bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Deactivation of Rh/α-Al2O3 in the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Iso-Octane: Effect of Flow Rate
Authors: Batista Roberto , Carrera Andrea , Beretta Alessandra , Groppi Gianpiero
Published: June 2019

Catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of logistic fuels is a promising technology for the small-scale and on-board production of syngas (H2 and CO). Rh coated monoliths can be used as catalysts that, due to Rh high activity, allow the use of reduced reactor volumes (with contact time in the order of milliseconds) and the achievement of high syngas yield. As the CPO process is globally exothermic, it can be operated in adiabatic reactors. The reaction mechanism of the CPO process involves the superposition of exothermic and endothermic reactions at the catalyst inlet. Thus, a hot spot temperature is formed, which may lead to catalyst deactivation via sintering. In this work, the effect of the flow rate on the overall performance of a CPO-reformer has been studied, using iso-octane as model fuel. The focus has been on thermal behavior. The experimental investigation consisted of iC8-CPO tests at varying total flow rates from 5 to 15 NL/min, wherein axially resolved temperature and composition measurements were performed. The increase of flow rate resulted in a progressive increase of the hot spot temperature, with partial loss of activity in the entry zone of the monolith (as evidenced by repeated reference tests of CH4-CPO); conversely, the adiabatic character of the reformer improved. A detailed modelling analysis provided the means for the interpretation of the observed results. The temperature hot spot can be limited by acting on the operating conditions of the process. However, a tradeoff is required between the stability of the catalyst and the achievement of high performances (syngas yield, reactants conversion, and reactor adiabaticity).
Reaction of Glycerol with Trimethyl Orthoformate: Towards the Synthesis of New Glycerol Derivatives
Authors: Calmanti Roberto , Amadio Emanuele , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio
Published: June 2019

The reactivity of glycerol with trimethyl orthoformate is here described with an emphasis on developing a reliable synthetic approach for glycerol valorization. The glycerol based orthoester 4-(dimethoxymethoxy)methyl)-2-methoxy-1,3-dioxolane (3) was synthesized, under catalytic as well as catalyst-free conditions, by taking advantage of the thermodynamically controlled equilibrium between intermediates. Both Brønsted and Lewis acid catalysts accelerated the attainment of such an equilibrium, particularly Brønsted acidic ionic liquids BSMImHSO4 and BSMImBr were the most effective compounds for this reaction. The kinetic profiles allowed the proposal of a mechanism that accounts for the selectivity of the reaction.
New Challenges in Tumor Mutation Heterogeneity in Advanced Ovarian Cancer by a Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Approach
Authors: Garziera Marica , Roncato Rossana , Montico Marcella , De Mattia Elena , Gagno Sara , Poletto Elena , Scalone Simona , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Giorda Giorgio , Sorio Roberto , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has advanced knowledge of the genomic landscape of ovarian cancer, leading to an innovative molecular classification of the disease. However, patient survival and response to platinum-based treatments are still not predictable based on the tumor genetic profile. This retrospective study characterized the repertoire of somatic mutations in advanced ovarian cancer to identify tumor genetic markers predictive of platinum chemo-resistance and prognosis. Using targeted NGS, 79 primary advanced (III–IV stage, tumor grade G2-3) ovarian cancer tumors, including 64 high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs), were screened with a 26 cancer-genes panel. Patients, enrolled between 1995 and 2011, underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) with optimal residual disease (RD < 1 cm) and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment. We found a heterogeneous mutational landscape in some uncommon ovarian histotypes and in HGSOC tumor samples with relevance in predicting platinum sensitivity. In particular, we identified a poor prognostic signature in patients with HGSOC harboring concurrent mutations in two driver actionable genes of the panel. The tumor heterogeneity described, sheds light on the translational potential of targeted NGS approach for the identification of subgroups of patients with distinct therapeutic vulnerabilities, that are modulated by the specific mutational profile expressed by the ovarian tumor.
Phycocyanin Exerts Anti-Proliferative Effects through Down-Regulating TIRAP/NF-κB Activity in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Hao Shuai , Li Shuang , Wang Jing , Yan Yan , Ai Xin , Zhang Jiawen , Ren Yuqing , Wu Tingting , Liu Liyun , Wang Chengtao
Published: June 2019

Phycocyanin is a type of marine functional food additive, exerting a health care efficacy with no side effects. It has been shown that phycocyanin possesses anticancer function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, but the underlying regulatory mechanism still remains unclear. Further investigation on the antineoplastic mechanism of phycocyanin would provide useful information on NSCLC treatment. In this study, we explored the in vitro function and mechanism of phycocyanin in three typical NSCLC cell lines, H1975, H1650, and LTEP-a2, for the first time. Phenotypic experiments showed that phycocyanin significantly induced the apoptosis as well as suppressed the growth of NSCLC cells. Transcriptome analysis suggested that toll/interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) was significantly down-regulated by phycocyanin. Strikingly, similar to phycocyanin-treated assays, siRNA knockdown of TIRAP expression also resulted in the anti-proliferative phenomenon in NSCLC cells. In addition, the activity of NF-κB signaling was also suppressed after silencing TIRAP expression, revealing that phycocyanin exerted anti-proliferative function through down-regulating TIRAP/NF-κB activity in NSCLC cells. Collectively, this study has laid a theoretical basis on the treatment of NSCLC and the potential utilization of marine functional products.
Liraglutide Inhibits Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Attenuates Neointima Formation after Endovascular Injury in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Lee Chien-Ho , Cheng Cheng-I , Fang Yen-Nan , Chung Sheng-Ying , Chen Shyh-Ming , Lin Cheng-Jei , Wu Chiung-Jen , Hang Chi-Ling , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: June 2019

Hyperglycaemia causes endothelial dysfunction, which is the initial process in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Upon injury, endothelial cells undergo an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), lose their specific marker, and gain mesenchymal phenotypes. This study investigated the effect of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, on EndMT inhibition and neointima formation in diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin. The diabetic mice with a wire-induced vascular injury in the right carotid artery were treated with or without liraglutide for four weeks. The degree of neointima formation and re-endothelialisation was evaluated by histological assessments. Endothelial fate tracing revealed that endothelium-derived cells contribute to neointima formation through EndMT in vivo. In the diabetic mouse model, liraglutide attenuated wire injury-induced neointima formation and accelerated re-endothelialisation. In vitro, a high glucose condition (30 mmol/L) triggered morphological changes and mesenchymal marker expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were attenuated by liraglutide or Activin receptor-like 5 (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542. The inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling by Compound C diminished the liraglutide-mediated inhibitory effect on EndMT. Collectively, liraglutide was found to attenuate neointima formation in diabetic mice partially through EndMT inhibition, extending the potential therapeutic role of liraglutide.
Indium-Incorporation with InxGa1-xN Layers on GaN-Microdisks by Plasma-Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Tsai ChengDa , Lo Ikai , Wang YingChieh , Yang ChenChi , Yang HongYi , Shih HueiJyun , Huang HuiChun , Chou Mitch , Huang Louie , Tseng Binson
Published: June 2019

Indium-incorporation with InxGa1-xN layers on GaN-microdisks has been systematically studied against growth parameters by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The indium content (x) of InxGa1-xN layer increased to 44.2% with an In/(In + Ga) flux ratio of up to 0.6 for a growth temperature of 620 °C, and quickly dropped with a flux ratio of 0.8. At a fixed In/(In + Ga) flux ratio of 0.6, we found that the indium content decreased as the growth temperature increased from 600 °C to 720 °C and dropped to zero at 780 °C. By adjusting the growth parameters, we demonstrated an appropriate InxGa1-xN layer as a buffer to grow high-indium-content InxGa1-xN/GaN microdisk quantum wells for micro-LED applications.
Low-Frequency RFID Signal and Power Transfer Circuitry for Capacitive and Resistive Mixed Sensor Array
Authors: Demori Marco , Baù Marco , Dalola Simone , Ferrari Marco , Ferrari Vittorio
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a contactless measurement system for a mixed array of resistive and capacitive sensors exploiting a low-frequency radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based approach. The system is composed of a reader unit which provides power to and exchanges measurement data with a battery-less sensor unit. The sensor unit is based on a transponder operating at 134.2 kHz and a microcontroller. The microcontroller sequentially measures the elements of the sensor array composed of n capacitive and m resistive sensors which share a common terminal. The adopted technique measures the charging time of a resistor–capacitor (RC) circuit, where the resistor or the capacitor can be either the sensing element or a reference component. With the proposed approach, the measured values of the resistive or capacitive elements of the sensor array are first-order independent from the supply voltage level. A prototype has been developed and experimentally tested with resistive elements in the range 400 kΩ–1.2 MΩ and capacitive elements in the range 200 pF–1.2 nF showing measurement resolution values of 1 kΩ and 5 pF, respectively. Operative distances up to 3 cm have been achieved, with readings taken faster than one element of the array per second.
Application of S-Transform in ISAR Imaging
Authors: Zang Bo , Zhu Mingzhe , Zhou Xianda , Zhong Lu
Published: June 2019

In inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging, time-frequency analysis is the basic method for processing echo signals, which are reflected by the results of time-frequency analysis as each component changes over time. In the time-frequency map, a target’s rigid body components will appear as a series of single-frequency signals in the low-frequency region, and the micro-Doppler components generated by the target’s moving parts will be distributed in the high-frequency region with obvious frequency modulation. Among various time-frequency analysis methods, S-transform is especially suitable for analyzing these radar echo signals with micro-Doppler (m-D) components because of its multiresolution characteristics. In this paper, S-transform and the corresponding synchrosqueezing method are used to analyze the ISAR echo signal and perform imaging. Synchrosqueezing is a post-processing method for the time-frequency analysis result, which could retain most merits of S-transform while significantly improving the readability of the S-transformation result. The results of various simulations and actual data will show that S-transform is highly matched with the echo signal for ISAR imaging: the better frequency-domain resolution at low frequencies can concentrate the energy of the rigid body components in the low-frequency region, and better time resolution at high frequencies can better describe the transformation of the m-D component over time. The combination with synchrosqueezing also significantly improves the effect of time-frequency analysis and final imaging, and alleviates the shortcomings of the original S-transform. These results will be able to play a role in subsequent work like feature extraction and parameter estimation.
Juniper Tree-Ring Data from the Kuramin Range (Northern Tajikistan) Reveals Changing Summer Drought Signals in Western Central Asia
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhang Tongwen , Seim Andrea , Yu Shulong , Zhang Ruibo , Linderholm Hans W. , Kobuliev Zainalobudin V. , Ahmadov Ahsan , Kodirov Anvar
Published: June 2019

Coniferous forests cover the mountains in many parts of Central Asia and provide large potentials for dendroclimatic studies of past climate variability. However, to date, only a few tree-ring based climate reconstructions exist from this region. Here, we present a regional tree-ring chronology from the moisture-sensitive Zeravshan juniper (Juniperus seravschanica Kom.) from the Kuramin Range (Tajikistan) in western Central Asia, which is used to reveal past summer drought variability from 1650 to 2015 Common Era (CE). The chronology accounts for 40.5% of the variance of the June–July self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) during the instrumental period (1901 to 2012). Seven dry periods, including 1659–1696, 1705–1722, 1731–1741, 1758–1790, 1800–1842, 1860–1875, and 1931–1987, and five wet periods, including 1742–1752, 1843–1859, 1876–1913, 1921–1930, and 1988–2015, were identified. Good agreements between drought records from western and eastern Central Asia suggest that the PDSI records retain common drought signals and capture the regional dry/wet periods of Central Asia. Moreover, the spectral analysis indicates the existence of centennial (128 years), decadal (24.3 and 11.4 years), and interannual (8.0, 3.6, 2.9, and 2.0 years) cycles, which may be linked with climate forces, such as solar activity and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The analysis between the scPDSI reconstruction and large-scale atmospheric circulations during the reconstructed extreme dry and wet years can provide information about the linkages of extremes in our scPDSI record with the large-scale ocean–atmosphere–land circulation systems.
Hydrochemical Fluxes in Bulk Precipitation, Throughfall, and Stemflow in a Mixed Evergreen and Deciduous Broadleaved Forest
Authors: Su Lei , Zhao Changming , Xu Wenting , Xie Zongqiang
Published: June 2019

Rainfall is one of the primary sources of chemical inputs in forest ecosystems, and the basis of forest nutrient cycling. Mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forests are currently one of the most threatened ecosystems due to their sensitivity to anthropogenic climate change. As such, understanding the hydrochemical fluxes of these systems is critical for managing their dynamics in the future. We investigate the chemistry of bulk precipitation, stemflow and throughfall in a mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaved forest in the Shennongjia region of Central China. Mean nutrient concentrations in throughfall and stemflow were higher than in bulk precipitation. Stemflow ion fluxes from deciduous tree species were greater than those for evergreen tree species because of the differences in bark morphology and branch architecture. Throughfall and stemflow chemistry fluctuated dramatically over the growing season. Nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen were retained, while other elements and compounds were washed off or leached via throughfall and stemflow pathways. Our findings will facilitate a greater understanding of nutrient balance in canopy water fluxes.
A Choreography-Based and Collaborative Road Mobility System for L’Aquila City
Authors: Autili Marco , Di Salle Amleto , Gallo Francesco , Pompilio Claudio , Tivoli Massimo
Published: June 2019

Next Generation Internet (NGI) is the European initiative launched to identify the future internet technologies, designed to serve the needs of the digitalized society while ensuring privacy, trust, decentralization, openness, inclusion, and business cooperation. NGI provides efficient support to promote diversity, decentralization and the growth of disruptive innovation envisioned by smart cities. After the earthquake of 6 April 2009, the city of L’Aquila is facing a massive and innovative reconstruction process. As a consequence, nowadays, the L’Aquila city can be considered as a living laboratory model for applications within the context of smart cities. This paper describes and evaluates the realization of a Collaborative Road Mobility System (CRMS) for L’Aquila city by using our CHOReVOLUTION approach for the automated choreography production. The CRMS allows vehicles and transport infrastructure to interconnect, share information and use it to coordinate their actions.
Effect of Speculators’ Position Changes on the LME Futures Market
Authors: Park Jaehwan
Published: June 2019

This paper employs Granger causality tests to analyze the role of speculators using weekly COTR (commitment of traders reports) data covering the period of August 2014 to July 2017. The paper presents statistically significant evidence that the position changes of speculators, such as hedge funds and CTAs (commodity trading advisors), unidirectionally Granger-cause the prices of base metals, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc. This finding is a result of causality going from the levels of net futures positions of money managers to futures price changes on the London Metal Exchange (LME). However, producers’ and swap dealers’ speculative roles in price-formation are rejected in Granger causality tests. This paper presents clear results with important market implications.
Methods to Detect Edge Effected Reductions in Fire Frequency in Simulated Forest Landscapes
Authors: Wei Xinyuan , Larsen Chris P. S.
Published: June 2019

Reductions in fire frequency (RFF) are known to occur in the area adjacent to the rigid-boundary of simulated forest landscapes. Few studies, however, have removed those edge effected regions (EERs), and many others may, thus, have misinterpreted their simulated forest conditions within those unidentified edges. We developed three methods to detect and remove EERs with RFF and applied them to fire frequency maps of 2900 × 2900 grids developed using between 1000 and 1200 fire-year maps. The three methods employed different approaches: scanning, agglomeration, and division, along with the consensus of two and three of those methods. The detected EERs with RFF ranged in mean width from 5.9 to 17.3 km, and occupied 4.9 to 21.3% of the simulated landscapes. Those values are lower than the 40 km buffer width, which occupied 47.5% of the simulated landscape, used in a previous study in this area that based buffer width on length of the largest fire. The maximum width of the EER covaried with wind predominance, indicating it is not possible to prescribe a standard buffer width for all simulation studies. The three edge detection methods differ in their optimality, with the best results provided by a consensus of the three methods. We suggest that future landscape forest simulation studies should, to ensure their results near the rigid boundary are not misrepresentative, simulate an appropriately enlarged study area and then employ edge detection methods to remove the EERs with RFF.
Evaluation of Topological Consistency in CityGML
Authors: Giovanella Anna , Bradley Patrick Erik , Wursthorn Sven
Published: June 2019

Boundary representation models are data models that represent the topology of a building or city model. This leads to an issue in combination with geometry, as the geometric model necessarily has an underlying topology. In order to allow topological queries to rely on the incidence graph only, a new notion of topological consistency is introduced that captures possible topological differences between the incidence graph and the topology coming from geometry. Intersection matrices then describe possible types of topological consistency and inconsistency. As an application, it is examined which matrices can occur as intersection matrices, and how matrices from topologically consistent data look. The analysis of CityGML data sets stored in a spatial database system then shows that many real-world data sets contain many topologically inconsistent pairs of polygons. It was observed that even if data satisfy the val3dity test, they can still be topologically inconsistent. On the other hand, it is shown that the ISO 19107 standard is equivalent to our notion of topological consistency. In the case when the intersection is a point, topological inconsistency occurs because a vertex lies on a line segment. However, the most frequent topological inconsistencies seem to arise when the intersection of two polygons is a line segment. Consequently, topological queries in present CityGML data cannot rely on the incidence graph only, but must always make costly geometric computations if correct results are to be expected.
Transcriptome-Based Analysis Reveals a Crucial Role of BxGPCR17454 in Low Temperature Response of Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus)
Authors: Wang Bowen , Hao Xin , Xu Jiayao , Ma Yan , Ma Ling
Published: June 2019

Background: The causal agent of pine wilt disease is the pine wood nematode (PWN) (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), whose ability to adapt different ecological niches is a crucial determinant of their invasion to colder regions. To discover the molecular mechanism of low temperature response mechanism, we attempted to study the molecular response patterns under low temperature from B. xylophilus with a comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis and validated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic software was utilized to isolate and identify the low-temperature-related BxGPCR genes. Transcript abundance of six low-temperature-related BxGPCR genes and function of one of the BxGPCR genes are studied by qRT-PCR and RNA interference. Results: The results showed that we detected 432 DEGs through RNA sequencing between low-temperature-treated and ambient-temperature-treated groups nematodes. The transcript level of 6 low-temperature-related BxGPCR genes increased at low temperature. And, the survival rates of BxGPCR17454 silenced B. xylophilus revealed a significant decrease at low temperature. Conclusion: in conclusion, this transcriptome-based study revealed a crucial role of BxGPCR17454 in low temperature response process of pine wood nematode. These discoveries would assist the development of management and methods for efficient control of this devastating pine tree pest.
Autophagy in Plant: A New Orchestrator in the Regulation of the Phytohormones Homeostasis
Authors: Gou Wentao , Li Xi , Guo Shaoying , Liu Yunfeng , Li Faqiang , Xie Qingjun
Published: June 2019

Autophagy is a highly evolutionarily-conserved catabolic process facilitating the development and survival of organisms which have undergone favorable and/or stressful conditions, in particular the plant. Accumulating evidence has implicated that autophagy is involved in growth and development, as well as responses to various stresses in plant. Similarly, phytohormones also play a pivotal role in the response to various stresses in addition to the plant growth and development. However, the relationship between autophagy and phytohormones still remains poorly understood. Here, we review advances in the crosstalk between them upon various environmental stimuli. We also discuss how autophagy coordinates the phytohormones to regulate plant growth and development. We propose that unraveling the regulatory role(s) of autophagy in modulating the homeostasis of phytohormones would benefit crop breeding and improvement under variable environments, in particular under suboptimal conditions.
Magnesium Supplement and the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 Microdeletion (Burnside–Butler) Syndrome: A Potential Treatment?
Authors: Butler Merlin G.
Published: June 2019

The 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion (Burnside–Butler) syndrome is an emerging disorder that encompasses four genes (NIPA1, NIPA2, CYFIP1, and TUBGCP5). When disturbed, these four genes can lead to cognitive impairment, language and/or motor delay, psychiatric/behavioral problems (attention-deficit hyperactivity, autism, dyslexia, schizophrenia/paranoid psychosis), ataxia, seizures, poor coordination, congenital anomalies, and abnormal brain imaging. This microdeletion was reported as the most common cytogenetic finding when using ultra-high- resolution chromosomal microarrays in patients presenting for genetic services due to autism with or without additional clinical features. Additionally, those individuals with Prader–Willi or Angelman syndromes having the larger typical 15q11–q13 type I deletion which includes the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 region containing the four genes, show higher clinical severity than those having the smaller 15q11–q13 deletion where these four genes are intact. Two of the four genes (i.e., NIPA1 and NIPA2) are expressed in the brain and encode magnesium transporters. Magnesium is required in over 300 enzyme systems that are critical for multiple cellular functions, energy expenditure, protein synthesis, DNA transcription, and muscle and nerve function. Low levels of magnesium are found in those with seizures, depression, and acute or chronic brain diseases. Anecdotally, parents have administered magnesium supplements to their children with the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion and have observed improvement in behavior and clinical presentation. These observations require more attention from the medical community and should include controlled studies to determine if magnesium supplements could be a treatment option for this microdeletion syndrome and also for a subset of individuals with Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Colorectal Cancer: Could miRNA Dysregulation Play a Role?
Authors: Cirillo Francesca , Catellani Cecilia , Sartori Chiara , Lazzeroni Pietro , Amarri Sergio , Street Maria Elisabeth
Published: June 2019

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for cancer. A recent chapter in epigenetics is represented by microRNAs (miRNAs), which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Dysregulated miRNA profiles have been associated with diseases including obesity and cancer. Herein we report dysregulated miRNAs in obesity both in animal models and in humans, and we also document dysregulated miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC), as example of an obesity-related cancer. Some of the described miRNAs are found to be similarly dysregulated both in obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and CRC. Thus, we present miRNAs as a potential molecular link between obesity and CRC onset and development, giving a new perspective on the role of miRNAs in obesity-associated cancers.
Integrative Analyses of mRNA Expression Profile Reveal the Involvement of IGF2BP1 in Chicken Adipogenesis
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Ren Xueyi , Li Limin , Lu Shiyi , Chen Tian , Tan Liangtian , Liu Manqing , Luo Qingbin , Liang Shaodong , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan , Luo Wen
Published: June 2019

Excessive abdominal fat deposition is an issue with general concern in broiler production, especially for Chinese native chicken breeds. A high-fat diet (HFD) can induce body weight gained and excessive fat deposition, and genes and pathways participate in fat metabolism and adipogenesis would be influenced by HFD. In order to reveal the main genes and pathways involved in chicken abdominal fat deposition, we used HFD and normal diet (ND) to feed a Chinese native chicken breed, respectively. Results showed that HFD can increase abdominal fat deposition and induce adipocyte hypertrophy. Additionally, we used RNA-sequencing to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HFD and ND chickens in liver and abdominal fat. By analyzed these DEGs, we found that the many DEGs were enriched in fat metabolism related pathways, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, fat digestion and absorption, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Notably, the expression of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), which is a binding protein of IGF2 mRNA, was found to be induced in liver and abdominal fat by HFD. Ectopic expression of IGF2BP1 in chicken liver-related cell line Leghorn strain M chicken hepatoma (LMH) cell revealed that IGF2BP1 can regulate the expression of genes associated with fatty acid metabolism. In chicken preadipocytes (ICP cell line), we found that IGF2BP1 can promote adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, and the lipid droplet content would be increased by overexpression of IGF2BP1. Taken together, this study provides new insights into understanding the genes and pathways involved in abdominal fat deposition of Chinese native broiler, and IGF2BP1 is an important candidate gene for the study of fat metabolism and adipogenesis in chicken.
Phytomedicine-Based Potent Antioxidant, Fisetin Protects CNS-Insult LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neurodegeneration and Memory Impairment
Authors: Ahmad Ashfaq , Ali Tahir , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: June 2019

Phytomedicine based natural flavonoids have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities against neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potent neuroprotective and antioxidant potential effects of fisetin (natural flavonoid) against central nervous system (CNS)-insult, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and synaptic/memory deficits in adult mice. The mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with LPS (250 μg/kg/day for 1 week) and a fisetin dosage regimen (20 mg/kg/day i.p. for 2 weeks, 1 week pre-treated to LPS and 1 week co-treated with LPS). Behavioral tests, and biochemical and immunofluorescence assays were applied. Our results revealed that fisetin markedly abrogated the LPS-induced elevated ROS/oxidative stress and activated phosphorylated c-JUN N-terminal Kinase (p-JNK) in the adult mouse hippocampus. Fisetin significantly alleviated LPS-induced activated gliosis. Moreover, fisetin treatment inhibited LPS-induced activation of the inflammatory Toll-like Receptors (TLR4)/cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14)/phospho-nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) signaling and attenuated other inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 β (IL1-β), and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, immunoblotting and immunohistochemical results revealed that fisetin significantly reversed LPS-induced apoptotic neurodegeneration. Fisetin improved the hippocampal-dependent synaptic and memory functions in LPS-treated adult mice. In summary, our results strongly recommend that fisetin, a natural potent antioxidant, and neuroprotective phytomedicine, represents a promising, valuable, and therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Cardiac Autonomic Derangement Is Associated with Worse Neurological Outcome in the Very Early Phases of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tobaldini Eleonora , Sacco Roberto M. , Serafino Serena , Tassi Michele , Gallone Gianluca , Solbiati Monica , Costantino Giorgio , Montano Nicola , Torgano Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with autonomic dysfunction. We evaluated the prognostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) and the role of stroke localization and reperfusion treatment (RT) on autonomic control. Methods: Patients with AIS and sinus rhythm were enrolled in the emergency department. Autonomic parameters were recorded at the onset and after a potential RT. Neurological deficit was assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the onset and residual disability with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Two analyses were used to assess HRV. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are, respectively, markers of sympathetic and respiratory vagal modulation in spectral analysis. Symbolic analysis provides pattern with no variation (0V%) as an index of sympathetic modulation and pattern with two like variations (2LV%) and pattern with two unlike variations (2UV%) as markers of vagal modulation. Results: We enrolled 41 patients. Twenty-seven underwent RT. A prevalent parasympathetic modulation was found in patients with NIHSS ≥14. The group with mRS 3–6 exhibited a higher 2UV% and lower 0V%. Right-sided strokes were associated with a higher respiratory vagal control. RT had no effects on HRV parameters. Conclusions: In the very early phases of AIS, a decreased 0V% and an increased 2UV% may reflect a loss of sympathetic oscillation, predicting a poorer 3 month-outcome.
A New Front in Microbial Warfare—Delivery of Antifungal Effectors by the Type VI Secretion System
Authors: Trunk Katharina , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Quinn Janet
Published: June 2019

Microbes typically exist in mixed communities and display complex synergistic and antagonistic interactions. The Type VI secretion system (T6SS) is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and represents a contractile nano-machine that can fire effector proteins directly into neighbouring cells. The primary role assigned to the T6SS is to function as a potent weapon during inter-bacterial competition, delivering antibacterial effectors into rival bacterial cells. However, it has recently emerged that the T6SS can also be used as a powerful weapon against fungal competitors, and the first fungal-specific T6SS effector proteins, Tfe1 and Tfe2, have been identified. These effectors act via distinct mechanisms against a variety of fungal species to cause cell death. Tfe1 intoxication triggers plasma membrane depolarisation, whilst Tfe2 disrupts nutrient uptake and induces autophagy. Based on the frequent coexistence of bacteria and fungi in microbial communities, we propose that T6SS-dependent antifungal activity is likely to be widespread and elicited by a suite of antifungal effectors. Supporting this hypothesis, homologues of Tfe1 and Tfe2 are found in other bacterial species, and a number of T6SS-elaborating species have been demonstrated to interact with fungi. Thus, we envisage that antifungal T6SS will shape many polymicrobial communities, including the human microbiota and disease-causing infections.
An Availability-Enhanced Service Function Chain Placement Scheme in Network Function Virtualization
Authors: Xu Yansen , Kafle Ved P.
Published: June 2019

A service function chain (SFC) is an ordered virtual network function (VNF) chain for processing traffic flows to deliver end-to-end network services in a virtual networking environment. A challenging problem for an SFC in this context is to determine where to deploy VNFs and how to route traffic between VNFs of an SFC on a substrate network. In this paper, we formulate an SFC placement problem as an integer linear programing (ILP) model, and propose an availability-enhanced VNF placing scheme based on the layered graphs approach. To improve the availability of SFC deployment, our scheme distributes VNFs of an SFC to multiple substrate nodes to avoid a single point of failure. We conduct numerical analysis and computer simulation to validate the feasibility of our SFC scheme. The results show that the proposed scheme outperforms well in different network scenarios in terms of end-to-end delay of the SFC and computation time cost.
The Effect of the Carbon Fiber Content on the Flexural Strength of Polymer Concrete Testing Samples and the Comparison of Polymer Concrete and U-Shaped Steel Profile Damping
Authors: Petruška Ondrej , Zajac Jozef , Molnár Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Tkáč Jozef
Published: June 2019

This article explores the effect of carbon fiber content on the flexural strength of polymer concrete testing samples and compares the damping of polymer concrete and U-shaped steel profiles. The experiments involved and described herein consisted of flexural strength testing according to STN EN 12 390-5 Testing of Hardened Concrete, Part 5: Flexural Strength of Test Samples. The test results were evaluated graphically and by calculations and were further processed in various programs. The experimental results indicated that the highest flexural strength value was obtained by the test samples containing 12% of carbon fibers while culminating at 17.9 MPa. The results showed that the highest increase of flexural strength was caused by the addition of 3% of carbon fibers to the mixture, which increased the flexural strength by 4.2 MPa, or 26.75%. The results indicated that, based on the shape of the regression curve, flexural strength culminated at 13% carbon fiber content. The experimental results demonstrated that the tested polymer concrete test sample had a 6.87 times higher attenuation coefficient than the U-shaped steel profile. The results showed that the polymer concrete test sample No. 4 reduced vibration acceleration deviation by 93.5% in 0.005 sec and the U-shaped steel profile by 32.9%.
Multiresponse Optimization and Environmental Analysis in Direct Recycling Hot Press Forging of Aluminum AA6061
Authors: Yusuf Nur Kamilah , Lajis Mohd Amri , Ahmad Azlan
Published: June 2019

Ecological manageability in manufacturing these days is a dire and exceptional issue and the principle concerns are identified with increasingly proficient utilization of energy and materials. Recycling can save a large amount greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the case of aluminum. The parameter on the innovative technique on the direct recycling was investigated by employing design of experiments, via hot press forging process (DR-HPF). Thus, reutilizing of aluminum chips AA6061 with full factorial 32 design of experiment comprising a variety of working temperature and holding time were employed. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to outline the experiments towards evaluating the influences of the hot press forging parameters to the three responses; ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation to failure (ETF), and global warming potential (GWP). In conjunction with this, the environmental impacts associated with DR-HPF process are evaluated alongside the resultant conventional recycling (CR) by using re-melting route as indication. Experimental measurements, literature analysis and industrial data were merged to acquire the analysis of aluminum recycling life cycle. Clear conclusions were successfully drawn through the attained results on the outlook proposed by solid state direct recycling for the purpose of reducing the environmental effects by taking material and energy conservation as one of the most essential impacting factor. The global warming potential of a DR-HPF route gives a significant environmental impact where it is reduced up to 69.2% in comparison to the conventional (melting) routes.
Rhamnose Binding Protein as an Anti-Bacterial Agent—Targeting Biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Fu Tse-Kai , Ng Sim-Kun , Chen Yi-En , Lee Yuan-Chuan , Demeter Fruzsina , Herczeg Mihály , Borbás Anikó , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Lan Chung-Yu , Chen Chyi-Liang , Chang Margaret Dah-Tsyr
Published: June 2019

More than 80% of infectious bacteria form biofilm, which is a bacterial cell community surrounded by secreted polysaccharides, proteins and glycolipids. Such bacterial superstructure increases resistance to antimicrobials and host defenses. Thus, to control these biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria requires antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms or properties. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, is a model strain to study biofilm development and correlation between biofilm formation and infection. In this study, a recombinant hemolymph plasma lectin (rHPLOE) cloned from Taiwanese Tachypleus tridentatus was expressed in an Escherichia coli system. This rHPLOE was shown to have the following properties: (1) Binding to P. aeruginosa PA14 biofilm through a unique molecular interaction with rhamnose-containing moieties on bacteria, leading to reduction of extracellular di-rhamnolipid (a biofilm regulator); (2) decreasing downstream quorum sensing factors, and inhibiting biofilm formation; (3) dispersing the mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa PA14 to improve the efficacies of antibiotics; (4) reducing P. aeruginosa PA14 cytotoxicity to human lung epithelial cells in vitro and (5) inhibiting P. aeruginosa PA14 infection of zebrafish embryos in vivo. Taken together, rHPLOE serves as an anti-biofilm agent with a novel mechanism of recognizing rhamnose moieties in lipopolysaccharides, di-rhamnolipid and structural polysaccharides (Psl) in biofilms. Thus rHPLOE links glycan-recognition to novel anti-biofilm strategies against pathogenic bacteria.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Injuries, Pain, and Illnesses in Elite Female Basketball Players
Authors: Garbenytė-Apolinskienė Toma , Salatkaitė Saulė , Šiupšinskas Laimonas , Gudas Rimtautas
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: The participation of women in sports, including basketball, is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the potential risk of sports injuries, but there is a lack of epidemiological studies about the incidence of sports injuries in women’s basketball, especially in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and localizations of sport related injuries and illnesses in elite female basketball players. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. The sample consisted of 358 elite female basketball players, with a mean age of 23.4 ± 5.93 years, participated in the study. The players were interviewed using a pre-participation health questionnaire during the 2013–2016 sport seasons in the pre-season preparation phase. Results: 155 health problems were reported in 358 athletes during the screening period. The most frequently injured body parts were lower limbs: more than 60%, representing an injury rate of 0.14 per athletes and a 0.2 pain rate per athlete during the study period. Conclusions: The main findings showed the importance of monitoring lower extremity injuries and pain to pay attention to the players, which are at risk. The occurrence of injuries and pain among female basketball players was high. The lower extremities are the most frequently injured body area in the Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League.
On the Influence of Loading Order in Nanostructural Fatigue Crack Propagation in BCC Iron—A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Ladinek Markus , Hofer Thomas
Published: June 2019

Most investigations dealing with fatigue crack propagation on the nanoscale, limit their studies on a loading scenario of constant stress or strain amplitudes. Since such a load scenario is rather rare, this paper aims to examine the influence of the load sequence on the crack growth using bcc iron. For this purpose, a specimen containing a central crack was loaded repeatedly by varying the load amplitude. All computations were carried out using molecular dynamics methods (MD), and the material behaviour was represented by utilising an embedded atom method (EAM) potential. Significant deviation in the crack growth behaviour was observed when loading the specimens with variable amplitudes rather than with constant amplitudes. Cracks did not only extend during the loading phase but also in the initial phase of the unloading process where cracks expanded from voids that had been formed in the last phase of loading. These voids coalesced with the main crack as the specimen was subjected to further loading.
Influence of the Alkaline Reserve of Chloride-Contaminated Mortars on the 6-Year Corrosion Behavior of Corrugated UNS S32304 and S32001 Stainless Steels
Authors: Bautista Asunción , Velasco Francisco , Torres-Carrasco Manuel
Published: June 2019

The durability of two lean corrugated duplex stainless steel (UNS S32304 and S32001) bars manufactured for concrete reinforcement was studied in four different corrosive conditions. These duplex stainless steels are more economical than the most traditional, well-known duplex grade steels (UNS S32205). The research was carried out in mortar samples for six years. In half of the samples, the alkaline reserve had been previously decreased, and their pH was slightly below 12, while in the other half, the pH close to the bars remained as-manufactured. Moreover, there were samples with modified and non-modified alkaline reserve where chlorides had been previously added to the mortar which were exposed to high relative humidity. In other samples—which were partially immersed in 3.5% NaCl—the chlorides entered through the mortar by natural diffusion. The electrochemical behavior of the reinforcements in these conditions was periodically monitored through corrosion potential (Ecorr) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements during the whole testing period. The samples were anodically polarized at the end of the exposure. The results prove that the decrease in the alkaline reserve of the mortars can affect the corrosion behavior of the studied lean duplex in environments with high chloride concentrations. The duplex microstructure of the reinforcements makes it so that the corrosion proceeds by selective attack of the phases.
Euglena Central Metabolic Pathways and Their Subcellular Locations
Authors: Inwongwan Sahutchai , Kruger Nicholas J. , Ratcliffe R. George , O’Neill Ellis C.
Published: June 2019

Euglenids are a group of algae of great interest for biotechnology, with a large and complex metabolic capability. To study the metabolic network, it is necessary to know where the component enzymes are in the cell, but despite a long history of research into Euglena, the subcellular locations of many major pathways are only poorly defined. Euglena is phylogenetically distant from other commonly studied algae, they have secondary plastids bounded by three membranes, and they can survive after destruction of their plastids. These unusual features make it difficult to assume that the subcellular organization of the metabolic network will be equivalent to that of other photosynthetic organisms. We analysed bioinformatic, biochemical, and proteomic information from a variety of sources to assess the subcellular location of the enzymes of the central metabolic pathways, and we use these assignments to propose a model of the metabolic network of Euglena. Other than photosynthesis, all major pathways present in the chloroplast are also present elsewhere in the cell. Our model demonstrates how Euglena can synthesise all the metabolites required for growth from simple carbon inputs, and can survive in the absence of chloroplasts.
The Revival of the Battle between David and Goliath in the Enteric Viruses and Microbiota Struggle: Potential Implication for Celiac Disease
Authors: Lerner Aaron , Ramesh Ajay , Matthias Torsten
Published: June 2019

The human gut is inhabited by overcrowded prokaryotic communities, a major component of which is the virome, comprised of viruses, bacteriophages, archaea, eukaryotes and bacteria. The virome is required for luminal homeostasis and, by their lytic or synergic capacities, they can regulate the microbial community structure and activity. Dysbiosis is associated with numerous chronic human diseases. Since the virome can impact microbial genetics and behavior, understanding its biology, composition, cellular cycle, regulation, mode of action and potential beneficial or hostile activities can change the present paradigm of the cross-talks in the luminal gut compartment. Celiac disease is a frequent autoimmune disease in which viruses can play a role in disease development. Based on the current knowledge on the enteric virome, in relation to celiac disease pathophysiological evolvement, the current review summarizes the potential interphases between the two. Exploring and understanding the role of the enteric virome in gluten-dependent enteropathy might bring new therapeutic strategies to change the luminal eco-event for the patient’s benefit.