bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reports of L-Norvaline Toxicity in Humans May Be Greatly Overstated
Authors: Polis Baruh , Gilinsky Michael A. , Samson Abraham O.
Published: December 2019

Recently, a study published in “Toxicology In Vitro” (Kate Samardzic and Kenneth J. Rodgers) was entitled: “Cytotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Caused by the Dietary Supplement L-Norvaline”. The title may be greatly overstated, and here we provide several arguments showing that norvaline is not as toxic as reported.
Gigantol Targets Cancer Stem Cells and Destabilizes Tumors via the Suppression of the PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT Pathways in Ectopic Lung Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Losuwannarak Nattanan , Maiuthed Arnatchai , Kitkumthorn Nakarin , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: December 2019

Lung cancer has long been recognized as an important world heath concern due to its high incidence and death rate. The failure of treatment strategies, as well as the regrowth of the disease driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs) residing in the tumor, lead to the urgent need for a novel CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we utilized proteome alteration analysis and ectopic tumor xenografts to gain insight on how gigantol, a bibenzyl compound from orchid species, could attenuate CSCs and reduce tumor integrity. The proteomics revealed that gigantol affected several functional proteins influencing the properties of CSCs, especially cell proliferation and survival. Importantly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT related pathways were found to be suppressed by gigantol, while the JNK signal was enhanced. The in vivo nude mice model confirmed that pretreatment of the cells with gigantol prior to a tumor becoming established could decrease the cell division and tumor maintenance. The results indicated that gigantol decreased the relative tumor weight with dramatically reduced tumor cell proliferation, as indicated by Ki-67 labeling. Although gigantol only slightly altered the epithelial-to-mesenchymal and angiogenesis statuses, the gigantol-treated group showed a dramatic loss of tumor integrity as compared with the well-grown tumor mass of the untreated control. This study reveals the effects of gigantol on tumor initiation, growth, and maintain in the scope that the cells at the first step of tumor initiation have lesser CSC property than the control untreated cells. This study reveals novel insights into the anti-tumor mechanisms of gigantol focused on CSC targeting and destabilizing tumor integrity via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT pathways. This data supports the potential of gigantol to be further developed as a drug for lung cancer.
Clinicopathologic and Imaging Features of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutations
Authors: Digumarthy Subba R. , Mendoza Dexter P. , Zhang Eric W. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Heist Rebecca S.
Published: December 2019

MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping mutations are an emerging potentially targetable oncogenic driver mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The imaging features and patterns of metastasis of NSCLC with primary METex14 skipping mutations (METex14-mutated NSCLC) are not well described. Our goal was to determine the clinicopathologic and imaging features that may suggest the presence of METex14 skipping mutations in NSCLC. This IRB-approved retrospective study included NSCLC patients with primary METex14 skipping mutations and pre-treatment imaging data between January 2013 and December 2018. The clinicopathologic characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. The imaging features of the primary tumor and metastases were analyzed by two thoracic radiologists. In total, 84 patients with METex14-mutated NSCLC (mean age = 71.4 ± 10 years; F = 52, 61.9%, M = 32, 38.1%; smokers = 47, 56.0%, nonsmokers = 37, 44.0%) were included in the study. Most tumors were adenocarcinoma (72; 85.7%) and presented as masses (53/84; 63.1%) that were peripheral in location (62/84; 73.8%). More than one in five cancers were multifocal (19/84; 22.6%). Most patients with metastatic disease had only extrathoracic metastases (23/34; 67.6%). Fewer patients had both extrathoracic and intrathoracic metastases (10/34; 29.4%), and one patient had only intrathoracic metastases (1/34, 2.9%). The most common metastatic sites were the bones (14/34; 41.2%), the brain (7/34; 20.6%), and the adrenal glands (7/34; 20.6%). Four of the 34 patients (11.8%) had metastases only at a single site. METex14-mutated NSCLC has distinct clinicopathologic and radiologic features.
Companion Animals as Models for Inhibition of STAT3 and STAT5
Authors: Kieslinger Matthias , Swoboda Alexander , Kramer Nina , Pratscher Barbara , Wolfesberger Birgitt , Burgener Iwan A.
Published: December 2019

The use of transgenic mouse models has revolutionized the study of many human diseases. However, murine models are limited in their representation of spontaneously arising tumors and often lack key clinical signs and pathological changes. Thus, a closer representation of complex human diseases is of high therapeutic relevance. Given the high failure rate of drugs at the clinical trial phase (i.e., around 90%), there is a critical need for additional clinically relevant animal models. Companion animals like cats and dogs display chronic inflammatory or neoplastic diseases that closely resemble the human counterpart. Cat and dog patients can also be treated with clinically approved inhibitors or, if ethics and drug safety studies allow, pilot studies can be conducted using, e.g., inhibitors of the evolutionary conserved JAK-STAT pathway. The incidence by which different types of cancers occur in companion animals as well as mechanisms of disease are unique between humans and companion animals, where one can learn from each other. Taking advantage of this situation, existing inhibitors of known oncogenic STAT3/5 or JAK kinase signaling pathways can be studied in the context of rare human diseases, benefitting both, the development of drugs for human use and their application in veterinary medicine.
Pathways, Processes, and Candidate Drugs Associated with a Hoxa Cluster-Dependency Model of Leukemia
Authors: Kettyle Laura M. , Lebert-Ghali Charles-Étienne , Grishagin Ivan V. , Dickson Glenda J. , O’Reilly Paul G. , Simpson David A. , Bijl Janet J. , Mills Ken I. , Sauvageau Guy , Thompson Alexander
Published: December 2019

High expression of the HOXA cluster correlates with poor clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemias, particularly those harboring rearrangements of the mixed-lineage-leukemia gene (MLLr). Whilst decreased HOXA expression acts as a readout for candidate experimental therapies, the necessity of the HOXA cluster for leukemia maintenance has not been fully explored. Primary leukemias were generated in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from Cre responsive transgenic mice for conditional deletion of the Hoxa locus. Hoxa deletion resulted in reduced proliferation and colony formation in which surviving leukemic cells retained at least one copy of the Hoxa cluster, indicating dependency. Comparative transcriptome analysis of Hoxa wild type and deleted leukemic cells identified a unique gene signature associated with key pathways including transcriptional mis-regulation in cancer, the Fanconi anemia pathway and cell cycle progression. Further bioinformatics analysis of the gene signature identified a number of candidate FDA-approved drugs for potential repurposing in high HOXA expressing cancers including MLLr leukemias. Together these findings support dependency for an MLLr leukemia on Hoxa expression and identified candidate drugs for further therapeutic evaluation.
Pain Management in Patients with Multiple Myeloma: An Update
Authors: Coluzzi Flaminia , Rolke Roman , Mercadante Sebastiano
Published: December 2019

Most patients with multiple myeloma (MM) suffer from chronic pain at every stage of the natural disease process. This review focuses on the most common causes of chronic pain in MM patients: (1) pain from myeloma bone disease (MBD); (2) chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as a possible consequence of proteasome inhibitor therapy (i.e., bortezomib-induced); (3) post-herpetic neuralgia as a possible complication of varicella zoster virus reactivation because of post-transplantation immunodepression; and (4) pain in cancer survivors, with increasing numbers due to the success of antiblastic treatments, which have significantly improved overall survival and quality of life. In this review, non-pain specialists will find an overview including a detailed description of physiopathological mechanisms underlying central sensitization and pain chronification in bone pain, the rationale for the correct use of analgesics and invasive techniques in different pain syndromes, and the most recent recommendations published on these topics. The ultimate target of this review was to underlie that different types of pain can be observed in MM patients, and highlight that only after an accurate pain assessment, clinical examination, and pain classification, can pain be safely and effectively addressed by selecting the right analgesic option for the right patient.
Simultaneous Multi-Organ Metastases from Chemo-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Are Prevented by Interfering with WNT-Signaling
Authors: Fatima Iram , El-Ayachi Ikbale , Playa Hilaire C. , Alva-Ornelas Jackelyn A. , Khalid Aysha B. , Kuenzinger William L. , Wend Peter , Pence Jackelyn C. , Brakefield Lauren , Krutilina Raisa I. , Johnson Daniel L. , O’Regan Ruth M. , Seewaldt Victoria , Seagroves Tiffany N. , Krum Susan A. , Miranda-Carboni Gustavo A.
Published: December 2019

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), which lack specific targeted therapy options, evolve into highly chemo-resistant tumors that metastasize to multiple organs simultaneously. We have previously shown that TNBCs maintain an activated WNT10B-driven network that drives metastasis. Pharmacologic inhibition by ICG-001 decreases β-catenin-mediated proliferation of multiple TNBC cell lines and TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-derived cell lines. In vitro, ICG-001 was effective in combination with the conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, cisplatin and doxorubicin, to decrease the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. In contrast, in TNBC PDX-derived cells doxorubicin plus ICG-001 was synergistic, while pairing with cisplatin was not as effective. Mechanistically, cytotoxicity induced by doxorubicin, but not cisplatin, with ICG-001 was associated with increased cleavage of PARP-1 in the PDX cells only. In vivo, MDA-MB-231 and TNBC PDX orthotopic primary tumors initiated de novo simultaneous multi-organ metastases, including bone metastases. WNT monotherapy blocked multi-organ metastases as measured by luciferase imaging and histology. The loss of expression of the WNT10B/β-catenin direct targets HMGA2, EZH2, AXIN2, MYC, PCNA, CCND1, transcriptionally active β-catenin, SNAIL and vimentin both in vitro and in vivo in the primary tumors mechanistically explains loss of multi-organ metastases. WNT monotherapy induced VEGFA expression in both tumor model systems, whereas increased CD31 was observed only in the MDA-MB-231 tumors. Moreover, WNT-inhibition sensitized the anticancer response of the TNBC PDX model to doxorubicin, preventing simultaneous metastases to the liver and ovaries, as well as to bone. Our data demonstrate that WNT-inhibition sensitizes TNBC to anthracyclines and treats multi-organ metastases of TNBC.
Magnetic Silica-Coated Iron Oxide Nanochains as Photothermal Agents, Disrupting the Extracellular Matrix, and Eradicating Cancer Cells
Authors: Kolosnjaj-Tabi Jelena , Kralj Slavko , Griseti Elena , Nemec Sebastjan , Wilhelm Claire , Plan Sangnier Anouchka , Bellard Elisabeth , Fourquaux Isabelle , Golzio Muriel , Rols Marie-Pierre
Published: December 2019

Cancerous cells and the tumor microenvironment are among key elements involved in cancer development, progression, and resistance to treatment. In order to tackle the cells and the extracellular matrix, we herein propose the use of a class of silica-coated iron oxide nanochains, which have superior magnetic responsiveness and can act as efficient photothermal agents. When internalized by different cancer cell lines and normal (non-cancerous) cells, the nanochains are not toxic, as assessed on 2D and 3D cell culture models. Yet, upon irradiation with near infrared light, the nanochains become efficient cytotoxic photothermal agents. Besides, not only do they generate hyperthermia, which effectively eradicates tumor cells in vitro, but they also locally melt the collagen matrix, as we evidence in real-time, using engineered cell sheets with self-secreted extracellular matrix. By simultaneously acting as physical (magnetic and photothermal) effectors and chemical delivery systems, the nanochain-based platforms offer original multimodal possibilities for prospective cancer treatment, affecting both the cells and the extracellular matrix.
A Review of Key Biological and Molecular Events Underpinning Transformation of Melanocytes to Primary and Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Jackett Louise A. , Scolyer Richard A.
Published: December 2019

Melanoma is a major public health concern that is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in countries such as New Zealand and Australia where it is the commonest cause of cancer death in young adults. Until recently, there were no effective drug therapies for patients with advanced melanoma however significant advances in our understanding of the biological and molecular basis of melanoma in recent decades have led to the development of revolutionary treatments, including targeted molecular therapy and immunotherapy. This review summarizes our current understanding of the key events in the pathway of melanomagenesis and discusses the role of genomic analysis as a potential tool for improved diagnostic evaluation, prognostication and treatment strategies. Ultimately, it is hoped that a continued deeper understanding of the mechanisms of melanomagenesis will lead to the development of even more effective treatments that continue to provide better outcomes for patients with melanoma.
The Benzimidazole-Based Anthelmintic Parbendazole: A Repurposed Drug Candidate That Synergizes with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Florio Rosalba , Veschi Serena , di Giacomo Viviana , Pagotto Sara , Carradori Simone , Verginelli Fabio , Cirilli Roberto , Casulli Adriano , Grassadonia Antonino , Tinari Nicola , Cataldi Amelia , Amoroso Rosa , Cama Alessandro , De Lellis Laura
Published: December 2019

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal, chemoresistant malignancies and it is of paramount importance to find more effective therapeutic agents. Repurposing of non-anticancer drugs may expand the repertoire of effective molecules. Studies on repurposing of benzimidazole-based anthelmintics in PC and on their interaction with agents approved for PC therapy are lacking. We analyzed the effects of four Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved benzimidazoles on AsPC-1 and Capan-2 pancreatic cancer cell line viability. Notably, parbendazole was the most potent benzimidazole affecting PC cell viability, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the nanomolar range. The drug markedly inhibited proliferation, clonogenicity and migration of PC cell lines through mechanisms involving alteration of microtubule organization and formation of irregular mitotic spindles. Moreover, parbendazole interfered with cell cycle progression promoting G2/M arrest, followed by the emergence of enlarged, polyploid cells. These abnormalities, suggesting a mitotic catastrophe, culminated in PC cell apoptosis, are also associated with DNA damage in PC cell lines. Remarkably, combinations of parbendazole with gemcitabine, a drug employed as first-line treatment in PC, synergistically decreased PC cell viability. In conclusion, this is the first study providing evidence that parbendazole as a single agent, or in combination with gemcitabine, is a repurposing candidate in the currently dismal PC therapy.
Cigarette Smoke Condensate Exposure Changes RNA Content of Extracellular Vesicles Released from Small Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Corsello Tiziana , Kudlicki Andrzej S. , Garofalo Roberto P. , Casola Antonella
Published: December 2019

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a known risk factor for the development of chronic lung diseases, cancer, and the exacerbation of viral infections. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as novel mediators of cell–cell communication through the release of biological content. Few studies have investigated the composition/function of EVs derived from human airway epithelial cells (AECs) exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), as surrogates for ETS. Using novel high-throughput technologies, we identified a diverse range of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNAs) in EVs from control and CSC-treated SAE cells. CSC treatment resulted in significant changes in the EV content of miRNAs. A total of 289 miRNAs were identified, with five being significantly upregulated and three downregulated in CSC EVs. A total of 62 piRNAs were also detected in our EV preparations, with five significantly downregulated and two upregulated in CSC EVs. We used TargetScan and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to predict the biological targets of hsa-miR-3913-5p, the most represented miRNA in CSC EVs. Understanding fingerprint molecules in EVs will increase our knowledge of the relationship between ETS exposure and lung disease, and might identify potential molecular targets for future treatments.
Early Stroke Induces Long-Term Impairment of Adult Neurogenesis Accompanied by Hippocampal-Mediated Cognitive Decline
Authors: Kathner-Schaffert Carolin , Karapetow Lina , Günther Madlen , Rudolph Max , Dahab Mahmoud , Baum Eileen , Lehmann Thomas , Witte Otto W. , Redecker Christoph , Schmeer Christian W. , Keiner Silke
Published: December 2019

Stroke increases neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus in the short term, however, long-term effects at the cellular and functional level are poorly understood. Here we evaluated the impact of an early stroke lesion on neurogenesis and cognitive function of the aging brain. We hypothesized that a stroke disturbs dentate neurogenesis during aging correlate with impaired flexible learning. To address this issue a stroke was induced in 3-month-old C57Bl/6 mice by a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). To verify long-term changes of adult neurogenesis the thymidine analogue BrdU (5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine) was administrated at different time points during aging. One and half months after BrdU injections learning and memory performance were assessed with a modified version of the Morris water maze (MWM) that includes the re-learning paradigm, as well as hippocampus-dependent and -independent search strategies. After MWM performance mice were transcardially perfused. To further evaluate in detail the stroke-mediated changes on stem- and progenitor cells as well as endogenous proliferation nestin-green-fluorescent protein (GFP) mice were used. Adult nestin-GFP mice received a retroviral vector injection in the hippocampus to evaluate changes in the neuronal morphology. At an age of 20 month the nestin-GFP mice were transcardially perfused after MWM performance and BrdU application 1.5 months later. The early stroke lesion significantly decreased neurogenesis in 7.5- and 9-month-old animals and also endogenous proliferation in the latter group. Furthermore, immature doublecortin (DCX)-positive neurons were reduced in 20-month-old nestin-GFP mice after lesion. All MCAO groups showed an impaired performance in the MWM and mostly relied on hippocampal-independent search strategies. These findings indicate that an early ischemic insult leads to a dramatical decline of neurogenesis during aging that correlates with a premature development of hippocampal-dependent deficits. Our study supports the notion that an early stroke might lead to long-term cognitive deficits as observed in human patients after lesion.
Salinity Stress Responses and Adaptation Mechanisms in Eukaryotic Green Microalgae
Authors: Shetty Prateek , Gitau Margaret Mukami , Maróti Gergely
Published: December 2019

High salinity is a challenging environmental stress for organisms to overcome. Unicellular photosynthetic microalgae are especially vulnerable as they have to grapple not only with ionic imbalance and osmotic stress but also with the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) interfering with photosynthesis. This review attempts to compare and contrast mechanisms that algae, particularly the eukaryotic Chlamydomonas microalgae, exhibit in order to immediately respond to harsh conditions caused by high salinity. The review also collates adaptation mechanisms of freshwater algae strains under persistent high salt conditions. Understanding both short-term and long-term algal responses to high salinity is integral to further fundamental research in algal biology and biotechnology.
Synthesis of ZnO Flakes on Flexible Substrate and Its Application on Ethylene Sensing at Room Temperature
Authors: Sholehah Amalia , Faroz Diga Fahrezi , Huda Nurul , Utari Listya , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Yuliarto Brian
Published: December 2019

As a hormone that determinates the level of fruit ripeness, ethylene concentration monitoring plays an important role in the agricultural field. One of the techniques that can be used to detect ethylene concentration is the sensing method. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multipurpose metal oxide semiconductor with a wide application in sensing area. Here, we use a ZnO-based flexible sensor to identify the presence of ethylene gas at certain concentrations. The as-synthesized ZnO layers were deposited on a polyethylene terephthalate-indium doped tin oxide (PET-ITO) flexible substrate using a simple electrochemical deposition method. To enhance the performance of the ethylene sensor, a small amount of silver (Ag) was added to the seeding solution. From the study, it was revealed that the ZnO-Ag layers were able to identify the presence of ethylene gas at the lowest concentration of 29 ppm. The most optimal result was obtained using 1 mM Ag. This layer demonstrated a response of 17.2% and 19.6% of ethylene gas at concentrations of 29 and 50 ppm, with recovery times of four and eight minutes, respectively.
Tribological Properties of Polyether–Ether–Ketone-Based Coating under Mixed and Boundary Aviation Kerosene-Lubrication Condition
Authors: Jiang Jihai , Zhao Cunran , Li Geqiang
Published: December 2019

Because of its excellent tribological performance, polyether–ether–ketone (PEEK)-based coatings have been used extensively under mixed and boundary water-lubrication conditions. To verify that the PEEK-based coating is applicable to aviation kerosene, one advanced coating was proposed and two typical metals, namely, alloy steel 38CrMoAlA and tin bronze ZQPb17-4-4, were selected as counterparts. Four sets of experiments that involved a scuffing (step load) and Stribeck curve (step speed), constant load, and strengthened load were carried out, which showed that the counterpart material’s properties, such as its hardness, thermal conductivity, and composition, had an important effect on the tribological performance of the PEEK-based coating. Scuffing experiments showed that the PEEK-based coating against ZQPb17-4-4 exhibited better scuffing performance. Stribeck curve experiments showed that the PEEK-based coating against 38CrMoAlA was under the mixed lubrication condition over a wider range of speeds, and wear experiments (constant load and strengthened load) showed that the PEEK-based coating against 38CrMoAlA exhibited a relatively low coefficient of friction and low wear rate. The formation and appearance of the tribofilm on the surface of the counterparts influenced the wear mechanism of the PEEK-based coating. The PEEK-based coating showed excellent properties, especially when rubbed against 38CrMoAlA.
Study on the Measurement of Stress in the Surface of Selective Laser Melting Forming Parts Based on the Critical Refraction Longitudinal Wave
Authors: Yan Xiaoling , Xu Xiansheng , Pan Qinxue
Published: December 2019

Measurement and control of stress in the metal forming layer is the basic problem of selective laser melting (SLM) forming parts. The critical refraction longitudinal (LCR) wave method to test stress in metallic materials has been extensively studied. However, when testing of stress in selective laser melting (SLM) forming parts using this method, some deep-seated regularities of this technology are still not clear. In order to reveal the mechanism of the LCR wave method to measure stress in SLM forming parts, specimens made of 316 L stainless steel were manufactured using meander, stripe, and chessboard scanning strategies. Static load tensile test were applied to SLM forming specimens, with the purpose to demonstrate the scanning strategy has important effect on the LCR wave method to test stress in SLM forming parts. The regularity of the LCR wave velocity on stress is obtained in this study. The anisotropic microstructure of SLM forming parts has an unneglectable effect on the LCR wave stress test. The essential principle of anisotropic microstructure effecting the LCR wave velocity in SLM forming parts were revealed in the experiments. The results of the experiment provide a basis for non-destructive and reliable test of stress in SLM forming parts and other inhomogeneous materials.
Delayed Formation of Thermally Grown Oxide in Environmental Barrier Coatings for Non-Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites
Authors: Klemm Hagen , Schönfeld Katrin , Kunz Willy
Published: December 2019

The oxidation and corrosion behavior at elevated temperatures of a SiCF/SiC(N) composite with two plasma-sprayed environmental barrier coating (EBC) systems were studied. After both processes, the formation of a silica-based thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer was observed. The formation of this TGO caused two principal failure mechanisms of the EBC. Firstly, spallation of the EBC induced by stresses from volume expansion and phase transformation to crystalline SiO2 was observed. Water vapor corrosion of the TGO with gap formation in the top region of the TGO was found to be a second failure mechanism. After a burner rig test of the Al2O3-YAG EBC system, this corrosion process was observed at the TGO surface and in the volume of the Al2O3 bond coat. In the case of the second system, Si-Yb2Si2O7/SiC-Yb2SiO5, the formation of the TGO could be delayed by introducing an additional intermediate layer based on Yb2Si2O7 filled with SiC particles. The SiC particles in the intermediate layer were oxidized and served as getter to reduce the permeation of oxidants (O2, H2O) into the material. In this way, the formation of the TGO and the failure mechanisms caused by their formation and growth could be delayed.
Quantitative Sensory Interpretation of Rheological Parameters of a Cream Formulation
Authors: Adejokun Deborah Adefunke , Dodou Kalliopi
Published: December 2019

As the popularity of a cosmetic product on the market extensively depends on consumers’ perception, it is important for the sensory evaluation to be accurate during the product developmental stage. The focus of this study was to develop a generic method for the quantitative assessment of the sensory attributes of cosmetic creams. Four 100 g oil-in-water (O/W) model creams, containing loaded niosomes and their baselines (without niosomes), were formulated. Quantitative sensory evaluation of the formulated oil-in-water products were performed in three different stages: (a) appearance—pourability (b) pick-up—firmness and elasticity/stretchability (c) rub-out—spreadability and stickiness, using rheological measurements. All measurements were carried out at skin temperature, 32 ± 1 °C, and a relative humidity (RH) of 33%. The quantitative analysis showed all cream models exhibited shear-thinning, non-Newtonian behavior. Rheological parameters from the yield stress, amplitude sweep and frequency sweep tests were found to provide realistic correlations for the sensory characteristics of pourability and spreadability, firmness, elasticity/stretchability and stickiness, respectively. This novel quantitative assessment method of the sensory characteristics of a cream proved to be highly effective and can be universally applied.
Intra-Cation versus Inter-Cation π-Contacts in [Cu(P^P)(N^N)][PF6] Complexes
Authors: Mazzeo Francesca , Brunner Fabian , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: December 2019

A series of [Cu(POP)(N^N][PF6] and [Cu(xantphos)(N^N][PF6] compounds has been prepared and characterized in which POP = bis[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl]ether (IUPAC PIN oxydi(2,1-phenylene)bis(diphenylphosphane), xantphos = 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene (IUPAC PIN (9,9-dimethyl-9H-xanthene- 4,5-diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane)) and the N^N ligands are 4-(4-bromophenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′- bipyridine (1), 5,5′-bis(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine (2), and 6-benzyl-2,2′-bipyridine (3). The single crystal structures of [Cu(xantphos)(1)][PF6]·CH2Cl2, [Cu(xantphos)(2)][PF6]·CH2Cl2 and [Cu(POP)(3)][PF6]·0.5H2O were determined by X-ray diffraction. Each complex contains a copper(I) ion in a distorted tetrahedral environment with chelating N^N and P^P ligands. In the [Cu(xantphos)(1)]+ and [Cu(xantphos)(2)]+ cations, there are face-to-face π-stackings of bpy and PPh2 phenyl rings (i.e., between the ligands); in addition in [Cu(xantphos)(2)][PF6]·CH2Cl2, inter-cation π-embraces lead to the formation of infinite chains as a primary packing motif. In [Cu(POP)(3)][PF6]·0.5H2O, centrosymmetric pairs of [Cu(POP)(3)]+ cations engage in C–H…π (phenyl to bpy) and offset face-to-face (bpy…bpy) contacts. The electrochemical and photophysical properties of the compounds containing ligands 1 and 2 are reported. They are green or yellow emitters in the solid-state (λem in the range 535–577 nm) with values for the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the range 19%–41%.
Dislocation Analysis in SiGe Heterostructures by Large-Angle Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction
Authors: Groiss Heiko
Published: December 2019

Dislocations play a crucial role in self-organization and strain relaxation mechanisms in SiGe heterostructures. In most cases, they should be avoided, and different strategies exist to exploit their nucleation properties in order to manipulate their position. In either case, detailed knowledge about their exact Burgers vectors and possible dislocation reactions are necessary to optimize the fabrication processes and the properties of SiGe materials. In this review a brief overview of the dislocation mechanisms in the SiGe system is given. The method of choice for dislocation characterization is transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the article provides a detailed introduction into large-angle convergent-beam electron diffraction, and gives an overview of different application examples of this method on SiGe structures and related systems.
Conservation and Utilization of Livestock Genetic Diversity in the United States of America through Gene Banking
Authors: Blackburn Harvey D. , Wilson Carrie S. , Krehbiel Bethany
Published: December 2019

A germplasm collection curated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Animal Germplasm Program contains of over one million samples from over 55,000 animals, representing 165 livestock and poultry breeds. The collection was developed to provide genetic conservation and security for the U.S. livestock sector. Samples in the collection span 60 years, suggesting a wide range of genetic diversity and genetic change is represented for rare and major breeds. Classifying breeds into four groups based upon registration or census estimates of population size of < 1000, < 5000, < 20,000, and > 20,000 indicated that 50% of the collection is comprised of rare breeds in the < 1000 category. As anticipated, collections for breeds in the < 20,000 and > 20,000 are more complete (86% and 98%, respectively) based upon an index combining the number of germplasm samples and the number of animals. For the rarest breeds (< 1000), collection completeness was 45%. Samples from over 6000 animals in the collection have been used for adding diversity to breeds, genomic evaluation, reconstituting populations, or various research projects. Several aspects of collecting germplasm samples from rare breeds are discussed. In addition, approaches that could be used to enhance the status of rare breeds via the repository use are presented. However, given the array of obstacles confronting rare breeds, the gene bank may be the most secure prospect for the long-term conservation of rare breed genetics.
The Patagonian Sheepdog: Historical Perspective on a Herding Dog in Chile
Authors: Barrios Natasha , Fuenzalida Alvaro , Gómez Marcelo , Heuser Consuelo , Muñoz Rodrigo , Ostrander Elaine A. , Parker Heidi G. , González-Lagos César
Published: December 2019

The “Patagonian Sheepdog” is a local working dog breed that was produced by selection from European working sheepdogs that arrived in the Magallanes region of southern Chile in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Currently, the Patagonian Sheepdog is most commonly found in the Chilean Patagonian region (43°12’ S to 56°30’ S), where it plays a fundamental role as a working dog in sheep and, to some extent, in cattle farming. Dog types that may have contributed to the Patagonian Sheepdog include the Old Welsh Grey and other old UK herding dogs. The modern Patagonian Sheepdog has been selectively bred by local sheep farmers to produce a herding dog that is well adapted to the area: a medium body size, long or semi-long fur, drooping or semi-erect ears, a docile character, and a great aptitude for sheep herding. Morphological studies have determined the body measurements, zoometric indices, coat color, and marking for Patagonian Sheepdogs. The objective of this investigation was to collect historical information related to the presence of this dog in Chilean Patagonia, providing general aspects of the morphology and behavior, all key factors for the recognition and conservation of this little-known herding dog.
Doolia, A New Genus of Nannopodidae (Crustacea: Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from off Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: Lee Wonchoel
Published: December 2019

A new harpacticoid copepod is described from the waters off Jeju Island, Korea. This species displays a unique set of characteristics including a rostrum that is clearly demarcated from the cephalosome, a setular (spinular) row on the rostrum, a well-developed frill along the posterior margins of each body segment except for the cephalosome, long and cylindrical caudal rami, four segmented female antennules, paired genital apertures in the female, the absence of sexual dimorphism in legs P1–P4, and highly reduced P5 and P6 in the male. This combination of characteristics allocates the specimen to the family Nannopodidae Por, 1986, but the new species belongs to none of the extant genera within the family. A new genus, Doolia, is proposed. Nannopus is suggested as a sister taxon of the new genus based on shared plesiomorphic characteristics in the maxilliped, legs P1–P4, and P5. Doolia gen. nov. is the eighth genus of Nannopodidae, and an amended key for the genus is provided herein.
The Evolution of Dragline Initiation in Spiders: Multiple Transitions from Multi- to Single-Gland Usage
Authors: Wolff Jonas O.
Published: December 2019

Despite the recognition of spider silk as a biological super-material and its dominant role in various aspects of a spider’s life, knowledge on silk use and silk properties is incomplete. This is a major impediment for the general understanding of spider ecology, spider silk evolution and biomaterial prospecting. In particular, the biological role of different types of silk glands is largely unexplored. Here, I report the results from a comparative study of spinneret usage during silk anchor and dragline spinning. I found that the use of both anterior lateral spinnerets (ALS) and posterior median spinnerets (PMS) is the plesiomorphic state of silk anchor and dragline spinning in the Araneomorphae, with transitions to ALS-only use in the Araneoidea and some smaller lineages scattered across the spider tree of life. Opposing the reduction to using a single spinneret pair, few taxa have switched to using all ALS, PMS and the posterior lateral spinnerets (PLS) for silk anchor and dragline formation. Silk fibres from the used spinnerets (major ampullate, minor ampullate and aciniform silk) were generally bundled in draglines after the completion of silk anchor spinning. Araneoid spiders were highly distinct from most other spiders in their draglines, being composed of major ampullate silk only. This indicates that major ampullate silk properties reported from comparative measurements of draglines should be handled with care. These observations call for a closer investigation of the function of different silk glands in spiders.
Vespa velutina: An Alien Driver of Honey Bee Colony Losses
Authors: Laurino Daniela , Lioy Simone , Carisio Luca , Manino Aulo , Porporato Marco
Published: December 2019

Vespa velutina, or Asian yellow-legged hornet, was accidentally introduced from China to other parts of the world: South Korea in 2003, Europe in 2004, and Japan in 2012. V. velutina represents a serious threat to native pollinators. It is known to be a fierce predator of honey bees, but can also hunt wild bees, native wasps, and other flying insects. When V. velutina colonies are developed, many hornets capture foraging bees which are coming back to their hives, causing an increase in homing failure and paralysis of foraging thus leading to colony collapse. The hornets may enter weak beehives to prey on brood and pillage honey. Unlike Apis cerana, Apis mellifera is unable to cope with the predation pressure of V. velutina. Monitoring the spread of an invasive alien species is crucial to plan appropriate management actions and activities to limit the expansion of the species. In addition, an early detection of V. velutina in areas far away from the expansion front allows a rapid response aimed to remove these isolated populations before the settlement of the species. Where V. velutina is now established, control measures to prevent colony losses must be implemented with an integrated pest management approach.
Impact of Stressors on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera; Hymenoptera: Apidae): Some Guidance for Research Emerge from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Havard Tiphaine , Laurent Marion , Chauzat Marie-Pierre
Published: December 2019

Bees play an essential role in plant pollination and their decline is a threat to crop yields and biodiversity sustainability. The causes of their decline have not yet been fully identified, despite the numerous studies that have been carried out, especially on Apis mellifera. This meta-analysis was conducted to identify gaps in the current research and new potential directions for research. The aim of this analysis of 293 international scientific papers was to achieve an inventory of the studied populations, the stressors and the methods used to study their impact on Apis mellifera. It also aimed to investigate the stressors with the greatest impact on bees and explore whether the evidence for an impact varies according to the type of study or the scale of study. According to this analysis, it is important to identify the populations and the critical developmental stages most at risk, and to determine the differences in stress sensibility between subspecies. This meta-analysis also showed that studies on climate change or habitat fragmentation were lacking. Moreover, it highlighted that technical difficulties in the field and the buffer effect of the colony represent methodological and biological barriers that are still difficult to overcome. Mathematical modeling or radio frequency identification (RFID) chips represent promising ways to overcome current methodological difficulties.
A New Species of Monstrillopsis Sars, 1921 (Copepoda: Monstrilloida) with an Unusually Reduced Urosome
Authors: Jeon Donggu , Lee Wonchoel , Soh Ho Young , Eyun Seong-il
Published: December 2019

Male monstrilloid copepods, described herein as Monstrillopsis paradoxa sp. nov., were collected from the Chuja Islands, Jeju, Korea, using a light trap. They display many of the common features of Monstrillopsis, including large, prominent eyes, an anteriorly positioned oral papilla, and four setae on each caudal ramus. Type-2 modification of the antennules further supports the assignment of the new species to Monstrillopsis. However, the present specimens have an unusually low number of urosomal somites, just three in total, compared to five in males of all congeneric species, and from four (in Cymbasoma) to five in males of all other monstrilloid genera. Up until now, in the Monstrilloida only females of Cymbasoma have been known to have as few as three urosomal somites.
Effects of Al Addition on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of CoCrFeMnNiAlx High Entropy Alloy Films
Authors: Hsu Ya-Chu , Li Chia-Lin , Hsueh Chun-Hway
Published: December 2019

CoCrFeMnNiAlx (x = 0, 0.07, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 1.3) high-entropy alloy films (HEAFs) were processed by co-sputtering of CoCrFeMnNi alloy and Al targets. The effects of Al content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of HEAFs were studied. The XRD results indicated that the crystalline structure changed from the single face-centered cubic (FCC) phase for x = 0 and 0.07 to duplex FCC + body-centered cubic (BCC) phases for x = 0.3 and 0.6, and eventually, to a single BCC phase for x = 1.0 and 1.3, which agreed with the corresponding selected-area electron diffraction patterns. Also, nanotwins were observed in the FCC phase. Mechanical properties of films were studied using nanoindentation and micropillar compression tests. The hardness increased from 5.71 GPa at x = 0 to 8.74 GPa at x = 1.3. The compressive yield strength increased from 1.59 GPa to 3.73 GPa; however, the fracture strain decreased from 20.91% (no fracture) to 13.78% with the increasing Al content. Both nanotwins and BCC phase contributed to the strengthening effects for CoCrFeMnNiAlx HEAFs. Also, compared to the bulk CoCrFeMnNiAlx counterpart, the film exhibited much higher hardness and strength because of the much smaller grain size and the presence of nanotwins.
Prediction of Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Based on Entropy Generation
Authors: Idris Roslinda , Abdullah Shahrum , Thamburaja Prakash , Omar Mohd Zaidi
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the assessment of fatigue crack growth rate for dual-phase steel under spectrum loading based on entropy generation. According to the second law of thermodynamics, fatigue crack growth is related to entropy gain because of its irreversibility. In this work, the temperature evolution and crack length were simultaneously measured during fatigue crack growth tests until failure to ensure the validity of the assessment. Results indicated a significant correlation between fatigue crack growth rate and entropy. This relationship is the basis in developing a model that can determine the characteristics of fatigue crack growth rates, particularly under spectrum loading. Predictive results showed that the proposed model can accurately predict the fatigue crack growth rate under spectrum loading in all cases. The root mean square error in all cases is 10−7 m/cycle. In conclusion, entropy generation can accurately predict the fatigue crack growth rate of dual-phase steels under spectrum loading.
Entropy, Information, and Symmetry: Ordered is Symmetrical
Authors: Bormashenko Edward
Published: December 2019

Entropy is usually understood as the quantitative measure of “chaos” or “disorder”. However, the notions of “chaos” and “disorder” are definitely obscure. This leads to numerous misinterpretations of entropy. We propose to see the disorder as an absence of symmetry and to identify “ordering” with symmetrizing of a physical system; in other words, introducing the elements of symmetry into an initially disordered physical system. We demonstrate with the binary system of elementary magnets that introducing elements of symmetry necessarily diminishes its entropy. This is true for one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) systems of elementary magnets. Imposing symmetry does not influence the Landauer principle valid for the addressed systems. Imposing the symmetry restrictions onto the system built of particles contained within the chamber divided by the permeable partition also diminishes its entropy.
Representation of Japanese Candlesticks by Oriented Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof , Łyczkowska-Hanćkowiak Anna
Published: December 2019

The Japanese candlesticks’ technique is one of the well-known graphic methods of dynamic analysis of securities. If we apply Japanese candlesticks for the analysis of high-frequency financial data, then we need a numerical representation of any Japanese candlestick. Kacprzak et al. have proposed to represent Japanese candlesticks by ordered fuzzy numbers introduced by Kosiński and his cooperators. For some formal reasons, Kosiński’s theory of ordered fuzzy numbers has been revised. The main goal of our paper is to propose a universal method of representation of Japanese candlesticks by revised ordered fuzzy numbers. The discussion also justifies the need for such revision of a numerical model of the Japanese candlesticks. There are considered the following main kinds of Japanese candlestick: White Candle (White Spinning), Black Candle (Black Spinning), Doji Star, Dragonfly Doji, Gravestone Doji, and Four Price Doji. For example, we apply numerical model of Japanese candlesticks for financial portfolio analysis.
The Effect of Rainfall on Economic Growth in Thailand: A Blessing for Poor Provinces
Authors: Sangkhaphan Siriklao , Shu Yang
Published: December 2019

Rainfall is related to economic growth and generally has beneficial impacts on dry and poor areas that are mostly dependent on rainfed agriculture. Thailand is a service-based, upper middle-income country with a tropical climate although rainfall varies regionally. The volume of precipitation in the northern and northeastern regions is rather low while the southern region has the highest rainfall due to its narrow topography running north-south bordering the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The present study explored the effect of rainfall on the growth of the gross provincial product (GPP) by economic sector and subsector using provincial-level panel data from 1995 to 2015. The feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) estimator with fixed effect was used in the regression models. We found that the main impacts of the weather occurred through rainfall and reduced GPP growth at the national level. For the sector level, the results showed that rainfall had a significant negative impact on the agricultural and service sectors while it had a positive but not significant impact on the industrial sector. However, rainfall remains vital in poor regions although it could be detrimental to certain subsectors in those regions. The results confirmed that the positive effects of rainfall mostly affected the economies of poor provinces and suggested that average rainfall could be the key climate effect on economic growth in Thailand.