bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of 3-Chlorobenzoate 1,2-Dioxygenase Inhibition by 2- and 4-Chlorobenzoate with a Cell-Based Technique
Authors: Emelyanova Elena V. , Solyanikova Inna P.
Published: September 2019

The electrochemical reactor microbial sensor with the Clark oxygen electrode as the transducer was used for investigation of the competition between 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CBA) and its analogues, 2- and 4-chlorobenzoate (2-CBA and 4-CBA), for 3-chlorobenzoate-1,2-dioxygenase (3-CBDO) of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP cells. The change in respiration of freshly harvested R. opacus 1CP cells in response to 3-CBA served as an indicator of 3-CBDO activity. The results obtained confirmed inducibility of 3-CBDO. Sigmoidal dependency of the rate of the enzymatic reaction on the concentration of 3-CBA was obtained and positive kinetic cooperativity by a substrate was shown for 3-CBDO. The Hill concentration constant, S0.5, and the constant of catalytic activity, Vmax, were determined. Inhibition of the rate of enzymatic reaction by excess substrate, 3-CBA, was observed. Associative (competitive inhibition according to classic classification) and transient types of the 3-CBA-1,2-DO inhibition by 2-CBA and 4-CBA, respectively, were found. The kinetic parameters such as S0.5i and Vmaxi were also estimated for 2-CBA and 4-CBA. The disappearance of the S-shape of the curve of the V versus S dependence for 3-CBDO in the presence of 4-CBA was assumed to imply that 4-chlorobenzoate had no capability to be catalytically transformed by 3-chlorobenzoate-1,2-dioxygenase of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP cells.
Effects of Differential Strategies of Emotion Regulation
Authors: Boehme Stephanie , Biehl Stefanie C. , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: September 2019

Patients suffering from mental disorders, especially anxiety disorders, are often impaired by inadequate emotional reactions. Specific aspects are the insufficient perception of their own emotional states and the use of dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies. Both aspects are interdependent. Thus, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) comprises the development and training of adequate emotion regulation strategies. Traditionally, reappraisal is the most common strategy, but strategies of acceptance are becoming more important in the course of advancing CBT. Indeed, there is evidence that emotion regulation strategies differ in self-reported effectiveness, psychophysiological reactions, and underlying neural correlates. However, comprehensive comparisons of different emotion regulation strategies are sparse. The present study, therefore, compared the effect of three common emotion regulation strategies (reappraisal, acceptance, and suppression) on self-reported effectiveness, recollection, and psychophysiological as well as electroencephalographic dimensions. Twenty-nine healthy participants were instructed to either reappraise, accept, suppress, or passively observe their upcoming emotional reactions while anxiety- and sadness-inducing pictures were presented. Results showed a compelling effect of reappraisal on emotional experience, skin conductance response, and P300 amplitude. Acceptance was almost as effective as reappraisal, but led to increased emotional experience. Combining all results, suppression was shown to be the least effective but significantly decreased emotional experience when thoughts and feelings had to be suppressed. Moreover, results show that greater propensity for rumination differentially impairs strategies of emotion regulation.
RNA-Based Detection of Gene Fusions in Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Solid Cancer Samples
Authors: Kirchner Martina , Neumann Olaf , Volckmar Anna-Lena , Stögbauer Fabian , Allgäuer Michael , Kazdal Daniel , Budczies Jan , Rempel Eugen , Brandt Regine , Talla Suranand Babu , von Winterfeld Moritz , Leichsenring Jonas , Bochtler Tilmann , Krämer Alwin , Springfeld Christoph , Schirmacher Peter , Penzel Roland , Endris Volker , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: September 2019

Oncogenic gene fusions are important drivers in many cancer types, including carcinomas, with diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Hence, sensitive and rapid methods for parallel profiling in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens are needed. In this study we analyzed gene fusions in a cohort of 517 cases where standard treatment options were exhausted. To this end the Archer® DX Solid tumor panel (AMP; 285 cases) and the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay v3 (OCA; 232 cases) were employed. Findings were validated by Sanger sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or immunohistochemistry. Both assays demonstrated minimal dropout rates (AMP: 2.4%; n = 7/292, OCA: 2.1%; n = 5/237) with turnaround times of 6–9 working days (median, OCA and AMP, respectively). Hands-on-time for library preparation was 6 h (AMP) and 2 h (OCA). We detected n = 40 fusion-positive cases (7.7%) with TMPRSS2::ERG in prostate cancer being most prevalent (n = 9/40; 22.5%), followed by other gene fusions identified in cancers of unknown primary (n = 6/40; 15.0%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 7/40; 17.5%), and pancreatic cancer (n = 7/40; 17.5%). Our results demonstrate that targeted RNA-sequencing of FFPE samples is feasible, and a well-suited approach for the detection of gene fusions in a routine clinical setting.
Repurposing Penfluridol in Combination with Temozolomide for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Kim Hyungsin , Chong Kyuha , Ryu Byung-Kyu , Park Kyung-Jae , Yu Mi OK , Lee Jihye , Chung Seok , Choi Seongkyun , Park Myung-Jin , Chung Yong-Gu , Kang Shin-Hyuk
Published: September 2019

Despite the presence of aggressive treatment strategies, glioblastoma remains intractable, warranting a novel therapeutic modality. An oral antipsychotic agent, penflurido (PFD), used for schizophrenia treatment, has shown an antitumor effect on various types of cancer cells. As glioma sphere-forming cells (GSCs) are known to mediate drug resistance in glioblastoma, and considering that antipsychotics can easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier, we investigated the antitumor effect of PFD on patient-derived GSCs. Using five GSCs, we found that PFD exerts an antiproliferative effect in a time- and dose-dependent manner. At IC50, spheroid size and second-generation spheroid formation were significantly suppressed. Stemness factors, SOX2 and OCT4, were decreased. PFD treatment reduced cancer cell migration and invasion by reducing the Integrin α6 and uPAR levels and suppression of the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors, vimentin and Zeb1. GLI1 was found to be involved in PFD-induced EMT inhibition. Furthermore, combinatorial treatment of PFD with temozolomide (TMZ) significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival in vivo. Immunostaining revealed decreased expression of GLI1, SOX2, and vimentin in the PFD treatment group but not in the TMZ-only treatment group. Therefore, PFD can be effectively repurposed for the treatment of glioblastoma by combining it with TMZ.
The Impact of Flt3 Gene Mutations in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Picharski Gledson L. , Andrade Diancarlos P. , Fabro Ana Luiza M. R. , Lenzi Luana , Tonin Fernanda S. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Figueiredo Bonald C.
Published: September 2019

The association of FLT3 mutations with white blood cell (WBC) counts at diagnosis and early death was studied in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Publications indexed in databases of biomedical literature were analyzed. Potential publication bias was evaluated by analyzing the standard error in funnel plots using the estimated relative risk (RR). Mixed-effect models were used to obtain the consolidated RR. All analyses were conducted using the R statistical software package. We used 24 publications in the final meta-analysis. Of 1005 males and 1376 females included in these 24 publications, 645 had FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication) mutations. Information on FLT3-D835 mutations was available in 10 publications for 175 patients. Concurrent occurrence of the two mutations was rare. WBC count at diagnosis was ≥10 × 109/L in 351 patients. For patients with the FLT3-ITD mutation, RR was 0.59 for overall survival (OS) and 1.62 for death during induction. For those with FLT3-D835 mutations, the RR was 0.50 for OS and 1.77 for death during induction. RR for WBC count ≥10 × 109/L was 3.29 and 1.48 for patients with FLT3-ITD and FLT3-D835, respectively. APL patients with FLT3-ITD or FLT3-D835 are more likely to present with elevated WBC counts and poorer prognosis than those without these mutations.
Neuromedin U: A Small Peptide in the Big World of Cancer
Authors: Przygodzka Patrycja , Soboska Kamila , Sochacka Ewelina , Boncela Joanna
Published: September 2019

Neuromedin U (NMU), a neuropeptide isolated from porcine spinal cord and named because of its activity as a rat uterus smooth muscle contraction inducer, is emerging as a new player in the tumorigenesis and/or metastasis of many types of cancers. Expressed in a variety of tissues, NMU has been shown to possess many important activities in the central nervous system as well as on the periphery. Along with the main structural and functional features of NMU and its currently known receptors, we summarized a growing number of recently published data from different tissues and cells that associate NMU activity with cancer development and progression. We ask if, based on current reports, NMU can be included as a marker of these processes and/or considered as a therapeutic target.
Oxidative Degradation of Trichloroethylene over Fe2O3-doped Mayenite: Chlorine Poisoning Mitigation and Improved Catalytic Performance
Authors: Cucciniello Raffaele , Intiso Adriano , Siciliano Tiziana , Palomares Antonio Eduardo , Martínez-Triguero Joaquín , Cerrillo Jose Luis , Proto Antonio , Rossi Federico
Published: September 2019

Mayenite was recently successfully employed as an active catalyst for trichloroethylene (TCE) oxidation. It was effective in promoting the conversion of TCE in less harmful products (CO2 and HCl) with high activity and selectivity. However, there is a potential limitation to the use of mayenite in the industrial degradation of chlorinated compounds—its limited operating lifespan owing to chlorine poisoning of the catalyst. To overcome this problem, in this work, mayenite-based catalysts loaded with iron (Fe/mayenite) were prepared and tested for TCE oxidation in a gaseous phase. The catalysts were characterized using different physico-chemical techniques, including XRD, ICP, N2-sorption (BET), H2-TPR analysis, SEM-EDX, XPS FESEM-EDS, and Raman. Fe/mayenite was found to be more active and stable than the pure material for TCE oxidation, maintaining the same selectivity. This result was interpreted as the synergistic effect of the metal and the oxo-anionic species present in the mayenite framework, thus promoting TCE oxidation, while avoiding catalyst deactivation.
Rapid Microwave-Assisted Polyol Synthesis of TiO2-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts for Levulinic Acid Hydrogenation
Authors: Howe Alexander G. R. , Maunder Rhodri , Morgan David J. , Edwards Jennifer K.
Published: September 2019

One wt% Ru/TiO2 catalysts prepared by a one-pot microwave-assisted polyol method have been shown to be highly active for Levulinic acid hydrogenation to γ-Valerolactone. Preparation temperature, microwave irradiation time and choice of Ru precursor were found to have a significant effect on catalyst activity. In the case of Ru(acac)3-derived catalysts, increasing temperature and longer irradiation times increased catalyst activity to a maximum LA conversion of 69%. Conversely, for catalysts prepared using RuCl3, shorter preparation times and lower temperatures yielded more active catalysts, with a maximum LA conversion of 67%. Catalysts prepared using either precursor were found to contain highly dispersed nanoparticles <3 nm in diameter. XPS analysis of the most and least active catalysts shows that the catalyst surface is covered in a layer of insoluble carbon with surface concentrations exceeding 40% in some cases. This can be attributed to the formation of large condensation oligomers from the reaction between the solvent, ethylene glycol and its oxidation products, as evidenced by the presence of C-O and C = O functionality on the catalyst surface.
New Insights into the Electrocatalytic Mechanism of Methanol Oxidation on Amorphous Ni-B-Co Nanoparticles in Alkaline Media
Authors: Wu Fanhua , Zhang Zhonglin , Zhang Fusheng , Duan Donghong , Li Yu , Wei Guoqiang , Liu Shibin , Yuan Qinbo , Wang Enzhi , Hao Xiaogang
Published: September 2019

Despite an increased interest in sustainable energy conversion systems, there have been limited studies investigating the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism of methanol oxidation on Ni-based amorphous materials in alkaline media. A thorough understanding of such mechanisms would aid in the development of amorphous catalytic materials for methanol oxidation reactions. In the present work, amorphous Ni-B and Ni-B-Co nanoparticles were prepared by a simple chemical reduction, and their electrocatalytic properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry measurements. The diffusion coefficients (D0) for Ni-B, Ni-B-Co0.02, Ni-B-Co0.05, and Ni-B-Co0.1 nanoparticles were calculated to be 1.28 × 10−9, 2.35 × 10−9, 4.48 × 10−9 and 2.67 × 10−9 cm2 s−1, respectively. The reaction order of methanol in the studied transformation was approximately 0.5 for all studied catalysts, whereas the reaction order of the hydroxide ion was nearly 1. The activation energy (Ea) values of the reaction were also calculated for the Ni-B and Ni-B-Co nanoparticle systems. Based on our kinetic studies, a mechanism for the methanol oxidation reaction was proposed which involved formation of an electrocatalytic layer on the surface of amorphous Ni–B and Ni-B-Co nanoparticles. And methanol and hydroxide ions could diffuse freely through this three-dimensional porous conductive layer.
Recent Advances on the Structure and Function of RNA Acetyltransferase Kre33/NAT10
Authors: Sleiman Sophie , Dragon Francois
Published: September 2019

Ribosome biogenesis is one of the most energy demanding processes in the cell. In eukaryotes, the main steps of this process occur in the nucleolus and include pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing, post-transcriptional modifications, and assembly of many non-ribosomal factors and ribosomal proteins in order to form mature and functional ribosomes. In yeast and humans, the nucleolar RNA acetyltransferase Kre33/NAT10 participates in different maturation events, such as acetylation and processing of 18S rRNA, and assembly of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Here, we review the structural and functional features of Kre33/NAT10 RNA acetyltransferase, and we underscore the importance of this enzyme in ribosome biogenesis, as well as in acetylation of non-ribosomal targets. We also report on the role of human NAT10 in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome.
Nucleoporin 62-Like Protein is Required for the Development of Pharyngeal Arches through Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Apoptotic Homeostasis in Zebrafish
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Li Xixi , Gu Qilin , Li Qing , Cui Zongbin
Published: September 2019

We have previously observed the predominant expression of nucleoporin 62-like (Nup62l) mRNA in the pharyngeal region of zebrafish, which raises the question whether Nup62l has important implications in governing the morphogenesis of pharyngeal arches (PA) in zebrafish. Herein, we explored the functions of Nup62l in PA development. The disruption of Nup62l with a CRISPR/Cas9-dependent gene knockout approach led to defective PA, which was characterized by a thinned and shortened pharyngeal region and a significant loss of pharyngeal cartilages. During pharyngeal cartilage formation, prechondrogenic condensation and chondrogenic differentiation were disrupted in homozygous nup62l-mutants, while the specification and migration of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) were unaffected. Mechanistically, the impaired PA region of nup62l-mutants underwent extensive apoptosis, which was mainly dependent on activation of p53-dependent apoptotic pathway. Moreover, aberrant activation of a series of apoptotic pathways in nup62l-mutants is closely associated with the inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Thus, these findings suggest that the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin activity by Nup62l is crucial for PA formation in zebrafish.
Sensing Characteristics of Side-Polished Fiber Based on the Alterations in Helical Structure of Thermo-Sensitive Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Han Yuqi , Jiang Yan , Guo Wei
Published: September 2019

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are sensitive to environmental temperature changes, and have been employed as a specific intermediary for biosensors. Considering the temperature-dependent structural changes of CLCs, this study aimed to determine the sensing properties of side-polished fibers (SPFs) after coating with CLCs. The experimental results demonstrated that, with regard to the transmitted spectrum, the loss peak of CLC-coated SPFs exhibited a positive linear relationship with temperature changes over a range of 20 to 50 °C. The linear correlation coefficient achieved 97.8% when the temperature increased by 10 °C, and the loss peak drifted by 12.72 nm. The reflectance spectrum of CLCs coated on the polished surface were obtained using optical fiber sensors. The feasibility of measuring the helical structure of CLCs was further verified using SPF transmission spectroscopy. The findings indicated that the transmitted spectrum of SPFs could be adopted to characterize the helical structure of CLCs, which lays a solid foundation for further study on SPF-based biosensors.
Does Classifier Fusion Improve the Overall Performance? Numerical Analysis of Data and Fusion Method Characteristics Influencing Classifier Fusion Performance
Authors: Rothe Sandra , Kudszus Bastian , Söffker Dirk
Published: September 2019

The reliability of complex or safety critical systems is of increasing importance in several application fields. In many cases, decisions evaluating situations or conditions are made. To ensure the high accuracy of these decisions, the assignments from different classifiers can be fused to one final decision to improve the decision performance in terms of given measures like accuracy or false alarm rate. Recent research results show that fusion methods not always outperform individual classifiers trained and optimized for a specific situation. Nevertheless fusion helps to ensure reliability and redundancy by combining the advantages of individual classifiers, even if some classifiers are not performing well for specific situations. Especially in unexpected (untrained) situations, fusion of more than one classifier allows to get a suitable decision, because of different behavior of classifiers in this case. Nevertheless, there are several examples, where fusion not always improves the overall accuracy of a decision. In this contribution fusion options are discussed to overcome the problem to overcome the aforementioned problem and to define influencing factors on overall fusion accuracy. As a results requirements for good or guaranteed or possibly increased fusion performance and also suggestions denoting those options not leading to any kind of improvement are given. For illustrating the effects a practical example based on three characteristics of fusion methods (type of classifier output, use of these outputs and necessity of training) and four data properties (number of classes, number of samples, entropy of classes and entropy of attributes) are considered and analyzed with 15 different benchmark data sets, which are classified with eight classification methods. The classification results are fused using seven fusion methods. From the discussion of the results it can be concluded, which fusion method performs best/worst for all data sets as well as which fusion method characteristic or data property has more or less positive/negative influence on the fusion performance in comparison to the best base classifier.Using this information, suitable fusion methods can be selected or data sets can be adapted to improve the reliability of decisions made in complex or safety critical systems.
On Optimal Battery Sizing for Households Participating in Demand-Side Management Schemes
Authors: Pilz Matthias , Ellabban Omar , Al-Fagih Luluwah
Published: September 2019

The smart grid with its two-way communication and bi-directional power layers is a cornerstone in the combat against global warming. It allows for the large-scale adoption of distributed (individually-owned) renewable energy resources such as solar photovoltaic systems. Their intermittency poses a threat to the stability of the grid, which can be addressed by the introduction of energy storage systems. Determining the optimal capacity of a battery has been an active area of research in recent years. In this research, an in-depth analysis of the relation between optimal capacity and demand and generation patterns is performed for households taking part in a community-wide demand-side management scheme. The scheme is based on a non-cooperative dynamic game approach in which participants compete for the lowest electricity bill by scheduling their energy storage systems. The results are evaluated based on self-consumption, the peak-to-average ratio of the aggregated load and potential cost reductions. Furthermore, the difference between individually-owned batteries and a centralised community energy storage system serving the whole community is investigated.
Brittleness Evaluation of Glutenite Based On Energy Balance and Damage Evolution
Authors: Li Lianchong , Zhai Mingyang , Zhang Liaoyuan , Zhang Zilin , Huang Bo , Li Aishan , Zuo Jiaqiang , Zhang Quansheng
Published: September 2019

Tight glutenite reservoirs are typically characterized by highly variable lithology and permeability, low and complex porosity, and strong heterogeneity. Glutenite brittleness is an essential indicator for screening fracture targets, selecting technological parameters, and predicting the hydraulic fracturing effect of tight glutenite reservoir exploitation. Glutenite formations with high brittleness are more likely to be effectively fractured and form complex fractures. Accurate evaluation of glutenite brittleness facilitates the recovery of oil and gas in a tight glutenite reservoir. Accordingly, two brittleness indexes are proposed in this paper based on energy balance and damage evolution analysis of complete stress–strain curves to evaluate the brittleness of glutenite. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests of glutenite specimens were carried out and the brittleness indexes were verified by comparison with other existing indexes. The relationships between the mechanical properties and brittleness of glutenite under confining pressure were analyzed based on experimental results and the effects of mechanical and structural parameters on glutenite brittleness are investigated with a numerical approach. The brittleness of glutenite increases with the increase of gravel size and/or volume content. During hydraulic fracturing design, attention should be paid to the brittleness of the matrix and the size and content of gravel. This paper provides a new perspective for glutenite brittleness evaluation from the perspectives of energy dissipation and damage evolution. Our results provide guidance for fracturing layer selection and may also facilitate field operations of tight glutenite fracturing.
Comparative Analysis of Identification Methods for Mechanical Dynamics of Large-Scale Wind Turbine
Authors: Chu Jingchun , Yuan Ling , Hu Yang , Pan Chenyang , Pan Lei
Published: September 2019

With increasing size and flexibility of modern grid-connected wind turbines, advanced control algorithms are urgently needed, especially for multi-degree-of-freedom control of blade pitches and sizable rotor. However, complex dynamics of wind turbines are difficult to be modeled in a simplified state-space form for advanced control design considering stability. In this paper, grey-box parameter identification of critical mechanical models is systematically studied without excitation experiment, and applicabilities of different methods are compared from views of control design. Firstly, through mechanism analysis, the Hammerstein structure is adopted for mechanical-side modeling of wind turbines. Under closed-loop control across the whole wind speed range, structural identifiability of the drive-train model is analyzed in qualitation. Then, mutual information calculation among identified variables is used to quantitatively reveal the relationship between identification accuracy and variables’ relevance. Then, the methods such as subspace identification, recursive least square identification and optimal identification are compared for a two-mass model and tower model. At last, through the high-fidelity simulation demo of a 2 MW wind turbine in the GH Bladed software, multivariable datasets are produced for studying. The results show that the Hammerstein structure is effective for simplify the modeling process where closed-loop identification of a two-mass model without excitation experiment is feasible. Meanwhile, it is found that variables’ relevance has obvious influence on identification accuracy where mutual information is a good indicator. Higher mutual information often yields better accuracy. Additionally, three identification methods have diverse performance levels, showing their application potentials for different control design algorithms. In contrast, grey-box optimal parameter identification is the most promising for advanced control design considering stability, although its simplified representation of complex mechanical dynamics needs additional dynamic compensation which will be studied in future.
Modeling and Control Design of the Symmetrical Interleaved Coupled-Inductor-Based Boost DC-DC Converter with Clamp Circuits
Authors: Santos de Carvalho Márcio Rodrigo , Bradaschia Fabrício , Rodrigues Limongi Leonardo , de Souza Azevedo Gustavo Medeiros
Published: September 2019

The symmetrical input-interleaved high-gain DC-DC converters are suitable candidates to be used as the first stage in PV microinverters and as parallel-connected power optimizers. In both applications, they are responsible for boosting the PV module DC voltage to a higher value and executing the maximum power point tracking control. However, such converters have many state variables, some of them discontinuous, and many operation stages, which make the development of the small-signal model a challenging task. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to propose a reduced-order improved average method (ROIAM) to model the family member of converters that present characteristics such as symmetry, interleaved operation, and discontinuous state-space variables. ROIAM is applied to model for the first time in the literature the symmetrically-interleaved coupled inductor-based boost (SICIBB), leading to a fourth-order mathematical model (reduced-order model). The complete eighth-order mathematical model is developed as well to prove that the reduced-order model represents correctly the dynamic behavior of the SICIBB converter by employing only four state variables, reducing considerably the effort of the modeling. Based on the reduced-order proposed model, a closed-loop control is designed and tested in a 300-W prototype of the SICIBB converter.
Tall Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum): Flood Resilience, Growth Response to Sea Water Immersion, and Its Capacity for Erosion and Flooding Control of Coastal Areas
Authors: Vergiev Stoyan
Published: September 2019

Integrated coastal zone management proposes nature-based mitigation strategies based on the replacement of artificial coastal stabilization and protection structures with dunes stabilized with plant species. These psammophytes stabilize sands and act as supporters, increasing dunes’ ability to reduce storm damages and effectively minimize erosion with minimal negative impacts to natural ecosystems. That is why searching for native salt-tolerant plants with extensive root systems and studying their capacity for erosion and flooding control is fundamental to the practice of ecologically-sound ecosystem services. The aim of the present study is to define the effects of flooding stress on a number of wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) plant life aspects (survival ability, viability, and growth response) in order to determine wheatgrass’s capacity as dune stabilizer. Conducted experiments established that T. ponticum was very tolerant to immersion impact and salt and oxygen deficiency stress, and its rhizomes were able to regenerate after 30 days in seawater. The temporal expression of its survival is presented as critical decomposition time (CDT) by linking the maximum duration of floods along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and the resilience of tall wheatgrass in flooding simulations. A statistical analysis of the experimental data demonstrated that immersion in sea water increases rhizome viability, biomass, and allocation to root biomass, whereas other factors, such as the duration of immersion, salinity, and temperatures of sea water have no significant effect. According to flood resilience and growth response to sea water submergence, T. ponticum demonstrated high potential to be a dune stabilizer.
Satellite Integration into 5G: Accent on First Over-The-Air Tests of an Edge Node Concept with Integrated Satellite Backhaul
Authors: Völk Florian , Liolis Konstantinos , Corici Marius , Cahill Joe , Schwarz Robert , Schlichter Thomas , Troudt Eric , Knopp Andreas
Published: September 2019

The 5G vision embraces a broad range of applications including the connectivity in underserved and remote areas. In particular, for these applications, satellites are going to play a role in future 5G networks to provide capacity on trains, vessels, aircraft, and for base stations around the globe. In this paper, a 5G edge node concept, developed and evaluated with over-the-air tests using satellites in the geostationary orbit, is presented. The article covers a testbed demonstration study in Europe with a large-scale testbed including satellites and the latest standardization for the network architecture. The main goal of this testbed is to evaluate how satellite networks can be best integrated within the convergent 5G environment. The over-the-air tests for 5G satellite integration in this article are based on a 3GPP Release 15 core network architecture.
Aeolian Ripple Migration and Associated Creep Transport Rates
Authors: Sherman Douglas J. , Zhang Pei , Martin Raleigh L. , Ellis Jean T. , Kok Jasper F. , Farrell Eugene J. , Li Bailiang
Published: September 2019

Wind-formed ripples are distinctive features of many sandy aeolian environments, and their development and migration are basic responses to sand transport via saltation. Using data from the literature and from original field experiments, we presented empirical models linking dimensionless migration rates, u r / g d ( u r is the ripple migration speed, g is the gravity acceleration, and d is the grain diameter) with dimensionless shear velocity, u*/u*t (u* is shear velocity and u*t is fluid threshold shear velocity). Data from previous studies provided 34 usable cases from four wind tunnel experiments and 93 cases from two field experiments. Original data comprising 68 cases were obtained from sites in Ceará, Brazil (26) and California, USA (42), using combinations of sonic anemometry, sand traps, photogrammetry, and laser distance sensors and particle counters. The results supported earlier findings of distinctively different relationships between u r / g d and u*/u*t for wind tunnel and field data. With our data, we could also estimate the contribution of creep transport associated with ripple migration to total transport rates. We calculated ripple-creep transport for 1 ≤ u*/u*t ≤ 2.5 and found that this accounted for about 3.6% (standard deviation = 2.3%) of total transport.
Subjective Emotional Well-Being, Emotional Intelligence, and Mood of Gifted vs. Unidentified Students: A Relationship Model
Authors: Casino-García Ana María , García-Pérez Josefa , Llinares-Insa Lucía Inmaculada
Published: September 2019

Subjective well-being (SWB) is a basic component of the health of children and adolescents. Studies of SWB in gifted students are scarce and show contradictory results. Some researchers consider these groups to be vulnerable, and according to some reports they are more often involved in situations of harassment as victims and/or harassers. Emotional intelligence (EI) is related to SWB and can be a protective factor in these situations. However, the underlying mechanism remains relatively unexplored, especially in the affective dimension of SWB. The present study develops and tests a model for the mediating role of mood in the relationship between EI and SWB. The participants were 273 Spanish students aged 8 to 18 years, distributed into two samples: sample 1, gifted students, and sample 2, unidentified students. The results showed that (1) gifted students exhibited lower scores in EI (specifically, in clarity) and SWB (specifically, in positive experiences) and higher scores on the sadness dimension of mood states and that (2) EI was positively related to SWB, and mood was a significant mediator in the relationship between EI and SWB. The mediating role of the positive mood is given in both groups; however, the negative mood only mediates this relationship in gifted students. The results are discussed, theoretical and practical contributions to the literature are proposed, and implications for parents and teachers are suggested.
Insight into the Phytoremediation Capability of Brassica juncea (v. Malopolska): Metal Accumulation and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
Authors: Małecka Arleta , Konkolewska Agnieszka , Hanć Anetta , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Ciszewska Liliana , Ratajczak Ewelina , Staszak Aleksandra Maria , Kmita Hanna , Jarmuszkiewicz Wiesława
Published: September 2019

Metal hyperaccumulating plants should have extremely efficient defense mechanisms, enabling growth and development in a polluted environment. Brassica species are known to display hyperaccumulation capability. Brassica juncea (Indiana mustard) v. Malopolska plants were exposed to trace elements, i.e., cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), at a concentration of 50 μM and were then harvested after 96 h for analysis. We observed a high index of tolerance (IT), higher than 90%, for all B. juncea plants treated with the four metals, and we showed that Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn accumulation was higher in the above-ground parts than in the roots. We estimated the metal effects on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of protein oxidation, as well as on the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The obtained results indicate that organo-specific ROS generation was higher in plants exposed to essential metal elements (i.e., Cu and Zn), compared with non-essential ones (i.e., Cd and Pb), in conjunction with SOD, CAT, and APX activity and expression at the level of encoding mRNAs and existing proteins. In addition to the potential usefulness of B. juncea in the phytoremediation process, the data provide important information concerning plant response to the presence of trace metals.
Dapagliflozin Prevents NOX- and SGLT2-Dependent Oxidative Stress in Lens Cells Exposed to Fructose-Induced Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chen Ying-Ying , Wu Tsung-Tien , Ho Chiu-Yi , Yeh Tung-Chen , Sun Gwo-Ching , Kung Ya-Hsin , Wong Tzyy-Yue , Tseng Ching-Jiunn , Cheng Pei-Wen
Published: September 2019

Purpose: Cataracts in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are a major cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. This study aims to examine whether the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the increased expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) influences the cataract development in DM. Methods: Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were isolated during cataract surgery from patients without DM or with DM, but without diabetic retinopathy. In a rat model, fructose (10% fructose, 8 or 12 weeks) with or without dapagliflozin (1.2 mg/day, 2 weeks) treatment did induce DM, as verified by blood pressure and serum parameter measurements. Immunofluorescence stainings and immunoblottings were used to quantify the protein levels. Endogenous O2˙¯ production in the LECs was determined in vivo with dihydroethidium stainings. Results: We investigated that GLUT levels in LECs differed significantly, thus leading to the direct enhancement of RAGE-associated superoxide generation in DM patients with cataracts. Superoxide production was significantly higher in LECs from rats with fructose-induced type 2 DM, whereas treatment with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin prevented this effect in fructose-fed rats. Protein expression levels of the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), GLUT1, GLUT5, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) oxidase subunit p67-phox, NOX2/4 and RAGE were upregulated in fructose-fed animals, whereas dapagliflozin treatment reversed these effects. Conclusions: In rats with fructose-induced DM, dapagliflozin downregulates RAGE-induced NADPH oxidase expression in LECs via the inactivation of GLUTs and a reduction in ROS generation. These novel findings suggest that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin may be a candidate for the pharmacological prevention of cataracts in patients with DM.
Combined Treatment with L-Carnitine and Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Hepatic Metabolism and Attenuates Obesity and Liver Steatosis
Authors: Salic Kanita , Gart Eveline , Seidel Florine , Verschuren Lars , Caspers Martien , van Duyvenvoorde Wim , Wong Kari E. , Keijer Jaap , Bobeldijk-Pastorova Ivana , Wielinga Peter Y. , Kleemann Robert
Published: September 2019

Obesity characterized by adiposity and ectopic fat accumulation is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Treatments that stimulate lipid utilization may prevent the development of obesity and comorbidities. This study evaluated the potential anti-obesogenic hepatoprotective effects of combined treatment with L-carnitine and nicotinamide riboside, i.e., components that can enhance fatty acid transfer across the inner mitochondrial membrane and increase nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD+) levels, which are necessary for β-oxidation and the TCA cycle, respectively. Ldlr −/−.Leiden mice were treated with high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with L-carnitine (LC; 0.4% w/w), nicotinamide riboside (NR; 0.3% w/w) or both (COMBI) for 21 weeks. L-carnitine plasma levels were reduced by HFD and normalized by LC. NR supplementation raised its plasma metabolite levels demonstrating effective delivery. Although food intake and ambulatory activity were comparable in all groups, COMBI treatment significantly attenuated HFD-induced body weight gain, fat mass gain (−17%) and hepatic steatosis (−22%). Also, NR and COMBI reduced hepatic 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Upstream-regulator gene analysis demonstrated that COMBI reversed detrimental effects of HFD on liver metabolism pathways and associated regulators, e.g., ACOX, SCAP, SREBF, PPARGC1B, and INSR. Combination treatment with LC and NR exerts protective effects on metabolic pathways and constitutes a new approach to attenuate HFD-induced obesity and NAFLD.
Elimination of Osteosarcoma by Necroptosis with Graphene Oxide-Associated Anti-HER2 Antibodies
Authors: Xiao Hongmei , Jensen Peter E. , Chen Xinjian
Published: September 2019

The prognosis for non-resectable or recurrent osteosarcoma (OS) remains poor. The finding that the majority of OS overexpress the protooncogene HER2 raises the possibility of using HER2 as a therapeutic target. However, clinical trials on the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab (TRA) in treating OS find no therapeutic benefit. HER2 overexpression in OS is not generally associated with gene amplification, with low-level expression regarded as HER2 “negative”, as per criteria used to classify breast cancer HER2 status. Nevertheless, active HER2-targeting approaches, such as virus-based HER2 vaccines or CAR-T cells have generated promising results. More recently, it has been found that the noncovalent association of TRA with nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO) generates stable TRA/GO complexes capable of rapidly killing OS cells. TRA/GO induces oxidative stress and strong HER2 signaling to elicit immediate degradation of both cIAP (cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein) and caspase 8, leading to activation of necroptosis. This is an attractive mechanism of cancer cell death as chemo/apoptosis-resistant tumors may remain susceptible to necroptosis. In addition, necroptosis is potentially immunogenic to promote tumor immunity, as opposed to apoptosis that tends to silence tumor immunity. Currently, no established anticancer therapeutics are known to eliminate cancers by necroptosis. The aim of this article is to review the rationale and mechanisms of TRA/GO-mediated cytotoxicity.
Exploring the Relationship between Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) and Mineral Nutrition with a Special Focus on Nitrogen
Authors: Pereira Paula Natália , Cushman John C.
Published: September 2019

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is characterized by nocturnal CO2 uptake and concentration, reduced photorespiration, and increased water-use efficiency (WUE) when compared to C3 and C4 plants. Plants can perform different types of CAM and the magnitude and duration of CAM expression can change based upon several abiotic conditions, including nutrient availability. Here, we summarize the abiotic factors that are associated with an increase in CAM expression with an emphasis on the relationship between CAM photosynthesis and nutrient availability, with particular focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Additionally, we examine nitrogen uptake and assimilation as this macronutrient has received the greatest amount of attention in studies using CAM species. We also discuss the preference of CAM species for different organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen, including nitrate, ammonium, glutamine, and urea. Lastly, we make recommendations for future research areas to better understand the relationship between macronutrients and CAM and how their interaction might improve nutrient and water-use efficiency in order to increase the growth and yield of CAM plants, especially CAM crops that may become increasingly important as global climate change continues.
Animal Models of Inflammation for Screening of Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Implications for the Discovery and Development of Phytopharmaceuticals
Authors: Patil Kalpesh R. , Mahajan Umesh B. , Unger Banappa S. , Goyal Sameer N. , Belemkar Sateesh , Surana Sanjay J. , Ojha Shreesh , Patil Chandragouda R.
Published: September 2019

Inflammation is one of the common events in the majority of acute as well as chronic debilitating diseases and represent a chief cause of morbidity in today’s era of modern lifestyle. If unchecked, inflammation leads to development of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis along with pulmonary, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation involves a complex network of many mediators, a variety of cells, and execution of multiple pathways. Current therapy for inflammatory diseases is limited to the steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The chronic use of these drugs is reported to cause severe adverse effects like gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal abnormalities. There is a massive need to explore new anti-inflammatory agents with selective action and lesser toxicity. Plants and isolated phytoconstituents are promising and interesting sources of new anti-inflammatories. However, drug development from natural sources has been linked with hurdles like the complex nature of extracts, difficulties in isolation of pure phytoconstituents, and the yield of isolated compounds in minute quantities that is insufficient for subsequent lead development. Although various in-vivo and in-vitro models for anti-inflammatory drug development are available, judicious selection of appropriate animal models is a vital step in the early phase of drug development. Systematic evaluation of phytoconstituents can facilitate the identification and development of potential anti-inflammatory leads from natural sources. The present review describes various techniques of anti-inflammatory drug screening with its advantages and limitations, elaboration on biological targets of phytoconstituents in inflammation and biomarkers for the prediction of adverse effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. The systematic approach proposed through present article for anti-inflammatory drug screening can rationalize the identification of novel phytoconstituents at the initial stage of drug screening programs.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Increases DUSP5 Expression via PERK-CHOP Pathway, Leading to Hepatocyte Death
Authors: Jo Hye Jin , Yang Jin Won , Park Ji Hye , Choi Eul Sig , Lim Chae-Seok , Lee Seoul , Han Chang Yeob
Published: September 2019

Hepatocyte death is critical for the pathogenesis of liver disease progression, which is closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses. However, the molecular basis for ER stress-mediated hepatocyte injury remains largely unknown. This study investigated the effect of ER stress on dual-specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) expression and its role in hepatocyte death. Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database showed that hepatic DUSP5 levels increased in the patients with liver fibrosis, which was verified in mouse models of liver diseases with ER stress. DUSP5 expression was elevated in both fibrotic and acutely injured liver of mice treated with liver toxicants. Treatment of ER stress inducers enhanced DUSP5 expression in hepatocytes, which was validated in vivo condition. The induction of DUSP5 by ER stress was blocked by either treatment with a chemical inhibitor of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway, or knockdown of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), whereas it was not affected by the silencing of IRE1 or ATF6. In addition, DUSP5 overexpression decreased extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, but increased cleaved caspase-3 levels. Moreover, the reduction of cell viability under ER stress condition was attenuated by DUSP5 knockdown. In conclusion, DUSP5 expression is elevated in hepatocytes by ER stress through the PERK-CHOP pathway, contributing to hepatocyte death possibly through ERK inhibition.