bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISA POLA SPESIMEN PLASTIK UJI PUKUL CHARPY DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN PRINTER 3D
Authors: Etik Puspitasari
Published: April 2021

Uji pukul diperlukan untuk mengukur ketangguhan suatu benda yang mana membutuhkan spesimen sebagai material yang akan diuji. Dimana spesimen uji pukul yang biasanya dari logam yang dicetak dengan melakukan pengecoran tidak bisa dibuat sempurna karena sudut-sudut takikannya sangat susah dibuat. Untuk itu peneliti mencoba membuat spesimen dari plastik yang dihasilkan dari printer 3D yang mana takikan atau sudut- sudut pada spesimen uji pukul dapat dibuat dengan presisi menggunakan printer 3D. Desain pola spesimen plastik uji pukul dibuat sesuai standart ASTM dan diuji menggunakan uji Charpy mempunyai panjang 73,6 mm, lebar 12,7 mm dan tebal 10 mm, takikan berbentuk huruf “V” dengan sudut 45° posisi ditengah dengan kedalaman takikan sebesar 2,54 mm. setelah itu digambar 3D menggunakan software 3D lalu disimpan dengan format file STL lalu dibuka, disimpan dan diprint di software bawaan dari printer 3D.Adapun variabel yang diteliti adalah tebal layer dan suhu. Analisa spesimen plastik uji pukul dengan menggunakan printer 3D adalah Failed pada tes uji pukul terjadi karena peletakan spesimen pada alat uji pukul charpy peletakan takikan tidak lurus dengan bandul. Seharusnya sudut titik takikan harus lurus dengan bandul dengan cara mengecek posisi yang lurus dengan cara difoto dari belakang dan depan terhadap spesimen dan bandul. Yang kedua diperoleh jika semakin renggang irisan dari dalam spesimen plastik uji pukul menurut jenis tebal layer maka energi yang diberikan harus lebih kecil agar energi yang diserap dapat terbaca pada proses uji pukul charpy. Yang ketiga Pada Spesimen plastik Kode A dan kode B diketahui semakin tebal layer maka energi yang diserap semakin besar. Yang keempat menurut perbedaan suhu nozzle untuk spesimen plastik uji pukul yang disetting menggunakan suhu nozzle 200°C, energi awal yang diberikan lebih besar dan spesimen lebih kuat menerima beban energi daripada spesimen plastik uji pukul yang disetting menggunakan suhu nozzle 180°C.
PERMODELAN KONSERVASI AIR BERDASARKAN ALIRAN DAN KOMPOSISI MATERIAL PADA SUMUR RESAPAN DI KABUPATEN MALANG
Authors: Ratih Indri Hapsari  , Winda Harsanti  , Dandung Novianto
Published: April 2021

Air merupakan kebutuhan pokok manusia setelah udara dan makanan. Air yang kita konsumsi sehari- hari sebagian besar berasal dari dalam tanah dan disebut dengan air tanah. Manusia biasa memanfaatkan air tanah untuk keperluan air minum, mandi, mencuci, memasak serta baik untuk proses-proses yang terjadi di dalam tubuh maupun untuk berbagai kegiatan yang menunjang kehidupan. Pembangunan perumahan dan lahan pemukiman yang sedang terjadi secara tidak langsung menimbulkan dampak bagi kondisi daerahnya yang merupakan kawasan resapan air. Air hujan yang jatuh ke permukaan tanah akan sulit meresap ke dalam tanah, yang diakibatkan pengalihan fungsi lahan dari lingkungan alami yang dapat meresapkan air hujan menjadi kawasan perumahan dan pemukiman. Studi ini bertujuan untuk memaksilakan masuknya air ke dalam tanah agar ketersediaan tanah dapat Dan untuk memaksimalkan masuknya air ke dalam tanah perlu dilakukan penelitian lebih lanjut berdasarkan dari sumur resapan yang terdahulu dengan mengambangkan desain sumur resapan dari segi bentuk ukuran dan material yang digunakan. Diharapkan hasil penelitian ini dapat memberikan gambaran rancangan alternatif desain terkait dalam penanganan konservasi air dengan diadakannya pembangunan sumur resapan. Data yang dibutuhkan antara lain data hujan harian dari 3 stasiun hujan terdekat, yaitu Ciliwung, Singosari dan Tumpang pada tahun 2008 – 2017 untuk mencari curah hujan maksimum, peta topografi dan data tanah. Kemudian data tersebut diolah dengan menggunakan Metode Log Person Type III, uji kesesuaian Chi-Kuadrat dan uji kesesuaian Smirnov-Kolmogorof dengan kala ulang 5 tahun. Perencanaan dimensi dan jumlah sumur resapan dihitung dengan rumus Sunjoto. Dari hasil analisa dan perhitungan di peroleh curah hujan rancangan sebesar 109,224 mm, limpasan maksimum pada rumah sebesar 0,01753 m3/detik yang disalurkan ke dalam sumur resapan dengan jumlah sumur resapan sebanyak 1.306 buah, ø 1m dan kedalaman yang bervariasi antara 0,6 m – 1,5 m yang dibangun di taman belakang rumah dan biaya pemeliharaan sebesar Rp. Rp.10.589,21 untuk satu sumur. Sedangkan jumlah biopori sebanyak 73.815 buah, ø 10 cm dengan kedalaman 1 m yang dibuat di taman depan, taman belakang rumah, dan taman – taman perumahan, dan biaya pemeliharaan sebesar Rp. 2.267,78 untuk satu biopori. Menghasilkan cadangan air tambahan sebanyak 2,3451 m3/detik dengan biaya konstruksi sebesar Rp. 15,724,327,112.31 dan hasil kelayakan finansial dengan NPV sebesar Rp. 36,987,933,974.30 di tahun 2058.
The Secretome of Filarial Nematodes and Its Role in Host-Parasite Interactions and Pathogenicity in Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy
Authors: Hotterbeekx An , Perneel Jolien , Vieri Melissa Krizia , Colebunders Robert , Kumar-Singh Samir
Published: April 2021

Filarial nematodes secrete bioactive molecules which are of interest as potential mediators for manipulating host biology, as they are readily available at the host-parasite interface. The adult parasites can survive for years in the mammalian host, due to their successful modulation of the host immune system and most of these immunomodulatory strategies are based on soluble mediators excreted by the parasite. The secretome of filarial nematodes is a key player in both infection and pathology, making them an interesting target for further investigation. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding the components of the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of filarial parasites and their bioactive functions in the human host. In addition, the pathogenic potential of the identified components, which are mostly proteins, in the pathophysiology of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is discussed.
The Unfolded Protein Response and Autophagy on the Crossroads of Coronaviruses Infections
Authors: Prestes Elisa B. , Bruno Julia C. P. , Travassos Leonardo H. , Carneiro Leticia A. M.
Published: April 2021

The ability to sense and adequately respond to variable environmental conditions is central for cellular and organismal homeostasis. Eukaryotic cells are equipped with highly conserved stress-response mechanisms that support cellular function when homeostasis is compromised, promoting survival. Two such mechanisms – the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy – are involved in the cellular response to perturbations in the endoplasmic reticulum, in calcium homeostasis, in cellular energy or redox status. Each of them operates through conserved signaling pathways to promote cellular adaptations that include re-programming transcription of genes and translation of new proteins and degradation of cellular components. In addition to their specific functions, it is becoming increasingly clear that these pathways intersect in many ways in different contexts of cellular stress. Viral infections are a major cause of cellular stress as many cellular functions are coopted to support viral replication. Both UPR and autophagy are induced upon infection with many different viruses with varying outcomes – in some instances controlling infection while in others supporting viral replication and infection. The role of UPR and autophagy in response to coronavirus infection has been a matter of debate in the last decade. It has been suggested that CoV exploit components of autophagy machinery and UPR to generate double-membrane vesicles where it establishes its replicative niche and to control the balance between cell death and survival during infection. Even though the molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated, it is clear that UPR and autophagy are intimately associated during CoV infections. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought renewed interest to this topic as several drugs known to modulate autophagy – including chloroquine, niclosamide, valinomycin, and spermine – were proposed as therapeutic options. Their efficacy is still debatable, highlighting the need to better understand the molecular interactions between CoV, UPR and autophagy.
Case Report: Application of Thoracoscopic Clamp Radiofrequency Ablation on Atrial Tachycardia Originating From Right Atrial Appendage After Catheter Ablation Failure
Authors: Luo Li , Qin Zuoan , Shi Ruizheng , Ge Liangqing
Published: April 2021

Atrial tachycardia originating from the right atrial appendage has a higher probability of failure of catheter ablation. Here we report a case of a 13-year-old boy with incessant tachycardia, complicated by heart enlargement, and heart failure. Electrophysiological examination showed that atrial tachycardia (AT) originated from the apex of the right atrial appendage, and endocardial catheter ablation was ineffective. After thoracoscopic approach, the right atrial appendage was successfully ablated with bipolar radiofrequency ablation forceps, atrial tachycardia was terminated and sinus rhythm was restored. Within 3 months since the patient was discharged from the hospital, no arrhythmia occurred and the heart structure returned to normal. Thus, thoracoscopic clamp radiofrequency ablation may be a reasonable choice for young patients with atrial tachycardia originated from the right atrial appendage when transendocardial ablation is not effective.
Orofacial Cleft Frequency Differences Depending on Geographic Origin: Coast vs. Inland
Authors: Vieira Alexandre Rezende , Furtado Paulo Germano Cavalcanti , Filho Valdécio Vasconcelos Lacerda , Pereira Jéssica Amorim Teotônio , Tenório Isabelle Silvério , Luna André Macedo , Filgueiras Vitor Marques , Lacerda Rosa Helena Wanderley
Published: April 2021

Objective: Cleft lip and/or palate is the most common congenital anomaly in a human face, with a multifactorial and complex etiology. Although many studies have been developed, the role of the environment is still unclear. This study aims to test the hypothesis that differences in lifestyle and environment change the reproductive risks of orofacial clefts.

Methods: A total of 2,422 medical records of individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate in a reference center in the northeast of Brazil over a period of 30 years were analyzed. Data on the cleft type, geographic origin of the patient (coast or inland), presence of associated congenital anomalies or syndromes, maternal age, and maternal parity were recorded. Differences in frequencies between the cleft types were compared based on geographic origin, maternal age, and parity. Chi-square, Student's t, Kruskal–Wallis, and logistic regression were used to analyze the interference of covariables on the cleft type.

Results: The distribution of cleft types was significantly different between the coastal and inland areas (chi-square test, p < 0.0001). A higher frequency of cleft lip with or without palate was observed the inland area (chi-square test, p = 0.0006), while cleft palate only (chi-square test, p = 0.003) and rare facial clefts (chi-square test, p = 0.004) were more frequent in the coastal area. No difference was found in the distribution of maternal age (t-test, p > 0.05) between the two geographic areas, but parity was higher inland (t-test, p = 0.04). Logistic regression suggested that parity explained just a small portion of the differences in frequency between cleft types of the coast vs. inland.

Conclusion: Frequency of orofacial cleft types differs by geographic area in this region of the South American continent.
A Scarlet A-Line Skirt, Independent and Critical Visual Practice, and the Brit(ish)line: Representing Women’s Leadership in Education Through Values-Based Cartooning
Authors: Mendonça Penelope
Published: April 2021

Cartooning and graphic facilitation (the latter of which includes developing visuals in real time with groups) offer increasingly popular yet highly subjective approaches to public engagement, organizational development, communication, research, and research dissemination. Values-based cartooning can provide an ethical framework for those undertaking and commissioning these kinds of practices, and it has been employed by the author as a method for accessing and representing diverse perspectives and experiences for more than two decades. This article is situated within the author’s experience as a practitioner undertaking a range of commissions and partnerships relating to education in the United Kingdom. What follows is a critical examination of three contexts where values-based cartooning has been used to represent women’s leadership within education: within research into women’s experiences of working and studying in a higher education institution, within grassroots movements led by teachers and school leaders, and within broader campaigns that have educational value. This involves negotiation of complex social issues while developing visuals, including how to treat gender, race, and intersectional identities within word/image combinations. Questions are raised about the purposes of visual practice, the roles and responsibilities of practitioners, and the conditions of production, audience, and social media. What are the benefits, limitations, and risks of values-based cartooning in relation to the visual representation of women’s leadership in education? What is the value of portraying the kinds of leadership that exist at different levels, including outside of formal, professional roles and beyond classroom practice and systems leadership? And finally, how should visual practitioners respond to conflicting values, risk, failure, and nuance in relation to women’s leadership, where there is strong desire and need for positive, strengths-based depictions? The author considers her positionality in relation to the type of work undertaken and asks whether this kind of visual practice may in fact represent a particular form of leadership that warrants further inquiry. This article will be of interest to educators, researchers, facilitators, artists, cartoonists, campaigners, graphic and visual facilitators, practice-based researchers, and those who commission and evaluate visual methods.
Making an Effort Versus Experiencing Load
Authors: Klepsch Melina , Seufert Tina
Published: April 2021

In cognitive load theory (CLT), the role of different types of cognitive load is still under debate. Intrinsic cognitive load (ICL) and germane cognitive load (GCL) are assumed to be highly interlinked but provide different perspectives. While ICL mirrors the externally given task affordances which learners experience passively, germane resources are invested by the learner actively. Extraneous affordances (ECL) are also experienced passively. The distinction of passively experienced load and actively invested resources was inspired by an investigation where we found differential effects of a learning strategy training, which in fact resulted in reduced passive load and increased actively invested effort. This distinction is also mirrored in the active and passive forms for effort in German language: “es war anstrengend” (it has been strenuous) vs. “ich habe mich angestrengt” (I exerted myself). In two studies, we analyzed whether we could distinguish between these active and passive aspects of load by using these phrases and how this distinction relates to the three-partite concept of CLT. In two instructional design studies, we included the active and passive items into a differentiated cognitive load questionnaire. We found the factor structure to be stable, with the passive item loading on the ICL factor and the active item loading on the GCL factor. We conclude that it is possible to distinguish between active and passive aspects of load and that further research on this topic could be constructive, especially for learning tasks where learners act in a more self-regulated way and learner characteristics are taken into account.
Evidence of Early Diabetic Nephropathy in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mamilly Leena , Mastrandrea Lucy D. , Mosquera Vasquez Claudia , Klamer Brett , Kallash Mahmoud , Aldughiem Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes Mellitus (T1D). Urinary markers of renal damage or oxidative stress may signal early stages of DN. The association of these markers with blood pressure (BP) patterns and glycemic variability (GV) in children is yet to be explored.

Methods

Subjects between the ages of 10 and 21 years with T1D were enrolled. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed on each subject. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for albumin, creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and pentosidine.

Results

The study included 21 subjects (62% female) with median age of 16.8 (IQR: 14.5, 18.9). Median HbA1C was 8.4 (IQR: 7.5, 9.3). While microalbuminuria was negative in all but one case (4.8%), urinary NGAL/Cr and pentosidine/Cr ratios were significantly elevated (P<0.001) in diabetic patients despite having normal microalbuminuria, and they correlated significantly with level of microalbumin/Cr (r=0.56 [CI: 0.17, 0.8] and r=0.79 [CI: 0.54, 0.91], respectively). Using ABPM, none had hypertension, however, poor nocturnal systolic BP dipping was found in 48% of cases (95% CI: 28-68%). Urinary NGAL/Cr negatively correlated with nocturnal SBP dipping (r=-0.47, CI: -0.76, -0.03). Urine NGAL/Cr also showed a significant negative correlation with HbA1c measurements, mean blood glucose, and high blood glucose index (r=-0.51 [CI: -0.78, -0.09], r=-0.45 [CI: -0.74, -0.03], and r=-0.51 [CI: -0.77, -0.1], respectively). Median urinary NGAL/Cr and pentosidine/Cr ratios were higher in the high GV group but were not significantly different.

Discussion

This pilot study explores the role of ABPM and urinary markers of tubular health and oxidative stress in early detection of diabetic nephropathy. GV may play a role in the process of this diabetic complication.
Construction of Unified Human Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Peptide Database and Examination of Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Peptides in Alzheimer’s Disease Using Network Analysis of Proteomics Datasets
Authors: Kumar Ajneesh , Doan Vo Minh , Kunkli Balázs , Csősz Éva
Published: April 2021

The reanalysis of genomics and proteomics datasets by bioinformatics approaches is an appealing way to examine large amounts of reliable data. This can be especially true in cases such as Alzheimer’s disease, where the access to biological samples, along with well-defined patient information can be challenging. Considering the inflammatory part of Alzheimer’s disease, our aim was to examine the presence of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides in human proteomic datasets deposited in the publicly available proteomics database ProteomeXchange (http://www.proteomexchange.org/). First, a unified, comprehensive human antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptide database, containing all known human antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides was constructed and used along with the datasets containing high-quality proteomics data originating from the examination of Alzheimer’s disease and control groups. A throughout network analysis was carried out, and the enriched GO functions were examined. Less than 1% of all identified proteins in the brain were antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides, but the alterations characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease could be recapitulated with their analysis. Our data emphasize the key role of the innate immune system and blood clotting in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The central role of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory peptides suggests their utilization as potential targets for mechanistic studies and future therapies.
Characterization of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of IL-10-Producing Neutrophils in Response to Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection
Authors: González Liliana A. , Melo-González Felipe , Sebastián Valentina P. , Vallejos Omar P. , Noguera Loreani P. , Suazo Isidora D. , Schultz Bárbara M. , Manosalva Andrés H. , Peñaloza Hernán F. , Soto Jorge A. , Parker Dane , Riedel Claudia A. , González Pablo A. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Bueno Susan M.
Published: April 2021

Neutrophils are immune cells classically defined as pro-inflammatory effector cells. However, current accumulated evidence indicates that neutrophils have more versatile immune-modulating properties. During acute lung infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice, interleukin-10 (IL-10) production is required to temper an excessive lung injury and to improve survival, yet the cellular source of IL-10 and the immunomodulatory role of neutrophils during S. pneumoniae infection remain unknown. Here we show that neutrophils are the main myeloid cells that produce IL-10 in the lungs during the first 48 h of infection. Importantly, in vitro assays with bone-marrow derived neutrophils confirmed that IL-10 can be induced by these cells by the direct recognition of pneumococcal antigens. In vivo, we identified the recruitment of two neutrophil subpopulations in the lungs following infection, which exhibited clear morphological differences and a distinctive profile of IL-10 production at 48 h post-infection. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of neutrophils from WT mice into IL-10 knockout mice (Il10-/-) fully restored IL-10 production in the lungs and reduced lung histopathology. These results suggest that IL-10 production by neutrophils induced by S. pneumoniae limits lung injury and is important to mediate an effective immune response required for host survival.
Mini-Factor H Modulates Complement-Dependent IL-6 and IL-10 Release in an Immune Cell Culture (PBMC) Model: Potential Benefits Against Cytokine Storm
Authors: Kozma Gergely Tibor , Mészáros Tamás , Bakos Tamás , Hennies Mark , Bencze Dániel , Uzonyi Barbara , Győrffy Balázs , Cedrone Edward , Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Józsi Mihály , Szebeni János
Published: April 2021

Cytokine storm (CS), an excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines upon overactivation of the innate immune system, came recently to the focus of interest because of its role in the life-threatening consequences of certain immune therapies and viral diseases, including CAR-T cell therapy and Covid-19. Because complement activation with subsequent anaphylatoxin release is in the core of innate immune stimulation, studying the relationship between complement activation and cytokine release in anin vitroCS model holds promise to better understand CS and identify new therapies against it. We used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultured in the presence of autologous serum to test the impact of complement activation and inhibition on cytokine release, testing the effects of liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome), zymosan and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as immune activators and heat inactivation of serum, EDTA and mini-factor H (mfH) as complement inhibitors. These activators induced significant rises of complement activation markers C3a, C4a, C5a, Ba, Bb, and sC5b-9 at 45 min of incubation, with or without ~5- to ~2,000-fold rises of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13 and TNFα at 6 and 18 h later. Inhibition of complement activation by the mentioned three methods had differential inhibition, or even stimulation of certain cytokines, among which effects a limited suppressive effect of mfH on IL-6 secretion and significant stimulation of IL-10 implies anti-CS and anti-inflammatory impacts. These findings suggest the utility of the model forin vitrostudies on CS, and the potential clinical use of mfH against CS.
Case Report: Primary Immunodeficiencies, Massive EBV+ T-Cell Lympoproliferation Leading to the Diagnosis of ICF2 Syndrome
Authors: Padeira Gonçalo Luzes , Araújo Catarina , Cordeiro Ana Isabel , Freixo João , Martins Catarina Gregório , Neves João Farela
Published: April 2021

In immunocompromised patients, EBV may elicit B-cell transformation and proliferation. A 5-year-old microcephalic boy was admitted with fever and non-malignant polymorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disease associated with EBV. A presumptive diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency with inability to control EBV was made and next-generation sequencing led to the identification of a novel ZBTB24 mutation (ICF2-syndrome). This case shows that susceptibility to EBV seems to be particular of ICF-2 as it has not been described in the other types of ICF. It is mandatory to raise the hypothesis of an underlying PID in case of severe EBV infection.
Diversity of Functionally Distinct Clonal Sets of Human Conventional Memory B Cells That Bind Staphylococcal Protein A
Authors: Radke Emily E. , Li Zhi , Hernandez David N. , El Bannoudi Hanane , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L. , Shopsin Bo , Lopez Peter , Fenyö David , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: April 2021

Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious and often fatal infections, is well-armed with secreted factors that disarm host immune defenses. Highly expressedin vivoduring infection, Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) is reported to also contribute to nasal colonization that can be a prelude to invasive infection. Co-evolution with the host immune system has provided SpA with an Fc-antibody binding site, and a Fab-binding site responsible for non-immune superantigen interactionsviagermline-encoded surfaces expressed on many human BCRs. We wondered whether the recurrent exposures toS. aureuscommonly experienced by adults, result in the accumulation of memory B-cell responses to other determinants on SpA. We therefore isolated SpA-specific class-switched memory B cells, and characterized their encoding VH : VL antibody genes. In SpA-reactive memory B cells, we confirmed a striking bias in usage for VH genes, which retain the surface that mediates the SpA-superantigen interaction. We postulate these interactions reflect co-evolution of the host immune system and SpA, which during infection results in immune recruitment of an extraordinarily high prevalence of B cells in the repertoire that subverts the augmentation of protective defenses. Herein, we provide the first evidence that human memory responses are supplemented by B-cell clones, and circulating-antibodies, that bind to SpA determinants independent of the non-immune Fc- and Fab-binding sites. In parallel, we demonstrate that healthy individuals, and patients recovering fromS. aureusinfection, both have circulating antibodies with these conventional binding specificities. These findings rationalize the potential utility of incorporating specially engineered SpA proteins into a protective vaccine.
XANES Study of Tribofilm Formation With Low Phosphorus Additive Mixtures of Phosphonium Ionic Liquid and Borate Ester
Authors: Vyavhare Kimaya , Sharma Vibhu , Sharma Vinay , Erdemir Ali , Aswath Pranesh B.
Published: April 2021

The development of low phosphorus engine oils is important to minimize phosphorus-induced exhaust catalyst poisoning and resulting in harmful emissions. In this study, low phosphorus oil formulations were prepared by using an ashless additive mixture of borate ester (SB) with ionic liquid composed of a phosphonium cation and phosphate anion (P_DEHP) at 350 and 700 ppm phosphorus. Tribological properties of this binary additive system were evaluated using a reciprocating cylinder on a flat test configuration. Favorable interaction between P_DEHP and SB resulted in a significant reduction in friction coefficient and wear volume, in particular for P_DEHP(700P) + SB oil blend. Time-scale analysis of tribofilm formation was determined by running the tribological experiments for 5, 15, and 60 min duration. Electrical contact resistance (ECR) results revealed that the addition of P_DEHP at 350 ppm of phosphorus to SB at 500 ppm of boron can reduce the incubation time from 300 to 100 s for stable tribofilm formation. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis of tribofilms indicates that the tribofilm mechanism for additive mixtures of P_DEHP and SB initially involves the formation of boron oxide-based films, which later interact with phosphorus to form boron phosphates in addition to iron phosphates. Incorporation of the high amount of boron phosphates in addition to boron oxide/acid and iron phosphates in the tribofilms contributed to the improved tribological performance of P_DEHP(700P) + SB oil. XANES results reveal that tribofilms formed due to the interaction of SB and P_DEHP evolve to a cross-linked structure, wherein the chain length of polyphosphates is increased with the increase in rubbing time.
An Overview on Identification and Regulatory Mechanisms of Long Non-coding RNAs in Fungi
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Xiaoying , Yin Ziyu , Hu Zhihong , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: April 2021

For decades, more and more long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been confirmed to play important functions in key biological processes of different organisms. At present, most identified lncRNAs and those with known functional roles are from mammalian systems. However, lncRNAs have also been found in primitive eukaryotic fungi, and they have different functions in fungal development, metabolism, and pathogenicity. In this review, we highlight some recent researches on lncRNAs in the primitive eukaryotic fungi, particularly focusing on the identification of lncRNAs and their regulatory roles in diverse biological processes.
Plasma-Treated Water Affects Listeria monocytogenes Vitality and Biofilm Structure
Authors: Handorf Oliver , Pauker Viktoria Isabella , Weihe Thomas , Schäfer Jan , Freund Eric , Schnabel Uta , Bekeschus Sander , Riedel Katharina , Ehlbeck Jörg
Published: April 2021

Background: Plasma-generated compounds (PGCs) such as plasma-processed air (PPA) or plasma-treated water (PTW) offer an increasingly important alternative for the control of microorganisms in hard-to-reach areas found in several industrial applications including the food industry. To this end, we studied the antimicrobial capacity of PTW on the vitality and biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes, a common foodborne pathogen.

Results: Using a microwave plasma (MidiPLexc), 10 ml of deionized water was treated for 100, 300, and 900 s (pre-treatment time), after which the bacterial biofilm was exposed to the PTW for 1, 3, and 5 min (post-treatment time) for each pre-treatment time, separately. Colony-forming units (CFU) were significantly reduced by 4.7 log10 ± 0.29 log10, as well as the metabolic activity decreased by 47.9 ± 9.47% and the cell vitality by 69.5 ± 2.1%, compared to the control biofilms. LIVE/DEAD staining and fluorescence microscopy showed a positive correlation between treatment and incubation times, as well as reduction in vitality. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated changes in the structure quality of the bacterial biofilm.

Conclusion: These results indicate a promising antimicrobial impact of plasma-treated water on Listeria monocytogenes, which may lead to more targeted applications of plasma decontamination in the food industry in the future.
In silico Approaches for the Design and Optimization of Interfering Peptides Against Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Hashemi Zahra Sadat , Zarei Mahboubeh , Fath Mohsen Karami , Ganji Mahmoud , Farahani Mahboube Shahrabi , Afsharnouri Fatemeh , Pourzardosht Navid , Khalesi Bahman , Jahangiri Abolfazl , Rahbar Mohammad Reza , Khalili Saeed
Published: April 2021

Large contact surfaces of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) remain to be an ongoing issue in the discovery and design of small molecule modulators. Peptides are intrinsically capable of exploring larger surfaces, stable, and bioavailable, and therefore bear a high therapeutic value in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Given these promising properties, a long way has been covered in the field of targeting PPIsviapeptide design strategies.In silicotools have recently become an inevitable approach for the design and optimization of these interfering peptides. Various algorithms have been developed to scrutinize the PPI interfaces. Moreover, different databases and software tools have been created to predict the peptide structures and their interactions with target protein complexes. High-throughput screening of large peptide libraries against PPIs; “hotspot” identification; structure-based and off-structure approaches of peptide design; 3D peptide modeling; peptide optimization strategies like cyclization; and peptide binding energy evaluation are among the capabilities ofin silicotools. In the present study, the most recent advances in the field ofin silicoapproaches for the design of interfering peptides against PPIs will be reviewed. The future perspective of the field and its advantages and limitations will also be pinpointed.
Functional Characterization of Sex Pheromone Neurons and Receptors in the Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker)
Authors: Wang Chan , Wang Bing , Wang Guirong
Published: April 2021

Pheromone receptors (PRs) of moths are expressed on the dendritic membrane of odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) housed in the long trichoid sensilla (TS) of antennae and are essential to sex pheromone reception. The function of peripheral neurons of Mythimna separata in recognizing sex pheromones is still unclear. In this study, electroantennogram recordings were performed from male and female antennae of M. separata, and showed that the major component of sex pheromones, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald), evoked the strongest response of male antennae with significant differences between sexes. Single sensillum recording was used to record responses of neurons housed in TS of male M. separata. The results revealed four types of TS with three neurons housed in each type, based on profiles of responses to sex pheromone components and pheromone analogs. ORN-B of type-I TS was specifically tuned to the major sex pheromone component Z11–16:Ald; ORN-Bs in type-III and type-IV TSs were, respectively, activated by minor components (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-yl acetate (Z11–16:OAc) and hexadecenal (16:Ald); and ORNs in type-II TS were mainly activated by the sex pheromone analogs. We further cloned full-length sequences of six putative PR genes and an Orco gene. Functional characterization of PRs in the Xenopus oocyte system demonstrated that male antennae-biased MsepPR1 responded strongly to (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Z9-14:Ald), suggesting that MsepPR1 may be expressed in type-II TS. MsepPR6 was exclusively tuned to (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-yl acetate (Z9–14:OAc). MsepPR2 and MsepPR4 showed no responses to any tested components. Female antennae-biased MespPR5 was broadly tuned to Z9–14:Ald, Z9–14:OAc, Z11–16:Ald, and (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol (Z11–16:OH). Our results further enriched the sex pheromone recognition mechanism in the peripheral nervous system of moth M. separata.
Modeling-Based Design of Memristive Devices for Brain-Inspired Computing
Authors: Zhao Yudi , Chen Ruiqi , Huang Peng , Kang Jinfeng
Published: April 2021

Resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) has emerged for non-volatile memory application with the features of simple structure, low cost, high density, high speed, low power, and CMOS compatibility. In recent years, RRAM technology has made significant progress in brain-inspired computing paradigms by exploiting its unique physical characteristics, which attempts to eliminate the energy-intensive and time-consuming data transfer between the processing unit and the memory unit. The design of RRAM-based computing paradigms, however, requires a detailed description of the dominant physical effects correlated with the resistive switching processes to realize the interaction and optimization between devices and algorithms or architectures. This work provides an overview of the current progress on device-level resistive switching behaviors with detailed insights into the physical effects in the resistive switching layer and the multifunctional assistant layer. Then the circuit-level physics-based compact models will be reviewed in terms of typical binary RRAM and the emerging analog synaptic RRAM, which act as an interface between the device and circuit design. After that, the interaction between device and system performances will finally be addressed by reviewing the specific applications of brain-inspired computing systems including neuromorphic computing, in-memory logic, and stochastic computing.
Case Report: Responsive Neurostimulation of the Centromedian Thalamic Nucleus for the Detection and Treatment of Seizures in Pediatric Primary Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Welch William P. , Hect Jasmine L. , Abel Taylor J.
Published: April 2021

Up to 20% of pediatric patients with primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) will not respond effectively to medication for seizure control. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a promising therapy for pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and has been shown to be an effective therapy for reducing seizure frequency and severity in adult patients. RNS of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus may help to prevent loss of awareness during seizure activity in PGE patients with absence seizures. Here we present a 16-year-old male, with drug-resistant PGE with absence seizures, characterized by 3 Hz spike-and-slow-wave discharges on EEG, who achieved a 75% reduction in seizure frequency following bilateral RNS of the centromedian nuclei. At 6-months post-implant, this patient reported complete resolution of the baseline daily absence seizure activity, and decrease from 3–4 generalized convulsive seizures per month to 1 per month. RNS recordings showed well-formed 3 Hz spike-wave discharges in bilateral CM nuclei, further supporting the notion that clinically relevant ictal discharges in PGE can be detected in CM. This report demonstrates that CM RNS can detect PGE-related seizures in the CM nucleus and deliver therapeutic stimulation.
Negative Effects of Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency on Spontaneous Brain Microstates: Evidence From Resting-State EEG
Authors: Li Hao , Yue Jingyi , Wang Yufeng , Zou Feng , Zhang Meng , Wu Xin
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of mobile phone addiction (MPA) has increased rapidly in recent years, and it has had a certain negative impact on emotions (e.g., anxiety and depression) and cognitive capacities (e.g., executive control and working memory). At the level of neural circuits, the continued increase in activity in the brain regions associated with addiction leads to neural adaptations and structural changes. At present, the spontaneous brain microstates that could be negatively influenced by MPA are unclear. In this study, the temporal characteristics of four resting-state electroencephalogram (RS-EEG) microstates (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS4) related to mobile phone addiction tendency (MPAT) were investigated using the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS). We attempted to analyze the correlation between MPAT and corresponding microstates and provide evidence to explain the brain and behavioral changes caused by MPA. The results showed that the total score of the MPATS was positively correlated with the duration of MS1, related to phonological processing and negatively correlated with the duration of MS2, related to visual or imagery processing, and MS4, related to the attentional network; the score of the withdrawal symptoms subscale was additionally associated with duration of MS3, related to the cingulo-opercular emotional network. Based on these results, we believe that MPAT may have some negative effects on attentional networks and sensory brain networks; moreover, withdrawal symptoms may induce some negative emotions.
Multi-Level Neuromorphic Devices Built on Emerging Ferroic Materials: A Review
Authors: Wang Cheng , Agrawal Amogh , Yu Eunseon , Roy Kaushik
Published: April 2021

Achieving multi-level devices is crucial to efficiently emulate key bio-plausible functionalities such as synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity, and has become an important aspect of neuromorphic hardware development. In this review article, we focus on various ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) devices capable of representing multiple states, and discuss the usage of such multi-level devices for implementing neuromorphic functionalities. We will elaborate that the analog-like resistive states in ferromagnetic or ferroelectric thin films are due to the non-coherent multi-domain switching dynamics, which is fundamentally different from most memristive materials involving electroforming processes or significant ion motion. Both device fundamentals related to the mechanism of introducing multilevel states and exemplary implementations of neural functionalities built on various device structures are highlighted. In light of the non-destructive nature and the relatively simple physical process of multi-domain switching, we envision that ferroic-based multi-state devices provide an alternative pathway toward energy efficient implementation of neuro-inspired computing hardware with potential advantages of high endurance and controllability.
Cross-Whisker Adaptation of Neurons in Layer 2/3 of the Rat Barrel Cortex
Authors: Katz Yonatan , Lampl Ilan
Published: April 2021

Neurons in the barrel cortex respond preferentially to stimulation of one principal whisker and weakly to several adjacent whiskers. Such integration exists already in layer 4, the pivotal recipient layer of thalamic inputs. Previous studies show that cortical neurons gradually adapt to repeated whisker stimulations and that layer 4 neurons exhibit whisker specific adaptation and no apparent interactions with other whiskers. This study aimed to study the specificity of adaptation of layer 2/3 cortical cells. Towards this aim, we compared the synaptic response of neurons to either repetitive stimulation of one of two responsive whiskers or when repetitive stimulation of the two whiskers was interleaved. We found that in most layer 2/3 cells adaptation is whisker-specific. These findings indicate that despite the multi-whisker receptive fields in the cortex, the adaptation process for each whisker-pathway is mostly independent of other whiskers. A mechanism allowing high responsiveness in complex environments.
Pleural Fluid Has Pro-Growth Biological Properties Which Enable Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Asciak Rachelle , Kanellakis Nikolaos I. , Yao Xuan , Abd Hamid Megat , Mercer Rachel M. , Hassan Maged , Bedawi Eihab O. , Dobson Melissa , Fsadni Peter , Montefort Stephen , Dong Tao , Rahman Najib M. , Psallidas Ioannis
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) or pleural metastases often present with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). This study aimed to analyze the effect of pleural fluid on cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

Established patient-derived cancer cell cultures derived from MPE (MPM, breast carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma) were seeded in 100% pleural fluid (exudate MPM MPE, transudate MPE, non-MPE transudate fluid) and proliferation was monitored. In addition, the establishment of new MPM cell cultures, derived from MPE specimens, was attempted by seeding the cells in 100% MPE fluid.

Results

All established cancer cell cultures proliferated with similar growth rates in the different types of pleural fluid. Primary MPM cell culture success was similar with MPE fluid as with full culture medium.

Conclusions

Pleural fluid alone is adequate for cancer cell proliferation in vitro, regardless of the source of pleural fluid. These results support the hypothesis that pleural fluid has important pro-growth biological properties, but the mechanisms for this effect are unclear and likely not malignant effusion specific.
Laparoscopic vs. Transabdominal Treatment for Overflow Fecal Incontinence Due to Residual Aganglionosis or Transition Zone Pathology in Hirschsprung's Disease Reoperation
Authors: Chen Feng , Wei Xiaoyu , Chen Xiaohua , Xiang Lei , Feng Jiexiong
Published: April 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the details of laparoscopic-assisted reoperative surgery for Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) with overflow fecal incontinence, and to retrospectively compare laparoscopic-assisted surgery with transabdominal pull-through surgery.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with HSCR with overflow fecal incontinence after the initial surgery in our center between January 2002 and December 2018. Pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative data were recorded for statistical analysis.

Results: Thirty patients with overflow fecal incontinence after initial megacolon surgery [17 who underwent transanal pull-through (TA-PT) and 13 who underwent laparoscopic-assisted pull-through (LA-PT)] required a secondary surgery [reoperation with LA-PT (LAR-PT) (n = 16) or reoperation with transabdominal pull-through (TR-PT) (n = 14)]. Indications for reoperation were residual aganglionosis (RA) (7/30, 23.3%) or transition zone pathology (TZP) (23/17, 76.7%). Blood loss was significantly decreased in the LAR-PT group (75 ± 29.2 ml) compared to the TR-PT group (190 ± 51.4 ml) (P = 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LAR-PT group (10 ± 1.5 days) than that in the TR-PT group (13 ± 2.4 days). No significant differences were found between two groups in surgical methods, defecation function score, or post-operative complications except for wound infection (LAR-PT vs. TR-PT 0 vs. 28.6%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: It is necessary to make a comprehensive analysis of the causes of fecal incontinence after HSCR surgery and make an accurate judgment using appropriate methods. If a reoperation was inevitable for patients with overflow fecal incontinence due to RA or TZP, a comprehensive evaluation prior to the operation is required to maximize the benefit from reoperation. Although laparoscopic reoperation with heart-shaped anastomosis was safe and feasible for patients with failed initial Soave technique, unnecessary reoperation should be avoided as much as possible.
Case Report: Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome Caused by Novel TREX1 Variants
Authors: Wu De , Fang Liwei , Huang Ting , Ying Songcheng
Published: April 2021

TREX1 (three prime repair exonuclease 1) gene encodes DNA 3′ end repair exonuclease that plays an important role in DNA repair. Mutations in TREX1 gene have been identified as the cause of a rare autoimmune neurological disease, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS). Here, we report an AGS case of a 6-month-old Chinese girl with novel TREX1 variants. The patient had mild rashes on the face and legs, increased muscle tensions in the limbs, and positive cervical correction reflex. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed that there were patches of slightly longer T1 and T2 signals in the bilateral cerebral hemisphere and brainstem white matter, mainly in the frontotemporal lobe, together with decreased white matter volume, enlarged ventricles, and widened sulcus fissure. Total exon sequencing showed that the TREX1 gene of the child had mutations of c.137_138insC and c.292_293insA, which had not been reported before. In addition, elevated type I interferons were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the patient's serum. Together, our study demonstrated that novel TREX1 variants (c.137_138insC and c.292_293insA) cause AGS for the first time.
Amelioration of Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetes: Role of Takeda G Protein–Coupled Receptor 5
Authors: Cai Zhengyao , Yuan Suxin , Zhong Yi , Deng Li , Li Jiafu , Tan Xiaoqiu , Feng Jian
Published: April 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) eventually leads to chronic vascular complications, resulting in cardiovascular diseases. DM-associated endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays an important role in the development of chronic vascular complications. Low endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress all contribute to ED. The G protein–coupled receptor Takeda G protein–coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a membrane receptor for bile acids that plays an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. Recent studies have shown that TGR5 is involved in the regulation of various mediators of ED, which suggests that TGR5 may represent a target for the treatment of DM-associated ED. In this review, we summarize the principal mechanisms of DM-associated ED, then propose TGR5 as a novel therapeutic target on the basis of its mechanistic involvement, and suggest potential directions for future research.