bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution of Abies koreana on the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Park Jeong Soo , Shin Hak Sub , Choi Chul-hyun , Lee Junghyo , Kim Jinhee
Published: December 2018

A regional decline in the Korean fir (Abies koreana) has been observed since the 1980s in the subalpine region. To explain this decline, it is important to investigate the degree to which environmental factors have contributed to plant distributions on diverse spatial scales. We applied a hierarchical regression model to determine quantitatively the relationship between the abundance of Korean fir (seedlings) and diverse environmental factors across two different ecological scales. We measured Korean fir density and the occurrence of its seedlings in 102 (84) plots nested at five sites and collected a range of environmental factors at the same plots. Our model included hierarchical explanatory variables at both site-level (weather conditions) and plot-level (micro-topographic factors, soil properties, and competing species). The occurrence of Korean fir seedlings was positively associated with moss cover and rock cover but negatively related to dwarf bamboo cover. At the site level, winter precipitation was significantly and positively related to the occurrence of seedlings. A hierarchical Poisson regression model revealed that Korean fir density was negatively associated with slope aspect, topographic position index, Quercus mongolica cover, and mean summer temperature. Our results suggest that rising temperature, drought, and competition with other species are factors that impede the survival of the Korean fir. We can predict that the population of Korean fir will continue to decline in the subalpine, and only a few Korean fir will survive on northern slopes or valleys due to climate change.
Experimental Measurement of Steady and Transient Liquid Coiling with High-Speed Video and Digital Image Processing
Authors: Mier Frank Austin , Bhakta Raj , Castano Nicolas , Garcia John , Hargather Michael J.
Published: December 2018

Liquid coiling occurs as a viscous fluid flows into a stagnant reservoir causing a localized accumulation of settling material, which coils into a stack as it accumulates. These coiling flows are broadly characterized into three primary coiling regimes of viscous, gravitational, or inertial coiling, based on the velocity of the falling fluid, the height of the fall, the radius of the fluid rope, the stack height, and the fluid properties including viscosity. A computer-controlled flow delivery apparatus was developed here to produce precisely controlled flow conditions to study steady and transitional coiling regimes with independently varied parameters. Data were recorded using high-speed digital video cameras and a purpose-built digital image processing routine to extract rope and stack dimensions as well as time-resolved coiling frequency. The precision of the setup and data analysis methods allowed a detailed study of the transition between gravitational and inertial flow regimes. The results show a smooth transition between the regimes, with no evidence of the inertial-gravitational regime. Unsteady coiling was able to be momentarily produced by applying a perturbation to the system, but the unstable regime quickly decayed to either the base inertial or gravitational regime.
Magnetic Fields in Galaxy Clusters and in the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe
Authors: Vacca Valentina , Murgia Matteo , Govoni Federica , Enßlin Torsten , Oppermann Niels , Feretti Luigina , Giovannini Gabriele , Loi Francesca
Published: December 2018

The formation and history of cosmic magnetism is still widely unknown. Significant progress can be made through the study of magnetic fields properties in the large-scale structure of the Universe: galaxy clusters, filaments, and voids of the cosmic web. A powerful tool to study magnetization of these environments is represented by radio observations of diffuse synchrotron sources and background or embedded radio galaxies. To draw a detailed picture of cosmic magnetism, high-quality data of these sources need to be used in conjunction with sophisticated tools of analysis.
Fighting Law Enforcement Brutality While Living with Trauma in a World of Impunity
Authors: Rodriguez Roberto
Published: December 2018

By all rights, I should be dead. Not once, but a number of times. On 23 March 1979, as a 24-year-old, I witnessed and photographed the brutal beating of a young man in a sarape by some 10–12 Sheriff’s deputies on Whittier Blvd in East Los Angeles. In turn, the deputies turned on me with their riot sticks cracked my skull, and sent me to the hospital, charging me with attempting to kill 4 of the deputies. On my arrest report, it stated that I was the leader of a gang of 10–15 Mexicans. With active death threats from the original Sheriff’s deputies that drove me to the jail ward of the LA County Hospital, I was subsequently arrested/detained some 60 additional times, primarily by Sheriff’s deputies and LAPD officers. By the end of the year, the criminal charges were dropped and 6 years after that, I emerged victorious in a lawsuit. That was a generation ago. No. That was at least two generations ago. I healed long ago from PTSD, though the brutality I witnessed and lived continues to reside within me, intergenerationally. This defies explanation. I am healed, yet the trauma continues to live within my body, even some 40 years after the fact. My life thereafter has been dedicated to the elimination not only of this brutality, but also a trauma that I can literally trace to 1492 on this continent through my studies on this topic. How do the Red-Black-Brown communities of this nation heal when that brutality and that memory have always been present intergenerationally and are not going away anytime soon? I want to explore the tension between fighting for the elimination of law enforcement abuse and living with that intergenerational trauma. The subtext of [anti-indigenous] racial profiling as used against Mexicans in this society, from police to immigration agents to the media, will be examined in this first-person article. How the survivors of this brutality and their families, who have lost loved ones and who fight against this brutality live with these traumas—particularly with the knowledge that as a result of impunity, there is no end in sight to this brutality—will also be examined.
Genome Based Meta-QTL Analysis of Grain Weight in Tetraploid Wheat Identifies Rare Alleles of GRF4 Associated with Larger Grains
Authors: Avni Raz , Oren Leah , Shabtay Gai , Assili Siwar , Pozniak Curtis , Hale Iago , Ben-David Roi , Peleg Zvi , Distelfeld Assaf
Published: December 2018

The domestication and subsequent genetic improvement of wheat led to the development of large-seeded cultivated wheat species relative to their smaller-seeded wild progenitors. While increased grain weight (GW) continues to be an important goal of many wheat breeding programs, few genes underlying this trait have been identified despite an abundance of studies reporting quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GW. Here we perform a QTL analysis for GW using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between wild emmer wheat accession ‘Zavitan’ and durum wheat variety ‘Svevo’. Identified QTLs in this population were anchored to the recent Zavitan reference genome, along with previously published QTLs for GW in tetraploid wheat. This genome-based, meta-QTL analysis enabled the identification of a locus on chromosome 6A whose introgression from wild wheat positively affects GW. The locus was validated using an introgression line carrying the 6A GW QTL region from Zavitan in a Svevo background, resulting in >8% increase in GW compared to Svevo. Using the reference sequence for the 6A QTL region, we identified a wheat ortholog to OsGRF4, a rice gene previously associated with GW. The coding sequence of this gene (TtGRF4-A) contains four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between Zavitan and Svevo, one of which reveals the Zavitan allele to be rare in a core collection of wild emmer and completely absent from the domesticated emmer genepool. Similarly, another wild emmer accession (G18-16) was found to carry a rare allele of TtGRF4-A that also positively affects GW and is characterized by a unique SNP absent from the entire core collection. These results exemplify the rich genetic diversity of wild wheat, posit TtGRF4-A as a candidate gene underlying the 6A GW QTL, and suggest that the natural Zavitan and G18-16 alleles of TtGRF4-A have potential to increase wheat yields in breeding programs.
The 5′-3′ Exoribonuclease XRN4 Regulates Auxin Response via the Degradation of Auxin Receptor Transcripts
Authors: Windels David , Bucher Etienne
Published: December 2018

Auxin is a major hormone which plays crucial roles in instructing virtually all developmental programs of plants. Its signaling depends primarily on its perception by four partially redundant receptors of the TIR1/AFB2 clade (TAARs), which subsequently mediate the specific degradation of AUX/IAA transcriptional repressors to modulate the expression of primary auxin-responsive genes. Auxin homeostasis depends on complex regulations at the level of synthesis, conjugation, and transport. However, the mechanisms and principles involved in the homeostasis of its signaling are just starting to emerge. We report that xrn4 mutants exhibit pleiotropic developmental defects and strong auxin hypersensitivity phenotypes. We provide compelling evidences that these phenotypes are directly caused by improper regulation of TAAR transcript degradation. We show that the cytoplasmic 5′-3′ exoribonuclease XRN4 is required for auxin response. Thus, our work identifies new targets of XRN4 and a new level of regulation for TAAR transcripts important for auxin response and for plant development.
Unreal Homes: Belonging and Becoming in Indian Women Narratives
Authors: Cavalcanti Sofia
Published: December 2018

In an epoch which has to do fundamentally with space, the concept of home has entered the epistemic scene, both as a commodity and a discursive formation. Contemporary Indian women writers, who are a major facet of present Anglophone literature, have often chosen the domestic sphere as the structural framework of their stories. However, despite the traditional idea of home as a static physical site where women’s lives unfold, a more complex and fluid concept emerges from their narratives. After discussing conflicting definitions of home both as a site of belonging and becoming, I will provide a comparative analysis of the short story Mrs. Sen’s by Jhumpa Lahiri and the novel Ladies’ Coupé by Anita Nair. By looking at the transitional spaces inhabited by the women protagonists—respectively, the diasporic space in the U.S. and a train car in India—I will show how home is a psychic-inhabited place taking shape in memory, imagination, and desire. In conclusion, home is an unreal site at the core of women’s subjectivities, transcending the physicality of the homeland or the household and assuming a metonymic significance. Its inward or outward-moving force gives birth to “homeworlds” made of liminal paths where new possibilities of identity construction are produced.
Analysis of Bankruptcy Threat for Risk Management Purposes: A Model Approach
Authors: Wieczorek-Kosmala Monika , Błach Joanna , Trzęsiok Joanna
Published: December 2018

In previous works, the importance of risk management implementation was addressed with regard to the problem of bankruptcy threat, with the explanation of risk impact on higher bankruptcy costs or the underinvestment problem. However, the evaluation of the impact of risk outcomes is technically linked to risk frequency and risk severity as the two dimensions of the risk map. The purpose of our study is to advocate two additional dimensions that incorporate liquidity and/or debt capacity constraint in the aftermath of risk occurrence. In the conceptual dimension, we propose a model that may support the appropriate design of risk management methods, by scaling a company’s ability to self-resist the risk outcomes. The study provides the empirical illustration of the frequency of the distinguished patterns of risk self-resistance. It was found that most frequently companies face the limited ability to self-resist risk outcomes, due to high debt capacity and high liquidity constraints. We also found statistically significant interdependencies between the company’s sector and the risk self-resistance. It supports the conclusion that the level of liquidity and debt capacity constraints and thus the ability to retain risk outcomes is sector-specific. It has important implications for the effective design of risk management methods.
Therapeutic Potential of Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Liver Disease
Authors: Gardin Chiara , Ferroni Letizia , Bellin Gloria , Rubini Giuseppe , Barosio Simone , Zavan Barbara
Published: December 2018

Currently, the most effective therapy for liver diseases is liver transplantation, but its use is limited by organ donor shortage, economic reasons, and the requirement for lifelong immunosuppression. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation represents a promising alternative for treating liver pathologies in both human and veterinary medicine. Interestingly, these pathologies appear with a common clinical and pathological profile in the human and canine species; as a consequence, dogs may be a spontaneous model for clinical investigations in humans. The aim of this work was to characterize canine adipose-derived MSCs (cADSCs) and compare them to their human counterpart (hADSCs) in order to support the application of the canine model in cell-based therapy of liver diseases. Both cADSCs and hADSCs were successfully isolated from adipose tissue samples. The two cell populations shared a common fibroblast-like morphology, expression of stemness surface markers, and proliferation rate. When examining multilineage differentiation abilities, cADSCs showed lower adipogenic potential and higher osteogenic differentiation than human cells. Both cell populations retained high viability when kept in PBS at controlled temperature and up to 72 h, indicating the possibility of short-term storage and transportation. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of autologous ADSCs transplantation in dogs with liver diseases. All animals exhibited significantly improved liver function, as evidenced by lower liver biomarkers levels measured after cells transplantation and evaluation of cytological specimens. These beneficial effects seem to be related to the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells. We therefore believe that such an approach could be a starting point for translating the results to the human clinical practice in future.
A Metabologenomic Approach Reveals Changes in the Intestinal Environment of Mice Fed on American Diet
Authors: Ishii Chiharu , Nakanishi Yumiko , Murakami Shinnosuke , Nozu Ryoko , Ueno Masami , Hioki Kyoji , Aw Wanping , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Ito Mamoru , Tomita Masaru , Fukuda Shinji
Published: December 2018

Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites are strongly associated with host physiology. Developments in DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry technologies have allowed us to obtain additional data that enhance our understanding of the interactions among microbiota, metabolites, and the host. However, the strategies used to analyze these datasets are not yet well developed. Here, we describe an original analytical strategy, metabologenomics, consisting of an integrated analysis of mass spectrometry-based metabolome data and high-throughput-sequencing-based microbiome data. Using this approach, we compared data obtained from C57BL/6J mice fed an American diet (AD), which contained higher amounts of fat and fiber, to those from mice fed control rodent diet. The feces of the AD mice contained higher amounts of butyrate and propionate, and higher relative abundances of Oscillospira and Ruminococcus. The amount of butyrate positively correlated with the abundance of these bacterial genera. Furthermore, integrated analysis of the metabolome data and the predicted metagenomic data from Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) indicated that the abundance of genes associated with butyrate metabolism positively correlated with butyrate amounts. Thus, our metabologenomic approach is expected to provide new insights and understanding of intestinal metabolic dynamics in complex microbial ecosystems.
The Retentive Strength of Laser-Sintered Cobalt-Chromium-Based Crowns after Pretreatment with a Desensitizing Paste Containing 8% Arginine and Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Pilo Raphael , Agar-Zoizner Sharon , Gelbard Shaul , Levartovsky Shifra
Published: December 2018

The retention of laser-sintered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr)-based crowns were examined after dentin pretreatment with desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (DP-ACC). Forty lower first molars were prepared using a standardized protocol. The Co-Cr crowns were produced using selective laser melting. The teeth were either pretreated with the desensitizing paste or not pretreated. After one week, each group was cemented with glass ionomer cement (GIC) or zinc phosphate cement (ZPC). Surface areas of the teeth were measured before cementation. After aging, a universal testing machine was used to test the retentive strength of the cemented crown-tooth assemblies. The debonded surfaces of the teeth and crowns were examined at 2.7× magnification. Pretreating the dentin surfaces with the desensitizing paste before cementation with GIC or ZPC did not affect the retention of the Co-Cr crowns. The retention of the GIC group (6.04 ± 1.10 MPa) was significantly higher than that of the ZPC group (2.75 ± 1.25 MPa). The predominant failure mode for the ZPC and the nontreated GIC group was adhesive cement-dentin failure; for the treated GIC group, it was adhesive cement-crown failure. The desensitizing paste can be safely used to reduce post-cementation sensitivity without reducing the retentive strength of Co-Cr crowns cemented with GIC or ZPC.
Idi1 and Hmgcs2 Are Affected by Stretch in HL-1 Atrial Myocytes
Authors: Fang Chih-Yuan , Chen Mien-Cheng , Chang Tzu-Hao , Wu Chia-Chen , Chang Jen-Ping , Huang Hsien-Da , Ho Wan-Chun , Wang Yi-Zhen , Pan Kuo-Li , Lin Yu-Sheng , Huang Yao-Kuang , Chen Chien-Jen , Lee Wei-Chieh
Published: December 2018

Background: Lipid expression is increased in the atrial myocytes of mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. This study aimed to investigate key regulatory genes and mechanisms of atrial lipotoxic myopathy in MR. Methods: The HL-1 atrial myocytes were subjected to uniaxial cyclic stretching for eight hours. Fatty acid metabolism, lipoprotein signaling, and cholesterol metabolism were analyzed by PCR assay (168 genes). Results: The stretched myocytes had significantly larger cell size and higher lipid expression than non-stretched myocytes (all p < 0.001). Fatty acid metabolism, lipoprotein signaling, and cholesterol metabolism in the myocytes were analyzed by PCR assay (168 genes). In comparison with their counterparts in non-stretched myocytes, seven genes in stretched monocytes (Idi1, Olr1, Nr1h4, Fabp2, Prkag3, Slc27a5, Fabp6) revealed differential upregulation with an altered fold change >1.5. Nine genes in stretched monocytes (Apoa4, Hmgcs2, Apol8, Srebf1, Acsm4, Fabp1, Acox2, Acsl6, Gk) revealed differential downregulation with an altered fold change <0.67. Canonical pathway analysis, using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, revealed that the only genes in the “superpathway of cholesterol biosynthesis” were Idi1 (upregulated) and Hmgcs2 (downregulated). The fraction of stretched myocytes expressing Nile red was significantly decreased by RNA interference of Idi1 (p < 0.05) and was significantly decreased by plasmid transfection of Hmgcs2 (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The Idi1 and Hmgcs2 genes have regulatory roles in atrial lipotoxic myopathy associated with atrial enlargement.
ZNF521 Represses Osteoblastic Differentiation in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Chiarella Emanuela , Aloisio Annamaria , Scicchitano Stefania , Lucchino Valeria , Montalcini Ylenia , Galasso Olimpio , Greco Manfredi , Gasparini Giorgio , Mesuraca Maria , Bond Heather M. , Morrone Giovanni
Published: December 2018

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are multipotent mesenchymal cells that can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. During osteoblastogenesis, the osteoprogenitor cells differentiate into mature osteoblasts and synthesize bone matrix components. Zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521/Zfp521) is a transcription co-factor implicated in the regulation of hematopoietic, neural, and mesenchymal stem cells, where it has been shown to inhibit adipogenic differentiation. The present study is aimed at determining the effects of ZNF521 on the osteoblastic differentiation of hADSCs to clarify whether it can influence their osteogenic commitment. The enforced expression or silencing of ZNF521 in hADSCs was achieved by lentiviral vector transduction. Cells were cultured in a commercial osteogenic medium for up to 20 days. The ZNF521 enforced expression significantly reduced osteoblast development as assessed by the morphological and molecular criteria, resulting in reduced levels of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, osterix, osteopontin, and calcium deposits. Conversely, ZNF521 silencing, in response to osteoblastic stimuli, induced a significant increase in early molecular markers of osteogenesis and, at later stages, a remarkable enhancement of matrix mineralization. Together with our previous findings, these results show that ZNF521 inhibits both adipocytic and osteoblastic maturation in hADSCs and suggest that its expression may contribute to maintaining the immature properties of hADSCs.
Biosynthesis of Metal Nanoparticles via Microbial Enzymes: A Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Ovais Muhammad , Khalil Ali Talha , Ayaz Muhammad , Ahmad Irshad , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Mukherjee Sudip
Published: December 2018

During the last decade, metal nanoparticles (MtNPs) have gained immense popularity due to their characteristic physicochemical properties, as well as containing antimicrobial, anti-cancer, catalyzing, optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Primarily, these MtNPs have been synthesized through different physical and chemical methods. However, these conventional methods have various drawbacks, such as high energy consumption, high cost and the involvement of toxic chemical substances. Microbial flora has provided an alternative platform for the biological synthesis of MtNPs in an eco-friendly and cost effective way. In this article we have focused on various microorganisms used for the synthesis of different MtNPs. We also have elaborated on the intracellular and extracellular mechanisms of MtNP synthesis in microorganisms, and have highlighted their advantages along with their challenges. Moreover, due to several advantages over chemically synthesized nanoparticles, the microbial MtNPs, with their exclusive and dynamic characteristics, can be used in different sectors like the agriculture, medicine, cosmetics and biotechnology industries in the near future.
Effects of Space Flight on Mouse Liver versus Kidney: Gene Pathway Analyses
Authors: Hammond Timothy G. , Allen Patricia L. , Birdsall Holly H.
Published: December 2018

Understanding genome wide, tissue-specific, and spaceflight-induced changes in gene expression is critical to develop effective countermeasures. Transcriptome analysis has been performed on diverse tissues harvested from animals flown in space, but not the kidney. We determined the genome wide gene expression using a gene array analysis of kidney and liver tissue from mice flown in space for 12 days versus ground based control animals. By comparing the transcriptome of liver and kidney from animals flown in space versus ground control animals, we tested a unique hypothesis: Are there common gene expression pathways activated in multiple tissue types in response to spaceflight stimuli? Although there were tissue-specific changes, both liver and kidney overexpressed genes in the same four areas: (a) cellular responses to peptides, hormones, and nitrogen/organonitrogen compounds; (b) apoptosis and cell death; (c) fat cell differentiation and (d) negative regulation of protein kinase.
Types of Gastric Carcinomas
Authors: Waldum Helge L. , Fossmark Reidar
Published: December 2018

Gastric cancer has reduced prevalence, but poor prognoses. To improve treatment, better knowledge of carcinogenesis and cells of origin should be sought. Stomach cancers are typically localized to one of the three mucosae; cardial, oxyntic and antral. Moreover, not only the stem cell, but the ECL cell may proliferate and give rise to tumours. According to Laurén, the classification of gastric carcinomas seems to reflect biological important differences and possible different cell of origin since the two subtypes, intestinal and diffuse, do not transform into the other and show different epidemiology. The stem cell probably gives rise to the intestinal type, whereas the ECL cell may be important in the diffuse type. Elevation of gastrin may be the carcinogenic factor for Helicobacter pylori as well as the recently described increased risk of gastric cancer due to proton pump inhibitor treatment. Therefore, it is essential to determine the role of the gastrin target cell, the ECL cell, in gastric carcinogenesis. Clinical trials with gastrin antagonists could improve prognoses in those with gastrin receptor positive tumours. However, further studies on gastric carcinomas applying relative available methods and with the highest sensitivity are warranted to improve our knowledge of gastric carcinogenesis.
Synthesis and Evaluation of the 4-Substituted 2-Hydroxy-5-Iodochalcones and Their 7-Substituted 6-Iodoflavonol Derivatives for Inhibitory Effect on Cholinesterases and β-Secretase
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J. , Agbo Emmanuel N. , Gildenhuys Samantha
Published: December 2018

A series of 2-aryl-3-hydroxy-6-iodo-4H-chromen-4-ones substituted at the 7-position with a halogen atom (X = F, Cl and Br) or methoxy group and their corresponding 4-substituted 2-hydroxy-5-iodochalcone precursors were evaluated in vitro for inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and β-secretase (BACE1) activities. Although moderate inhibitory effect was observed for the chalcones against AChE, derivatives 2h, 2j and 2n exhibited significant inhibitory effect against BChE and BACE-1. The 2-aryl-7-fluoro-8-iodoflavonols 3b and 3c, on the other hand, exhibited increased activity and selectivity against AChE and reduced effect on BACE-1. The flavonols 3h, 3i, 3k, 3l and 3p exhibited moderate inhibitory effect against AChE, but significant inhibition against BChE. Compounds 2j and 3l exhibited non-competitive mode of inhibition against BACE-1. Molecular docking predicted strong interactions with the protein residues in the active site of BACE-1 implying these compounds bind with the substrate. Similarly docking studies predicted interaction of the most active compounds with both CAS and PAS of either AChE or BChE with mixed type of enzyme inhibition confirmed by kinetic studies.
Tissue-Engineered Grafts from Human Decellularized Extracellular Matrices: A Systematic Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Porzionato Andrea , Stocco Elena , Barbon Silvia , Grandi Francesca , Macchi Veronica , De Caro Raffaele
Published: December 2018

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine involve many different artificial and biologic materials, frequently integrated in composite scaffolds, which can be repopulated with various cell types. One of the most promising scaffolds is decellularized allogeneic extracellular matrix (ECM) then recellularized by autologous or stem cells, in order to develop fully personalized clinical approaches. Decellularization protocols have to efficiently remove immunogenic cellular materials, maintaining the nonimmunogenic ECM, which is endowed with specific inductive/differentiating actions due to its architecture and bioactive factors. In the present paper, we review the available literature about the development of grafts from decellularized human tissues/organs. Human tissues may be obtained not only from surgery but also from cadavers, suggesting possible development of Human Tissue BioBanks from body donation programs. Many human tissues/organs have been decellularized for tissue engineering purposes, such as cartilage, bone, skeletal muscle, tendons, adipose tissue, heart, vessels, lung, dental pulp, intestine, liver, pancreas, kidney, gonads, uterus, childbirth products, cornea, and peripheral nerves. In vitro recellularizations have been reported with various cell types and procedures (seeding, injection, and perfusion). Conversely, studies about in vivo behaviour are poorly represented. Actually, the future challenge will be the development of human grafts to be implanted fully restored in all their structural/functional aspects.
Syntheses and Characterization of Two Dicyanamide Compounds Containing Monovalent Cations: Hg2[N(CN)2]2 and Tl[N(CN)2]
Authors: Mann Markus , Reckeweg Olaf , Nöthling Nils , Goddard Richard , Dronskowski Richard
Published: December 2018

Crystals of Hg2[N(CN)2]2 were grown by a slow diffusion-reaction between aqueous Hg2(NO3)2·2H2O and Na[N(CN)2]. Hg2[N(CN)2]2 adopts the triclinic space group P 1 ¯ (no. 2) with a = 3.7089(5), b = 6.4098(6), c = 8.150(6) Å, α = 81.575(6)°, β = 80.379(7)°, γ = 80.195(7)°, and Z = 1. Crystals of Tl[N(CN)2] were obtained from the reaction of TlBr with Ag[N(CN)2] in water. Single-crystal structure analyses evidence that Tl[N(CN)2] is isotypic to α-K[N(CN)2] and adopts the orthorhombic space group Pbcm (no. 57) with a = 8.5770(17), b = 6.4756(13), c = 7.2306(14) Å, and Z = 4. Regarding volume chemistry, the dicyanamide anion occupies ca. 44 cm3·mol−1, and so it corresponds to a large pseudohalide. The IR spectra of both compounds exhibit vibrational modes that are characteristic of the dicyanamide anion.
Visualising the Cardiovascular System of Embryos of Biomedical Model Organisms with High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM)
Authors: Weninger Wolfgang J. , Maurer-Gesek Barbara , Reissig Lukas F. , Prin Fabrice , Wilson Robert , Galli Antonella , Adams David J. , White Jacqueline K. , Mohun Timothy J. , Geyer Stefan H.
Published: December 2018

The article will briefly introduce the high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) technique and will focus on its potential for researching cardiovascular development and remodelling in embryos of biomedical model organisms. It will demonstrate the capacity of HREM for analysing the cardiovascular system of normally developed and genetically or experimentally malformed zebrafish, frog, chick and mouse embryos in the context of the whole specimen and will exemplarily show the possibilities HREM offers for comprehensive visualisation of the vasculature of adult human skin. Finally, it will provide examples of the successful application of HREM for identifying cardiovascular malformations in genetically altered mouse embryos produced in the deciphering the mechanisms of developmental disorders (DMDD) program.
Coronary Vasculature in Cardiac Development and Regeneration
Authors: Kapuria Subir , Yoshida Tyler , Lien Ching-Ling
Published: December 2018

Functional coronary circulation is essential for a healthy heart in warm-blooded vertebrates, and coronary diseases can have a fatal consequence. Despite the growing interest, the knowledge about the coronary vessel development and the roles of new coronary vessel formation during heart regeneration is still limited. It is demonstrated that early revascularization is required for efficient heart regeneration. In this comprehensive review, we first describe the coronary vessel formation from an evolutionary perspective. We further discuss the cell origins of coronary endothelial cells and perivascular cells and summarize the critical signaling pathways regulating coronary vessel development. Lastly, we focus on the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms regulating heart regeneration in zebrafish, a genetically tractable vertebrate model with a regenerative adult heart and well-developed coronary system.
A Finite Element Study of Thermo-Mechanical Fields and Their Relation to Friction Conditions in Al1050 Ring Compression Tests
Authors: Mittelman Brigit , Priel Elad , Navi Nissim U.
Published: December 2018

The most accepted method for determining friction conditions in metal forming is the ring compression test (RCT). At high temperatures, extraction of the friction coefficient, μ, commonly requires numerical analysis due to the coupling between the mechanical and thermal fields. In the current study, compression tests of cylindrical specimens and RCT experiments were conducted on commercially pure aluminium (Al1050) at several temperatures, loading rates, and lubrication conditions. The experiments were used in conjunction with a coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis to study the dependence of the friction coefficient on those parameters. It is demonstrated that due to the coupling between friction conditions and material flow stress, both μ and flow stress data should be determined from the cylinder and ring specimens simultaneously and not subsequently. The computed friction conditions are validated using a novel method based on identification of the plastic flow neutral radius. It is shown that, due to heat loss mechanisms, the experimental system preparation stage must be incorporated in the computational analysis. The study also addresses the limitation of the RCT in the presence of high friction conditions. The computational models are finally used to examine the thermo-mechanical fields, which develop during the different processes, with an emphasis on the effect of friction conditions, which were then correlated to the resulting microstructure in the RCTs.
From the Clinical Mycology Laboratory: New Species and Changes in Fungal Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Gibas Connie F. C.
Published: December 2018

Fungal taxonomy is the branch of mycology by which we classify and group fungi based on similarities or differences. Historically, this was done by morphologic characteristics and other phenotypic traits. However, with the advent of the molecular age in mycology, phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences has replaced these classic means for grouping related species. This, along with the abandonment of the dual nomenclature system, has led to a marked increase in the number of new species and reclassification of known species. Although these evaluations and changes are necessary to move the field forward, there is concern among medical mycologists that the rapidity by which fungal nomenclature is changing could cause confusion in the clinical literature. Thus, there is a proposal to allow medical mycologists to adopt changes in taxonomy and nomenclature at a slower pace. In this review, changes in the taxonomy and nomenclature of medically relevant fungi will be discussed along with the impact this may have on clinicians and patient care. Specific examples of changes and current controversies will also be given.
Four Particular Cases of the Fourier Transform
Authors: Fischer Jens V.
Published: December 2018

In previous studies we used Laurent Schwartz’ theory of distributions to rigorously introduce discretizations and periodizations on tempered distributions. These results are now used in this study to derive a validity statement for four interlinking formulas. They are variants of Poisson’s Summation Formula and connect four commonly defined Fourier transforms to one another, the integral Fourier transform, the Discrete-Time Fourier Transform (DTFT), the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and the integral Fourier transform for periodic functions—used to analyze Fourier series. We prove that under certain conditions, these four Fourier transforms become particular cases of the Fourier transform in the tempered distributions sense. We first derive four interlinking formulas from four definitions of the Fourier transform pure symbolically. Then, using our previous results, we specify three conditions for the validity of these formulas in the tempered distributions sense.
Sterol and Sphingoid Glycoconjugates from Microalgae
Authors: Stonik Valentin A. , Stonik Inna V.
Published: December 2018

Microalgae are well known as primary producers in the hydrosphere. As sources of natural products, microalgae are attracting major attention due to the potential of their practical applications as valuable food constituents, raw material for biofuels, drug candidates, and components of drug delivery systems. This paper presents a short review of a low-molecular-weight steroid and sphingolipid glycoconjugates, with an analysis of the literature on their structures, functions, and bioactivities. The discussed data on sterols and the corresponding glycoconjugates not only demonstrate their structural diversity and properties, but also allow for a better understanding of steroid biogenesis in some echinoderms, mollusks, and other invertebrates which receive these substances from food and possibly from their microalgal symbionts. In another part of this review, the structures and biological functions of sphingolipid glycoconjugates are discussed. Their role in limiting microalgal blooms as a result of viral infections is emphasized.
Knockdown of Gene Expression in Macrophages by microRNA Mimic-Containing Poly (Lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Microparticles
Authors: McKiernan Paul J. , Lynch Patrick , Ramsey Joanne M. , Cryan Sally Ann , Greene Catherine M.
Published: December 2018

Background: microRNA (miRNA) regulate target gene expression through translational repression and/or mRNA degradation and are involved in the regulation of inflammation. Macrophages are key inflammatory cells that are important in chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Macrophage-expressed miRNA represent therapeutic drug targets, yet delivery of nucleic acids to macrophages has proved challenging. Methods: miRNAs were encapsulated in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based microparticles using double emulsion solvent evaporation and characterised for physicochemical features. Phorbol myristic acetate (PMA)-differentiated U937 macrophages were transfected with empty PLGA microparticles or those encapsulating a premiR-19b-3p or scrambled control miRNA mimic. miRNA internalisation and knockdown of a miR-19b-3p target gene, secretory leucoprotease inhibitor (SLPI), were determined by qRT-PCR. Results: Microparticle formulations were consistently found to be 2–3μm and all had a negative ζ potential (−5 mV to −14 mV). Encapsulation efficiency of premiR-19b-3p was 37.6 ± 13.4%. Levels of mature miR-19b-3p were higher in macrophages after delivery of premiR-19b-3p microparticles compared to empty or scrambled control miRNA-containing microparticles. Significant SLPI knockdown was achieved 72 hours post-delivery of premiR-19b-3p microparticles compared to controls. Conclusions: miRNA-encapsulating PLGA microparticles offer a new treatment paradigm for delivery to macrophages that could potentially be administered to CF lungs via inhalation.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Anti-Microbial Susceptibility Patterns among Women of Reproductive Age. A Cross-Sectional Study in Primary Care, Ghana
Authors: Afoakwa Prince , Agyei Domfeh Seth , Oppong Afranie Bright , Ohui Owusu Dorcas , Donkor Sampson , Kormla Sakyi Kennedy , Akesse Adom Richard , Kyeremeh Godfred , Afranie Okyere Bright , Acheampong Emmanuel , Amoah Beatrice
Published: December 2018

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) poses serious future clinical repercussions for reproductive women. The study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria along with anti-microbial susceptibility patterns among women of reproductive age in a primary care facility. Method: The study recruited a total of 300 women of reproductive age attending the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Akuapem-Mampong, Ghana, between January and March 2018. Questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic data and predisposing risk factors of ASB. An early-morning midstream urine sample was collected from participants. Urinalysis, urine culture, and anti-microbial susceptibility testing were performed. Results: The mean age of participants was 25.43 years. The overall prevalence rate of ASB was 40.3%. The prevalence was higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women (33.3% vs. 7.0%). The most common bacterial isolate was E. coli (47.0%) followed by Proteus spp. (36.4%), Klebsiella spp. (8.3%), and E. faecalis (8.3%). Leukocyturia (35.0%) followed by nitrate (30.0%) were the most common urine abnormalities identified on dipstick urinalysis. Most bacteria isolates showed increased resistance to ampicillin (95.04%) and tetracycline (95.04%) while most of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to levofloxacin (94.35%). Demographic characteristics including age (p < 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001), residency (p = 0.001), and marital status (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with ASB. Lifestyle characteristics such as sexual status (p = 0.001) and frequency of washing of intimate parts after sexual intercourse (p < 0.001) were also significantly associated with ASB. Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, particularly E. coli and Proteus spp. are prevalent in the urine of pregnant women living in Akuapem-Mampong municipality. Hence public education along with early screening of ASB is essential to reducing future risk of reproductive health complications. Future studies are required to assess the impact of public health on the rate of bacterial infections.
Distribution Ratio of Sulfur between CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-TiO2 Slag and Carbon-Saturated Iron
Authors: Zhang Kanghui , Zhang Yanling , Wu Tuo
Published: December 2018

To explore the feasibility of hot metal desulfurization using red mud, the sulfur distribution ratio (LS) between CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-TiO2 slag and carbon-saturated iron is evaluated in this paper. First, the theoretical liquid areas of the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 (-Na2O-TiO2) slag are discussed and the fluxing effects of Al2O3, Na2O, and TiO2 are confirmed. Then, LS is measured via slag-metal equilibrium experiments. The experimental results show that LS significantly increases with the increase of temperature, basicity, and Na2O content, whereas it decreases with the increase of Al2O3 and TiO2 content. Na2O in the slag will volatilize with high temperatures and reducing conditions. Furthermore, based on experimental data for the sulfur distribution ratio between CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-TiO2 slag and the carbon-saturated iron, the following fitting formula is obtained: log L S = 45.584 Λ + 10568.406 − 17184.041 Λ T − 8.529
Etching-Assisted Ablation of the UV-Transparent Fluoropolymer CYTOP Using Various Laser Pulse Widths and Subsequent Microfluidic Applications
Authors: Nemoto Keisuke , Hanada Yasutaka
Published: December 2018

This work demonstrated the surface microfabrication of the UV-transparent fluoropolymer CYTOP (perfluoro 1-butenyl vinyl ether), by etching-assisted ablation using lasers with different pulse widths. In previous studies, we developed a technique for CYTOP microfluidic fabrication using laser ablation followed by etching and annealing. However, this technique was not suitable for some industrial applications due to the requirement for prolonged etching of the irradiated areas. The present work developed a faster etching-assisted ablation method in which the laser ablation of CYTOP took place in fluorinated etching solvent and investigated into the fabrication mechanism of ablated craters obtained from various pulse width lasers. The mechanism study revealed that the efficient CYTOP microfabrication can be achieved with a longer pulse width laser using this technique. Therefore, the rapid, high-quality surface microfabrication of CYTOP was demonstrated using a conventional nanosecond laser. Additionally, Microfluidic systems were produced on a CYTOP substrate via the new etching-assisted laser ablation process followed by annealing within 1 h, which is faster than the prior work of the microfluidic chip fabrication. Subsequently, CYTOP and polydimethylsiloxane substrates were bonded to create a 3D microfluidic chip that allowed for a clear microscopic image of the fluid boundary.
A Miniature Resonant and Torsional Magnetometer Based on Lorentz Force
Authors: Wu Lingqi , Tian Zheng , Ren Dahai , You Zheng
Published: December 2018

A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) torsional resonant magnetometer based on Lorentz force was investigated, consisting of torsional structures, torsional beams, metal plates, a coil, and a glass substrate. The Lorentz force, introduced by the interaction between the current in the MEMS coil and an external horizontal magnetic field, leads to displacement of the torsional structure. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to this displacement, and can be detected with two sensing capacitors fabricated on the torsion structure and the substrate. To improve sensor sensitivity, a folded torsional beam and a double-layer excitation coil were introduced. The fabrication processes included lift-off, anodic bonding, chemical mechanical planarization, silicon nitride (SiNx) deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and inductively coupled plasma release. The prototype of the magnetometer was finished and packaged. The sensor performance, including its sensitivity and repeatability, was tested in a low-pressure environment. Additionally, the influences of structural parameters were analyzed, including the resistance of the excitation coil, the initial value of the capacitors, the elastic coefficient of the torsional beam, and the number of layers in the excitation coil. The test results demonstrated that this sensor could meet the requirements for attitude determination systems in low earth orbit satellites.
Development of Microfluidic Stretch System for Studying Recovery of Damaged Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Kim Wanho , Kim Jaesang , Park Hyung-Soon , Jeon Jessie
Published: December 2018

The skeletal muscle occupies about 40% mass of the human body and plays a significant role in the skeletal movement control. Skeletal muscle injury also occurs often and causes pain, discomfort, and functional impairment in daily living. Clinically, most studies observed the recovery phenomenon of muscle by massage or electrical stimulation, but there are limitations on quantitatively analyzing the effects on recovery. Although additional efforts have been made within in vitro biochemical research, some questions still remain for effects of the different cell microenvironment for recovery. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a microfluidic system to investigate appropriate conditions for repairing skeletal muscle injury. First, the muscle cells were cultured in the microfluidic chip and differentiated to muscle fibers. After differentiation, we treated hydrogen peroxide and 18% axial stretch to cause chemical and physical damage to the muscle fibers. Then the damaged muscle fibers were placed under the cyclic stretch condition to allow recovery. Finally, we analyzed the damage and recovery by quantifying morphological change as well as the intensity change of intracellular fluorescent signals and showed the skeletal muscle fibers recovered better in the cyclic stretched condition. In total, our in situ generation of muscle damage and induction recovery platform may be a key system for investigating muscle recovery and rehabilitation.