al2O3). Their characterization was undertaken by the Mössbauer reflectivity method using a Synchrotron Mössbauer Source and by X-ray diffraction (XRD) including grazing incidence diffraction (GI-XRD). For thin films with different thicknesses, the spin reorientation was detected under the application of the magnetic field of up to 3.5 T. Structural investigations revealed a predominant orthorhombic highly textured YFeO3 phase with (00l) orientation for relatively thick (>10 nm) films. Some inclusions of the Y3Fe5O12 garnet (YIG) phase as well as a small amount of the hexagonal YFeO3 phase were detected in the Mössbauer reflectivity spectra and by XRD.
Numerical Computation of Hybrid Carbon Nanotubes Flow over a Stretching/Shrinking Vertical Cylinder in Presence of Thermal Radiation and Hydromagnetic
Authors: Aladdin Nur Adilah Liyana , Bachok Norfifah , Rosali Haliza , Wahi Nadihah , Abd Rahmin Nor Aliza , Arifin Norihan Md
Published: September 2022

The discovery of hybrid carbon nanotubes shows the tendency toward the improvement of heat transfer performance in comparison to various classical fluids. This paper expands the novelty in utilizing the hybrid carbon nanotubes over vertical stretching/shrinking cylinder in presence of hydromagnetic and thermal radiation. It is essential to analyze the hydromagnetic due to its high potential capability especially in drug and gene release, hyperthermia effects as well as cell separation and manipulation in bio-medical field. The investigation on thermal radiation effect is added in this current study as it enhances the rate of heat transfer. To initiate this problem, partial differential equations (PDE) for the hybrid nanofluid flow with relevant boundary conditions (BCs) is set up and transformed into an ordinary differential equation (ODE). Adopting the similarity solutions and numerically solved using bvp4c (MATLAB). Findings on the variation of local Nusselt number, skin friction coefficient, shear stress and local heat flux having the effects of magnetic, M, curvature, ϒ, thermal radiation, Nr, mixed convection parameter, λ as well as volume fraction of nanoparticles, φ are demonstrated and elaborated in detail. Moreover, the research reveals that duality of solutions occurs when the buoyance force is in opposing flow with respect to the fluid motion, λ<0, as well as shrinking area, ε<0. The occurrence of magnetic reduces the heat transfer as well as skin friction coefficient. In addition, the skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number tend to improve as volume fraction of nanoparticles and curvature are increased. In contrast, the low of thermal radiation enhance the heat transfer. Indeed, the consequences of using hybrid carbon nanotubes help intensify the skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number compared to SWCNT nanofluid and MWCNT nanofluid. These crucial findings may benefit the scientists and academicians hence giving an add-on value to their expertise. A stability analysis must be performed since there exists a non-unique solution throughout the computation.
Accuracy of Variational Formulation to Model the Thermomechanical Problem and to Predict Failure in Metallic Materials
Authors: Ben Said Lotfi , Wali Mondher
Published: September 2022

The main purpose of this study is to develop a variational formulation for predicting structure behavior and accounting for damage mechanics in metallic materials. Mechanical and coupled thermomechanical models are used to predict failure in manufacturing processes. Ductile failure is accompanied by a significant amount of plastic deformation in metallic structural components. Finite element simulation of damage evolution in ductile solids is presented in this paper. Uncoupled models are implemented in a finite element model simulating deep drawing as well as cutting processes. Based on the Johnson–Cook model, the effect of deformation on the evolution of flow stress is described. The combined effect of strain, strain rate, and temperature on plasticity and damage behavior in cutting processes is considered. The accuracy of these models is verified when predicting ductile damage in forming and cutting processes.