bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molybdenum disulphide—A traditional external lubricant that shows interesting interphase properties in pulp‐based composites
Authors: Hosseini Seyedehsan , Venkatesh Abhijit , Boldizar Antal , Westman Gunnar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCompression molded composites were prepared through a water‐assisted mixing of an aqueous suspension of poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid), additive, and pulp fibers [thermomechanical pulp (TMP) or dissolving pulp (DP)]. The lubricating additives used were magnesium stearate (MgSt) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2). The composite materials had dry pulp contents ranging from 30 to 70 wt% and 5 wt% additive relative to the weight of the pulp. The adsorption of the additives onto the fibers was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. DMA showed that MgSt and MoS2 gave similar interphase properties for the TMP samples at all loading contents, but the combination of MgSt and MoS2 improved the overall properties of the DP‐based composites. The tensile modulus, at 70 wt% fiber content (TMP or DP), increased compared to the matrix by a factor of 6.3 and 8.1, without lubricants, and by a factor of 8 and 10.7, with lubricants, respectively. The increase in melt viscosity observed for the lubricated samples was greater for the TMP‐based samples containing MoS2. At a lubricant content of 5 wt%, in 30 wt% TMP, the MoS2 behaved as both a lubricant and compatibilizer.
High‐strain‐rate mechanical performance of particle‐ and fiber‐reinforced polymer composites measured with split Hopkinson bar: A review
Authors: Graziano Antimo , Titton Dias Otavio Augusto , Petel Oren 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReinforcing polymers with particles and fibers has been a common strategy for decades, in order to make them suitable for high‐demanding industrial applications. As composites often undergo dynamic loads, it is important to understand their behavior under such conditions. This review first classifies the types of polymer composites and then explains their failure behavior under tension and compression loading, followed by an overview of some of the experimental procedures used to characterize the polymer composites' dynamic mechanical performance. Afterward, the most significant findings in terms of the high‐strain‐rate compressive and tensile strength and modulus of polymer composites are thoroughly discussed. The results, available in the literature, on the mechanical properties of polymer composites under quasi‐static conditions are also presented and compared with the high‐strain‐rate data. The differences are explained by discussing the changes in the structural configurations of polymer matrices under quasi‐static and dynamic loads. Lastly, conclusions and future perspectives are given, with the intent of highlighting the most promising polymer composites that can be used for a wide variety of applications.
Theoretical prediction model of mean crushing force of CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tubes under axial compression
Authors: Bai Cuiping , Ma Qihua , Gan Xuehui , Zhou Tianjun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe CFRP‐Al hybrid thin‐walled structure combines the dual advantages of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and metal, which is one of the crucial methods for both lightweight and high strength. This study aimed to explore the theoretical prediction of the mean crushing force of the hybrid tubes with different winding angles subjected to axial compression. In order to construct the theoretical model of the hybrid structural energy absorption response, the failure modes, and deformative behavior of the hybrid tubes are analyzed and summarized based on the axial compression experiments. Considering the effects of winding angles on the energy dissipation and deformation characteristic of hybrid circular tubes, the expressions of membrane force and bending energy per unit length are obtained. Then, the analytical model is established to predict the mean crushing force of the CFRP‐Al hybrid circular tube. Furthermore, the results of the prediction model are compared according to different failure criteria of composite materials. The findings show that the predicted values of the maximum stress failure are more consistent with the experimental values, in which the discrepancy between analytically predicted and experimentally tested mean crushing forces of these hybrid tubes is no more than 10%. The results can provide a basis for the design of the composite‐metal hybrid thin‐walled tube.
Interval state estimation‐based robust model predictive control for linear parameter varying systems
Authors: Ping Xubin , Yang Sen , Xiao Yingying , Ding Baocang , Li Zhiwu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFor linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with unknown system states, this article investigates an interval state estimation‐based robust model predictive control algorithm. Two interval state estimation approaches, including interval observer systems and zonotope‐based box computations, are considered to estimate the upper and lower bounds of system states. The on‐line interval estimation error boxes are contained within the scaled and time‐varying ellipsoidal robust positively invariant sets. Then, the centers of the state constraint boxes are steered to a region near the origin. When the interval estimation error boxes and the centers of state constraint boxes simultaneously converge to the neighborhood of the origin, the controlled LPV systems are robust stable.
The protective role of resveratrol against sulfoxaflor‐induced toxicity in testis of adult male rats
Authors: Said Noha I. , Abd‐Elrazek Areeg M. , El‐dash Heba A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis work was designed to explore the protective role of resveratrol (RES) against sulfoxaflor (Sulfx)‐induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats. The animals were divided into six groups: Control group, Sulfx treated groups (79.5 and 205 mg/kg/day), RES treated group (20 mg/kg/day), RES + Sulfx treated groups (20 mg/kg Res + 79.5 or 205 mg/kg Sulfx) orally for 28 consecutive days. Testicular samples were collected from all groups at the end of the treatment period. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress and cellular energy parameters; tissue samples were prepared for histopathological examination. In addition, caspase‐3 activity was calculated to assess spermatogenesis. Finally, DNA laddering assay was performed to detect DNA fragmentation as a hallmark of apoptosis. Our results showed that Sulfx treatment induced a significant increase in testicular levels of MDA, NOx, GSSG and reduced GSH level and cellular energy parameters in a dose‐dependent manner compared to the control group. The results were confirmed by histopathological study which showed pathological changes in Sulfx treated groups. A significant increase in caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation was also observed. However, concomitant administration of RES to Sulfx ‐treated rats showed significant modulation against Sulfx‐induced reproductive toxicity and attenuated the biochemical, apoptotic and histopathological changes. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposure to Sulfx at the two selected doses induces testicular toxicity and these effects can be ameliorated by supplementation of RES.
Effects of a new dietary supplement on behavioural responses of dogs exposed to mild stressors
Authors: Titeux Emmanuelle , Padilla Stephanie , Paragon Bernard‐Marie , Gilbert Caroline 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground & ObjectivesThe effectiveness of a new dietary supplement (derived from fish hydrolysate and melon juice concentrate rich in superoxide dismutase) in reducing fear and stress‐related behaviours in pet dogs was examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study.Methods39 dogs were recruited after the owners had filled out a fear susceptibility index questionnaire. Over a 30‐day period, one group of dogs received the supplement, and another group a placebo.Twelve behavioural variables were recorded in a series of four subtests (ST1‐ST4) on days 0, 15 and 30. Saliva cortisol levels were measured before and after each set of STs.ResultsThe dogs rated as more fearful displayed significantly higher cortisol values before the day 0 test session, were less active, spent less time playing with the experimenter, and approached the unfamiliar object less frequently. The owners did not correctly guess whether their dog had received the supplement or not. Behaviours of dogs were significantly different across the three sessions, with significant increases of stress‐related behaviours (time spent in the door zone, number of interactions with the door, of whining, and of lip‐licking). Conversely time spent with the experimenter increased, interactions and curiosity for the novel object and play with the experimenter decreased, presumably due to a habituation process. This suggests that the design of the four subtests session was relevant to test for mild stressors situations. Moreover, supplemented and placebo dogs responded differently to the three test sessions, indicating a supplement effect on dogs' behaviours and their adaptation to mild stressors situations.ConclusionThe trial results suggested that the supplement facilitates activity and curiosity in a familiar environment, promotes dog‐human interactions with an increased human familiarity, and tends to reduce subtle stress behaviours. Our results suggest that the supplement was effective in the context of mild stressors and habituation.
Sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella presence in farm bulk milk from open and zero grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda
Authors: Djangwani Juvenal , Abong’ George Ooko , Njue Lucy Gicuku , Kaindi Dasel Wambua Mulwa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnimal and human brucelloses have been reported in Rwanda, human brucellosis being linked to drinking inadequately heat‐treated milk. However, information on Brucella detection and prevalence in milk produced in Rwanda is limited.ObjectivesTo determine the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella in farm bulk milk from zero and open grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda.MethodsA total of 330 farm bulk milk samples were collected from 198 zero grazing farms and 132 open grazing farms in a cross‐sectional study in Rwanda. Sero‐prevalence of Brucella in milk was analysed using indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A questionnaire was administered to farmers to determine the risk factors of milk contamination with Brucella.ResultsAnti‐Brucella antibodies were prevalent in 19.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.5–24.4) of the 330 collected farm bulk milk. Sero‐prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in open grazing farms (37.9% [50/132]) than in zero grazing farms (7.6% [15/198]). Practising open grazing system (odds ratio, OR = 69.5; 95% CI = 1.6–3033.6), history of abortion (OR = 19.5; 95% CI = 8.1–46.8) and placenta retention (OR = 4.2; 95% CI = 1.7–10.3) were the significant risk factors for the presence of anti‐Brucella antibodies in milk.ConclusionNotably, more than a third of farm bulk milk from open grazing farms in Rwanda contains Brucella antibodies. Considering the zoonotic nature of Brucella, there is a need to reinforce brucellosis control programs in the country.
Deep Learning for Protein–Protein Interaction Site Prediction
Authors: Jamasb Arian R. , Day Ben , Cangea Cătălina , Liò Pietro , Blundell Tom L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractProtein–protein interactions (PPIs) are central to cellular functions. Experimental methods for predicting PPIs are well developed but are time and resource expensive and suffer from high false-positive error rates at scale. Computational prediction of PPIs is highly desirable for a mechanistic understanding of cellular processes and offers the potential to identify highly selective drug targets. In this chapter, details of developing a deep learning approach to predicting which residues in a protein are involved in forming a PPI—a task known as PPI site prediction—are outlined. The key decisions to be made in defining a supervised machine learning project in this domain are here highlighted. Alternative training regimes for deep learning models to address shortcomings in existing approaches and provide starting points for further research are discussed. This chapter is written to serve as a companion to developing deep learning approaches to protein–protein interaction site prediction, and an introduction to developing geometric deep learning projects operating on protein structure graphs.
Gapped boundaries and string-like excitations in (3+1)d gauge models of topological phases
Authors: Bullivant Alex , Delcamp Clement 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We study lattice Hamiltonian realisations of (3+1)d Dijkgraaf-Witten theory with gapped boundaries. In addition to the bulk loop-like excitations, the Hamiltonian yields bulk dyonic string-like excitations that terminate at gapped boundaries. Using a tube algebra approach, we classify such excitations and derive the corresponding representation theory. Via a dimensional reduction argument, we relate this tube algebra to that describing (2+1)d boundary point-like excitations at interfaces between two gapped boundaries. Such point-like excitations are well known to be encoded into a bicategory of module categories over the input fusion category. Exploiting this correspondence, we define a bicategory that encodes the string-like excitations ending at gapped boundaries, showing that it is a sub-bicategory of the centre of the input bicategory of group-graded 2-vector spaces. In the process, we explain how gapped boundaries in (3+1)d can be labelled by so-called pseudo-algebra objects over this input bicategory.
Symmetry-resolved entanglement in AdS3/CFT2 coupled to U(1) Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Zhao Suting , Northe Christian , Meyer René 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe consider symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy in AdS3/CFT2coupled to U(1) Chern-Simons theory. We identify the holographic dual of the charged moments in the two-dimensional conformal field theory as a charged Wilson line in the bulk of AdS3, namely the Ryu-Takayanagi geodesic minimally coupled to the U(1) Chern-Simons gauge field. We identify the holonomy around the Wilson line as the Aharonov-Bohm phases which, in the two-dimensional field theory, are generated by charged U(1) vertex operators inserted at the endpoints of the entangling interval. Furthermore, we devise a new method to calculate the symmetry resolved entanglement entropy by relating the generating function for the charged moments to the amount of charge in the entangling subregion. We calculate the subregion charge from the U(1) Chern-Simons gauge field sourced by the bulk Wilson line. We use our method to derive the symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy for Poincaré patch and global AdS3, as well as for the conical defect geometries. In all three cases, the symmetry resolved entanglement entropy is determined by the length of the Ryu-Takayanagi geodesic and the Chern-Simons levelk, and fulfills equipartition of entanglement. The asymptotic symmetry algebra of the bulk theory is of$$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$û1kKac-Moody type. Employing the$$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$û1kKac-Moody symmetry, we confirm our holographic results by a calculation in the dual conformal field theory.
Domain walls and CP violation with left right supersymmetry: implications for leptogenesis and electron EDM
Authors: Banerjee P. , Yajnik U. A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Low scale leptogenesis scenarios are difficult to verify due to our inability to relate the parameters involved in the early universe processes with the low energy or collider observables. Here we show that one can in principle relate the parameters giving rise to the transient CP violating phase involved in leptogenesis with those that can be deduced from the observation of electric dipole moment (EDM) of the electron. We work out the details of this in the context of the left right symmetric supersymmetric model (LRSUSY) which provides a strong connection between such parameters. In particular, we show that baryon asymmetry requirements imply the scale MB−L of U(1)B−L symmetry breaking to be larger than 104.5 GeV. Moreover the scale MR of SU(2)R symmetry breaking is tightly constrained to lie in a narrow band significantly below $$ {M}_{B-L}^2/{M}_{EW} $$

M

B
−
L

2

/

M
EW

. These are the most stringent constraints on the parameter space of LRSUSY model being considered.
Mikrobiom und Stoffwechsel beim polyzystischen Ovarialsyndrom (PCOS)
Authors: Heizmann Wolfgang R. , Keck Christoph 
Published: July 2021

ZusammenfassungDas Syndrom der polyzystischen Ovarien (PCOS) gehört zu den häufigen Hormonstörungen bei Frauen in der fertilen Lebensphase. Die Ätiologie ist bis heute nicht bekannt, allerdings konnte in den letzten Jahren das Verständnis der pathophysiologischen Zusammenhänge deutlich verbessert werden. Neben endokrinologischen und metabolischen Aspekten findet der Zusammenhang zwischen PCOS und Darmmikrobiom zunehmende Beachtung. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass das Darmmikrobiom von Frauen mit PCOS sich signifikant vom Mikrobiom nichtbetroffener Frauen unterscheidet. Daraus lassen sich therapeutische Konsequenzen ableiten, welche die Behandlung von PCOS-Patientinnen in Zukunft maßgeblich beeinflussen könnten.
The chimeric GaaR-XlnR transcription factor induces pectinolytic activities in the presence of D-xylose in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Kun Roland S. , Garrigues Sandra , Di Falco Marcos , Tsang Adrian , de Vries Ronald P. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aspergillus niger is a filamentous fungus well known for its ability to produce a wide variety of pectinolytic enzymes, which have many applications in the industry. The transcriptional activator GaaR is induced by 2-keto-3-deoxy-L-galactonate, a compound derived from D-galacturonic acid, and plays a major role in the regulation of pectinolytic genes. The requirement for inducer molecules can be a limiting factor for the production of enzymes. Therefore, the generation of chimeric transcription factors able to activate the expression of pectinolytic genes by using underutilized agricultural residues would be highly valuable for industrial applications. In this study, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate three chimeric GaaR-XlnR transcription factors expressed by the xlnR promoter by swapping the N-terminal region of the xylanolytic regulator XlnR to that of the GaaR in A. niger. As a test case, we constructed a PpgaX-hph reporter strain to evaluate the alteration of transcription factor specificity in the chimeric mutants. Our results showed that the chimeric GaaR-XlnR transcription factor was induced in the presence of D-xylose. Additionally, we generated a constitutively active GaaR-XlnR V756F version of the most efficient chimeric transcription factor to better assess its activity. Proteomics analysis confirmed the production of several pectinolytic enzymes by ΔgaaR mutants carrying the chimeric transcription factor. This correlates with the improved release of D-galacturonic acid from pectin by the GaaR-XlnR V756F mutant, as well as by the increased L-arabinose release from the pectin side chains by both chimeric mutants under inducing condition, which is required for efficient degradation of pectin.

Key points
• Chimeric transcription factors were generated by on-site mutations using CRISPR/Cas9.
• PpgaX-hph reporter strain allowed for the screening of functional GaaR-XlnR mutants.
• Chimeric GaaR-XlnR induced pectinolytic activities in the presence of D-xylose.
Male aggressiveness and risk-taking during reproduction are repeatable but not correlated in a wild bird population
Authors: Salazar Stephen M. , García Julia I. Camacho , Kuspiel Miriam , Fokkema Rienk W. , Komdeur Jan , Korsten Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe existence of among-individual variation in behaviour within populations is poorly understood. Recent theory suggests that fine-scale individual differences in investment into current versus future reproduction may lead to a ‘slow-fast’-pace-of-life continuum, also referred to as the ‘pace-of-life-syndrome’ (POLS) hypothesis. According to this idea, individuals are predicted to differ in their level of risk-taking, which may drive among-individual variation and covariation of behaviours. Consistent individual differences in aggression, an ecologically relevant and potentially risky behaviour, have been reported across the animal kingdom. Here we test whether such individual differences in aggression are a manifestation of underlying differences in risk-taking. In a wild blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) population, we used standard behavioural tests to investigate if male territorial aggressiveness and risk-taking during breeding are positively related. At the start of breeding, we simulated conspecific territorial intrusions to obtain repeated measures of male aggressiveness. Subsequently, we measured male risk-taking as their latency to resume brood provisioning after presenting two different predators at their nest: human and sparrowhawk, a common predator of adult songbirds. First, we found substantial repeatability for male aggressiveness (R = 0.56 ± 0.08 SE). Second, while males took longer to resume provisioning after presentation of a sparrowhawk mount as compared to a human observer, risk-taking was repeatable across these two predator contexts (R = 0.51 ± 0.13 SE). Finally, we found no evidence for a correlation between male aggressiveness and risk-taking, thereby providing little support to a main prediction of the POLS hypothesis.Significance statementConsistent, and often correlated, individual differences in basal behaviours, such as aggression, exploration and sociability, are found across the animal kingdom. Why individuals consistently differ in their behaviour is poorly understood, as behavioural traits would seem inherently flexible. The ‘pace-of-life syndrome’ (POLS) hypothesis proposes observed behavioural variation to reflect differences in risk-taking associated with individual reproductive strategies. We tested this idea in a wild blue tit population by investigating whether individual males that were more aggressive toward territorial intruders also took more risk when provisioning their nestlings under a threat of predation. While we found consistent individual differences in both aggressiveness and risk-taking, these behaviours were not significantly correlated. Therefore, our study demonstrates among-individual variation in ecologically relevant behaviours in wild blue tits but provides little support for the POLS hypothesis.
Role of bile acids in inflammatory liver diseases
Authors: Evangelakos Ioannis , Heeren Joerg , Verkade Esther , Kuipers Folkert 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBile acids and their signaling pathways are increasingly recognized as potential therapeutic targets for cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases. This review summarizes new insights in bile acid physiology, focusing on regulatory roles of bile acids in the control of immune regulation and on effects of pharmacological modulators of bile acid signaling pathways in human liver disease. Recent mouse studies have highlighted the importance of the interactions between bile acids and gut microbiome. Interfering with microbiome composition may be beneficial for cholestatic and metabolic liver diseases by modulating formation of secondary bile acids, as different bile acid species have different signaling functions. Bile acid receptors such as FXR, VDR, and TGR5 are expressed in a variety of cells involved in innate as well as adaptive immunity, and specific microbial bile acid metabolites positively modulate immune responses of the host. Identification of Cyp2c70 as the enzyme responsible for the generation of hydrophilic mouse/rat-specific muricholic acids has allowed the generation of murine models with a human-like bile acid composition. These novel mouse models will aid to accelerate translational research on the (patho)physiological roles of bile acids in human liver diseases .