bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organized Sport Activities of 11 to 15-Year-Old Adolescents: Trends from 2010–2018 and Socioeconomic Context
Authors: Hobza Vladimir , Maracek Marek , Hamrik Zdenek
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper was to analyse the trends in the participation of Czech adolescents in organized sport activities in relation to the socioeconomic status (SES) of their families. The sample consisted of 11, 13 and 15-year-old children (N = 4425 (2010), 10,361 (2014) and 13,377 (2018)); the data were collected as part of the HBSC Study in the Czech Republic. The findings suggest that adolescents from affluent families tend to participate more often in organized sports—both team activities and individual activities. Fifteen-year-old adolescents from families with a high SES are 3.01 times more likely to participate in individual organized sports than adolescents from low-SES families. The gap between participation in sport activities increases with the children’s age but does not change significantly during the observed period. The findings suggest that public health policy should be oriented towards children from less-affluent families.
To Be Active or to Stop? A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study Exploring Provider Advice and Patient Fears Surrounding Physical Activity in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Tinius Rachel A. , Maples Jill M. , Schafer Mark A. , Paudel Alissa , Fortner Kimberly B. , Zite Nikki B. , Nagpal Taniya S.
Published: May 2022

Exercise guidance for women with pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) is vague, despite the fact that physical activity during pregnancy improves placental development, placental blood flow, and encourages healthy fetal growth. The goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that women with pregnancies complicated by FGR are fearful of physical activity and are being given unclear or limited advice from healthcare providers. Participants (N = 78) (women who delivered an infant diagnosed with FGR within the past 5 years) took an electronic survey including demographic information, pregnancy information, provider advice recall, and other health-related information relevant to growth-restricted pregnancies. Quantitative and qualitative (post-positivism paradigm) methods were employed to analyze the data. When asked specifically about how the FGR diagnosis impacted their activity levels, nearly 50% of participants said the diagnosis led them to decrease their activity levels. Participants reported that healthcare providers who do discuss activity with pregnant patients with FGR suggest low-intensity activities or ceasing activity, although the majority of providers did not discuss activity at all. More fears surrounding physical activity were reported post-FGR diagnosis, including worrying about fetal growth and development and causing fetal harm when engaging in physical activity.
Cardiac Autonomic Function Following Bilateral and Unilateral Upper Body Acute Resistance Exercise
Authors: Marshall Erica M. , Parks Jason C. , Erb Emily K. , Humm Stacie M. , Kingsley J. Derek
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac autonomic responses following bilateral and unilateral upper-body (UB) acute resistance exercise (ARE). In total, 14 individuals were assessed for markers of cardiac autonomic responses via heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) at rest and at 10- and 30-min following ARE. Logarithmically transformed (ln) HRV measures included: total power (ln TP), high-frequency power (ln HF power), low-frequency power (ln LF power), sympathovagal balance (ln LF: HF), and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (ln RMSSD). BRS was assessed using the sequence method. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze effects of UB ARE (bilateral, unilateral) across time (Rest, 10, and 30 min). There were no significant (p > 0.05) interactions. However, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) main effects of time such that ln TP, ln HF power, ln RMSSD, and BRS decreased and did not recover within 30 min compared to Rest for both conditions. Collectively, this study suggests that bilateral and unilateral UB ARE yielded similar reductions, for at least 30 min, in respect to vagal measures of HRV and BRS.
COVID-19 and Lockdown: The Potential Impact of Residential Indoor Air Quality on the Health of Teleworkers
Authors: Ferreira Ana , Barros Nelson
Published: May 2022

In addition to outdoor atmospheric contamination, indoor exposure to pollutants is a prime contributor to the overall human exposure, and may condition the expressiveness and severity of respiratory, cardiovascular, and allergic diseases. This situation has worsened due to COVID-19, as people have spent more time indoors to comply with social isolation and mandatory telework. The primary purpose of this study was to assess and compare indoor air quality (IAQ) in a significant sample of dwellings of workers from a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Portugal who were teleworking and their usual workplace. The levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, particles with equivalent diameters of less than 10 μm, 5 μm, 2.5 μm, 1 μm, 0.5 μm, and 0.3 μm, and ultrafine particles, as well as the level of thermal comfort, were measured at both of the sites assessed. It was found that most of the houses studied, as well as the HEI, had good IAQ, although there were places where the concentrations of some pollutants were above the legal standards. On the other hand, a link was identified between the IAQ and the symptoms and diseases observed in the workers who participated in the study. These results offer the opportunity to make corrective interventions, thereby controlling the sources of pollutants and promoting better ventilation in order to reduce the risk for workers.
Using Patient Health Profile Evaluation for Predicting the Likelihood of Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Chiou Shang-Jyh , Liao Kuomeng , Lin Kuan-Chia , Lin Wender
Published: May 2022

Background: To determine whether long-term self-management among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has the risk of developing complications. Methods: We conducted a survey of self-management behavior using diabetes self-management scales (DMSES-C and TSRQ-d) from November 2019 to May 2020 linked with biomarkers (glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and kidney function), and the varying measure values were transformed into normal rate proportions. We performed latent profile analysis (LPA) to categorize the patient into different patient health profiles using five classes (C1–C5), and we predicted the risk of retinopathy after adjusting for covariates. Results: The patients in C1, C2, and C4 had a higher likelihood of retinopathy events than those in C5, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.655, 2.168, and 1.788, respectively (p = 0.032). In addition, a longer duration of diabetes was correlated with an increased risk of retinopathy events as well as being elderly. Conclusions: Optimal biomarker health profiles and patients with strong motivation pertaining to their T2DM care yielded better outcomes. Health profiles portraying patient control of diabetes over the long term can categorize patients with T2DM into different behavior groups. Customizing diabetes care information into different health profiles raises awareness of control strategies for caregivers and patients.
The Pathways to Participation (P2P) Program: A Pilot Outcomes Study
Authors: Hitch Danielle , Vernon Lindsay , Collins Rachel , Dun Carolyn , Palexas Sarah , Lhuede Kate
Published: May 2022

Research has consistently found that people with mental illness (known as consumers) experience lower levels of participation in meaningful activities, which can limit their opportunities for recovery support. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of participation in a group program designed to address all stages of activity participation, known as Pathways to Participation (P2P). A descriptive longitudinal design was utilized, collecting data at three time points. Outcomes were measured by the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal (CANSAS), Recovery Assessment Scale—Domains and Stages (RAS-DS), Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-24), Living in the Community Questionnaire (LCQ), and time-use diaries. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses. A total of 17 consumers completed baseline data, 11 contributed post-program data, and 8 provided follow-up data. Most were female (63.64%) and had been living with mental illness for 11.50 (±7.74) years on average. Reductions in unmet needs and improvements in self-rated recovery scores were reported, but no changes were identified in either time use or psychosocial health. The findings indicate that the P2P program may enable consumers to achieve positive activity and participation outcomes as part of their personal recovery.
Transforming Motivation for Exercise in a Safe and Kind Environment—A Qualitative Study of Experiences among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nielsen Susanne , Danielsen Julie , Grønbæk Helle , Molsted Stig , Jacobsen Sandra , Vilsbøll Tina , Varming Annemarie
Published: May 2022

Exercise is a cornerstone in diabetes care; however, adherence is low and sustaining physical activity remains a challenge. Patient-centered diabetes self-management education and support are recommended; however, sparse literature exists on how to design exercise interventions that improve self-management in individuals with complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). We aimed to gain insights into needs, barriers, and motivation based on experiences with exercise participation among individuals with T2D and complications to adjust and develop new types of tailored, supervised exercise classes in specialized care at three hospitals in Denmark. In keeping with a constructivist research paradigm, a qualitative hermeneutic approach using focus group interviews was applied to explore perspectives among different participants in terms of disease severity. Seven interviews with 30 participants (aged 49–88) representing seven different exercise classes, were conducted over three years. Reflective thematic analysis was used. Four themes were generated: People like us, Getting started with exercise, Game changers, and Moving forward. An overarching theme ‘The transformation of motivation when exercising in a safe and kind environment’ links the themes together, resembling the participants’ development of physical literacy encompassing motivation, confidence, physical competence as well as an ability to value physical activity. Supportive patient-centered exercise classes promoted a transformation of motivation grounded in the development of physical literacy among participants in specialized diabetes care. However, participants were concerned with continuing to exercise on their own after the intervention, as they experienced a lack of continuous, supervised exercise opportunities in local communities.
Content, Structure and Delivery Characteristics of Yoga Interventions for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Biswas Isha , Lewis Sarah , Chattopadhyay Kaushik
Published: May 2022

The global burden of rheumatoid arthritis among adults is rising. Yoga might be a potential solution for managing rheumatoid arthritis. This systematic review aims to synthesise the content, structure and delivery characteristics of effective yoga interventions for managing rheumatoid arthritis. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines will be followed. PRISMA for systematic review protocols (PRISMA-P) was used to write the protocol. Randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of yoga interventions for managing rheumatoid arthritis in adults will be included in this review. We aim to search the following databases to find published and unpublished studies: ABIM, AMED, AYUSH Research Portal, CAM-QUEST, CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PeDro, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, TRIP, Web of Science, DART-Europe-e-theses portal, EthOS, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. No date or language restrictions will be applied. A narrative synthesis will be conducted. Meta-regression will be conducted to explore the statistical evidence for which components (content, structure and delivery characteristics) of yoga interventions are effective.
Informal Employment, Working Conditions, and Self-Perceived Health in 3098 Peruvian Urban Workers
Authors: Silva-Peñaherrera Michael , Ayala-Garcia Amaya , Mayer Erika Alferez , Sabastizagal-Vela Iselle , G. Benavides Fernando
Published: May 2022

Peru has one of the highest informal employment rates in Latin America (73%). Previous studies have shown a higher prevalence of poor self-perceived health (P-SPH) in informal than in formal workers. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of working conditions in the association between informality and SPH in an urban working population in Peru. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on 3098 workers participating in the working conditions survey of Peru 2017. The prevalence of P-SPH and exposure to poor working conditions were calculated separately for formal and informal employment and were stratified by sex. Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between P-SPH and informal employment, with crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) for working conditions. Informal employment affected 76% of women and 66% of men. Informal workers reported higher exposition to poor working conditions than formal workers and reported worse SPH. Informal workers had a higher risk of P-SPH than formal workers: PR 1.38 [95% CI: 1.16–1.64] in women and PR 1.27 [95% CI: 1.08–1.49] in men. Adjustment by working conditions weakened the association in both sexes. In women, this association was only partially explained by worse working conditions; PR 1.23 [95% CI: 1.04–1.46]. Although some of the negative effect of informal employment on workers´ health can be explained by the characteristics of informality per se, such as poverty, a substantial part of this effect can be explained by poor working conditions.
Targeting Energy Metabolism in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kubik Joanna , Humeniuk Ewelina , Adamczuk Grzegorz , Madej-Czerwonka Barbara , Korga-Plewko Agnieszka
Published: May 2022

Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. The development of molecular and biochemical techniques has expanded the knowledge of changes occurring in specific metabolic pathways of cancer cells. Increased aerobic glycolysis, the promotion of anaplerotic responses, and especially the dependence of cells on glutamine and fatty acid metabolism have become subjects of study. Despite many cancer treatment strategies, many patients with neoplastic diseases cannot be completely cured due to the development of resistance in cancer cells to currently used therapeutic approaches. It is now becoming a priority to develop new treatment strategies that are highly effective and have few side effects. In this review, we present the current knowledge of the enzymes involved in the different steps of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, and possible targeted therapies. The review also focuses on presenting the differences between cancer cells and normal cells in terms of metabolic phenotype. Knowledge of cancer cell metabolism is constantly evolving, and further research is needed to develop new strategies for anti-cancer therapies.
β2-Adrenoceptors in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Excitatory Neurons Regulate Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Lei Zhuogui , Lam Yukyan , Li Cheukhin , Fu Zhongqi , Ramkrishnan Aruna S. , Liu Shu , Li Ying
Published: May 2022

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and β-adrenoceptors (βARs) have been implicated in modulating anxiety-like behavior. However, the specific contributions of the β2-AR subtype in mPFC in anxiety are still unclear. To address this issue, we used optogenetic and microRNA-based (miRNA) silencing to dissect the role of β2-AR in mPFC in anxiety-like behavior. On the one hand, we use a chimeric rhodopsin/β2-AR (Opto-β2-AR) with in vivo optogenetic techniques to selectively activate β2-adrenergic signaling in excitatory neurons of the mPFC. We found that opto-activation of β2-AR is sufficient to induce anxiety-like behavior and reduce social interaction. On the other hand, we utilize the miRNA silencing technique to specifically knock down the β2-AR in mPFC excitatory neurons. We found that the β2-AR knock down induces anxiolytic-like behavior and promotes social interaction compared to the control group. These data suggest that β2-AR signaling in the mPFC has a critical role in anxiety-like states. These findings suggest that inhibiting of β2-AR signaling in the mPFC may be an effective treatment of anxiety disorders.
Lifelong Exposure to a Low-Dose of the Glyphosate-Based Herbicide RoundUp® Causes Intestinal Damage, Gut Dysbiosis, and Behavioral Changes in Mice
Authors: Del Castilo Ingrid , Neumann Arthur S. , Lemos Felipe S. , De Bastiani Marco A. , Oliveira Felipe L. , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Rêgo Amanda M. , Hardoim Cristiane C. P. , Antunes Luis Caetano M. , Lara Flávio A. , Figueiredo Claudia P. , Clarke Julia R.
Published: May 2022

RoundUp® (RUp) is a comercial formulation containing glyphosate (N-(phosphono-methyl) glycine), and is the world’s leading wide-spectrum herbicide used in agriculture. Supporters of the broad use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) claim they are innocuous to humans, since the active compound acts on the inhibition of enzymes which are absent in human cells. However, the neurotoxic effects of GBH have already been shown in many animal models. Further, these formulations were shown to disrupt the microbiome of different species. Here, we investigated the effects of a lifelong exposure to low doses of the GBH-RUp on the gut environment, including morphological and microbiome changes. We also aimed to determine whether exposure to GBH-RUp could harm the developing brain and lead to behavioral changes in adult mice. To this end, animals were exposed to GBH-RUp in drinking water from pregnancy to adulthood. GBH-RUp-exposed mice had no changes in cognitive function, but developed impaired social behavior and increased repetitive behavior. GBH-Rup-exposed mice also showed an activation of phagocytic cells (Iba-1–positive) in the cortical brain tissue. GBH-RUp exposure caused increased mucus production and the infiltration of plama cells (CD138-positive), with a reduction in phagocytic cells. Long-term exposure to GBH-RUp also induced changes in intestinal integrity, as demonstrated by the altered expression of tight junction effector proteins (ZO-1 and ZO-2) and a change in the distribution of syndecan-1 proteoglycan. The herbicide also led to changes in the gut microbiome composition, which is also crucial for the establishment of the intestinal barrier. Altogether, our findings suggest that long-term GBH-RUp exposure leads to morphological and functional changes in the gut, which correlate with behavioral changes that are similar to those observed in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Modulation of ODH Propane Selectivity by Zeolite Support Desilication: Vanadium Species Anchored to Al-Rich Shell as Crucial Active Sites
Authors: Smoliło-Utrata Małgorzata , Tarach Karolina A. , Samson Katarzyna , Gackowski Mariusz , Madej Ewa , Korecki Józef , Mordarski Grzegorz , Śliwa Michał , Jarczewski Sebastian , Podobiński Jerzy , Kuśtrowski Piotr , Datka Jerzy , Rutkowska-Zbik Dorota , Góra-Marek Kinga
Published: May 2022

The commercially available zeolite HY and its desilicated analogue were subjected to a classical wet impregnation procedure with NH4VO3 to produce catalysts differentiated in acidic and redox properties. Various spectroscopic techniques (in situ probe molecules adsorption and time-resolved propane transformation FT-IR studies, XAS, 51V MAS NMR, and 2D COS UV-vis) were employed to study speciation, local coordination, and reducibility of the vanadium species introduced into the hierarchical faujasite zeolite. The acid-based redox properties of V centres were linked to catalytic activity in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. The modification of zeolite via caustic treatment is an effective method of adjusting its basicity—a parameter that plays an important role in the ODH process. The developed mesopore surface ensured the attachment of vanadium species to silanol groups and formation of isolated (SiO)2(HO)V=O and (SiO)3V=O sites or polymeric, highly dispersed forms located in the zeolite micropores. The higher basicity of HYdeSi, due to the presence of the Al-rich shell, aided the activation of the C−H bond leading to a higher selectivity to propene. Its polymerisation and coke formation were inhibited by the lower acid strength of the protonic sites in desilicated zeolite. The Al-rich shell was also beneficial for anchoring V species and thus their reducibility. The operando UV-vis experiments revealed higher reactivity of the bridging oxygens V-O-V over the oxo-group V=O. The (SiO)3V=O species were found to be ineffective in propane oxidation when temperature does not exceed 400 °C.
InDels Identification and Association Analysis with Spike and Awn Length in Chinese Wheat Mini-Core Collection
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Deng Zhongyin , Kong Xingchen , Wang Fang , Guan Jiantao , Cui Dada , Sun Guoliang , Liao Ruyi , Fu Mingxue , Che Yuqing , Hao Chenyang , Geng Shuaifeng , Zhang Xueyong , Zhou Peng , Mao Long , Liu Shaoshuai , Li Aili
Published: May 2022

Diversity surveys of germplasm are important for gaining insight into the genomic basis for crop improvement; especially InDels, which are poorly understood in hexaploid common wheat. Here, we describe a map of 89,923 InDels from exome sequencing of 262 accessions of a Chinese wheat mini-core collection. Population structure analysis, principal component analysis and selective sweep analysis between landraces and cultivars were performed. Further genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified five QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) that were associated with spike length, two of them, on chromosomes 2B and 6A, were detected in 10 phenotypic data sets. Assisted with RNA-seq data, we identified 14 and 21 genes, respectively that expressed in spike and rachis within the two QTL regions that can be further investigated for candidate genes discovery. Moreover, InDels were found to be associated with awn length on chromosomes 5A, 6B and 4A, which overlapped with previously reported genetic loci B1 (Tipped 1), B2 (Tipped 2) and Hd (Hooded). One of the genes TaAGL6 that was previously shown to affect floral organ development was found at the B2 locus to affect awn length development. Our study shows that trait-associated InDels may contribute to wheat improvement and may be valuable molecular markers for future wheat breeding
Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase Restores Simulated Microgravity-Induced Inhibition of Osteoblast Differentiation via Wnt/Β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Fan Cuihong , Wu Zhaojia , Cooper David M. L. , Magnus Adam , Harrison Kim , Eames B. Frank , Chibbar Rajni , Groot Gary , Huang Junqiong , Genth Harald , Zhang Jun , Tan Xing , Deng Yulin , Xiang Jim
Published: May 2022

Simulated microgravity (SMG) inhibits osteoblast differentiation (OBD) and induces bone loss via the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, the mechanism by which SMG alters the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is unknown. We previously demonstrated that SMG altered the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-regulated mTORC1, AMPK and ERK1/2 pathways, leading to the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation/metastasis and promoting cell apoptosis. To examine whether FAK similarly mediates SMG-dependent changes to Wnt/β-catenin in osteoblasts, we characterized mouse MC3T3-E1 cells cultured under clinostat-modeled SMG (µg) conditions. Compared to cells cultured under ground (1 g) conditions, SMG reduces focal adhesions, alters cytoskeleton structures, and down-regulates FAK, Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/β-catenin-regulated molecules. Consequently, protein-2 (BMP2), type-1 collagen (COL1), alkaline-phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization are all inhibited. In the mouse hindlimb unloading (HU) model, SMG-affected tibial trabecular bone loss is significantly reduced, according to histological and micro-computed tomography analyses. Interestingly, the FAK activator, cytotoxic necrotizing factor-1 (CNF1), significantly suppresses all of the SMG-induced alterations in MC3T3-E1 cells and the HU model. Therefore, our data demonstrate the critical role of FAK in the SMG-induced inhibition of OBD and bone loss via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, offering FAK signaling as a new therapeutic target not only for astronauts at risk of OBD inhibition and bone loss, but also osteoporotic patients.
Unraveling the Rewired Metabolism in Lung Cancer Using Quantitative NMR Metabolomics
Authors: Vanhove Karolien , Derveaux Elien , Mesotten Liesbet , Thomeer Michiel , Criel Maarten , Mariën Hanne , Adriaensens Peter
Published: May 2022

Lung cancer cells are well documented to rewire their metabolism and energy production networks to enable proliferation and survival in a nutrient-poor and hypoxic environment. Although metabolite profiling of blood plasma and tissue is still emerging in omics approaches, several techniques have shown potential in cancer diagnosis. In this paper, the authors describe the alterations in the metabolic phenotype of lung cancer patients. In addition, we focus on the metabolic cooperation between tumor cells and healthy tissue. Furthermore, the authors discuss how metabolomics could improve the management of lung cancer patients.
MicroRNA Expression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines and Tumor Biopsies: Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Swearson Samuel , Rataan Aseel O. , Eliason Steven , Amendt Brad A. , Zakharia Yousef , Salem Aliasger K. , Ho Thai , Rustum Youcef M.
Published: May 2022

This study was carried out to quantitate the expression levels of microRNA-17, -19a, -34a, -155, and -210 (miRs) expressed in nine clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line with and without sarcomatoid differentiation, and in six primary kidney tumors with matching normal kidney tissues. The data in the five non-sarcomatoid ccRCC cell lines—RC2, CAKI-1, 786-0, RCC4, and RCC4/VHL—and in the four ccRCC with sarcomatoid differentiation—RCJ41T1, RCJ41T2, RCJ41M, and UOK-127—indicated that miR-17 and -19a were expressed at lower levels relative to miR-34a, -155, and -210. Compared with RPTEC normal epithelial cells, miR-34a, miR-155, and miR-210 were expressed at higher levels, independent of the sarcomatoid differentiation status and hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIFs) isoform expression. In the one chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cell line, namely, UOK-276 with sarcomatoid differentiation, and expressing tumor suppressor gene TP53, miR-34a, which is a tumor suppressor gene, was expressed at higher levels than miR-210, -155, -17, and -19a. The pilot results generated in six tumor biopsies with matching normal kidney tissues indicated that while the expression of miR-17 and -19a were similar to the normal tissue expression profile, miR-210, -155, -and 34a were expressed at a higher level. To confirm that differences in the expression levels of the five miRs in the six tumor biopsies were statistically significant, the acquisition of a larger sample size is required. Data previously generated in ccRCC cell lines demonstrating that miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs are druggable targets using a defined dose and schedule of selenium-containing molecules support the concept that simultaneous and concurrent downregulation of miR-210, miR-155, and HIFs, which regulate target genes associated with increased tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance, may offer the potential for the development of a novel mechanism-based strategy for the treatment of patients with advanced ccRCC.
Biomimetic Robust Starch Composite Films with Super-Hydrophobicity and Vivid Structural Colors
Authors: Wang Yateng , Fan Jianru , Zhao Hao , Song Xiaoming , Ji Zhe , Xie Congxia , Chen Fushan , Meng Yao
Published: May 2022

The starch composite films (SCFs) will be one of the best alternative packaging materials to petroleum based plastic films, which mitigates white pollution and energy consumption. However, weak mechanical stability, water resistance, and dyeability has hindered the application of SCFs. Herein, a bioinspired robust SCFs with super-hydrophobicity and excellent structural colors were prepared by fiber-reinforcement and assembling SiO2/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) amorphous arrays on the surface of SCFs. The properties of the designed SCFs were investigated by various methods including scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), a tensile test, contact angle (CA) test, and an optical test. The results showed that the obtained SCFs possessed a higher tensile strength (55.17 MPa) attributed to the formed abundant hydrogen bonds between the molecular chains of the starch, cellulose fiber, and polyvinyl alcohol. Benefiting from the nanostructure with rough surface which were modified by materials with low surface free energy, the contact angle and sliding angle of the film reached up to 154° and 2°, respectively. The colors which were produced by the constructive interference of the coherent scattered light could cover all of the visible regions by tuning the diameters of the SiO2 nanoparticles. The strategy in the present study not only reinforces the mechanical strength and water resistance of SCFs but also provides an environmentally friendly way to color the them, which shows unprecedented application potential in packaging materials of the starch composite films.
Unveiling Molecular Mechanisms of Nitric Oxide-Induced Low-Temperature Tolerance in Cucumber by Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Wu Pei , Kong Qiusheng , Bian Jirong , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Cui Huimei , Xu Wei , Yang Zhifeng , Cui Jinxia , Liu Huiying
Published: May 2022

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most popular cultivated vegetable crops but it is intrinsically sensitive to cold stress due to its thermophilic nature. To explore the molecular mechanism of plant response to low temperature (LT) and the mitigation effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on LT stress in cucumber, transcriptome changes in cucumber leaves were compared. The results showed that LT stress regulated the transcript level of genes related to the cell cycle, photosynthesis, flavonoid accumulation, lignin synthesis, active gibberellin (GA), phenylalanine metabolism, phytohormone ethylene and salicylic acid (SA) signaling in cucumber seedlings. Exogenous NO improved the LT tolerance of cucumber as reflected by increased maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) and decreased chilling damage index (CI), electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and altered transcript levels of genes related to phenylalanine metabolism, lignin synthesis, plant hormone (SA and ethylene) signal transduction, and cell cycle. In addition, we found four differentially expressed transcription factors (MYB63, WRKY21, HD-ZIP, and b-ZIP) and their target genes such as the light-harvesting complex I chlorophyll a/b binding protein 1 gene (LHCA1), light-harvesting complex II chlorophyll a/b binding protein 1, 3, and 5 genes (LHCB1, LHCB3, and LHCB5), chalcone synthase gene (CSH), ethylene-insensitive protein 3 gene (EIN3), peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene (PAL), DNA replication licensing factor gene (MCM5 and MCM6), gibberellin 3 beta-dioxygenase gene (GA3ox), and regulatory protein gene (NPRI), which are potentially associated with plant responses to NO and LT stress. Notably, HD-ZIP and b-ZIP specifically responded to exogenous NO under LT stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that cucumber seedlings respond to LT stress and exogenous NO by modulating the transcription of some key transcription factors and their downstream genes, thereby regulating photosynthesis, lignin synthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylalanine metabolism, cell cycle, and GA synthesis. Our study unveiled potential molecular mechanisms of plant response to LT stress and indicated the possibility of NO application in cucumber production under LT stress, particularly in winter and early spring.
Performance of Asphalt Concrete Pavement Reinforced with High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste
Authors: Suksiripattanapong Cherdsak , Uraikhot Khanet , Tiyasangthong Sermsak , Wonglakorn Nattiya , Tabyang Wisitsak , Jomnonkwao Sajjakaj , Phetchuay Chayakrit
Published: May 2022

This research investigates the possibility of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste to improve the properties of asphalt concrete pavement. HDPE plastic waste contents of 1, 3, 5, and 7% by aggregate weight were used. HDPE plastic waste=stabilized asphalt concrete pavement (HDPE-ACP) was evaluated by performance testing for stability, indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus (MR), and indirect tensile fatigue (ITF). In addition, microstructure, pavement age, and CO2 emissions savings analyses were conducted. The performance test results of the HDPE-ACP were better than those without HDPE plastic waste. The optimum HDPE plastic waste content was 5%, offering the maximum MR, ITF, and pavement age. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the excessive HDPE plastic waste content of 7% caused a surface rupture of the sample. Improvements in the pavement age of the HDPE-ACP samples were observed compared with the samples with no HDPE plastic waste. The highest pavement age of the HDPE-ACP sample was found at an HDPE plastic waste content of 5% by aggregate weight. The CO2 emissions savings of the sample was 67.85 kg CO2-e/m3 at the optimum HDPE plastic waste content.
Determination of Prestress Losses in Existing Pre-Tensioned Structures Using Bayesian Approach
Authors: Moravčík Martin , Kraľovanec Jakub
Published: May 2022

Deterioration of materials and structures is an unavoidable fact, and prestressed concrete structures are not an exception. The evaluation of load-carrying capacity and remaining service life includes collecting various information. However, one type of information is essential and the most important, the state of prestressing, which inevitably decreases over time. Currently, many possible methods for the evaluation of prestressing are available. These techniques are part of the structural assessment and provide residual prestressing force value which is later used in the evaluation process. Therefore, it is suitable to provide the value of prestressing force based on certain probabilistic backgrounds. This study addresses the determination of residual prestressing force in pre-tensioned railway sleepers one year after their production, using the so-called Bayesian approach. This technique is focused on the validation of results obtained from the application of the non-destructive indirect saw-cut method. The Bayesian approach considers analytic calculation as the primary method of prestressing determination. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine the total variability that defines all Bayesian systems of probability functions. Specifically, a total of 1000 simulations was applied, and the current random vector of prestressing force derived from the analytical calculation has been assumed as a normally distributed function. Finally, obtained results for different depths of saw-cuts are compared. The results of the experimental and statistical determination of residual prestressing force provide its value with a 95% confidence level. This study suggests that the implementation of the probability approach can be an effective tool for determining prestress losses.
A New Method for Testing the Breaking Force of a Polylactic Acid-Fabric Joint for the Purpose of Making a Protective Garment
Authors: Bogović Slavica , Čorak Ana
Published: May 2022

3D printing is a technology that is increasingly used in the individualization of clothing, especially in the construction of garments for people with disabilities. The paper presents a study on the use of 3D printed knee protectors intended for wheelchair users. Due to the specific purpose of this 3D printed object, the breaking force of the polylactic acid (PLA) combined with 100% cotton and 100% polyester fabric was investigated. This paper will also describe a new method for testing the breaking force of a 3D printed polymer (PLA) combined with an incorporated fabric. Test samples were made, and the input parameters used in 3D printing were defined for testing purposes. A 3D knee protector for wheelchair users was developed based on a digitized model of the human body. The durability of the shape of the 3D printed shield was also tested after washing at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C and 60 °C. A clothing model that provides adequate user protection was proposed based on the conducted research. A construction solution has been proposed that enables the application of a 3D printed individualized garment element.
Bond Behavior of FRP Bars in Lightweight SCC under Direct Pull-Out Conditions: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Abed Mohammed A. , Alkurdi Zaher , Fořt Jan , Černý Robert , Solyom Sandor
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, lightweight aggregate concrete (LWC) became a popular building material due to its desired properties. However, various attributes of LWC, such as bond behavior of used reinforcing, have not been described thoroughly. In this regard, LWC produced with 0%, 50%, and 100% expanded clay aggregate was designed, and the physical–mechanical properties were assessed for material characterization. Subsequently, the bond behaviors of LWC reinforced with steel, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars were evaluated by pull-out tests. The results of the experimental program allowed the effects of expanded clay aggregate incorporation on LWC properties to be quantified. The bond strength of BFRP bars was not affected by the replacement of coarse aggregate by expanded clay aggregate, whilst the GFRP bars showed lower bond strength values of LWC specimens. Contrarily, in the case of steel bars, both the bond strength and bond stiffness were higher for LWC specimens than for those of normal concrete. Finite element software ATENA 3D was used for simulation of the bond behavior of LWC, and the model validated by the experimental results referred to reasonably corresponding outputs.
Effect of PET Size, Content and Mixing Process on the Rheological Characteristics of Flexible Pavement
Authors: Mahdi Teyba Wedajo , Senadheera Sanjaya , Ghebrab Tewodros
Published: May 2022

The performance of asphalt binder reinforced with waste plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was investigated. Penetration, ductility, softening point, and rotational viscosity tests were conducted to check the performance of the PET-reinforced pavement. The rheological properties of the binder were determined using amplitude sweep and frequency sweep tests and performance grade (PG) measurements of aged and unaged specimens. PET size, mix mechanism, and mix temperature significantly influenced the physical properties of the AB and the penetration index (PI). The size and content of PET had pronounced effects on the PI and softening point than the blending temperature. Increasing the size of PET particles from 75 to 150 μm and the content from 0% to 10% of the bitumen resulted in the reduction of the penetration and ductility values from 96 to 85 mm and 100 to 78 cm, respectively, whereas the softening point increased from 46 to 56.6 °C. As a result, the PI value of the binder increased, which indicates that the temperature susceptibility was improved. The addition of 10% PET increased the viscosity of the baseline bitumen by threefold upto a temperature of 135 °C and dropped it by fourfold when the temperature was raised to 165 °C. Increasing the PET from 0% to 10% and the temperature from 21.1 to 54.4 °C increased the critical strain value (LVER) by 96%.
Contribution Ratio Assessment of Process Parameters on Robotic Milling Performance
Authors: Ni Jing , Dai Rulan , Yue Xiaopeng , Zheng Junqiang , Feng Kai
Published: May 2022

Robotic milling has broad application prospects in many processing fields. However, the milling performance of a robot in a certain posture, such as in face milling or grooving tasks, is extremely sensitive to process parameters due to the influence of the serial structure of the robot system. Improper process parameters are prone to produce machining defects such as low surface quality. These deficiencies substantially decrease the further application development of robotic milling. Therefore, this paper selected a certain posture and carried out the robotic flat-end milling experiments on a 7075-T651 high-strength aeronautical aluminum alloy under dry conditions. Milling load, surface quality and vibration were selected to assess the influence of process parameters like milling depth, spindle speed and feed rate on the milling performance. Most notably, the contribution ratio based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was introduced to statistically investigate the relation between parameters and milling performance. The obtained results show that milling depth is highly significant in milling load, which had a contribution ratio of 69.25%. Milling depth is also highly significant in vibration, which had a contribution ratio of 51.41% in the X direction, 41.42% in the Y direction and 75.97% in the Z direction. Moreover, the spindle speed is highly significant in surface roughness, which had a contribution ratio of 48.02%. This present study aims to quantitatively evaluate the influence of key process parameters on robotic milling performance, which helps to select reasonable milling parameters and improve the milling performance of the robot system. It is beneficial to give full play to the advantages of robots and present more possibilities of robot applications in machining and manufacturing.
Estimating the Axial Compression Capacity of Concrete-Filled Double-Skin Tubular Columns with Metallic and Non-Metallic Composite Materials
Authors: Chandramouli Pavithra , Jayaseelan Revathy , Pandulu Gajalakshmi , Sathish Kumar Veerappan , Murali Gunasekaran , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich
Published: May 2022

This research focuses on estimating the ACC (axial compression capacity) of concrete-filled double-skin tubular (CFDST) columns. The study utilised algorithms and ‘six’ evaluation methods (XGBoost, AdaBoost, Lasso, Ridge, Random Forest Regressor and artificial neural network (ANN) architecture-based regression) to study the empirical formulae and utilise the parameters as the research’s features, in order to find the best model that has higher and accurate reliability by using the RMSE and R2 scores as performance evaluation metrics. Thus, by identifying the best model in empirical formulae for estimating the ACC of CFDST, the research offers a reliable model for future research. Through findings, it was found that, out of the existing evaluation metrics, the ABR for AFRP, GFRP and Steel; RFR for CFRP; and RR for PETFRP were found to be the best models in the CFDST columns.
Quasi-Solid-State SiO2 Electrolyte Prepared from Raw Fly Ash for Enhanced Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Choi Gyo , Park Jaehyeong , Bae Sungjun , Park Jung
Published: May 2022

Quasi-solid-state electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) prevent solvent leakage or evaporation and stability issues that conventional electrolytes cannot; however, there are no known reports that use such an electrolyte based on fly ash SiO2 (FA_SiO2) from raw fly ash (RFA) for solar energy conversion applications. Hence, in this study, quasi-solid-state electrolytes based on FA_SiO2 are prepared from RFA and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for solar energy conversion. The structural, morphological, chemical, and electrochemical properties of the DSSCs using this electrolyte are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) measurements. The DSSCs based on the quasi-solid-state electrolyte (SiO2) show a cell efficiency of 5.5%, which is higher than those of nanogel electrolytes (5.0%). The enhancement of the cell efficiency is primarily due to the increase in the open circuit voltage and fill factor caused by the reduced electron recombination and improved electron transfer properties. The findings confirm that the RFA-based quasi-solid-state (SiO2) electrolyte is an alternative to conventional liquid-state electrolytes, making this approach among the most promising strategies for use in low-cost solar energy conversion devices.
Evaluation of Different Contact Assumptions in the Analysis of Friction-Induced Vibrations Using Dynamic Substructuring
Authors: Brunetti Jacopo , D’Ambrogio Walter , Fregolent Annalisa
Published: May 2022

Dynamic substructuring methods are initially developed for time-invariant systems to evaluate the dynamic behavior of a complex structure by coupling the component substructures. Sometimes, the component substructures change their position over time, affecting the dynamics of the entire structure. This family of problems can be tackled using substructuring techniques by isolating the time dependency in the coupling conditions among the time-invariant substructures. Mechanical systems, composed of subsystems in relative motion with a sliding interface, can be analyzed using this approach. In previous work, the authors proposed a solution method in the time and frequency domain using this approach under the assumption that the relative sliding motion at the contact interfaces is a-priori known, at least approximately. This assumption implies that the perturbation generated by the friction-induced vibration is neglected. In subsequent work, a more realistic contact assumption was considered to account also for the local vibration of the contact point and the geometric nonlinearity due to the elastic deformation. In this paper, a simplification with respect to the realistic contact assumption is introduced, which neglects the angular variation of the direction normal to the contact interface. The simplified approach is advantageous because it is equally able to highlight the occurrence of friction-induced instabilities, and it reduces the computational burden. The results of the substructuring methods using different contact assumptions are compared with those of a reference numerical method to show how the choice of the contact algorithm allows for tackling a wide range of operating conditions, from simple position-dependent problems up to complex friction-induced vibration phenomena.