bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postharvest treatments with γ‐aminobutyric acid, methyl jasmonate, or methyl salicylate enhance chilling tolerance of blood orange fruit at prolonged cold storage
Authors: Habibi Fariborz , Ramezanian Asghar , Rahemi Majid , Eshghi Saeid , Guillén Fabián , Serrano María , Valero Daniel
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Blood orange is sensitive to chilling injury (CI) depending on cultivar and storage temperature. Postharvest treatments with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), or methyl salicylate (MeSA) are known to alleviate CI. γ‐Aminobutyric acid aqueous solution, applied at 20 and 40 mM, was vacuum‐infiltrated at 30 kPa for 8 min at 20 °C. Methyl jasmonate or MeSA vapor treatments were applied separately at 50 and 100 μM by putting the fruit in 20 L plastic containers for 18 h at 20 °C. There have been no reports about postharvest treatments of GABA, MeJA, or MeSA on enhancing the tolerance of ‘Moro’ blood orange to chilling during long‐term cold storage at 3 °C for 150 days, which was the subject of this study.

RESULTS

All treatments significantly alleviated CI symptoms of blood orange manifested by lower electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations, and higher proline content in flavedo during storage. The largest effects were obtained with 100, 50 μM, and 40 mM for MeSA, MeJA, and GABA, respectively, which enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL). On the other hand, these treatments suppressed peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms involved in enhancing the tolerance of ‘Moro’ blood orange to chilling could involve scavenging H2O2 by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, higher PAL/PPO activity ratio, and osmoregulation by increasing proline content. These changes led to the maintenance of the epidermis structure. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Voltage regulation Rate and THD optimization analysis of coreless axial flux PM synchronous generator for wind power generation
Authors: Jun Zhu , Guanghua Li , Di Cao , Zhenyi Zhang
Published: July 2019

The basic design and characteristic analysis of the coreless axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator (AFPMSG) for small wind power generation are carried out. The prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the designed generator. In addition, to reduce the voltage regulation rate and harmonic content of the generator, the optimal design is carried out on the basis of the original generator. The voltage regulation rate and THD of a coreless AFPMSG using the Halbach permanent magnet array are studied. The effects of different generator parameters such as pole arc coefficient, air gap length, permanent magnet thickness, and number of turns in series per phase on the voltage regulation rate and THD are analyzed when the generator is loaded with pure resistance. Because the various parameters of the generator are affected each other, the Taguchi algorithm was adopted for multi‐objective optimization. The influence proportion of different generator parameters on the voltage regulation rate and THD was analyzed. According to the results, the parameters are reasonably selected to design the generator and improve the performance of the generator. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Knowledge first, stability and value
Authors: Walker Barnaby
Published: July 2019

What should knowledge first theorists say about the value of knowledge? In this paper I approach this issue by arguing for a single ‘modest knowledge first claim’ (MKF) about the value of knowledge. This is that the special value of knowledge isn’t merely instrumental value relative to true belief. I show that MKF is inconsistent with the version of the Platonic stability theory that Williamson defends in Knowledge and its Limits. I then argue in favour of MKF by arguing that Williamson’s stability theory fails for reasons that plausibly generalise to any theory of the value of knowledge that is inconsistent with MKF. Crucial to this argument is a putative adequacy condition on philosophical theories of the value of knowledge: that, in order to fully explain the special value of knowledge, a theory must identify respects in which knowledge is more valuable than true belief that give enquirers adequate reason for preferring knowledge to true belief. I conclude by suggesting that this adequacy condition is the source of a more general dilemma for proponents of philosophical theories of the value of knowledge.
Next-Generation-Sequencing in der Epigenetik
Authors: Zeschnigk Michael , Horsthemke Bernhard
Published: July 2019

Molekulare Epigenetik bezieht sich auf die chemische und physikalische Modifikation von DNA und Chromatin. Transkriptionsfaktoren bestimmen die Chromatinzustände ihrer Zielgene, während Chromatinzustände andererseits die Bindung von Transkriptionsfaktoren an die DNA beeinflussen. Chromatinzustände sind gekennzeichnet durch spezifische Muster der DNA-Methylierung, Histonmodifikation, den Abstand der Nukleosomen und die 3‑D-Faltung von Chromatin. Seit dem Aufkommen des Next-Generation-Sequencing (NGS) ist es möglich, diese Muster im genomweiten Maßstab mit einer beispiellosen Auflösung zu analysieren. Solche epigenetischen Karten sind wertvoll, um regulatorische Elemente zu identifizieren, normale und gestörte Entwicklungsvorgänge zu verstehen und Epimutationen zu entdecken.
On Granites
Authors: Yakymchuk C.
Published: July 2019

Granites are important components of the Earth's continental crust and represent the net effect of thermochemical processes that operate during partial melting, magma extraction, ascent, emplacement and crystallization. Compositional and isotopic variations in granites arise from source heterogeneities, mixing in the source, and peritectic mineral entrainment as well as crystal fractionation and assimilation. Fluid-absent hydrate-breakdown melting reactions that accompany high-temperature metamorphism are responsible for differentiating the continental crust into a granitic upper portion and a residual lower portion. In some cases, melting can proceed through the influx of a hydrous fluid, although the significance of this on the long-term compositional differentiation of the continental crust is debated. Accessory minerals in granites are important chronometers and play a primary role in transferring the radiogenic isotope signature of sources to granites. Magma ascent and emplacement are guided by deformation and pluton construction is expected to be incremental with pluton heterogeneity being related to the interaction and differentiation of individual magma batches, as well as the extent to which melt separates from solid residual source material. The nature of the source plays a crucial role in the concentration of water and volatiles that are essential for the generation of hydrothermal–magmatic mineral deposits. Future studies of granites using non-traditional stable isotope systems are expected to provide new insights into the evolution of Earth’s continental crust.
Geotechnical Characterisation and Finite Element Analysis of Two Landslides along the National Highway 1-A (Ladakh Region, Jammu and Kashmir)
Authors: Hussain Gulzar , Singh Yudhbir , Bhat G.M. , Sharma Swati , Sangra Rameshwar , Singh Arjun
Published: July 2019

Dambu and Saraks slide are the two prominent translational debris slides along the national highway 1-A, which disrupts the vehicular traffic along this route. Detailed geotechnical investigation of soil samples from these landslides have been carried out to determine inherent cause of instability. Further finite element analysis (FEA) for the landslides was carried out to determine the strength reduction factor of the slope material for finding the critical slope failure point and total displacements. Results indicate the FOS of 1.95 for Dambu slide and 0.47 for Saraks slide respectively. The results of the geotechnical lab investigations for both the landslides are conformable with the FEA and the field observations.
Social change and anti-mafia movements: the ‘Addiopizzo’ variable
Authors: Scaglione Attilio
Published: July 2019

This article presents the results of a piece of research into extortion in the city of Palermo between 2004 and 2015. Highlighting the importance of the territorial context among the factors that explain the mafia phenomenon, the study draws on two different georeferencing databases: the first relating to the distribution of extortion across the Sicilian capital's various districts, and the second relating to the distribution of Palermo businesses that had joined the Addiopizzo anti-extortion movement. Although the empirical material is problematic, marked territorial variations emerge from a comparative analysis of the two databases, prompting a number of potential interpretations.
Historical state stability and economic development in Europe
Authors: Harish S.P. , Paik Christopher
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we show that state stability exhibits a persistent and robust non-monotonic relationship with economic development. Based on observations in Europe spanning from 1 to 2000 AD, regions that have historically experienced either short- or long-duration state rule on average lag behind in their local wealth today, while those that have experienced medium-duration state rule fare better. These findings support the argument that both an absence as well as an excess of state stability are bad for economic development. State instability hinders investment for growth, while too much stability is likely indicative of elite capture and subsequent stagnation of innovation.
Central Malagasy
Authors: Howe Penelope
Published: July 2019

Malagasy is the westernmost Austronesian language and belongs to the South East Barito subgroup of the Western Malayo-Polynesian subfamily (Dahl 1988, Rasoloson & Rubino 2005). Dahl (1951) presents widely-accepted evidence that Malagasy is most closely related to the Indonesian language Ma’anyan of Kalimantan (South Borneo). The term Malagasy refers to a macrolanguage (Lewis, Simons & Fennig 2014), with many regional dialects distributed throughout the island of Madagascar, which lies off the east African coast across from Mozambique (see Figure 1) and has a population of over 22 million (INSTAT 2018). The central area of the country, or the ‘Central Highlands’, is a plateau of up to 5000 feet and includes the capital city of Antananarivo, with a metropolitan population of about four million. The dialect historically spoken in and around Antananarivo is called Merina, and it served as the primary basis for development of the standardized, institutional language referred to as Malagasy Ofisialy ‘Official Malagasy’ (OM).
Associations between negative life experiences and the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia: findings from Trans Pathways
Authors: Strauss Penelope , Cook Angus , Winter Sam , Watson Vanessa , Wright Toussaint Dani , Lin Ashleigh
Published: July 2019

Background

Trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people worldwide experience high rates of poor mental health; however, these rates were unknown in Australia. In addition, how negative life events affect the mental health of TGD young people has been largely unexplored.

Methods

This paper reports on novel mental health findings of Trans Pathways, the largest study ever conducted in Australia with trans (transgender) and gender diverse young people (N = 859; aged 14–25 years). The study was an anonymous online cross-sectional survey undertaken in 2016. Logistic and linear regression models were used to test associations between mental health outcomes and negative life experiences.

Results

TGD young people in Australia experience high levels of mental distress, including self-harming (79.7%), suicidal thoughts (82.4%), and attempting suicide (48.1%). Three in four participants had been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety (74.6% and 72.2%, respectively). Many TGD young people had been exposed to negative experiences such as peer rejection (89.0%), precarious accommodation (22.0%), bullying (74.0%), and discrimination (68.9%). Most poor mental health outcomes were associated with negative experiences. The strongest associations were found for precarious accommodation and issues within educational settings. For example, participants with a prior suicide attempt were almost six times more likely to have experienced issues with accommodation, including homelessness.

Conclusions

The current results highlight the urgent need for better mental health care and provide insight into areas for targeted mental health interventions. These findings are pertinent for clinicians working with trans young people and wider society.
Is motivated submaximization good enough for God?
Authors: KRAAY KLAAS J.
Published: July 2019

In a recent article (Kraay 2013), I argued that some prominent responses to two important arguments for atheism invokedivine satisficing– and that the coherence and propriety of this notion have not been established. Chris Tucker (2016) agrees with my evaluation of divine satisficing, but disagrees with my exegesis of these responses. He argues that they should be understood as invokingmotivated submaximizationinstead. After reviewing the dialectical situation to date, I assess whether motivated submaximization can be deployed in such a way as to defeat these arguments for atheism. I argue that it's far from clear that it can.
Warnsymptome Haut: kutane Manifestation der Arzneimittelallergie
Authors: Saulite Ieva , Hötzenecker Wolfram , Cozzio Antonio
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die meisten kutanen Arzneimittelallergien verlaufen als lokalisierte oder seltener generalisierte makulöse, makulopapulöse oder urtikarielle Reaktionen ab und sind in dieser Form nicht lebensbedrohlich. Bei entsprechend starken Behandlungsindikationen kann bei diesen Dermatosen die Behandlung nach situativer dermatologischer Beurteilung u. U. auch weitergeführt werden unter entsprechender Hautpflege. In ca 2 % aller allergischer Hautreaktionen nach Medikamenteneinnahme kann es jedoch zu schweren Arzneimittelreaktionen kommen, welche sich in Form eines SJS, SJS-TEN, TEN, oder in Form eines DRESS, AGEP oder Sweet Syndroms darstellen können. Die entsprechenden Warnzeichen zu erkennen und im Anamnesekontext der Medikationswechsel v. a. in den letzten 8 Wochen zu werten ist wichtig, um potentiell lebensbedrohliche Zustände möglichst frühzeitig durch Medikamentenabsetzen und immunsuppressiver und hautgerichteter Therapie zu behandeln.
Medikamentenunverträglichkeit bei Histaminintoleranz und Mastozytose: «facts and fictions»
Authors: Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter , Schnyder Benno
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung. Es gibt kaum Anhaltspunkte, dass sich Patienten mit vermuteter Histaminintoleranz im Vergleich zu Personen mit normaler Histaminverträglichkeit häufiger gegen Medikamente / Wirkstoffe sensibilisieren und häufiger spezifische allergische Reaktionen erleiden. Präklinische Daten legen aber nahe, dass bestimmte Medikamente mit dem Histamin-Stoffwechsel interagieren. Da Histamin im Körper über verschiedene Wege abgebaut werden kann, ist die klinische Relevanz dieser prä-klinischen Befunde unsicher. Klinisch validierte Listen mit Wirkstoffen, welche eine Histamin-Intoleranz induzieren oder verstärken, sind derzeit nicht verfügbar. Auch bei Mastozytose-Patienten ist gegenüber Patienten ohne Mastzellerkrankung eine Häufung von Sensibilisierungen und spezifischen Allergien auf Medikamente unwahrscheinlich. Aufgrund pathophysiologischer Überlegungen muss aber bei Mastozytose-Patienten mit verstärkten Soforttypreaktionen gerechnet werden. Auch ist vorstellbar, dass die Schwellen Dosis für unspezifische Soforttypreaktionen (Pseudoallergien) bei Mastzellerkrankungen gesenkt sein kann. Eine eigentliche Ausweitung von auslösenden Wirkstoffen ist dagegen wenig wahrscheinlich. Listen mit Wirkstoffen, welche bei Mastozytose-Patienten zu gehäuften anaphylaktischen / anaphylaktoiden Reaktionen führen sollen, sind klinisch kaum validiert. Eine kürzlich publizierte prospektive Provokationsstudie legt nahe, dass Intoleranz-Reaktionen auf nicht-steroidale Antirheumatika bei Mastozytose-Patienten gegenüber Mastzell-Gesunden kaum gehäuft sind.
Do Deltas Along the Crustal Dichotomy Boundary of Mars in the Gale Crater Region Record a Northern Ocean?
Authors: Rivera‐Hernández Frances , Palucis Marisa C.
Published: July 2019

Deltaic deposits mapped along the Martian crustal dichotomy boundary scarp have been suggested to delineate an ancient ocean in the northern lowlands of Mars. Using recently acquired orbital data, we have expanded the dichotomy delta inventory and performed an updated analysis of delta front elevations, a proxy for paleo‐water levels. Our analysis focused near Gale crater, home of the Curiosity rover. We found that delta front elevations vary by approximately 2,400 m, but these elevation variations do not correspond to modeled deformation from true polar wander or Tharsis. Locally, delta front elevations vary by ≤60 m, and using present‐day topography, they correspond to distinct enclosed basins. We infer that these deltas formed in paleo‐lakes up to approximately 13,000 km2 and approximately 0.4 km deep, perhaps coeval with paleo‐lakes in Gale. Our results suggest that a northern ocean is not needed to explain the deltaic deposits in the Gale crater region.
Ionospheric Cold Ions Detected by MMS Behind Dipolarization Fronts
Authors: Xu Y. , Fu H. S. , Norgren C. , Toledo‐Redondo S. , Liu C. M. , Dong X. C.
Published: July 2019

Traditionally, dipolarization front (DF) is a discontinuity at the leading edge of the high‐speed plasma jets, separating hot tenuous plasma from the denser ambient plasma. The particles behind the DF are usually hot population resulting from various heating and acceleration processes therein. Here, using Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) observations, we report that cold ions of ionospheric origin can be found behind the DFs. These cold ions move along the reconnected magnetic field lines directly from lobe during substorm, forming counter‐streaming cold ion flows behind the DFs. We find that cold ionospheric ions, as an additional population behind the DF, could increase ion density by ~50%. This indicates that the cold ions can change the gradients in the plasma density, such as the density‐driven instabilities near the DFs, and further affect the DF dynamics.
The SRCIN1/p140Cap adaptor protein negatively regulates the aggressiveness of neuroblastoma
Authors: Grasso Silvia , Cangelosi Davide , Chapelle Jennifer , Alzona Melissa , Centonze Giorgia , Lamolinara Alessia , Salemme Vincenzo , Angelini Costanza , Morellato Alessandro , Saglietto Andrea , Bianchi Federico Tommaso , Cabodi Sara , Salaroglio Iris Chiara , Fusella Federica , Ognibene Marzia , Iezzi Manuela , Pezzolo Annalisa , Poli Valeria , Di Cunto Ferdinando , Eva Alessandra , Riganti Chiara , Varesio Luigi , Turco Emilia , Defilippi Paola
Published: July 2019

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor, responsible for 13–15% of pediatric cancer death. Its intrinsic heterogeneity makes it difficult to target for successful therapy. The adaptor protein p140Cap/SRCIN1 negatively regulates tumor cell features and limits breast cancer progression. This study wish to assess if p140Cap is a key biological determinant of neuroblastoma outcome. RNAseq profiles of a large cohort of neuroblastoma patients show that SRCIN1 mRNA levels are an independent risk factor inversely correlated to disease aggressiveness. In high-risk patients, CGH+SNP microarray analysis of primary neuroblastoma identifies SRCIN1 as frequently altered by hemizygous deletion, copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity, or disruption. Functional experiments show that p140Cap negatively regulates Src and STAT3 signaling, affects anchorage-independent growth and migration, in vivo tumor growth and spontaneous lung metastasis formation. p140Cap also increases sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to doxorubicin and etoposide treatment, as well as to a combined treatment with chemotherapy drugs and Src inhibitors. Our functional findings point to a causal role of p140Cap in curbing the aggressiveness of neuroblastoma, due to its ability to impinge on specific molecular pathways, and to sensitize cells to therapeutic treatment. This study provides the first evidence that the SRCIN1/p140Cap adaptor protein is a key player in neuroblastoma as a new independent prognostic marker for patient outcome and treatment. Altogether, these data highlight the potential clinical impact of SRCIN1/p140Cap expression in neuroblastoma tumors, in terms of reducing cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy, one of the main issues for pediatric tumor treatment.
PGRN acts as a novel regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis by facilitating mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis to prevent podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Di , Zhou Meng , Wang Ziying , Fu Yi , Jia Meng , Wang Xiaojie , Liu Min , Zhang Yan , Sun Yu , Lu Yi , Tang Wei , Yi Fan
Published: July 2019

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered as a key mediator in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction hold considerable promise for the treatment of DN. In this study, we investigated the role of progranulin (PGRN), a secreted glycoprotein, in mediating mitochondrial homeostasis and its therapeutic potential in DN. We found that the level of PGRN was significantly reduced in the kidney from STZ-induced diabetic mice and patients with biopsy-proven DN compared with healthy controls. In DN model, PGRN-deficient mice aggravated podocyte injury and proteinuria versus wild-type mice. Functionally, PGRN deficiency exacerbated mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in podocytes from diabetic mice. In vitro, treatment with recombinant human PGRN (rPGRN) attenuated high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in podocytes accompanied by enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. Inhibition of mitophagy disturbed the protective effects of PGRN in high glucose-induced podocytotoxicity. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that PGRN maintained mitochondrial homeostasis via PGRN-Sirt1-PGC-1α/FoxO1 signaling-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. Finally, we provided direct evidence for therapeutic potential of PGRN in mice with DN. This study provides new insights into the novel role of PGRN in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, suggesting that PGRN may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for treating patients with DN.
Avenanthramide-C prevents noise- and drug-induced hearing loss while protecting auditory hair cells from oxidative stress
Authors: Umugire Alphonse , Lee Sungsu , Kim Dami , Choi Munyoung , Kim Hyung-Seok , Cho Hyong-Ho
Published: July 2019

Noise exposure or ototoxic drugs instigate various types of damage to the cochlea, resulting in hearing loss (HL). While the incidence of HL is growing continuously, there are, so far, no adequate drugs to prevent or treat HL. Avenanthramide (AVN), a natural product extracted from oats, has been reported to possess anti-oxidant/inflammatory properties, and protect several types of cells. In this study, we investigated whether AVN-C can protect auditory hair cells, and preserve hearing from noise trauma and ototoxic drugs. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were used to generate several HL models. Serum and perilymphatic fluid samples were analyzed using mass spectrophotometry to detect AVN-C. AVN-C crossed the blood-labyrinth barrier, and was detected in the perilymph after systemic injection. Pretreatment by AVN-C 24 h before exposure to temporary threshold shift noise contributed to the preserving hearing. Moreover, in the case of permanent threshold shift, AVN-C provided significant protection from noise. AVN-C also strongly protected against deterioration in hearing due to kanamycin and furosemide (K + F). According to the results of our scanning electron microscopy analysis, many outer hair cells (OHCs) were destroyed by noise trauma, while AVN-C prevented these losses. OHC loss due to K + F was even more severe, even affecting the apex. Strikingly, AVN-C treatment maintained OHCs at a level comparable to normal cochlea. AVN-C reduced the dichlorofluorescin (DCF)-positive population in gentamicin-treated HEI-OC1 in vitro. The expressions of TNF-a, BAK, IL-1b, and Bcl-2 were attenuated by AVN-C, revealing its antioxidant effects. The results of this study show that AVN-C crosses the blood-labyrinth barrier and provide a significant protection against noise- and drug-induced ototoxicity. Hence, AVN-C is a good candidate for future therapy aimed at protecting against sensorineural HL.
The cryo-electron microscopy supramolecular structure of the bacterial stressosome unveils its mechanism of activation
Authors: Williams Allison H. , Redzej Adam , Rolhion Nathalie , Costa Tiago R. D. , Rifflet Aline , Waksman Gabriel , Cossart Pascale
Published: July 2019

How the stressosome, the epicenter of the stress response in bacteria, transmits stress signals from the environment has remained elusive. The stressosome consists of multiple copies of three proteins RsbR, RsbS and RsbT, a kinase that is important for its activation. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the atomic organization of theListeria monocytogenesstressosome at 3.38 Å resolution. RsbR and RsbS are organized in a 60-protomers truncated icosahedron. A key phosphorylation site on RsbR (T209) is partially hidden by an RsbR flexible loop, whose “open” or “closed” position could modulate stressosome activity. Interaction between three glutamic acids in the N-terminal domain of RsbR and the membrane-bound mini-protein Prli42 is essential forListeriasurvival to stress. Together, our data provide the atomic model of the stressosome core and highlight a loop important for stressosome activation, paving the way towards elucidating the mechanism of signal transduction by the stressosome in bacteria.
FLOTROP, a massive contribution to plant diversity data for open ecosystems in northern tropical Africa
Authors: Taugourdeau Simon , Daget Philippe , Chatelain Cyrille , Mathieu Daniel , Juanes Xavier , Huguenin Johann , Ickowicz Alexandre
Published: July 2019

The FLOTROP dataset contains numerous plant observations (around 340,000 occurrences) in northern tropical Africa (from the 5th to 25th parallel north) in open ecosystems (savannah and steppe). They were collected by multiple collectors between 1920 and 2012 and were managed by Philippe Daget. These observations are probably the most important and unique source of plant distribution over the Sahel area. The data are now available in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Tela Botanica website, and as maps in the African Plant Database. For the overall area involved, this dataset has increased by 40% the data available in the GBIF. For some countries between the 15th and 21st parallel north, the FLOTROP dataset has increased available occurrences 10-fold compared to the data existing in the GBIF.
Radiation emission in laser-wakefields driven by structured laser pulses with orbital angular momentum
Authors: Luís Martins Joana , Vieira Jorge , Ferri Julien , Fülöp Tünde
Published: July 2019

High-intensity X-ray sources are invaluable tools, enabling experiments at the forefront of our understanding of materials science, chemistry, biology, and physics. Laser-plasma electron accelerators are sources of high-intensity X-rays, as electrons accelerated in wakefields emit short-wavelength radiation due to betatron oscillations. While applications such as phasecontrast imaging with these betatron sources have already been demonstrated, others would require higher photon number and would benefit from increased tunability. In this paper we demonstrate, through detailed 3D simulations, a novel configuration for a laser-wakefield betatron source that increases the energy of the X-ray emission and also provides increased flexibility in the tuning of the X-ray photon energy. This is made by combining two Laguerre-Gaussian pulses with non-zero net orbital angular momentum, leading to a rotation of the intensity pattern, and hence, of the driven wakefields. The helical motion driven by the laser rotation is found to dominate the radiation emission, rather than the betatron oscillations. Moreover, the radius of this helical motion can be controlled through the laser spot size and orbital angular momentum indexes, meaning that the radiation can be tuned fully independently of the plasma parameters.
Spectral changes associated with transmission of OLED emission through human skin
Authors: Yambem Soniya D. , Brooks-Richards Trent L. , Forrestal David P. , Kielar Marcin , Sah Pankaj , Pandey Ajay K. , Woodruff Maria A.
Published: July 2019

A recent and emerging application of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is in wearable technologies as they are flexible, stretchable and have uniform illumination over a large area. In such applications, transmission of OLED emission through skin is an important part and therefore, understanding spectral changes associated with transmission of OLED emission through human skin is crucial. Here, we report results on transmission of OLED emission through human skin samples for yellow and red emitting OLEDs. We found that the intensity of transmitted light varies depending on the site from where the skin samples are taken. Additionally, we show that the amount of transmitted light reduces by ~ 35–40% when edge emissions from the OLEDs are blocked by a mask exposing only the light emitting area of the OLED. Further, the emission/electroluminescence spectra of the OLEDs widen significantly upon passing through skin and the full width at half maximum increases by >20 nm and >15 nm for yellow and red OLEDs, respectively. For comparison, emission profile and intensities of transmitted light for yellow and red inorganic LEDs are also presented. Our results are highly relevant for the rapidly expanding area of non-invasive wearable technologies that use organic optoelectronic devices for sensing.
An Innovative Platform Merging Elemental Analysis and Ftir Imaging for Breast Tissue Analysis
Authors: Ali Mohamed H. M. , Rakib Fazle , Al-Saad Khalid , Al-Saady Rafif , Goormaghtigh Erik
Published: July 2019

Histopathology and immunohistology remain the gold standard for breast cancer diagnostic. Yet, these approaches do not usually provide a sufficiently detailed characterization of the pathology. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate for the first time that elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy microscopic examination of breast tissue sections can be merged into one dataset to provide a single set of markers based on both organic molecules and inorganic trace elements. For illustrating the method, 6 mammary tissue sections were used. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy images reported a fingerprint of the organic molecules present in the tissue section and laser ablation elemental analysis (LA-ICP-MS) images brought inorganic element profiles. The 6 tissue sections provided 31 106 and 150,000 spectra for FTIR and LA-ICP-MS spectra respectively. The results bring the proof of concept that breast tissue can be analyzed simultaneously by FTIR spectroscopy and laser ablation elemental analysis (LA-ICP-MS) to provide in both case reasonably high resolution images. We show how to bring the images obtained by the two methods to a same spatial resolution and how to use image registration to analyze the data originating from both techniques as one block of data. We finally demonstrates the elemental analysis is orthogonal to all FTIR markers as no significant correlation is found between FTIR and LA-ICP-MS data. Combining FTIR and LA-ICP-MS imaging becomes possible, providing two orthogonal methods which can bring an unprecedented diversity of information on the tissue. This opens a new avenue of tissue section analyses providing unprecedented diagnostic potential.
Improving species distribution models of zoonotic marine parasites
Authors: Alt Katharina G. , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven , Cunze Sarah
Published: July 2019

Environmental niche modelling is an acclaimed method for estimating species’ present or future distributions. However, in marine environments the assembly of representative data from reliable and unbiased occurrences is challenging. Here, we aimed to model the environmental niche and distribution of marine, parasitic nematodes from the Pseudoterranova decipiens complex using the software Maxent. The distribution of these potentially zoonotic species is of interest, because they infect the muscle tissue of host species targeted by fisheries. To achieve the best possible model, we used two different approaches. The land distance (LD) model was based on abiotic data, whereas the definitive host distance (DHD) model included species-specific biotic data. To assess whether DHD is a suitable descriptor for Pseudoterranova spp., the niches of the parasites and their respective definitive hosts were analysed using ecospat. The performance of LD and DHD was compared based on the variables’ contribution to the model. The DHD-model clearly outperformed the LD-model. While the LD-model gave an estimate of the parasites’ niches, it only showed the potential distribution. The DHD-model produced an estimate of the species’ realised distribution and indicated that biotic variables can help to improve the modelling of data-poor, marine species.
The AMPK system of salmonid fishes was expanded through genome duplication and is regulated by growth and immune status in muscle
Authors: Causey Dwight R. , Kim Jin-Hyoung , Devlin Robert H. , Martin Samuel A. M. , Macqueen Daniel J.
Published: July 2019

5′adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy homeostasis in eukaryotes. This study identified expansions in the AMPK-α, -β and -γ families of salmonid fishes due to a history of genome duplication events, including five novel salmonid-specific AMPK subunit gene paralogue pairs. We tested the hypothesis that the expanded AMPK gene system of salmonids is transcriptionally regulated by growth and immunological status. As a model, we studied immune-stimulated coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from three experiment groups sharing the same genetic background, but showing highly-divergent growth rates and nutritional status. Specifically, we compared wild-type and GH-transgenic fish, the latter achieving either enhanced or wild-type growth rate via ration manipulation. Transcript levels for the fifteen unique salmonid AMPK subunit genes were quantified in skeletal muscle after stimulation with bacterial or viral mimics to alter immune status. These analyses revealed a constitutive up-regulation of several AMPK-α and -γ subunit-encoding genes in GH-transgenic fish achieving accelerated growth. Further, immune stimulation caused a decrease in the expression of several AMPK subunit-encoding genes in GH-transgenic fish specifically. The dynamic expression responses observed suggest a role for the AMPK system in balancing energetic investment into muscle growth according to immunological status in salmonid fishes.
Targeting DNAJB9, a novel ER luminal co-chaperone, to rescue ΔF508-CFTR
Authors: Huang Yunjie , Arora Kavisha , Mun Kyu Shik , Yang Fanmuyi , Moon ChangSuk , Yarlagadda Sunitha , Jegga Anil , Weaver Timothy , Naren Anjaparavanda P.
Published: July 2019

The molecular mechanism of Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane-conductance regulator (CFTR) is largely unknown. Particularly, it is unknown what ER luminal factor(s) are involved in ERAD. Herein, we used ProtoArray to identify an ER luminal co-chaperone, DNAJB9, which can directly interact with CFTR. For both WT- and ΔF508 (deletion of phenylalanine at position 508, the most common CF-causing mutant)-CFTR, knockdown of DNAJB9 by siRNA increased their expression levels on the cell surface and, consequently, upregulated their function. Furthermore, genetic ablation of DNAJB9 in WT mice increased CFTR expression and enhanced CFTR-dependent fluid secretion in enteroids. Importantly, DNAJB9 deficiency upregulated enteroids’ fluid secretion in CF mice (homozygous for ΔF508), and silencing one allele of DNAJB9 is sufficient to rescue ΔF508-CFTR in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that DNAJB9 may be a rate-limiting factor in CFTR ERAD pathway. Our studies identified the first ER luminal co-chaperone involved in CFTR ERAD, and DNAJB9 could be a novel therapeutic target for CF.
Cytotoxic unsaturated electrophilic compounds commonly target the ubiquitin proteasome system
Authors: Selvaraju Karthik , Mofers Arjan , Pellegrini Paola , Salomonsson Johannes , Ahlner Alexandra , Morad Vivian , Hillert Ellin-Kristina , Espinosa Belen , Arnér Elias S. J. , Jensen Lasse , Malmström Jonas , Turkina Maria V. , D’Arcy Padraig , Walters Michael A. , Sunnerhagen Maria , Linder Stig
Published: July 2019

A large number of natural products have been advocated as anticancer agents. Many of these compounds contain functional groups characterized by chemical reactivity. It is not clear whether distinct mechanisms of action can be attributed to such compounds. We used a chemical library screening approach to demonstrate that a substantial fraction (~20%) of cytotoxic synthetic compounds containing Michael acceptor groups inhibit proteasome substrate processing and induce a cellular response characteristic of proteasome inhibition. Biochemical and structural analyses showed binding to and inhibition of proteasome-associated cysteine deubiquitinases, in particular ubiquitin specific peptidase 14 (USP14). The results suggested that compounds bind to a crevice close to the USP14 active site with modest affinity, followed by covalent binding. A subset of compounds was identified where cell death induction was closely associated with proteasome inhibition and that showed significant antineoplastic activity in a zebrafish embryo model. These findings suggest that proteasome inhibition is a relatively common mode of action by cytotoxic compounds containing Michael acceptor groups and help to explain previous reports on the antineoplastic effects of natural products containing such functional groups.
Comparison of biochars derived from different types of feedstock and their potential for heavy metal removal in multiple-metal solutions
Authors: Zhao JingJing , Shen Xin-Jie , Domene Xavier , Alcañiz Josep-Maria , Liao Xing , Palet Cristina
Published: July 2019

Three different types of feedstocks and their biochars were used to remove Cr(III), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from a mixture of multiple heavy metals. The effect of the initial concentration of heavy metals in solution has been analysed, and kinetics modelling and a comparison of the adsorption capacity of such materials have been performed to elucidate the possible adsorption mechanisms. The results show that the adsorption capacity is dependent on the type of feedstock and on the pyrolysis conditions. The adsorption capacity of the biomass types is ranked as follows: FO (from sewage sludge)>> LO > ZO (both from agriculture biomass waste)>> CO (from wood biomass waste). Biochars, which are the product of the pyrolysis of feedstocks, clearly improve the adsorption efficiency in the case of those derived from wood and agricultural biomasses. Complexation and cation exchange have been found to be the two main adsorption mechanisms in systems containing multiple heavy metals, with cation exchange being the most significant. The pore structure of biomass/biochar cannot be neglected when investigating the adsorption mechanism of each material. All the disposal biomasses presented here are good alternatives for heavy metal removal from wastewaters.
Genome-scale metabolic model of the rat liver predicts effects of diet restriction
Authors: Baloni Priyanka , Sangar Vineet , Yurkovich James T. , Robinson Max , Taylor Scott , Karbowski Christine M. , Hamadeh Hisham K. , He Yudong D. , Price Nathan D.
Published: July 2019

Mapping network analysis in cells and tissues can provide insights into metabolic adaptations to changes in external environment, pathological conditions, and nutrient deprivation. Here, we reconstructed a genome-scale metabolic network of the rat liver that will allow for exploration of systems-level physiology. The resultingin silicomodel (iRatLiver) contains 1,882 reactions, 1,448 metabolites, and 994 metabolic genes. We then used this model to characterize the response of the liver’s energy metabolism to a controlled perturbation in diet. Transcriptomics data were collected from the livers of Sprague Dawley rats at 4 or 14 days of being subjected to 15%, 30%, or 60% diet restriction. These data were integrated with the iRatLiver model to generate condition-specific metabolic models, allowing us to explore network differences under each condition. We observed different pathway usage between early and late time points. Network analysis identified several highly connected “hub” genes (Pklr,Hadha,Tkt,Pgm1,Tpi1, andEno3) that showed differing trends between early and late time points. Taken together, our results suggest that the liver’s response varied with short- and long-term diet restriction. More broadly, we anticipate that the iRatLiver model can be exploited further to study metabolic changes in the liver under other conditions such as drug treatment, infection, and disease.
Repair Effects of Astragalus Polysaccharides with Different Molecular Weights on Oxidatively Damaged HK-2 Cells
Authors: Han Jin , Guo Da , Sun Xin-Yuan , Wang Jian-Min , Ouyang Jian-Ming , Gui Bao-Song
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the repair effects of three Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) with different molecular weights (Mws) on injured human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells to reveal the effect of Mw of polysaccharide on cell repair. A damage model was established by injuring HK-2 cells with 2.6 mM oxalate, and APS0, APS1, and APS2 with Mw of 11.03, 4.72, and 2.61 KDa were used to repair the damaged cells. After repair by APSs, the morphology of damaged HK-2 cells gradually returned to normal, the destruction of intercellular junctions recovered, intracellular reactive oxygen species production amount decreased, and their mitochondrial membrane potential increased. In addition, the cell cycle progression gradually normalized, lysosome integrity increased, and cell apoptotic rates obviously declined in the repaired cells. All three APSs could promote the expression of Keap1, Nrf2, SOD1, and CAT. In addition, the expression levels of inflammation markers containing MCP-1 and IL-6 decreased after APS repair. We deduced that APSs exert their repair function by activating the Nrf2–Keap1 signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammation. Among the APSs, APS1 with a moderate Mw provided the strongest repair effect. APSs may have a preventive effect on kidney stones.
Role of corticotropin-releasing factor on bladder function in rats with psychological stress
Authors: Seki Masaya , Zha Xin-Min , Inamura So , Taga Minekatsu , Matsuta Yosuke , Aoki Yoshitaka , Ito Hideaki , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: July 2019

Stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-related peptides are distributed in the peripheral viscera such as the bladder. We investigated the contribution of psychological stress (PS) and CRF on bladder function. Male rats received sham stress (SS) or PS using a communication box method for 120 min every day for 7 days. One group of rats received the intraperitoneal CRF-R1 antagonist antalarmin for 7 days during stress exposure. Mean voided volume per micturition was significantly lower in PS rats compared to SS rats, which was antagonized by antalarmin treatment. Increases in plasma and bladder CRF, and mRNA expressions of bladder CRF, CRF-R1, and M2/3 muscarinic receptors, were found in PS rats. CRF did not influence bladder contraction in itself; however, stress increased the response of muscarinic contraction of bladder strips. These changes were antagonized by antalarmin treatment. In conclusion, PS reinforces M3 receptor-mediated contractions via CRF-R1, resulting in bladder storage dysfunction.
Proteomic study of the membrane components of signalling cascades of Botrytis cinerea controlled by phosphorylation
Authors: Escobar-Niño Almudena , Liñeiro Eva , Amil Francisco , Carrasco Rafael , Chiva Cristina , Fuentes Carlos , Blanco-Ulate Barbara , Cantoral Fernández Jesús M. , Sabidó Eduard , Fernández-Acero Francisco Javier
Published: July 2019

Protein phosphorylation and membrane proteins play an important role in the infection of plants by phytopathogenic fungi, given their involvement in signal transduction cascades. Botrytis cinerea is a well-studied necrotrophic fungus taken as a model organism in fungal plant pathology, given its broad host range and adverse economic impact. To elucidate relevant events during infection, several proteomics analyses have been performed in B. cinerea, but they cover only 10% of the total proteins predicted in the genome database of this fungus. To increase coverage, we analysed by LC-MS/MS the first-reported overlapped proteome in phytopathogenic fungi, the “phosphomembranome” of B. cinerea, combining the two most important signal transduction subproteomes. Of the 1112 membrane-associated phosphoproteins identified, 64 and 243 were classified as exclusively identified or overexpressed under glucose and deproteinized tomato cell wall conditions, respectively. Seven proteins were found under both conditions, but these presented a specific phosphorylation pattern, so they were considered as exclusively identified or overexpressed proteins. From bioinformatics analysis, those differences in the membrane-associated phosphoproteins composition were associated with various processes, including pyruvate metabolism, unfolded protein response, oxidative stress response, autophagy and cell death. Our results suggest these proteins play a significant role in the B. cinerea pathogenic cycle.
Detecting Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Segmentation Errors on Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography with a Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Jammal Alessandro A. , Thompson Atalie C. , Ogata Nara G. , Mariottoni Eduardo B. , Urata Carla N. , Costa Vital P. , Medeiros Felipe A.
Published: July 2019

In this study we developed a deep learning (DL) algorithm that detects errors in retinal never fibre layer (RNFL) segmentation on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) B-scans using human grades as the reference standard. A dataset of 25,250 SDOCT B-scans reviewed for segmentation errors by human graders was randomly divided into validation plus training (50%) and test (50%) sets. The performance of the DL algorithm was evaluated in the test sample by outputting a probability of having a segmentation error for each B-scan. The ability of the algorithm to detect segmentation errors was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Mean DL probabilities of segmentation error in the test sample were 0.90 ± 0.17 vs. 0.12 ± 0.22 (P < 0.001) for scans with and without segmentation errors, respectively. The DL algorithm had an area under the ROC curve of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.974 to 0.984) and an overall accuracy of 92.4%. For the B-scans with severe segmentation errors in the test sample, the DL algorithm was 98.9% sensitive. This algorithm can help clinicians and researchers review images for artifacts in SDOCT tests in a timely manner and avoid inaccurate diagnostic interpretations.