bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive Weed Optimization Technique-Based ANN to the Prediction of Rock Tensile Strength
Authors: Huang Lei , Asteris Panagiotis G. , Koopialipoor Mohammadreza , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Tahir M. M.
Published: December 2019

In many site investigation phases of civil and mining engineering projects, the tensile strength of the rocks is one of the most significant parameters that must be identified. This parameter can be determined directly through laboratory tests. However, conducting such laboratory tests is costly and time consuming. In this paper, a new artificial neural network (ANN)-based model is developed to predict rock tensile strength, using the invasive weed optimization (IWO) technique. Granite samples for the purpose of this research were selected from a tunnel located in Malaysia and underwent appropriate laboratory tests (i.e., Schmidt hammer, point load, dry density, as well as the Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) as system output). A simple regression analysis was carried out, and the obtained results confirmed the need for developing a model with multiple inputs, rather than one with only a single input, in order to predict BTS values. Aiming to highlight the capability of an IWO-ANN model in estimating BTS, artificial bee colony (ABC)-ANN and imperialism competitive algorithm (ICA)-ANN were also applied and developed. The parameters required for the ANN-based models were obtained using different parametric studies. According to calculated performance indices, a new hybrid IWO-ANN model can provide a higher accuracy level for the prediction of BTS compared to the ABC-ANN and ICA-ANN models. The results showed that the IWO-ANN model is a suitable alternative solution for a robust and reliable engineering design.
Single-Camera Trilateration
Authors: Zhou Yu , Liu Wenfei , Lu Xionghui , Zhong Xu
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a single-camera trilateration scheme which estimates the instantaneous 3D pose of a regular forward-looking camera from a single image of landmarks at known positions. Derived on the basis of the classical pinhole camera model and principles of perspective geometry, the proposed algorithm estimates the camera position and orientation successively. It provides a convenient self-localization tool for mobile robots and vehicles equipped with onboard cameras. Performance analysis has been conducted through extensive simulations with representative examples, which provides an insight into how the input errors and the geometric arrangement of the camera and landmarks affect the performance of the proposed algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been further verified through an experiment.
Adsorption of Lead and Nickel on to Expanded Graphite Decorated with Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Do Quoc Cuong , Choi Seonmi , Kim Hyojeon , Kang Seoktae
Published: December 2019

In this study, expanded graphite (EG) was decorated with manganese oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) by the hydrothermal method, and the newly formed composite (MONPs-EG) was applied as adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The comparative and competitive adsorption of Pb2+ and Ni2+ (0.01–1.00 mM) on MONPs-EG was investigated. Data from isothermal adsorption of single and binary systems suggested that both Pb2+ and Ni2+ were well described by the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacities at 298 K were calculated at 0.278 and 0.113 mmol/g for Pb2+ and Ni2+, respectively. In binary systems, a dramatic decrease in adsorption capacity of Ni2+ was observed, while the adsorption capacity of Pb2+ was almost stable, indicating the favorable adsorption of Pb2+ over Ni2+ onto the prepared adsorbent. Kinetics studies of single and binary systems showed that a pseudo-second order model could explain the adsorption processes well. Thermodynamic analysis results demonstrated that the adsorption of these metal ions on the prepared adsorbent is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The adsorption capacity of MONPs-EG increased significantly in the presence of humic acids. Overall, the results of this study suggest that MONPs-EG can be used effectively as an adsorbent for heavy metals removal from aqueous solutions.
The Effect of Eye Movements in Response to Different Types of Scenes Using a Graph-Based Visual Saliency Algorithm
Authors: Wahid Maria , Waris Asim , Gilani Syed Omer , Subramanian Ramanathan
Published: December 2019

Saliency is the quality of an object that makes it stands out from neighbouring items and grabs viewer attention. Regarding image processing, it refers to the pixel or group of pixels that stand out in an image or a video clip and capture the attention of the viewer. Our eye movements are usually guided by saliency while inspecting a scene. Rapid detection of emotive stimuli an ability possessed by humans. Visual objects in a scene are also emotionally salient. As different images and clips can elicit different emotional responses in a viewer such as happiness or sadness, there is a need to measure these emotions along with visual saliency. This study was conducted to determine whether the existing available visual saliency models can also measure emotional saliency. A classical Graph-Based Visual Saliency (GBVS) model is used in the study. Results show that there is low saliency or salient features in sad movies with at least a significant difference of 0.05 between happy and sad videos as well as a large mean difference of 76.57 and 57.0, hence making these videos less emotionally salient. However, overall visual content does not capture emotional salience. The applied Graph-Based Visual Saliency model notably identified happy emotions but could not analyze sad emotions.
Subsurface Detection of Shallow Targets by Undersampled Multifrequency Data and a Non-Cooperative Source
Authors: Brancaccio Adriana , Dell’Aversano Angela , Leone Giovanni , Solimene Raffaele
Published: December 2019

Imaging buried objects embedded within electrically large investigation domains can require a large number of measurement points. This is impractical if long data acquisition time cannot be tolerated or the system is conceived to work at some stand-off distance from the air/soil interface; for example, if it is mounted over some flying platform. In order to reduce the number of spatial measurements, here, we propose a method for detecting and localizing shallowly buried scattering targets from under-sampled far-field data. The method is based on a scattering model derived from the equivalence theorem for electromagnetic radiation. It exploits multi-frequency data and does not require that the transmitter and receivers are synchronized, making the source non-cooperative. To provide a benchmark against which spatial data have to be reduced, first, the number of required spatial measurements is examined by analyzing the properties of the relevant scattering operator. Then, since under-sampling data produces aliasing artifacts, frequency diversity (i.e., multi-frequency data) is exploited to mitigate those artifacts. In particular, single-frequency reconstructions are properly fused and a criterion for selecting the frequencies to be used is provided. Numerical examples show that the method allows for satisfactory target transverse localization with a number of measurements that are much less than the ones required by other methods commonly used in subsurface imaging.
Late Fuel Post-Injection Influence on the Dynamics and Efficiency of Wall-Flow Particulate Filters Regeneration
Authors: Serrano José Ramón , Piqueras Pedro , de la Morena Joaquín , Sanchis Enrique José
Published: December 2019

Late fuel post-injections are the most usual strategy to reach high exhaust temperature for the active regeneration of diesel particulate filters. However, it is important to optimise these strategies in order to mitigate their negative effect on the engine fuel consumption. This work aims at understanding the influence of the post-injection parameters, such as its start of injection and its fuel quantity, on the duration of the regeneration event and the fuel consumption along it. For this purpose, a set of computational models are employed to figure out in a holistic way the involved phenomena in the interaction between the engine and the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. Firstly, an engine model is implemented to evaluate the effect of the late fuel post-injection pattern on the gas properties at the exhaust aftertreatment system inlet in different steady-state operating conditions. These are selected to provide representative boundary conditions of the exhaust gas flow concerning dwell time, exhaust temperature and O 2 concentration. In this way, the results are later applied to the analysis of the diesel oxidation catalyst and wall-flow particulate filter responses. The dependence of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) inlet temperature is discussed based on the efficiency of each post-injection strategy to increase the exhaust gas temperature. Next, the influence on the dynamics of the regeneration of the post-injection parameters through the change in gas temperature and O 2 concentration is finally studied distinguishing the pre-heating, maximum reactivity and late soot oxidation stages as well as the required fuel consumption to complete the regeneration process.
Implicit Definition of Flow Patterns in Street Canyons—Recirculation Zone—Using Exploratory Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Authors: Chatzimichailidis Arsenios E. , Argyropoulos Christos D. , Assael Marc J. , Kakosimos Konstantinos E.
Published: December 2019

Air pollution is a major health hazard for the population that increasingly lives in cities. Street-scale Air Quality Models (AQMs) are a cheap and efficient way to study air pollution and possibly provide solutions. Having to include all the complex phenomena of wind flow between buildings, AQMs employ several parameterisations, one of which is the recirculation zone. Goal of this study is to derive an implicit or explicit definition for the recirculation zone from the flow in street canyons using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Therefore, a CFD-Large Eddy Simulation model was employed to investigate street canyons with height to width ratio from 1 to 0.20 under perpendicular wind direction. The developed dataset was analyzed with traditional methods (vortex visualization criteria and pollutant dispersion fields), as well as clustering methods (machine learning). Combining the above analyses, it was possible to extract qualitative features that agree well with literature but most importantly to develop quantitative expressions that describe their topology. The extracted features’ topology depends strongly on the street canyon dimensions and not surprisingly is independent of the wind velocity. The developed expressions describe areas with common flow characteristics inside the canyon and thus they can be characterised as an implicit definition for the recirculation zone. Furthermore, the presented methodology can be further applied to cover more parameters such us oblique wind direction and heated-facades and more methods for data analysis.
An Evaluation of Relationships between Radar-Inferred Kinematic and Microphysical Parameters and Lightning Flash Rates in Alabama Storms
Authors: Carey Lawrence D. , Schultz Elise V. , Schultz Christopher J. , Deierling Wiebke , Petersen Walter A. , Bain Anthony Lamont , Pickering Kenneth E.
Published: December 2019

Lightning flash rate parameterizations based on polarimetric and multi-Doppler radar inferred microphysical (e.g., graupel volume, graupel mass, 35 dBZ volume) and kinematic (e.g., updraft volume, maximum updraft velocity) parameters have important applications in atmospheric science. Although past studies have established relations between flash rate and storm parameters, their expected performance in a variety of storm and flash rate conditions is uncertain due to sample limitations. Radar network and lightning mapping array observations over Alabama of a large and diverse sample of 33 storms are input to hydrometeor identification, vertical velocity retrieval and flash rate algorithms to develop and test flash rate relations. When applied to this sample, prior flash rate linear relations result in larger errors overall, including often much larger bias (both over- and under-estimation) and root mean square errors compared to the new linear relations. At low flash rates, the new flash rate relations based on kinematic parameters have larger errors compared to those based on microphysical ones. Sensitivity of error to the functional form (e.g., zero or non-zero intercept) is also tested. When considering all factors (e.g., low errors including at low flash rate, consistency with past linear relations, and insensitivity to functional form), the flash rate parameterization based on graupel volume has the best overall performance.
Lithium-Ion Capacitor Safety Testing for Commercial Application
Authors: Bolufawi Omonayo , Shellikeri Annadanesh , Zheng Jim P.
Published: December 2019

The lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) is a recent innovation in the area of electrochemical energy storage that hybridizes lithium-ion battery anode material and an electrochemical double layer capacitor cathode material as its electrodes. The high power compared to batteries and higher energy compared to capacitors has made it a promising energy-storage device for powering hand-held and portable electronic systems/consumer electronics, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. The swelling and gassing of the LIC when subjected to abuse conditions is still a critical issue concerning the safe application in power electronics and commercial devices. However, it is imperative to carry out a thorough investigation that characterizes the safe operation of LICs. We investigated and studied the safety of LIC for commercial applications, by conducting a comprehensive abuse tests on LIC 200 F pouch cells with voltage range from 3.8 V to 2.2 V manufactured by General Capacitors LLC. The abuse tests include overcharge, external short circuit, crush (flat metal plate and blunt indentation), nail penetration test, and external heat test.
Life in Phases: Intra- and Inter- Molecular Phase Transitions in Protein Solutions
Authors: Uversky Vladimir , Finkelstein Alexei
Published: December 2019

Proteins, these evolutionarily-edited biological polymers, are able to undergo intramolecular and intermolecular phase transitions. Spontaneous intramolecular phase transitions define the folding of globular proteins, whereas binding-induced, intra- and inter- molecular phase transitions play a crucial role in the functionality of many intrinsically-disordered proteins. On the other hand, intermolecular phase transitions are the behind-the-scenes players in a diverse set of macrosystemic phenomena taking place in protein solutions, such as new phase nucleation in bulk, on the interface, and on the impurities, protein crystallization, protein aggregation, the formation of amyloid fibrils, and intermolecular liquid–liquid or liquid–gel phase transitions associated with the biogenesis of membraneless organelles in the cells. This review is dedicated to the systematic analysis of the phase behavior of protein molecules and their ensembles, and provides a description of the major physical principles governing intramolecular and intermolecular phase transitions in protein solutions.
Insights into the Chemical Biology of Childhood Embryonal Solid Tumors by NMR-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Quintero Escobar Melissa , Maschietto Mariana , Krepischi Ana C. V. , Avramovic Natasa , Tasic Ljubica
Published: December 2019

Most childhood cancers occur as isolated cases and show very different biological behavior when compared with cancers in adults. There are some solid tumors that occur almost exclusively in children among which stand out the embryonal solid tumors. These cancers main types are neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma (Wilms tumors), retinoblastoma and hepatoblastomas and tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Embryonal solid tumors represent a heterogeneous group of cancers supposedly derived from undifferentiated cells, with histological features that resemble tissues of origin during embryogenesis. This key observation suggests that tumorigenesis might begin during early fetal or child life due to the errors in growth or pathways differentiation. There are not many literature data on genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, or metabolomic differences in these types of cancers when compared to the omics- used in adult cancer research. Still, metabolomics by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in childhood embryonal solid tumors research can contribute greatly to understand better metabolic pathways alterations and biology of the embryonal solid tumors and potential to be used in clinical applications. Different types of samples, such as tissues, cells, biofluids, mostly blood plasma and serum, can be analyzed by NMR to detect and identify cancer metabolic signatures and validated biomarkers using enlarged group of samples. The literature search for biomarkers points to around 20–30 compounds that could be associated with pediatric cancer as well as metastasis.
Pretreatment of Wheat Straw with Phosphoric Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide to Simultaneously Facilitate Cellulose Digestibility and Modify Lignin as Adsorbents
Authors: Wan Xue , Yao Fengpei , Tian Dong , Shen Fei , Hu Jinguang , Zeng Yongmei , Yang Gang , Zhang Yanzong , Deng Shihuai
Published: December 2019

Effective valorization of lignin is crucial to achieve a sustainable, economic and competitive biorefinery of lignocellulosic biomass. In this work, an integrated process was proposed based on a concentrated phosphoric acid plus hydrogen peroxide (PHP) pretreatment to simultaneously facilitate cellulose digestibility and modify lignin as adsorbent. As a dominant constitutor of PHP pretreatment, H2O2 input and its influence on the overall fractionation/lignin modification performance was thoroughly investigated. Results indicated that wheat straw was fractionated more efficiently by increasing the H2O2 input. H2O2 input had a significant influence on the digestibility of the obtained cellulose-rich fraction whereby almost 100.0% cellulose-glucose conversion can be achieved even with only 0.88% H2O2 input. Besides, the adsorption capacity of lignin on MB was improved (74.3 to 210.1 mg g−1) due to the oxidative-modification in PHP pretreatment with H2O2 inputs. Regression analysis indicated that –COOH groups mainly governed the lignin adsorption (R2 = 0.946), which displayed the considerable adsorption capacities for typical cationic substances. This work shows a promising way to integrate the lignin modification concept into the emerging PHP pretreatment process with the dual goal of both cellulose utilization and lignin valorization.
Transthyretin Anti-Amyloidogenic and Fibril Disrupting Activities of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst (Brahmi) Extract
Authors: Eze Fredrick Nwude , Ingkaninan Kornkanok , Prapunpoj Porntip
Published: December 2019

The homotetrameric plasma protein transthyretin (TTR), is responsible for a series of debilitating and often fatal disorders in humans known as transthyretin amyloidosis. Currently, there is no cure for TTR amyloidosis and treatment options are rare. Thus, the identification and development of effective and safe therapeutic agents remain a research imperative. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) in the modulation of TTR amyloidogenesis and disruption of preformed fibrils. Using aggregation assays and transmission electron microscopy, it was found that BME abrogated the formation of human TTR aggregates and mature fibrils but did not dis-aggregate pre-formed fibrils. Through acid-mediated and urea-mediated denaturation assays, it was revealed that BME mitigated the dissociation of folded human TTR and L55P TTR into monomers. ANS binding and glutaraldehyde cross-linking assays showed that BME binds at the thyroxine-binding site and possibly enhanced the quaternary structural stability of native TTR. Together, our results suggest that BME bioactives prevented the formation of TTR fibrils by attenuating the disassembly of tetramers into monomers. These findings open up the possibility of further exploration of BME as a potential resource of valuable anti-TTR amyloidosis therapeutic ingredients.
Metformin: The Answer to Cancer in a Flower? Current Knowledge and Future Prospects of Metformin as an Anti-Cancer Agent in Breast Cancer
Authors: Samuel Samson , Varghese Elizabeth , Kubatka Peter , Triggle Chris , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: December 2019

Interest has grown in studying the possible use of well-known anti-diabetic drugs as anti-cancer agents individually or in combination with, frequently used, chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiation, owing to the fact that diabetes heightens the risk, incidence, and rapid progression of cancers, including breast cancer, in an individual. In this regard, metformin (1, 1-dimethylbiguanide), well known as ‘Glucophage’ among diabetics, was reported to be cancer preventive while also being a potent anti-proliferative and anti-cancer agent. While meta-analysis studies reported a lower risk and incidence of breast cancer among diabetic individuals on a metformin treatment regimen, several in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies reported the efficacy of using metformin individually as an anti-cancer/anti-tumor agent or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation in the treatment of different forms of breast cancer. However, unanswered questions remain with regards to areas such as cancer treatment specific therapeutic dosing of metformin, specificity to cancer cells at high concentrations, resistance to metformin therapy, efficacy of combinatory therapeutic approaches, post-therapeutic relapse of the disease, and efficacy in cancer prevention in non-diabetic individuals. In the current article, we discuss the biology of metformin and its molecular mechanism of action, the existing cellular, pre-clinical, and clinical studies that have tested the anti-tumor potential of metformin as a potential anti-cancer/anti-tumor agent in breast cancer therapy, and outline the future prospects and directions for a better understanding and re-purposing of metformin as an anti-cancer drug in the treatment of breast cancer.
The Quest for Phenolic Compounds from Macroalgae: A Review of Extraction and Identification Methodologies
Authors: Santos Sónia A. O. , Félix Rafael , Pais Adriana C. S. , Rocha Sílvia M. , Silvestre Armando J. D.
Published: December 2019

The current interest of the scientific community for the exploitation of high-value compounds from macroalgae is related to the increasing knowledge of their biological activities and health benefits. Macroalgae phenolic compounds, particularly phlorotannins, have gained particular attention due to their specific bioactivities, including antioxidant, antiproliferative, or antidiabetic. Notwithstanding, the characterization of macroalgae phenolic compounds is a multi-step task, with high challenges associated with their isolation and characterization, due to the highly complex and polysaccharide-rich matrix of macroalgae. Therefore, this fraction is far from being fully explored. In fact, a critical revision of the extraction and characterization methodologies already used in the analysis of phenolic compounds from macroalgae is lacking in the literature, and it is of uttermost importance to compile validated methodologies and discourage misleading practices. The aim of this review is to discuss the state-of-the-art of phenolic compounds already identified in green, red, and brown macroalgae, reviewing their structural classification, as well as critically discussing extraction methodologies, chromatographic separation techniques, and the analytical strategies for their characterization, including information about structural identification techniques and key spectroscopic profiles. For the first time, mass spectrometry data of phlorotannins, a chemical family quite exclusive of macroalgae, is compiled and discussed.
Modulatory Mechanisms of the NLRP3 Inflammasomes in Diabetes
Authors: Ding Sujuan , Xu Sheng , Ma Yong , Liu Gang , Jang Hongmei , Fang Jun
Published: December 2019

The inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that acts to enhance inflammatory responses by promoting the production and secretion of key cytokines. The best-known inflammasome is the NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor [NLR] family pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome. The evidence has shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and pyroptosis play vital roles in the development of diabetes. This review summarizes the regulation of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by NLRP3 via modulation of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, inflammation, and apoptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress in adipose tissue. Moreover, NLRP3 participates in intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory conditions, and NLRP3-deficient mice experience intestinal lesions. The diversity of an individual’s gut microbiome and the resultant microbial metabolites determines the extent of their involvement in the physiological and pathological mechanisms within the gut. As such, further study of the interaction between the NLRP3 inflammasome and the complex intestinal environment in disease development is warranted to discover novel therapies for the treatment of diabetes.
Effectiveness and Characterization of Severely Energy-Restricted Diets in People with Class III Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maston Gabrielle , Gibson Alice A. , Kahlaee H. Reza , Franklin Janet , Manson Elisa , Sainsbury Amanda , Markovic Tania P.
Published: December 2019

Severely energy-restricted diets are used in obesity management, but their efficacy in people with class III obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) is uncertain. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to determine the effectiveness and characteristics of severely energy-restricted diets in people with class III obesity. As there was a lack of publications reporting long-term dietary interventions and randomised controlled trial designs, our original publication inclusion criteria were broadened to include uncontrolled study designs and a higher upper limit of energy intake. Eligible publications reported studies including adults with class III obesity and that assessed a diet with daily energy intake ≤5000 kJ for ≥4 weeks. Among 572 unique publications from 4 databases, 11 were eligible and 10 were suitable for meta-analysis. Our original intention was to classify comparison arms into short-term (<6 months) and long-term (>1 year) interventions. Due to the lack of long-term data found, comparison arms were classified according to the commonalities in dietary intervention length among the included publications, namely dietary interventions of 4 weeks’ duration and those of ≥6 weeks’ duration. After a 4-week severely energy-restricted diet intervention, the pooled average weight loss was 9.81 (95% confidence interval 10.80, 8.83) kg, with a 95% prediction interval of 6.38 to 13.25 kg, representing a loss of approximately 4.1 to 8.6% of initial body weight. Diets ≥6 weeks’ duration produced 25.78 (29.42, 22.15) kg pooled average weight loss, with a 95% prediction interval of 13.77 to 37.80 kg, representing approximately 10.2 to 28.0% weight loss. Daily dietary prescriptions ranged from 330 to 5000 kJ (mean ± standard deviation 2260 ± 1400 kJ), and had wide variations in macronutrient composition. The diets were administered mostly via liquid meal replacement products. While the included publications had a moderate risk of bias score, which may inflate reported weight loss outcomes, the published data to date suggest that severely energy-restricted diets, delivered via diets of varying composition, effectively produce clinically relevant weight loss (≥10% of initial body weight) when used for 6 weeks or more in people with class III obesity.
Core Binding Factor Leukemia: Chromatin Remodeling Moves Towards Oncogenic Transcription
Authors: Beghini Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults, is a heterogeneous malignant clonal disorder arising from multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells characterized by genetic and concerted epigenetic aberrations. Core binding factor-Leukemia (CBFL) is characterized by the recurrent reciprocal translocations t(8;21)(q22;q22) or inv(16)(p13;q22) that, expressing the distinctive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 (also known as Acute myeloid leukemia1-eight twenty-one, AML1-ETO or RUNX1/ETO) or CBFB-MYH11 (also known as CBFβ-SMMHC) translocation product respectively, disrupt the essential hematopoietic function of the CBF. In the past decade, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding the structure, three-dimensional (3D) chromosomal topology, and disease-inducing genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of the fusion proteins that arise from disruption of the CBF subunit alpha and beta genes. Although CBFLs have a relatively good prognosis compared to other leukemia subtypes, 40–50% of patients still relapse, requiring intensive chemotherapy and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). To provide a rationale for the CBFL-associated altered hematopoietic development, in this review, we summarize the current understanding on the various molecular mechanisms, including dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as an early event that triggers the translocations, playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of CBFL. Translation of these findings into the clinical setting is just beginning by improvement in risk stratification, MRD assessment, and development of targeted therapies.
The Syk Kinase Promotes Mammary Epithelial Integrity and Inhibits Breast Cancer Invasion by Stabilizing the E-Cadherin/Catenin Complex
Authors: Kassouf Toufic , Larive Romain , Morel Anne , Urbach Serge , Bettache Nadir , Marcial Medina Ma , Mèrezègue Fabrice , Freiss Gilles , Peter Marion , Boissière-Michot Florence , Solassol Jérôme , Montcourrier Philippe , Coopman Peter
Published: December 2019

While first discovered in immunoreceptor signaling, the Syk protein kinase behaves as a tumor and metastasis suppressor in epithelial cells. Its reduced expression in breast and other carcinomas is correlated with decreased survival and increased metastasis risk, but its action mechanism remains largely unknown. Using phosphoproteomics we found that Syk phosphorylated E-cadherin and α-, β-, and p120-catenins on multiple tyrosine residues that concentrate at intercellular junctions. Increased Syk expression and activation enhanced E-cadherin/catenin phosphorylation, promoting their association and complex stability. In human breast cancer cells, Syk stimulated intercellular aggregation, E-cadherin recruitment and retention at adherens junctions, and promoted epithelial integrity, whereas it inhibited cell migration and invasion. Opposite effects were obtained with Syk knockdown or non-phosphorylatable mutant E-cadherin expression. Mechanistically, Syk stimulated the interaction of the E-cadherin/catenin complex with zonula occludens proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. Conditional Syk knockout in the lactating mouse mammary gland perturbed alveologenesis and disrupted E-cadherin localization at adherens junctions, corroborating the observations in cells. Hence, Syk is involved in the maintenance of the epithelial integrity of the mammary gland via the phosphorylation and stabilization of the E-cadherin/catenin adherens junction complex, thereby inhibiting cell migration and malignant tumor invasion.
Pd Nanoparticles Supported on Amine-Functionalized MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides for Solvent-Free Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Shi Xiufeng , Xing Bin , Guo Wenya , Zhang Huifang , Fan Binbin , Li Ruifeng
Published: December 2019

Pd nanoparticles (NPs) supported on amine-functionalized layered double hydroxides (LDHs) (Pd/NH2-LDH-NS) were successfully obtained by implanting aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) on MgAl LDH nanosheets (LDH-NS), followed by impregnating [Pd(NH3)4]Cl2 and reduction with NaBH4. The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained Pd/NH2-LDH-NS were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR),, N2 adsorption–desorption, inductive coupled plasma (ICP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), and their catalytic performance was tested in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol with molecular oxygen under solvent-free and base-free conditions. The results showed that the implanted –NH2 groups can promote the dispersion of the supported Pd NPs via complexation of the implanted –NH2 groups to Pd NPs, and they can increase the surface basicity of the catalysts, thus enhancing the catalytic activity and selectivity to benzylaldehyde. Pd/NH2-LDH-NS exhibited enhanced catalytic activity (31.6%) and selectivity (>98%) compared to the corresponding Pd/LDH-NS, Pd/LDH, Pd/SiO2, and Pd/Al2O3. Moreover, Pd/NH2-LDH-NS was remarkably stable and could be reused at least four times without a significant loss in activity and selectivity.
Application of Hierarchical Nanostructured WO3 and Fe2O3 Composites for Photodegradation of Surfactants in Water Samples
Authors: Biaduń Ewa , Gajewska Sylwia , Miecznikowski Krzysztof , Krasnodębska-Ostręga Beata
Published: December 2019

This study describes the utilization of hierarchical photoactive surface films for the decomposition of surfactants in water samples (with different pH). Photoactive films, containing tungsten (VI) oxide and iron (III) oxide (hematite), were deposited in a systematic and controlled manner using a layer-by-layer method. Physicochemical properties of the photoactive materials were developed and characterized using XRD analysis, Raman spectroscopy, water contact angle, voltammetry, and microscopic (SEM) techniques. The resulting multilayer films showed attractive performances in the photodegradation of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the nonionic surfactant (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol (Triton™ X-144) under solar light irradiation. The efficiency of the surfactants’ photodegradation was evaluated with a “test” based on a method, which is extremely sensitive to surfactants’ interference, with trace analysis of Pb using anodic stripping voltammetry on mercury electrodes (recovery study). The usefulness of hierarchical photoactive systems in the photodegradation of both surfactants is demonstrated in the presence and absence of the applied bias voltage. The maximum decomposition times were 2–3 h and 30 min, respectively. Furthermore, a properly designed layer system may be proposed, matching the pH of the water sample (depending on the treatment on the sampling side).
Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil from Saccharina japonica Alga for Bio-Oil Upgrading
Authors: Ly Hoang Vu , Kim Jinsoo , Hwang Hyun Tae , Choi Jae Hyung , Woo Hee Chul , Kim Seung-Soo
Published: December 2019

Biomass conversion via pyrolysis has been regarded as a promising solution for bio-oil production. Compared to fossil fuels, however, the pyrolysis bio-oils from biomass are corrosive and unstable due to relatively high oxygen content. Thus, an upgrading of bio-oil is required to reduce O component while improving stability in order to use it directly as fuel sources or in industrial processes for synthesizing chemicals. The catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is considered as one of the promising methods for upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil. In this research, the HDO was studied for various catalysts (HZSM-5, metal, and metal-phosphide catalysts) to improve the quality of bio-oil produced by fast pyrolysis of Saccharina japonica (SJ) in a fluidized-bed reactor. The HDO processing was carried out in an autoclave at 350 °C and different initial pressures (3, 6, and 15 bar). During HDO, the oxygen species in the bio-oil was removed primarily via formation of CO2 and H2O. Among the gases produced through HDO, CO2 was observed to be most abundant. The C/O ratio of produced bio-oil increased when CoMoP/γ-Al2O3, Co/γ-Al2O3, Fe/γ-Al2O3, or HZSM-5 was used. The Co/γ-Al2O3 resulted in higher HDO performance than other catalysts. The bio-oil upgraded with Co/γ-Al2O3 showed high HHV (34.41 MJ/kg). With the use of catalysts, the kerosene-diesel fraction (carbon number C12–C14) was increased from 36.17 to 38.62–48.92 wt.%.
Advanced Ga2O3/Lignin and ZrO2/Lignin Hybrid Microplatforms for Glucose Oxidase Immobilization: Evaluation of Biosensing Properties by Catalytic Glucose Oxidation
Authors: Jędrzak Artur , Rębiś Tomasz , Kuznowicz Maria , Kołodziejczak-Radzimska Agnieszka , Zdarta Jakub , Piasecki Adam , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: December 2019

In this study, novel Ga2O3/lignin and ZrO2/lignin hybrid materials were obtained and used as supports for the adsorption of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx). A biosensor system based on the hybrid supports was then designed to determine the concentration of glucose in various solutions. The obtained bioinspired platforms were analyzed to determine chemical and physical properties of the support structures. A determination was made of the effectiveness of the proposed method of immobilization and the quality of operation of the constructed glucose biosensor in electrochemical tests. To characterize the materials, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrokinetic (zeta) potential measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), particle size measurements (NIBS technique), and elemental analysis (EA) were used. In further research, glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on the surface of the obtained functional Ga2O3/lignin and ZrO2/lignin biomaterials. The best immobilization capacities—24.7 and 27.1 mg g−1 for Ga2O3/lignin and ZrO2/lignin, respectively—were achieved after a 24 h immobilization process. The Ga2O3/Lig/GOx and ZrO2/Lig/GOx systems were used for the construction of electrochemical biosensor systems, in a dedicated carbon paste electrode (CPE) with the addition of graphite and ferrocene.
Metal Complexes Containing Redox-Active Ligands in Oxidation of Hydrocarbons and Alcohols: A Review
Authors: Shul’pin Georgiy B. , Kozlov Yuriy N. , Shul’pina Lidia S.
Published: December 2019

Ligands are innocent when they allow oxidation states of the central atoms to be defined. A noninnocent (or redox) ligand is a ligand in a metal complex where the oxidation state is not clear. Dioxygen can be a noninnocent species, since it exists in two oxidation states, i.e., superoxide (O2−) and peroxide (O22−). This review is devoted to oxidations of C–H compounds (saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons) and alcohols with peroxides (hydrogen peroxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide) catalyzed by complexes of transition and nontransition metals containing innocent and noninnocent ligands. In many cases, the oxidation is induced by hydroxyl radicals. The mechanisms of the formation of hydroxyl radicals from H2O2 under the action of transition (iron, copper, vanadium, rhenium, etc.) and nontransition (aluminum, gallium, bismuth, etc.) metal ions are discussed. It has been demonstrated that the participation of the second hydrogen peroxide molecule leads to the rapture of O–O bond, and, as a result, to the facilitation of hydroxyl radical generation. The oxidation of alkanes induced by hydroxyl radicals leads to the formation of relatively unstable alkyl hydroperoxides. The data on regioselectivity in alkane oxidation allowed us to identify an oxidizing species generated in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide: (hydroxyl radical or another species). The values of the ratio-of-rate constants of the interaction between an oxidizing species and solvent acetonitrile or alkane gives either the kinetic support for the nature of the oxidizing species or establishes the mechanism of the induction of oxidation catalyzed by a concrete compound. In the case of a bulky catalyst molecule, the ratio of hydroxyl radical attack rates upon the acetonitrile molecule and alkane becomes higher. This can be expanded if we assume that the reactions of hydroxyl radicals occur in a cavity inside a voluminous catalyst molecule, where the ratio of the local concentrations of acetonitrile and alkane is higher than in the whole reaction volume. The works of the authors of this review in this field are described in more detail herein.
Fluorescent TAP as a Platform for Virus-Induced Degradation of the Antigenic Peptide Transporter
Authors: Wąchalska Magda , Graul Małgorzata , Praest Patrique , Luteijn Rutger D. , Babnis Aleksandra W. , Wiertz Emmanuel J. H. J. , Bieńkowska-Szewczyk Krystyna , Lipińska Andrea D.
Published: December 2019

Transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), a key player in the major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted antigen presentation, makes an attractive target for viruses that aim to escape the immune system. Mechanisms of TAP inhibition vary among virus species. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is unique in its ability to target TAP for proteasomal degradation following conformational arrest by the UL49.5 gene product. The exact mechanism of TAP removal still requires elucidation. For this purpose, a TAP-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein is instrumental, yet GFP-tagging may affect UL49.5-induced degradation. Therefore, we constructed a series of TAP-GFP variants using various linkers to obtain an optimal cellular fluorescent TAP platform. Mel JuSo (MJS) cells with CRISPR/Cas9 TAP1 or TAP2 knockouts were reconstituted with TAP-GFP constructs. Our results point towards a critical role of GFP localization on fluorescent properties of the fusion proteins and, in concert with the type of a linker, on the susceptibility to virally-induced inhibition and degradation. The fluorescent TAP platform was also used to re-evaluate TAP stability in the presence of other known viral TAP inhibitors, among which only UL49.5 was able to reduce TAP levels. Finally, we provide evidence that BoHV-1 UL49.5-induced TAP removal is p97-dependent, which indicates its degradation via endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD).
Dietary Immunostimulant CpG Modulates MicroRNA Biomarkers Associated with Immune Responses in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Xue Xi , Woldemariam Nardos Tesfaye , Caballero-Solares Albert , Umasuthan Navaneethaiyer , Fast Mark D. , Taylor Richard G. , Rise Matthew L. , Andreassen Rune
Published: December 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in fish immune responses. However, no study has previously characterized the impact of polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (pIC) and formalin-killed typical Aeromonas salmonicida (ASAL) on miRNA expression in Atlantic salmon fed a commercial diet with and without immunostimulant CpG. To this end, first, we performed small RNA deep sequencing and qPCR analyses to identify and confirm pIC- and/or ASAL-responsive miRNAs in the head kidney of salmon fed a control diet. DESeq2 analyses identified 12 and 18 miRNAs differentially expressed in pIC and ASAL groups, respectively, compared to the controls. Fifteen of these miRNAs were studied by qPCR; nine remained significant by qPCR. Five miRNAs (miR-27d-1-2-5p, miR-29b-2-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-146a-1-2-3p, miR-221-5p) were shown by qPCR to be significantly induced by both pIC and ASAL. Second, the effect of CpG-containing functional feed on miRNA expression was investigated by qPCR. In pre-injection samples, 6 of 15 miRNAs (e.g., miR-181a-5-3p, miR-462a-3p, miR-722-3p) had significantly lower expression in fish fed CpG diet than control diet. In contrast, several miRNAs (e.g., miR-146a-1-2-3p, miR-192a-5p, miR-194a-5p) in the PBS- and ASAL-injected groups had significantly higher expression in CpG-fed fish. Multivariate statistical analyses confirmed that the CpG diet had a greater impact on miRNA expression in ASAL-injected compared with pIC-injected fish. This study identified immune-relevant miRNA biomarkers that will be valuable in the development of diets to combat infectious diseases of salmon.
The Role of the Popeye Domain Containing Gene Family in Organ Homeostasis
Authors: Amunjela Johanna Ndamwena , Swan Alexander H. , Brand Thomas
Published: December 2019

The Popeye domain containing (POPDC) gene family consists of POPDC1 (also known as BVES), POPDC2 and POPDC3 and encodes a novel class of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) effector proteins. Despite first reports of their isolation and initial characterization at the protein level dating back 20 years, only recently major advances in defining their biological functions and disease association have been made. Loss-of-function experiments in mice and zebrafish established an important role in skeletal muscle regeneration, heart rhythm control and stress signaling. Patients suffering from muscular dystrophy and atrioventricular block were found to carry missense and nonsense mutations in either of the three POPDC genes, which suggests an important function in the control of striated muscle homeostasis. However, POPDC genes are also expressed in a number of epithelial cells and function as tumor suppressor genes involved in the control of epithelial structure, tight junction formation and signaling. Suppression of POPDC genes enhances tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis in a variety of human cancers, thus promoting a malignant phenotype. Moreover, downregulation of POPDC1 and POPDC3 expression in different cancer types has been associated with poor prognosis. However, high POPDC3 expression has also been correlated to poor clinical prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting that POPDC3 potentially plays different roles in the progression of different types of cancer. Interestingly, a gain of POPDC1 function in tumor cells inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion thereby reducing malignancy. Furthermore, POPDC proteins have been implicated in the control of cell cycle genes and epidermal growth factor and Wnt signaling. Work in tumor cell lines suggest that cyclic nucleotide binding may also be important in epithelial cells. Thus, POPDC proteins have a prominent role in tissue homeostasis and cellular signaling in both epithelia and striated muscle.
Hydrothermal Corrosion Behaviors of Constituent Materials of SiC/SiC Composites for LWR Applications
Authors: Suyama Shoko , Ukai Masaru , Akimoto Megumi , Nishimura Toshiki , Tajima Satoko
Published: December 2019

The corrosion behaviors of SiC/SiC composite constituent materials in pure water at operating conditions, such as 300 °C and 8.5 MPa, were studied for potential application in accident-tolerant light water reactor (LWR) fuel cladding and core structures. Five kinds of SiC fibers, four kinds of SiC matrices, and three kinds of fiber/matrix interphase materials were examined in autoclaves. The potential constituent materials for future use in SiC/SiC composites were selected by considering corrosion rates and residual strength characteristics. The mass changes and the residual strength of each specimen were measured. SEM images of the surface layers were also inspected. The SiC fibers, regardless of their purity, crystallinity or stoichiometric ratio, decreased in strength due to the hydrothermal corrosion. For its part, the hydrothermal corrosion resistance of CVD-SiC, as a SiC matrix, was found to be affected by manufacturing conditions such as raw material gas type and synthesis temperature, as well as post-machining morphology. The CVD-carbon (CVD-C), as a fiber/matrix interphase material, showed good hydrothermal corrosion resistance. In order to protect the SiC fibers and the SiC matrices from hydrothermal corrosion, it would appear to be necessary to apply a dense CVD-C coating to both every fiber and the entire surface of the SiC matrices.