bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Gaseous Elemental Mercury in Acidified Water: Evaluation of Possible Sinking Pathway of Atmospheric Gaseous Mercury in Acid Cloud, Fog, and Rain Droplets
Authors: Irei Satoshi
Published: January 2021

This is the first report investigating the transformation of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), the major form of airborne mercury, into oxidized mercury in bulk liquid, a possible sinking pathway of atmospheric GEM in clouds, fog, rain droplets and ocean spray. A 100–150 ng m−3 GEM standard gas, a 50–150 times higher concentration than the typical atmospheric concentration, was introduced into a 2.5 L rectangular glass vessel, at the bottom of which a 0.5 L uptake solution of pure water (pH 6–7), weakly acidified pure water with sulfuric or nitric acid (pH 3.2–3.6) or seawater (pH 8) was resting. The standard gas was introduced into the space above the solution in the vessel at the rate of 0.82 L min−1 and exited from the opposite end of the vessel, which was open to the room’s pressure. After exposing the solution to the gas for 0.5–4 h, a portion of the uptake solution was sampled, and the dissolved elemental mercury (Hg0aq) and dissolved oxidized mercury (Hg2+aq) in the solution were analyzed by the conventional trapping method, followed by cold vapor atomic fluorescent spectrometer measurements. The results showed that the quantities of total dissolved mercury (THgaq = Hg0aq + Hg2+aq) in the pure water and seawater were compatible, but those were slightly lower than the equilibrated Hg0aq concentrations estimated from Henry’s law, suggesting non-equilibrium throughout the whole solution. In contrast, the quantity of Hg2+aq and THgaq in the acidified pure water with sulfuric acid was significantly enhanced. Over the 4 h exposure, the THgaq concentrations were two times higher than the equilibrated Hg0aq concentration. This was due to the slow oxidation reaction of Hg0aq by the sulfuric acid in the bulk phase. Using the collision rate of GEM with the surface of the solution and the observed uptake, the estimated uptake coefficient of GEM by this uptake was (5.5 ± 1.6) × 10−6. Under the typical atmospheric concentration, this magnitude results in an atmospheric lifetime of 4970 years, negligibly small compared with other atmospheric oxidation processes.
Demonstration of the Systematic Evaluation of an Optical Lattice Clock Using the Drift-Insensitive Self-Comparison Method
Authors: Zhou Chihua , Lu Xiaotong , Lu Benquan , Wang Yebing , Chang Hong
Published: January 2021

The self-comparison method is a powerful tool in the uncertainty evaluation of optical lattice clocks, but any drifts will cause a frequency offset between the two compared clock loops and thus lead to incorrect measurement result. We propose a drift-insensitive self-comparison method to remove this frequency offset by adjusting the clock detection sequence. We also experimentally demonstrate the validity of this method in a one-dimensional 87Sr optical lattice clock. As the clock laser frequency drift exists, the measured frequency difference between two identical clock loops is (240 ± 34) mHz using the traditional self-comparison method, while it is (−15 ± 16) mHz using the drift-insensitive self-comparison method, indicating that this frequency offset is cancelled within current measurement precision. We further use the drift-insensitive self-comparison technique to measure the collisional shift and the second-order Zeeman shift of our clock and the results show that the fractional collisional shift and the second-order Zeeman shift are 4.54(28) × 10−16 and 5.06(3) × 10−17, respectively.
Effect of Compressive Strain Rate on Auxetic Foam
Authors: Duncan Olly , Bailly Nicolas , Allen Tom , Petit Yvan , Wagnac Eric , Alderson Andrew
Published: January 2021

Auxetic foams have previously been shown to have benefits including higher indentation resistance than their conventional counterparts, due to their negative Poisson’s ratio, making them better at resisting penetration by concentrated loads. The Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus of auxetic open cell foams have rarely been measured at the high compressive strain rates typical during impacts of energy absorbing material in sporting protective equipment. Auxetic closed cell foams are less common than their open cell counterparts, and only their quasi-static characteristics have been previously reported. It is, therefore, unclear how the Poisson’s ratio of auxetic foam, and associated benefits such as increased indentation resistance shown at low strain rates, would transfer to the high strain rates expected under impact. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of strain rate on the stiffness and Poisson’s ratio of auxetic and conventional foam. Auxetic open cell and closed cell polymer foams were fabricated, then compression tested to ~80% strain at applied rates up to 200 s−1, with Poisson’s ratios obtained from optical full-field strain mapping. Open cell foam quasi-static Poisson’s ratios ranged from −2.0 to 0.4, with a narrower range of −0.1 to 0.3 for closed cell foam. Poisson’s ratios of auxetic foams approximately halved in magnitude between the minimum and maximum strain rates. Open cell foam quasi-static Young’s moduli were between 0.02 and 0.09 MPa, whereas closed cell foams Young’s moduli were ~1 MPa, which is like foam in protective equipment. The Young’s moduli of the auxetic foams approximately doubled at the highest applied strain rate of 200 s−1.
Robust Optimal Tracking Control of a Full-Bridge DC-AC Converter
Authors: Chang En-Chih , Cheng Chun-An , Wu Rong-Ching
Published: January 2021

This paper develops a full-bridge DC-AC converter, which uses a robust optimal tracking control strategy to procure a high-quality sine output waveshape even in the presence of unpredictable intermissions. The proposed strategy brings out the advantages of non-singular fast convergent terminal attractor (NFCTA) and chaos particle swarm optimization (CPSO). Compared with a typical TA, the NFCTA affords fast convergence within a limited time to the steady-state situation, and keeps away from the possibility of singularity through its sliding surface design. It is worth noting that once the NFCTA-controlled DC-AC converter encounters drastic changes in internal parameters or the influence of external non-linear loads, the trembling with low-control precision will occur and the aggravation of transient and steady-state performance yields. Although the traditional PSO algorithm has the characteristics of simple implementation and fast convergence, the search process lacks diversity and converges prematurely. So, it is impossible to deviate from the local extreme value, resulting in poor solution quality or search stagnation. Thereby, an improved version of traditional PSO called CPSO is used to discover global optimal NFCTA parameters, which can preclude precocious convergence to local solutions, mitigating the tremor as well as enhancing DC-AC converter performance. By using the proposed stable closed-loop full-bridge DC-AC converter with a hybrid strategy integrating NFCTA and CPSO, low total harmonic distortion (THD) output-voltage and fast dynamic load response are generated under nonlinear rectifier-type load situations and during sudden load changes, respectively. Simulation results are done by the Matlab/Simulink environment, and experimental results of a digital signal processor (DSP) controlled full-bridge DC-AC converter prototype confirm the usefulness of the proposed strategy.
Tropical Overshooting Cloud-Top Height Retrieval from Himawari-8 Imagery Based on Random Forest Model
Authors: Wang Gaoyun , Wang Hongqing , Zhuang Yizhou , Wu Qiong , Chen Siyue , Kang Haokai
Published: January 2021

Tropical overshooting convection has a strong impact on both heat budget and moisture distribution in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, and it can pose a great risk to aviation safety. Cloud-top height is one of the essential concerns of overshooting convection for both the climate system and the aviation weather forecast. The main purpose of our work is to verify the application of the machine learning method, taking the random forest (RF) model as an instance, in overshooting cloud-top height retrieval from Himawari-8 data. By using collocated CloudSat observations as a reference, we utilize several infrared indicators of Himawari-8 that are commonly recognized to relate to cloud-top height, along with some temporal and geographical parameters (latitude, month, satellite zenith angle, etc.), as predictors to construct and validate the model. Analysis of variable importance shows that the brightness temperature of 6.2 um acts as the dominant predictor, followed by satellite zenith angle, brightness temperature of 13.3 um, latitude, and month. In the comparison between the RF model and the traditional single-channel interpolation method, retrievals from the RF model agree well with observation with a high correlation coefficient (0.92), small RMSE (222 m), and small MAE (164 m), while these metrics from traditional single-channel interpolation method shows lower skills (0.70, 1305 m, and 1179 m). This work presents a new sight of overshooting cloud-top height retrieval based on the machine learning method.
Road Emissions in London: Insights from Geographically Detailed Classification and Regression Modelling
Authors: Sfyridis Alexandros , Agnolucci Paolo
Published: January 2021

Greenhouse gases and air pollutant emissions originating from road transport continues to rise in the UK, indicating a significant contribution to climate change and negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, emissions are usually estimated at aggregated levels, and on many occasions roads of minor importance are not taken into account, normally due to lack of traffic counts. This paper presents a methodology enabling estimation of air pollutants and CO2 for each street segment in the Greater London area. This is achieved by applying a hybrid probabilistic classification–regression approach on a set of variables believed to affect traffic volumes and utilizing emission factors. The output reveals pollution hot spots and the effects of open spaces in a spatially rich dataset. Considering the disaggregated approach, the methodology can be used to facilitate policy making for both local and national aggregated levels.
Human Saliva-Mediated Hydrolysis of Eugenyl-β-D-Glucoside and Fluorescein-di-β-D-Glucoside in In Vivo and In Vitro Models
Authors: Dziadas Mariusz , Junka Adam , Jeleń Henryk
Published: January 2021

Eugenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, also referred to as Citrusin C, is a natural glucoside found among others in cloves, basil and cinnamon plants. Eugenol in a form of free aglycone is used in perfumeries, flavourings, essential oils and in medicinal products. Synthetic Citrusin C was incubated with human saliva in several in vitro models together with substrate-specific enzyme and antibiotics (clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin trihydrate and potassium clavulanate). Citrusin C was detected using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Citrusin C was completely degraded only when incubated with substrate-specific A. niger glucosidase E.C 3.2.1.21 (control sample) and when incubated with human saliva (tested sample). The addition of antibiotics to the above-described experimental setting, stopped Citrusin C degradation, indicating microbiologic origin of hydrolysis observed. Our results demonstrate that Citrusin C is subjected to complete degradation by salivary/oral cavity microorganisms. Extrapolation of our results allows to state that in the human oral cavity, virtually all β-D-glucosides would follow this type of hydrolysis. Additionally, a new method was developed for an in vivo rapid test of glucosidase activity in the human mouth on the tongue using fluorescein-di-β-D-glucoside as substrate. The results presented in this study serve as a proof of concept for the hypothesis that microbial hydrolysis path of β-D-glucosides begins immediately in the human mouth and releases the aglycone directly into the gastrointestinal tract.
BanLec-eGFP Chimera as a Tool for Evaluation of Lectin Binding to High-Mannose Glycans on Microorganisms
Authors: Lopandić Zorana , Dragačević Luka , Popović Dragan , Andjelković Uros , Minić Rajna , Gavrović-Jankulović Marija
Published: January 2021

Fluorescently labeled lectins are useful tools for in vivo and in vitro studies of the structure and function of tissues and various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. For the evaluation of high-mannose glycans present on various glycoproteins, a three-dimensional (3D) model of the chimera was designed from the crystal structures of recombinant banana lectin (BanLec, Protein Data Bank entry (PDB): 5EXG) and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP, PDB 4EUL) by applying molecular modeling and molecular mechanics and expressed in Escherichia coli. BanLec-eGFP, produced as a soluble cytosolic protein of about 42 kDa, revealed β-sheets (41%) as the predominant secondary structures, with the emission peak maximum detected at 509 nm (excitation wavelength 488 nm). More than 65% of the primary structure was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Competitive BanLec-eGFP binding to high mannose glycans of the influenza vaccine (Vaxigrip®) was shown in a fluorescence-linked lectin sorbent assay (FLLSA) with monosaccharides (mannose and glucose) and wild type BanLec and H84T BanLec mutant. BanLec-eGFP exhibited binding to mannose residues on different strains of Salmonella in flow cytometry, with especially pronounced binding to a Salmonella Typhi clinical isolate. BanLec-eGFP can be a useful tool for screening high-mannose glycosylation sites on different microorganisms.
Mining Grapevine Downy Mildew Susceptibility Genes: A Resource for Genomics-Based Breeding and Tailored Gene Editing
Authors: Pirrello Carlotta , Zeilmaker Tieme , Bianco Luca , Giacomelli Lisa , Moser Claudio , Vezzulli Silvia
Published: January 2021

Several pathogens continuously threaten viticulture worldwide. Until now, the investigation on resistance loci has been the main trend to understand the interaction between grapevine and the mildew causal agents. Dominantly inherited gene-based resistance has shown to be race-specific in some cases, to confer partial immunity, and to be potentially overcome within a few years since its introgression. Recently, on the footprint of research conducted in Arabidopsis, putative genes associated with downy mildew susceptibility have been discovered also in the grapevine genome. In this work, we deep-sequenced four putative susceptibility genes—namely VvDMR6.1, VvDMR6.2, VvDLO1, VvDLO2—in 190 genetically diverse grapevine genotypes to discover new sources of broad-spectrum and recessively inherited resistance. Identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms were screened in a bottleneck analysis from the genetic sequence to their impact on protein structure. Fifty-five genotypes showed at least one impacting mutation in one or more of the scouted genes. Haplotypes were inferred for each gene and two of them at the VvDMR6.2 gene were found significantly more represented in downy mildew resistant genotypes. The current results provide a resource for grapevine and plant genetics and could corroborate genomic-assisted breeding programs as well as tailored gene editing approaches for resistance to biotic stresses.
Do Pregnancy-Induced Brain Changes Reverse? The Brain of a Mother Six Years after Parturition
Authors: Martínez-García Magdalena , Paternina-Die María , Barba-Müller Erika , Martín de Blas Daniel , Beumala Laura , Cortizo Romina , Pozzobon Cristina , Marcos-Vidal Luis , Fernández-Pena Alberto , Picado Marisol , Belmonte-Padilla Elena , Massó-Rodriguez Anna , Ballesteros Agustin , Desco Manuel , Vilarroya Óscar , Hoekzema Elseline , Carmona Susanna
Published: January 2021

Neuroimaging researchers commonly assume that the brain of a mother is comparable to that of a nulliparous woman. However, pregnancy leads to pronounced gray matter volume reductions in the mother’s brain, which have been associated with maternal attachment towards the baby. Beyond two years postpartum, no study has explored whether these brain changes are maintained or instead return to pre-pregnancy levels. The present study tested whether gray matter volume reductions detected in primiparous women are still present six years after parturition. Using data from a unique, prospective neuroimaging study, we compared the gray matter volume of 25 primiparous and 22 nulliparous women across three sessions: before conception (n = 25/22), during the first months of postpartum (n = 25/21), and at six years after parturition (n = 7/5). We found that most of the pregnancy-induced gray matter volume reductions persist six years after parturition (classifying women as having been pregnant or not with 91.67% of total accuracy). We also found that brain changes at six years postpartum are associated with measures of mother-to-infant attachment. These findings open the possibility that pregnancy-induced brain changes are permanent and encourage neuroimaging studies to routinely include pregnancy-related information as a relevant demographic variable.
GYNOCARE Update: Modern Strategies to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Rare Gynecologic Tumors—Current Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Di Fiore Riccardo , Suleiman Sherif , Ellul Bridget , O’Toole Sharon A. , Savona-Ventura Charles , Felix Ana , Napolioni Valerio , Conlon Neil T. , Kahramanoglu Ilker , Azzopardi Miriam J. , Dalmas Miriam , Calleja Neville , Brincat Mark R. , Muscat-Baron Yves , Sabol Maja , Dimitrievska Vera , Yordanov Angel , Vasileva-Slaveva Mariela , von Brockdorff Kristelle , Micallef Rachel A. , Kubelac Paul , Achimaș-Cadariu Patriciu , Vlad Catalin , Tzortzatou Olga , Poka Robert , Giordano Antonio , Felice Alex , Reed Nicholas , Herrington C. Simon , Faraggi David , Calleja-Agius Jean
Published: January 2021

More than 50% of all gynecologic tumors can be classified as rare (defined as an incidence of ≤6 per 100,000 women) and usually have a poor prognosis owing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. In contrast to almost all other common solid tumors, the treatment of rare gynecologic tumors (RGT) is often based on expert opinion, retrospective studies, or extrapolation from other tumor sites with similar histology, leading to difficulty in developing guidelines for clinical practice. Currently, gynecologic cancer research, due to distinct scientific and technological challenges, is lagging behind. Moreover, the overall efforts for addressing these challenges are fragmented across different European countries and indeed, worldwide. The GYNOCARE, COST Action CA18117 (European Network for Gynecological Rare Cancer Research) programme aims to address these challenges through the creation of a unique network between key stakeholders covering distinct domains from concept to cure: basic research on RGT, biobanking, bridging with industry, and setting up the legal and regulatory requirements for international innovative clinical trials. On this basis, members of this COST Action, (Working Group 1, “Basic and Translational Research on Rare Gynecological Cancer”) have decided to focus their future efforts on the development of new approaches to improve the diagnosis and treatment of RGT. Here, we provide a brief overview of the current state-of-the-art and describe the goals of this COST Action and its future challenges with the aim to stimulate discussion and promote synergy across scientists engaged in the fight against this rare cancer worldwide.
Derivation and Application of Molecular Signatures to Prostate Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Doultsinos Dimitrios , Mills Ian G.
Published: January 2021

Prostate cancer is a high-incidence cancer that requires improved patient stratification to ensure accurate predictions of risk and treatment response. Due to the significant contributions of transcription factors and epigenetic regulators to prostate cancer progression, there has been considerable progress made in developing gene signatures that may achieve this. Some of these are aligned to activities of key drivers such as the androgen receptor, whilst others are more agnostic. In this review, we present an overview of these signatures, the strategies for their derivation, and future perspectives on their continued development and evolution.
Research Strategies for Low-Survival Cancers
Authors: Conway Caroline , Collins Denis M. , McCann Amanda , Dean Kellie
Published: January 2021

While substantial progress has been made to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and survivorship of patients with cancer, certain cancer types, along with metastatic and refractory disease, remain clinical challenges. To improve patient outcomes, ultimately, the cancer research community must meet and overcome these challenges, leading to improved approaches to treat the most difficult cancers. Here, we discuss research progress aimed at gaining a better understanding of the molecular and cellular changes in tumor cells and the surrounding stroma, presented at the 56th Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) Annual Conference. With a focus on poor prognosis cancers, such as esophageal and chemo-resistant colorectal cancers, we highlight how detailed molecular knowledge of tumor and stromal biology can provide windows of opportunity for biomarker discovery and therapeutic targets. Even with previously characterized targets, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), one of the most altered proteins in all human cancers, new insights into how this protein may be more effectively inhibited through novel combination therapies is presented.
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms and Serum Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 with the Prognosis in Children with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Moreno-Guerrero Silvia Selene , Ramírez-Pacheco Arturo , Rocha-Ramírez Luz María , Hernández-Pliego Gabriela , Eguía-Aguilar Pilar , Escobar-Sánchez María Argelia , Reyes-López Alfonso , Juárez-Villegas Luis Enrique , Sienra-Monge Juan José Luis
Published: January 2021

There is evidence that high circulating levels of IL-6 and IL-8 are markers of a poor prognosis in various types of cancer, including NB. The participation of these cytokines in the tumor microenvironment has been described to promote progression and metastasis. Our objective was to evaluate the prognostic role of genetic polymorphisms and serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in a cohort of Mexican pediatric patients with NB. The detection of the SNPs rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 and rs2227306 IL-8 was carried out by PCR-RFLP and the levels of cytokines were determined by the ELISA method. We found elevated circulating levels of IL-8 and IL-6 in NB patients compared to the control group. The genotype frequencies of the rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 IL-8 variants were different between the patients with NB and the control group. Likewise, the survival analysis showed that the GG genotypes of rs1800795 IL-6 (p = 0.014) and AA genotypes of rs4073 IL-8 (p = 0.002), as well as high levels of IL-6 (p = 0.009) and IL-8 (p = 0.046), were associated with lower overall survival. We confirmed the impact on an adverse prognosis in a multivariate model. This study suggests that the SNPs rs1800795 IL-6 and rs4073 IL-8 and their serum levels could be promising biomarkers of a poor prognosis, associated with overall survival, metastasis, and a high risk in Mexican children with NB.
Deep Eutectic Solvents as Catalysts for Upgrading Biomass
Authors: Kalhor Payam , Ghandi Khashayar
Published: January 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising green solvents, due to their versatility and properties such as high biodegradability, inexpensiveness, ease of preparation and negligible vapor pressure. Thus, DESs have been used as sustainable media and green catalysts in many chemical processes. On the other hand, lignocellulosic biomass as an abundant source of renewable carbon has received ample interest for the production of biobased chemicals. In this review, the state of the art of the catalytic use of DESs in upgrading the biomass-related substances towards biofuels and value-added chemicals is presented, and the gap in the knowledge is indicated to direct the future research.
Glial Cell Dysfunction in C9orf72-Related Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Ghasemi Mehdi , Keyhanian Kiandokht , Douthwright Catherine
Published: January 2021

Since the discovery of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansion mutation in 2011 as the most common genetic abnormality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progress in understanding the signaling pathways related to this mutation can only be described as intriguing. Two major theories have been suggested—(i) loss of function or haploinsufficiency and (ii) toxic gain of function from either C9orf72 repeat RNA or dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) generated from repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation. Each theory has provided various signaling pathways that potentially participate in the disease progression. Dysregulation of the immune system, particularly glial cell dysfunction (mainly microglia and astrocytes), is demonstrated to play a pivotal role in both loss and gain of function theories of C9orf72 pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the pathogenic roles of glial cells in C9orf72 ALS/FTD as evidenced by pre-clinical and clinical studies showing the presence of gliosis in C9orf72 ALS/FTD, pathologic hallmarks in glial cells, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and p62 aggregates, and toxicity of C9orf72 glial cells. A better understanding of these pathways can provide new insights into the development of therapies targeting glial cell abnormalities in C9orf72 ALS/FTD.
Extrinsic Regulators of mRNA Translation in Developing Brain: Story of WNTs
Authors: Park Yongkyu , Lofton Midori , Li Diana , Rasin Mladen-Roko
Published: January 2021

Extrinsic molecules such as morphogens can regulate timed mRNA translation events in developing neurons. In particular, Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3 (Wnt3), was shown to regulate the translation of Foxp2 mRNA encoding a Forkhead transcription factor P2 in the neocortex. However, the Wnt receptor that possibly mediates these translation events remains unknown. Here, we report Frizzled member 7 (Fzd7) as the Wnt3 receptor that lays downstream in Wnt3-regulated mRNA translation. Fzd7 proteins co-localize with Wnt3 ligands in developing neocortices. In addition, the Fzd7 proteins overlap in layer-specific neuronal subpopulations expressing different transcription factors, Foxp1 and Foxp2. When Fzd7 was silenced, we found decreased Foxp2 protein expression and increased Foxp1 protein expression, respectively. The Fzd7 silencing also disrupted the migration of neocortical glutamatergic neurons. In contrast, Fzd7 overexpression reversed the pattern of migratory defects and Foxp protein expression that we found in the Fzd7 silencing. We further discovered that Fzd7 is required for Wnt3-induced Foxp2 mRNA translation. Surprisingly, we also determined that the Fzd7 suppression of Foxp1 protein expression is not Wnt3 dependent. In conclusion, it is exhibited that the interaction between Wnt3 and Fzd7 regulates neuronal identity and the Fzd7 receptor functions as a downstream factor in ligand Wnt3 signaling for mRNA translation. In particular, the Wnt3-Fzd7 signaling axis determines the deep layer Foxp2-expressing neurons of developing neocortices. Our findings also suggest that Fzd7 controls the balance of the expression for Foxp transcription factors in developing neocortical neurons. These discoveries are presented in our manuscript within a larger framework of this review on the role of extrinsic factors in regulating mRNA translation.
The Role of Non-Canonical Hsp70s (Hsp110/Grp170) in Cancer
Authors: Chakafana Graham , Shonhai Addmore
Published: January 2021

Although cancers account for over 16% of all global deaths annually, at present, no reliable therapies exist for most types of the disease. As protein folding facilitators, heat shock proteins (Hsps) play an important role in cancer development. Not surprisingly, Hsps are among leading anticancer drug targets. Generally, Hsp70s are divided into two main subtypes: canonical Hsp70 (Escherichia coli Hsp70/DnaK homologues) and the non-canonical (Hsp110 and Grp170) members. These two main Hsp70 groups are delineated from each other by distinct structural and functional specifications. Non-canonical Hsp70s are considered as holdase chaperones, while canonical Hsp70s are refoldases. This unique characteristic feature is mirrored by the distinct structural features of these two groups of chaperones. Hsp110/Grp170 members are larger as they possess an extended acidic insertion in their substrate binding domains. While the role of canonical Hsp70s in cancer has received a fair share of attention, the roles of non-canonical Hsp70s in cancer development has received less attention in comparison. In the current review, we discuss the structure-function features of non-canonical Hsp70s members and how these features impact their role in cancer development. We further mapped out their interactome and discussed the prospects of targeting these proteins in cancer therapy.
Cytoprotective Effects of Taurine on Heat-Induced Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Bai Hui , Li Tingting , Yu Yan , Zhou Ningcong , Kou Huijuan , Guo Yingying , Yang Liang , Yan Peishi
Published: January 2021

It is a widely known that heat stress induces a reduction in milk production in cows and impairs their overall health. Studies have shown that taurine protects tissues and organs under heat stress. However, there have yet to be studies showing the functions of taurine in mammary alveolar cells-large T antigen (MAC-T) (a bovine mammary epithelial cell line) cells under heat shock. Therefore, different concentrations of taurine (10 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM) were tested to determine the effects on heat-induced MAC-T cells. The results showed that taurine protected the cells against heat-induced damage as shown by morphological observations in conjunction with suppressed the translocation and expression of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). Moreover, taurine not only reversed the decline in antioxidase (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)) activities but also attenuated the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, mitochondrial damage (morphology and complex I activity) resulting from heat exposure was mitigated. Taurine also alleviated the rates of cell apoptosis and markedly depressed the mRNA expressions of BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX) and caspase3. Furthermore, compared with the heat stress (HS) group, the protein levels of caspase3 and cleaved caspase3 were decreased in all taurine groups. In summary, taurine improves the antioxidant and anti-apoptosis ability of MAC-T cells thereby alleviates damage of cells due to heat insults.
Functional Genomics Approaches to Elucidate Vulnerabilities of Intrinsic and Acquired Chemotherapy Resistance
Authors: Cetin Ronay , Quandt Eva , Kaulich Manuel
Published: January 2021

Drug resistance is a commonly unavoidable consequence of cancer treatment that results in therapy failure and disease relapse. Intrinsic (pre-existing) or acquired resistance mechanisms can be drug-specific or be applicable to multiple drugs, resulting in multidrug resistance. The presence of drug resistance is, however, tightly coupled to changes in cellular homeostasis, which can lead to resistance-coupled vulnerabilities. Unbiased gene perturbations through RNAi and CRISPR technologies are invaluable tools to establish genotype-to-phenotype relationships at the genome scale. Moreover, their application to cancer cell lines can uncover new vulnerabilities that are associated with resistance mechanisms. Here, we discuss targeted and unbiased RNAi and CRISPR efforts in the discovery of drug resistance mechanisms by focusing on first-in-line chemotherapy and their enforced vulnerabilities, and we present a view forward on which measures should be taken to accelerate their clinical translation.
Spermine: Its Emerging Role in Regulating Drought Stress Responses in Plants
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahadi , Skalicky Milan , Jahan Mohammad Shah , Hossain Md. Nazmul , Anwar Zunaira , Nie Zheng-Fei , Alabdallah Nadiyah M. , Brestic Marian , Hejnak Vaclav , Fang Xiang-Wen
Published: January 2021

In recent years, research on spermine (Spm) has turned up a lot of new information about this essential polyamine, especially as it is able to counteract damage from abiotic stresses. Spm has been shown to protect plants from a variety of environmental insults, but whether it can prevent the adverse effects of drought has not yet been reported. Drought stress increases endogenous Spm in plants and exogenous application of Spm improves the plants’ ability to tolerate drought stress. Spm’s role in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms, glyoxalase systems, methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification, and creating tolerance for drought-induced oxidative stress is well documented in plants. However, the influences of enzyme activity and osmoregulation on Spm biosynthesis and metabolism are variable. Spm interacts with other molecules like nitric oxide (NO) and phytohormones such as abscisic acid, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids, and ethylene, to coordinate the reactions necessary for developing drought tolerance. This review focuses on the role of Spm in plants under severe drought stress. We have proposed models to explain how Spm interacts with existing defense mechanisms in plants to improve drought tolerance.
Properties of Bare and Thin-Film-Covered GaN(0001) Surfaces
Authors: Grodzicki Miłosz
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the surface properties of bare and film-covered gallium nitride (GaN) in wurtzite form, (0001) oriented, are summarized. Thin films of several elements—manganese, nickel, palladium, arsenic, and antimony—were formed by the physical vapor deposition method. The results of the bare surfaces, as well as the thin film/GaN(0001) phase boundaries presented, were characterized by X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS). Basic information on the electronic properties of GaN(0001) surfaces are shown. Different behaviors of the thin films, after postdeposition annealing in ultrahigh vacuum conditions such as surface alloying and subsurface dissolving and desorbing, were found. The metal films formed surface alloys with gallium (MnGa, NiGa, PdGa), while the semimetal (As, Sb) layers easily evaporate from the GaN(0001) surface. However, the layer in direct contact with the substrate could react with it, modifying the surface properties of GaN(0001).
Scaling of Phase Diagram and Critical Point Parameters in Liquid-Vapour Phase Transition of Metallic Fluids
Authors: Menon S.V.G.
Published: January 2021

The first objective of this paper is to investigate the scaling behavior of liquid-vapor phase transition in FCC and BCCmetals starting from the zero-temperature four-parameter formula for cohesive energy. The effective potentials between the atoms in the solid are determined while using lattice inversion techniques as a function of scaling variables in the four-parameter formula. These potentials are split into repulsive and attractive parts, as per the Weeks–Chandler–Anderson prescription, and used in the coupling-parameter expansion for solving the Ornstein–Zernike equation that was supplemented with an accurate closure. Thermodynamic quantities obtained via the correlation functions are used in order to obtain critical point parameters and liquid-vapor phase diagrams. Their dependence on the scaling variables in the cohesive energy formula are also determined. An equally important second objective of the paper is to revisit coupling parameter expansion for solving the Ornstein–Zernike equation. The Newton–Armijo non-linear solver and Krylov-space based linear solvers are employed in this regard. These methods generate a robust algorithm that can be used to span the entire fluid region, except very low temperatures. The accuracy of the method is established by comparing the phase diagrams with those that were obtained via computer simulation. The avoidance of the ’no-solution-region’ of the Ornstein-Zernike equation in coupling-parameter expansion is also discussed. Details of the method and complete algorithm provided here would make this technique more accessible to researchers investigating the thermodynamic properties of one component fluids.
Porous Characteristics of Three-Dimensional Disordered Graphene Networks
Authors: Wang YongChao , Zhu YinBo , Wu HengAn
Published: January 2021

The porous characteristics of disordered carbons are critical factors to their performance on hydrogen storage and electrochemical capacitors. Even though the porous information can be estimated indirectly by gas adsorption experiments, it is still hard to directly characterize the porous morphology considering the complex 3D connectivity. To this end, we construct full-atom disordered graphene networks (DGNs) by mimicking the chlorination process of carbide-derived carbons using annealing-MD simulations, which could model the structure of disordered carbons at the atomic scale. The porous characteristics, including pore volume, pore size distribution (PSD), and specific surface area (SSA), were then computed from the coordinates of carbon atoms. From the evolution of structural features, pores grow dramatically during the formation of polyaromatic fragments and sequent disordered framework. Then structure is further graphitized while the PSD shows little change. For the obtained DGNs, the porosity, pore size, and SSA increase with decreasing density. Furthermore, SSA tends to saturate in the low-density range. The DGNs annealed at low temperatures exhibit larger SSA than high-temperature DGNs because of the abundant free edges.
Optimization of Tunnel Field-Effect Transistor-Based ESD Protection Network
Authors: Zhu Zhihua , Yang Zhaonian , Fan Xiaomei , Zhang Yingtao , Liou Juin Jei , Fan Wenbing
Published: January 2021

The tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) is a potential candidate for replacing the reverse diode and providing a secondary path in a whole-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection network. In this paper, the ESD characteristics of a traditional point TFET, a line TFET and a Ge-source TFET are investigated using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations, and an improved TFET-based whole-chip ESD protection scheme is proposed. It is found that the Ge-source TFET has a lower trigger voltage and higher failure current compared to the traditional point and line TFETs. However, the Ge-source TFET-based secondary path in the whole-chip ESD protection network is more vulnerable compared to the primary path due to the low thermal instability. Simulation results show that choosing the proper germanium mole fraction in the source region can balance the discharge ability and thermal failure risk, consequently enhancing the whole-chip ESD robustness.
Renal Tumors with Oncocytic and Papillary Features: A Phenotypic and Genotypic Study
Authors: Franceschini Tania , Giunchi Francesca , Mollica Veronica , Altimari Annalisa , Capizzi Elisa , Banfi Mattia , Schiavina Riccardo , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Massari Francesco
Published: January 2021

The occurrence of kidney oncocytic lesions with an admixed papillary component is not unusual in routine pathology practice. These neoplasms with dual morphology are classically recognized as collision tumors with variable malignant potential. Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated fluorescent in situ hybridization and next generation sequencing of the genetic and phenotypic profiles in the two components of 11 kidney tumors with colliding oncocytic and papillary features. The oncocytic component was CD117 positive, CK7 negative, and AMACR negative; the papillary component was CK7 positive, AMACR positive, and CD117 negative in all cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results were inconsistent. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis demonstrated that the mutations identified in the two tumor components were identical and displayed an allelic frequency of approximately 50%, strongly suspicious for genetic polymorphisms. The two oncocytic and papillary tumor counterparts shared the same genetic profile and did not harbor pathogenic mutations. Clinical confirmation of the biological benign features of these tumors is required. The term collision tumor is not suitable for these neoplasms, and we propose the term oncopapillary tumor for this histological entity.
Photodynamic Diagnosis-Assisted Transurethral Resection Using Oral 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Decreases the Risk of Repeated Recurrence in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Cumulative Incidence Analysis by the Person-Time Method
Authors: Miyake Makito , Nishimura Nobutaka , Nakai Yasushi , Fujii Tomomi , Owari Takuya , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hirao Yoshihiko , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: January 2021

Clinical evidence regarding risk reduction of repeated bladder recurrence after initial photodynamic diagnosis (PDD)-assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is still limited in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). We analyzed patients with primary NMIBC undergoing TURBT without any adjuvant treatment to compare the risk of cumulative recurrence between the conventional white-light (WL)-TURBT and PDD-TURBT. Out of 430 patients diagnosed with primary NMIBC from 2010 to 2019, 40 undergoing WL-TURBT and 60 undergoing PDD-TURBT were eligible. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for time to the first recurrence demonstrated that PDD assistance was an independent prognostic factor with better outcome (p = 0.038, hazard ratio = 0.39, and 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.95). While no patient experienced more than one recurrence within 1000 postoperative days in the PDD-TURBT group, five out of 40 patients treated by WL-TURBT experienced repeated recurrence. The comparison of cumulative incidence per 10,000 person-days between the two groups revealed that PDD assistance decreased by 6.6 recurrences per 10,000 person-days (exact p = 0.011; incidence rate ratio 0.37, Clopper–Pearson confidence interval 0.15–0.82). This is the first study addressing PDD assistance-induced risk reduction of repeated bladder recurrence using the person-time method. Our findings could support clinical decision making, especially on adjuvant therapy after TURBT.
StratoTrans: Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) 4G Communication Framework Applied on the Monitoring of Road Traffic and Linear Infrastructure
Authors: Guirado Robert , Padró Joan-Cristian , Zoroa Albert , Olivert José , Bukva Anica , Cavestany Pedro
Published: January 2021

This study provides an operational solution to directly connect drones to internet by means of 4G telecommunications and exploit drone acquired data, including telemetry and imagery but focusing on video transmission. The novelty of this work is the application of 4G connection to link the drone directly to a data server where video (in this case to monitor road traffic) and imagery (in the case of linear infrastructures) are processed. However, this framework is appliable to any other monitoring purpose where the goal is to send real-time video or imagery to the headquarters where the drone data is processed, analyzed, and exploited. We describe a general framework and analyze some key points, such as the hardware to use, the data stream, and the network coverage, but also the complete resulting implementation of the applied unmanned aerial system (UAS) communication system through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) featuring a long-range telemetry high-capacity video link (up to 15 Mbps, 720 p video at 30 fps with 250 ms of latency). The application results in the real-time exploitation of the video, obtaining key information for traffic managers such as vehicle tracking, vehicle classification, speed estimation, and roundabout in-out matrices. The imagery downloads and storage is also performed thorough internet, although the Structure from Motion postprocessing is not real-time due to photogrammetric workflows. In conclusion, we describe a real-case application of drone connection to internet thorough 4G network, but it can be adapted to other applications. Although 5G will -in time- surpass 4G capacities, the described framework can enhance drone performance and facilitate paths for upgrading the connection of on-board devices to the 5G network.
Complexity Measures of Heart-Rate Variability in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Alternative Pulmonary Capacities
Authors: Pimentel Renata M. M. , Ferreira Celso , Valenti Vitor , Garner David M. , Macedo Hugo , Oliveira Acary S. Bulle , Leitão Francisco Naildo Cardoso , de Abreu Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2021

Objective: the complexity of heart-rate variability (HRV) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with different pulmonary capacities was evaluated. Methods: We set these according to their pulmonary capacity, and specifically forced vital capacity (FVC). We split the groups according to FVC (FVC > 50% (n = 29) and FVC < 50% (n = 28)). In ALS, the presence of an FVC below 50% is indicative of noninvasive ventilation with two pressure levels and with the absence of other respiratory symptoms. As the number of subjects per group was different, we applied the unbalanced one-way analysis of variance (uANOVA1) test after three tests of normality, and effect size by Cohen’s d to assess parameter significance. Results: with regard to chaotic global analysis, CFP4 (p < 0.001; d = 0.91), CFP5 (p = 0.0022; d = 0.85), and CFP6 (p = 0.0009; d = 0.92) were enlarged. All entropies significantly increased. Shannon (p = 0.0005; d = 0.98), Renyi (p = 0.0002; d = 1.02), Tsallis (p = 0.0004; d = 0.99), approximate (p = 0.0005; d = 0.97), and sample (p < 0.0001; d = 1.22). Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) (p = 0.0358) and Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD) (p = 0.15) were statistically inconsequential between the two groups. Conclusions: HRV complexity in ALS subjects with different pulmonary capacities increased via chaotic global analysis, especially CFP5 and 3 out of 5 entropies.
Study on Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling and the Stability of a Geothermal Wellbore Structure
Authors: Huan Xiaolin , Xu Gao , Zhang Yi , Sun Feng , Xue Shifeng
Published: January 2021

For processes such as water injection in deep geothermal production, heat transfer and fluid flow are coupled and affect one another, which leads to numerous challenges in wellbore structure safety. Due to complicated wellbore structures, consisting of casing, cement sheaths, and formations under high temperature, pressure, and in situ stress, the effects of thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling are crucial for the instability control of geothermal wellbores. A THM-coupled model was developed to describe the thermal, fluid, and mechanical behavior of the casing, cement sheath, and geological environment around the geothermal wellbore. The results show that a significant disturbance of effective stress occurred mainly due to the excess pore pressure and temperature changes during cold water injection. The effective stress gradually propagated to the far-field and disrupted the integrity of the wellbore structure. A serious thermal stress concentration occurred at the junction of the cased-hole and open-hole section. When the temperature difference between the injected water and the formation was up to 160 °C, the maximum hoop tensile stress in the granite formation reached up to 43.7 MPa, as high as twice the tensile strength, which may increase the risk of collapse or rupture of the wellbore structure. The tensile radial stress, with a maximum of 31.9 MPa concentrated at the interface between the casing and cement sheath, can cause the debonding of the cementing sheath. This study provides a reference for both the prediction of THM responses and the design of drilling fluid density in geothermal development.