bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Einstein A Coefficients for OH Rotational Temperature Measurements Using a Large Astronomical Data Set
Authors: Hart Murdock
Published: September 2019

The Einstein A coefficients are considered to be a significant source of uncertainty in the measurement of OH rotational temperatures. Using simultaneous ground and spaced-based observations of OH emission, five sets of Einstein A coefficients were examined for their impact upon rotational temperature calculations. The ground-based observations are taken from the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) instrument which is a high resolution, r = λ / Δ λ ≥ 20 , 000 , spectrograph operating in the H-band from approximately 1.5 to 1.7 μ m. APOGEE collected over one-hundred-and-fifty-thousand spectra of the night sky over a period from June 2011 to June 2013. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite has made simultaneous atmospheric measurements with the APOGEE spectrograph. SABER observes the OH volume emission rate (VER) around 1.6 μ m, providing measurements coincident with those of the OH emission in the APOGEE sky spectra. Four of the five sets of Einstein A coefficients tested yielded statistically identical mean rotational temperatures of approximately 195 K for the OH ( 4 − 2 ) transition. The Einstein A coefficients were found to have a significant impact upon the measured OH ( v ′ = 4 ) vibrational populations with some sets of coefficients yielding populations over 50% greater. Simultaneous SABER observations were used to determine which set of Einstein A coefficients best reflected atmospheric temperatures, and four of the five tested coefficients yielded nearly identical results. The difference between OH rotational temperatures and SABER temperatures was on average 1 K.
Comparison of NMC and Ensemble-Based Climatological Background-Error Covariances in an Operational Limited-Area Data Assimilation System
Authors: Stanesic Antonio , Horvath Kristian , Keresturi Endi
Published: September 2019

The evaluation of several climatological background-error covariance matrix (defined as the B matrix) estimation methods was performed using the ALADIN limited-area modeling data-assimilation system at a 4 km horizontal grid spacing. The B matrices compared were derived using the standard National Meteorological Center (NMC) and ensemble-based estimation methods. To test the influence of lateral boundary condition (LBC) perturbations on the characteristics of ensemble-based B matrix, two ensemble prediction systems were established: one used unperturbed lateral boundary conditions (ENS) and another used perturbed lateral boundary conditions (ENSLBC). The characteristics of the three B matrices were compared through a diagnostic comparison, while the influence of the different B matrices on the analysis and quality of the forecast were evaluated for the ENSLBC and NMC matrices. The results showed that the lateral boundary condition perturbations affected all the control variables, while the smallest influence was found for the specific humidity. The diagnostic comparison showed that the ensemble-based estimation method shifted the correlations toward the smaller spatial scales, while the LBC perturbations gave rise to larger spatial scales. The influence on the analysis showed a smaller spatial correlation for the ensemble B matrix compared to that of the NMC, with the most pronounced differences for the specific humidity. The verification of the forecast showed modest improvement for the experiment with the ensemble B matrix. Among the methods tested, the results suggest that the ensemble-based data-assimilation method is the favorable approach for background-error covariance calculation in high-resolution limited-area data assimilation systems.
Visualization of Climate Factors for Sports Events and Activities–The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Authors: Matzarakis Andreas , Fröhlich Dominik , Bermon Stéphane , Adami Paolo Emilio
Published: September 2019

Detailed climate information in an easily interpretable form is demanded by the general public, as well as by decision-makers on different planning levels. One example is the group of planners in the field of sports and tourism. A promising approach is the visualization of climate thresholds in a Climate-Tourism/Transfer-Information Scheme (CTIS) for the prevailing local climate conditions. The presented approach is adaptable to specific destinations and target activities and integrates meteorological, as well as recreational, touristic and specific activity-related parameters and thresholds. All parameters are simplified in terms of factors and combined in one individual graph, the CTIS diagram. The detailed information on local climate can be applied by non-experts like tourists intending to attend a sports event. They are able to prepare for different aspects of the local climate by, e.g., selecting appropriate clothing when planning their stay. The example of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is presented and discussed. Results show that heat stress together with sultriness is likely to occur during the scheduled time of the Olympics, while cold stress will most probably not be relevant.
Trace Metal Content and Health Risk Assessment of PM10 in an Urban Environment of León, Mexico
Authors: Cerón Bretón Julia Griselda , Cerón Bretón Rosa María , Espinosa Guzman Alberto Antonio , Guarnaccia Claudio , Martínez Morales Stephanie , Lara Severino Reyna del Carmen , Rangel Marrón Marcela , Hernández López Guadalupe , Carranco Lozada Simón Eduardo , Kahl Jonathan D.W. , Pech Pech Ildefonso Esteban , Ramírez Lara Evangelina , Espinosa Fuentes Maria de la Luz
Published: September 2019

Trace metal concentrations in PM10 were measured in an urban–industrial site in León, Mexico in three different seasons. PM10 were collected in quartz fiber filters of 47 mm diameter using low volume equipment operating with a controlled flow of 5 L min−1 over 24 h. Mass concentrations were gravimetrically determined and it was found that PM10 samples showed values in excess of the Mexican standard and the established values by WHO during cold dry and warm dry seasons. Morphology of selected particles was studied by SEM-EDS analysis, and the elemental composition was determined. Collected samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry in order to quantify ambient air concentrations of some trace metals (Cu, Co, Zn, Cd, Fe, Mg, and Mn). Median concentrations of trace metals showed the maximum value for iron (3.079 μgm−3) and the minimum value for Cd (0.050 μgm−3) over the entire period. From the meteorological analysis, it was found that sources located SW and ESE of the sampling site contributed to the levels of trace metals in PM10 in the studied site. The health risk assessment found that the population of León is at increased lifetime risk of experiencing cancer because of exposure to these concentrations of PM10 and their trace metal content.
Creatine as a Candidate to Prevent Statin Myopathy
Authors: Balestrino Maurizio , Adriano Enrico
Published: September 2019

Statins prevent cardiovascular diseases, yet their use is limited by the muscle disturbances they cause. Rarely, statin-induced myopathy is autoimmune, but more commonly it is due to direct muscle toxicity. Available evidence suggests that statin-induced creatine deficiency might be a major cause of this toxicity, and that creatine supplementation prevents it. Statins inhibit guanidinoacetate methyl transferase (GAMT), the last enzyme in the synthesis of creatine; thus, they decrease its intracellular content. Such decreased content could cause mitochondrial impairment, since creatine is the final acceptor of the phosphate group of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at the end of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Decreased cellular synthesis of ATP would follow. Accordingly, ATP synthesis is decreased in statin-treated cells. In vitro, creatine supplementation prevents the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore that is caused by statins. Clinically, creatine administration prevents statin myopathy in statin-intolerant patients. Additional research is warranted to hopefully confirm these findings. However, creatine is widely used by athletes with no adverse events, and has demonstrated to be safe even in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of elderly individuals. Thus, it should be trialed, under medical supervision, in patients who cannot assume statin due to the occurrence of muscular symptoms.
Fish Oil, but Not Olive Oil, Ameliorates Depressive-Like Behavior and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Rats under Chronic Mild Stress
Authors: Tung Te-Hsuan , Tung Yu-Tang , Lin I-Hsuan , Shih Chun-Kuang , Nguyen Ngan Thi Kim , Shabrina Amalina , Huang Shih-Yi
Published: September 2019

Background: This study investigated the effects of fish oil and olive oil in improving dysbiosis and depressive-like symptoms. Methods and results: Male rats were fed normal, fish oil-rich or olive oil-rich diets for 14 weeks. Chronic mild stress (CMS) was administered from week 2. The sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST) were used to determine depressive-like behavior. The SPT results revealed that the CMS, CMS with imipramine (CMS+P) treatment, and CMS with olive oil diet (CMS+O) groups exhibited significantly reduced sucrose intake from week 8, whereas the fish oil diet (CMS+F) group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose intake from week 10. The FST results showed that the immobile time of the CMS+F group was significantly less than that of the CMS-only group. Next generation sequencing (NGS) results showed CMS significantly reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus and increased that of Marvinbryantia and Ruminiclostridium_6. However, the CMS+F group showed an increase in the abundance of Eisenbergiella, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_009, and Holdemania, whereas the CMS+O group showed an increase in the abundance of Akkermansia. Conclusions: CMS stimuli altered the gut microbiome in depressed rats. Fish oil and olive oil exerted part of a prebiotic-like effect to ameliorate dysbiosis induced by CMS. However, only fish oil ameliorated depressive-like symptoms.
Combination of Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Ripening Mechanism of Banana Pulp
Authors: Li Taotao , Yun Ze , Wu Qixian , Qu Hongxia , Duan Xuewu , Jiang Yueming
Published: September 2019

The banana is one of the most important fruits in the world. Bananas undergo a rapid ripening process after harvest, resulting in a short shelf. In this study, the mechanism underlying pulp ripening of harvested bananas was investigated using integrated transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analysis. Ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) revealed that a great number of genes related to transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, cell wall modification, and secondary metabolism were up-regulated during pulp ripening. At the protein level, 84 proteins were differentially expressed during pulp ripening, most of which were associated with energy metabolism, oxidation-reduction, cell wall metabolism, and starch degradation. According to partial least squares discriminant analysis, 33 proteins were identified as potential markers for separating different ripening stages of the fruit. In addition to ethylene’s central role, auxin signal transduction might be involved in regulating pulp ripening. Moreover, secondary metabolism, energy metabolism, and the protein metabolic process also played an important role in pulp ripening. In all, this study provided a better understanding of pulp ripening of harvested bananas.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Control for a Morphing Wing Tip Actuation System: Design, Numerical Simulation, and Wind Tunnel Experimental Testing
Authors: Khan Shehryar , Grigorie Teodor Lucian , Botez Ruxandra Mihaela , Mamou Mahmoud , Mébarki Youssef
Published: September 2019

The paper presents the design, numerical simulation, and wind tunnel experimental testing of a fuzzy logic-based control system for a new morphing wing actuation system equipped with Brushless DC (BLDC) motors, under the framework of an international project between Canada and Italy. Morphing wing is a prime concern of the aviation industry and, due to the promising results, it can improve fuel optimization. In this idea, a major international morphing wing project has been carried out by our university team from Canada, in collaboration with industrial, research, and university entities from our country, but also from Italy, by using a full-scaled portion of a real aircraft wing equipped with an aileron. The target was to conceive, manufacture, and test an experimental wing model able to be morphed in a controlled manner and to provide in this way an extension of the laminar airflow region over its upper surface, producing a drag reduction with direct impact on the fuel consumption economy. The work presented in the paper aims to describe how the experimental model has been developed, controlled, and tested, to prove the feasibility of the morphing wing technology for the next generation of aircraft.
C57BL/6 Substrain Differences in Pharmacological Effects after Acute and Repeated Nicotine Administration
Authors: Akinola Lois S. , Mckiver Bryan , Toma Wisam , Zhu Andy Z. X. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Kumar Vivek , Damaj M. Imad
Published: September 2019

Tobacco smoking is the major cause of disability and death in the United States and around the world. In addition, tobacco dependence and addiction express themselves as complex behaviors involving an interplay of genetics, environment, and psychological state. Mouse genetic studies could potentially elucidate the novel genes and/or gene networks regulating various aspects of nicotine dependence. Using the closely related C57BL/6 (B6) mice substrains, recent reports have noted phenotypic differences within C57BL/6J (B6J) and C57BL/6N (B6N) mice for some drugs of abuse: alcohol, opiates, and cocaine. However, the differences in nicotine’s effects have not yet been described in these substrains. We examined the phenotypic differences in these substrains following the acute and repeated administration of nicotine in several pharmacological measures, including locomotion (after acute and repeated exposure), body temperature, nociception, and anxiety-like behaviors. We report substrain differences in the pharmacological effects of acute and repeated nicotine administration in the B6 substrains. Overall, we show enhanced nicotine sensitivity to locomotion, hypothermia, antinociception, and anxiety-like behaviors in the B6J mouse substrain compared to B6N. In the repeated administration paradigm, both the B6N and B6J substrains showed no sensitized locomotor responses after repeated exposure to nicotine at the two doses tested. This study thus provides evidence that the B6 mouse substrains may be useful for genetic studies to elucidate some of the genetic variants involved in tobacco dependence and addiction.
The State of the Art of Material Flow Analysis Research Based on Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling and Disposal
Authors: Guo Dongming , Huang Lizhen
Published: September 2019

Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) are widely recognized as the main form municipal solid waste, and its recycling and reuse are an important issue in sustainable city development. Material flow analysis (MFA) can quantify materials flows and stocks, and is a useful tool for the analysis of construction and demolition waste management. In recent years, material flow analysis has been continually researched in construction and demolition waste processing considering both single waste material and mixed wastes, and at regional, national, and global scales. Moreover, material flow analysis has had some new research extensions and new combined methods that provide dynamic, robust, and multifaceted assessments of construction and demolition waste. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the state of the art of material flow analysis research in the context of construction and demolition waste recycling and disposal. Furthermore, we also identify the current research gaps and future research directions that are expected to promote the development of MFA for construction and demolition waste processing in the field of sustainable city development.
An IKK/NF-κB Activation/p53 Deletion Sequence Drives Liver Carcinogenesis and Tumor Differentiation
Authors: Svinarenko Michael , Katz Sarah-Fee , Tharehalli Umesh , Mulaw Medhanie A. , Maier Harald J. , Sunami Yoshiaki , Fischer Sarah K. , Chen Yuexin , Heurich Sabine , Erkert Lena , Tannapfel Andrea , Wirth Thomas , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Seufferlein Thomas , Lechel André
Published: September 2019

Background: Most liver tumors arise on the basis of chronic liver diseases that trigger inflammatory responses. Besides inflammation, subsequent defects in the p53-signaling pathway frequently occurs in liver cancer. In this study, we analyzed the consequences of inflammation and p53 loss in liver carcinogenesis. Methods: We used inducible liver-specific transgenic mouse strains to analyze the consequences of NF-κB/p65 activation mimicking chronic inflammation and subsequent p53 loss. Results: Ikk2ca driven NF-κB/p65 activation in mice results in liver fibrosis, the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures and carcinogenesis independent of p53 expression. Subsequent deletion of Trp53 led to an increased tumor formation, metastasis and a shift in tumor differentiation towards intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, loss of Trp53 in an inflammatory liver resulted in elevated chromosomal instability and indicated a distinct aberration pattern. Conclusions: In conclusion, activation of NF-κB/p65 mimicking chronic inflammation provokes the formation of liver carcinoma. Collateral disruption of Trp53 supports tumor progression and influences tumor differentiation and heterogeneity.
Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 and Topoisomerase I Activities as Predictive Indicators for Glioblastoma Susceptibility to Genotoxic Agents
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Rodriguez-Silva Monica , Acanda de la Rocha Arlet M. , Wolf Aizik L. , Lai Yanhao , Liu Yuan , Reinhold William C. , Pommier Yves , Chambers Jeremy W. , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching
Published: September 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have an estimated survival of ~15 months with treatment, and the standard of care only modestly enhances patient survival. Identifying biomarkers representing vulnerabilities may allow for the selection of efficacious chemotherapy options to address personalized variations in GBM tumors. Irinotecan targets topoisomerase I (TOP1) by forming a ternary DNA–TOP1 cleavage complex (TOP1cc), inducing apoptosis. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a crucial repair enzyme that may reduce the effectiveness of irinotecan. We treated GBM cell lines with increasing concentrations of irinotecan and compared the IC50 values. We found that the TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio had the strongest correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient R = 0.972, based on the average from three sets of experiments) with IC50 values following irinotecan treatment. Increasing the TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio by the ectopic expression of wild-type TDP1 increased in irinotecan IC50, while the expression of the TDP1 catalytic-null mutant did not alter the susceptibility to irinotecan. The TDP1/TOP1 activity ratio may be a new predictive indicator for GBM vulnerability to irinotecan, allowing for the selection of individual patients for irinotecan treatment based on risk–benefit. Moreover, TDP1 inhibitors may be a novel combination treatment with irinotecan to improve GBM patient responsiveness to genotoxic chemotherapies.
Toward Understanding of the Effect of Nucleation Temperature on Porous Structure of Micro-Mesoporous Composite Molecular Sieves and Related Crystallization Mechanism
Authors: Shi Chunwei , Liu Jingjing , Wu Wenyuan , Bian Xue , Chen Ping , Yang Zhanxu , Lu Chuantao
Published: September 2019

Although micro-mesoporous composite molecular sieves have received significant attention due to their desirable properties, they still lack systematic studies on their crystallization process to achieve controllable synthesis of composite molecular sieves. In this study, a series of Y/SBA-15 micro-mesoporous composite molecular sieves with different porous structures were synthesized by tuning nucleation temperature, based on epitaxial growth on the outer surface of the Y-type crystal particle. All composite molecular sieves were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Moreover, the effect of nucleation temperature on the structure of composite molecular sieves was investigated, while the crystallization mechanism was also explored. Furthermore, the performance of the molecular sieves on isomerization of n-pentane was investigated, the results suggested that the isomerization selectivity was positively correlated with regularity degree of the mesoporous porous structure, where the highest isomerization reached 95.81%. This work suggests that nucleation temperature plays a key role in structures of micro-mesoporous composite molecular sieves, providing a solid basis for the further development of functional composite molecular sieves.
Synthesis of Porous ZnO Nanosheets and Carbon Nanotube Hybrids as Efficient Photocatalysts via Pulsed Laser Ablation
Authors: Ryu Yun Yeol , Kim Taekyung , Han HyukSu
Published: September 2019

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has attractive photocatalytic properties. However, the high recombination rate of the photo-excited charge carriers on this material often restricts application. Here, we report that hybridization of one dimensional (1D) carbon nanotubes (CNT) on two dimensional (2D) porous ZnO nanosheets (NS) can be a promising strategy to overcome some of the challenges of ZnO. Specifically, a pulsed laser ablation technique was utilized to hybridize 1D CNT with 2D porous ZnO NS in environmentally friendly as well as super-economic (short time, less than 10 min) conditions. The synthesized ZnO NS-CNT hybrids show a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for water splitting relative to their counterpart ZnO NS.
Synthesis of ZSM-5 Zeolite Using Coal Fly Ash as an Additive for the Methanol to Propylene (MTP) Reaction
Authors: Feng Rui , Chen Kening , Yan Xinlong , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yixin , Wu Jianjun
Published: September 2019

Using ZSM-5 zeolites as catalysts for the methanol to propylene (MTP) reaction is being widely investigated and has been industrially applied. In this study, pure ZSM-5 zeolite was successfully synthesized by a direct hydrothermal method using the fly ash of coal gasification as an additional raw material. Various analysis methods such as X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, were employed to characterize the physicochemical properties of parent and modified zeolites. Then, the prepared ZSM-5 catalysts were tested in the MTP reaction. The results showed that pure ZSM-5 could be directly synthesized in the optimized conditions using fly ash as additional silicon and aluminum sources, and those ZSM-5 catalysts turned out to be candidate catalysts for the MTP reaction. Whereas their catalytic lifetimes were not good enough due to the strong acid sites and needed improving.
Synthesis and Catalytic Application of Knölker-Type Iron Complexes with a Novel Asymmetric Cyclopentadienone Ligand Design
Authors: van Slagmaat Christian A. M. R. , Chou Khi Chhay , Morick Lukas , Hadavi Darya , Blom Burgert , De Wildeman Stefaan M. A.
Published: September 2019

Asymmetric catalysis is an essential tool in modern chemistry, but increasing environmental concerns demand the development of new catalysts based on cheap, abundant, and less toxic iron. As a result, Knölker-type catalysts have emerged as a promising class of iron catalysts for various chemical transformations, notably the hydrogenation of carbonyls and imines, while asymmetric versions are still under exploration to achieve optimal enantio-selectivities. In this work, we report a novel asymmetric design of a Knölker-type catalyst, in which the C2-rotational symmetric cyclopentadienone ligand possesses chiral substituents on the 2- and 5-positions near the active site. Four examples of the highly modular catalyst design were synthesized via standard organic procedures, and their structures were confirmed with NMR, IR, MS, and polarimetry analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to elucidate the spatial conformation of the catalysts, and therewith to rationalize the influence of structural alterations. Transfer- and H2-mediated hydrogenations were successfully established, leading to appreciable enantiomeric excesses (ee) values up to 70%. Amongst all reported Knölker-type catalysts, our catalyst design achieves one of the highest ee values for hydrogenation of acetophenone and related compounds.
Influence of Pluronic® P123 Addition in the Synthesis of Bulk Ni Promoted MoS2 Catalyst. Application to the Selective Hydrodesulfurization of Sulfur Model Molecules Representative of FCC Gasoline
Authors: Hetier Valentin , Pena Diego , Carvalho Alexandre , Courthéoux Laurence , Flaud Valérie , Girard Etienne , Uzio Denis , Brunet Sylvette , Lacroix-Desmazes Patrick , Pradel Annie
Published: September 2019

A way to improve hydrotreatment processes is to enhance the intrinsic activity of Ni or Co promoted MoS2 catalysts that are commonly used in such reactions. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of the presence of Pluronic® P123 as a structuring agent during the synthesis of Ni promoted MoS2 catalysts (named NiMoS) in water at room temperature. A series of analyses, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), helped in characterizing the NiMoS-P123 and NiMoS catalysts, the latter being prepared in the absence of polymer. Both compounds contained MoS2 phase (~85 atomic% considering Mo atoms), a similar amount of mixed Ni-Mo-S phase (40–50% considering Ni) and some amount of NiS and Ni-oxidized impurity phases. The main differences between the two catalysts were a much larger specific surface area (126 m2·g−1 instead of 31 m²·g−1) and a better dispersion of the active phase as shown by the lower slab stacking (2.7 instead of 4.8) for NiMoS-P123, and the presence of C in NiMoS-P123 (9.4 wt.% instead of 0.6 wt.%), indicating an incomplete decomposition of the polymer during thermal treatment. Thanks to its larger specific surface area and lower slab stacking and therefore modification of active Mo site properties, the compound prepared in the presence of Pluronic® P123 exhibits a strong increase of the catalytic activity expressed per Mo atom for the transformation of 3-methylthiophene. Such improvement in catalytic activity was not observed for the transformation of benzothiophene likely due to poisonous residual carbon which results from the presence of Pluronic® P123 during the synthesis.
How Cancer Exploits Ribosomal RNA Biogenesis: A Journey beyond the Boundaries of rRNA Transcription
Authors: Gaviraghi Marco , Vivori Claudia , Tonon Giovanni
Published: September 2019

The generation of new ribosomes is a coordinated process essential to sustain cell growth. As such, it is tightly regulated according to cell needs. As cancer cells require intense protein translation to ensure their enhanced growth rate, they exploit various mechanisms to boost ribosome biogenesis. In this review, we will summarize how oncogenes and tumor suppressors modulate the biosynthesis of the RNA component of ribosomes, starting from the description of well-characterized pathways that converge on ribosomal RNA transcription while including novel insights that reveal unexpected regulatory networks hacked by cancer cells to unleash ribosome production.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase P110δ-Signaling Is Critical for Microbiota-Activated IL-10 Production by B Cells that Regulate Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Oka Akihiko , Mishima Yoshiyuki , Liu Bo , Herzog Jeremy W. , Steinbach Erin C. , Kobayashi Taku , Plevy Scott E. , Sartor R. Balfour
Published: September 2019

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110δ (PI3Kδ) gene maps to a human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) susceptibility locus, and genetic deletion of PI3Kδ signaling causes spontaneous colitis in mice. However, little is known regarding the role of PI3Kδ on IL-10-producing B cells that help regulate mucosal inflammation in IBD. We investigated the role of PI3Kδ signaling in B cell production of IL-10, following stimulation by resident bacteria and B cell regulatory function against colitis. In vitro, B cells from PI3KδD910A/D910A mice or wild-type B cells treated with PI3K specific inhibitors secreted significantly less IL-10 with greater IL-12p40 following bacterial stimulation. These B cells failed to suppress inflammatory cytokines by co-cultured microbiota-activated macrophages or CD4+ T cells. In vivo, co-transferred wild-type B cells ameliorated T cell-mediated colitis, while PI3KδD910A/D910A B cells did not confer protection from mucosal inflammation. These results indicate that PI3Kδ-signaling mediates regulatory B cell immune differentiation when stimulated with resident microbiota or their components, and is critical for induction and regulatory function of IL-10-producing B cells in intestinal homeostasis and inflammation.
TREM Receptors Connecting Bowel Inflammation to Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Natale Gianfranco , Biagioni Francesca , Busceti Carla Letizia , Gambardella Stefano , Limanaqi Fiona , Fornai Francesco
Published: September 2019

Alterations in Triggering Receptors Expressed on Myeloid cells (TREM-1/2) are bound to a variety of infectious, sterile inflammatory, and degenerative conditions, ranging from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to neurodegenerative disorders. TREMs are emerging as key players in pivotal mechanisms often concurring in IBD and neurodegeneration, namely microbiota dysbiosis, leaky gut, and inflammation. In conditions of dysbiosis, compounds released by intestinal bacteria activate TREMs on macrophages, leading to an exuberant pro-inflammatory reaction up to damage in the gut barrier. In turn, TREM-positive activated macrophages along with inflammatory mediators may reach the brain through the blood, glymphatic system, circumventricular organs, or the vagus nerve via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This leads to a systemic inflammatory response which, in turn, impairs the blood-brain barrier, while promoting further TREM-dependent neuroinflammation and, ultimately, neural injury. Nonetheless, controversial results still exist on the role of TREM-2 compared with TREM-1, depending on disease specificity, stage, and degree of inflammation. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide an update on the role of TREMs in the pathophysiology of IBD and neurodegeneration. The evidence here discussed the highlights of the potential role of TREMs, especially TREM-1, in bridging inflammatory processes in intestinal and neurodegenerative disorders.
Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Remodeling and Regeneration in Physical Exercise
Authors: Schüttler Dominik , Clauss Sebastian , Weckbach Ludwig T. , Brunner Stefan
Published: September 2019

Regular physical activity with aerobic and muscle-strengthening training protects against the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease and can improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. In the past decade significant advances have been made in identifying mechanisms of cardiomyocyte re-programming and renewal including an enhanced exercise-induced proliferational capacity of cardiomyocytes and its progenitor cells. Various intracellular mechanisms mediating these positive effects on cardiac function have been found in animal models of exercise and will be highlighted in this review. 1) activation of extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3 phosphate kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), EGFR/JNK/SP-1, nitric oxide (NO)-signaling, and extracellular vesicles; 2) gene expression modulation via microRNAs (miR), in particular via miR-17-3p and miR-222; and 3) modulation of cardiac cellular metabolism and mitochondrial adaption. Understanding the cellular mechanisms, which generate an exercise-induced cardioprotective cellular phenotype with physiological hypertrophy and enhanced proliferational capacity may give rise to novel therapeutic targets. These may open up innovative strategies to preserve cardiac function after myocardial injury as well as in aged cardiac tissue.
The Core Proteome of Biofilm-Grown Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Erdmann Jelena , Thöming Janne G. , Pohl Sarah , Pich Andreas , Lenz Christof , Häussler Susanne
Published: September 2019

Comparative genomics has greatly facilitated the identification of shared as well as unique features among individual cells or tissues, and thus offers the potential to find disease markers. While proteomics is recognized for its potential to generate quantitative maps of protein expression, comparative proteomics in bacteria has been largely restricted to the comparison of single cell lines or mutant strains. In this study, we used a data independent acquisition (DIA) technique, which enables global protein quantification of large sample cohorts, to record the proteome profiles of overall 27 whole genome sequenced and transcriptionally profiled clinical isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Analysis of the proteome profiles across the 27 clinical isolates grown under planktonic and biofilm growth conditions led to the identification of a core biofilm-associated protein profile. Furthermore, we found that protein-to-mRNA ratios between different P. aeruginosa strains are well correlated, indicating conserved patterns of post-transcriptional regulation. Uncovering core regulatory pathways, which drive biofilm formation and associated antibiotic tolerance in bacterial pathogens, promise to give clues to interactions between bacterial species and their environment and could provide useful targets for new clinical interventions to combat biofilm-associated infections.
The Interactivity between TGFβ and BMP Signaling in Organogenesis, Fibrosis, and Cancer
Authors: Dituri Francesco , Cossu Carla , Mancarella Serena , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: September 2019

The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) pathways intersect at multiple signaling hubs and cooperatively or counteractively participate to bring about cellular processes which are critical not only for tissue morphogenesis and organogenesis during development, but also for adult tissue homeostasis. The proper functioning of the TGFβ/BMP pathway depends on its communication with other signaling pathways and any deregulation leads to developmental defects or diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. In this review we explore the cellular and physio-pathological contexts in which the synergism or antagonism between the TGFβ and BMP pathways are crucial determinants for the normal developmental processes, as well as the progression of fibrosis and malignancies.
Roles of Resveratrol in Improving the Quality of Postovulatory Aging Oocytes In Vitro
Authors: Sun Yan-Li , Tang Shou-Bin , Shen Wei , Yin Shen , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: September 2019

After ovulation, mammalian oocytes will undergo a time-dependent process of aging if they are not fertilized. This postovulatory aging (POA) seriously affects the oocyte quality and then impairs the subsequent fertilization and early embryo development, which should be avoided especially in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Resveratrol is an antioxidant substance that can scavenge free radicals and is effective in improving ovary functions. Here, mouse oocytes were used to investigate the effects and mechanisms of resveratrol on POA oocytes in vitro. With 1.0 µM resveratrol treatment during aging process, the rates of fertilization and blastocyst in POA oocytes increased significantly compared with those in the POA group. Resveratrol can reduce the loss of sperm binding sites by stabilizing Juno. Resveratrol can maintain the normal morphology of spindle and mitochondrion distribution and alleviate the levels of ROS and early apoptosis. Additionally, resveratrol can reduce the changes of H3K9me2. Therefore, resveratrol can significantly improve the quality of POA oocytes in vitro to enhance the rates of fertilization and blastocyst, which may be very helpful during the ART process.
Association between Co-Morbidities and the Prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness over a Four-Year Period
Authors: Karunanayake Chandima , Dosman James , Fenton Mark , Rennie Donna , Kirychuk Shelley , Ramsden Vivian , Seeseequasis Jeremy , Abonyi Sylvia , Pahwa Punam ,   First Nations Lung Health Project Research Team
Published: September 2019

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem in general the Canadian population. It can effect day-to-day activities and is also associated with several health issues. This study aimed to investigate the association between co-morbidities and the prevalence of EDS over a four-year period in adults living in two First Nation communities. Data collected during the First Nations Lung Health Project (FNLHP) conducted in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan in 2012–2013 (Cycle 1) and 2016 (Cycle 2) were used for this analysis. There were 859 participants aged 18 years and older at baseline (Cycle 1) and 821 participants aged 18 years and older at follow-up (Cycle 2) who completed the interviewer-administered questionnaire. An Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score > 10 was considered to be abnormal and identified as a case of EDS at both time points. A multilevel logistic regression model using a generalized estimating equations approach was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of EDS at baseline (Cycle 1) was 11.2% (91/815) and 10.0% (80/803) at follow-up (Cycle 2). Based on the predicted model, longitudinal change in the prevalence of EDS was −0.11% for 358 individuals who participated in both cycles. There were 49% males at baseline and 48% males at follow-up. Multivariate regression model results revealed that crowding, shortness of breath, loud snoring, chronic lung disease, depression and gastric reflux were the main significant predictors of EDS. In addition, the interaction between sex and age was significant. Some of the co-morbid conditions were associated with EDS. Therefore, managing such conditions requires considerations in strategies to decrease the prevalence of daytime sleepiness.
In Situ Creep Behavior Characterization of Single Crystal Superalloy by UV-DIC at 980 °C
Authors: Shang Yong , Dong Yali , Pei Yanling , Ma Chaoli , Li Shusuo , Gong Shengkai
Published: September 2019

High temperature creep resistance is a critical characteristic of Ni-based single crystal (SX) superalloys. In this work, the creep behavior of a Ni-based SX superalloy was in situ characterized at 980 °C by ultraviolet (UV) imaging combined two-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) in vacuum environment. The surface pattern was fabricated to maintain stable over 65 h at 980 °C. The pattern images captured by UV imaging were analyzed using mean gray value and the full-field strain map of creep deformation was obtained. A laser displacement senor (LDS) was employed for measuring the creep strain on the specimen for comparison. The creep deformation result shows a good agreement between DIC and LDS, the microstructure of the different creep areas on the specimens also demonstrate that the results of DIC are reliable. The in situ creep characterization by UV-DIC shows a great potential for investigating creep behaviors at high temperatures.
Preparation of Silver-Plated Para-Aramid Fiber by Employing Low-Temperature Oxygen Plasma Treatment and Dopamine Functionalization
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , Zhou Yanfen , Li Wenyue , Chen Shaojuan , You Shihua , Ma Jianwei
Published: September 2019

Direct electroless silver plating of para-aramid (PPTA) is difficult due to its extremely low surface chemical energy. In order to facilitate the deposition of silver nanoparticles and to enhance the washing fastness, oxygen plasma treatment and dopamine modification were conducted before silver plating of PPTA fibers. Various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) were used to characterize the surface morphology, chemical composition and thermal stability of the silver-plated PPTA fibers. Electrical resistance and silver content of the silver-coated PPTA fibers before and after standard washing were also studied. The results showed that silver nanoparticles were successfully coated onto the surface of PPTA fibers with and without plasma treatment, but the coating continuity and the electrical conductivity of the silver-coated PPTA fibers were greatly enhanced with the assistance of plasma treatment. It was also demonstrated that the washing fastness of silver-coated PPTA fibers was improved after plasma treatment as indicated by electrical resistance and continuity of the silver nanoparticles after various washing cycles. It was found that the electrical resistance of plasma-treated PPTA-PDA/Ag fibers prepared at an AgNO3 concentration of 20 g/L reached 0.89 Ω/cm and increased slightly to 0.94 Ω/cm after 10 standard washing cycles. The silver-coated PPTA fibers also showed stable electrical conductivity under 250 repeated stretching-releasing cycles at a strain of 3%.
Field-Induced Transitions in Highly Frustrated SrHo2O4
Authors: Young Olga , Balakrishnan Geetha , Manuel Pascal , Khalyavin Dmitry , Wildes Andrew , Petrenko Oleg
Published: September 2019

SrHo 2O 4 is a geometrically frustrated magnet in which the magnetic Ho 3 + ions are connected through a network of zigzag chains and coupled by several competing interactions. The Ho 3 + ions show a pronounced Ising anisotropy at low temperatures, and the spins on the two crystallographically inequivalent magnetic sites point along orthogonal crystallographic axes. Using single-crystal neutron diffraction, we report on the development of complex and highly anisotropic short- and long-range magnetic order in SrHo 2O 4 induced by an applied magnetic field. For H ‖ c , the diffuse scattering around the k = 0 positions is suppressed and above 0.5 T the spin structure for one of the Ho sites is long-range and ferromagnetic. For H ‖ b , planes of diffuse scattering at Q = ( h k ± l 2 ) are split by the field, and an up–up–down magnetic order associated with a 1/3-magnetisation plateau develops at 0.8 T. Further increasing the field above 1.2 T allows the second Ho site to also order in a long-range ferromagnetic structure.
Optimization of Big Data Scheduling in Social Networks
Authors: Fu Weina , Liu Shuai , Srivastava Gautam
Published: September 2019

In social network big data scheduling, it is easy for target data to conflict in the same data node. Of the different kinds of entropy measures, this paper focuses on the optimization of target entropy. Therefore, this paper presents an optimized method for the scheduling of big data in social networks and also takes into account each task’s amount of data communication during target data transmission to construct a big data scheduling model. Firstly, the task scheduling model is constructed to solve the problem of conflicting target data in the same data node. Next, the necessary conditions for the scheduling of tasks are analyzed. Then, the a periodic task distribution function is calculated. Finally, tasks are scheduled based on the minimum product of the corresponding resource level and the minimum execution time of each task is calculated. Experimental results show that our optimized scheduling model quickly optimizes the scheduling of social network data and solves the problem of strong data collision.
A Compact 5 GHz Power Amplifier Using a Spiral Transformer for Enhanced Power Supply Rejection in 180-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Choe Young-Joe , Nam Hyohyun , Park Jung-Dong
Published: September 2019

We present a compact 5 GHz, class A power amplifier (PA) applicable for a wireless combo-chip that supports multiple radio systems in 180 nm CMOS technology. The proposed two-stage linear PA consists of a cascode input stage with a transformer-based balun, combined with a balancing capacitor as the load, where the single-ended signal is converted into the balanced output and a second-stage, class A push–pull amplifier with another transformer-based balun, which efficiently combines the output power differentially to drive a single-ended 50 Ω load. The proposed single-ended PA with an internal balanced configuration can achieve a power supply rejection ratio of 9.5 to 65.9 dB at 0.1 to 3.5 GHz, which is around a 12 to 37 dB improvement compared to a conventional single-ended PA with the same power gain. The results show that the proposed PA has a gain of 15.5 dB, an output-referred 1 dB gain compression point of 13 dBm, an output intercept point of 22 dBm with a 5 MHz frequency offset, an output saturated power of 15.4 dBm, and a peak power-added efficiency of 15%. The implemented PA consumes a DC current of 72 mA under 1.8 V supply. The core chip size is 0.65 mm2 without pads.
A Modified Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Using Multi-Verse Optimizer Algorithm for Oil Consumption Forecasting
Authors: Al-qaness Mohammed A. A. , Abd Elaziz Mohamed , Ewees Ahmed A. , Cui Xiaohui
Published: September 2019

Oil is the primary source of energy, therefore, oil consumption forecasting is essential for the necessary economic and social plans. This paper presents an alternative time series prediction method for oil consumption based on a modified Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model using the Multi-verse Optimizer algorithm (MVO). MVO is applied to find the optimal parameters of the ANFIS. Then, the hybrid method, namely MVO-ANFIS, is employed to forecast oil consumption. To evaluate the performance of the MVO-ANFIS model, a dataset of two different countries was used and compared with several forecasting models. The evaluation results show the superiority of the MVO-ANFIS model over other models. Moreover, the proposed method constitutes an accurate tool that effectively improved the solution of time series prediction problems.
A Review of Modern CMOS Transimpedance Amplifiers for OTDR Applications
Authors: Romanova Agata , Barzdenas Vaidotas
Published: September 2019

The work presents a review of modern CMOS transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) in the context of their application for low-cost optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR). After introducing the basic principles behind the OTDR, the requirements for a suitable CMOS TIA are presented and discussed. A concise review of several basic TIA topologies is provided with a brief overview of their main properties. A detailed discussion is given on a representative set of approaches reported in the literature and the figure of merit (FOM) is introduced as a unified basis for performance comparison. Limitations of a single FOM as a basis for comparison are pointed out. Based on the provided discussion, some suggestions are made on the suitability of the TIA topologies for OTDR applications.