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Zusammenfassung Zielsetzung Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die dimensionsrelevanten Aussagen des Maslach-Burnout-Inventory(MBI-GS)-Fragebogens zu ermitteln, um jeweils die aussagekräftigsten Items für die 3 Dimensionen (emotionale Erschöpfung, Zynismus/Depersonalisierung und Leistungsfähigkeit) zu identifizieren und ggf. als schnelles Screening im Rahmen von Präventionsprogrammen in einem ukrainischen Rettungsdienst einzusetzen. Methodik Es nahmen 48 Feldscherer und 37 Notärzte aus der Ukraine teil (mittleres Alter: 44,0 ± 13,4 Jahre). Mithilfe des logistischen Regressionsmodells wurde der Ausprägungstyp des beruflichen Burnouts ermittelt. Ergebnisse Die Aussage „Ich fühle mich durch meine Arbeit ausgebrannt“ war für die MBI-Dimension emotionale Erschöpfung relevant (−0,354), für die Dimension Zynismus/Depersonalisierung war es u. a. „Ich bezweifle die Bedeutung meiner Arbeit“ (−0,526). Für die Leistungsfähigkeit war u. a. bedeutend „Ich fühle mich gut, wenn ich Arbeitsaufgaben vollendet habe“ (+0,745). Schlussfolgerung Es wird ein neuer methodischer Ansatz ausprobiert, um die einflussreichsten Aussagen des MBI-GS-Fragebogens als Frühindikatoren für ein Burnout-Risiko zu nutzen.

Here we introduce interferometric devices by combining optical feedback (cavities) with unbiased multiports, which unlike traditional beam dividers, allow light to reflect back out of the port from which it originated. By replacing the traditional, directionally-biased beam-splitter in a Michelson interferometer with an unbiased multiport, the functional dependence of the scattering amplitudes changes. As a result, the derivative of transmittance with respect to an external phase perturbation can be made substantially large. This significantly enhances the resolution of phase measurement, and allows the phase response curves to be altered in real time by tuning an externally-controllable phase shift.

In recent years, water pollution has developed into a severe environmental and public health problem due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, especially in some developing countries. Finding solutions to tackle water pollution is urgently required and is of global importance. Currently, a range of water treatment methods are available; however, a water remediation process that is simple, inexpensive, eco-friendly, and effective for the removal of pollutants down to ppm/ppb concentrations has long been sought after. Herein, we describe a novel approach using fungal melanin for developing melanized-cationic cellulose nanofiber (melanized-C-CNF) foams that can successfully remove pollutants in water systems. The foam can be recycled several times while retaining its adsorption/desorption property, indicating high practicability for adsorbing the cationic dye crystal violet. This work highlights the opportunity to combine both the advanced features of sustainable polymers such as cellulose and the unique properties of fungal melanin to manufacture biohybrid composites for water purification.

Cocultivation of fungi and algae can result in a mutualistic or antagonistic interaction depending on the species involved and the cultivation conditions. In this study, we investigated the growth behavior and enzymatic activity of two filamentous white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor and Trametes pubescens) and two freshwater algae (Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus vacuolatus) cocultured in the presence of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The growth of fungi and algae was studied in liquid, agar medium, and 3D-printed nanocellulose hydrogels. The results showed that cocultures grew faster under nutrient-rich conditions than in nutrient-depleted conditions. Key cellulose-degrading enzymes, including endoglucanase and laccase activities, were higher in liquid cocultures of T. versicolor and S. vacuolatus in the presence of cellulose compared to single cultures of fungi or algae. Although similar results were observed for cocultures of T. pubescens and C. vulgaris, laccase production diminished over time in these cultures. Fungi and algae were capable of growth in 3D-printed cellulose hydrogels. These results showed that cellulase enzyme production could be enhanced by cocultivating white-rot fungi with freshwater algae under nutrient-rich conditions with TEMPO-CNF and CNC. Additionally, the growth of white-rot fungi and freshwater algae in printed cellulose hydrogels demonstrates the potential use of fungi and algae in hydrogel systems for biotechnological applications, including biofuel production and bio-based fuel cell components., Microbiology Spectrum, 10 (5), ISSN:2165-0497

Grover multiports are higher-dimensional generalizations of beam splitters, in which input to any one of the four ports has equal probability of exiting at any of the same four ports, including the input port. In this paper, we demonstrate that interferometers built from such multiports have novel features. For example, when combined with two-photon input and coincidence measurements, it is shown that such interferometers have capabilities beyond those of standard beam-splitter-based interferometers, such as easily controlled interpolation between Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) and anti-HOM behavior. Further, it is shown that the Grover-based analog of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer can make three separate phase measurements simultaneously. By arranging the transmission lines between the two multiports to lie in different planes, the same interferometer acts as a higher-dimensional Sagnac interferometer, allowing rotation rates about three different axes to be measured with a single device.

Wood decay fungi play an important role as recyclers of organic matter in the nutrient cycle. The risks of wood degradation by fungi are widely discussed, but little attention is given to the opportunity to apply wood decay fungi for wood functionalization, modification and/or wood protection. For this purpose, the mycelium (fungal network), spores, enzymes and polymers from various types of wood decay fungi are used.

The present study aims at identifying and analyzing challenges and prospects related to the use of pseudoelastic shape memory alloys for well-established double shear connections in timber engineer...

Developing low-cost and biodegradable piezoelectric nanogenerators is of great importance for a variety of applications, from harvesting low-grade mechanical energy to wearable sensors. Many of the most widely used piezoelectric materials, including lead zirconate titanate (PZT), suffer from serious drawbacks such as complicated synthesis, poor mechanical properties (e.g., brittleness), and toxic composition, limiting their development for biomedical applications and posing environmental problems for their disposal. Here, we report a low-cost, biodegradable, biocompatible, and highly compressible piezoelectric nanogenerator based on a wood sponge obtained with a simple delignification process. Thanks to the enhanced compressibility of the wood sponge, our wood nanogenerator (15 × 15 × 14 mm3, longitudinal × radial × tangential) can generate an output voltage of up to 0.69 V, 85 times higher than that generated by native (untreated) wood, and it shows stable performance under repeated cyclic compression (≥600 cycles). Our approach suggests the importance of increased compressibility of bulk materials for improving their piezoelectric output. We demonstrate the versatility of our nanogenerator by showing its application both as a wearable movement monitoring system (made with a single wood sponge) and as a large-scale prototype with increased output (made with 30 wood sponges) able to power simple electronic devices (a LED light, a LCD screen). Moreover, we demonstrate the biodegradability of our wood sponge piezoelectric nanogenerator by studying its decomposition with cellulose-degrading fungi. Our results showcase the potential application of a wood sponge as a sustainable energy source, as a wearable device for monitoring human motions, and its contribution to environmental sustainability by electronic waste reduction.

Societal Impact Statement The impact of global warming on wood formation means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find superior‐quality resonance wood for the production of musical instruments. Using fungi, we can mimic the effects of a cold climate on wood, to produce biotech violins with a tone matching those of a Stradivarius. Our work has sparked worldwide interest from the media, music lovers, and violinmakers. Here we address concerns raised about the biotech violin and detail scientific advances made since the original publication of our work. We believe this mycowood technology will enable affordable and acoustically superior instruments to become available to talented young musicians who would otherwise be unable to afford their own Stradivarius.

Aerosol droplets made from respiratory liquid are of fundamental importance for airborne transmission of several virus-based diseases, such as COVID-19. While the transmission route in the air has been intensively studied in the last two years, only few papers deal with the formation of these droplets. It seems to be accepted that such droplets are generated by upper airway activity such as talking, sneezing, or coughing. Especially talking is associated with disease transmission, although the droplet formation mechanisms have not been fully resolved yet. Thus, we focus on the investigation of the atomization process of respiratory liquid attached to the vocal folds. A new experimental setup has been installed that emulates the vocal folds and their oscillating movement in a simplified manner. A model liquid mimicking the respiratory mucus is dispersed at the vocal folds. The primary atomization of the model liquid into an air stream is observed qualitatively. This new insight shows that in contrast to the typical assumption that only liquid bridges form between the vocal folds and breakup into droplets, rather bubbles are generated, which can breakup into much smaller particles than filaments. Furthermore, droplet size distributions downstream of the vocal folds are evaluated. The influence of the oscillation frequency and amplitude as well as air flow rate on the droplet size distributions are analyzed. It is found that an increase in both frequency and amplitude leads to smaller particle sizes, while raising the air flow rate results in a higher proportion of larger particles.

Background In trees, secondary metabolites (SMs) are essential for determining the effectiveness of defence systems against fungi and why defences are sometimes breached. Using the CODIT model (Compartmentalization of Damage/Dysfunction in Trees), we explain defence processes at the cellular level. CODIT is a highly compartmented defence system that relies on the signalling, synthesis and transport of defence compounds through a three-dimensional lattice of parenchyma against the spread of decay fungi in xylem. Scope The model conceptualizes ‘walls’ that are pre-formed, formed during and formed after wounding events. For sapwood, SMs range in molecular size, which directly affects performance and the response times in which they can be produced. When triggered, high-molecular weight SMs such as suberin and lignin are synthesized slowly (phytoalexins), but can also be in place at the time of wounding (phytoanticipins). In contrast, low-molecular weight phenolic compounds such as flavonoids can be manufactured de novo (phytoalexins) rapidly in response to fungal colonization. De novo production of SMs can be regulated in response to fungal pathogenicity levels. The protective nature of heartwood is partly based on the level of accumulated antimicrobial SMs (phytoanticipins) during the transitionary stage into a normally dead substance. Effectiveness against fungal colonization in heartwood is largely determined by the genetics of the host. Conclusion Here we review recent advances in our understanding of the role of SMs in trees in the context of CODIT, with emphasis on the relationship between defence, carbohydrate availability and the hydraulic system.We also raise the limitations of the CODIT model and suggest its modification, encompassing other defence theory concepts. We envisage the development of a new defence system that is modular based and incorporates all components (and organs) of the tree from micro- to macro-scales.

Violins are varnished to protect them against wear, from changes in relative humidity and to enhance the instrument’s appearance. Furthermore, studies have shown that the application of varnish alters the mechanical and vibrational properties of the wood, respectively, the instrument. Commonly, the varnish impact has been studied by means of changes in stiffness, mass and damping properties of wooden test samples, and by changes in the modal parameters (i.e., eigenfrequency, eigenmode and damping) of top and bottom plates or the complete instrument, respectively. Although these properties determine the final sound quality, their changes have been less frequently studied than the chemical composition of the varnishes from historical instruments. This review focuses on the impact of varnishing on the vibro-mechanical properties of wood used for violins from material to complete instrument level, including the varnish properties and their influence on the moisture sorption. Based on a final discussion of the main impacts and results, an outlook specifies new avenues of research required to better understand the influence of varnish on wood used to make violins.

Different brown rot wood-destroying fungi have the ability to develop Cu-tolerance mechanisms in order to effectively grow and decompose wood treated with copper (Cu), a compulsory biocide for in ground timber structures. We analyzed if the Cu-tolerant wood-destroying basidiomycete Rhodonia placenta (Empa 45) is able to compartmentalize Cu in its basidiospores. In addition, we assessed if the use of micronized copper (MC) wood preservative formulations, composed of basic Cu carbonate particles with sizes ranging from 1 nm to 250 μm, could lead to basidiospores loaded with Cu-based nanoparticles (NPs) that may be released, inhaled and cause adverse health effects, due to specific nano effects. In our study we combined elemental analysis and visual inspection to quantify the amount of Cu and its distribution in basidiospores, as well as spectroscopic techniques to investigate Cu speciation. Our results indicate that basidiospores from R. placenta (Empa 45) can accumulate Cu, however the initial Cu-based NPs undergo a change in speciation. Therefore, no specific nano-specific risk was highlighted.

Fungi decay helps wood produce efficient electricity under mechanical stimuli, boosting energy efficiency of future buildings., Producing electricity from renewable sources and reducing its consumption by buildings are necessary to meet energy and climate change challenges. Wood is an excellent “green” building material and, owing to its piezoelectric behavior, could enable direct conversion of mechanical energy into electricity. Although this phenomenon has been discovered decades ago, its exploitation as an energy source has been impaired by the ultralow piezoelectric output of native wood. Here, we demonstrate that, by enhancing the elastic compressibility of balsa wood through a facile, green, and sustainable fungal decay pretreatment, the piezoelectric output is increased over 55 times. A single cube (15 mm by 15 mm by 13.2 mm) of decayed wood is able to produce a maximum voltage of 0.87 V and a current of 13.3 nA under 45-kPa stress. This study is a fundamental step to develop next-generation self-powered green building materials for future energy supply and mitigation of climate change.

On wood surfaces and in planar section, zones lines appear as narrow and sharply delineated dark lines within wood visibly altered (“spalted”) by the decay process. In intact wood, zone lines define an irregular volume of decaying wood. They are primarily aggregations of melanised hyphae that enclose wood being decayed by a single genetic individual of a wood decay fungus. In the industry for speciality wood products, zone lines are highly valued, especially for decorative pieces produced from wood turnery. While zone lines are commonly found in naturally infected wood, they can also be induced under controlled conditions. Although with great economic potential for application, there is currently no spalting process to produce zone lines on a commercial scale for niche furniture and construction markets. Successfully spalting wood in a defined timeframe that meets industry expectations requires a knowledge of fungal species, wood colonisation strategies, fungal decay processes along with wood behaviour (i.e. its hygroscopicity), anatomy and wood mechanical properties in relation to fungal decay. This review identifies current limitations of zone-line spalting and looks at a novel approach to inducing wood by combining genetic individuals from the same fungal species, enabling the operator to homogenise the spalting method.

Violin varnishes influence the vibrational properties of tonewood. However, the frequency dependence of the varnish influence and mechanical properties of typical varnishes has received little attention. The viscoelastic properties of various violin varnish materials over the audible frequency range were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. The properties of the studied varnishes showed comparable frequency dependencies. For all varnishes, E increased and tan(δ) decreased with increasing frequency. The results were in good agreement with an analytical mechanical model, which was used for additional numerical FEM calculations. The approach of numerically determining varnish-induced changes in the vibrational properties on basis of the individual wood and varnish properties was confirmed through comparison with experimental results obtained in an earlier study. The latter procedure was subsequently used to analyse varnish-induced changes in the eigenfrequencies of a violin soundboard. The results revealed that the frequency dependence of the varnish properties determined the specific influence of varnishes on the vibrational properties of tonewood, which should be taken into account when assessing the impact of varnishes., Results in Materials, 9

Wood is still one of the most used construction materials due to its abundancy, strength-to-weight ratio, production costs, and environmental benefits. However, as wood is biodegradable, it has a limited service life. Wood products in ground contact have to be treated with Cu-based wood preservatives owing to the favorable conditions for wood decay, e.g., soft rot fungi. However, a range of wood destroying fungi have developed resistance mechanisms against Cu-based wood preservatives formulations. Screening of a Trichoderma strain with a highly antagonistic potential against wood destroying basidiomycetes maybe promising sustainable integrated wood protection strategy in combination with chromium-free wood preservatives.

Violin varnishes are known to affect both moisture absorption and vibrational properties of violin wood. However, traditional multi-layered varnish systems suffer from substantial wear as a result of intensive use, which calls for deeper understanding of the specific impact of individual layers. Using sophisticated in-situ neutron imaging and vibrational modal analysis, we show how wood sorption and vibrational behavior of tonewood depend on the build-up of the varnish system. The results demonstrate the protective effect of complete coatings and emphasize that strongly worn regions cannot accomplish the function as an effective moisture barrier, which might pose a risk for frequently played or aged string instruments. Furthermore, the build-up of the varnish system affects the vibrational properties of the tonewood, influencing its final sound quality. This delicate interplay should be considered both for the handling of antique and aged violins and for the production of modern high-quality instruments., Scientific Reports, 9, ISSN:2045-2322

Lignin is one of the most available biomass products, but its potential for the development of functional materials has yet to be unleashed. Here, the modification of lignin and lignosulfonate with poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) [P(E-alt-MA)], a functional polymer of wide industrial use, is accomplished by means of a simple esterification reaction. As a result, hybrid adsorbent materials for water purification can be obtained, which were thoroughly characterized. The combination of P(E-alt-MA) with lignin increased hydrophilicity of the latter, making it dispersible in aqueous environments, while with lignosulfonate it gave rise to a water-insoluble, thus easily recoverable, product. The adsorption properties of the resulting products have been tested against a model water pollutant (methylene blue), demonstrating remarkable adsorption speed (in the order of minutes), adsorption efficiency and stability over a wide range of pH (2–12). Moreover, after the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles by in situ synthesis, adsorbent materials able to be magnetically recovered were developed.

The use of wood as an eco-friendly building material requires the development of environmentally benign wood preservatives, which are ideally non-toxic during and after the service life. However, too little is known about the protection of wood against wood decay fungi using non-biocidal methods, and as a result, simple but effective methods that increase the service life without environmental or health risks are still rare. A novel wood protection method is described that is based on a titanium isopropoxide gel, and cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate, as a stabilizer for the treatment of wood. The hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide is initiated by the OH-groups of wood, as well as the moisture in the wood cell wall, and subsequently results in a cerium-doped TiO2 layer, which not only seals the wood surface from direct exposure to hydrolytic enzymes but also occludes the micro/nano-pores of the wood cells. The cerium dopant acts as a radical scavenger that quenches the hydroxyl radicals in the initial stage. Our studies revealed that Norway spruce wood can be better protected against wood decay by Gloeophyllum trabeum, Rhodonia placenta and Coniophora puteana. The TiO2/Ce xerogel coating also improves resistance against weathering, as modified specimens showed good anti-fungal properties even after accelerated weathering treatments. This novel wood protection method provides a greener and safer alternative to traditional biocidal wood preservatives and has the potential to extend the service life of wood materials particularly in outdoor applications as well as for archaeological wood conservation.

In paired field experiments, two Trichoderma sp. isolates were evaluated for their ability to separately prevent wood decay on the pruning wounds of Benin mahogany (Khaya grandifoliola) and rain tree (Samanea saman) in Singapore. For each species, 150 pruning wounds were created among 10 trees and received either a conidial suspension of the biological control agent or no treatment. At regular intervals, the ability of the isolates to colonize wounds was evaluated using selective fungal isolations, and wound wood occlusion was simultaneously monitored by successive wound diameter measurements. After 18 months, the wounds were harvested and dissected to measure the size of wood discoloration columns. Overall, relatively superior outcomes for the biological control of wood decay were observed on rain tree compared to Benin mahogany. Trichoderma spp. were approximately twice as abundant on the treated wounds of rain tree than Benin mahogany at all times during the experiment. Although the Trichoderma spp. isolates were effectively inoculated onto the pruning wounds of both species, they were isolated at rates that declined by approximately half over the 18-month experiment. Compared to non-treated controls, rain tree pruning wounds treated with T. harzianum 9132 had significantly less wood discoloration and greater wound wood occlusion, but the same treatment effects were not observed on Benin mahogany using T. virens W23. The results demonstrate that T. harzianum 9132 is an effective biological control agent for wood decay on rain tree, and the treatment effects offer a valuable way to limit the biological and mechanical costs of tree pruning.

Vigorous seedlings are an important base for vegetable production. Beside the availability of appropriate amounts of nutrients, the health of seedlings is decisive. Soil-borne diseases are a challenging problem in organic seedling production. Here, we present results on the development of disease-suppressive growing media. Three aspects were examined: (i) use of different components of growing media (peat, coconut fiber, wood fiber, compost), (ii) influence of selected organic nitrogen fertilizers and (iii) use of different microorganisms (including commercial biocontrol agents (BCA)). Three plant-pathogen systems were used in this study: cucumber-Pythium ultimum, cress-Pythium ultimum and basil-Rhizoctonia solani. Green waste compost showed a good capability to protect cress against P. ultimum. This effect was improved by using a chitin-containing N-fertilizer. However, an inappropriate storage of the compost diminished its efficacy. In contrast to coconut fibers, wood fibers showed a suppressive activity against P. ultimum when used as partial substitutes of peat. None of five tested commercial BCAs could improve the suppressiveness of the substrates against P. ultimum. However, one of newly tested strains of Trichoderma sp. was very suppressive against P. ultimum. The tested growing media showed only small differences in suppressiveness against R. solani on basil. In contrast, two of the new strains of Trichoderma sp., which were intermediately active against P. ultimum, could efficiently protect basil against R. solani. At the moment, we test combinations of different Trichoderma strains, compost, different types of peat and peat substitutes. The aim is to determine whether it is feasible to manufacture growing media which allow the production of healthy and robust seedlings also in the presence of high levels of pathogens.

Climate change including the more frequent occurrence and increased intensity of extreme climate events are important drivers of disaster events. This causality is accompanied by the fact that long-term impacts of climate change are connected with a high-level of uncertainty: complex interactions, feedback loops and underlying nonlinear effects that describe the consequences in this dynamic context. Special modelling approaches are required to increase understanding of these connections with climate change and related global issues, like environmental, social, economic and political matters. Resilience is a concept that can be used when tackling climate change impacts and decrease vulnerabilities. The holistic concept goes parallel with the understanding of “managing risks instead of managing disasters”! This contribution elaborates now this line of thought and characterizes a risk-oriented modelling and design-oriented perspective. We present overviews on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR), respectively, and the related frameworks and methods. Finally, we consider the links between the ESPREssO project with the PLACARD experience as coordination action. Similarities and differences are characterized in detail. Based on this specific comparison, we propose a solution-oriented approach which might overcome the distinctions regarding the different approaches of the projects towards a transformational resilience management perspective, summarizing synergies and gaps as an example for integrative risk assessment beyond ESPREssO. We conclude with a comprehensive framework based on the 5 priority areas (referred as “mission”, terminology introduced in the Horizon Europe Framework) included in the final document of ESPREssO, which could be seen as an example for an integrative risk management combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

In contact with soil, copper (Cu) formulations as preservatives are expected to inhibit wood decay by fungi and other soil-borne microorganisms. However, Cu-resistant brown-rot (BR) fungi lead to premature failures of utility poles at some sites. In this study, the service lives of 111 utility poles of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) (73 from Switzerland and 38 from Germany) impregnated with Cu-based wood preservatives were investigated. Three segments of each utility pole were analyzed. The severity of decay was dependent on the preservative formulation. BR fungi and in particular Antrodia species were predominantly isolated from utility poles that were not treated with a co-biocide, e.g. boron (B). Cu-sensitivity of several isolated BR fungi was confirmed in studies on Cu-amended medium and in Cu-treated wood. Isolates of Fibroporia vaillantii and Serpula himantioides showed a higher Cu-tolerance than the highly Cu-tolerant Empa isolate Rhodonia placenta (Empa 45) or Antrodia serialis.

Changes in the fracture behaviour of Norway spruce tonewood after fungal treatment were studied. Specimens were incubated for 6, 9 and 12 months with Physisporinus (P.) vitreus. Fracture tests were performed in a compact-tension fracture experiment set-up, and the results were compared with the morphological analysis of the degraded wood structure and transverse sections of the crack tip viewed under light and fluorescence microscopy. It was evident that both the failure load and critical stress intensity factors were reduced in wood after prolonged incubation periods. Weight losses were significantly higher in sapwood than in heartwood. With prolonged incubation periods, the frequency of unstable fracture and brittle behaviour of the wood increased. In untreated wood, cracks were initiated in the earlywood. The process involved both delamination of the cells within the middle lamellae and rupture of the cell walls, inducing a zigzag crack tip pattern. In fungally treated wood, cracks often commenced from the intersection between late- and earlywood, resulting in a straight tangential crack line. Micrographic images showed that P. vitreus was more active in the secondary walls of latewood tracheids. In this region of the wood, the cell walls were strongly degraded after 9–12 months of incubation, resulting in a reduction in tensile strength, even though the wood did not show strong features of decay at the macroscopic level.

In recent years, heavy metal pollution in water resources has become a severe environmental and public health problem worldwide. Thereby, enhanced treatments are urgently needed with respect to eco-friendliness, filtration efficiencies and low operational costs. This study demonstrates how fungal melanin extracted from Armillaria cepistipes (Empa 655) can be applied as a promising biosorbent for removal of toxic heavy metals from water. For this aim, an electrospinning technique was developed to incorporate fungal melanin particles, a novel source of adsorptive species, into polymeric nanofibrous membranes to obtain stable and highly porous filtration systems. Starting spinning dispersions were investigated with respect to their rheological behaviour and electrical conductivity and related to morphological and surface properties of the resulting composite fibres and membranes. Metal adsorption assays were then performed on both raw melanin and melanised membranes. At the physiotoxic concentrations of Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cr3+, fungal melanin was able to remove >90% of heavy metals in single-component solutions. In multi-component solutions incorporating Ca2+ and Zn2+, fungal melanin showed a different affinity to different metals in the following order: Pb2+ > Cr3+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Ca2+ with an extreme preference for Pb2+ (80% removal) over the essential metals (0% and 12% removal for Ca2+ and Zn2+, respectively). The metal adsorption profiles also showed that melanised membranes were able to maintain the adsorption capacity of the raw melanin. Thus, these novel membranes can be efficiently used as filtration membranes for removal of heavy metals from water.

Bioincising is a promising method for enhancing liquid uptake (e.g. preservatives or wood-modification agents) in refractory wood. Incubation with the white-rot fungus, Physisporinus vitreus, which selectively degrades pit membranes, results in deeper and more homogeneous penetration of liquids. Conventional methods of assessing the degree of fungal discolouration of wood after treatment with preservatives (e.g. European standard EN 152) are partly based on a subjective rating scale, which gives a rough value of the surface colonisation by blue-stain fungi. Hence, an automated image processing (AIP) procedure was developed for standardised quantification of the segmentation thresholds of discolouration and tested against manual segmentation analysis. Using the red filter in the AIP method revealed high correlation (R 2 0.95) and allowed for more user friendly and objective determination of blue staining of wood.

Summary Tree pruning creates wounds that are amenable for wood decay fungi colonization. To characterize the dynamic host–fungus interactions at this location in Senegal mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity tests were conducted with wood decay fungi associated with this tropical tree species. Fomitiporella caryophylii, Hymenochaete murina and Phellinus noxius isolates were included in this experiment following their frequent isolation from Senegal mahogany pruning wounds. The evaluated isolates demonstrated unique host interactions in laboratory tests that suggest equally divergent prognoses for living Senegal mahoganies affected by these fungi. Although all evaluated fungal isolates successfully breached naturally induced reaction zones, P. noxius alone caused significant mass loss to incubated wood blocks. In addition, P. noxius caused extensive wood decay after inoculation in living hosts, successfully illustrating Koch's postulates for this host–fungus relationship. The wood decay ability, invasiveness and facultative parasitism demonstrated by P. noxius suggest its dominant role in wood decay columns below pruning wounds on living Senegal mahoganies. These results highlight the importance of characterizing specific host–fungus interactions and their implications for wood decay severity below pruning wounds in living trees.

Copper (Cu) is an essential biocide for wood protection, but fails to protect wood against Cu-tolerant wood-destroying fungi. Recently Cu particles (size range: 1 nm-25 μm) were introduced to the wood preservation market. The new generation of preservatives with Cu-based nanoparticles (Cu-based NPs) is reputedly more efficient against wood-destroying fungi than conventional formulations. Therefore, it has the potential to become one of the largest end uses for wood products worldwide. However, during decomposition of treated wood Cu-based NPs and/or their derivate may accumulate in the mycelium of Cu-tolerant fungi and end up in their spores that are dispersed into the environment. Inhaled Cu-loaded spores can cause harm and could become a potential risk for human health. We collected evidence and discuss the implications of the release of Cu-based NPs by wood-destroying fungi and highlight the exposure pathways and subsequent magnitude of health impact.

Colonisation and wood degradation by three brown-rot fungi, Coniophora puteana, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Poria placenta, were studied in wood of Norway spruce (Picea abies) subjected to three different treatments: hygro-thermal (TH) (160 and 180°C), mechanical densification and thermo-hygro-mechanical (THM) treatment including densification and post-treatment under saturated steam conditions at different temperatures (140, 160 and 180°C). The weight loss induced by all three fungi was lowest in THM-densified wood post-treated at 180°C. Highest weight losses were recorded for controls and TH-treated wood. Fungal colonisation varied in its intensity, depending on the treatment applied to the wood. Hyphal growth in controls and TH-treated wood was abundant, whereas in densified and THM-densified wood it was sparse and confined predominantly to the cell lumina of earlywood tracheids. Also, penetration of large-diameter hyphae and associated degradation in THM-densified wood was impeded by occlusion of the lumina, associated with irreversible compression (loss in shape memory). In contrast to C. puteana and P. placenta, which showed typical brown-rot behaviour, G. trabeum frequently showed hyphal tunnelling within the secondary walls of tracheids and xylem ray parenchyma of controls and thermally treated wood. Such growth was never observed in THM-densified wood post-treated at 180°C.

Holzforschung, 62 (3), ISSN:0018-3830, ISSN:1437-434X

A series of laboratory tests was conducted to screen and identifyTnchodermaspp. for the biological control ofP. noxiuson pruning wounds. In total, 7Trichodermaisolates were evaluated for their biological fitness and antagonism towards 2 differentP. noxiusisolates associated with Senegal mahogany and rain tree in Singapore. The competitive ability of variousTrichodermaisolates was assessed by their germination rates, growth rates, and chlamydospore production; and the antagonism ofP. noxiusbyTrichodermawas assessed by the interaction of these fungi in dual culture and on wood blocks. In this study, theTrichodermaisolates showed greater competitiveness and antagonism towardsP. noxiuscompared to similar reports in the literature. A majority of theTrichodermaisolates germinated and grew at consistently high rates, but there was considerable variability in the production of chlamydospores among isolates. AllTrichodermaisolates routinely antagonizedP. noxiusin the different bioassays, but there was significant variability in the antagonistic capacity of various isolates and in the susceptibility of theP. noxiusisolates to confrontation withTrichoderma.Relative to the controls,P. noxiuscultures grew significantly slower in the presence of volatile organic compounds emitted by mostTrichodermaisolates, and a large majority ofTrichodermaisolates caused a significant reduction to the dry weight loss of wood blocks inoculated withP. noxius.Although no singleTrichodermaisolate consistently antagonizedP. noxiusbetter than all others in every test,T. harzianum9132 andT. virensW23 notably did so more regularly than others.

The obvious purpose of varnishing a stringed instrument is the protection against wear and relative humidity changes as well as enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Besides, it is known that varnishing changes the acoustic properties of the wood [1]. Unlike studies on the chemical compositions of old varnishes, in searching for the “secret” of well-known historical instruments [2], the vibro-mechanical properties of varnished wood have been less studied. Nevertheless, the vibrational and mechanical properties of wood are influenced after varnishing [3]. Vibrational experiments show that varnishing changes the specific stiffness and internal damping of wood. Therefore, varnishing also influences acoustic properties that are commonly used to evaluate the sound quality of an instrument such as speed of sound, characteristic impedance, sound radiation coefficient and emission ratio.

Light microscopy and electron microscopy are the most common methods for analyzing wood-decay fungi. However, the 3D visualization and quantification of the filamentous structure of fungi in wood is difficult to realize by means of these traditional techniques. In the present work, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was further developed for the quantitative imaging of the 3D microscopic hyphal growth of Physisporinus vitreus , a versatile fungus for engineering value-added wood prod-ucts. To this purpose, the fungus was stained with a fluo-rescent dye Alexa Fluor. The 3D information obtained by CLSM has a high potential as a basis for the development of mathematical models for a more precise observation of the growth behavior of wood-decay fungi. Keywords: confocal laser scanning microscopy, filamen-tous mycelium, fluorescence dye, hyphal growth indices, Physisporinus vitreus *Corresponding author: Dr. Mark Schubert, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Applied Wood Materials, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland, e-mail: mark.schubert@empa.ch

Incubation of Norway spruce with Physisporinus vitreus and sycamore with Xylaria longipes results in reduction in density of these wood species that are traditionally used for the top and bottom plate of a violin, which follows by enhanced acoustic properties. We used Synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography, to study the three-dimensional structure of wood at the micro-scale level and the alterations of the density distribution after incubation with two white-rot fungi. Micro-tomography data from wood treated at different incubation periods are analyzed and compared with untreated (control) specimens to determine the wood density map and changes at the cell-wall level. Differences between the density of early- and latewood, xylem ray and around bordered pits in both Norway spruce and sycamore are studied. Three-dimensional hyphal networks of the P.vitreus and Xylaria longipes hyphae are visualized inside the cell lumina and their significance on the density of the early- and latewood cells after different incubation periods are discussed. The study illustrates the utility of X-ray micro-tomography for both qualitative and quantitative studies of a wide variety of biological systems and due to its high sensitivity, small structural changes can be quantified.

a b s t r a c t An artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) were applied to improve the laccase- mediated oxidation of iodide (I−) to elemental iodine (I2). Biosynthesis of iodine (I2) was studied with a 5-level-4-factor central composite design (CCD). The generated ANN network was mathematically eval- uated by several statistical indices and revealed better results than a classical quadratic response surface (RS) model. Determination of the relative significance of model input parameters, ranking the process parameters in order of importance (pH > laccase > mediator > iodide), was performed by sensitivity anal- ysis. ANN-GA methodology was used to optimize the input space of the neural network model to find optimal settings for the laccase-mediated synthesis of iodine. ANN-GA optimized parameters resulted in a 9.9% increase in the conversion rate.

Autophagy resembles a recycling process in which proteins, organelles, or regions of the cytoplasm are enveloped and degraded. We have found that two of the central autophagy proteins, MAP1LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, also described as LC3) and UVRAG (UV radiation resistance associated/UV radiation associated gene), complex with PGRMC1/S2R (progesterone receptor membrane component 1, also known as sigma-2 receptor). PGRMC1 is a cytochrome that is induced in cancer and is essential for tumor formation, invasion, and metastasis. Autophagy contributes to the turnover of long-lived and/or ubiquitinated proteins and the clearance of damaged organelles, and we have shown that PGRMC1 promotes both processes. Inhibition of PGRMC1 by RNAi or small molecule inhibitors causes autophagy substrates to increase and aberrant mitochondria to accumulate. We propose that this disruption of autophagy upon PGRMC1 inhibition increases AMPK activation, elevating the levels of TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis complex) and TSC2 and inactivating MTOR and RPS6KB/p70S6K, causing cleaved MAP1LC3B levels to increase. Thus, PGRMC1 binds to key components of the autophagy machinery and is required for the degradative activity of autophagy.