bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of the Ubiquitin Pathway by Small Molecule Binding to Ubiquitin Enhances Doxorubicin Sensitivity of the Cancer Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thanh , Ho Minh , Kim Kyungmin , Yun Sun-Il , Mizar Pushpak , Easton James W. , Lee Seung Seo , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: March 2019

Development of inhibitors for ubiquitin pathway has been suggested as a promising strategy to treat several types of cancers, which has been showcased by recent success of a series of novel anticancer drugs based on inhibition of ubiquitin pathways. Although the druggability of enzymes in ubiquitin pathways has been demonstrated, ubiquitin itself, the main agent of the pathway, has not been targeted. Whereas conventional enzyme inhibitors are used to silence the ubiquitination or reverse it, they cannot disrupt the binding activity of ubiquitin. Herein, we report that the scaffolds of sulfonated aryl diazo compounds, particularly Congo red, could disrupt the binding activity of ubiquitin, resulting in the activity equivalent to inhibition of ubiquitination. NMR mapping assay demonstrated that the chemical directly binds to the recognition site for ubiquitin processing enzymes on the surface of ubiquitin, and thereby blocks the binding of ubiquitin to its cognate receptors. As a proof of concept for the druggability of the ubiquitin molecule, we demonstrated that Congo red acted as an intracellular inhibitor of ubiquitin recognition and binding, which led to inhibition of ubiquitination, and thereby, could be used as a sensitizer for conventional anticancer drugs, doxorubicin.
Aspernolide A Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells through the Mitochondrial Apoptotic and STAT3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Hong , Wen Yanzhang , Huang Huiqi , Hao Ji , Lv Yibing , Qin Rui , Yang Xinzhou
Published: March 2019

Aspernolide A, a butyrolactone secondary metabolite, was purified from the endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides derived from roots of Camptotheca acuminata Decne. In this study, the antitumor activity and mechanisms of aspernolide A on human laryngeal cancer Hep-2 and TU212 cells were studied by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, morphological observation and Western blotting. The results showed that aspernolide A significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep-2 and TU212 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. Morphological changes of apoptotic cells could be observed under an inverted microscope, such as irregular margins, decreased adherence ability and chromatin condensation. The expressions of Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) increased with the increase of dosage while Bcl-2 decreased, suggesting that the apoptotic mechanism might be related to the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Moreover, the expression of the phosphorylation of STAT3 decreased with the increase of dosage, suggesting that the apoptotic mechanism might be related to the STAT3 signaling pathway. All these conclusions indicated that aspernolide A has the potential anti-laryngocarcinoma effects.
Synthesis, In Vitro Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Some New Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Fouda Ahmed M. , Abbas Hebat-Allah S. , Ahmed Eman H. , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin I.
Published: March 2019

A new series of pyrazole 4–7 and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine 8–13 were synthesized by using a simple, efficient procedure, and screened for their in-vitro antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Symmetrical and asymmetrical 3,6-diarylazo-2,5,7-triaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine were synthesized by the conventional method and also subjected to microwave irradiation and under ultrasound conditions. The biological results revealed that most of the tested compounds proved to be active as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HCT-116, and HepG-2, as compared with Doxorubicin as a control.
Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of 7S and 11S Globulins Isolated from Cowpea Seed Protein
Authors: Abdel-Shafi Seham , Al-Mohammadi Abdul-Raouf , Osman Ali , Enan Gamal , Abdel-Hameid Samar , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

The present work was carried out to determine the characteristics and antibacterial activity of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). The molecular mass of 7S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be of about 132, 129 and 95 kDa corresponding the α/, α and β subunits. The molecular mass of 11S globulin was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE bands to be existed between 28 and 52 kDa corresponding the basic and acidic subunits. The minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of 7S and 11S globulins isolated from cowpea seed were determined against Gram positive bacteria viz: Listeria monocytogenes LMG 10470, Listeria ivanovii FLB 12, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Gram negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 43816, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 26853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella ATCC 14028 using disc diffusion assay; they were showed to be in the range 10 to 200 µg/mL. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination of the protein-treated bacteria showed the antibacterial action of 11S globulin against S. typhimurium and P. aeruginosa was manifested by signs of cellular deformation, partial and complete lysis of cell components. Adding 11S globulin at both concentrations 50 and 100 µg/g to minced meat showed considerable decreases in bacterial counts of viable bacteria, psychrotrophs and coliforms compared to controls during 15 days storage at 4 °C, reflecting a promising perspective to use such globulin as a meat bio-preservative.
2-Deoxyglucose-Modified Folate Derivative: Self-Assembling Nanoparticle Able to Load Cisplatin
Authors: Jin Shaoming , Du Zhongyao , Wang Pengjie , Guo Huiyuan , Zhang Hao , Lei Xingen , Ren Fazheng
Published: March 2019

Folic acid has been widely introduced into nano-drug delivery systems to give nanoparticle-targeted characteristics. However, the poor water solubility of folic acid may hinder the exploitation of its ability to load antineoplastic drugs. In the present study, we designed a new folate derivative (FA-2-DG) synthesized from folic acid and 2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-assembly characteristics of FA-2-DG, and its ability of loading cisplatin. The critical micelle concentration was 7.94 × 10−6 mol L−1. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that hydrogen bonding interaction is a main driving force for the self–assembly of FA-2-DG. The particle was stable in pure water or 0.5% bovine serum albumin dispersions. By forming a coordination bond, the particles assembled from FA-2-DG can load cisplatin. The loading efficiency was maximal when the molar ratio of FA-2-DG to cisplatin was 2:1.
Guidance in Cinematic Virtual Reality-Taxonomy, Research Status and Challenges
Authors: Rothe Sylvia , Buschek Daniel , Hußmann Heinrich
Published: March 2019

In Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR), the viewer of an omnidirectional movie can freely choose the viewing direction when watching a movie. Therefore, traditional techniques in filmmaking for guiding the viewers’ attention cannot be adapted directly to CVR. Practices such as panning or changing the frame are no longer defined by the filmmaker; rather it is the viewer who decides where to look. In some stories, it is necessary to show certain details to the viewer, which should not be missed. At the same time, the freedom of the viewer to look around in the scene should not be destroyed. Therefore, techniques are needed which guide the attention of the spectator to visual information in the scene. Attention guiding also has the potential to improve the general viewing experience, since viewers will be less afraid to miss something when watching an omnidirectional movie where attention-guiding techniques have been applied. In recent years, there has been a lot of research about attention guiding in images, movies, virtual reality, augmented reality and also in CVR. We classify these methods and offer a taxonomy for attention-guiding methods. Discussing the different characteristics, we elaborate the advantages and disadvantages, give recommendations for use cases and apply the taxonomy to several examples of guiding methods.
Influence of Root System Characteristics on Black Spruce Seedling Responses to Limiting Conditions
Authors: Pernot Clémentine , Thiffault Nelson , DesRochers Annie
Published: March 2019

Roots directly affect planted seedling adaptation to new growing conditions at reforestation sites. To test the influence of root characteristics on the short-term response of seedlings to limiting resources (water, nutrient, or oxygen), we conducted two experiments. We compared (1) the growth and physiology of three types of four-year-old black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedlings (Containerized, highly developed initial roots restricted to a plug; bareroot, less developed but unrestricted initial roots; deeply-planted containerized, restricted initial and adventitious roots) to different combinations of irrigation and fertilization. We also investigated (2) the cellular plasticity of adventitious and initial roots to three irrigation regimes including flooding. Bareroot seedlings had better relative growth rates in height than containerized seedlings, probably due to their larger initial size. On the other hand, containerized seedlings took better advantage of fertilization, as shown by a higher relative growth rate in diameter compared to bareroot seedlings and were less affected by water limitation, possibly due to the root plug acting as an additional water reserve capacity. For containerized seedlings, the presence of adventitious roots was beneficial to height growth and physiological performances compared to seedlings with initial roots only. Adventitious roots showed great cell plasticity, particularly under flooding conditions.
Shoreline Displacement, Coastal Environments and Human Subsistence in the Hanö Bay Region during The Mesolithic
Authors: Hansson Anton , Boethius Adam , Hammarlund Dan , Lagerås Per , Magnell Ola , Nilsson Björn , Nilsson Brunlid Anette , Rundgren Mats
Published: March 2019

Southern Scandinavia experienced significant environmental changes during the early Holocene. Shoreline displacement reconstructions and results from several zooarchaeological studies were used to describe the environmental changes and the associated human subsistence and settlement development in the Hanö Bay region of southern Sweden during the Mesolithic. GIS-based palaeogeographic reconstructions building on shoreline displacement records from eastern Skåne and western Blekinge together with a sediment sequence from an infilled coastal lake were used to describe the environmental changes during five key periods. The results show a rapid transformation of the coastal landscape during the Mesolithic. During this time, the investigated coastal settlements indicate a shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle and a subsistence focused on large-scale freshwater fishing. The development of permanent settlements coincided with an extended period of coastline stability and the development of rich coastal environments in a more closed forest vegetation. This study provides a regional synthesis of the shoreline displacement, coastal landscape dynamics and settlement development during the Mesolithic. It also demonstrates a new way of combining zooarchaeological and palaeoecological approaches, which can produce multi-faceted and highly resolved palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in a wide range of settings.
Potential of Modern Photogrammetry Versus Airborne Laser Scanning for Estimating Forest Variables in a Mountain Environment
Authors: Ullah Sami , Dees Matthias , Datta Pawan , Adler Petra , Schardt Mathias , Koch Barbara
Published: March 2019

Digital stereo aerial photographs are periodically updated in many countries and offer a viable option for the regular update of information on forest variables. We compared the potential of image-based point clouds derived from three different sets of aerial photographs with airborne laser scanning (ALS) to assess plot-level forest attributes in a mountain environment. The three data types used were (A) high overlapping pan-sharpened (80/60%); (B) high overlapping panchromatic band (80/60%); and (C) standard overlapping pan-sharpened stereo aerial photographs (60/30%). We used height and density metrics at the plot level derived from image-based and ALS point clouds as the explanatory variables and Lorey’s mean height, timber volume, and mean basal area as the response variables. We obtained a RMSE = 8.83%, 29.24% and 35.12% for Lorey’s mean height, volume, and basal area using ALS data, respectively. Similarly, we obtained a RMSE = 9.96%, 31.13%, and 35.99% and RMSE = 11.28%, 31.01%, and 35.66% for Lorey’s mean height, volume and basal area using image-based point clouds derived from pan-sharpened stereo aerial photographs with 80/60% and 60/30% overlapping, respectively. For image-based point clouds derived from a panchromatic band of stereo aerial photographs (80%/60%), we obtained an RMSE = 10.04%, 31.19% and 35.86% for Lorey’s mean height, volume, and basal area, respectively. The overall findings indicated that the performance of image-based point clouds in all cases were as good as ALS. This highlights that in the presence of a highly accurate digital terrain model (DTM) from ALS, image-based point clouds offer a viable option for operational forest management in all countries where stereo aerial photographs are updated on a routine basis.
Estimating Diphenylamine in Gunshot Residues from a New Tool for Identifying both Inorganic and Organic Residues in the Same Sample
Authors: Argente-García Ana Isabel , Hakobyan Lusine , Guillem Carmen , Campíns-Falcó Pilar
Published: March 2019

A method involving the collection and determination of organic and inorganic gunshot residues on hands using on-line in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled to miniaturized capillary liquid chromatography with diode array detection (CapLC-DAD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersion X-ray (SEM-EDX), respectively, for quantifying both residues was developed. The best extraction efficiency for diphenylamine (DPA) as the main target among organic residues was achieved by using a dry cotton swab followed by vortex-assisted extraction with water, which permits preservation of inorganic residues. Factors such as the nature and length of the IT-SPME extractive phase and volume of the sample processed were investigated and optimized to achieve high sensitivity: 90 cm of TRB-35 (35% diphenyl, 65% polydimethylsiloxane) capillary column and 1.8 mL of the processed sample were selected for the IT-SPME. Satisfactory limit of detection of the method for analysis of DPA deposited on shooters’ hands (0.3 ng) and precision (intra-day relative standard deviation, 9%) were obtained. The utility of the described approach was tested by analyzing several samples of shooters’ hands. Diphenylamine was found in 81% of the samples analyzed. Inorganic gunshot residues analyzed by SEM-EDX were also studied in cotton swab and lift tape kit samplers. Optical microscopy was used to see the inorganic gunshot residues in the cotton swab samplers. The lift tape kits provided lesser sensitivity for DPA than dry cotton swabs—around fourteen times. The possibility of environmental and occupational sources could be eliminated when DPA was found together with inorganic residues. Then, the presence of inorganic and organic residues in a given sample could be used as evidence in judicial proceedings in the forensic field.
Perfluoroalkyl Substance Assessment in Turin Metropolitan Area and Correlation with Potential Sources of Pollution According to the Water Safety Plan Risk Management Approach
Authors: Binetti Rita , Calza Paola , Costantino Giovanni , Morgillo Stefania , Papagiannaki Dimitra
Published: March 2019

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a huge class of Contaminants of Emerging Concern, well-known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. They have been detected in different environmental matrices, in wildlife and even in humans, with drinking water being considered as the main exposure route. Therefore, the present study focused on the estimation of PFAS in the Metropolitan Area of Turin, where SMAT (Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A.) is in charge of the management of the water cycle and the development of a tool for supporting “smart” water quality monitoring programs to address emerging pollutants’ assessments using multivariate spatial and statistical analysis tools. A new “green” analytical method was developed and validated in order to determine 16 different PFAS in drinking water with a direct injection to the Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) system and without any pretreatment step. The validation of this analytical method resulted in really low Quantification Limits (5 ng L−1), in satisfying recoveries (70%–102%) and in a good linearity (R2 = 0.99) for every compound. Among the results, only 4 compounds and only 6% of the samples showed a pollution level higher than the limits of and Quantification (LOQ). Finally, the correlation study between the assessment findings and the industrial sites which serve as potential sources of pollution in the monitored area was carried out.
Contrasting Physiological and Environmental Controls of Evapotranspiration over Kernza Perennial Crop, Annual Crops, and C4 and Mixed C3/C4 Grasslands
Authors: Sutherlin Caitlyn E. , Brunsell Nathaniel A. , de Oliveira Gabriel , Crews Timothy E. , R. DeHaan Lee , Vico Giulia
Published: March 2019

Perennial grain crops have been suggested as a more sustainable alternative to annual crops. Yet their water use and how they are impacted by environmental conditions have been seldom compared to those of annual crops and grasslands. Here, we identify the dominant mechanisms driving evapotranspiration (ET), and how they change with environmental conditions in a perennial Kernza crop (US-KLS), an annual crop field (US-ARM), a C4 grassland (US-KON), and a mixed C3/C4 grassland (US-KFS) in the Central US. More specifically, we have utilized the omega (Ω) decoupling factor, which reflects the dominant mechanisms responsible for the evapotranspiration (ET) of the canopy. Our results showed that the US-ARM site was the most coupled with the lowest decoupling values. We also observed differences in coupling mechanism variables, showing more sensitivity to the water fluctuation variables as opposed to the radiative flux variables. All of the sites showed their lowest Ω value in 2012, the year of the severe drought in the Central US. The 2012 results further indicate the dependence on the water fluctuation variables. This was especially true with the perennial Kernza crop, which displayed much higher soil moisture values. In this regard, we believe that the ability of perennial Kernza to resist water stress and retain higher soil moisture values is both a result of its deeper roots, in addition to its higher Ω value. Through the analysis of both the site comparison and the comparison of the differences in years, we conclude that the perennial Kernza crop (US-KLS) is more similar in its microclimate effects to the C4 (US-KON) and mixed C3/C4 (US-KFS) grassland sites as opposed to its annual counterpart (US-ARM). This has implications for the role of perennial agriculture for addressing agricultural resilience under changing climate conditions.
Movement-Based Biosecurity Zones for Control of Highly Infectious Animal Diseases: Application of Community Detection Analysis to a Livestock Vehicle Movement Network
Authors: Lee Gyoung-Ju , Pak Son-Il , Lee Kwang-Nyeong , Hong Sungjo
Published: March 2019

Zoning is crucial for controlling animal infectious diseases and movement plays a major role in disease transmission. However, movement-based zoning has received little research attention. This study aimed to identify biosecurity zones divided by administrative unit, based on communities detected in movement network. We used vehicle entry data from November 2013 to January 2017. We split the data to analyze changes in networks over time and seasons (3 summer and 4 winter). The HN algorithm for mega-scale networks was used to detect communities. We identified biosecurity zones based on the geographical concentration of facilities belonging to the same communities. Jenks Natural Breaks Method was used to determine whether facilities were agglomerated. The zone classifications derived for seven seasons were overlaid to identify an integrated zone classification. The number of significant communities declined from 10 to 7 over time, from which we inferred that separated communities tended to aggregate. Therefore, biosecurity zones that were separate in the past merged and the number of zones decreased. From the overlay, seven biosecurity zones were derived. These zones are different from the conventional control zones, which do not consider movement. Therefore, these biosecurity zones can be used as an alternative control zone to complement existing zoning systems in Korea.
Improving the Performance of Dry and Maritime Ports by Increasing Knowledge about the Most Relevant Functionalities of the Terminal Operating System (TOS)
Authors: Hervás-Peralta Miguel , Poveda-Reyes Sara , Molero Gemma Dolores , Santarremigia Francisco Enrique , Pastor-Ferrando Juan-Pascual
Published: March 2019

Maritime transport in the European Union has increased in the last years, triggering congestion in many of the most important sea and river ports. A lot of works have highlighted how the connection between these ports and dry ports can contribute to reducing port congestion and emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). This work aims to improve the knowledge about the functionalities of Terminal Operating Systems (TOSs) managing container terminals of sea, river, and dry ports, with the aim of improving their performance and contributing to reducing congestion and GHG emissions to achieve a higher sustainability. The contribution and novelty of this paper in the field of container-terminals logistics research is the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and hierarchize TOS functionalities. The robustness of the model was checked by applying a sensitivity analysis. One hundred and seven functionalities were grouped into six main clusters: Warehouse, Maritime Operations, Gate, Master Data, Communications, and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Dashboard. The results show that time tracking of vessels, space optimization, development of loading and unloading lists, and optimization of container locations are the most important functionalities of a TOS. This work is addressed to developers, sellers, managers, and users of TOSs and researchers working on container-terminal performance.
Potentials of Context-Aware Travel Support during Unplanned Public Transport Disturbances
Authors: Jevinger Åse , Persson Jan A.
Published: March 2019

Travel support for public transport today usually takes no or little account of the traveler’s personal needs and current context. Thereby, travelers are often suggested irrelevant travel plans, which may force them to search for information from other sources. In particular, this is a problem during unplanned disturbances. By incorporating the traveler’s context information into the travel support, travelers could be provided with individually tailored information. This would especially benefit travelers who find it more difficult than others to navigate the public transport system. Furthermore, it might raise the accessibility and general attractiveness of public transport. This paper contributes with an understanding of how information about the traveler’s context can enhance the support provided by travel planners, in the case of disturbances in public transport. In particular, the paper includes a high-level analysis of how and in which situations context information can be useful. The analysis shows how information about the traveler’s context can improve travel planners, as well as highlights some risks in relation to some identified scenarios. Several technologies for retrieving information about the physical context of the traveler are also identified. The study is based on a literature review, a workshop, and interviews with domain experts.
Understanding the Double-Level Influence of Guanxi on Construction Innovation in China: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Knowledge Sharing and the Cross-Level Moderating Role of Inter-Organizational Relationships
Authors: Qian Yingmiao , Wang Mengjun , Zou Yang , Jin Ruoyu , Yuan Ruijia , Wang Qinge
Published: March 2019

Guanxi, a Chinese term that defines social networks of power and benefits, can be divided into inter-personal and inter-organizational relationships. Guanxi significantly influences construction innovation in China. Many studies have examined the relationship between guanxi and construction innovation at the project or organizational level. However, few of these studies explain how guanxi might affect an individual’s innovative behaviour from a double-level perspective. This paper builds on social capital theory and social exchange theory to examine guanxi’s role in motivating innovative behaviour in a China-specific construction context. It investigates the main effects of inter-personal relationships on innovative behaviour, the mediating effects of knowledge sharing, and the cross-level moderating effects of inter-organizational relationships. These elements were tested using a survey that received 178 responses from 35 different organizations. The results were analysed using Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) and revealed that inter-personal relationships have positive influences on innovative behaviour, thus highlighting the partial mediating effects of knowledge sharing. In addition, the analyses showed that inter-organizational relationships augment inter-personal relationships and knowledge sharing on innovative behaviour by cross-level interaction. The research findings enhance an understanding of guanxi and innovative behaviour in China-specific construction project settings, as well as verifying the significance of guanxi in stimulating innovative behaviour.
Sustainable Highway Maintenance: Optimization of Existing Highway Vertical Alignment Considering Pavement Condition
Authors: Mahanpoor Mohammad , Monajjem Saeed , Balali Vahid
Published: March 2019

Any change in the geometric configuration of the existing road affects other dependent elements such as travel time, fuel consumption, and existing pavement. This paper quantifies these effects and finds an optimum geometric configuration. Three separate models are developed in this research: (1) the travel time model which predicts vehicles flow speed on the specified geometric condition, traffic composure, and evaluates the imposed costs to the road users; (2) the fuel consumption model, which estimates needed propulsive force and anticipated fuel for vehicles passing through the road; and (3) the pavement rehabilitation cost model considering two main constraints of existing pavement condition and project line elevation. The developed pavement rehabilitation model proposes the best solution for pavement rehabilitation practice and computes associated costs. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to find the optimum solution in a minimization problem search space. The proposed model is applied to a real-world case study. Results show that there is an extremely less tendency for change, even with the existence of adverse geometric conditions, when there is a relatively good pavement condition. In the case of deteriorated pavement conditions, economic justification for geometric modification is required.
“Click” Chemistry on Gold Electrodes Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide by Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Mishyn Vladyslav , Aspermair Patrik , Leroux Yann , Happy Henri , Knoll Wolfgang , Boukherroub Rabah , Szunerits Sabine
Published: March 2019

The coating of electrical interfaces with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films and their subsequent chemical modification are essential steps in the fabrication of graphene-based sensing platforms. In this work, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of graphene oxide at 2.5 V for 300 s followed by vapor treatment were employed to coat gold electrodes uniformly with rGO. These interfaces showed excellent electron transfer characteristics for redox mediators such as ferrocene methanol and potassium ferrocyanide. Functional groups were integrated onto the Au/rGO electrodes by the electro-reduction of an aryldiazonium salt, 4-((triisopropylsilyl)ethylenyl)benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate (TIPS-Eth-ArN) in our case. Chemical deprotection of the triisopropylsilyl function resulted in propargyl-terminated Au/rGO electrodes to which azidomethylferrocene was chemically linked using the Cu(I) catalyzed “click” chemistry.
Cyclic Voltammetry Characterization of Au, Pd, and AuPd Nanoparticles Supported on Different Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Testolin Anna , Cattaneo Stefano , Wang Wu , Wang Di , Pifferi Valentina , Prati Laura , Falciola Luigi , Villa Alberto
Published: March 2019

Three types of carbon nanofibers (pyrolytically stripped carbon nanofibers (PS), low-temperature heat treated carbon nanofibers (LHT), and high-temperature heat treated carbon nanofibers (HHT)) with different graphitization degrees and surface chemistry have been used as support for Au, Pd, or bimetallic AuPd alloy nanoparticles (NPs). The carbon supports have been characterized using Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Moreover, the morphology of the metal nanoparticles was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and CV. The different properties of the carbon-based supports (particularly the graphitization degree) yield different electrochemical behaviors, in terms of potential window widths and electrocatalytic effects. Comparing the electrochemical behavior of monometallic Au and Pd and bimetallic AuPd, it is possible to observe the interaction of the two metals when alloyed. Moreover, we demonstrate that carbon surface has a strong effect on the electrochemical stability of AuPd nanoparticles. By tuning the Au-Pd nanoparticles’ morphology and modulating the surface chemistry of the carbon support, it is possible to obtain materials characterized by novel electrochemical properties. This aspect makes them good candidates to be conveniently applied in different fields.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Design Approach and Usability Evaluation of the Pain Management Mobile Applications
Authors: Shah Umm e Mariya , Chiew Thiam Kian
Published: March 2019

The increasing popularity of mHealth is a promising opportunity for pain self-management. Mobile apps can be easily developed, but understanding the design and usability will result in apps that can retain more users. This research aims at identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing the current state-of-the-art of: (a) the design approach and (b) usability assessment of pain management mobile applications. A systematic literature review was conducted on 27 studies retrieved from Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. The review revealed that most of the apps were for chronic pain. No app was specifically for men or for the elderly. None of the studies involved expert-based system inspection methods. Only one study used two different approaches of automated and empirical evaluation. We mapped the identified usability issues to ISO 9241-11 and ISO/IEC 25010, and aggregated the recommendations for improvement. Moreover, we also identified certain issues that are solely concerned with the patient’s behavior. We organized the issues into taxonomies of design considerations for building usable pain self-management mobile applications. As pain is prevalent among the elderly, pain management will be much needed while moving toward an aging society. However, we found that the involvement of the elderly in the development of pain management mobile apps is very minimal, which may affect the utility and usability of the apps.
Nonextensive Quasiparticle Description of QCD Matter
Authors: Rożynek Jacek , Wilk Grzegorz
Published: March 2019

The dynamics of QCD matter is often described using effective mean field (MF) models based on Boltzmann–Gibbs (BG) extensive statistics. However, such matter is normally produced in small packets and in violent collisions where the usual conditions justifying the use of BG statistics are not fulfilled and the systems produced are not extensive. This can be accounted for either by enriching the original dynamics or by replacing the BG statistics by its nonextensive counterpart described by a nonextensivity parameter q ≠ 1 (for q → 1 , one returns to the extensive situation). In this work, we investigate the interplay between the effects of dynamics and nonextensivity. Since the complexity of the nonextensive MF models prevents their simple visualization, we instead use some simple quasi-particle description of QCD matter in which the interaction is modeled phenomenologically by some effective fugacities, z. Embedding such a model in a nonextensive environment allows for a well-defined separation of the dynamics (represented by z) and the nonextensivity (represented by q) and a better understanding of their relationship.
Exploration of Computational Approaches to Predict the Toxicity of Chemical Mixtures
Authors: Kar Supratik , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: March 2019

Industrial advances have led to generation of multi-component chemicals, materials and pharmaceuticals which are directly or indirectly affecting the environment. Although toxicity data are available for individual chemicals, generally there is no toxicity data of chemical mixtures. Most importantly, the nature of toxicity of these studied mixtures is completely different to the single components, which makes the toxicity evaluation of mixtures more critical and challenging. Interactions of individual chemicals in a mixture can result in multifaceted and considerable deviations in the apparent properties of its ingredients. It results in synergistic or antagonistic effects as opposed to the ideal case of additive behavior i.e., concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA). The CA and IA are leading models for the assessment of joint activity supported by pharmacology literature. Animal models for toxicity testing are time- and money-consuming as well as unethical. Thus, computational approaches are already proven efficient alternatives for assessing the toxicity of chemicals by regulatory authorities followed by industries. In silico methods are capable of predicting toxicity, prioritizing chemicals, identifying risk and assessing, followed by managing, the risk. In many cases, the mechanism behind the toxicity from species to species can be understood by in silico methods. Until today most of the computational approaches have been employed for single chemical’s toxicity. Thus, only a handful of works in the literature and methods are available for a mixture’s toxicity prediction employing computational or in silico approaches. Therefore, the present review explains the importance of evaluation of a mixture’s toxicity, the role of computational approaches to assess the toxicity, followed by types of in silico methods. Additionally, successful application of in silico tools in a mixture’s toxicity predictions is explained in detail. Finally, future avenues towards the role and application of computational approaches in a mixture’s toxicity are discussed.
Localization of Frog Virus 3 Conserved Viral Proteins 88R, 91R, and 94L
Authors: Penny Emily , Brunetti Craig R.
Published: March 2019

The characterization of the function of conserved viral genes is central to developing a greater understanding of important aspects of viral replication or pathogenesis. A comparative genomic analysis of the iridoviral genomes identified 26 core genes conserved across the family Iridoviridae. Three of those conserved genes have no defined function; these include the homologs of frog virus 3 (FV3) open reading frames (ORFs) 88R, 91R, and 94L. Conserved viral genes that have been previously identified are known to participate in a number of viral activities including: transcriptional regulation, DNA replication/repair/modification/processing, protein modification, and viral structural proteins. To begin to characterize the conserved FV3 ORFs 88R, 91R, and 94L, we cloned the genes and determined their intracellular localization. We demonstrated that 88R localizes to the cytoplasm of the cell while 91R localizes to the nucleus and 94L localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
Early Transcriptional Response to DNA Virus Infection in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Ding Feng , Cheng Jiasen , Fu Yanping , Chen Tao , Li Bo , Jiang Daohong , Xie Jiatao
Published: March 2019

We previously determined that virions of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulence associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV-1) could directly infect hyphae of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, resulting in hypovirulence of the fungal host. However, the molecular mechanisms of SsHADV-1 virions disruption of the fungal cell wall barrier and entrance into the host cell are still unclear. To investigate the early response of S. sclerotiorum to SsHADV-1 infection, S. sclerotiorum hyphae were inoculated with purified SsHADV-1 virions. The pre- and post-infection hyphae were collected at one–three hours post-inoculation for transcriptome analysis. Further, bioinformatic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by SsHADV-1 infection were identified in S. sclerotiorum. In total, 187 genes were differentially expressed, consisting of more up-regulated (114) than down-regulated (73) genes. The identified DEGs were involved in several important pathways. Metabolic processes, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and secondary metabolites were the most affected categories in S. sclerotiorum upon SsHADV-1 infection. Cell structure analysis suggested that 26% of the total DEGs were related to membrane tissues. Furthermore, 10 and 27 DEGs were predicted to be located in the cell membrane and mitochondria, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed, followed by functional annotation of the genes. Interestingly, one third of the annotated functional DEGs could be involved in the Ras-small G protein signal transduction pathway. These results revealed that SsHADV-1 virions may be able to bind host membrane proteins and influence signal transduction through Ras-small G protein-coupled receptors during early infection, providing new insight towards the molecular mechanisms of virions infection in S. sclerotiorum.
Host Determinants of MERS-CoV Transmission and Pathogenesis
Authors: Widagdo W. , Sooksawasdi Na Ayudhya Syriam , Hundie Gadissa B. , Haagmans Bart L.
Published: March 2019

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes respiratory infection in humans, ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. In dromedary camels, the virus only causes a mild infection but it spreads efficiently between animals. Differences in the behavior of the virus observed between individuals, as well as between humans and dromedary camels, highlight the role of host factors in MERS-CoV pathogenesis and transmission. One of these host factors, the MERS-CoV receptor dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), may be a critical determinant because it is variably expressed in MERS-CoV-susceptible species as well as in humans. This could partially explain inter- and intraspecies differences in the tropism, pathogenesis, and transmissibility of MERS-CoV. In this review, we explore the role of DPP4 and other host factors in MERS-CoV transmission and pathogenesis—such as sialic acids, host proteases, and interferons. Further characterization of these host determinants may potentially offer novel insights to develop intervention strategies to tackle ongoing outbreaks.
Flexibility of Electric Vehicle Demand: Analysis of Measured Charging Data and Simulation for the Future
Authors: Gerritsma Marte K. , AlSkaif Tarek A. , Fidder Henk A. , van Sark Wilfried G. J. H. M.
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a method for analyzing and simulating the time-dependent flexibility of electric vehicle (EV) demand. This flexibility is influenced by charging power, which depends on the charging stations, the EV characteristics, and several environmental factors. Detailed charging station data from a Dutch case study have been analysed and used as input for a simulation. In the simulation, the interdependencies between plug-in time, connection duration, and required energy are respected. The data analysis of measured data reveals that 59% of the aggregated EV demand can be delayed for more than 8 h, and 16% for even more than 24 h. The evening peak shows high flexibility, confirming the feasibility of congestion management using smart charging within flexibility constraints. The results from the simulation show that the average daily EV demand increases by a factor 21 between the ‘Present-day’ and the ‘High’ scenario, while the maximum EV demand peak increases only by a factor 6, as a result of the limited simultaneity of the transactions. Further, simulations using the average charging power of individual measured transactions yield more accurate results than simulations using a fixed value for charging power. The proposed method for simulating future EV flexibility provides a basis for testing different smart charging algorithms.
BASIC SECTORS OF REALIZING GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION IN UKRAINE AND CHINA
Authors: Pyrozhenko Pavlo
Published: March 2019

The article analyzes background and the main trends of reformation of the school education in China, in the end of 20th - beginning of 21st century. The article shows the ways for development of the modern education system, contents of the modernization of education’s modern concept which supports a formation of personality qualities ("Suzhijiaoyu") and its differences from the traditional model - "school for higher education" ("Iulijiaoyu").
FORMATION OF THE VALUE ATTITUDE TO PARENTS IN THE PROCESS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN PRESCHOOL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND FAMILIES IN CHILDREN OF THE SENIOR PRESCHOOL AGE
Authors: Napadiy Nataliia
Published: March 2019

We pay special attention to the importance of the educational influence of the family on the child, the level of the pedagogical culture of parents and the principles of interesting and meaningful family coexistence.
Littérature et géographie : dialogue autour du récit de voyage
Authors: Bouvet Rachel , Lévy Bertrand
Published: March 2019

Ce texte fait dialoguer une littéraire et un géographe sur leurs pratiques respectives de l'écriture de voyage. Entre recherche de faits véridiques et création esthétique, le récit de voyage est envisagé tour à tour sous l'angle du langage, de la géopoétique, de l'appel du dehors, du parcours, de son rapport avec la carte et le terrain. L'article se conclut par son insertion dans l'enseignement et dans la recherche-création.
Efficient synthesis of 4-substituted-ortho-phthalaldehyde analogues: toward the emergence of new building blocks
Authors: Moitessier Clémence , Rifai Ahmad , Danjou Pierre-Edouard , Mallard Isabelle , Cazier-Dennin Francine
Published: March 2019

4-Methoxy-ortho-phthalaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-ortho-phthalaldehyde are potentially useful molecules for fluorimetric analysis of a variety of amines and for the elaboration of complex molecular architectures. Nevertheless, literature generally describes their synthesis in very low yield (below 5%), mainly due to the inefficiency of the last oxidation step. In this paper, we report a reliable synthesis of 4-substituted-ortho-phthalaldehyde analogues in 51% overall yield owing to the addition of a protecting step of the unstable key intermediate 4,5-dihydroisobenzofuran-5-ol. Oxidation and deprotection steps were also studied in order to provide an effective availability of these two dialdehyde compounds that may increase their future applications.
Dancing in the Dark: Uncertainty in Ultrafaint Dwarf Galaxy Predictions from Cosmological Simulations
Authors: Munshi Ferah , Brooks Alyson M. , Christensen Charlotte , Applebaum Elaad , Holley-Bockelmann Kelly , Quinn Thomas R. , Wadsley James
Published: March 2019

The existence of ultrafaint dwarf (UFD) galaxies highlights the need to push our theoretical understanding of galaxies to extremely low mass. We examine the formation of UFDs by twice running a fully cosmological simulation of dwarf galaxies, but varying star formation. One run uses a temperature–density threshold for star formation, while the other uses an H2-based subgrid star formation model. The total number of dwarf galaxies that form is different by a factor of 2 between the two runs, but most of these are satellites, leading to a factor of 5 difference in the number of luminous UFD companions around more massive, isolated dwarfs. The first run yields a 47% chance of finding a satellite around an M
halo ∼ 1010
M
⊙ host, while the H2 run predicts only a 16% chance. Metallicity is the primary physical parameter that creates this difference. As metallicity decreases, the formation of H2 is slowed and relegated to higher-density material. Thus, our H2 run is unable to form many (and often, any) stars before reionization removes gas. These results emphasize that predictions for UFD properties made using hydrodynamic simulations, in particular regarding the frequency of satellites around dwarf galaxies, the slope of the stellar mass function at low masses, and the properties of ultrafaint galaxies occupying the smallest halos, are extremely sensitive to the subgrid physics of star formation contained within the simulation. However, upcoming discoveries of UFDs will provide invaluable constraining power on the physics of the first star formation.
Two Predictions of Supernova: GRB 130427A/SN 2013cq and GRB 180728A/SN 2018fip
Authors: Wang Y. , Rueda J. A. , Ruffini R. , Becerra L. , Bianco C. , Becerra L. , Li L. , Karlica M.
Published: March 2019

On 2018 July 28, GRB 180728A triggered Swift satellites and, soon after the determination of the redshift, we identified this source as a type II binary-driven hypernova (BdHN II) in our model. Consequently, we predicted the appearance time of its associated supernova (SN), which was later confirmed as SN 2018fip. A BdHN II originates in a binary composed of a carbon–oxygen core (COcore) undergoing SN, and the SN ejecta hypercritically accrete onto a companion neutron star (NS). From the time of the SN shock breakout to the time when the hypercritical accretion starts, we infer the binary separation ≃3 × 1010 cm. The accretion explains the prompt emission of isotropic energy ≃3 × 1051 erg, lasting ∼10 s, and the accompanying observed blackbody emission from a thermal convective instability bubble. The new neutron star (νNS) originating from the SN powers the late afterglow from which a νNS initial spin of 2.5 ms is inferred. We compare GRB 180728A with GRB 130427A, a type I binary-driven hypernova (BdHN I) with isotropic energy >1054 erg. For GRB 130427A we have inferred an initially closer binary separation of ≃1010 cm, implying a higher accretion rate leading to the collapse of the NS companion with consequent black hole formation, and a faster, 1 ms spinning νNS. In both cases, the optical spectra of the SNe are similar, and not correlated to the energy of the gamma-ray burst. We present three-dimensional smoothed-particle-hydrodynamic simulations and visualizations of the BdHNe I and II.