bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Forest Structure and Composition along the Altitudinal Gradient in the State of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Bhutia Yangchenla , Gudasalamani Ravikanth , Ganesan Rengaian , Saha Somidh
Published: July 2019

Understanding the structure and composition of native forests is a prerequisite in developing an adaptive forest management plan for Himalayan forest ecosystems where climate change is rapid. However, basic information on forest structure and composition are still limited in many places of the Eastern Himalayas. In this study, we aimed to understand the diversity, structure, and composition of forests and their variations along an altitudinal gradient in Himalayan forests. The study was conducted in the Indian federal state of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayas. We carried out a comprehensive and comparative evaluation of species diversity, stand basal area, and stem density along the altitudinal gradient from 900 m a.s.l. to 3200 m a.s.l. We used stratified random sampling to survey eighty-three plots each 0.1 ha in forest communities that occurred along the altitudinal gradient: (a) lower (900–1700 m) altitude forest (N = 24), (b) mid (1700–2500 m) altitude forests (N = 37), and (c) higher (2500–3200 m)altitude forests (N = 22). We measured and identified all living trees with a >3 cm diameter at breast height in each plot. We counted 10,344 individual plants, representing 114 woody species belonging to 42 families and 75 genera. The family Fagaceae and its species Lithocarpus pachyphyllus (Kurz) Rehder. were reported as the most dominant forest trees with the highest Importance Value Index. The Shannon diversity index was recorded as being the highest for the low-altitude forests, whereas measures of structural diversity varied among forests along with altitude: the mid-altitude forests recorded the highest stem density and the high-altitude forests showed the highest mean stem DBH (diameter at 1.3 m height). One significant finding of our study was the disparity of the size class distribution among forests along the altitudinal gradient. Overall, we found a reverse J-shape distribution of tree diameter signifying the uneven-agedness. However, we showed, for the first time, a complete lack of large trees (>93 cm DBH) in the lower altitude forests. Our study highlights conservation concerns for the low-altitude forests that record high species diversity, although lacked large-diameter trees. We anticipate that our study will provide a comprehensive understanding of forest diversity, composition, and structure along the altitudinal gradient to design conservation and sustainable management strategies
Evaluation of Agroforestry Carbon Storage Status and Potential in Irrigated Plains of Pakistan
Authors: Yasin Ghulam , Nawaz Muhammad Farrakh , Martin Timothy Ancel , Niazi Nabeel Khan , Gul Sadaf , Yousaf Muhammad Talha Bin
Published: July 2019

The Kyoto Protocol includes agroforestry practices as a suggested approach for mitigating global atmospheric CO2. Agroforestry systems are a desirable option for mitigating atmospheric CO2, as they provide numerous secondary benefits, including food, fodder, fuel, increased farm income, biodiversity maintenance, and soil conservation. This research was planned to assess the current carbon storage status and future potential of agroforestry systems in Pakistan through a nondestructive approach (allometric equations) in 14 subdivisions (tehsils) of three selected districts located in the irrigated plains of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1750 plots of 0.405 ha each were selected in a randomized, unbiased sampling to estimate the total number of trees, tree species diversity, diameters at breast height (DBHs), and tree heights. Soil carbon was also measured at 0–30 cm using the Walkley–Black method in a subset of plots. It was found that the current number of trees in farms in the study area varied from 18 to 51 trees/ha, which can be increased to 42–83 trees/ha if all the farmers plant the maximum permissible number of trees along with their crops. The estimated total tree carbon stock ranged from 0.0003 to 8.79 Mgha−1, with the smallest mean value of 0.39 Mgha−1 for tehsil Faisalabad, and the largest mean value of 1.41 Mgha−1 for tehsil Chiniot. The whole study area had an estimated woody vegetation carbon stock of 950,470 Mg and a soil carbon stock of 22,743,008 Mg. If farmers in the study area all increased tree stocking to their average maximum desired stocking, the total tree carbon stock would more than double to 2,497,261 Mg. These results highlight both the current and potential carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry in Pakistan and can be further used in devising strategies for implementing tree planting programs on agricultural lands and designing future carbon sequestration projects in Pakistan.
Simple Is Best: Pine Twigs Are Better Than Artificial Lures for Trapping of Pine Weevils in Pitfall Traps
Authors: Lalík Michal , Holuša Jaroslav , Galko Juraj , Resnerová Karolína , Kunca Andrej , Nikolov Christo , Mudrončeková Silvia , Surový Peter
Published: July 2019

The large pine weevil Hylobius abietis (Linnaeus 1758) is the main pest of coniferous seedlings in Europe and causes substantial damage in areas that have been clear-cut or otherwise disturbed. We compared the efficacy of different attractants for the capture of H. abietis adults in white pitfall traps. The field experiment was performed from mid-April to the end of August 2018 at six plots in Central Europe located in spruce stands that had been clear-cut. At each plot, we compared five attractants: one pine twig with ethanol, Hylodor, alpha-pinene + ethanol, turpentine oil and ethanol (separated), and turpentine oil + ethanol (not separated). Traps without attractant served as a control. Six traps for each attractant or control were distributed at each plot. Of the total number of H. abietis adults trapped, 43.3%, 20.5%, 17.9%, 9.8%, 8.5% and 0.5% were captured in traps with pine twigs with ethanol, alpha-pinene, Hylodor, turpentine, oil + ethanol (separated), turpentine oil + ethanol (combined), and no attractant, respectively. The bottom of each trap contained propylene glycol to kill and preserve beetles. The small number of beetles captured in the control traps confirms that the propylene glycol:water mixture did not influence the trapping of H. abietis. The use of pitfall traps with a suitable attractant (especially pine twigs and ethanol) should be useful for monitoring of H. abietis, because it is simple and cost-effective. The use of such pitfall traps to control H. abietis by mass trapping would require 50 to 100 traps per ha.
A Hybrid Adaptive Transaction Injection Protocol and Its Optimization for Verification-Based Decentralized System
Authors: Sengupta Saumendra , Chiang Chen-Fu , Andriamanalimanana Bruno , Novillo Jorge , Tekeoglu Ali
Published: July 2019

Latency is a critical issue that impacts the performance of decentralized systems. Recently we designed various protocols to regulate the injection rate of unverified transactions into the system to improve system performance. Each of the protocols is designed to address issues related to some particular network traffic syndrome. In this work, we first provide the review of our prior protocols. We then provide a hybrid scheme that combines our transaction injection protocols and provides an optimal linear combination of the protocols based on the syndromes in the network. The goal is to speed up the verification process of systems that rely on only one single basic protocol. The underlying basic protocols are Periodic Injection of Transaction via Evaluation Corridor (PITEC), Probabilistic Injection of Transactions (PIT), and Adaptive Semi-synchronous Transaction Injection (ASTI).
DNA Methylation Module Network-Based Prognosis and Molecular Typing of Cancer
Authors: Cui Ze-Jia , Zhou Xiong-Hui , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: July 2019

Achieving cancer prognosis and molecular typing is critical for cancer treatment. Previous studies have identified some gene signatures for the prognosis and typing of cancer based on gene expression data. Some studies have shown that DNA methylation is associated with cancer development, progression, and metastasis. In addition, DNA methylation data are more stable than gene expression data in cancer prognosis. Therefore, in this work, we focused on DNA methylation data. Some prior researches have shown that gene modules are more reliable in cancer prognosis than are gene signatures and that gene modules are not isolated. However, few studies have considered cross-talk among the gene modules, which may allow some important gene modules for cancer to be overlooked. Therefore, we constructed a gene co-methylation network based on the DNA methylation data of cancer patients, and detected the gene modules in the co-methylation network. Then, by permutation testing, cross-talk between every two modules was identified; thus, the module network was generated. Next, the core gene modules in the module network of cancer were identified using the K-shell method, and these core gene modules were used as features to study the prognosis and molecular typing of cancer. Our method was applied in three types of cancer (breast invasive carcinoma, skin cutaneous melanoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma). Based on the core gene modules identified by the constructed DNA methylation module networks, we can distinguish not only the prognosis of cancer patients but also use them for molecular typing of cancer. These results indicated that our method has important application value for the diagnosis of cancer and may reveal potential carcinogenic mechanisms.
Association of Vitamin D Pathway Genetic Variation and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Carvalho Isabel S. , Gonçalves Catarina I. , Almeida Joana T. , Azevedo Teresa , Martins Teresa , Rodrigues Fernando J. , Lemos Manuel C.
Published: July 2019

Vitamin D is mostly known for its role in bone and calcium metabolism. However, studies have suggested that it also has inhibitory effects on tumor development and progression. Genetic variants close to genes that encode crucial enzymes for the synthesis (DHCR7 rs12785878), metabolism (CYP2R1 rs2060793) and degradation (CYP24A1 rs6013897) of vitamin D have been associated with serum levels of vitamin D. The aim of this case-control study was to determine the effect of these variants in the vitamin D pathway on the susceptibility to thyroid cancer. Five hundred patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and 500 controls were genotyped for the DHCR7 rs12785878, CYP2R1 rs2060793, and CYP24A1 rs6013897 variants. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between patients and controls. The DHCR7 rs12785878 minor allele was associated with thyroid cancer under an additive (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.15–1.65, p = 0.0004) and codominant (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.30–2.74, p = 0.0021) model. These findings suggest that DHCR7 polymorphisms may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer due to an effect of this gene on circulating vitamin D levels.
Marine Sediments from a Contaminated Site: Geotechnical Properties and Chemo-Mechanical Coupling Processes
Authors: Sollecito Francesca , Vitone Claudia , Miccoli Daniela , Plötze Michael , Puzrin Alexander M. , Cotecchia Federica
Published: July 2019

The city of Taranto in the south of Italy is one of the areas declared as “at high risk of environmental crisis” by the Italian government because it represents one of the most complex industrial sites in Europe, located near urban areas of high population density. The rich ecosystem of the Mar Piccolo basin, located at north of Taranto, started exhibiting unconfutable signs of environmental pollution, confirmed by the high concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants. Among the different aspects involved in the environmental studies aiming at the basin remediation, this paper focuses on submarine sediments and reports some results of the geotechnical laboratory investigations which made also use of non-standard equipment and revised procedures for data interpretation in order to take account of the sediments’ contamination and heterogeneities. The geotechnical laboratory tests show that, despite the Mar Piccolo recent Holocene sediments having similar origin and composition to those of the Sub-Apennine clay basic formation, their behavioral facets appear to be altered by the presence of contaminants of both natural and anthropogenic origin. Results of washing tests are also presented as a first attempt to quantify the effects of chemo-mechanical coupling processes on the plasticity properties of the shallow sediments.
An Integrated BIM–GIS Method for Planning of Water Distribution System
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Liu Zhansheng , Mbachu Jasper
Published: July 2019

An important function of a water distribution system (WDS) is to supply drinking water to each demand point using a pipe network that has minimal impact on the surroundings. To produce a reliable WDS, planning usually requires a significant amount of geo-spatial information. Current planning practices for pipeline systems, which gather geographic information based on maps, are time-consuming and cumbersome. With the rapid developments in computer and information technology, it is necessary to propose a new WDS planning method that enhances the current planning practices and facilitates the decision-making process. The proposed method allows project information in building information modeling (BIM) to be incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS) model, using semantic mapping to incorporate WDS project data and geo-spatial information to facilitate the WDS planning process. Moreover, a 3D visualization model of the proposed WDS project and its surroundings is provided. In addition, topological rules are set to identify any conflicts between the WDS project and its surroundings. A real WDS project was used to validate the method. The proposed method can help project participants better understand the WDS project and its surroundings and identify any errors in the planning process, thus improving sustainable development.
Eigenvector Spatial Filtering-Based Logistic Regression for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment
Authors: Li Huifang , Chen Yumin , Deng Susu , Chen Meijie , Fang Tao , Tan Huangyuan
Published: July 2019

Logistic regression methods have been widely used for landslide research. However, previous studies have seldom paid attention to the frequent occurrence of spatial autocorrelated residuals in regression models, which indicate a model misspecification problem and unreliable results. This study accounts for spatial autocorrelation by implementing eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) into logistic regression for landslide susceptibility assessment. Based on a landslide inventory map and 11 landslide predisposing factors, we developed the eigenvector spatial filtering-based logistic regression (ESFLR) model, as well as a conventional logistic regression (LR) model and an autologistic regression (ALR) model for comparison. The three models were evaluated and compared in terms of their prediction capability and model fit. The ESFLR model performed better than the other two models. The overall predictive accuracy of the ESFLR model was 90.53%, followed by the ALR model (76.21%) and the LR model (74.76%), and the areas under the ROC curves for the ESFLR, ALR and LR models were 0.957, 0.828 and 0.818, respectively. The ESFLR model adequately addressed the spatial autocorrelation of residuals by reducing the Moran’s I value of the residuals to 0.0270. In conclusion, the ESFLR model is an effective and flexible method for landslide analysis.
LPS-Binding Protein Modulates Acute Renal Fibrosis by Inducing Pericyte-to-Myofibroblast Trans-Differentiation through TLR-4 Signaling
Authors: Castellano Giuseppe , Stasi Alessandra , Franzin Rossana , Sallustio Fabio , Divella Chiara , Spinelli Alessandra , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Fiaccadori Enrico , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Crovace Antonio , Staffieri Francesco , Lacitignola Luca , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Simone Simona , Pertosa Giovanni Battista , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: July 2019

During sepsis, the increased synthesis of circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) activates LPS/TLR4 signaling in renal resident cells, leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). Pericytes are the major source of myofibroblasts during chronic kidney disease (CKD), but their involvement in AKI is poorly understood. Here, we investigate the occurrence of pericyte-to-myofibroblast trans-differentiation (PMT) in sepsis-induced AKI. In a swine model of sepsis-induced AKI, PMT was detected within 9 h from LPS injection, as evaluated by the reduction of physiologic PDGFRβ expression and the dysfunctional α-SMA increase in peritubular pericytes. The therapeutic intervention by citrate-based coupled plasma filtration adsorption (CPFA) significantly reduced LBP, TGF-β, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) serum levels, and furthermore preserved PDGFRβ and decreased α-SMA expression in renal biopsies. In vitro, both LPS and septic sera led to PMT with a significant increase in Collagen I synthesis and α-SMA reorganization in contractile fibers by both SMAD2/3-dependent and -independent TGF-β signaling. Interestingly, the removal of LBP from septic plasma inhibited PMT. Finally, LPS-stimulated pericytes secreted LBP and TGF-β and underwent PMT also upon TGF-β receptor-blocking, indicating the crucial pro-fibrotic role of TLR4 signaling. Our data demonstrate that the selective removal of LBP may represent a therapeutic option to prevent PMT and the development of acute renal fibrosis in sepsis-induced AKI.
Activation of Adrenal Steroidogenesis and an Improvement of Mood Balance in Postmenopausal Females after Spa Treatment Based on Physical Activity
Authors: Honců Pavla , Hill Martin , Bičíková Marie , Jandová Dobroslava , Velíková Marta , Kajzar Jiří , Kolátorová Lucie , Bešťák Jiří , Máčová Ludmila , Kancheva Radmila , Krejčí Milada , Novotný Jaroslav , Stárka Ľuboslav
Published: July 2019

Spa treatment can effectively reestablish mood balance in patients with psychiatric disorders. In light of the adrenal gland’s role as a crossroad of psychosomatic medicine, this study evaluated changes in 88 circulating steroids and their relationships with a consolidation of somatic, psychosomatic and psychiatric components from a modified N-5 neurotic questionnaire in 46 postmenopausal 50+ women with anxiety-depressive complaints. The patients underwent a standardized one-month intervention therapy with physical activity and an optimized daily regimen in a spa in the Czech Republic. All participants were on medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. An increase of adrenal steroidogenesis after intervention indicated a reinstatement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The increases of many of these steroids were likely beneficial to patients, including immunoprotective adrenal androgens and their metabolites, neuroactive steroids that stimulate mental activity but protect from excitotoxicity, steroids that suppress pain perception and fear, steroids that consolidate insulin secretion, and steroids that improve xenobiotic clearance. The positive associations between the initial values of neurotic symptoms and their declines after the intervention, as well as between initial adrenal activity and the decline of neurotic symptoms, indicate that neurotic impairment may be alleviated by such therapy provided that the initial adrenal activity is not seriously disrupted.
Downregulation of STAT3, β-Catenin, and Notch-1 by Single and Combinations of siRNA Treatment Enhance Chemosensitivity of Wild Type and Doxorubicin Resistant MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells to Doxorubicin
Authors: Alshaer Walhan , Alqudah Dana A. , Wehaibi Suha , Abuarqoub Duaa , Zihlif Malek , Hatmal Ma’mon M. , Awidi Abdalla
Published: July 2019

Combinatorial therapeutic strategies using siRNA and small molecules to eradicate tumors are emerging. Targeting multiple signaling pathways decreases the chances of cancer cells switching and adapting new signaling processes that may occur when using a single therapeutic modality. Aberrant functioning of Notch-1, Wnt/β-catenin, and STAT3 proteins and their crosstalk signaling pathways have been found to be involved in tumor survival, drug resistance, and relapse. In the current study, we describe a therapeutic potential of single and combinations of siRNA designed for silencing Notch-1, Wnt/β-catenin, and STAT3 in MCF7_DoxS (wild type) and MCF7_DoxR (doxorubicin resistant) breast cancer cells. The MCF7_DoxR cells were developed through treatment with a gradual increase in doxorubicin concentration, the expression of targeted genes was investigated, and the expression profiling of CD44/CD24 of the MCF7_DoxS and MCF7_DoxR cells were detected by flow cytometry. Both MCF7_DoxS and MCF7_DoxR breast cancer cells were treated with single and combinations of siRNA to investigate synergism and were analyzed for their effect on cell proliferation with and without doxorubicin treatment. The finding of this study showed the overexpression of targeted genes and the enrichment of the CD44−/CD24+ phenotype in MCF7_DoxR cells when compared to MCF7_DoxS cells. In both cell lines, the gene silencing efficacy showed a synergistic effect when combining STAT3/Notch-1 and STAT3/Notch-1/β-catenin siRNA. Interestingly, the chemosensitivity of MCF7_DoxS and MCF7_DoxR cells to doxorubicin was increased when combined with siRNA treatment. Our study shows the possibility of using single and combinations of siRNA to enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells to conventional antitumor chemotherapy.
Interoperability Conflicts in Linked Open Statistical Data
Authors: Kalampokis Evangelos , Karamanou Areti , Tarabanis Konstantinos
Published: July 2019

An important part of Open Data is of a statistical nature and describes economic and social indicators monitoring population size, inflation, trade, and employment. Combining and analyzing Open Data from multiple datasets and sources enable the performance of advanced data analytics scenarios that could result in valuable services and data products. However, it is still difficult to discover and combine Open Statistical Data that reside in different data portals. Although Linked Open Statistical Data (LOSD) provide standards and approaches to facilitate combining statistics on the Web, various interoperability challenges still exist. In this paper, we propose an Interoperability Framework for LOSD, comprising definitions of LOSD interoperability conflicts as well as modelling practices currently used by six official open government data portals. Towards this end, we combine a top-down approach that studies interoperability conflicts in the literature with a bottom-up approach that studies the modelling practices of data portals. We define two types of LOSD schema-level conflicts, namely naming conflicts and structural conflicts. Naming conflicts result from using different URIs. Structural conflicts result from different practices of modelling the structure of data cubes. Only two out of the 19 conflicts are currently resolved and 11 can be resolved according to literature.
LRRTM4 and PCSK5 Genetic Polymorphisms as Markers for Cognitive Impairment in A Hypotensive Aging Population: A Genome-Wide Association Study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Liu Yu-Li , Tsai Shih-Jen , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Huang Shih-Sin , Lee Yun-Shien
Published: July 2019

Hypotension can affect cerebral perfusion and worsen cognitive outcomes. The prevalence of low blood pressure (BP) rises with increasing age. To our knowledge, no study has examined the genetic biomarkers for hypotension-related cognitive impairment (CI) yet. Utilizing the population-based genome-wide study of the Taiwan Biobank containing the data of 2533 healthy aging subjects, we found after adjustments for age, sex, education years, and principal components at a suggestive level of 1 × 10−5 that minor alleles of leucine rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 4 (LRRTM4) (rs13388459, rs1075716, rs62171995, rs17406146, rs2077823, and rs62170897), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 5 (PCSK5) (rs10521467), and the intergenic variation rs117129097 (the nearby gene: TMEM132C) are risk factors for CI in hypotensive subjects. Except for rs117129097, these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were not markers per se for CI or for BP regulation. However, we found a suggestive interaction effect between each of the eight SNPs and hypotension on CI risk. In the hypotensive participants, those carrying minor alleles were associated with a higher incidence of CI in an additive manner than were those carrying major alleles (2 × 10−4 to 9 × 10−7). Intensive BP lowering in elderly patients carrying a minor allele of the eight identified SNPs should raise cautions to prevent a potential treatment-induced neurodegeneration.
Tadalafil 5 mg Alone or in Combination with Tamsulosin 0.4 mg for the Management of Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction: Results of a Prospective Observational Trial
Authors: Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Spatafora Pietro , Frizzi Jacopo , Saleh Omar , Sessa Maurizio , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Vignozzi Linda , Maggi Mario , Serni Sergio , McVary Kevin T. , Kaplan Steven A. , Gravas Stavros , Chapple Christopher , Gacci Mauro
Published: July 2019

Tadalafil 5 mg represents the standard for men with Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). We carried out an observational trial aiming to assess the efficacy and safety of Tadalafil compared with Tadalafil plus Tamsulosin. Seventy-five patients complaining of ED and LUTS were treated for 12-weeks with Tadalafil plus placebo (TAD+PLA-group) or with combination therapy tadalafil plus tamsulosin (TAD+TAM-group). Efficacy variables were: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and safety assessments. Data were evaluated using paired samples T-test (baseline vs. 12-weeks) and analysis of variance (Δgroup-TAD+PLA vs. Δgroup-TAD+TAM). At baseline, both groups presented similar characteristics and symptoms scores (all: p > 0.05). From baseline to 12-weeks, all the subjects showed a significant improvement of IIEF, total-IPSS, storage-IPSS, Qmax (all: p < 0.001). Conversely, a significant improvement of voiding-IPSS was observed in TAD+TAM-group (−3.5 points, p < 0.001). Indeed, TAD+PLA-group showed a not significant improvement of voiding-IPSS (−2.0 points, p = 0.074). When we compared between-groups differences at 12-weeks, IIEF (p = 0.255), total-IPSS (p = 0.084) and storage-IPSS (p = 0.08) did not show any statistically significant differences, whereas, voiding-IPSS and Qmax were significantly better in TAD+TAM-group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.027, respectively). No severe treatment adverse events (TAEs) were reported in both groups. Tadalafil achieved the same improvements of IIEF, total-IPSS, storage-IPSS when compared to combination therapy. Instead, Qmax and voiding-IPSS were better managed with combination therapy, without change of TAEs.
Gastroparesis and Dumping Syndrome: Current Concepts and Management
Authors: Vavricka Stephan R. , Greuter Thomas
Published: July 2019

Gastroparesis and dumping syndrome both evolve from a disturbed gastric emptying mechanism. Although gastroparesis results from delayed gastric emptying and dumping syndrome from accelerated emptying of the stomach, the two entities share several similarities among which are an underestimated prevalence, considerable impairment of quality of life, the need for a multidisciplinary team setting, and a step-up treatment approach. In the following review, we will present an overview of the most important clinical aspects of gastroparesis and dumping syndrome including epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and diagnostics. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutic options that might be available in the future.
An Investigation into Tool Wear and Hole Quality during Low-Frequency Vibration-Assisted Drilling of CFRP/Ti6Al4V Stack
Authors: Hussein Ramy , Sadek Ahmad , Elbestawi Mohamed A. , Attia M. Helmi
Published: July 2019

The use of lightweight material such as CFRP/Ti6Al4V in stacked structures in the aerospace industry is associated with improved physical and mechanical characteristics. The drilling process of nonuniform structures plays a significant role prior to the assembly operation. However, this drilling process is typically associated with unacceptable CFRP delamination, hole accuracy, and high tool wear. These machining difficulties are attributed to high thermal load and poor chip evacuation mechanism. Low-frequency vibration-assisted drilling (LF-VAD) is an advanced manufacturing technique where the dynamic change of the uncut chip thickness is used to manipulate the cutting energy. An efficient chip evacuation mechanism was achieved through axial tool oscillation. This study investigates the effect of vibration-assisted drilling machining parameters on tool wear mechanisms. The paper also presents the effect of tool wear progression on drilled hole quality. Hole quality is described by CFRP entry and exit delamination and hole accuracy. The results showed a significant reduction in the thrust force, cutting torque, cutting temperature, and flank wear-land.
Risk-Reducing Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy for BRCA Mutation Carriers and Hormonal Replacement Therapy: If It Should Rain, Better a Drizzle than a Storm
Authors: Gasparri Maria Luisa , Taghavi Katayoun , Fiacco Enrico , Zuber Veronica , Di Micco Rosa , Gazzetta Guglielmo , Valentini Alice , Mueller Michael D. , Papadia Andrea , Gentilini Oreste D.
Published: July 2019

Women carrying a BRCA mutation have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The most effective strategy to reduce this risk is the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without additional risk-reducing mastectomy. Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) is recommended between age 35 and 40 and between age 40 and 45 years for women carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, respectively. Consequently, most BRCA mutation carriers undergo this procedure prior to a natural menopause and develop an anticipated lack of hormones. This condition has a detrimental impact on various systems, affecting both the quality of life and longevity; in particular, women carrying BRCA1 mutation, who are likely to have surgery earlier as compared to BRCA2. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is the only effective strategy able to significantly compensate the hormonal deprivation and counteract menopausal symptoms, both in spontaneous and surgical menopause. Although recent evidence suggests that HRT does not diminish the protective effect of RRBSO in BRCA mutation carriers, concerns regarding the safety of estrogen and progesterone intake reduce the use in this setting. Furthermore, there is strong data demonstrating that the use of estrogen alone after RRBSO does not increase the risk of breast cancer among women with a BRCA1 mutation. The additional progesterone intake, mandatory for the protection of the endometrium during HRT, warrants further studies. However, when hysterectomy is performed at the time of RRBSO, the indication of progesterone addition decays and consequently its potential effect on breast cancer risk. Similarly, in patients conserving the uterus but undergoing risk-reducing mastectomy, the addition of progesterone should not raise significant concerns for breast cancer risk anymore. Therefore, BRCA mutation carriers require careful counselling about the scenarios following their RRBSO, menopausal symptoms or the fear associated with HRT use.
Influence of Alloy Elements on Cracking in the Steel Ingot during Its Solidification
Authors: Guo Junli , Wen Guanghua
Published: July 2019

The average steepness of |dT/d(fs)1/2| on the T − (fs)1/2 curve were calculated during peritectic solidification, which was used to investigate the effect of alloying elements on surface longitudinal cracks of peritectic steels in the solidification process. The value of |dT/d(fs)1/2| indicates the liquid feeding capacity between interdendrites during solidification, where cracks can easily occur if there is poor capacity of liquid feeding, as in peritectic solidification shrinkage. The cracking tendency as a function of carbon content was well described by the |dT/d(fs)1/2| at the cooling rates of 0.5, 5, and 10 °C/s, and the influences of other solute elements on |dT/d(fs)1/2| were also calculated. The results indicate that the possibility of crack occurrence increased and the maximum average steepness |dT/d(fs)1/2| changed from 496.75 °C located near 0.09C wt.% to 622.14 °C near 0.11C wt.% with increasing cooling rate. The value of |dT/d(fs)1/2| on the T − (fs)1/2 curve during the peritectic solidification can be used to analyze the solidification crack for peritectic steels.
Parametric Robust Control of the Multivariable 2 × 2 Looper System in Steel Hot Rolling: A Comparison between Multivariable QFT and H∞
Authors: Cantú Luis F. , Mendiola Pedro , Domínguez Álvaro A. , Cavazos Alberto
Published: July 2019

Two robust mutlivariable controllers, H∞ and a decentralized quantitative feedback theory (QFT), are designed in the frequency domain for the 2 × 2 looper system in a steel hot rolling mill to keep stability in the presence of parametric uncertainties. The H∞ controller is designed by using the mixed sensitivity approach, while the multivariable decentralized QFT is designed by the extension of the sequential loop closing method presented elsewhere. Stability robustness conditions are verified in the frequency domain, while simulations in time domain are carried out to evaluate the controllers and compare their performance along with that of proportional + integral (PI) and single input single output (SISO) QFT controllers designed earlier. The QFT controller shows the best balance among the performance indicators analyzed here; however, at the expenses of using higher power in one of the control inputs.
A Novel Turning-Induced-Deformation Based Technique to Process Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Tekumalla Sravya , Ajjarapu Manasa , Gupta Manoj
Published: July 2019

A magnesium alloy was fabricated through the consolidation of chips accumulated during the turning process, followed by cold compaction and hot extrusion. A variation in the depths of cut was done during turning to understand the effect of deformation imparted during primary processing on the mechanical properties of an AZ91 alloy (Mg–9 wt.% Al–1 wt.% Zn–0.3 wt.% Mn). The results revealed a significant improvement in compressive strengths (up to 75%) with increased depth of cut, without compromising ductility through the development of fine-grained structures and prior plastic strain induction. This approach resulted in superior materials vis-a-vis conventional deformation techniques and promotes cost and energy efficiency through recycling industrial metal swarf, which is a significant environmental and economic concern.
Erianin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of HaCaT Cells via ROS-Mediated JNK/c-Jun and AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Mo Canlong , Shetti Dattatrya , Wei Kun
Published: July 2019

Psoriasis is a recurrent skin disease described as keratinocyte hyperproliferation and aberrant differentiation. Erianin, a bibenzyl compound extracted from Dendrobium chrysotoxum, has displayed antitumor and anti-angiogenesis effects. However, the effects of erianin on a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) are not fully understood. In the present study, we explored the effect of erianin on proliferation and apoptosis in HaCaT cells. Our results indicated that treatment with erianin ranging from 12.5 nM to 50 nM inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of HaCaT cells. In addition, erianin-induced apoptosis was accompanied by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) attenuated this elevation. Moreover, treatment with erianin induced activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway and suppressed the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, while pretreatment with NAC also reversed these effects. Collectively, these data demonstrated that erianin inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of HaCaT cells through ROS-mediated JNK/c-Jun and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Erianin could be recognized as a potential anti-psoriasis drug.
Relationships between Interaction Energy and Electron Density Properties for Homo Halogen Bonds of the [(A)nY–X···X–Z(B)m] Type (X = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim L.
Published: July 2019

Relationships between interaction energy (Eint) and electron density properties at the X···X bond critical point or the d(X···X) distance were established for the large set of structures [(A)nY–X···X–Z(B)m] bearing the halogen bonds Cl···Cl, Br···Br, and I···I (640 structures in total). The best estimator of Eint is the kinetic energy density (Gb), which reasonably approximates the whole set of the structures as −Eint = 0.128Gb2 − 0.82Gb + 1.66 (R2 = 0.91, mean absolute deviation 0.39 kcal/mol) and demonstrates low dispersion. The potential and kinetic energy densities, electron density, and the d(X···X) distance behave similarly as estimators of Eint for the individual series Cl···Cl, Br···Br, and I···I. A number of the Eint(property) correlations are recommended for the practical application in the express estimates of the strength of the homo-halogen bonds.
Four New ent-Kaurane Diterpene Glycosides from Isodon henryi
Authors: Liu Ya-Lin , Zhang Ling-Xia , Wu Hong , Chen Sui-Qing , Li Jun , Dai Li-Ping , Wang Zhi-Min
Published: July 2019

To obtain diterpene glycosides from an aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Isodon henryi and further investigate their cytotoxicities, in this study, a total of seven compounds were isolated, including six ent-kaurane diterpene glycosides (1–6) and one diterpene aglycon (7). Among the seven ent-kaurane diterpenes obtained, four were novel compounds, including ent-7,20-epoxy- kaur-16-en-1α,6β,7β,15β-tetrahydroxyl-11-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), ent-7,20-epoxy-kaur-16-en- 6β,7β,14β,15β-tetrahydroxyl-1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), ent-7,20-epoxy-kaur-16-en-6β,7β,15β- trihydroxyl-1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and ent-7,20-epoxy-kaur-16-en-7β,11β,14α,15β-tetrahydr- oxyl-6-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), and three were isolated from this plant for the first time (5–7). Their structures were elucidated by utilizing spectroscopic methods and electronic circular dichroism analyses. Furthermore, the cytotoxicities of all seven compounds were investigated in four human cancer cell lines, including A2780, BGC-823, HCT-116, and HepG2. The IC50 values of these diterpenes ranged from 0.18 to 2.44 mM in the tested cell lines. In addition, the structure–cytotoxicity relationship of diterpene glycosides was also evaluated to study the effect of glycosylation on the cytotoxicity of diterpene compounds.
Hardware Realization of the Pattern Recognition with an Artificial Neuromorphic Device Exhibiting a Short-Term Memory
Authors: Przyczyna Dawid , Lis Maria , Pilarczyk Kacper , Szaciłowski Konrad
Published: July 2019

Materials exhibiting memory or those capable of implementing certain learning schemes are the basic building blocks used in hardware realizations of the neuromorphic computing. One of the common goals within this paradigm assumes the integration of hardware and software solutions, leading to a substantial efficiency enhancement in complex classification tasks. At the same time, the use of unconventional approaches towards signal processing based on information carriers other than electrical carriers seems to be an interesting trend in the design of modern electronics. In this context, the implementation of light-sensitive elements appears particularly attractive. In this work, we combine the abovementioned ideas by using a simple optoelectronic device exhibiting a short-term memory for a rudimentary classification performed on a handwritten digits set extracted from the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology Database (MNIST)(being one of the standards used for benchmarking of such systems). The input data was encoded into light pulses corresponding to black (ON-state) and white (OFF-state) pixels constituting a digit and used in this form to irradiate a polycrystalline cadmium sulfide electrode. An appropriate selection of time intervals between pulses allows utilization of a complex kinetics of charge trapping/detrapping events, yielding a short-term synaptic-like plasticity which in turn leads to the improvement of data separability. To the best of our knowledge, this contribution presents the simplest hardware realization of a classification system capable of performing neural network tasks without any sophisticated data processing.
Polysaccharides from Basidiocarps of Cultivating Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus: Isolation and Structural Characterization
Authors: Baeva Ekaterina , Bleha Roman , Lavrova Ekaterina , Sushytskyi Leonid , Čopíková Jana , Jablonsky Ivan , Klouček Pavel , Synytsya Andriy
Published: July 2019

Oyster mushrooms are an interesting source of biologically active glucans and other polysaccharides. This work is devoted to the isolation and structural characterization of polysaccharides from basidiocarps of the cultivated oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus. Five polysaccharidic fractions were obtained by subsequent extraction with cold water, hot water and two subsequent extractions with 1 m sodium hydroxide. Branched partially methoxylated mannogalactan and slightly branched (1→6)-β-d-glucan predominated in cold- and hot-water-soluble fractions, respectively. Alternatively, these polysaccharides were obtained by only hot water extraction and subsequent two-stage chromatographic separation. The alkali-soluble parts originating from the first alkali extraction were then fractionated by dissolution in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The polysaccharide insoluble in DMSO was identified as linear (1→3)-α-d-glucan, while branched (1→3)(1→6)-β-d-glucans were found to be soluble in DMSO. The second alkaline extract contained the mentioned branched β-d-glucan together with some proteins. Finally, the alkali insoluble part was a cell wall complex of chitin and β-d-glucans.
Rational Design of Artificial Metalloproteins and Metalloenzymes with Metal Clusters
Authors: Lin Ying-Wu
Published: July 2019

Metalloproteins and metalloenzymes play important roles in biological systems by using the limited metal ions, complexes, and clusters that are associated with the protein matrix. The design of artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes not only reveals the structure and function relationship of natural proteins, but also enables the synthesis of artificial proteins and enzymes with improved properties and functions. Acknowledging the progress in rational design from single to multiple active sites, this review focuses on recent achievements in the design of artificial metalloproteins and metalloenzymes with metal clusters, including zinc clusters, cadmium clusters, iron–sulfur clusters, and copper–sulfur clusters, as well as noble metal clusters and others. These metal clusters were designed in both native and de novo protein scaffolds for structural roles, electron transfer, or catalysis. Some synthetic metal clusters as functional models of native enzymes are also discussed. These achievements provide valuable insights for deep understanding of the natural proteins and enzymes, and practical clues for the further design of artificial enzymes with functions comparable or even beyond those of natural counterparts.
Highly Selective, Aptamer-Based, Ultrasensitive Nanogold Colorimetric Smartphone Readout for Detection of Cd(II)
Authors: Xu Lu , Liang Jun , Wang Yonghui , Ren Shuyue , Wu Jin , Zhou Huanying , Gao Zhixian
Published: July 2019

A highly selective and sensitive method for Cd(II) detection was developed based on aptamer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) combined with a colorimetric smartphone readout. The experimental conditions such as reaction time of polydiene dimethyl ammonium chloride (PDDA) and AuNPs, PDDA dose, time of aptamer and PDDA incubation, and aptamer concentration were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the color and red(R) value of the solution was concentration-dependent on Cd(II). The proposed method exhibited a linear range of 1–400 ng/mL (r2 = 0.9794) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 ng/mL. This method had been successfully applied to test and quantify Cd(II) in water and rice samples, and the results were in full agreement with those from the atomic absorption spectrometer. Therefore, low-cost colorimetry demonstrated its potential for practical application in visual or quantitative detection with a smartphone. This approach can be readily applied to other analytes.
A New Benzopyranyl Cadenane Sesquiterpene and Other Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Metabolites from Cleistochlamys kirkii
Authors: Nyandoro Stephen S. , Maeda Gasper , Munissi Joan J.E. , Gruhonjic Amra , Fitzpatrick Paul A. , Lindblad Sofia , Duffy Sandra , Pelletier Jerry , Pan Fangfang , Puttreddy Rakesh , Avery Vicky M. , Erdélyi Máté
Published: July 2019

Phytochemical investigations of ethanol root bark and stem bark extracts of Cleistochlamys kirkii (Benth.) Oliv. (Annonaceae) yielded a new benzopyranyl cadinane-type sesquiterpene (cleistonol, 1) alongside 12 known compounds (2–13). The structures of the isolated compounds were established from NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. Structures of compounds 5 and 10 were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses, which also established their absolute stereochemical configuration. The ethanolic crude extract of C. kirkii root bark gave 72% inhibition against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7-strain malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum at 0.01 μg/mL. The isolated metabolites dichamanetin, (E)-acetylmelodorinol, and cleistenolide showed IC50 = 9.3, 7.6 and 15.2 μM, respectively, against P. falciparum 3D7. Both the crude extract and the isolated compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against the triple-negative, aggressive breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, with IC50 = 42.0 μg/mL (crude extract) and 9.6–30.7 μM (isolated compounds). Our findings demonstrate the potential applicability of C. kirkii as a source of antimalarial and anticancer agents.
Pharmacokinetic and Metabolism Studies of Monomethyl Auristatin F via Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Park Min-Ho , Lee Byeong ill , Byeon Jin-Ju , Shin Seok-Ho , Choi Jangmi , Park Yuri , Shin Young G.
Published: July 2019

A simple liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight–mass spectrometric assay (LC-TOF-MS/MS) has been developed for the evaluation of metabolism and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF) in rat, which is being used as a payload for antibody-drug conjugates. LC-TOF-MS/MS method was qualified for the quantification of MMAF in rat plasma. The calibration curves were acceptable over the concentration range from 3.02 to 2200 ng/mL using quadratic regression. MMAF was stable in various conditions. There were no significant matrix effects between rat and other preclinical species. The PK studies showed that the bioavailability of MMAF was 0% with high clearance. Additionally, the metabolite profiling studies, in vitro/in vivo, were performed. Seven metabolites for MMAF were tentatively identified in liver microsome. The major metabolic pathway was demethylation, which was one of the metabolic pathways predicted by MedChem Designer. Therefore, these results will be helpful to understand the PK, catabolism, and metabolism behavior of MMAF comprehensively when developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the future.