bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric Disorders and Alcohol Consumption Among Low-Income African Americans:Gender Differences
Authors: Cobb Sharon , Assari Shervin
Published: April 2019

Background: Although cooccurrence of nonsubstance use disorders (non-SUDs) and substance use is well-established in the literature, most of what we know in this regard is derived from studies that have recruited predominantly White sample populations. As a result, there is a gap in knowledge on this link among low-income African Americans (AAs). There is also a need to understand how low-income AA men and women differ in these associations. Objective: To study whether there is an association between number of non-SUDs and amount of alcohol consumption by AA adults, and whether this association varies between AA men and women. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a nonrandom sample of 150 AA adults with non-SUDs (i.e., major depression, bipolar disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, paranoid disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizoaffective disorder). The independent variable was the number of non-SUDs. The dependent variable was the amount of alcohol consumption. Age, socioeconomic status (educational attainment and household income), and self-rated health were covariates. Gender was the moderator. Linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: A higher number of non-SUDs was not associated with a higher amount of alcohol use in the pooled sample of AA adults. We, however, found a significant interaction between gender and number of non-SUDs on the amount of alcohol use, suggesting a stronger effect of non-SUDs on alcohol consumption in AA men than in AA women. Gender-stratified linear regression models showed a positive association between number of non-SUDs and amount of alcohol consumption in AA men but not in AA women. Conclusion: Non-SUDs impact alcohol use of AA men but not women. Future research should test whether AA men may have a higher tendency to turn to alcohol to regulate their emotions and cope with psychological pain due to multiple non-SUDs. The results also suggest that integration of services for SUDs and non-SUDs may be more relevant to provision of mental health services for AA men than AA women.
The Temporal Effects of Acute Exercise on Episodic Memory Function: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Loprinzi Paul , Blough Jeremiah , Crawford Lindsay , Ryu Seungho , Zou Liye , Li Hong
Published: April 2019

Background: Accumulating research demonstrates that the timing of exercise plays an important role in influencing episodic memory. However, we have a limited understanding as to the factors that moderate this temporal effect. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of study characteristics (e.g., exercise modality, intensity and duration of acute exercise) and participant attributes (e.g., age, sex) across each of the temporal periods of acute exercise on episodic memory (i.e., acute exercise occurring before memory encoding, and during memory encoding, early consolidation, and late consolidation). Methods: The following databases were used for our computerized searches: Embase/PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Sports Discus and PsychInfo. Studies were included if they: (1) Employed an experimental design with a comparison to a control group/visit, (2) included human participants, (3) evaluated exercise as the independent variable, (4) employed an acute bout of exercise (defined as a single bout of exercise), (5) evaluated episodic memory as the outcome variable (defined as the retrospective recall of information either in a spatial or temporal manner), and (6) provided sufficient data (e.g., mean, SD, and sample size) for a pooled effect size estimate. Results: In total, 25 articles met our inclusionary criteria and were meta-analyzed. Acute exercise occurring before memory encoding (d = 0.11, 95% CI: −0.01, 0.23, p = 0.08), during early memory consolidation (d = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.67; p < 0.001) and during late memory consolidation (d = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.32, 1.78; p = 0.005) enhanced episodic memory function. Conversely, acute exercise occurring during memory encoding had a negative effect on episodic memory (d = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.02; p = 0.02). Various study designs and participant characteristics moderated the temporal effects of acute exercise on episodic memory function. For example, vigorous-intensity acute exercise, and acute exercise among young adults, had greater effects when the acute bout of exercise occurred before memory encoding or during the early memory consolidation period. Conclusions: The timing of acute exercise plays an important role in the exercise-memory interaction. Various exercise- and participant-related characteristics moderate this temporal relationship.
Relationship between Language Dominance and Stimulus-Stimulus or Stimulus-Response Inhibition in Uyghur-Chinese Bilinguals with an Investigation of Speed-Accuracy Trade-Offs
Authors: Wu Ruilin , Struys Esli , Lochtman Katja
Published: April 2019

The effect of bilingualism on inhibition control is increasingly under ongoing exploration. The present study primarily investigated the effect of within bilingual factors (i.e., dominance types of Uyghur-Chinese bilinguals) on a Stimulus-Stimulus task (Flanker) and a Stimulus-Response task (Simon). We also compared the bilinguals’ performance on each type of cognitive control task in respect to a possible trade-off between speed and accuracy. The findings showed no explicit differences on performance in response time or accuracy among balanced, L1-dominant and L2-dominant bilinguals but balanced bilinguals demonstrated a significant speed-accuracy trade-off in the overall context switching between non-conflict and conflict trials in both cognitive control tasks where monitoring process is highly demanded. Additionally, all bilinguals across all language dominance types showed a trade-off strategy in inhibition during a Stimulus-Stimulus conflict (flanker task). This evidence indicates that the differences of within bilinguals in cognitive control could lie in the monitoring process, while for all bilinguals, inhibition during a Stimulus-Stimulus conflict could be a major component in the mechanism of bilingual language processing.
Complementary Roles of GCN5 and PCAF in Foxp3+ T-Regulatory Cells
Authors: Liu Yujie , Bao Chunrong , Wang Liqing , Han Rongxiang , Beier Ulf H. , Akimova Tatiana , Cole Philip A. , Dent Sharon Y. R. , Hancock Wayne W.
Published: April 2019

Functions of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) family of histone/protein acetyltransferases (HATs) in Foxp3+ T-regulatory (Treg) cells are unexplored, despite the general importance of these enzymes in cell biology. We now show that two prototypical GNAT family members, GCN5 (general control nonrepressed-protein 5, lysine acetyltransferase (KAT)2a) and p300/CBP-associated factor (p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), Kat2b) contribute to Treg functions through partially distinct and partially overlapping mechanisms. Deletion of Gcn5 or PCAF did not affect Treg development or suppressive function in vitro, but did affect inducible Treg (iTreg) development, and in vivo, abrogated Treg-dependent allograft survival. Contrasting effects were seen upon targeting of each HAT in all T cells; mice lacking GCN5 showed prolonged allograft survival, suggesting this HAT might be a target for epigenetic therapy in allograft recipients, whereas transplants in mice lacking PCAF underwent acute allograft rejection. PCAF deletion also enhanced anti-tumor immunity in immunocompetent mice. Dual deletion of GCN5 and PCAF led to decreased Treg stability and numbers in peripheral lymphoid tissues, and mice succumbed to severe autoimmunity by 3–4 weeks of life. These data indicate that HATs of the GNAT family have contributions to Treg function that cannot be replaced by the functions of previously characterized Treg HATs (CBP, p300, and Tip60), and may be useful targets in immuno-oncology.
Altered Expression and Localization of Tumor Suppressive E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SMURF2 in Human Prostate and Breast Cancer
Authors: Emanuelli Andrea , Manikoth Ayyathan Dhanoop , Koganti Praveen , Shah Pooja Anil , Apel-Sarid Liat , Paolini Biagio , Detroja Rajesh , Frenkel-Morgenstern Milana , Blank Michael
Published: April 2019

SMURF2, an E3 ubiquitin ligase and suggested tumor suppressor, operates in normal cells to prevent genomic instability and carcinogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying SMURF2 inactivation in human malignancies remain elusive, as SMURF2 is rarely found mutated or deleted in cancers. We hypothesized that SMURF2 might have a distinct molecular biodistribution in cancer versus normal cells and tissues. The expression and localization of SMURF2 were analyzed in 666 human normal and cancer tissues, with primary focus on prostate and breast tumors. These investigations were accompanied by SMURF2 gene expression analyses, subcellular fractionation and biochemical studies, including SMURF2’s interactome analysis. We found that while in normal cells and tissues SMURF2 has a predominantly nuclear localization, in prostate and aggressive breast carcinomas SMURF2 shows a significantly increased cytoplasmic sequestration, associated with the disease progression. Mechanistic studies showed that the nuclear export machinery was not involved in cytoplasmic accumulation of SMURF2, while uncovered that its stability is markedly increased in the cytoplasmic compartment. Subsequent interactome analyses pointed to 14-3-3s as SMURF2 interactors, which could potentially affect its localization. These findings link the distorted expression of SMURF2 to human carcinogenesis and suggest the alterations in SMURF2 localization as a potential mechanism obliterating its tumor suppressor activities.
Tuning Selectivity of Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation Reaction over Ni/Sc-Doped ZrO2 Catalysts
Authors: Zhao Lili , Zhang Yin , Wu Tianjie , Zhao Min , Wang Yongzhao , Zhao Jianghong , Xiao Tiancun , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: April 2019

A series of Sc-doped ZrO2 supports, with Sc2O3 content in the range of 0 to 7.5% (mol/mol), were prepared using the hydrothermal method. Ni/Sc-doped ZrO2 catalysts with nickel loading of 10% (w/w) were prepared using impregnation method, and characterized with the use of XRD, Raman, H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), H2 temperature-programmed desorption (H2-TPD), XPS, and in situ FT-IR techniques. The catalytic performances of Ni/Sc-doped ZrO2 catalysts in maleic anhydride hydrogenation were tested. The results showed that the introduction of Sc3+ into ZrO2 support could effectively manipulate the distribution of maleic anhydride hydrogenation products. γ-butyrolactone was the major hydrogenation product over Sc-free Ni/ZrO2 catalyst with selectivity as high as 65.8% at 210 °C and 5 MPa of H2 pressure. The Ni/Sc-doped ZrO2 catalyst, with 7.5 mol% of Sc2O3 content, selectively catalyzed maleic anhydride hydrogenation to succinic anhydride, the selectivity towards succinic anhydride was up to 97.6% under the same reaction condition. The results of the catalysts’ structure–activity relationships revealed that there was an interdependence between the surface structure of ZrO2-based support and the C=O hydrogenation performance of the ZrO2-based supported nickel catalysts. By controlling the Sc2O3 content, the surface structure of ZrO2-based support could be regulated effectively. The different surface structure of ZrO2-based supports, resulted in the different degree of interaction between the nickel species and ZrO2-based supports; furthermore, the different interaction led to the different surface oxygen vacancies electron properties of ZrO2-based supported nickel catalysts and the C=O hydrogenation activity of the catalyst. This result provides new insight into the effect of ZrO2 support on the selective hydrogenation activity of ZrO2-supported metal catalysts and contributes to the design of selective hydrogenation catalysts for other unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
Effect of Surface Pre-Treatments on the Formation and Degradation Behaviour of a Calcium Phosphate Coating on Pure Magnesium
Authors: Han Jiaping , Blawert Carsten , Tang Shawei , Yang Junjie , Hu Jin , Zheludkevich Mikhail L.
Published: April 2019

Calcium phosphate (CaPh) coatings are considered promising surface treatments for Mg-based implants. Normally, the phase conversion process of CaPh compounds occurs during immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) and allows the easy penetration of a corrosive medium. To solve the issue, pre-treatment is often performed, creating an effective barrier that further improves the corrosion resistance of the underlying Mg. In the present work three pre-treatments including hydrothermal treatment, anodization, and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) were performed on pure Mg prior to CaPh deposition. Results indicated that the composition, morphology, and thickness of the CaPh coatings were strongly influenced by the pre-treatments. Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) was formed on PEO surface, whilst DCPD and hydroxyapatite (HA) were deposited on hydrothermally prepared and anodized surfaces. HA could be deposited on the studied samples during immersion in SBF. The electrochemical impedance spectrum indicated that CaPh coating combined with PEO pre-treatment had the highest corrosion resistance at 120 h due to the superior barrier properties conferred by the PEO layer.
Thermal, Optical, and Microstructural Properties of Magnetron Sputter-Deposited CuSi Films for Application in Write-Once Blu-Ray Discs
Authors: Lai Feng-Min , Yang Yao-Tsung , Ou Sin-Liang
Published: April 2019

In this study, 16-nm-thick CuSi films were deposited at room temperature by DC magnetron sputtering. The thermal, optical, and microstructural properties of CuSi films were investigated in detail. Moreover, the CuSi film was further used as a recording layer for write-once blu-ray disc (BD-R) applications. Based on the result of the reflectivity–temperature measurement, the CuSi layer had a decrease in the reflectivity between 180 and 290 °C. The as-deposited CuSi film possessed the Cu3Si phase. After annealing at 300 °C, the Si atoms existed in the CuSi film segregated and crystallized to the cubic Si phase. The activation energy of Si crystallization in the CuSi film was determined to be 1.2 eV. The dynamic tests presented that the BD-R containing the CuSi recording layer had minimum jitter values of 7.0% at 6 mW and 7.2% at 9 mW, respectively, for 1× and 4× recording speeds. This reveals that the CuSi film has great potential in BD-R applications.
Effect of Different ZrN Addition on Microstructure and Wear Properties of Titanium Based Coatings by Laser Cladding Technique
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Liu Shasha , Wang Jiawei , Yu Mengxiao , Tang Haibo
Published: April 2019

In order to improve the wear resistance of TC11 titanium alloy, a mixture of ZrN (10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 40 wt.%) and TC11 alloy powders are laser cladded on a forged TC11 substrate. The microstructure and wear property of coatings are systematically analyzed. The results show that the microstructure of sample with 10 wt.% ZrN addition has a very fine α + β two-phase microstructure, powders of ZrN are fully melted with no new phase appearance. By increasing the amount of ZrN to 20 wt.%, new phases of TiN0.3 precipitate with the dendritic morphology in the coating. A further increase in ZrN to 30 wt.% and 40 wt.% do not significantly change the microstructure of the cladded layer but increase the microhardness significantly, phases of TiN form with further enhancement of coating hardness. At the bottom of the cladded layer, the morphology of TiN0.3 and TiN precipitations changes into a spherical shape with small size. However, the wear performance of the coatings gradually reduces due to the increase of brittleness, and the superior wear properties of the coating are achieved when sample consisted of 20 wt.% ZrN.
Geosystemics View of Earthquakes
Authors: De Santis Angelo , Abbattista Cristoforo , Alfonsi Lucilla , Amoruso Leonardo , Campuzano Saioa A. , Carbone Marianna , Cesaroni Claudio , Cianchini Gianfranco , De Franceschi Giorgiana , De Santis Anna , Di Giovambattista Rita , Marchetti Dedalo , Martino Luca , Perrone Loredana , Piscini Alessandro , Rainone Mario Luigi , Soldani Maurizio , Spogli Luca , Santoro Francesca
Published: April 2019

Earthquakes are the most energetic phenomena in the lithosphere: their study and comprehension are greatly worth doing because of the obvious importance for society. Geosystemics intends to study the Earth system as a whole, looking at the possible couplings among the different geo-layers, i.e., from the earth’s interior to the above atmosphere. It uses specific universal tools to integrate different methods that can be applied to multi-parameter data, often taken on different platforms (e.g., ground, marine or satellite observations). Its main objective is to understand the particular phenomenon of interest from a holistic point of view. Central is the use of entropy, together with other physical quantities that will be introduced case by case. In this paper, we will deal with earthquakes, as final part of a long-term chain of processes involving, not only the interaction between different components of the Earth’s interior but also the coupling of the solid earth with the above neutral or ionized atmosphere, and finally culminating with the main rupture along the fault of concern. Particular emphasis will be given to some Italian seismic sequences.
An Analysis of Non-Isolated DC-DC Converter Topologies with Energy Transfer Media
Authors: Shin Se-Un
Published: April 2019

As miniaturized mobile devices with various functionalities are highly desired, the current requirement for loading blocks is gradually increasing. Accordingly, the efficiency of the power converter that supports the current to the loading bocks is a critical specification to prolong the battery time. Unfortunately, when using a small inductor for the miniaturization of mobile devices, the efficiency of the power converter is limited due to a large parasitic DC resistance (RDCR) of the inductor. To achieve high power efficiency, this paper proposes an energy transfer media (ETM) that can make a switched inductor capacitor (SIC) converter easier to design, maintaining the advantages of both a conventional switched capacitor (SC) converter and a switched inductive (SI) converter. This paper shows various examples of SIC converters as buck, boost, and buck-boost topologies by simply cascading the ETM with conventional non-isolated converter topologies without requiring a sophisticated controller. The topologies with the ETM offer a major advantage compared to the conventional topologies by reducing the inductor current, resulting in low conduction loss dissipated at RDCR. Additionally, the proposed topologies have a secondary benefit of a small output voltage ripple owing to the continuous current delivered to the load. Extensions to a multi-phase converter and single-inductor multiple-output converter are also discussed. Furthermore, a detailed theoretical analysis of the total conduction loss and the inductor current reduction is presented. Finally, the proposed topologies were simulated in PSIM, and the simulation results are discussed and compared with conventional non-isolated converter topologies.
Analysis of Pressure Communication between the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Reservoirs during a Zipper Fracturing Operation
Authors: Sukumar Sriniketh , Weijermars Ruud , Alves Ibere , Noynaert Sam
Published: April 2019

The recent interest in redeveloping the depleted Austin Chalk legacy field in Bryan (TX, USA) mandates that reservoir damage and subsurface trespassing between adjacent reservoirs be mitigated during hydraulic fracture treatments. Limiting unintended pressure communication across reservoir boundaries during hydraulic fracturing is important for operational efficiency. Our study presents field data collected in fall 2017 that measured the annular pressure changes that occurred in Austin Chalk wells during the zipper fracturing treatment of two new wells in the underlying Eagle Ford Formation. The data thereby obtained, along with associated Eagle Ford stimulation reports, was analyzed to establish the degree of pressure communication between the two reservoirs. A conceptual model for pressure communication is developed based on the pressure response pattern, duration, and intensity. Additionally, pressure depletion in the Austin Chalk reservoir is modeled based on historic production data. Pressure increases observed in the Austin Chalk wells were about 6% of the Eagle Ford injection pressures. The pressure communication during the fracture treatment was followed by a rapid decline of the pressure elevation in the Austin Chalk wells to pre-fracture reservoir pressure, once the Eagle Ford fracture operation ended. Significant production uplifts occurred in several offset Austin Chalk wells, coeval with the observed temporal pressure increase. Our study confirms that after the rapid pressure decline following the short-term pressure increase in the Austin Chalk, no residual pressure communication remained between the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford reservoirs. Limiting pressure communication between adjacent reservoirs during hydraulic fracturing is important in order to minimize the loss of costly fracturing fluid and to avoid undue damage to the reservoir and nearby wells via unintended proppant pollution. We provide field data and a model that quantifies the degree of pressure communication between adjacent reservoirs (Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford) for the first time.
Short-Term Load Dispatching Method for a Diversion Hydropower Plant with Multiple Turbines in One Tunnel Using a Two-Stage Model
Authors: Liao Shengli , Zhao Hongye , Li Gang , Liu Benxi
Published: April 2019

Short-term load dispatching (STLD) for a hydropower plant with multiple turbines in one tunnel (HPMTT) refers to determining when to startup or shutdown the units of different tunnels and scheduling the online units of each tunnel to obtain optimal load dispatch while simultaneously meeting the hydraulic and electric system constraints. Modeling and solving the STLD for a HPMTT is extremely difficult due to mutual interference between units and complications of the hydraulic head calculation. Considering the complexity of the hydraulic connections between multiple power units in one tunnel, a two-phase decomposition approach for subproblems of unit-commit (UC) and optimal load dispatch (OLD) is described and a two-stage model (TSM) is adopted in this paper. In the first stage, an on/off model for the units considering duration constraints is established, and the on/off status of the units and tunnels is determined using a heuristic searching method and a progressive optimal algorithm. In the second stage, a load distribution model is established and solved using dynamic programming for optimal load distribution under the premise of the on/off status of the tunnel and units in the first stage. The proposed method is verified using the load distribution problem for the Tianshengqiao-II reservoir (TSQII) in dry season under different typical load rates. The results meet the practical operation requirements and demonstrate the practicability of the proposed method.
Autonomous Controller for Flexible Operation of Heat Pumps in Low-Voltage Distribution Network
Authors: Sinha Rakesh , Bak-Jensen Birgitte , Radhakrishna Pillai Jayakrishnan
Published: April 2019

This paper aims to unleash the potential of a heat pump (HP) and its storage system, as a flexible consumer load, in the low-voltage (LV) distribution network by introducing an autonomous controller. Steady-state analysis using DigSILENT Power Factory, a power system analysis tool, is performed to verify the proposed hypothesis. The proposed controller manages to operate the individual HP and storage within the recommended operating limits of grid voltage, by sharing flexibility within the specific network. It has the capability of sensing local key control parameters for scheduling, re-scheduling, and decision-making on the operation of individual HPs. It also takes the thermal energy comfort of individual consumers into consideration. Measurement of local parameters such as grid voltage, supply temperature and level of cold water in the storage tank defines the priority for operation of HPs based on operating delays for turning it on and off. This enhances the sharing of flexibility for proper coordination, control, and management of HP systems in LV distribution networks with mutual technical benefits. From the results, the application of the proposed controller is found to be effective to manage grid congestions and local voltage regulation, satisfying the thermal energy requirements of the customer.
d2ix: A Model Input-Data Management and Analysis Tool for MESSAGEix
Authors: Zipperle Thomas , Orthofer Clara Luisa
Published: April 2019

Bottom-up integrated assessment models, like MESSAGEix, depend on the description of the capabilities and limitations of technological, economical and ecological parameters, and their development over long-time horizons. Even small models of a few nodes, technologies and model years require input-data sets involving several hundred thousand data points. Such data sets quickly become incomprehensible, which makes error detection, collaborative working and the interpretation of results challenging, especially for non-self-created models. In response to the resulting need for manageable, comprehensible, and traceable representation of input-data, we developed a Python-based spreadsheet interface (d2ix) that enables presentation and editing of model input-data in a concise form. By increasing accessibility and transparency of the model input-data, d2ix reduces barriers to entry for new modellers and simplifies collaborative working. This paper describes the methodology and introduces the open-source Python-package d2ix. The package is available under the Apache License, Version 2.0 on GitHub.
DNA Barcode Reveals the Bycatch of Endangered Batoids Species in the Southwest Atlantic: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management and Conservation Efforts
Authors: Ferrette Bruno Lopes da Silva , Domingues Rodrigo Rodrigues , Rotundo Matheus Marcos , Miranda Marina Provetti , Bunholi Ingrid Vasconcellos , De Biasi Juliana Beltramin , Oliveira Claudio , Foresti Fausto , Mendonça Fernando Fernandes
Published: April 2019

Today, elasmobranchs are one the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide. In fact, at least 90% of elasmobranch species are listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, while more than 40% are data-deficient. Although these vertebrates are mainly affected by unsustainable fishery activities, bycatch is also one of the major threats to sharks and batoids worldwide, and represents a challenge for both sustainable fishery management and for biodiversity and conservational efforts. Thus, in this study, DNA barcode methodology was used to identify the bycatch composition of batoid species from small-scale industrial fisheries in the southwest Atlantic and artisanal fisheries from southeast Brazil. A total of 228 individuals belonging to four Chondrichthyes orders, seven families, and at least 17 distinct batoid species were sequenced; among these individuals, 131 belonged to species protected in Brazil, 101 to globally threatened species, and some to species with trade restrictions provided by Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These results highlight the impacts on marine biodiversity of bycatch by small-scale industrial and unmanaged artisanal fisheries from the southwest Atlantic, and support the implementation of DNA-based methodologies for species-specific identification in data-poor fisheries as a powerful tool for improving the quality of fisheries’ catch statistics and for keeping precise bycatch records.
Identification of Transcription Factors Involved in the Regulation of Flowering in Adonis Amurensis Through Combined RNA-seq Transcriptomics and iTRAQ Proteomics
Authors: Zhou Aimin , Sun Hongwei , Dai Shengyue , Feng Shuang , Zhang Jinzhu , Gong Shufang , Wang Jingang
Published: April 2019

Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors affecting flowering in plants. Adonis amurensis, a perennial herbaceous flower that blooms in early spring in northeast China where the temperature can drop to −15 °C, is an ideal model for studying the molecular mechanisms of flowering at extremely low temperatures. This study first investigated global gene expression profiles at different developmental stages of flowering in A. amurensis by RNA-seq transcriptome and iTRAQ proteomics. Finally, 123 transcription factors (TFs) were detected in both the transcriptome and the proteome. Of these, 66 TFs belonging to 14 families may play a key role in multiple signaling pathways of flowering in A. amurensis. The TFs FAR1, PHD, and B3 may be involved in responses to light and temperature, while SCL, SWI/SNF, ARF, and ERF may be involved in the regulation of hormone balance. SPL may regulate the age pathway. Some members of the TCP, ZFP, MYB, WRKY, and bHLH families may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of flowering genes. The MADS-box TFs are the key regulators of flowering in A. amurensis. Our results provide a direction for understanding the molecular mechanisms of flowering in A. amurensis at low temperatures.
Shedding Light on a Secretive Tertiary Urodelean Relict: Hynobiid Salamanders (Paradactylodon persicus s.l.) from Iran, Illuminated by Phylogeographic, Developmental, and Transcriptomic Data
Authors: Stöck Matthias , Fakharzadeh Fatemeh , Kuhl Heiner , Rozenblut-Kościsty Beata , Leinweber Sophie , Patel Riddhi , Ebrahimi Mehregan , Voitel Sebastian , Schmidtler Josef , Kami Haji , Ogielska Maria , Förster Daniel
Published: April 2019

The Hyrcanian Forests present a unique Tertiary relict ecosystem, covering the northern Elburz and Talysh Ranges (Iran, Azerbaijan), a poorly investigated, unique biodiversity hotspot with many cryptic species. Since the 1970s, two nominal species of Urodela, Hynobiidae, Batrachuperus (later: Paradactylodon) have been described: Paradactylodon persicus from northwestern and P. gorganensis from northeastern Iran. Although P. gorganensis has been involved in studies on phylogeny and development, there is little data on the phylogeography, systematics, and development of the genus throughout the Hyrcanian Forests; genome-wide resources have been entirely missing. Given the huge genome size of hynobiids, making whole genome sequencing hardly affordable, we aimed to publish the first transcriptomic resources for Paradactylodon from an embryo and a larva (9.17 Gb RNA sequences; assembled to 78,918 unigenes). We also listed 32 genes involved in vertebrate sexual development and sex determination. Photographic documentation of the development from egg sacs across several embryonal and larval stages until metamorphosis enabled, for the first time, comparison of the ontogeny with that of other hynobiids and new histological and transcriptomic insights into early gonads and timing of their differentiation. Transcriptomes from central Elburz, next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries of archival DNA of topotypic P. persicus, and GenBank-sequences of eastern P. gorganensis allowed phylogenetic analysis with three mitochondrial genomes, supplemented by PCR-amplified mtDNA-fragments from 17 museum specimens, documenting <2% uncorrected intraspecific genetic distance. Our data suggest that these rare salamanders belong to a single species P. persicus s.l. Humankind has a great responsibility to protect this species and the unique biodiversity of the Hyrcanian Forest ecosystems.
A Cognitive Reserve and Social Support-Focused Latent Class Analysis to Predict Self-Reported Confusion or Memory Loss among Middle-Aged World Trade Center Health Registry Enrollees
Authors: Seil Kacie , Yu Shengchao , Alper Howard
Published: April 2019

The World Trade Center Health Registry includes 9/11 survivors who have been surveyed about their health conditions over time. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains high among the cohort and is a risk factor for cognitive impairment or dementia. We thus sought to examine the degree to which confusion or memory loss (CML)—potential symptoms of cognitive decline—are occurring among enrollees aged 35–64 years. Cognitive reserve theory suggests that higher levels of education and engaging in cognitively challenging activities can create stronger neural connections, offering protection against cognitive decline. We hypothesized that enrollees with less cognitive reserve would be more likely to report CML. In this study, we: (1) estimated the incidence of CML in our study sample; (2) identified indicators of cognitive reserve (e.g., indicators of educational attainment, social support); and (3) determined whether CML is associated with cognitive reserve level, stratified by PSTD status. First, we described demographics of the study sample (n = 14,574) and probable PTSD status, also stratifying by CML. Next, we conducted a latent class analysis on two groups: those with probable PTSD and those without probable PTSD, creating classes with varying cognitive reserve levels. Finally, using adjusted log binomial models, we predicted risk of CML based on cognitive reserve level. The probable PTSD group (n = 1213) and not probable PTSD group (n = 13,252) each had four latent classes: low, medium-low, medium-high, and high cognitive reserve. In the probable PTSD model, compared to the high cognitive reserve class, those with medium-low cognitive reserve were 35% more likely to report CML (relative risk (RR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 1.7). Among the not probable PTSD group, those with low and medium levels of cognitive reserve were significantly more likely to report CML (RR = 1.8 and 1.4, respectively). Overall, those with less cognitive reserve were more likely to report CML regardless of PTSD status.
Gamma-Irradiation Induced Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Organosilanes
Authors: Aujara Kabiru Musa , Chieng Buong Woei , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Thevy Ratnam Chantara
Published: April 2019

Gamma-ray radiation was used as a clean and easy method for turning the physicochemical properties of graphene oxide (GO) in this study. Silane functionalized-GO were synthesized by chemically grafting 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTES) onto GO surface using gamma-ray irradiation. This established non-contact process is used to create a reductive medium which is deemed simpler, purer and less harmful compared conventional chemical reduction. The resulting functionalized-GO were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. The chemical interaction of silane with the GO surface was confirmed by FT-IR. X-ray diffraction reveals the change in the crystalline phases was due to surface functionalization. Surface defects of the GO due to the introduction of silane mioties was revealed by Raman spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis of the functionalized-GO exhibits a multiple peaks in the temperature range of 200–650 °C which corresponds to the degradation of chemically grafted silane on the GO surface.
Meal Timing, Aging, and Metabolic Health
Authors: Kessler Katharina , Pivovarova-Ramich Olga
Published: April 2019

A growing body of evidence suggests that meal timing is an important factor for metabolic regulation and that the circadian clock tightly interacts with metabolic functions. The proper functioning of the circadian clock is critical for maintaining metabolic health. Therefore, chrononutrition, a novel discipline which investigates the relation between circadian rhythms, nutrition, and metabolism, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Circadian rhythms are strongly affected by obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other dietary-induced metabolic diseases. With increasing age, the circadian system also undergoes significant changes which contribute to the dysregulation of metabolic rhythms. Metabolic diseases are a major health concern, particularly in light of a growing aging population, and effective approaches for their prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Recently, animal studies have impressively shown beneficial effects of several dietary patterns (e.g., caloric restriction or time-restricted feeding) on circadian rhythms and metabolic outcomes upon nutritional challenges. Whether these dietary patterns show the same beneficial effects in humans is, however, less well studied. As indicated by recent studies, dietary approaches might represent a promising, attractive, and easy-to-adapt strategy for the prevention and therapy of circadian and metabolic disturbances in humans of different age.
Curcumin and Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms of Protection
Authors: Burge Kathryn , Gunasekaran Aarthi , Eckert Jeffrey , Chaaban Hala
Published: April 2019

Intestinal inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis, are becoming increasingly prevalent. While knowledge of the pathogenesis of these related diseases is currently incomplete, each of these conditions is thought to involve a dysfunctional, or overstated, host immunological response to both bacteria and dietary antigens, resulting in unchecked intestinal inflammation and, often, alterations in the intestinal microbiome. This inflammation can result in an impaired intestinal barrier allowing for bacterial translocation, potentially resulting in systemic inflammation and, in severe cases, sepsis. Chronic inflammation of this nature, in the case of inflammatory bowel disease, can even spur cancer growth in the longer-term. Recent research has indicated certain natural products with anti-inflammatory properties, such as curcumin, can help tame the inflammation involved in intestinal inflammatory diseases, thus improving intestinal barrier function, and potentially, clinical outcomes. In this review, we explore the potential therapeutic properties of curcumin on intestinal inflammatory diseases, including its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, as well as its potential to alter the intestinal microbiome. Curcumin may play a significant role in intestinal inflammatory disease treatment in the future, particularly as an adjuvant therapy.
The Reduction in Gastric Atrophy after Helicobacter pylori Eradication Is Reduced by Treatment with Inhibitors of Gastric Acid Secretion
Authors: Niikura Ryota , Hayakawa Yoku , Hirata Yoshihiro , Ogura Keiji , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Yamada Atsuo , Ushiku Tetsuo , Konishi Mitsuru , Fukayama Masashi , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: April 2019

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy may improve gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, but the results of previous studies have not always been consistent. The aim of this study was to compare the histological changes of intestinal metaplasia and gastric atrophy among the use of acid-suppressing drugs after H. pylori eradication. Methods: A cohort of 242 patients who underwent successful eradication therapy for H. pylori gastritis and surveillance endoscopy examination from 1996 to 2015 was analyzed. Changes in the histological scores of intestinal metaplasia and atrophy according to drug use (proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and non-acid suppressant use) were evaluated in biopsies of the antrum and corpus using a generalized linear mixed model in all patients. Results: The mean follow-up period and number of biopsies were 5.48 ± 4.69 years and 2.62 ± 1.67 times, respectively. Improvement in the atrophy scores of both the antrum (p = 0.042) and corpus (p = 0.020) were significantly superior in patients with non-acid suppressant drug use compared with those of PPI and H2RA use. Metaplasia scores in both the antrum and corpus did not improve in all groups, and no significant differences were observed among groups in the antrum (p = 0.271) and corpus (p = 0.077). Conclusions: Prolonged acid suppression by PPIs or H2RAs may limit the recovery of gastric atrophy following H. pylori eradication.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the OPR Gene Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Mou Yifei , Liu Yuanyuan , Tian Shujun , Guo Qiping , Wang Chengshe , Wen Shanshan
Published: April 2019

The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs), which belong to the old yellow enzyme (OYE) family, are flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-dependent oxidoreductases with critical functions in plants. Despite the clear characteristics of growth and development, as well as the defense responses in Arabidopsis, tomato, rice, and maize, the potential roles of OPRs in wheat are not fully understood. Here, forty-eight putative OPR genes were found and classified into five subfamilies, with 6 in sub. I, 4 in sub. II, 33 in sub. III, 3 in sub. IV, and 2 in sub. V. Similar gene structures and conserved protein motifs of TaOPRs in wheat were identified in the same subfamilies. An analysis of cis-acting elements in promoters revealed that the functions of OPRs in wheat were mostly related to growth, development, hormones, biotic, and abiotic stresses. A total of 14 wheat OPR genes were identified as tandem duplicated genes, while 37 OPR genes were segmentally duplicated genes. The expression patterns of TaOPRs were tissue- and stress-specific, and the expression of TaOPRs could be regulated or induced by phytohormones and various stresses. Therefore, there were multiple wheat OPR genes, classified into five subfamilies, with functional diversification and specific expression patterns, and to our knowledge, this was the first study to systematically investigate the wheat OPR gene family. The findings not only provide a scientific foundation for the comprehensive understanding of the wheat OPR gene family, but could also be helpful for screening more candidate genes and breeding new varieties of wheat, with a high yield and stress resistance.
An Investigation on the Application of Pulsed Electrodialysis Reversal in Whey Desalination
Authors: Merkel Arthur , Ashrafi Amir M.
Published: April 2019

Electrodialysis (ED) is frequently used in the desalination of whey. However, the fouling onto the membrane surface decreases the electrodialysis efficiency. Pulsed Electrodialysis Reversal (PER), in which short pulses of reverse polarity are applied, is expected to decrease the fouling onto membrane surface during ED. Three (PER) regimes were applied in the desalination of acid whey (pH ≤ 5) to study their effects on the membrane fouling and the ED efficiency. The PER regimes were compared to the conventional ED as the control. For each regime, two consecutive runs were performed without any cleaning step in-between to intensify the fouling. After the second run, the membranes were subjected to the Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and contact angle measurement to investigate the fouling on the membrane surface in different regimes. The ED parameters in the case of conventional ED were almost the same in the first and the second runs. However, the parameters related to the ED efficiency including ED capacity, ash transfer, and ED time, were deteriorated when the PER regimes were applied. The contact angle values indicated that the fouling on the diluate side of anion exchange membranes was more intensified in conventional ED compared to the PER regimes. The SEM images also showed that the fouling on the diluate side of both cation and anion exchange membranes under PER regimes was reduced in respect to the conventional ED. However, the back transfer to the diluate compartment when the reverse pulse was applied is dominant and lowers the ED efficiency slightly when the PER is applied.
The Endocannabinoid/Endovanilloid System in Bone: From Osteoporosis to Osteosarcoma
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Tortora Chiara , Punzo Francesca , Bellini Giulia , Argenziano Maura , Di Paola Alessandra , Torella Marco , Perrotta Silverio
Published: April 2019

Bone is a dynamic tissue, whose homeostasis is maintained by a fine balance between osteoclast (OC) and osteoblast (OB) activity. The endocannabinoid/endovanilloid (EC/EV) system’s receptors are the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2), and the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). Their stimulation modulates bone formation and bone resorption. Bone diseases are very common worldwide. Osteoporosis is the principal cause of bone loss and it can be caused by several factors such as postmenopausal estrogen decrease, glucocorticoid (GC) treatments, iron overload, and chemotherapies. Studies have demonstrated that CB1 and TRPV1 stimulation exerts osteoclastogenic effects, whereas CB2 stimulation has an anti-osteoclastogenic role. Moreover, the EC/EV system has been demonstrated to have a role in cancer, favoring apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. In particular, in bone cancer, the modulation of the EC/EV system not only reduces cell growth and enhances apoptosis but it also reduces cell invasion and bone pain in mouse models. Therefore, EC/EV receptors may be a useful pharmacological target in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases. More studies to better investigate the biochemical mechanisms underlining the EC/EV system effects in bone are needed, but the synthesis of hybrid molecules, targeting these receptors and capable of oppositely regulating bone homeostasis, seems to be a promising and encouraging prospective in bone disease management.
Pain Relieving Effect of-NSAIDs-CAIs Hybrid Molecules: Systemic and Intra-Articular Treatments against Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Micheli Laura , Bozdag Murat , Akgul Ozlem , Carta Fabrizio , Guccione Clizia , Bergonzi Maria Camilla , Bilia Anna Rita , Cinci Lorenzo , Lucarini Elena , Parisio Carmen , Supuran Claudiu T. , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: April 2019

To study new target-oriented molecules that are active against rheumatoid arthritis-dependent pain, new dual inhibitors incorporating both a carbonic anhydrase (CA)-binding moiety and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (NSAID) were tested in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis induced by CFA intra-articular (i.a.) injection. A comparison between a repeated per os treatment and a single i.a. injection was performed. CFA (50 µL) was injected in the tibiotarsal joint, and the effect of per os repeated treatment (1 mg kg−1) or single i.a injection (1 mg mL−1, 50 µL) with NSAIDs-CAIs hybrid molecules, named 4 and 5, was evaluated. The molecules 4 and 5, which were administered daily for 14 days, significantly prevented CFA-induced hypersensitivity to mechanical noxious (Paw pressure test) and non-noxious stimuli (von Frey test), the postural unbalance related to spontaneous pain (Incapacitance test) and motor alterations (Beam balance test). Moreover, to study a possible localized activity, 4 and 5 were formulated in liposomes (lipo 4 and lipo 5, both 1 mg mL−1) and directly administered by a single i.a. injection seven days after CFA injection. Lipo 5 decreased the mechanical hypersensitivity to noxious and non-noxious stimuli and improved motor coordination. Oral and i.a. treatments did not rescue the joint, as shown by the histological analysis. This new class of potent molecules, which is able to inhibit at the same time CA and cyclooxygenase, shows high activity in a preclinical condition of rheumatoid arthritis, strongly suggesting a novel attractive pharmacodynamic profile.