bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TaAP2-15, An AP2/ERF Transcription Factor, Is Positively Involved in Wheat Resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Hawku Mehari Desta , Goher Farhan , Islam Md Ashraful , Guo Jia , He Fuxin , Bai Xingxuan , Yuan Pu , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun
Published: February 2021

AP2 transcription factors play a crucial role in plant development and reproductive growth, as well as response to biotic and abiotic stress. However, the role of TaAP2-15, in the interaction between wheat and the stripe fungus, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), remains elusive. In this study, we isolated TaAP2-15 and characterized its function during the interaction. TaAP2-15 was localized in the nucleus of wheat and N. benthamiana. Silencing of TaAP2-15 by barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-mediated VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) increased the susceptibility of wheat to Pst accompanied by enhanced growth of the pathogen (number of haustoria, haustorial mother cells and hyphal length). We confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR that the transcript levels of pathogenesis-related genes (TaPR1 and TaPR2) were down-regulated, while reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging genes (TaCAT3 and TaFSOD3D) were induced accompanied by reduced accumulation of H2O2. Furthermore, we found that TaAP2-15 interacted with a zinc finger protein (TaRZFP34) that is a homolog of OsRZFP34 in rice. Together our findings demonstrate that TaAP2-15 is positively involved in resistance of wheat to the stripe rust fungus and provides new insights into the roles of AP2 in the host-pathogen interaction.
New Gene Markers Expressed in Porcine Oviductal Epithelial Cells Cultured Primary In Vitro Are Involved in Ontological Groups Representing Physiological Processes of Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Kulus Magdalena , Kranc Wiesława , Wojtanowicz-Markiewicz Katarzyna , Celichowski Piotr , Światły-Błaszkiewicz Agata , Matuszewska Eliza , Sujka-Kordowska Patrycja , Konwerska Aneta , Zdun Maciej , Bryl Rut , Wieczorkiewicz Maria , Kulus Jakub , Stelmach Bogusława , Stefańska Katarzyna , Budna-Tukan Joanna , Petitte James N. , Mozdziak Paul , Ratajczak Kornel , Matysiak Jan , Jaśkowski Jędrzej M. , Nowicki Michał , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: February 2021

Changes that occur within oviducts after fertilization are dependent on post-ovulation events, including oocyte-oviduct interactions. Although general processes are well-defined, the molecular basis are poorly understood. Recently, new marker genes involved in ‘cell development’, ‘cell growth’, ‘cell differentiation’ and ‘cell maturation’ processes have been identified in porcine oocytes. The aim of the study was to assess the expression profile of genes in primary in vitro cultured oviductal epithelial cells (OECs), clustered in Gene Ontology groups which enveloped markers also identified in porcine oocytes. OECs (from 45 gilts) were surgically removed and cultured in vitro for ≤ 30 days, and then subjected to molecular analyses. The transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of cells cultured during 7, 15 and 30 days were investigated. Additionally, morphological/histochemical analyzes were performed. The results of genes expression profiles were validated after using RT-qPCR. The results showed a significant upregulation of UNC45B, NOX4, VLDLR, ITGB3, FMOD, SGCE, COL1A2, LOX, LIPG, THY1 and downregulation of SERPINB2, CD274, TXNIP, CELA1, DDX60, CRABP2, SLC5A1, IDO1, ANPEP, FST. Detailed knowledge of the molecular pathways occurring in the OECs and the gametes that contact them may contribute both to developments of basic science of physiology, and new possibilities in advanced biotechnology of assisted reproduction.
Gene Correction Recovers Phagocytosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived from Retinitis Pigmentosa-Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Artero-Castro Ana , Long Kathleen , Bassett Andrew , Ávila-Fernandez Almudena , Cortón Marta , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Jendelova Pavla , Rodriguez-Jimenez Francisco , Clemente Eleonora , Ayuso Carmen , Erceg Slaven
Published: February 2021

Hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRD) represent a significant cause of blindness, affecting mostly retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs), and currently suffer from a lack of effective treatments. Highly specialized RPE and PR cells interact mutually in the functional retina, therefore primary HRD affecting one cell type leading to a secondary HRD in the other cells. Phagocytosis is one of the primary functions of the RPE and studies have discovered that mutations in the phagocytosis-associated gene Mer tyrosine kinase receptor (MERTK) lead to primary RPE dystrophy. Treatment strategies for this rare disease include the replacement of diseased RPE with healthy autologous RPE to prevent PR degeneration. The generation and directed differentiation of patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) may provide a means to generate autologous therapeutically-relevant adult cells, including RPE and PR. However, the continued presence of the MERTK gene mutation in patient-derived hiPSCs represents a significant drawback. Recently, we reported the generation of a hiPSC model of MERTK-associated Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) that recapitulates disease phenotype and the subsequent creation of gene-corrected RP-hiPSCs using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9. In this study, we differentiated gene-corrected RP-hiPSCs into RPE and found that these cells had recovered both wild-type MERTK protein expression and the lost phagocytosis of fluorescently-labeled photoreceptor outer segments observed in uncorrected RP-hiPSC-RPE. These findings provide proof-of-principle for the utility of gene-corrected hiPSCs as an unlimited cell source for personalized cell therapy of rare vision disorders.
Assessing Ground Support of Plastic Pipes Using Ultrasound
Authors: Zhu Juanjuan , Boxall Joby B. , Hills Andrew F. , Dwyer-Joyce Rob S. , Anderson Sean R. , Collins Richard P.
Published: February 2021

The ability to detect early signs of failure in buried pipe infrastructure is necessary to facilitate the continued use of ageing infrastructure for delivery of society’s essential services and move beyond disruptive and expensive reactive maintenance and repair. This paper reports detailed experiments on the use of in-pipe ultrasound techniques for assessment of ground conditions around buried plastic pipes. Two sets of ultrasonic experiment on the soil conditions are presented: (1) existence, shape, and dimension of void, and (2) water content in the soil. The ultrasound technique is shown to be capable for detecting water filled voids and assessing the soil support, critical early indicators of failure. The technique requires water as the transmission media hence is naturally suited to application in operational water distribution systems. The work represents an important advance in in-pipe condition assessment of plastic pipes, demonstrates the practical capability of the ultrasound technique, which is critical for progression towards proactive maintenance, offering cost and service improvements.
Inhibitory Copulation Effect of Vibrational Rival Female Signals of Three Stink Bug Species as a Tool for Mating Disruption
Authors: Dias Aline Moreira , Borges Miguel , Blassioli Moraes Maria Carolina , Lorran Figueira Coelho Matheus , Čokl Andrej , Laumann Raúl Alberto
Published: February 2021

Stink bugs are major pests in diverse crops around the world. Pest management strategies based on insect behavioral manipulation could help to develop biorational management strategies of stink bugs. Insect mating disruption using vibratory signals is an approach with high potential for pest management. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of conspecific female rival signals on the mating behavior and copulation of three stink bug species to establish their potential for mating disruption. Previously recorded female rival signals were played back to bean plants where pairs of the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, and two green stink bugs, Chinavia ubica and Chinavia impicticornis were placed. Vibratory communication and mating behavior were recorded for each pair throughout the experimental time (20 min). Female rival signals show a disrupting effect on the reproductive behavior of three conspecific investigated stink bug species. This effect was more clearly expressed in E. heros and C. ubica than in C. impicticornis. The likelihood of copulating in pairs placed on control plants, without rival signals, increased 29.41 times in E. heros, 4.6 times in C. ubica and 1.71 times in C. impicticornis. However, in the last case, the effect of female rivalry signals in copulation was not significant. The effect of mating disruption of female rival signals of the three stink bug species may originate from the observed reduction in specific vibratory communication signals emitted, which influences the duet formation and further development of different phases of mating behavior. Our results suggest that female rival signals have potential for application in manipulation and disruption of mating behavior of stink bugs. Further work needs to focus on the effects of female rival signals used in long duration experiments and also their interactions with chemical communication of stink bugs.
Diagnostic Errors Induced by a Wrong a Priori Diagnosis: A Prospective Randomized Simulator-Based Trial
Authors: Meyer Felix M.L. , Filipovic Mark G. , Balestra Gianmarco M. , Tisljar Kai , Sellmann Timur , Marsch Stephan
Published: February 2021

Preventive strategies against diagnostic errors require the knowledge of underlying mechanisms. We examined the effects of a wrong a priori diagnosis on diagnostic accuracy of a focussed assessment in an acute myocardial infarction scenario. One-hundred-and-fifty-six medical students (cohort 1) were randomized to three study arms differing in the a priori diagnosis revealed: no diagnosis (control group), myocardial infarction (correct diagnosis group), and pulmonary embolism (wrong diagnosis group). Forty-four physicians (cohort 2) were randomized to the control group and the wrong diagnosis group. Primary endpoint was the participants’ final presumptive diagnosis. Among students, the correct diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction was made by 48/52 (92%) in the control group, 49/52 (94%) in the correct diagnosis group, and 14/52 (27%) in the wrong diagnosis group (p < 0.001 vs. both other groups). Among physicians, the correct diagnosis was made by 20/21 (95%) in the control group and 15/23 (65%) in the wrong diagnosis group (p = 0.023). In the wrong diagnosis group, 31/52 (60%) students and 6/23 (19%) physicians indicated their initially given wrong a priori diagnosis pulmonary embolism as final diagnosis. A wrong a priori diagnosis significantly increases the likelihood of a diagnostic error during a subsequent patient encounter.
Does Physical Activity Have an Impact on Recurrence Dynamics in Early Breast Cancer Patients?
Authors: Biganzoli Elia , Desmedt Christine , Demicheli Romano
Published: February 2021

Several studies have suggested that pre and/or postdiagnosis physical activity can reduce the risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients, however its effect according to follow-up time has not yet been investigated. We analyzed recurrence and mortality dynamics in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from Australia and Canada. The combined Australian RCTs evaluated, at a median follow-up of 8.3 years, an 8-month pragmatic exercise intervention in 337 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, while the Canadian RCT evaluated, at a median follow-up of 7.4 years, supervised aerobic or resistance exercise during chemotherapy in 242 patients. For each RCT, the control arm consisted of patients undergoing usual care. We estimated the event dynamics by the discrete hazard function, through flexible regression of yearly conditional event probabilities with generalized additive models. In the considered RCTs, the recurrence and mortality risk of patients enrolled in the physical activity arm were stably decreased at medium/long term after five year of follow-up. In the Australian RCTs where patients were recruited by urban versus rural area, the latter group did not display benefit from physical activity. Estimated odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for disease-free survival (DFS) in urban women were 0.63 (0.22–1.85); 0.27 (0.079–0.90); 0.11 (0.013–0.96) at the 3rd, 5th and 7th year of follow-up, respectively. For rural women, DFS patterns were overlapping with odds ratios (ORs), approximating 1 at the different years of follow-up. Although not reaching statistical evidence, the estimates in the Canadian trial were in line with the results from the Australian urban women with ORs (95% CI) for DFS of 0.70 (0.33–1.50); 0.47 (0.19–1.18); 0.32 (0.077–1.29) at 3rd, 5th, 7th follow-up year, respectively. While we acknowledge that the analyzed RCTs were not designed for investigating disease recurrence over time, these results support the evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of developing medium-/long-term metastases. Additional translational research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these observations.
Implications of Endogenous Retroelements in the Etiopathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Ukadike Kennedy C. , Mustelin Tomas
Published: February 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. While its etiology remains elusive, current understanding suggests a multifactorial process with contributions by genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors. A hypothesis that combines several of these factors proposes that genomic elements, the L1 retrotransposons, are instrumental in SLE pathogenesis. L1 retroelements are transcriptionally activated in SLE and produce two proteins, ORF1p and ORF2p, which are immunogenic and can drive type I interferon (IFN) production by producing DNA species that activate cytosolic DNA sensors. In addition, these two proteins reside in RNA-rich macromolecular assemblies that also contain well-known SLE autoantigens like Ro60. We surmise that cells expressing L1 will exhibit all the hallmarks of cells infected by a virus, resulting in a cellular and humoral immune response similar to those in chronic viral infections. However, unlike exogenous viruses, L1 retroelements cannot be eliminated from the host genome. Hence, dysregulated L1 will cause a chronic, but perhaps episodic, challenge for the immune system. The clinical and immunological features of SLE can be at least partly explained by this model. Here we review the support for, and the gaps in, this hypothesis of SLE and its potential for new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options in SLE.
Dimethyl Fumarate Suppresses Demyelination and Axonal Loss through Reduction in Pro-Inflammatory Macrophage-Induced Reactive Astrocytes and Complement C3 Deposition
Authors: Yadav Sudhir K. , Ito Naoko , Soin Devika , Ito Kouichi , Dhib-Jalbut Suhayl
Published: February 2021

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral agent for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In this study, we investigated the therapeutic mechanism of DMF using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). DMF treatment decreased the proliferation of T cells and the production of IL-17A and GM-CSF. DMF treatment also decreased the development and/or infiltration of macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS), and reduced the ratio of iNOS+ pro-inflammatory macrophage versus Ym1+ immunomodulatory macrophages. Furthermore, DMF treatment suppressed the deposition of complement C3 (C3) and development of reactive C3+ astrocytes. The decrease in iNOS+ macrophages, C3+astrocytes, and C3 deposition in the CNS resulted in the reduction in demyelination and axonal loss. This study suggests that the beneficial effects of DMF involve the suppression of iNOS+ pro-inflammatory macrophages, C3+ astrocytes, and deposition of C3 in the CNS.
Endemic and Other Dimorphic Mycoses in The Americas
Authors: Lockhart Shawn R. , Toda Mitsuru , Benedict Kaitlin , Caceres Diego H. , Litvintseva Anastasia P.
Published: February 2021

Endemic fungi are thermally dimorphic fungi that have a limited geographic range and can cause both primary disease and opportunistic infections. The Americas are home to more genera of endemic fungi than anywhere else on earth. These include Coccidioides, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Paracoccidioides, and Sporothrix. Endemic fungi are found across the Americas and the Caribbean, from Blastomyces gilchristi, which extends into the northeast corners of North America, to Histoplasma capsulatum, which occurs all the way down in the southern regions of South America and into the Caribbean Islands. Symptoms of endemic fungal infection, when present, mimic those of many other diseases and are often diagnosed only after initial treatment for a bacterial or viral disease has failed. Endemic fungi place a significant medical burden on the populations they affect, especially in immunocompromised individuals and in resource-limited settings. This review summarizes the ecology, geographical range, epidemiology, and disease forms of the endemic fungi found in the Americas. An emphasis is placed on new and proposed taxonomic changes, including the assignment of new species names in Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Paracoccidioides.
Personalized Consideration of Admission-Glucose Gap between Estimated Average and Initial Glucose Levels on Short-Term Stroke Outcome
Authors: Kim Yerim , Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Chulho , Kang Min Kyoung , Yoon Byung-Woo , Kim Tae Jung , Bae Jong Seok , Lee Ju-Hun
Published: February 2021

Background: Poststroke hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes. Most prior studies used initial glucose as an indicator of poststroke hyperglycemia without considering glycemic control status at the time of stroke occurrence. We aimed to investigate the effect of an admission-glucose gap on short-term functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: We enrolled patients with AIS or transient ischemic attack who had been admitted within 7 days of symptom onset to three stroke centers from May 2016 to December 2019. The admission-glucose gap between estimated average glucose levels (eAG) and initial glucose level (eAG–initial glucose) was categorized into four groups. The short-term functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months after stroke onset and was dichotomized. Results: Among 1332 included subjects, 548 (41.1%) had poor short-term functional outcomes. After adjusting for multiple variables, a severe negative glucose gap (eAG–initial glucose ≤ −50 mg/dL) was significantly associated with poor short-term functional outcome (OR, 1.573; 95% CI, 1.101–2.248). After dichotomizing glycemic control status, its significance was only maintained in the good glycemic control group (HbA1c < 6.5%) (OR, 1.914; 95% CI, 1.155–3.169). Conclusions: An elevated admission-glucose gap, in which the initial glucose level was much higher than the estimated glucose level was based on HbA1c, was associated with poor stroke prognosis. In addition to admission-glucose levels, glycemic control status at the time of stroke onset should be considered when predicting short-term stroke outcomes.
Assessing Lifestyle Behaviours of People Living with Neurological Conditions: A Panoramic View of Community Dwelling Australians from 2007–2018
Authors: Nag Nupur , Lin Xin , Yu Maggie , Simpson-Yap Steve , Jelinek George A. , Neate Sandra L. , Levin Michele
Published: February 2021

Neurological disorders pose a substantial health and economic burden to the individual and society, necessitating strategies for effective prevention and disease management. Lifestyle behaviours play a role in risk and management of some neurological disorders; however, overlap between lifestyle behaviours across disorders has not been well explored. We used log-binomial regression to assess associations of selected lifestyle behaviours in community-dwelling Australians (n = 192,091), some of whom self-reported Alzheimer’s disease (AD), motor neurone disease (MND), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) or stroke. Of six lifestyle behaviours, undertaking physical activity was inversely associated with the presence of all neurological disorders except PD. Smoking was positively associated with MND and stroke, and inversely associated with PD. Participants with AD and stroke shared inverse associations with cognitive engagement, face-to-face social interaction and stress-reducing activities, and MS was positively associated with online social interaction and stress-reduction activities. Of eleven food and beverage consumption categories, no associations were seen in MND, ten categories were inversely associated with people with AD or stroke, and six of these with PD. Vegetable and soft drink consumption were associated with MS. Further detailed assessment of commonalities in lifestyle behaviours across neurological disorders may inform potential strategies for risk reduction across disorders.
Factors on Spatial Heterogeneity of the Grain Production Capacity in the Major Grain Sales Area in Southeast China: Evidence from 530 Counties in Guangdong Province
Authors: Fang Wei , Huang Heliang , Yang Boxi , Hu Qiang
Published: February 2021

Grain security is an essential issue for countries across the world. China has witnessed over the last decades not only a rapid growth in the volume of the grain production, but also a divergence in its geographical distributions. Existing studies on the influencing factors of grain production have overlooked thus spatial heterogeneity. This paper investigates the factors that cause the geographical heterogeneity in grain output levels in Guangdong province of China, in terms of land, labor and capital. To address the spatial attenuation effect of the influencing factors, we use the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) on samples of different spatial ranges, which include a total of 530 southern counties from 2015 to 2017. The results show that (a) the effect of land endowment on grain output vary across the east and the west, and between coastal and inland areas; (b) the effect of labor endowment on grain output are inconsistent in the sign and magnitude of the estimates across counties; (c) the effect of agricultural capital on grain production shows heterogeneity spatially (across the east and the west) and economically (across developed and less developed regions). We then analyze the potential mechanism behind this spatial heterogeneity, as well as its policy implications.
Preliminary Evaluation of Protective Efficacy of Inactivated Senecavirus A on Pigs
Authors: Li Yuwan , Zhang Yangyi , Liao Yingxin , Sun Yawei , Ruan Yang , Liu Chenchen , Zhang Mengru , Li Fangfang , Li Xiaowen , Fan Shuangqi , Yi Lin , Ding Hongxing , Zhao Mingqiu , Fan Jindai , Chen Jinding
Published: February 2021

Senecavirus A (SVA), formerly known as Seneca Valley virus (SVV), causes vesicular symptoms in adult pigs and acute death of neonatal piglets. This pathogen has emerged in major swine producing countries around the world and caused significant economic losses to the pig industry. Thus, it is necessary to develop strategies to prevent and control SVA infection. Herein, an SVA strain (named GD-ZYY02-2018) was isolated from a pig herd with vesicular symptoms in Guangdong province of China in 2018. The present study aimed to carry out the phylogenetic analysis of the GD-ZYY02-2018 strain, determine its pathogenicity in finishing pigs, and assess the protective efficacy of the inactivated GD-ZYY02-2018 strain against virus challenge. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the SVA GD-ZYY02-2018 strain belonged to the USA-like strains and had a close genetic relationship with recent Chinese SVA strains. Animal challenge experiment showed that 100-day-old pigs inoculated intranasally with SVA GD-ZYY02-2018 strain developed vesicular lesion, low fever, viremia, and virus shedding in feces. The immunization challenge experiment showed that pigs vaccinated with inactivated GD-ZYY02-2018 strain could produce a high titer of anti-SVA neutralizing antibody and no vesicular lesion, fever, viremia, and virus shedding in feces was observed in vaccinated pigs after challenge with GD-ZYY02-2018 strain, indicating that inactivated GD-ZYY02-2018 could protect finishing pigs against the challenge of homologous virus. In conclusion, preliminary results indicated that inactivated GD-ZYY02-2018 could be used as a candidate vaccine for in-depth research and might be conducive to the prevention and control of SVA infection.
Theoretical Studies of the Interaction between Screw Surface and Material in the Mixer
Authors: Marczuk Andrzej , Sysuev Vasily , Aleshkin Alexey , Savinykh Petr , Turubanov Nikolay , Tomporowski Andrzej
Published: February 2021

Mixing is one of the most commonly used processes in food, animal feed, chemical, cosmetic, etc., industries. It is supposed to provide high-quality homogenous, nutritious mixtures. To provide appropriate mixing of materials while maintaining the process high efficiency and low energy consumption it is crucial to explore and describe the material flow caused by the movement of mixing elements and the contact between particles. The process of mixing is also affected by structural features of the machine components and the mixing chamber, speed of mixing, and properties of the mixed materials, such as the size of particles, moisture, friction coefficients. Thus, modeling of the phenomena that accompany the process of mixing using the above-listed parameters is indispensable for appropriate implementation of the process. The paper provides theoretical power calculations that take into account the material speed change, the impact of the material friction coefficient on the screw steel surface and the impact of the friction coefficient on the material, taking into account the loading height of the mixing chamber and the chamber loading value. Dependencies between the mixer power and the product degree of fineness, rotational speed of screw friction coefficients, the number of windings per length unit, and width of the screw tape have been presented on the basis of a developed model. It has been found that power increases along with an increase in the value of these parameters. Verification of the theoretical model indicated consistence of the predicted power demand with the power demand determined in tests performed on a real object for values of the assumed, effective loading, which was 65–75%.
Inverted-Type InAlAs/InAs High-Electron-Mobility Transistor with Liquid Phase Oxidized InAlAs as Gate Insulator
Authors: Chen Yuan-Ming , Lin Hsien-Cheng , Lee Kuan-Wei , Wang Yeong-Her
Published: February 2021

An inverted-type InAlAs/InAs metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (MOS-HEMT) with liquid phase oxidized (LPO) InAlAs as the gate insulator is demonstrated. A thin InAs layer is inserted in the sub-channel layers of InGaAs to enhance the device performance. The proposed inverted-type InAlAs/InAs MOS-HEMT exhibits an improved maximum drain current density, higher transconductance, lower leakage current density, suppressed noise figures, and enhanced associated gain compared to the conventional Schottky-gate HEMT. Employing LPO to generate MOS structure improves the surface states and enhances the energy barrier. These results reveal that the proposed inverted-type InAlAs/InAs MOS-HEMT can provide an alternative option for device applications.
Assessment of the Composition of Forest Waste in Terms of Its Further Use
Authors: Bożym Marta , Gendek Arkadiusz , Siemiątkowski Grzegorz , Aniszewska Monika , Malaťák Jan
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the results of the analysis of the chemical composition and content of heavy metal contamination in forest logging residues, in order to assess the possibility for their further utilisation. The samples were divided into 9 groups, which included coniferous tree cones, wood, and other multi-species logging residues. The elementary composition, ash content, and calorific value were determined as energy use indicators for the samples. Additionally, the content of heavy and alkali metals, which may affect combustion processes and pollutant emissions, was tested. The high content of heavy metals may also disqualify these residues for other uses. The research shows that the test residues are suitable for energy use due to their high calorific value and low content of heavy metals. However, an increased ash content in some samples and the presence of alkali metals, causing high-temperature corrosion of boilers, may disqualify them as a potential fuel in the combustion process. The forest residues may be used in other thermal processes such as pyrolysis or gasification. A low content of heavy metals and a high content of organic matter permit the use of these residues for the production of adsorbents or composite materials.
Non-Destructive Corrosion Inspection of Reinforced Concrete Using Ground-Penetrating Radar: A Review
Authors: Tešić Ksenija , Baričević Ana , Serdar Marijana
Published: February 2021

Reduced maintenance costs of concrete structures can be ensured by efficient and comprehensive condition assessment. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has been widely used in the condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures and it provides completely non-destructive results in real-time. It is mainly used for locating reinforcement and determining concrete cover thickness. More recently, research has focused on the possibility of using GPR for reinforcement corrosion assessment. In this paper, an overview of the application of GPR in corrosion assessment of concrete is presented. A literature search and study selection methodology were used to identify the relevant studies. First, the laboratory studies are shown. After that, the studies for the application on real structures are presented. The results have shown that the laboratory studies have not fully illuminated the influence of the corrosion process on the GPR signal. Also, no clear relationship was reported between the results of the laboratory studies and the on-site inspection. Although the GPR has a long history in the condition assessment of structures, it needs more laboratory investigations to clarify the influence of the corrosion process on the GPR signal.
Experimental and Analytical Study on Creep Characteristics of Box Section Bamboo-Steel Composite Columns under Long-Term Loading
Authors: Wu Shixu , Tong Keting , Wang Jianmin , Li Yushun
Published: February 2021

To expand the application of bamboo as a building material, a new type of box section composite column that combined bamboo and steel was considered in this paper. The creep characteristics of eight bamboo-steel composite columns with different parameters were tested to evaluate the effects of load level, section size and interface type under long-term loading. Then, the deformation development of the composite column under long-term loading was observed and analyzed. In addition, the creep-time relationship curve and the creep coefficient were created. Furthermore, the creep model of the composite column was proposed based on the relationship between the creep of the composite column and the creep of bamboo, and the calculated value of creep was compared with the experimental value. The experimental results showed that the creep development of the composite column was fast at first, and then became stable after about 90 days. The creep characteristics were mainly affected by long-term load level and section size. The creep coefficient was between 0.160 and 0.190. Moreover, the creep model proposed in this paper was applicable to predict the creep development of bamboo-steel composite columns. The calculation results were in good agreement with the experimental results.
Chemical Evaluation of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis of Different Failing Dental Implant Surfaces: A Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Guler Berceste , Uraz Ahu , Hatipoğlu Hasan , Yalım Mehmet
Published: February 2021

The aim of the present study is to compare two different implant surface chemistries of failing dental implants. Sixteen patients (mean age: 52 ± 8.27 with eight females and eight males) and 34 implants were included in the study. Group-I implants consisted of a blasted/etched surface with a final process surface, while Group-II implants consisted of the sandblasted acid etching (SLA) method. The chemical surface analysis was performed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) method from coronal, middle, and apical parts of each implant. Titanium (Ti) element values were found to be 20.22 ± 15.7 at.% in Group I and 33.96 ± 13.62 at.% in Group-II in the middle of the dental implants. Aluminum (Al) element values were found to be 0.01 ± 0.002 in Group-I and 0.17 ± 0.28 at.% in Group II in the middle of the dental implants, and statistically significant differences were found between the groups for the Al and Ti elements in the middle of the dental implants (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference for the Ti, Al, O, Ca, Fe, P, and Mg elements in the coronal, middle, and apical parts of the implants in the intragroup evaluation (p < 0.05). It is reported that different parts of the implants affected by peri-implant inflammation show different surface chemistries, from coronal to apical, but there is no difference in the implants with different surfaces.
Effect of Annealing on the Structural, Magnetic and Surface Energy of CoFeBY Films on Si (100) Substrate
Authors: Liu Wen-Jen , Chang Yung-Huang , Chen Yuan-Tsung , Chiang Yi-Chen , Liu Yu-Chi , Wu Te-Ho , Chi Po-Wei
Published: February 2021

The structure, magnetic properties, optical properties and adhesion efficiency of CoFeBY films were studied. Co40Fe40B10Y10 alloy was sputtered onto Si (100) with a thickness of 10–50 nm, and then annealed at room temperature, 100 °C, 200 °C and 300 °C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the CoFeBY films deposited at room temperature are amorphous. Annealing at 100 °C gave the films enough thermal energy to change the structure from amorphous to crystalline. After annealing, the CoFeBY thin film showed a body-centered cubic (BCC) CoFeB (110) characteristic peak at 44°. However, the low-frequency alternative-current magnetic susceptibility (χac) and saturation magnetization (MS) increased with the increase of thickness. CoFeBY thin films had the highest χac and MS after annealing at 300 °C compared to that at other temperatures. After annealing at 300 °C, the surface energy of CoFeBY film is the maximum at 50 nm. Higher surface energy indicated stronger adhesion.
Formability, Microstructure and Properties of Inconel 718 Superalloy Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting Additive Manufacture Technology
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Wang Kuaishe , Hu Ping , He Xiaomei , Yan Baicheng , Zhao Xuzhao
Published: February 2021

Many urgently needed inconel superalloy parts with complex internal cavity geometry and high surface precision are difficult to prepare by traditional subtractive manufacturing methods because of its poor machinability. The additive manufacturing technology that has emerged in recent years became a research hotspot in the manufacture of refractory and difficult-to-process metals. In the present study, selective laser melting (SLM), a typical additive manufacture technology, was used to prepare Inconel 718 samples. The influences of input laser energy density ((E, J/mm3) on densification behavior, phases composition, microstructures, microhardness, and wear performance of the SLM as-built Inconel 718 samples were explored in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the phase composition and microstructure evolutions. The results show that the formablity, microstructures and mechanical properties of the printed samples were all improved with the increase of E within the parameter setting range of this study. At a lower E, the poor surface morphology and balling effect occurred, the density, hardness, and wear resistance were all at a relatively lower level. When an E value of 190 J/mm was properly set, the surface open-pores and balling effect disappeared, the laser scanning tracks became smooth and continuous, the near-full dense (99.15%) and specimens with good metallurgical bonding and no critical defect were obtained, in which the average microhardness value reached 348 HV0.2 and wear rate was 5.67 × 10−4 mm3/N·m. The homogeneity of the superalloy Inconel 718 was also explored.
Reactivity and Pozzolanic Properties of Biomass Ashes Generated by Wheat and Soybean Straw Combustion
Authors: Šupić Slobodan , Malešev Mirjana , Radonjanin Vlastimir , Bulatović Vesna , Milović Tiana
Published: February 2021

A sustainable use of locally available wastes from agriculture as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is an alternative solution for the prevention of excessive raw material usage, reduction of CO2 emission and cost-effective concrete production. This paper studies the reactivity of non-traditional waste SCMs: Wheat straw ash (WSA), mixture of wheat and soybean straw ash (WSSA) and soybean straw ash (SSA), which are abundant as agricultural by-products in Serbia. The chemical evaluation using XRF technique, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), XRD and FTIR methods were performed along with physical properties tests to investigate the feasibility of utilizing biomass ashes as cement substitutes. The obtained results demonstrate a high pozzolanic activity of WSA, which is attributed to a high reactive silica content of the ash and its satisfactory level of fineness. A wider hump in XRD pattern of WSA compared to WSSA and SSA confirmed that it abounds in amorphous (reactive) phase. The insufficient activity index of soybean-based biomass ashes, characterized with a low silica content, was improved by additional grinding and/or blending with amorphous silica-rich material. This points out the mechanical activation, i.e., grinding procedure, and chemical activation, i.e., modification of the chemical composition, as techniques efficient at producing pozzolanic materials from biomass wastes. Tested biomass ashes are characterized with negligible leaching values of heavy metals, thereby satisfying eco-friendly principles of SCM utilization. The application of biomass ashes as SCMs leads to substantial cost savings, as well as benefits to the environment, such as lower consumption of cement, reduction of CO2 emissions during the production of cement and sustainable waste management.
Recent Advances in Small Peptides of Marine Origin in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Qi-Ting , Liu Ze-Dong , Wang Ze , Wang Tao , Wang Nan , Wang Ning , Zhang Bin , Zhao Yu-Fen
Published: February 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world, and antineoplastic drug research continues to be a major field in medicine development. The marine milieu has thousands of biological species that are a valuable source of novel functional proteins and peptides, which have been used in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. In contrast with proteins and polypeptides, small peptides (with a molecular weight of less than 1000 Da) have overwhelming advantages, such as preferential and fast absorption, which can decrease the burden on human gastrointestinal function. Besides, these peptides are only connected by a few peptide bonds, and their small molecular weight makes it easy to modify and synthesize them. Specifically, small peptides can deliver nutrients and drugs to cells and tissues in the body. These characteristics make them stand out in relation to targeted drug therapy. Nowadays, the anticancer mechanisms of the small marine peptides are still largely not well understood; however, several marine peptides have been applied in preclinical treatment. This paper highlights the anticancer linear and cyclic small peptides in marine resources and presents a review of peptides and the derivatives and their mechanisms.
The Role of Early Procalcitonin Determination in the Emergency Departiment in Adults Hospitalized with Fever
Authors: Covino Marcello , Gallo Antonella , Montalto Massimo , De Matteis Giuseppe , Burzo Maria Livia , Simeoni Benedetta , Murri Rita , Candelli Marcello , Ojetti Veronica , Franceschi Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives: Fever is one of the most common presenting complaints in the Emergency Department (ED). The role of serum procalcitonin (PCT) determination in the ED evaluation of adults presenting with fever is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate if, in adults presenting to the ED with fever and then hospitalized, the early PCT determination could improve prognosis. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective, mono-centric study, conducted over a 10-year period (2009–2018). We analyzed consecutive patients ≥18 years admitted to ED with fever and then hospitalized. According to quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) at admission, we compared patients that had a PCT determination vs. controls. Primary endpoint was overall in-hospital mortality; secondary endpoints were in-hospital length of stay, and mortality in patients with bloodstream infection and acute respiratory infections. Results. The sample included 12,062 patients, median age was 71 years and 55.1% were men. In patients with qSOFA ≥ 2 overall mortality was significantly lower if they had a PCT-guided management in ED, (20.5% vs. 26.5%; p = 0.046). In the qSOFA < 2 group the mortality was not significantly different in PCT patients, except for those with a final diagnosis of bloodstream infection. Conclusions. Among adults hospitalized with fever, the PCT evaluation at ED admission was not associated with better outcomes, with the possible exception of patients affected by bloodstream infections. However, in febrile patients presenting to the ED with qSOFA ≥ 2, the early PCT evaluation could improve the overall in-hospital survival.
Negative Strain Rate Sensitivity Induced by Structure Heterogeneity in Zr64.13Cu15.75Ni10.12Al10 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Wang Xiang , Ren Zhi Qiang , Xiong Wei , Liu Si Nan , Liu Ying , Lan Si , Wang Jing Tao
Published: February 2021

The negative strain rate sensitivity (SRS) of metallic glasses is frequently observed. However, the physical essence involved is still not well understood. In the present work, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveal the strong structure heterogeneity at nanometer and tens of nanometer scales, respectively, in bulk metallic glass (BMG) Zr64.13Cu15.75Ni10.12Al10 subjected to fully confined compression processing. A transition of SRS of stress, from 0.012 in the as-cast specimen to −0.005 in compression processed specimen, was observed through nanoindentation. A qualitative formulation clarifies the critical role of internal stress induced by structural heterogeneity in this transition. It reveals the physical origin of this negative SRS frequently reported in structurally heterogeneous BMG alloys and its composites.
Effect of Alloying Elements on the Sr Modification of Al-Si Cast Alloys
Authors: Fracchia Elisa , Gobber Federico Simone , Rosso Mario
Published: February 2021

Strontium-based modifier alloys are commonly adopted to modify the eutectic silicon in aluminum-silicon casting alloys by changing the silicon shape from an acicular to a spherical form. Usually, the modifier alloy necessary to properly change the silicon shape depends on the silicon content, but the alloying elements’ content may have an influence. The AlSr10 master alloy’s modifying effect was studied on four Al-Si alloys through the characterization of microstructural and mechanical properties (micro-hardness and impact tests). The experimental results obtained on gravity cast samples highlighted the interdependence in the modification of silicon between the Si content and the alloying elements. After modification, a higher microstructural homogeneity characterized by a reduction of up to 22.8% in the size of intermetallics was observed, with a generalized reduction in secondary dendritic arm spacing. The presence of iron-based polygonal-shaped intermetallics negatively affects Sr modification; coarser silicon particles tend to grow close to α-Fe. The presence of casting defects such as bifilm reduces Sr modification’s beneficial effects, and little increase in absorbed impact energy is observed in this work.
Vitamin D, Bone Metabolism, and Fracture Risk in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Di Bari Flavia , Catalano Antonino , Bellone Federica , Martino Gabriella , Benvenga Salvatore
Published: February 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among premenopausal women. PCOS may have reproductive, metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological implications. Vitamin D deficit is often encountered in PCOS women and may contribute to the pathophysiology of this disorder. As of the key role of vitamin D in bone and mineral metabolism, and because the vitamin D status appears to be closely linked with the PCOS manifestations including insulin resistance, obesity, ovulatory and menstrual irregularities, oxidative stress and PTH elevation, hypovitaminosis D may directly and indirectly via the different facets of PCOS impair bone health in these women. Although limited data are available on life-long fracture risk in women with PCOS, the importance of preserving bone health in youth and adults to prevent osteoporosis and related fractures is also recognized in PCOS women. Evidence of the association between vitamin D and the clinical hallmarks of PCOS are summarized and discussed. Vitamin D arises as a cornerstone in women with PCOS and contributes to the pathophysiological link between PCOS and bone metabolism.
Itaconate Alters Succinate and Coenzyme A Metabolism via Inhibition of Mitochondrial Complex II and Methylmalonyl-CoA Mutase
Authors: Cordes Thekla , Metallo Christian M.
Published: February 2021

Itaconate is a small molecule metabolite that is endogenously produced by cis-aconitate decarboxylase-1 (ACOD1) in mammalian cells and influences numerous cellular processes. The metabolic consequences of itaconate in cells are diverse and contribute to its regulatory function. Here, we have applied isotope tracing and mass spectrometry approaches to explore how itaconate impacts various metabolic pathways in cultured cells. Itaconate is a competitive and reversible inhibitor of Complex II/succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) that alters tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle metabolism leading to succinate accumulation. Upon activation with coenzyme A (CoA), itaconyl-CoA inhibits adenosylcobalamin-mediated methylmalonyl-CoA (MUT) activity and, thus, indirectly impacts branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and fatty acid diversity. Itaconate, therefore, alters the balance of CoA species in mitochondria through its impacts on TCA, amino acid, vitamin B12, and CoA metabolism. Our results highlight the diverse metabolic pathways regulated by itaconate and provide a roadmap to link these metabolites to potential downstream biological functions.