bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Circular RNA Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Van Der Steen Nele , Lyu Yanhong , Hitzler Anne K. , Becker Andrea C. , Seiler Jeanette , Diederichs Sven
Published: April 2020

The class of circular RNA (circRNA) is characterized by head-to-tail bonds between exons formed by backsplicing. Here, we provide a resource of circRNA expression in a comprehensive panel of 60 lung cancer and non-transformed cell lines (FL3C dataset). RNA sequencing after depletion of ribosomal RNA quantified the expression of circRNA and linear RNA. We detected 148,811 circular RNAs quantified by 2.8 million backsplicing reads originating from 12,251 genes. The number of identified circRNAs was markedly higher using rRNA depletion compared to public polyA-enriched RNA-seq datasets. CircRNAs almost never started in the first exon nor ended in the last exon and started more frequently in earlier exons. Most circRNAs showed high cell line specificity and correlated positively with their linear RNA counterpart. Known cancer genes produced more circRNAs than non-cancer genes. Subsets of circRNAs correlated with cell proliferation, histological subtype or genotype. CircTNFRSF21 was translated crossing the backsplice site in two different reading frames. Overexpression of circPVT1, circERBB2, circHIPK3, circCCNB1, circSMAD2, circTNFRSF21 and circKIF5B significantly increased colony formation. In conclusion, our data provide a comprehensive map of circRNA expression in lung cancer cells and global patterns of circRNA production as a useful resource for future research into lung cancer circRNAs.
Mycoplasma Co-Infection Is Associated with Cervical Cancer Risk
Authors: Klein Cameron , Samwel Kandali , Kahesa Crispin , Mwaiselage Julius , West John T. , Wood Charles , Angeletti Peter C.
Published: April 2020

Tanzania faces one of the highest cervical cancer burdens in the world. Recent work has suggested that the bacterial family Mycoplasmataceae is associated with higher levels of human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Mycoplasmataceae infection in Tanzania is not well understood, especially when considering the differences between sexually transmitted species of Mycoplasmataceae. To establish the prevalence of common Mycoplasmataceae cervical infections and evaluate their relationship with risk factors for cervical cancer, 1160 Tanzanian women responded to an epidemiological questionnaire and were tested for HIV, HPV, cervical lesions, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma spp., and Lactobacillus iners. A subset of 134 women were used for 16s metagenomic sequencing of cervical DNA to establish the relative abundance of Mycoplasmataceae and Lactobacillus present. PCR detection of bacteria at the cervix found Ureaplasma spp. in 51.4% of women, M. hominis in 34%, M. genitalium in 2.3%, and L. iners in 75.6%. M. hominis and M. genitalium infection were significantly more prevalent among women with HPV and HIV. M. hominis prevalence was similar despite severity of cervical lesions; however, abundance of M. hominis increased significantly in women with cervical lesions. These results emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between M. hominis and HPV-related cervical pathogenesis.
Early Moderate Intensity Aerobic Exercise Intervention Prevents Doxorubicin-caused Cardiac Dysfunction through Inhibition of Cardiac Fibrosis and Inflammation
Authors: Yang Hsin-Lun , Hsieh Pei-Ling , Hung Ching-Hsia , Cheng Hui-Ching , Chou Wan-Ching , Chu Pei-Ming , Chang Yun-Ching , Tsai Kun-Ling
Published: April 2020

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known as an effective drug in the fight against various cancers. However, one of the greatest impediments is DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, which may potentially lead to heart failure. Accumulating evidence has shed light on the pathological mechanism of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, but treatments to mitigate the cardiac damage are still required. In an attempt to address this issue, we evaluated whether exercise provides cardioprotective effects on the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. We showed that treadmill exercise (3 times/week; 1-week of exercise acclimatization and 4-weeks of endurance exercise) during the DOX treatment successfully prevented the cardiac dysfunction. The DOX-stimulated expression of IκBα, NF-κB, COX-2, and IL-8 were all downregulated by exercise as well as the fibrosis factors (TGF-β1, phosphorylated ERK, Sp1, and CTGF). Moreover, we showed that treadmill exercise diminished the expression of several cardiac remodeling-associated factors, such as FGF2, uPA, MMP2, and MMP9. These results were in line with the finding that exercise intervention reduced cardiac fibrosis and restored cardiac function, with higher values of ejection fraction and fractional shortening compared to the DOX-treated group. Two commonly used indicators of cardiac injury, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase-MB, were also decreased in the exercise group. Collectively, our results suggested that it may be beneficial to prescribe treadmill exercise as an adjunct therapy to limit cardiac damage caused by DOX.
Central Pathology Review in SENTIX, a Prospective Observational International Study on Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer (ENGOT-CX2)
Authors: Nemejcova Kristyna , Kocian Roman , Kohler Christhardt , Jarkovsky Jiri , Klat Jaroslav , Berjon Alberto , Pilka Radovan , Sehnal Borek , Gil-Ibanez Blanca , Lupo Ezequiel , Petiz Almerinda , Arencibia Sanchez Octavio , Kascak Peter , Martinelli Fabio , Buda Alessandro , Presl Jiri , Barahona Marc , van Lonkhuijzen Luc , Szatkowski Wiktor , Minar Lubos , Pakiz Maja , Havelka Pavel , Zorrero Cristina , Misiek Marcin , Snyman Leon Cornelius , Wydra Dariusz , Vergote Ignace , Vinnytska Alla , Redecha Mikulas , Michal Martin , Tingulstad Solveig , Kipp Barbara , Szewczyk Grzegorz , Toth Robert , de Santiago Garcia Francisco Javier , Coronado Martin Pluvio Jesus , Poka Robert , Tamussino Karl , Luyckx Mathieu , Fastrez Maxime , Staringer Juan Carlos , Germanova Anna , Plaikner Andrea , Bajsova Sylva , Dundr Pavel , Mallmann-Gottschalk Nina , Cibula David
Published: April 2020

The quality of pathological assessment is crucial for the safety of patients with cervical cancer if pelvic lymph node dissection is to be replaced by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. Central pathology review of SLN pathological ultrastaging was conducted in the prospective SENTIX/European Network of Gynaecological Oncological Trial (ENGOT)-CX2 study. All specimens from at least two patients per site were submitted for the central review. For cases with major or critical deviations, the sites were requested to submit all samples from all additional patients for second-round assessment. From the group of 300 patients, samples from 83 cases from 37 sites were reviewed in the first round. Minor, major, critical, and no deviations were identified in 28%, 19%, 14%, and 39% of cases, respectively. Samples from 26 patients were submitted for the second-round review, with only two major deviations found. In conclusion, a high rate of major or critical deviations was identified in the first round of the central pathology review (28% of samples). This reflects a substantial heterogeneity in current practice, despite trial protocol requirements. The importance of the central review conducted prospectively at the early phase of the trial is demonstrated by a substantial improvement of SLN ultrastaging quality in the second-round review.
Chemoembolization Plus Radiotherapy versus Chemoembolization Plus Sorafenib for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Invading the Portal Vein: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chu Hee Ho , Kim Jin Hyoung , Shim Ju Hyun , Yoon Sang Min , Kim Pyeong Hwa , Alrashidi Ibrahim
Published: April 2020

A combination of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib or radiotherapy (RT) has demonstrated efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, the two combined treatment approaches were compared in patients with HCC and portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Data from 307 patients treated with TACE plus RT (n = 203) or TACE plus sorafenib (n = 104) as first-line treatment for HCC with PVTT were retrospectively evaluated. Using the propensity model to correct selection bias, 87 patients were included from each treatment group. During follow up (median, 12 months) in the entire study population, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the TACE plus RT group than in the TACE plus sorafenib group (6.5 vs. 4.3 months, respectively; p = 0.017 and 16.4 vs. 12 months, respectively; p = 0.007). Following propensity score matching, the median PFS and OS in the two groups showed no statistically significant difference. Multivariable analysis found no significant association between PFS or OS and the treatment type. In conclusion, this retrospective study of data from patients with advanced HCC with PVTT shows that PFS and OS did not differ significantly in patients treated with TACE plus RT and TACE plus sorafenib.
Celecoxib Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Multidrug Resistance in Canine and Mouse Lymphoma Cell Lines
Authors: Karai Edina , Szebényi Kornélia , Windt Tímea , Fehér Sára , Szendi Eszter , Dékay Valéria , Vajdovich Péter , Szakács Gergely , Füredi András
Published: April 2020

Background: Treatment of malignancies is still a major challenge in human and canine cancer, mostly due to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR). One of the main contributors of MDR is the overexpression P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which recognizes and extrudes various chemotherapeutics from cancer cells. Methods: To study mechanisms underlying the development of drug resistance, we established an in vitro treatment protocol to rapidly induce Pgp-mediated MDR in cancer cells. Based on a clinical observation showing that a 33-day-long, unplanned drug holiday can reverse the MDR phenotype of a canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patient, our aim was to use the established assay to prevent the emergence of drug resistance in the early stages of treatment. Results: We showed that an in vitro drug holiday results in the decrease of Pgp expression in MDR cell lines. Surprisingly, celecoxib, a known COX-2 inhibitor, prevented the emergence of drug-induced MDR in murine and canine lymphoma cell lines. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that celecoxib could significantly improve the efficiency of chemotherapy by preventing the development of MDR in B-cell lymphoma.
Effects of Pyridoxine Deficiency on Hippocampal Function and Its Possible Association with V-Type Proton ATPase Subunit B2 and Heat Shock Cognate Protein 70
Authors: Jung Hyo Young , Kim Woosuk , Hahn Kyu Ri , Kwon Hyun Jung , Nam Sung Min , Chung Jin Young , Yoon Yeo Sung , Kim Dae Won , Yoo Dae Young , Hwang In Koo
Published: April 2020

Pyridoxine, one of the vitamin B6 vitamers, plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and synthesis of monoamines as a cofactor. In the present study, we observed the effects of pyridoxine deficiency on novel object recognition memory. In addition, we examined the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid and the number of proliferating cells and neuroblasts in the hippocampus. We also examined the effects of pyridoxine deficiency on protein profiles applying a proteomic study. Five-week-old mice fed pyridoxine-deficient diets for 8 weeks and showed a significant decrease in the serum and brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus) levels of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, a catalytically active form of vitamin-B6, and decline in 5-HT and DA levels in the hippocampus compared to controls fed a normal chow. In addition, pyridoxine deficiency significantly decreased Ki67-positive proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus compared to controls. A proteomic study demonstrated that a total of 41 spots were increased or decreased more than two-fold. Among the detected proteins, V-type proton ATPase subunit B2 (ATP6V1B2) and heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) showed coverage and matching peptide scores. Validation by Western blot analysis showed that ATP6V1B2 and HSC70 levels were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in pyridoxine-deficient mice compared to controls. These results suggest that pyridoxine is an important element of novel object recognition memory, monoamine levels, and hippocampal neurogenesis. Pyridoxine deficiency causes cognitive impairments and reduction in 5-HT and DA levels, which may be associated with a reduction of ATP6V1B2 and elevation of HSC70 levels in the hippocampus.
Morphologic, Molecular and Clinical Features of Aggressive Variant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Montironi Rodolfo , Cimadamore Alessia , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Scarpelli Marina , Aurilio Gaetano , Santoni Matteo , Massari Francesco , Cheng Liang
Published: April 2020

The term aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPCa) refers to androgen receptor (AR)-independent anaplastic forms of prostate cancer (PCa), clinically characterized by a rapidly progressive disease course. This involves hormone refractoriness and metastasis in visceral sites. Morphologically, AVPCa is made up of solid sheets of cells devoid of pleomorphism, with round and enlarged nuclei with prominent nucleoli and slightly basophilic cytoplasm. The cells do not show the typical architectural features of prostatic adenocarcinoma and mimic the undifferentiated carcinoma of other organs and locations. The final diagnosis is based on the immunohistochemical expression of markers usually seen in the prostate, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). A subset of AVPCa can also express neuroendocrine (NE) markers such as chromogranin A, synaptophysin and CD56. This letter subset represents an intermediate part of the spectrum of NE tumors which ranges from small cell to large cell carcinoma. All such tumors can develop following potent androgen receptor pathway inhibition. This means that castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPCa) transdifferentiates and becomes a treatment-related NE PCa in a clonally divergent manner. The tumors that do not show NE differentiation might harbor somatic and/or germline alterations in the DNA repair pathway. The identification of these subtypes has direct clinical relevance with regard to the potential benefit of platinum-based chemotherapy, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors and likely further therapies.
Structure and Function of Human Matrix Metalloproteinases
Authors: Laronha Helena , Caldeira Jorge
Published: April 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a macromolecules network, in which the most abundant molecule is collagen. This protein in triple helical conformation is highly resistant to proteinases degradation, the only enzymes capable of degrading the collagen are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This resistance and maintenance of collagen, and consequently of ECM, is involved in several biological processes and it must be strictly regulated by endogenous inhibitors (TIMPs). The deregulation of MMPs activity leads to development of numerous diseases. This review shows MMPs complexity.
ONX 0914 Lacks Selectivity for the Cardiac Immunoproteasome in CoxsackievirusB3 Myocarditis of NMRI Mice and Promotes Virus-Mediated Tissue Damage
Authors: Neumaier Hannah Louise , Harel Shelly , Klingel Karin , Kaya Ziya , Heuser Arnd , Kespohl Meike , Beling Antje
Published: April 2020

Inhibition of proteasome function by small molecules is highly efficacious in cancer treatment. Other than non-selective proteasome inhibitors, immunoproteasome-specific inhibitors allow for specific targeting of the proteasome in immune cells and the profound anti-inflammatory potential of such compounds revealed implications for inflammatory scenarios. For pathogen-triggered inflammation, however, the efficacy of immunoproteasome inhibitors is controversial. In this study, we investigated how ONX 0914, an immunoproteasome-selective inhibitor, influences CoxsackievirusB3 infection in NMRI mice, resulting in the development of acute and chronic myocarditis, which is accompanied by formation of the immunoproteasome in heart tissue. In groups in which ONX 0914 treatment was initiated once viral cytotoxicity had emerged in the heart, ONX 0914 had no anti-inflammatory effect in the acute or chronic stages. ONX 0914 treatment initiated prior to infection, however, increased viral cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes, promoting infiltration of myeloid immune cells into the heart. At this stage, ONX 0914 completely inhibited the β5 subunit of the standard cardiac proteasome and less efficiently blocked its immunoproteasome counterpart LMP7. In conclusion, ONX 0914 unselectively perturbs cardiac proteasome function in viral myocarditis of NMRI mice, reduces the capacity of the host to control the viral burden and promotes cardiac inflammation.
Succinate Activates EMT in Intestinal Epithelial Cells through SUCNR1: A Novel Protagonist in Fistula Development
Authors: Ortiz-Masiá Dolores , Gisbert-Ferrándiz Laura , Bauset Cristina , Coll Sandra , Mamie Céline , Scharl Michael , Esplugues Juan V. , Alós Rafael , Navarro Francisco , Cosín-Roger Jesús , Barrachina María D. , Calatayud Sara
Published: April 2020

The pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease-associated fibrostenosis and fistulas imply the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. As succinate and its receptor (SUCNR1) are involved in intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, we investigated their relevance in EMT and Crohn’s disease (CD) fistulas. Succinate levels and SUCNR1-expression were analyzed in intestinal resections from non-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (non-IBD) subjects and CD patients with stenosing-B2 or penetrating-B3 complications and in a murine heterotopic-transplant model of intestinal fibrosis. EMT, as increased expression of Snail1, Snail2 and vimentin and reduction in E-cadherin, was analyzed in tissues and succinate-treated HT29 cells. The role played by SUCNR1 was studied by silencing its gene. Succinate levels and SUCNR1 expression are increased in B3-CD patients and correlate with EMT markers. SUCNR1 is detected in transitional cells lining the fistula tract and in surrounding mesenchymal cells. Grafts from wild type (WT) mice present increased succinate levels, SUCNR1 up-regulation and EMT activation, effects not observed in SUCNR1−/− tissues. SUCNR1 activation induces the expression of Wnt ligands, activates WNT signaling and induces a WNT-mediated EMT in HT29 cells. In conclusion, succinate and its receptor are up-regulated around CD-fistulas and activate Wnt signaling and EMT in intestinal epithelial cells. These results point to SUCNR1 as a novel pharmacological target for fistula prevention.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Acts as a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist with Anti-Inflammatory Action without Affecting Tissue Regeneration in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: He Min , Halima Mahmoud , Xie Yufei , Schaaf Marcel J. M. , Meijer Annemarie H. , Wang Mei
Published: April 2020

Glucocorticoids are effective anti-inflammatory drugs, but their clinical use is complicated due to the wide range of side effects they induce. Patients requiring glucocorticoid therapy would benefit from more selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists, capable of attenuating the immune response without causing these side effects. Ginsenosides, such as the compound Rg1, are natural plant compounds with structural similarity to classical glucocorticoids and well-documented anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we have investigated the activity of the ginsenoside Rg1 using a zebrafish larval model, in which amputation of the tail fin allows us to assess drug effects on inflammation, while the ability to regenerate the wounded tissue serves as a readout for side effects. We found that Rg1 attenuates neutrophilic inflammation at the amputation site, similarly to a classical glucocorticoid, beclomethasone. Mutation of the Gr abolishes this anti-inflammatory effect of Rg1. Rg1 and beclomethasone differentially modulate gene expression, suggesting that Rg1 induces transrepression, but not transactivation, activity of Gr. Interestingly, we found no effect of Rg1 on tissue regeneration, whereas beclomethasone inhibits tissue regeneration entirely. We conclude that Rg1 is a promising candidate for development as a selective glucocorticoid drug, and that zebrafish larvae provide a useful model system for screening of such GR agonists.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ZrCuSiN Coatings Deposited by a Single Alloy Target
Authors: Yoon Hae Won , Shin Seung Yong , Kwon Se Hun , Moon Kyoung Il
Published: April 2020

Recently, research has been conducted on nanocomposite thin films containing new additive elements in ZrN. In this paper, a method for depositing ZrCuSiN nanocomposite coatings using a ZrCuSi single target is presented. The ZrCuSi target that was used to easily deposit a ZrCuSiN coating in a mixed gas atmosphere (Ar + N2) was produced by a simple arc melting method (casting process). The effect of the nitrogen content was investigated by depositing a ZrCuSiN coating using alloy targets at various nitrogen gas flow rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 sccm). X-ray diffraction analysis of the ZrCuSiN coatings revealed a ZrN structure with a preferable orientation (200). As the nitrogen flow rate increased, the formation of o-Zr3N4 was dominant in the ZrN formation. A nitrogen gas flow rate of 4 sccm produced a coating with optimal ZrN and a-Si3N4 coordination and maximum hardness (41 GPa). Reciprocal friction tests of all coatings and uncoated carburized SCM415 steel in a 5W30 lubrication atmosphere demonstrated that the 4 sccm coating had the lowest friction coefficient (0.002). Therefore, our method has the potential to be an alternative surface coating technique for materials used in automotive engine parts and various other wear protection applications.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan Coated PLGA Nanoparticles of Resveratrol: Improved Stability, Antioxidant and Apoptotic Activities in H1299 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Aldawsari Hibah M. , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Padder Rayees , Husain Mohammad , Md Shadab
Published: April 2020

Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic compound which has shown beneficial pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. However, poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and low stability are the major limitations to the clinical application of RES. Therefore, in the present study, chitosan (CS) coated PLGA nanoparticles of RES (CS-RES-PLGA NPs) was developed, characterized and its anticancer activity was evaluated in the H1299 lung carcinoma cell line. The effects of the increase in CS coating and cryoprotectant concentration on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) were determined. The particle size, PDI, ZP and entrapment efficiency of the optimized CS-RES-PLGA NPs were found to be 341.56 ± 7.90 nm, 0.117 ± 0.01, 26.88 ± 2.69 mV and 75.13% ± 1.02% respectively. The average particle size and ZP showed a steady increase with an increase in CS concentration. The increase in positive zeta potential is evident for higher CS concentrations. The effect of trehalose as cryoprotectant on average particle size was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when it was increased from 1%−5% w/v. TEM and SEM showed uniform particle distribution with a smooth surface and spherical shape. The CS coating provides modulation of in vitro drug release and showed a sustained release pattern. The stability of RES loaded PLGA NPs was improved by CS coating. CS-coated NPs showed greater cytotoxicity and apoptotic activities compared to free RES. The CS coated NPs had a higher antioxidant effect than the free RES. Therefore, CS coated PLGA NPs could be a potential nanocarrier of RES to improve drug solubility, entrapment, sustain release, stability and therapeutic application.
Rationalization of Lattice Thermal Expansion for Beta-Blocker Organic Crystals
Authors: Paoli Paola , Milazzo Stella , Rossi Patrizia , Ienco Andrea
Published: April 2020

Anisotropic lattice expansion could be a source of misunderstanding in powder pattern recognitions, especially in the case of organic crystals where for the interpretation of room temperature patterns single crystal data at low temperature are usually used. Trying to rationalize the thermal lattice expansion, we studied two close related β-blocker molecules with similar packing in the solid state but with different thermal behavior. Solid state calculations, using the fast and accurate HF-3c method and the quasi harmonic approximation for the simulation of the lattice expansion, were able to reproduce the experimental trends with good accuracy. The complete analysis of the calculated thermal expansion of the two structures, as well as of other structures with similar packing found in a database survey, revealed the primary role of the hydrogen bonds. Secondary non-covalent interactions in the plane perpendicular to the hydrogen bond system could also play a role.
miR-196B-5P and miR-200B-3P Are Differentially Expressed in Medulloblastomas of Adults and Children
Authors: Visani Michela , Marucci Gianluca , de Biase Dario , Giangaspero Felice , Buttarelli Francesca Romana , Brandes Alba Ariela , Franceschi Enrico , Acquaviva Giorgia , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Rhoden Kerry Jane , Tallini Giovanni , Pession Annalisa
Published: April 2020

Medulloblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that typically affects children, while in adults it represents ~1% of all brain tumors. Little is known about microRNA expression profile of the rare adult medulloblastoma. The main aim of this study was to identify peculiar differences in microRNA expression between childhood and adult medulloblastoma. Medulloblastomas were profiled for microRNA expression using the Exiqon Human miRNome panel (I + II) analyzing 752 microRNAs in a training set of six adult and six childhood cases. Then, the most differentially expressed microRNAs were validated in a total of 21 adult and 19 childhood cases. Eight microRNAs (miR-196b-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-29c-3p, miR-33b-5p, and miR-200a-3p) were differentially expressed in medulloblastoma of adults and children. Analysis of the validation set confirmed that miR-196b-5p and miR-200b-3p were significantly overexpressed in medulloblastoma of adults as compared with those of children. We followed an in silico approach to investigate direct targets and the pathways involved for the two microRNAs (miR-196b and miR-200b) differently expressed between adult and childhood medulloblastoma. Adult and childhood medulloblastoma have different miRNA expression profiles. In particular, the differential dysregulation of miR-196b-5p and miR-200b-3p characterizes the miRNA profile of adult medulloblastoma and suggests potential targets for novel diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic strategies.
Effect of Hand and Rotary Instruments on the Fracture Resistance of Teeth: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Acharya Nisha , Hasan Md Riasat , Kafle Dashrath , Chakradhar Anil , Saito Takashi
Published: April 2020

Objective: Endodontic treatment should be both conservative and effective. Endodontic instruments with a greater taper are used for coronal flaring, for proper debridement with efficient irrigation. However, increased taper of an instrument can remove a larger amount of pericervical dentin, compromising the strength of the tooth. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hand files, ProTaper Universal, ProTaper Next, and V Taper rotary instrument systems on the fracture resistance of teeth. Materials and Methods: In total, 60 extracted human maxillary first premolars were divided into four groups—Group I (Hand Files; HF), Group II (ProTaper Universal; PT), group III (ProTaper Next; PTN) and Group IV (V Taper; VT) (N = 15). Each group was instrumented with the respective instrument system, irrigated, obturated, restored, and mounted in cold cure acrylic. A universal load-testing machine (Shimadzu, Japan) was used to apply a vertical compressive load. The maximum force was recorded in Newton. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Independent t-tests were applied to compare the maximum mean force required to fracture the tooth. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in fracture resistance between Group I (HF) and Group II (PT) and between Group II (PT) and Group IV (VT) (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was observed between Group II (PT) and Group III (PTN) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between Group I (HF) and Group III (PTN), and between Group III (PTN) and Group IV (VT) (p < 0.05), too. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Group I (HF) and group IV (VT) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Rotary files with more taper seem to remove more pericervical dentin than traditional manual and rotary files with less taper, thus altering the strength of the tooth.
Hausdorff Dimension and Topological Entropies of a Solenoid
Authors: Biś Andrzej , Namiecińska Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the interrelations between three essentially different concepts: solenoids, topological entropy, and Hausdorff dimension. For this purpose, we describe the dynamics of a solenoid by topological entropy-like quantities and investigate the relations between them. For L-Lipschitz solenoids and locally λ — expanding solenoids, we show that the topological entropy and fractal dimensions are closely related. For a locally λ — expanding solenoid, we prove that its topological entropy is lower estimated by the Hausdorff dimension of X multiplied by the logarithm of λ .
Entropy and Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Kovács Róbert , Scarfone Antonio M. , Abe Sumiyoshi
Published: April 2020

The present Special Issue, ‘Entropy and Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics’, consists of seven original research papers [...]
The Fractional Preferential Attachment Scale-Free Network Model
Authors: Rak Rafał , Rak Ewa
Published: April 2020

Many networks generated by nature have two generic properties: they are formed in the process of preferential attachment and they are scale-free. Considering these features, by interfering with mechanism of the preferential attachment, we propose a generalisation of the Barabási–Albert model—the ’Fractional Preferential Attachment’ (FPA) scale-free network model—that generates networks with time-independent degree distributions p ( k ) ∼ k − γ with degree exponent 2 < γ ≤ 3 (where γ = 3 corresponds to the typical value of the BA model). In the FPA model, the element controlling the network properties is the f parameter, where f ∈ ( 0 , 1 ⟩ . Depending on the different values of f parameter, we study the statistical properties of the numerically generated networks. We investigate the topological properties of FPA networks such as degree distribution, degree correlation (network assortativity), clustering coefficient, average node degree, network diameter, average shortest path length and features of fractality. We compare the obtained values with the results for various synthetic and real-world networks. It is found that, depending on f, the FPA model generates networks with parameters similar to the real-world networks. Furthermore, it is shown that f parameter has a significant impact on, among others, degree distribution and degree correlation of generated networks. Therefore, the FPA scale-free network model can be an interesting alternative to existing network models. In addition, it turns out that, regardless of the value of f, FPA networks are not fractal.
Robust ESD-Reliability Design of 300-V Power N-Channel LDMOSs with the Elliptical Cylinder Super-Junctions in the Drain Side
Authors: Chen Shen-Li , Wu Pei-Lin , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: April 2020

The weak ESD-immunity problem has been deeply persecuted in ultra high-voltage (UHV) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and urgently needs to be solved. In this paper, a UHV 300 V circular n-channel (n) lateral diffused MOSFET (nLDMOS) is taken as the benchmarked reference device for the electrostatic discharge (ESD) capability improvement. However, a super-junction (SJ) structure in the drain region will cause extra depletion zones in the long drain region and reduce the peak value of the channel electric field. Therefore, it may directly increase the resistance of the device to ESD. Then, in this reformation project for UHV nLDMOSs to ESD, two strengthening methods were used. Firstly, the SJ area ratio changed by the symmetric eight-zone elliptical-cylinder length (X) variance (i.e., X = 5, 10, 15 and 20 μm) is added into the drift region of drain side to explore the influence on ESD reliability. From the experimental results, it could be found that the breakdown voltages (VBK) were changed slightly after adding this SJ structure. The VBK values are filled between 391 and 393.5 V. Initially, the original reference sample is 393 V; the VBK changing does not exceed 0.51%, which means that these components can be regarded as little changing in the conduction characteristic after adding these SJ structures under the normal operating conditions. In addition, in the ESD transient high-voltage bombardment situation, the human-body model (HBM) capability of the original reference device is 2500 V. Additionally, as SJs with the length X high-voltage P-type well (HVPW) are inserted into the drain-side drift region, the HBM robustness of these UHV nLDMOSs increases with the length X of the HVPW. When the length X (HVPW) is 20 μm, the HBM value can be upgraded to a maximum value of 5500 V, the ESD capability is increased by 120%. A linear relationship between the HBM immunity level and area ratio of SJs in the drains side in this work can be extracted. The second part revealed that, in the symmetric four-zone elliptical cylinder SJ modulation, the HBM robustness is generally promoted with the increase of HVPW SJ numbers (the highest HBM value (4500 V) of the M5 device improved by 80% as compared with the reference device under test (DUT)). Therefore, from this work, we can conclude that the addition of symmetric elliptical-cylinder SJ structures into the drain-side drift region of a UHV nLDMOS is a good strategy for improving the ESD immunity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline-Based Composites for Electromagnetic Compatibility of Electronic Devices
Authors: Gareev Kamil G. , Bagrets Vladislava S. , Golubkov Vladimir A. , Ivanitsa Maria G. , Khmelnitskiy Ivan K. , Luchinin Victor V. , Mikhailova Olga N. , Testov Dmitriy O.
Published: April 2020

Polyaniline-based composites designed to ensure the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices were obtained. The surface morphologies of the obtained films were studied using optical and electron microscopy. The electrical resistivity of polyaniline (PANI) films were measured at various thicknesses. For films of various compositions and various thicknesses, the frequency dependencies of the complex dielectric permittivity, in the range of 100–2000 kHz, as well as the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorption coefficient in the frequency range 0.05–2 GHz were obtained. It was found that flexible gelatin-PANI composite films with a thickness of 200–400 μm, a bending radius of about 5 cm, and a real part of complex permittivity of not more than 10 provide an EMR absorption coefficient of up to 5 dB without introducing additional EMR absorbing or reflecting fillers. The resulting gelatin-PANI composite films do not possess a through electrical conductivity and can be applied directly to the surface of protected printed circuit boards.
A Development Study of a New Bi-directional Solenoid Actuator for Active Locomotion Capsule Robots
Authors: Wu Linlin , Lu Kaiyuan
Published: April 2020

A new bi-directional, simple-structured solenoid actuator for active locomotion capsule robots (CRs) is investigated in this paper. This active actuator consists of two permanent magnets (PMs) attached to the two ends of the capsule body and a vibration inner mass formed by a solenoidal coil with an iron core. The proposed CR, designed as a sealed structure without external legs, wheels, or caterpillars, can achieve both forward and backward motions driven by the internal collision force. This new design concept has been successfully confirmed on a capsule prototype. The measured displacements show that its movement can be easily controlled by changing the supplied current amplitude and frequency of the solenoid actuator. To validate the new bi-directional CR prototype, various experimental as well as finite element analysis results are presented in this paper.
Integrated Approach Based on Dual Extended Kalman Filter and Multivariate Autoregressive Model for Predicting Battery Capacity Using Health Indicator and SOC/SOH
Authors: Park Jinhyeong , Lee Munsu , Kim Gunwoo , Park Seongyun , Kim Jonghoon
Published: April 2020

To enhance the efficiency of an energy storage system, it is important to predict and estimate the battery state, including the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH). In general, the statistical approaches for predicting the battery state depend on historical data measured via experiments. The statistical methods based on experimental data may not be suitable for practical applications. After reviewing the various methodologies for predicting the battery capacity without measured data, it is found that a joint estimator that estimates the SOC and SOH is needed to compensate for the data shortage. Therefore, this study proposes an integrated model in which the dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) and autoregressive (AR) model are combined for predicting the SOH via a statistical model in cases where the amount of measured data is insufficient. The DEKF is advantageous for estimating the battery state in real-time and the AR model performs better for predicting the battery state using previous data. Because the DEKF has limited performance for capacity estimation, the multivariate AR model is employed and a health indicator is used to enhance the performance of the prediction model. The results of the multivariate AR model are significantly better than those obtained using a single variable. The mean absolute percentage errors are 1.45% and 0.5183%, respectively.
The Status of Prunus padus L. (Bird Cherry) in Forest Communities throughout Europe and Asia
Authors: Nestby Rolf D. J.
Published: April 2020

Prunus padus L. (bird cherry) belongs to the Racemosa group in subgenus Padus in the genus Prunus L. It is a hardy invasive species, which makes it valuable for securing slopes, and for eco-design. It is a good solitary park tree with early flowering of white flowers in racemes, which have a pleasant smell. However, it may be attacked by cherry-oat aphid, and the small ermine moth, which may weave giant webs over the whole tree, which demonstrates the important role of P. padus in the food web of forest ecosystems. The species is in balance with these pests, other herbivores and diseases throughout Europe and Asia. Another threat is the competition against the invasive P. serotina, but it seems that P. padus is not strongly threatened, though they compete for the same habitats. Moreover, human interference of forest community ecology is probably the greatest threat. The tree is not only winter hardy; it can also survive hot summers and tolerate a wide variety of soil types. It may form dense thickets due to the regeneration of branches bent to the ground and basal shoots, and may be invasive. These characteristics are important in determining the ecological niche of P. padus, which involves the position of the species within an ecosystem, comprising both its habitat requirements and the functional role. It is also important that P. padus has effective dispersal of pollen and seeds. This, together with the previously noted characteristics and the fact that the tree can cope well with climate change, define it as a not threatened species. However, the ssp. borealis is threatened and national level monitoring is required. Prunus padus has been exploited by farmers and rural population, but is less used today. However, it is still used for making syrup, jam and liquor. Moreover, the wood is valuable for wood carving and making cabinets. All tissues are valuable as sources of powerful natural antioxidants. However, the interest in the P. padus fruit and other tissues is overshadowed by the interest in other wild species of edible and human health-related berries. Moreover, the tree is used in horticulture as an ornamental in gardens and parks, values that deserve a new focus.
Oxidized Perilla and Linseed Oils Induce Neuronal Apoptosis by Caspase-Dependent and -Independent Pathways
Authors: Ueno Yuki , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Nakane Yamato , Natsume Risa , Miura Kyoko , Okumura Yui , Murate Takashi , Hattori Emi , Osawa Toshihiko
Published: April 2020

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, is involved in bioregulatory functions. In recent years, the health-promoting effects of vegetable-derived edible oils rich in ALA have attracted attention. ALA has a variety of physiological effects such as anti-arteriosclerotic and antiallergic properties, but is prone to oxidation. Therefore, safety concerns exist with regard to adverse effects on humans induced by its oxides. However, the effects on neuronal cells induced by oxidized ALA-rich oils, such as perilla and linseed oils, have not been fully investigated. This information is very important from the viewpoint of food safety. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxidized perilla and linseed oils, which are rich in ALA, on the toxicity of neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Perilla and linseed oils were significantly oxidized compared with other edible vegetable oils. These oxidized oils induce neuronal cell death and apoptosis via caspase-dependent and -independent pathways through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, they suppressed neurite outgrowth. These results suggest that oxidized perilla and linseed oils have the potential to cause neuronal loss and ROS-mediated apoptosis, and thus may affect the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases.
Mapping Sustainable Tomato Supply Chain in Greece: A Framework for Research
Authors: Anastasiadis Foivos , Apostolidou Ioanna , Michailidis Anastasios
Published: April 2020

Sustainable food supply chains are complex systems involving several stakeholders, processes, flow of goods/materials and information. The value generated in combination with the contradictory agendas among actors makes any groundwork for future research a challenging endeavor. Hence, an end-to-end mapping of the food supply chain under examination is a vital prerequisite for the design of a comprehensive research framework. This study exemplified such a mapping approach in the Greek sustainable tomato supply chain, providing significant insights for an impactful research agenda. Data were obtained from secondary sectoral sources and open interviews with key players across the supply chain—covering all its main stages, i.e., production, packaging, storing, transportation, wholesaling, and retailing. The findings are summarized in three supply chain maps that illustrate the areas concerning sustainability, value chain and stakeholders. These maps synthesize a bigger picture of the supply chain that reveals the complicated interactions among its actors, the hidden bottlenecks in the flow of information and the areas that need deeper exploration. Its fundamental implication is the design of a targeted research framework, underlying the main priorities of the Greek tomato supply chain and eventually the Greek agri-food sector.
DNA Helicase-SSB Interactions Critical to the Regression and Restart of Stalled DNA Replication Forks in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bianco Piero R.
Published: April 2020

In Escherichia coli, DNA replication forks stall on average once per cell cycle. When this occurs, replisome components disengage from the DNA, exposing an intact, or nearly intact fork. Consequently, the fork structure must be regressed away from the initial impediment so that repair can occur. Regression is catalyzed by the powerful, monomeric DNA helicase, RecG. During this reaction, the enzyme couples unwinding of fork arms to rewinding of duplex DNA resulting in the formation of a Holliday junction. RecG works against large opposing forces enabling it to clear the fork of bound proteins. Following subsequent processing of the extruded junction, the PriA helicase mediates reloading of the replicative helicase DnaB leading to the resumption of DNA replication. The single-strand binding protein (SSB) plays a key role in mediating PriA and RecG functions at forks. It binds to each enzyme via linker/OB-fold interactions and controls helicase-fork loading sites in a substrate-dependent manner that involves helicase remodeling. Finally, it is displaced by RecG during fork regression. The intimate and dynamic SSB-helicase interactions play key roles in ensuring fork regression and DNA replication restart.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis to Identify the Genes Related to Delayed Gland Morphogenesis in Gossypium bickii
Authors: Ali Mushtaque , Cheng Hailiang , Soomro Mahtab , Shuyan Li , Bilal Tufail Muhammad , Nazir Mian Faisal , Feng Xiaoxu , Zhang Youping , Dongyun Zuo , Limin Lv , Wang Qiaolian , Song Guoli
Published: April 2020

Cotton is one of the major industrial crops that supply natural fibers and oil for industries. This study was conducted to understand the mechanism of delayed gland morphogenesis in seeds of Gossypium bickii. In this study, we compared glandless seeds of G. bickii with glanded seeds of Gossypium arboreum. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore and classify the expression patterns of gland-related genes in seeds and seedlings of cotton plants. Approximately 131.33 Gigabases of raw data from 12 RNA sequencing samples with three biological replicates were generated. A total of 7196 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in all transcriptome data. Among them, 3396 genes were found up-regulated and 3480 genes were down-regulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations were performed to identify different functions between genes unique to glandless imbibed seeds and glanded seedlings. Co-expression network analysis revealed four modules that were identified as highly associated with the development of glandless seeds. Here the hub genes in each module were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In total, we have selected 13 genes involved in transcription factors, protein and MYB-related functions, that were differentially expressed in transcriptomic data and validated by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). These selected genes may play an important role for delayed gland morphogenesis. Our study provides comprehensive insight into the key genes related to glandless traits of seeds and plants, and can be further exploited by functional and molecular studies.