bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Profiling for Predictors of Radiosensitivity in Patients with Breast or Head-and-Neck Cancer
Authors: Drobin Kimi , Marczyk Michal , Halle Martin , Danielsson Daniel , Papiez Anna , Sangsuwan Traimate , Bendes Annika , Hong Mun-Gwan , Qundos Ulrika , Harms-Ringdahl Mats , Wersäll Peter , Polanska Joanna , Schwenk Jochen M. , Haghdoost Siamak
Published: March 2020

Nearly half of all cancers are treated with radiotherapy alone or in combination with other treatments, where damage to normal tissues is a limiting factor for the treatment. Radiotherapy-induced adverse health effects, mostly of importance for cancer patients with long-term survival, may appear during or long time after finishing radiotherapy and depend on the patient’s radiosensitivity. Currently, there is no assay available that can reliably predict the individual’s response to radiotherapy. We profiled two study sets from breast (n = 29) and head-and-neck cancer patients (n = 74) that included radiosensitive patients and matched radioresistant controls.. We studied 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 33 genes by DNA genotyping and 130 circulating proteins by affinity-based plasma proteomics. In both study sets, we discovered several plasma proteins with the predictive power to find radiosensitive patients (adjusted p < 0.05) and validated the two most predictive proteins (THPO and STIM1) by sandwich immunoassays. By integrating genotypic and proteomic data into an analysis model, it was found that the proteins CHIT1, PDGFB, PNKD, RP2, SERPINC1, SLC4A, STIM1, and THPO, as well as the VEGFA gene variant rs69947, predicted radiosensitivity of our breast cancer (AUC = 0.76) and head-and-neck cancer (AUC = 0.89) patients. In conclusion, circulating proteins and a SNP variant of VEGFA suggest that processes such as vascular growth capacity, immune response, DNA repair and oxidative stress/hypoxia may be involved in an individual’s risk of experiencing radiation-induced toxicity.
Extended Texture Analysis of Non-Enhanced Whole-Body MRI Image Data for Response Assessment in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Systemic Therapy
Authors: Ekert Kaspar , Hinterleitner Clemens , Baumgartner Karolin , Fritz Jan , Horger Marius
Published: March 2020

Identifying MRI-based radiomics features capable to assess response to systemic treatment in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Retrospective analysis of whole-body MR-image data in 67 consecutive stage III MM patients (40 men; mean age, 60.4 years). Bone marrow involvement was evaluated using a standardized MR-imaging protocol consisting of T1w-, short-tau inversion recovery- (STIR-) and diffusion-weighted-imaging (DWI) sequences. Ninety-two radiomics features were evaluated, both in focally and diffusely involved bone marrow. Volumes of interest (VOI) were used. Response to treatment was classified according to International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria in complete response (CR), very-good and/or partial response (VGPR + PR), and non-response (stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD)). According to the IMWG-criteria, response categories were CR (n = 35), VGPR + PR (n = 19), and non-responders (n = 13). On apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-maps, gray-level small size matrix small area emphasis (Gray Level Size Zone (GLSZM) small area emphasis (SAE)) significantly correlated with CR (p < 0.001), whereas GLSZM non-uniformity normalized (NUN) significantly (p < 0.008) with VGPR/PR in focal medullary lesions (FL), whereas in diffuse involvement, 1st order root mean squared significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with CR, whereas for VGPR/PR Log (gray-level run-length matrix (GLRLM) Short Run High Gray Level Emphasis) proved significant (p < 0.003). On T1w, GLRLM NUN significantly (p < 0.002) correlated with CR in FL, whereas gray-level co-occurrence matric (GLCM) informational measure of correlation (Imc1) significantly (p < 0.04) correlated with VGPR/PR. For diffuse myeloma involvement, neighboring gray-tone difference matrix (NGTDM) contrast and 1st order skewness were significantly associated with CR and VGPR/PR (p < 0.001 for both). On STIR-images, CR correlated with gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) Informational Measure of Correlation (IMC) 1 (p < 0.001) in FL and 1st order mean absolute deviation in diffusely involved bone marrow (p < 0.001). VGPR/PR correlated at best in FL with GSZLM size zone NUN (p < 0.019) and in all other involved medullary areas with GLSZM large area low gray level emphasis (p < 0.001). GLSZM large area low gray level emphasis also significantly correlated with the degree of bone marrow infiltration assessed histologically (p = 0.006). GLCM IMC 1 proved significant throughout T1w/STIR sequences, whereas GLSZM NUN in STIR and ADC. MRI-based texture features proved significant to assess clinical and hematological response (CR, VPGR, and PR) in multiple myeloma patients undergoing systemic treatment.
Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay: Pathologies and the Potential for Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Pawlicka Kamila , Kalathiya Umesh , Alfaro Javier
Published: March 2020

Nonsense-mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay (NMD) is a surveillance pathway used by cells to control the quality mRNAs and to fine-tune transcript abundance. NMD plays an important role in cell cycle regulation, cell viability, DNA damage response, while also serving as a barrier to virus infection. Disturbance of this control mechanism caused by genetic mutations or dys-regulation of the NMD pathway can lead to pathologies, including neurological disorders, immune diseases and cancers. The role of NMD in cancer development is complex, acting as both a promoter and a barrier to tumour progression. Cancer cells can exploit NMD for the downregulation of key tumour suppressor genes, or tumours adjust NMD activity to adapt to an aggressive immune microenvironment. The latter case might provide an avenue for therapeutic intervention as NMD inhibition has been shown to lead to the production of neoantigens that stimulate an immune system attack on tumours. For this reason, understanding the biology and co-option pathways of NMD is important for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Inhibitors, whose design can make use of the many structures available for NMD study, will play a crucial role in characterizing and providing diverse therapeutic options for this pathway in cancer and other diseases.
Inhibiting WNT Ligand Production for Improved Immune Recognition in the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Goldsberry Whitney N. , Meza-Perez Selene , Londoño Angelina I. , Katre Ashwini A. , Mott Bryan T. , Roane Brandon M. , Goel Nidhi , Wall Jaclyn A. , Cooper Sara J. , Norian Lyse A. , Randall Troy D. , Birrer Michael J. , Arend Rebecca C.
Published: March 2020

In ovarian cancer, upregulation of the Wnt/β–catenin pathway leads to chemoresistance and correlates with T cell exclusion from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our objectives were to validate these findings in an independent cohort of ovarian cancer subjects and determine whether inhibiting the Wnt pathway in a syngeneic ovarian cancer murine model could create a more T-cell-inflamed TME, which would lead to decreased tumor growth and improved survival. We preformed RNA sequencing in a cohort of human high grade serous ovarian carcinoma subjects. We used CGX1321, an inhibitor to the porcupine (PORCN) enzyme that is necessary for secretion of WNT ligand, in mice with established ID8 tumors, a murine ovarian cancer cell line. In order to investigate the effect of decreased Wnt/β–catenin pathway activity in the dendritic cells (DCs), we injected ID8 cells in mice that lacked β–catenin specifically in DCs. Furthermore, to understand how much the effects of blocking the Wnt/β–catenin pathway are dependent on CD8+ T cells, we injected ID8 cells into mice with CD8+ T cell depletion. We confirmed a negative correlation between Wnt activity and T cell signature in our cohort. Decreasing WNT ligand production resulted in increases in T cell, macrophage and dendritic cell functions, decreased tumor burden and improved survival. Reduced tumor growth was found in mice that lacked β–catenin specifically in DCs. When CD8+ T cells were depleted, CGX1321 treatment did not have the same magnitude of effect on tumor growth. Our investigation confirmed an increase in Wnt activity correlated with a decreased T-cell-inflamed environment; a relationship that was further supported in our pre-clinical model that suggests inhibiting the Wnt/β–catenin pathway was associated with decreased tumor growth and improved survival via a partial dependence on CD8+ T cells.
Roles and Functions of ROS and RNS in Cellular Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Zarkovic Neven
Published: March 2020

Our common knowledge on oxidative stress has evolved substantially over the years, being focused mostly on the fundamental chemical reactions and the most relevant chemical species involved in human pathophysiology of oxidative stress-associated diseases. Thus, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) were identified as key players in initiating, mediating, and regulating the cellular and biochemical complexity of oxidative stress either as physiological (acting pro-hormetic) or as pathogenic (causing destructive vicious circles) processes. The papers published in this particular Special Issue of Cells show an impressive range on the pathophysiological relevance of ROS and RNS, including the relevance of second messengers of free radicals like 4-hydroxynonenal, allowing us to assume that the future will reveal even more detailed mechanisms of their positive and negative effects that might improve the monitoring of major modern diseases, and aid the development of advanced integrative biomedical treatments.
Selective Ablation of Dehydrodolichyl Diphosphate Synthase in Murine Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Causes RPE Atrophy and Retinal Degeneration
Authors: DeRamus Marci L. , Davis Stephanie J. , Rao Sriganesh Ramachandra , Nyankerh Cyril , Stacks Delores , Kraft Timothy W. , Fliesler Steven J. , Pittler Steven J.
Published: March 2020

Patients with certain defects in the dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase (DHDDS) gene (RP59; OMIM #613861) exhibit classic symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa, as well as macular changes, suggestive of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) involvement. The DHDDS enzyme is ubiquitously required for several pathways of protein glycosylation. We wish to understand the basis for selective ocular pathology associated with certain DHDDS mutations and the contribution of specific ocular cell types to the pathology of mutant Dhdds-mediated retinal degeneration. To circumvent embryonic lethality associated with Dhdds knockout, we generated a Cre-dependent knockout allele of murine Dhdds (Dhddsflx/flx). We used targeted Cre expression to study the importance of the enzyme in the RPE. Structural alterations of the RPE and retina including reduction in outer retinal thickness, cell layer disruption, and increased RPE hyper-reflectivity were apparent at one postnatal month. At three months, RPE and photoreceptor disruption was observed non-uniformly across the retina as well as RPE transmigration into the photoreceptor layer, external limiting membrane descent towards the RPE, and patchy loss of photoreceptors. Functional loss measured by electroretinography was consistent with structural loss showing scotopic a- and b-wave reductions of 83% and 77%, respectively, at three months. These results indicate that RPE dysfunction contributes to DHDDS mutation-mediated pathology and suggests a more complicated disease mechanism than simply disruption of glycosylation.
Heme, A Metabolic Sensor, Directly Regulates the Activity of the KDM4 Histone Demethylase Family and Their Interactions with Partner Proteins
Authors: Konduri Purna Chaitanya , Wang Tianyuan , Salamat Narges , Zhang Li
Published: March 2020

The KDM4 histone demethylase subfamily is constituted of yeast JmjC domain-containing proteins, such as Gis1, and human Gis1 orthologues, such as KDM4A/B/C. KDM4 proteins have important functions in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression in response to metabolic and nutritional stimuli. Heme acts as a versatile signaling molecule to regulate important cellular functions in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Here, using purified KDM4 proteins containing the JmjN/C domain, we showed that heme stimulates the histone demethylase activity of the JmjN/C domains of KDM4A and Cas well as full-length Gis1. Furthermore, we found that the C-terminal regions of KDM4 proteins, like that of Gis1, can confer heme regulation when fused to an unrelated transcriptional activator. Interestingly, biochemical pull-down of Gis1-interacting proteins followed by mass spectrometry identified 147 unique proteins associated with Gis1 under heme-sufficient and/or heme-deficient conditions. These 147 proteins included a significant number of heterocyclic compound-binding proteins, Ubl-conjugated proteins, metabolic enzymes/proteins, and acetylated proteins. These results suggested that KDM4s interact with diverse cellular proteins to form a complex network to sense metabolic and nutritional conditions like heme levels and respond by altering their interactions with other proteins and functional activities, such as histone demethylation.
The Proteasomal Deubiquitinating Enzyme PSMD14 Regulates Macroautophagy by Controlling Golgi-to-ER Retrograde Transport
Authors: Bustamante Hianara A , Cereceda Karina , González Alexis E , Valenzuela Guillermo E , Cheuquemilla Yorka , Hernández Sergio , Arias-Muñoz Eloisa , Cerda-Troncoso Cristóbal , Bandau Susanne , Soza Andrea , Kausel Gudrun , Kerr Bredford , Mardones Gonzalo A , Cancino Jorge , Hay Ronald T , Rojas-Fernandez Alejandro , Burgos Patricia V
Published: March 2020

Ubiquitination regulates several biological processes, however the role of specific members of the ubiquitinome on intracellular membrane trafficking is not yet fully understood. Here, we search for ubiquitin-related genes implicated in protein membrane trafficking performing a High-Content siRNA Screening including 1187 genes of the human “ubiquitinome” using amyloid precursor protein (APP) as a reporter. We identified the deubiquitinating enzyme PSMD14, a subunit of the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome, specific for K63-Ub chains in cells, as a novel regulator of Golgi-to-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retrograde transport. Silencing or pharmacological inhibition of PSMD14 with Capzimin (CZM) caused a robust increase in APP levels at the Golgi apparatus and the swelling of this organelle. We showed that this phenotype is the result of rapid inhibition of Golgi-to-ER retrograde transport, a pathway implicated in the early steps of the autophagosomal formation. Indeed, we observed that inhibition of PSMD14 with CZM acts as a potent blocker of macroautophagy by a mechanism related to the retention of Atg9A and Rab1A at the Golgi apparatus. As pharmacological inhibition of the proteolytic core of the 20S proteasome did not recapitulate these effects, we concluded that PSMD14, and the K63-Ub chains, act as a crucial regulatory factor for macroautophagy by controlling Golgi-to-ER retrograde transport.
Electrical Stimulation Induces Retinal Müller Cell Proliferation and Their Progenitor Cell Potential
Authors: Enayati Sam , Chang Karen , Achour Hamida , Cho Kin-Sang , Xu Fuyi , Guo Shuai , Z. Enayati Katarina , Xie Jia , Zhao Eric , Turunen Tytteli , Sehic Amer , Lu Lu , Utheim Tor Paaske , Chen Dong Feng
Published: March 2020

Non-invasive electrical stimulation (ES) is increasingly applied to improve vision in untreatable eye conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Our previous study suggested that ES promoted retinal function and the proliferation of progenitor-like glial cells in mice with inherited photoreceptor degeneration; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Müller cells (MCs) are thought to be dormant residential progenitor cells that possess a high potential for retinal neuron repair and functional plasticity. Here, we showed that ES with a ramp waveform of 20 Hz and 300 µA of current was effective at inducing mouse MC proliferation and enhancing their expression of progenitor cell markers, such as Crx (cone–rod homeobox) and Wnt7, as well as their production of trophic factors, including ciliary neurotrophic factor. RNA sequencing revealed that calcium signaling pathway activation was a key event, with a false discovery rate of 5.33 × 10−8 (p = 1.78 × 10−10) in ES-mediated gene profiling changes. Moreover, the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, abolished the observed effects of ES on MC proliferation and progenitor cell gene induction, supporting a central role of ES-induced Ca2+ signaling in the MC changes. Our results suggest that low-current ES may present a convenient tool for manipulating MC behavior toward neuroregeneration and repair.
Cell-Substrate Patterns Driven by Curvature-Sensitive Actin Polymerization: Waves and Podosomes
Authors: Naoz Moshe , Gov Nir S.
Published: March 2020

Cells adhered to an external solid substrate are observed to exhibit rich dynamics of actin structures on the basal membrane, which are distinct from those observed on the dorsal (free) membrane. Here we explore the dynamics of curved membrane proteins, or protein complexes, that recruit actin polymerization when the membrane is confined by the solid substrate. Such curved proteins can induce the spontaneous formation of membrane protrusions on the dorsal side of cells. However, on the basal side of the cells, such protrusions can only extend as far as the solid substrate and this constraint can convert such protrusions into propagating wave-like structures. We also demonstrate that adhesion molecules can stabilize localized protrusions that resemble some features of podosomes. This coupling of curvature and actin forces may underlie the differences in the observed actin-membrane dynamics between the basal and dorsal sides of adhered cells.
The Interplay between Peripherin 2 Complex Formation and Degenerative Retinal Diseases
Authors: Tebbe Lars , Kakakhel Mashal , Makia Mustafa S. , Al-Ubaidi Muayyad R. , Naash Muna I.
Published: March 2020

Peripherin 2 (Prph2) is a photoreceptor-specific tetraspanin protein present in the outer segment (OS) rims of rod and cone photoreceptors. It shares many common features with other tetraspanins, including a large intradiscal loop which contains several cysteines. This loop enables Prph2 to associate with itself to form homo-oligomers or with its homologue, rod outer segment membrane protein 1 (Rom1) to form hetero-tetramers and hetero-octamers. Mutations in PRPH2 cause a multitude of retinal diseases including autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or cone dominant macular dystrophies. The importance of Prph2 for photoreceptor development, maintenance and function is underscored by the fact that its absence results in a failure to initialize OS formation in rods and formation of severely disorganized OS membranous structures in cones. Although the exact role of Rom1 has not been well studied, it has been concluded that it is not necessary for disc morphogenesis but is required for fine tuning OS disc size and structure. Pathogenic mutations in PRPH2 often result in complex and multifactorial phenotypes, involving not just photoreceptors, as has historically been reasoned, but also secondary effects on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal/choroidal vasculature. The ability of Prph2 to form complexes was identified as a key requirement for the development and maintenance of OS structure and function. Studies using mouse models of pathogenic Prph2 mutations established a connection between changes in complex formation and disease phenotypes. Although progress has been made in the development of therapeutic approaches for retinal diseases in general, the highly complex interplay of functions mediated by Prph2 and the precise regulation of these complexes made it difficult, thus far, to develop a suitable Prph2-specific therapy. Here we describe the latest results obtained in Prph2-associated research and how mouse models provided new insights into the pathogenesis of its related diseases. Furthermore, we give an overview on the current status of the development of therapeutic solutions.
Focusing on Adenosine Receptors as a Potential Targeted Therapy in Human Diseases
Authors: Effendi Wiwin Is , Nagano Tatsuya , Kobayashi Kazuyuki , Nishimura Yoshihiro
Published: March 2020

Adenosine is involved in a range of physiological and pathological effects through membrane-bound receptors linked to G proteins. There are four subtypes of adenosine receptors, described as A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR, and A3AR, which are the center of cAMP signal pathway-based drug development. Several types of agonists, partial agonists or antagonists, and allosteric substances have been synthesized from these receptors as new therapeutic drug candidates. Research efforts surrounding A1AR and A2AAR are perhaps the most enticing because of their concentration and affinity; however, as a consequence of distressing conditions, both A2BAR and A3AR levels might accumulate. This review focuses on the biological features of each adenosine receptor as the basis of ligand production and describes clinical studies of adenosine receptor-associated pharmaceuticals in human diseases.
Systematic Identification of Housekeeping Genes Possibly Used as References in Caenorhabditis elegans by Large-Scale Data Integration
Authors: Tao Jingxin , Hao Youjin , Li Xudong , Yin Huachun , Nie Xiner , Zhang Jie , Xu Boying , Chen Qiao , Li Bo
Published: March 2020

For accurate gene expression quantification, normalization of gene expression data against reliable reference genes is required. It is known that the expression levels of commonly used reference genes vary considerably under different experimental conditions, and therefore, their use for data normalization is limited. In this study, an unbiased identification of reference genes in Caenorhabditis elegans was performed based on 145 microarray datasets (2296 gene array samples) covering different developmental stages, different tissues, drug treatments, lifestyle, and various stresses. As a result, thirteen housekeeping genes (rps-23, rps-26, rps-27, rps-16, rps-2, rps-4, rps-17, rpl-24.1, rpl-27, rpl-33, rpl-36, rpl-35, and rpl-15) with enhanced stability were comprehensively identified by using six popular normalization algorithms and RankAggreg method. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were significantly overrepresented in GO terms or KEGG pathways related to ribosomes. Validation analysis using recently published datasets revealed that the expressions of newly identified candidate reference genes were more stable than the commonly used reference genes. Based on the results, we recommended using rpl-33 and rps-26 as the optimal reference genes for microarray and rps-2 and rps-4 for RNA-sequencing data validation. More importantly, the most stable rps-23 should be a promising reference gene for both data types. This study, for the first time, successfully displays a large-scale microarray data driven genome-wide identification of stable reference genes for normalizing gene expression data and provides a potential guideline on the selection of universal internal reference genes in C. elegans, for quantitative gene expression analysis.
Phenol-Soluble Modulin-Mediated Aggregation of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Kim Deok-ryeong , Lee Yeonhee , Kim Hyeon-kyeong , Kim Wooseong , Kim Yun-Gon , Yang Yung-Hun , Kim Jae-Seok , Joo Hwang-Soo
Published: March 2020

Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are major determinants of Staphylococcus aureus virulence and their increased production in community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) likely contributes to the enhanced virulence of MRSA strains. Here, we analyzed the differences in bacterial cell aggregation according to PSM presence in the specific human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) environment. CSF samples from the intraventricular or lumbar intrathecal area of each patient and tryptic soy broth media were mixed at a 1:1 ratio, inoculated with WT and PSM-deleted mutants (Δpsm) of the CA-MRSA strain, USA300 LAC, and incubated overnight. Cell aggregation images were acquired after culture and image analysis was performed. The cell aggregation ratio in WT samples differed significantly between the two sampling sites (intraventricular: 0.2% vs. lumbar intrathecal: 6.7%, p < 0.001). The cell aggregation ratio in Δpsm samples also differed significantly between the two sampling sites (intraventricular: 0.0% vs. lumbar intrathecal: 1.2%, p < 0.001). Division of the study cases into two groups according to the aggregated area ratio (WT/Δpsm; group A: ratio of ≥ 2, group B: ratio of < 2) showed that the median aggregation ratio value differed significantly between groups A and B (5.5 and 0, respectively, p < 0.001). The differences in CSF distribution and PSM presence within the specific CSF environment are significant factors affecting bacterial cell aggregation.
The Switch from NF-YAl to NF-YAs Isoform Impairs Myotubes Formation
Authors: Libetti Debora , Bernardini Andrea , Sertic Sarah , Messina Graziella , Dolfini Diletta , Mantovani Roberto
Published: March 2020

NF-YA, the regulatory subunit of the trimeric transcription factor (TF) NF-Y, is regulated by alternative splicing (AS) generating two major isoforms, “long” (NF-YAl) and “short” (NF-YAs). Muscle cells express NF-YAl. We ablated exon 3 in mouse C2C12 cells by a four-guide CRISPR/Cas9n strategy, obtaining clones expressing exclusively NF-YAs (C2-YAl-KO). C2-YAl-KO cells grow normally, but are unable to differentiate. Myogenin and—to a lesser extent, MyoD— levels are substantially lower in C2-YAl-KO, before and after differentiation. Expression of the fusogenic Myomaker and Myomixer genes, crucial for the early phases of the process, is not induced. Myomaker and Myomixer promoters are bound by MyoD and Myogenin, and Myogenin overexpression induces their expression in C2-YAl-KO. NF-Y inactivation reduces MyoD and Myogenin, but not directly: the Myogenin promoter is CCAAT-less, and the canonical CCAAT of the MyoD promoter is not bound by NF-Y in vivo. We propose that NF-YAl, but not NF-YAs, maintains muscle commitment by indirectly regulating Myogenin and MyoD expression in C2C12 cells. These experiments are the first genetic evidence that the two NF-YA isoforms have functionally distinct roles.
Investigation on Stranski–Krastanow (SK) Growth Mode of Ag Coating in Cu/Ag Core-Shell Composites
Authors: Wan Xingyuan , Wang Yiyong , Lu Jinlin , Ning Zhe , Li Jidong
Published: March 2020

Cu/Ag core-shell composite was synthesized by the replacement-reduction method and was applied to the catalytic field. The specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The growth mechanism was investigated by the first-principles calculation, including the density of states, Mulliken population, and electronic structures. By comparing the calculation and characterization, it is concluded that the difference in interfacial properties leads to the growth of silver on the copper surface in the Stranski–Krastanow (SK) mode.
Formulation of Lipoprotein Microencapsulated Beadlets by Ionic Complexes in Algae-Based Carbohydrates
Authors: Rusu Alexandru Vasile , Criste Florin Leontin , Mierliţă Daniel , Socol Claudia Terezia , Trif Monica
Published: March 2020

The present study aims to produce sustained-release algae-based carbohydrate microbeadlets of lipoproteins rich-in carotenoids extracted from organic sea buckthorn fruits. β-carotene represented the major compound of the lipoproteins extracts. Emulsification and algae-based carbohydrates, such as sodium-alginate and kappa-carrageenan, provide an inert environment, allowing the embedded targeted bioactive compounds—lipoproteins rich in carotenoids in our case—to maintain greater biological activity and to have a better shelf life. Furthermore, the microbeadlets prepared from sodium-alginate–kappa-carrageenan (0.75%:0.75% w/v) crosslinked with calcium ions showing 90% encapsulation efficiency have been utilized in HPMC capsules using beadlets-in-a-capsule technology, to use as a delivery system for the finished product. The GI simulated tests performed under laboratory conditions suggested that the sodium-alginate–kappa–carrageenan combination could be useful for the formulation-controlled release of microbeadlets containing lipoproteins rich in carotenoids.
A Cosmetically Acceptable Dye Product to Improve Detection of Head Louse Eggs and Nits
Authors: Brunton Elizabeth R , Burgess Mark N , Whelan Ian P , Burgess Ian F
Published: March 2020

Removing head louse eggshells and nits after a successful pediculicide treatment is often made more difficult because it is not easy to see them all amongst the hairs. Therefore, a treatment that makes louse eggs more visible potentially makes the task of removal easier and reduces the risk that children would be sent home from school or over-treated. This project involved the development of a hair treatment gel concept that was easy to apply, wash out, and that stained louse eggs and nits but without staining the hair and skin. A series of food-grade dyes were evaluated for their ability to stain the eggshells, and various copolymer-based rheology modifiers were tested for dye compatibility and stability. Several dyes were rejected because either they failed to stain louse eggshells or else stained skin too easily. Two dyes, Patent Blue and Ponceau 4R, were eventually selected for different product developments, one specifically for post-treatment nit removal and the other for pre-treatment diagnosis. In clinical field studies, both were found to make the treated eggshells contrast sufficiently with the hair to enable identification of persistent nits. Use of a nit stain product can enable easier detection of louse eggs and nits, thus facilitating the removal process and reducing the risk that persistent eggshells could be mistaken for signs of a continuing infestation.
Exploring the Chelating Potential of an Easily Synthesized Schiff Base for Copper Sensing
Authors: Sanmartín-Matalobos Jesús , García-Deibe Ana , Zarepour-Jevinani Morteza , Aboal-Somoza Manuel , Bermejo-Barrera Pilar , Fondo Matilde
Published: March 2020

The present study deals with the investigation of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Pd2+ chelating potential of the Schiff base, (E)-N-(2-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)benzyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (H2SB). Crystal structures of Ni(HSB)2, Pd(HSB)2 and Cu(HSB)2 have been elucidated from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. NMR spectroscopy showed the presence of two conformers of Pd(HSB)2 in solution, both with an E configuration of the ligand. The determination of binding constants by fluorescence quenching showed that affinity of H2SB to Cu2+ in solution is higher than for Ni2+ and Pd2+. Since there is a high demand for selective, sensitive, rapid and simple methods to detect copper in aqueous samples (both as Cu2+ ions and as CuO NPs), we have explored H2SB as an optical chemosensor. H2SB interacts with increasing concentrations of Cu2+ ions, giving rise to a linear increase in the absorbance of a band centered at about 392 nm. H2SB displays a high selectivity toward Cu2+, even in the presence of the most common metal ions in water (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Al3+ and Fe3+), and some heavy transition metal ions such as the soft acids Pd2+ and Cd2+. H2SB also interacts with increasing concentrations of CuO NPs, which gives rise to a linear decrease in its fluorescence intensity (λem = 500 nm, λex = 390 nm). Quenching has occurred as a result of the formation of a non-fluorescent ground-state surface complex H2SB–CuO NPs. The limits of detection and quantification of CuO NPs were 9.8 mg/L and 32.6 mg/L, respectively. The presence of TiO2, Ag and Au NPs does not interfere with the determination of CuO NPs.
The Investigation for Coating Method of Titanium Dioxide Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Pao-Hsun , Huang Chien-Wu , Kang Chih-Chieh , Hsu Chia-Hsun , Lien Shui-Yang , Wang Na-Fu , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: March 2020

The effect of conventional Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by using different concentration and spin-coating speeds of titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an electron transport layer (ETL) was studied. The influence of TiO2 based on device structure: fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate/TiO2/Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3)/2,2′,7,7′-Tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxyp phenyl)amino]-9,9′-spirobifluorene/silver, is also studied. The spin-coating speed is varied in a range from 1000 to 3000 rpm to get optimal performance of device. The optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs with original concentration (OC) and double concentration (DC) TiO2 is 8.74 and 9.93%, respectively. The reason is attributed to excellent absorption in shorter wavelength, compact characteristic, and suitable thickness of TiO2, leading to perfect short-circuit current density (Jsc), lower series resistance (Rs), and higher fill factor (FF) of 0.75. Besides, recombination of electron and hole is also decreased due to the compact feature, leading to higher open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.91 V.
Trappings of Success: Predator Removal for Duck Nest Survival in Alberta Parklands
Authors: Blythe Emily M. , Boyce Mark S.
Published: March 2020

Nest survival is most limited by nest predation, which often is increased by anthropogenic causes including habitat fragmentation, mesopredator release and predator subsidies. In mallards and other upland-nesting duck species in the North American prairies, the rate of nest survival is the vital rate most influential to population dynamics, with 15%–20% survival required for maintenance of stable populations. Predator removal during the nesting season has increased duck nest survival on township-sized (9324 ha) areas of agricultural ecosystems in eastern locations of the prairie pothole region (PPR). However, predator removal has not been evaluated in western parkland habitats of the PPR where three-dimensional structure of vegetation is considerably greater. During 2015–2017, we evaluated nest survival on control and predator-removal plots at two study areas in the parklands of central Alberta, Canada. In the second year of the study, we transposed predator removal to control for habitat effects. Estimates of 34-day nest survival did not significantly differ between trapped ( x ¯ = 20.9%, 95% CI = 13.2%–33.7%) and control ( x ¯ = 17.8%, 95% CI = 10.5%–30.0%) plots in any year. We do not recommend predator removal be continued in Alberta parklands due to its ineffectiveness at improving duck nest survival at the local scale.
Global Financial System Outcomes after 2008: A Longitudinal Comparison
Authors: Ter-Mkrtchyan Ani , Franklin Aimee L.
Published: March 2020

This paper examines how the governance context and financial institutions may relate to different aspects of a country’s financial system before and after a crisis. Using a fixed-effects regression model for panel data and a comparative perspective, we assess longitudinal trends in the functioning of the financial systems. This modeling allows us to explore how the level of development of 139 countries and conditions related to political stability, regulatory quality, and the rule of law, may have influenced financial system outcomes. We measure financial system outcomes across four dimensions: financial depth, efficiency, stability, and access. Our findings suggest that the explanatory variables had limited statistical significance on the proxy measures of financial system outcomes. Furthermore, the relationships were not consistent across all financial system outcome variables. These results suggest that political stability and the rule of law do influence depth and efficiency, respectively, as proxy indicators of financial system outcomes.
Design of a Cylindrical Winding Structure for Wireless Power Transfer Used in Rotatory Applications
Authors: Abou Houran Mohamad , Yang Xu , Chen Wenjie
Published: March 2020

A cylindrical joint structure for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems is proposed. The transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils were wound on hemicylindrical and cylindrical structures, respectively. The Rx coil rotates freely around the axial direction of the Tx coil. Different methods of winding the Tx and Rx coils are given and discussed. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) around the WPT windings should be lower than the limits set by WPT standards. Therefore, the WPT windings were designed to reduce EMF level and maintain constant power-transfer efficiency (PTE). The design procedures of the windings are discussed in detail. EMF analysis was done under different rotation angles (α). The selected design reduced the variation of the mutual inductance (M). As a result, it maintained a constant PTE while rotating the Rx coil between 0° and 85°. Moreover, leakage magnetic fields (LMFs) near the WPT coils of the chosen design were reduced by 63.6% compared with other winding methods that have the same efficiency. Finally, a prototype was built to validate the proposed idea. Experiment results were in good agreement with the simulation results. The WPT system maintained constant efficiency in spite of the rotation of Rx coil, where efficiency dropped by only 2.15% when the Rx coil rotated between 0° and 85°.
Is The Timed-Up and Go Test Feasible in Mobile Devices? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ponciano Vasco , Pires Ivan Miguel , Ribeiro Fernando Reinaldo , Marques Gonçalo , Garcia Nuno M. , Pombo Nuno , Spinsante Susanna , Zdravevski Eftim
Published: March 2020

The number of older adults is increasing worldwide, and it is expected that by 2050 over 2 billion individuals will be more than 60 years old. Older adults are exposed to numerous pathological problems such as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, post-stroke, and orthopedic disturbances. Several physiotherapy methods that involve measurement of movements, such as the Timed-Up and Go test, can be done to support efficient and effective evaluation of pathological symptoms and promotion of health and well-being. In this systematic review, the authors aim to determine how the inertial sensors embedded in mobile devices are employed for the measurement of the different parameters involved in the Timed-Up and Go test. The main contribution of this paper consists of the identification of the different studies that utilize the sensors available in mobile devices for the measurement of the results of the Timed-Up and Go test. The results show that mobile devices embedded motion sensors can be used for these types of studies and the most commonly used sensors are the magnetometer, accelerometer, and gyroscope available in off-the-shelf smartphones. The features analyzed in this paper are categorized as quantitative, quantitative + statistic, dynamic balance, gait properties, state transitions, and raw statistics. These features utilize the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors and facilitate recognition of daily activities, accidents such as falling, some diseases, as well as the measurement of the subject’s performance during the test execution.
Thermoelectric Performance Enhancement of Naturally Occurring Bi and Chitosan Composite Films Using Energy Efficient Method
Authors: Jang Eunhwa , Banerjee Priyanshu , Huang Jiyuan , Holley Rudolph , Gaskins John T. , Hoque Md Shafkat Bin , Hopkins Patrick E. , Madan Deepa
Published: March 2020

This work presents an energy efficient technique for fabricating flexible thermoelectric generators while using printable ink. We have fabricated thermoelectric composite thick films using two different mesh sizes of n-type bismuth particles, various binder to thermoelectric material weight ratios, and two different pressures, 200 MPa and 300 MPa, in order to optimize the thermoelectric properties of the composite films. The use of chitosan dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide with less than 0.2 wt. % of chitosan, the first time chitosan has been used in this process, was sufficient for fabricating TE inks and composite films. Low temperature curing processes, along with uniaxial pressure, were used to evaporate the solvent from the drop-casted inks. This combination reduced the temperature needed compared to traditional curing processes while simultaneously increasing the packing density of the film by removing the pores and voids in the chitosan-bismuth composite film. Microstructural analysis of the composite films reveals low amounts of voids and pores when pressed at sufficiently high pressures. The highest performing composite film was obtained with the weight ratio of 1:2000 binder to bismuth, 100-mesh particle size, and 300 MPa of pressure. The best performing bismuth chitosan composite film that was pressed at 300 MPa had a power factor of 4009 ± 391 μW/m K2 with high electrical conductivity of 7337 ± 522 S/cm. The measured thermal conductivity of this same sample was 4.4 ± 0.8 W/m K and the corresponding figure of merit was 0.27 at room temperature.
A Hybrid Tabu Search and 2-opt Path Programming for Mission Route Planning of Multiple Robots under Range Limitations
Authors: Lee Meng-Tse , Chen Bo-Yu , Lai Ying-Chih
Published: March 2020

The application of an unmanned vehicle system allows for accelerating the performance of various tasks. Due to limited capacities, such as battery power, it is almost impossible for a single unmanned vehicle to complete a large-scale mission area. An unmanned vehicle swarm has the potential to distribute tasks and coordinate the operations of many robots/drones with very little operator intervention. Therefore, multiple unmanned vehicles are required to execute a set of well-planned mission routes, in order to minimize time and energy consumption. A two-phase heuristic algorithm was used to pursue this goal. In the first phase, a tabu search and the 2-opt node exchange method were used to generate a single optimal path for all target nodes; the solution was then split into multiple clusters according to vehicle numbers as an initial solution for each. In the second phase, a tabu algorithm combined with a 2-opt path exchange was used to further improve the in-route and cross-route solutions for each route. This diversification strategy allowed for approaching the global optimal solution, rather than a regional one with less CPU time. After these algorithms were coded, a group of three robot cars was used to validate this hybrid path programming algorithm.
Heat Transfer Study in Breast Tumor Phantom during Microwave Ablation: Modeling and Experimental Results for Three Different Antennas
Authors: Ortega-Palacios Rocío , Trujillo-Romero Citlalli Jessica , Cepeda-Rubio Mario Francisco Jesús , Leija Lorenzo , Vera Hernández Arturo
Published: March 2020

It is worldwide known that the most common type of cancer among women is breast cancer. Traditional procedures involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy; however, these treatments are invasive and have serious side effects. For this reason, minimally invasive thermal treatments like microwave ablation are being considered. In this study, thermal behavior of three types of slot-coaxial antennas for breast cancer microwave ablation is presented. By using finite element method (FEM), all antennas were modeled to estimate the heat transfer in breast tumor tissue surrounded by healthy breast tissue. Experimentation was carried out by using the antennas inserted inside sphere-shaped-tumor phantoms with two different diameters, 1.0 and 1.5 cm. A microwave radiation system was used to apply microwave energy to each designed antenna, which were located into the phantom. A non-interfering thermometry system was used to measure the temperature increase during the experimentation. Temperature increases, recorded by the thermal sensors placed inside the tumor phantom surrounded by healthy breast phantom, were used to validate the FEM models. The results conclude that, in all the cases, after 240 s, the three types of coaxial slot antenna reached the temperature needed produce hyperthermia of the tumor volume considered in this paper.
Optimization Design and Experimental Testing of a Laser Receiver for Use in a Laser Levelling Control System
Authors: Zang Ying , Meng Shibo , Hu Lian , Luo Xiwen , Zhao Runmao , Du Pan , Jiao Jinkang , Huang Hao , Chen Gaolong
Published: March 2020

The elevation detection accuracy of the laser receiver in the laser levelling control system directly affects land-levelling operations. To effectively improve the effect of levelling operations and meet the requirements for the accuracy of elevation detection in different industries, this study optimization designed a multilevel adjustable laser receiver. First, we examined the laser signal detection technology and processing circuit, designed the photoelectric conversion array for the detection of the rotating laser, and converted it into a photocurrent signal. We also designed the filter, amplifier, and shaping and stretching circuits for analogue-to-digital conversion of the photocurrent signal. The digital signal was calculated based on the deviation of the elevation by using a microprocessor and was output by a controller area network (CAN) bus. The laser beam spot diameter transmission and diffusion were then studied, and with the detectable spot diameters were compared and analyzed. Accordingly, an algorithm was proposed to calculate the deviation of laser receiver elevation. The resolution of the elevation deviation was set to ±3 mm; however, this value could be adjusted to ±6 mm, ±9 mm, ±12 mm, and ±15 mm, according to the requirements. Finally, the laser receiver was tested and analyzed, and the test results of the elevation detection accuracy showed that when the laser receiver was within a radius of 90 m, the elevation detection accuracy was within the ±3 mm range. The outcomes of the farmland-levelling test showed that the standard deviation S d of the field surface decreased from 9.54 cm before levelling to 2.42 cm after levelling, and the percentage of sampling points associated with absolute errors of ≤3 cm was 84.06%. These outcomes meet the requirements of high-standard farmland construction. The test results of concrete levelling showed that within a radius of 30 m, the standard deviation S d of the elevation adjustment of the left laser receiver was 1.389 mm, and the standard deviation S d of the elevation adjustment of the right laser receiver was 1.316 mm. Furthermore, the percentage of the sampling points associated with absolute elevation adjustment errors of ≤3 mm in the cases of the two laser receivers was 100% after levelling, whereas the standard deviation S d of the sand bed surface was 0.881 mm. Additionally, the percentage of the sampling points associated with absolute errors of ≤3 mm was 100%. This met the construction standards of the concrete industry.
A Ku-Band RF Front-End Employing Broadband Impedance Matching with 3.5 dB NF and 21 dB Conversion Gain in 45-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Mahmood Hafiz Usman , Utomo Dzuhri Radityo , Han Seok-Kyun , Kim Jusung , Lee Sang-Gug
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a K u -band RF receiver front-end with broadband impedance matching and amplification. The major building blocks of the proposed receiver front-end include a wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA) employing a cascade of resistive feedback inverter (RFI) and transformer-loaded common source amplifier, a down-conversion mixer with push–pull transconductor and complementary LO switching stage, and an output buffer. Push–pull architecture is employed extensively to maximize the power efficiency, bandwidth, and linearity. The proposed two-stage LNA employs the stagger-tuned frequency response in order to extend the RF bandwidth coverage. The input impedance of RFI is carefully analyzed, and a wideband input matching circuit incorporating only a single inductor is presented along with useful equivalent impedance matching models and detailed design analysis. The prototype chip was fabricated in 45-nm CMOS technology and dissipates 78 mW from a 1.2-V supply while occupying chip area of 0.29 mm 2 . The proposed receiver front-end provides 21 dB conversion gain with 7 GHz IF bandwidth, 3.5 dB NF, −15.7 dBm IIP 3 while satisfying <−10 dB input matching over the whole input band.