bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of miRNAs Targeted Storage Regulatory Genes during Soybean Seed Development Based on Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Yu Jing-Yao , Zhang Zhan-Guo , Huang Shi-Yu , Han Xue , Wang Xin-Yu , Pan Wen-Jing , Qin Hong-Tao , Qi Hui-Dong , Yin Zhen-Gong , Qu Ke-Xin , Zhang Ze-Xin , Liu Shan-Shan , Jiang Hong-Wei , Liu Chun-Yan , Hu Zhen-Bang , Wu Xiao-Xia , Chen Qing-Shan , Xin Da-Wei , Qi Zhao-Ming
Published: May 2019

Soybeans are an important cash crop and are widely used as a source of vegetable protein and edible oil. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous small RNA that play an important regulatory role in the evolutionarily conserved system of gene expression. In this study, we selected four lines with extreme phenotypes, as well as high or low protein and oil content, from the chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) constructed from suinong (SN14) and ZYD00006, and planted and sampled at three stages of grain development for small RNA sequencing and expression analysis. The sequencing results revealed the expression pattern of miRNA in the materials, and predicted miRNA-targeted regulatory genes, including 1967 pairs of corresponding relationships between known-miRNA and their target genes, as well as 597 pairs of corresponding relationships between novel-miRNA and their target genes. After screening and annotating genes that were targeted for regulation, five specific genes were identified to be differentially expressed during seed development and subsequently analyzed for their regulatory relationship with miRNAs. The expression pattern of the targeted gene was verified by Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Our research provides more information about the miRNA regulatory network in soybeans and further identifies useful genes that regulate storage during soy grain development, providing a theoretical basis for the regulation of soybean quality traits.
The Potential Role for Host Genetic Profiling in Screening for Chlamydia-Associated Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI)—New Perspectives
Authors: Malogajski Jelena , Branković Ivan , Land Jolande A. , Thomas Pierre P. M. , Morré Servaas A. , Ambrosino Elena
Published: May 2019

Host immunogenetic factors can affect late complications of urogenital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis. These findings are creating new avenues for updating existing risk prediction models for C. trachomatis-associated tubal factor infertility (TFI). Research into host factors and its utilization may therefore have future implications for diagnosing C. trachomatis-induced infertility. We outline the epidemiological situation regarding C. trachomatis and TFI in high-income countries. Thereupon, we review the main characteristics of the population undergoing fertility work-up and identify screening and diagnostic strategies for TFI currently in place. The Netherlands is an exemplary model for the state of the art in high-income countries. Within the framework of existing clinical approaches, we propose a scenario for the translation of relevant genome-based information into triage of infertile women, with the objective of implementing genetic profiling in the routine investigation of TFI. Furthermore, we describe the state of the art in relevant gene- and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based clinical prediction models and place our perspectives in the context of these applications. We conclude that the introduction of a genetic test of proven validity into the assessment of TFI should help reduce patient burden from invasive and costly examinations by achieving a more precise risk stratification.
Composite Anchors for Slope Stabilisation: Monitoring of their In-Situ Behaviour with Optical Fibre
Authors: Cola Simonetta , Schenato Luca , Brezzi Lorenzo , Tchamaleu Pangop Francine Chantal , Palmieri Luca , Bisson Alberto
Published: May 2019

Composite anchors are special passive sub-horizontal reinforcements recently developed for remediation of unstable slopes. They are composed of a hollow steel bar, installed by a self-drilling technique in the soil, coupled with tendons cemented in the inner hole to increase the global anchor tensile strength. The anchors are primarily intended to stabilise medium to deep landslides, both in soils or weathered rock masses. Among the valuable advantages of composite anchors are their low cost, ease of installation, and flexibility in execution, as testified by a rapid increase in their use in recent years. The bond strength at the soil-anchor interface is the main parameter for both the design of these reinforcements and the evaluation of their long-term effects for landslide stabilisation. After a brief description of the composite anchor technology, this paper presents a novel methodology for monitoring the strain and stress accumulated in the anchors over time when installed in an unstable slope. The new monitoring system is composed of a distributed fibre optic sensing system, exploiting the optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technique, to measure the strain exerted on the optical fibre cable embedded with the tendons inside the bar. The system permits an evaluation of the axial force distribution in the anchor and the soil-anchor interface actions with a spatial resolution of up to some millimetres. Therefore, it allows determination of the stabilising capability associated with the specific hydrogeological conditions of the site. Furthermore, upon an extensive validation, the system may become part of a standard practice to be applied in this type of intervention, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the anchor installation and its evolution over time.
Capri’s Touristification. A Millennial Cultural Landscape Reinvented by Luxury Tourism
Authors: Russo Krauss Giovanna
Published: May 2019

In recent years the issue of touristification has been progressively discussed in relation to its impact on historic towns. In this regard, physical transformations and gentrification consequences are both issues often addressed. In Italy, consciousness on the subject primarily grew in relation to Florence and Venice, both national cases widely discussed also on newspapers. The awareness of a wider range of cases affected by this problem, from big cities to small holiday destinations, is even more recent. The aim of the present paper is to address Capri’s touristification process, which started in the last decades of the nineteenth century and exploded in the second half of the twentieth century, from the point of view of the field of study of history and conservation of cultural heritage and landscape. Therefore, this process and some of its consequences on the island’s cultural landscape and identity are thoroughly analyzed. The paper starts with a brief introduction to the island and its history, which is necessary in order to highlight its rich cultural heritage and the slow pace at which Capri has grown over time as a fishermen island to suddenly transforming into a touristic destination during the last century. Finally, the current touristic vocation and the consequences on Capri’s natural and built environment are discussed, with the aim of individuating if and why there have already been losses and what should be done to prevent this negative process from going on.
Development of a Hydrogeological Conceptual Model for Shallow Aquifers in the Data Scarce Upper Blue Nile Basin
Authors: Walker David , Parkin Geoff , Gowing John , Haile Alemseged Tamiru
Published: May 2019

Rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa commonly rely on shallow hand-dug wells and springs; consequently, shallow aquifers are an extremely important water source. Increased utilisation of shallow groundwater could help towards achieving multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) by positively impacting poverty, hunger, and health. However, these shallow aquifers are little studied and poorly understood, partly due to a paucity of existing hydrogeological information in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This study develops a hydrogeological conceptual model for Dangila woreda (district) in Northwest Ethiopia, based on extensive field investigations and implementation of a citizen science programme. Geological and water point surveys revealed a thin (3–18 m) weathered volcanic regolith aquifer overlying very low permeability basalt. Hydrochemistry suggested that deep groundwater within fractured and scoriaceous zones of the basalt is not (or is poorly) connected to shallow groundwater. Isotope analysis and well monitoring indicated shallow groundwater flow paths that are not necessarily coincident with surface water flow paths. Characteristics of the prevalent seasonal floodplains are akin to “dambos” that are well-described in literature for Southern Africa. Pumping tests, recharge assessments, and hydrometeorological analysis indicated the regolith aquifer shows potential for increased utilisation. This research is transferrable to the shallow volcanic regolith aquifers that overlie a substantial proportion of Ethiopia and are prevalent throughout the East African Rift and in several areas elsewhere on the continent.
Global Analysis of Transcriptional Expression in Mice Exposed to Intermediate Frequency Magnetic Fields Utilized for Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Ohtani Shin , Ushiyama Akira , Maeda Machiko , Wada Keiji , Suzuki Yukihisa , Hattori Kenji , Kunugita Naoki , Ishii Kazuyuki
Published: May 2019

Background: Intermediate frequency magnetic fields (IF-MFs) at around 85 kHz are a component of wireless power transfer systems used for charging electrical vehicles. However, limited data exist on the potential health effects of IF-MFs. We performed a comprehensive analysis of transcriptional expression in mice after IF-MF exposure. Materials and Methods: We developed an IF-MF exposure system to generate a high magnetic flux density (25.3 mT). The system can expose the IF-MF for a mouse whole-body without considering thermal effects. After 10 days (1 h/day) of exposure, a comprehensive expression analysis was performed using microarray data from both the brain and liver. Results: No significant differences in transcriptional expression were detected in the 35,240 probe-sets when controlling the false discovery rate (FDR) under a fold change cutoff >1.5. However, several differential expressions were detected without FDR-adjustment, but these were not confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study to evaluate the biological effects of IF-MF exposure with an intense magnetic flux density 253 times higher than the occupational restriction level defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines. However, our findings indicate that transcriptional responses in the living body are not affected under these conditions.
Association between Breakfast Frequency and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study of KNHANES Data, 2014–2016
Authors: Lee Hyeon Ji , Jang Jieun , Lee Sang Ah , Choi Dong-Woo , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: May 2019

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing worldwide and one related lifestyle choice is breakfast consumption. This study examined the association between breakfast frequency and the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). The 10-year risk of ASCVD was defined as the risk of the first event of nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, and nonfatal or fatal stroke within 10 years. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014–2016 were analyzed, and 7212 participants aged 40–79 years with no history of CVD were included. ASCVD risk was calculated according to the pooled cohort ASCVD equation, and participants with a score >7.5% were considered at high risk of ASCVD. The association between breakfast frequency and high ASCVD risk was confirmed by logistic regression analysis. Participants who never ate breakfast were more likely to be in the high-risk group compared to participants who ate breakfast >5 times per week (OR (adjusted odds ratio) = 1.46; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.12–1.89), and the risk was especially higher in female participants and those with a family history of CVD. Our study confirms that breakfast consumption even once per week may prevent CVD.
The Implication of Land-Use/Land-Cover Change for the Declining Soil Erosion Risk in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China
Authors: Jiu Jinzhu , Wu Hongjuan , Li Sen
Published: May 2019

The Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR) in China is an ecologically and politically important region experiencing rapid land use/cover changes and prone to many environment hazards related to soil erosion. In the present study, we: (1) estimated recent changes in the risk pattern of soil erosion in the TGRR, (2) analysed how the changes in soil erosion risks could be associated with land use and land cover change, and (3) examined whether the interactions between urbanisation and natural resource management practices may exert impacts on the risks. Our results indicated a declining trend of soil erosion risk from 14.7 × 106 t in 2000 to 1.10 × 106 t in 2015, with the most risky areas being in the central and north TGRR. Increase in the water surface of the Yangtze River (by 61.8%, as a consequence of water level rise following the construction of the Three Gorges Dam), was found to be negatively associated with soil erosion risk. Afforestation (with measured increase in forest extent by 690 km2 and improvement of NDVI by 8.2%) in the TGRR was associated with positive soil erosion risk mitigation. An interaction between urbanisation (urban extant increased by 300 km2) and vegetation diversification (decreased by 0.01) was identified, through which the effect of vegetation diversification on soil erosion risk was negative in areas having lower urbanisation rates only. Our results highlight the importance of prioritising cross-sectoral policies on soil conservation to balance the trade-offs between urbanisation and natural resource management.
Soundtracking the Public Space: Outcomes of the Musikiosk Soundscape Intervention
Authors: Steele Daniel , Bild Edda , Tarlao Cynthia , Guastavino Catherine
Published: May 2019

Decades of research support the idea that striving for lower sound levels is the cornerstone of protecting urban public health. Growing insight on urban soundscapes, however, highlights a more complex role of sound in public spaces, mediated by context, and the potential of soundscape interventions to contribute to the urban experience. We discuss Musikiosk, an unsupervised installation allowing users to play audio content from their own devices over publicly provided speakers. Deployed in the gazebo of a pocket park in Montreal (Parc du Portugal), in the summer of 2015, its effects over the quality of the public urban experience of park users were researched using a mixed methods approach, combining questionnaires, interviews, behavioral observations, and acoustic monitoring, as well as public outreach activities. An integrated analysis of results revealed positive outcomes both at the individual level (in terms of soundscape evaluations and mood benefits) and at the social level (in terms of increased interaction and lingering behaviors). The park was perceived as more pleasant and convivial for both users and non-users, and the perceived soundscape calmness and appropriateness were not affected. Musikiosk animated an underused section of the park without displacing existing users while promoting increased interaction and sharing, particularly of music. It also led to a strategy for interacting with both residents and city decision-makers on matters related to urban sound.
Importance of Sock Type in the Development of Foot Lesions on Low-Difficulty, Short Hikes
Authors: Pérez Pico Ana Mª , Mingorance Álvarez Ester , Martínez Quintana Rodrigo , Mayordomo Acevedo Raquel
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives: Foot lesions can be developed during hiking because of external factors. This makes it important to study the effect of hiking equipment on lesion development. Materials and Methods: Technical and non-technical socks were given to 109 hikers to wear during a short hike. Participants were examined at three stages of the hike to determine the development of dermal, muscle and nail lesions, temperature and perimeter in various areas of each foot. Results: The percentage of hikers without injuries was significantly higher among those wearing technical socks (p-value < 0.001). Differences were also observed in mean foot temperature, which was higher in participants wearing technical socks (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that even on a low-difficulty, short-term sport activity, it is advisable to wear technical socks to prevent lesion development and keep the foot temperature more stable. Sock type was identified as an external conditioning factor in lesion development.
The Use of Deep Learning to Predict Stroke Patient Mortality
Authors: Cheon Songhee , Kim Jungyoon , Lim Jihye
Published: May 2019

The increase in stroke incidence with the aging of the Korean population will rapidly impose an economic burden on society. Timely treatment can improve stroke prognosis. Awareness of stroke warning signs and appropriate actions in the event of a stroke improve outcomes. Medical service use and health behavior data are easier to collect than medical imaging data. Here, we used a deep neural network to detect stroke using medical service use and health behavior data; we identified 15,099 patients with stroke. Principal component analysis (PCA) featuring quantile scaling was used to extract relevant background features from medical records; we used these to predict stroke. We compared our method (a scaled PCA/deep neural network [DNN] approach) to five other machine-learning methods. The area under the curve (AUC) value of our method was 83.48%; hence; it can be used by both patients and doctors to prescreen for possible stroke.
Parenting Stress and Broader Phenotype in Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia or Typical Development
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Massi Laura , Pignataro Veronica , Zocco Sara , Chiodo Simona
Published: May 2019

In the present study parenting stress and the broader phenotype are investigated in two highly common developmental disorders, namely Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and specific reading impairment (dyslexia). Within a total sample of 130 parents, 27 were parents of children with ADHD (P-ADHD), 38 were parents of children with a diagnosis of dyslexia (P-DYS) and the other 65 participants were parents of children with typical development (P-TD). A battery of cognitive tasks was administered which included verbal and non-verbal Intellectual Quotient (IQ), reading speed (passage and nonwords), verbal fluency and the Attention Network Task (ANT). Reading history, symptoms of ADHD in adults and parenting stress were measured through questionnaires. Group differences evidenced that the P-DYS group had lower scores in the reading tasks, in the verbal fluency task and in the reading history questionnaire. Conversely, the P-ADHD group had more transversal cognitive weaknesses (IQ, reading tasks, verbal fluency) and the highest scores in parenting stress and ADHD symptoms, together with poor reading history. The groups did not differ in the ANT task. Parenting stress was predicted, on the whole sample, by lower socioeconomic status (SES) and number of family members and higher ADHD symptoms. Implications for research and clinical settings are discussed.
Application and Selection of Remediation Technology for OCPs-Contaminated Sites by Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Tian Junping , Huo Zheng , Ma Fengjiao , Gao Xing , Wu Yanbin
Published: May 2019

The production and use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) for agricultural and industrial applications result in high levels of their residues, posing a significant risk to environmental and human health. At present, there are many techniques for OCP-contaminated soil remediation. However, the remediation of contaminated sites may suffer from a series of problems, such as a long recovery cycle, high costs, and secondary pollution, all of which could affect land redevelopment and reuse. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate technology is crucial for contaminated sites. In order to improve and support decision-making for the selection of remediation techniques, we provide a decision-making strategy for the screening of remediation techniques of OCP-contaminated sites. The screening procedure is proposed based on combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The screening indexes include economic indicator, environmental indicator, and technical indicator. The assessment results show that co-processing in cement kiln obtained the highest overall score and was thus considered to be the most sustainable option. This suggested remediation technology was similar to the practical remediation project, indicating that the screening method could be applied for the selection of remediation technologies for sites contaminated with persistent organic pollutants.
The Impact of Environmental Transmission and Epidemiological Features on the Geographical Translocation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Li Xueying , Xu Bing , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

The factors affecting the transmission and geographic translocation of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) within wild migratory bird populations remain inadequately understood. In a previous study, we found that environmental transmission had little impact on AIV translocation in a model of a single migratory bird population. In order to simulate virus transmission and translocation more realistically, here we expanded this model system to include two migratory bird flocks. We simulated AIV transmission and translocation while varying four core properties: 1) Contact transmission rate; 2) infection recovery rate; 3) infection-induced mortality rate; and 4) migration recovery rate; and three environmental transmission properties: 1) Virion persistence; 2) exposure rate; and 3) re-scaled environmental infectiousness; as well as the time lag in the migration schedule of the two flocks. We found that environmental exposure rate had a significant impact on virus translocation in the two-flock model. Further, certain epidemiological features (i.e., low infection recovery rate, low mortality rate, and high migration transmission rate) in both flocks strongly affected the likelihood of virus translocation. Our results further identified the pathobiological features supporting AIV intercontinental dissemination risk.
Predicting Station-Level Short-Term Passenger Flow in a Citywide Metro Network Using Spatiotemporal Graph Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Han Yong , Wang Shukang , Ren Yibin , Wang Cheng , Gao Peng , Chen Ge
Published: May 2019

Predicting the passenger flow of metro networks is of great importance for traffic management and public safety. However, such predictions are very challenging, as passenger flow is affected by complex spatial dependencies (nearby and distant) and temporal dependencies (recent and periodic). In this paper, we propose a novel deep-learning-based approach, named STGCNNmetro (spatiotemporal graph convolutional neural networks for metro), to collectively predict two types of passenger flow volumes—inflow and outflow—in each metro station of a city. Specifically, instead of representing metro stations by grids and employing conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to capture spatiotemporal dependencies, STGCNNmetro transforms the city metro network to a graph and makes predictions using graph convolutional neural networks (GCNNs). First, we apply stereogram graph convolution operations to seamlessly capture the irregular spatiotemporal dependencies along the metro network. Second, a deep structure composed of GCNNs is constructed to capture the distant spatiotemporal dependencies at the citywide level. Finally, we integrate three temporal patterns (recent, daily, and weekly) and fuse the spatiotemporal dependencies captured from these patterns to form the final prediction values. The STGCNNmetro model is an end-to-end framework which can accept raw passenger flow-volume data, automatically capture the effective features of the citywide metro network, and output predictions. We test this model by predicting the short-term passenger flow volume in the citywide metro network of Shanghai, China. Experiments show that the STGCNNmetro model outperforms seven well-known baseline models (LSVR, PCA-kNN, NMF-kNN, Bayesian, MLR, M-CNN, and LSTM). We additionally explore the sensitivity of the model to its parameters and discuss the distribution of prediction errors.
PPGIS and Public Use in Protected Areas: A Case Study in the Ebro Delta Natural Park, Spain
Authors: Palacio Buendía Amalia Vaneska , Pérez Albert María Yolanda , Serrano Giné David
Published: May 2019

This paper analyses public use in the Ebro Delta Natural Park using PPGIS (public participation geographic information system) methodology. An online survey was designed using Google Maps API, HTML, and JAVASCRIPT. Respondents were asked to place and rate thirteen items on an interactive map to characterize and georeference public use with regard to accessibility, facilities and services, signposting, safety and security, and leisure activities. In total we collected 209 valid surveys and mapped 2617 georeferenced opinions. Facilities and services were rated highly by users (72.46% were “very satisfied”). These were followed by accessibility (61%, “very satisfied”) and signposting (60.2%, “satisfied” or “quite satisfied”). Safety and security items were hardly rated perhaps because users do not feel insecure in the area. Respondents’ mapping of opinions and experiences, which are heterogeneous and were well rated, enabled us to visualize areas that might be understood as social hotspots. Our results show that PPGIS is an effective procedure for measuring public use in protected areas and may be a valuable tool for park managers and planners.
Coupling Genome-wide Transcriptomics and Developmental Toxicity Profiles in Zebrafish to Characterize Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Hazard
Authors: Shankar Prarthana , Geier Mitra C. , Truong Lisa , McClure Ryan S. , Pande Paritosh , Waters Katrina M. , Tanguay Robert L.
Published: May 2019

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are diverse environmental pollutants associated with adverse human health effects. Many studies focus on the carcinogenic effects of a limited number of PAHs and there is an increasing need to understand mechanisms of developmental toxicity of more varied yet environmentally relevant PAHs. A previous study characterized the developmental toxicity of 123 PAHs in zebrafish. Based on phenotypic responses ranging from complete inactivity to acute mortality, we classified these PAHs into eight bins, selected 16 representative PAHs, and exposed developing zebrafish to the concentration of each PAH that induced 80% phenotypic effect. We conducted RNA sequencing at 48 h post fertilization to identify gene expression changes as a result of PAH exposure. Using the Context Likelihood of Relatedness algorithm, we inferred a network that links the PAHs based on coordinated gene responses to PAH exposure. The 16 PAHs formed two broad clusters: Cluster A was transcriptionally more similar to the controls, while Cluster B consisted of PAHs that were generally more developmentally toxic, significantly elevated cyp1a transcript levels, and induced Ahr2-dependent Cyp1a protein expression in the skin confirmed by gene-silencing studies. We found that cyp1a transcript levels were associated with transcriptomic response, but not with PAH developmental toxicity. While all cluster B PAHs predominantly activated Ahr2, they also each enriched unique pathways like ion transport signaling, which likely points to differing molecular events between the PAHs downstream of Ahr2. Thus, using a systems biology approach, we have begun to evaluate, classify, and define mechanisms of PAH toxicity.
Therapeutic Effects of rAAV-Mediated Concomittant Gene Transfer and Overexpression of TGF-β and IGF-I on the Chondrogenesis of Human Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Morscheid Stephanie , Rey-Rico Ana , Schmitt Gertrud , Madry Henning , Cucchiarini Magali , Venkatesan Jagadeesh Kumar
Published: May 2019

Application of chondroreparative gene vectors in cartilage defects is a powerful approach to directly stimulate the regenerative activities of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that repopulate such lesions. Here, we investigated the ability of combined recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector-mediated delivery of the potent transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to enhance the processes of chondrogenic differentiation in human MSCs (hMSCs) relative to individual candidate treatments and to reporter (lacZ) gene condition. The rAAV-hTGF-β and rAAV-hIGF-I vectors were simultaneously provided to hMSC aggregate cultures (TGF-β/IGF-I condition) in chondrogenic medium over time (21 days) versus TGF-β/lacZ, IGF-I/lacZ, and lacZ treatments at equivalent vector doses. The cultures were then processed to monitor transgene (co)-overexpression, the levels of biological activities in the cells (cell proliferation, matrix synthesis), and the development of a chondrogenic versus osteogenic/hypertrophic phenotype. Effective, durable co-overexpression of TGF-β with IGF-I via rAAV enhanced the proliferative, anabolic, and chondrogenic activities in hMSCs versus lacZ treatment and reached levels that were higher than those achieved upon single candidate gene transfer, while osteogenic/hypertrophic differentiation was delayed over the period of time evaluated. These findings demonstrate the potential of manipulating multiple therapeutic rAAV vectors as a tool to directly target bone-marrow-derived MSCs in sites of focal cartilage defects and to locally enhance the endogenous processes of cartilage repair.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibition Sensitizes Human Prostate Cancer Cells towards Glucose Deprivation and Metformin-Mediated Cell Death
Authors: Raffaele Marco , Pittalà Valeria , Zingales Veronica , Barbagallo Ignazio , Salerno Loredana , Li Volti Giovanni , Romeo Giuseppe , Carota Giuseppe , Sorrenti Valeria , Vanella Luca
Published: May 2019

High levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 have been frequently reported in different human cancers, playing a major role in drug resistance and regulation of cancer cell redox homeostasis. Metformin (MET), a drug widely used for type 2 diabetes, has recently gained interest for treating several cancers. Recent studies indicated that the anti-proliferative effects of metformin in cancer cells are highly dependent on glucose concentration. The present work was directed to determine whether use of a specific inhibitor of HO-1 activity, alone or in combination with metformin, affected metastatic prostate cancer cell viability under different concentrations of glucose. MTT assay and the xCELLigence system were used to evaluate cell viability and cell proliferation in DU145 human prostate cancer cells. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of HO-1 was inhibited using a selective imidazole-based inhibitor; genes associated with antioxidant systems and cell death were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Our study demonstrates that metformin suppressed prostate cancer growth in vitro and increased oxidative stress. Disrupting the antioxidant HO-1 activity, especially under low glucose concentration, could be an attractive approach to potentiate metformin antineoplastic effects and could provide a biochemical basis for developing HO-1-targeting drugs against solid tumors.
Efficient Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of the Commercial Hybrid Poplar Populus Alba × Populus glandulosa Uyeki
Authors: Song Chengwei , Lu Liang , Guo Yayu , Xu Huimin , Li Ruili
Published: May 2019

Transgenic technology is a powerful tool for gene functional characterization, and poplar is a model system for genetic transformation of perennial woody plants. However, the poplar genetic transformation system is limited to a number of model genotypes. Herein, we developed a transformation system based on efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for the hybrid poplar Populus Alba × Populus glandulosa Uyeki, which is a fast-growing poplar species that is suitably grown in the northern part of China. Importantly, we optimized many independent factors and showed that the transformation efficiency was improved significantly using juvenile leaf explants. Explants were infected by an Agrobacterium suspension with the OD600 = 0.6 for 15 min and then co-cultured in dark conditions for 3 days. Using the improved transformation system, we obtained the transgenic poplar with overexpression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) via direct organogenesis without callus induction. Furthermore, we analyzed the GUS gene in the transgenic poplars using PCR, qRT-PCR, and GUS staining. These analyses revealed that the GUS gene was efficiently transformed, and it exhibited various expression levels. Taken together, these results represent a simple, fast, and efficient transformation system of hybrid poplar plants. Our findings may facilitate future studies of gene functions in perennial woody plants and tree breeding via transgenic technology assisted design.
Rice Genome Resequencing Reveals a Major Quantitative Trait Locus for Resistance to Bakanae Disease Caused by Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Kang Do-Yu , Cheon Kyeong-Seong , Oh Jun , Oh Hyoja , Kim Song Lim , Kim Nyunhee , Lee Eungyeong , Choi Inchan , Baek Jeongho , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Chung Nam-Jin , Ji Hyeonso
Published: May 2019

Bakanae disease (BD), caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, has become a serious threat in rice-cultivating regions worldwide. In the present study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed using F2 and F3 plants derived after crossing a BD-resistant and a BD-susceptible Korean japonica rice variety, ‘Samgwang’ and ‘Junam’, respectively. Resequencing of ‘Junam’ and ‘Samgwang’ genomes revealed 151,916 DNA polymorphisms between the two varieties. After genotyping 188 F2 plants, we constructed a genetic map comprising 184 markers, including 175 kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers, eight cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers, and a derived CAPS (dCAPS) marker. The degree of BD susceptibility of each F2 plant was evaluated on the basis of the mortality rate measured with corresponding F3 progeny seedlings by in vitro screening. Consequently, qFfR9, a major QTL, was discovered at 30.1 centimorgan (cM) on chromosome 9 with a logarithm of the odds score of 60.3. For the QTL interval, 95% probability lay within a 7.24–7.56 Mbp interval. In this interval, we found that eight genes exhibited non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by comparing the ‘Junam’ and ‘Samgwang’ genome sequence data, and are possibly candidate genes for qFfR9; therefore, qFfR9 could be utilized as a valuable resource for breeding BD-resistant rice varieties.
Assessing the Impact of Single-Cell Stimulation on Local Networks in Rat Barrel Cortex—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Knauer Beate , Stüttgen Maik C.
Published: May 2019

In contrast to the long-standing notion that the role of individual neurons in population activity is vanishingly small, recent studies have shown that electrical activation of only a single cortical neuron can have measurable effects on global brain state, movement, and perception. Although highly important for understanding how neuronal activity in cortex is orchestrated, the cellular and network mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unresolved. Here, we first briefly review the current state of knowledge regarding the phenomenon of single-cell induced network modulation and discuss possible underpinnings. Secondly, we show proof of principle for an experimental approach to elucidate the mechanisms of single-cell induced changes in cortical activity. The setup allows simultaneous recordings of the spiking activity of multiple neurons across all layers of the cortex using a multi-electrode array, while manipulating the activity of one individual neuron in close proximity to the array. We demonstrate that single cells can be recorded and stimulated reliably for hundreds of trials, conferring high statistical power even for expectedly small effects of single-neuron spiking on network activity. Preliminary results suggest that single-cell stimulation on average decreases the firing rate of local network units. We expect that characterization of the spatiotemporal spread of single-cell evoked activity across layers and columns will yield novel insights into intracortical processing.
Effects of Variability in Blood Pressure, Glucose, and Cholesterol Concentrations, and Body Mass Index on End-Stage Renal Disease in the General Population of Korea
Authors: Kim Mee Kyoung , Han Kyungdo , Kim Hun-Sung , Park Yong-Moon , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Yoon Kun-Ho , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: May 2019

Aim: Metabolic parameters, such as blood pressure, glucose, lipid levels, and body weight, can interact with each other, and this clustering of metabolic risk factors is related to the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The effect of variability in metabolic parameters on the risk of ESRD has not been studied previously. Methods: Using nationally representative data from the Korean National Health Insurance System, 8,199,135 participants who had undergone three or more health examinations between 2005 and 2012 were included in this analysis. Intraindividual variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), and body mass index (BMI) was assessed by examining the coefficient of variation, variability independent of the mean, and average real variability. High variability was defined as the highest quartile of variability and low variability was defined as the lower three quartiles of variability. Results: Over a median (5–95%) of 7.1 (6.5–7.5) years of follow-up after the variability assessment period, 13,600 (1.7/1000 person-years) participants developed ESRD. For each metabolic parameter, an incrementally higher risk of ESRD was observed for higher variability quartiles compared with the lowest quartile. The risk of ESRD was 46% higher in the highest quartile of SBP variability, 47% higher in the highest quartile of FBG variability, 56% higher in the highest quartile of BMI variability, and 108% higher in the highest quartile of TC variability. Compared with the group with low variability for all four parameters, the group with high variability for all four parameters had a significantly higher risk for incident ESRD (hazard ratio (HR) 4.12; 95% CI 3.72–4.57). Conclusions: Variability in each metabolic parameter was an independent predictor of the development of ESRD among the general population. There was a composite effect of the variability in additional metabolic parameters on the risk of ESRD.
Regional Differences in Mitochondrial Capacity in the Finger Flexors of Piano Players
Authors: Luquire Katie , McCully Kevin K.
Published: May 2019

Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to measure oxidative capacity, but regional differences have not been identified. Piano players are also a novel group of subjects for this lab. Methods: Controls (n = 13) and piano players (n = 8) were tested in a seated position on the right forearm. A fatigue test was performed for three minutes at 2, 4 and 6 Hz using electrical stimulation, which created an endurance index (EI) as the forearm fatigued. A six-cuff oxidative capacity test was performed using manual exercise to activate the muscle and allow for regional specificity. A rate constant (Rc) was generated from the mitochondrial capacity data. Results: Overall, piano players (Rc = 1.76 ± 0.6) and controls (Rc = 1.17 ± 0.3) have significant differences for the last two fingers (p = 0.01). While controls have significant differences between the index (Rc = 1.86 ± 0.5) and last two fingers (Rc = 1.17 ± 0.3) (p = 0.001), this difference was not observed in piano players. Overall, piano players (EI = 75.7 ± 12.3) and controls (EI = 73.0 ± 17.3) had no differences in endurance index values (p = 0.71). Conclusions: Piano players have significant differences in the mitochondrial capacity of the finger flexors that control the last two fingers compared to controls. The lack of difference between groups in the index fingers and overall endurance test suggests playing the piano produces training adaptations to the finger flexor muscles of the last two digits, which are rarely used by control subjects.
Tonal Proximity Relationship in the Spanish of the Canary Islands in the Light of Dialectometry
Authors: Dorta Josefa , González Rodríguez María
Published: May 2019

Traditional linguistic geography has not dealt with issues relating to the prosodic study of languages and linguistic varieties. The international project AMPER (Atlas Multimédia Prosodique de l’Espace Roman) achieves a key milestone in this area by studying the prosody of Romance languages and varieties in order to disseminate research outcomes in the form of interactive online atlases. Using prosodic data from a wide corpus of declarative and interrogative sentences, obtained from a range of informants from the seven Canary Islands (AMPERCan), a dialectometric study was carried out with a tool especially designed within the framework of AMPER. Correlation values, dendrograms as well as multivariate analysis by means of the multidimensional scaling technique (MDS), have enabled us to establish relationships of close prosodic proximity among the Canary Islands.
Nanomelanin Potentially Protects the Spleen from Radiotherapy-Associated Damage and Enhances Immunoactivity in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Le Na Nguyen Thi , Duc Loc Sai , Minh Tri Nguyen Le , Bich Loan Nguyen Thi , Anh Son Ho , Linh Toan Nguyen , Phuong Thu Ha , My Nhung Hoang Thi , Lai Thanh Nguyen , Van Anh Nguyen Thi , Dinh Thang Nguyen
Published: May 2019

Radiotherapy side-effects present serious problems in cancer treatment. Melanin, a natural polymer with low toxicity, is considered as a potential radio-protector; however, its application as an agent against irradiation during cancer treatment has still received little attention. In this study, nanomelanin particles were prepared, characterized and applied in protecting the spleens of tumor-bearing mice irradiated with X-rays. These nanoparticles had sizes varying in the range of 80–200 nm and contained several important functional groups such as carboxyl (-COO), carbonyl (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups on the surfaces. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with nanomelanin at a concentration of 40 mg/kg before irradiating with a single dose of 6.0 Gray of X-ray at a high dose rate (1.0 Gray/min). Impressively, X-ray caused mild splenic fibrosis in 40% of nanomelanin-protected mice, whereas severe fibrosis was observed in 100% of mice treated with X-ray alone. Treatment with nanomelanin also partly rescued the volume and weight of mouse spleens from irradiation through promoting the transcription levels of splenic Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α). More interestingly, splenic T cell and dendritic cell populations were 1.91 and 1.64-fold higher in nanomelanin-treated mice than those in mice which received X-ray alone. Consistently, the percentage of lymphocytes was also significantly greater in blood from nanomelanin-treated mice. In addition, nanomelanin might indirectly induce apoptosis in tumor tissues via activation of TNF-α, Bax, and Caspase-3 genes. In summary, our results demonstrate that nanomelanin protects spleens from X-ray irradiation and consequently enhances immunoactivity in tumor-bearing mice; therefore, we present nanomelanin as a potential protector against damage from radiotherapy in cancer treatment.
A Comparative Study on Johnson Cook, Modified Zerilli–Armstrong, and Arrhenius-Type Constitutive Models to Predict Compression Flow Behavior of SnSbCu Alloy
Authors: Li Tongyang , Zhao Bin , Lu Xiqun , Xu Hanzhang , Zou Dequan
Published: May 2019

The flow behavior of the SnSbCu alloy is studied experimentally by the compression tests in the range of the strain rates from 0.0001 to 0.1 s−1 and temperature from 293 to 413 K. Based on the experimental data, three constitutive models including the Johnson–Cook (J–C), modified Zerilli–Armstrong (Z–A), and Arrhenius-type (A-type) models are compared to find out an optimum model to describe the flow behavior of the SnSbCu alloy. The results show that the J–C model could predict the flow behavior of the SnSbCu alloy accurately only at some specific strain rates and temperature near the reference values. The modified Z–A and A-type constitutive models can give better fitting results than the J–C model. While, at high strains, the predictive values of the modified Z–A model have larger errors than those at low strains, which means this model has limitations at high strains. By comparison, the A-type model could predict the experimental results accurately at the whole strain range, which indicates that it is a more suitable choice to describe the flow behavior of the SnSbCu alloy in the focused range of strain rates and temperatures. The work is beneficial to solve the tribological problem of the bearing of the marine engine by integrating the accurate constitutive model into the corresponding numerical model.
Change Point Detection for Airborne Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10) by Using the Bayesian Approach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rizwan , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: May 2019

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a key air pollutant that affects human health adversely. Exposure to high concentrations of such particles may cause premature death, heart disease, respiratory problems, or reduced lung function. Previous work on particulate matter ( P M 2.5 and P M 10 ) was limited to specific areas. Therefore, more studies are required to investigate airborne particulate matter patterns due to their complex and varying properties, and their associated ( P M 10 and P M 2.5 ) concentrations and compositions to assess the numerical productivity of pollution control programs for air quality. Consequently, to control particulate matter pollution and to make effective plans for counter measurement, it is important to measure the efficiency and efficacy of policies applied by the Ministry of Environment. The primary purpose of this research is to construct a simulation model for the identification of a change point in particulate matter ( P M 2.5 and P M 10 ) concentration, and if it occurs in different areas of the world. The methodology is based on the Bayesian approach for the analysis of different data structures and a likelihood ratio test is used to a detect change point at unknown time (k). Real time data of particulate matter concentrations at different locations has been used for numerical verification. The model parameters before change point ( θ ) and parameters after change point ( λ ) have been critically analyzed so that the proficiency and success of environmental policies for particulate matter ( P M 2.5 and P M 10 ) concentrations can be evaluated. The main reason for using different areas is their considerably different features, i.e., environment, population densities, and transportation vehicle densities. Consequently, this study also provides insights about how well this suggested model could perform in different areas.