bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on Commercial Diesel Reforming Over an Advanced Pt/Rh Three-Way Catalyst
Authors: Chen Hanyu , Wang Xi , Pan Zhixiang , Xu Hongming
Published: July 2019

Hydrocarbon fuel reforming has been proven useful for producing hydrogen that is utilized on road vehicles, but it is associated with reaction mechanism and catalyst characterization. In this study, a reduced mechanism for n-heptane/toluene reforming over an advanced Pt/Rh TWC is adopted to investigate the effects of the reaction conditions on H2 and CO concentrations. The physical and chemical properties of the advanced catalyst are examined using SEM, XRD and XPS analyses. The contrasted experiments are conducted to study the composition variation tendency of the reforming reactor gas product. The results show that the POX reaction is most likely to occur considering the stoichiometric ratio of H2/CO, and other reactions are SR or ATR. The coke formation and carbon deposition occur on the catalyst surface, and the diffraction peaks corresponding to the metallic Pt are observed, while no obvious peaks characteristic of Rh are detected. The characteristics of the concentration trend of n-heptane/toluene reforming can represent H2 and CO yield features of diesel reforming in a way; nevertheless, the difference of the average H2 and CO concentration is remarkable.
Advanced Molecular Knowledge of Therapeutic Drugs and Natural Products Focusing on Inflammatory Cytokines in Asthma
Authors: Lin Sheng-Chieh , Shi Li-Shian , Ye Yi-Ling
Published: July 2019

Asthma is a common respiratory disease worldwide. Cytokines play a crucial role in the immune system and the inflammatory response to asthma. Abnormal cytokine expression may lead to the development of asthma, which may contribute to pathologies of this disease. As cytokines exhibit pleiotropy and redundancy characteristics, we summarized them according to their biologic activity in asthma development. We classified cytokines in three stages as follows: Group 1 cytokines for the epithelial environment stage, Group 2 cytokines for the Th2 polarization stage, and Group 3 cytokines for the tissue damage stage. The recent cytokine-targeting therapy for clinical use (anti-cytokine antibody/anti-cytokine receptor antibody) and traditional medicinal herbs (pure compounds, single herb, or natural formula) have been discussed in this review. Studies of the Group 2 anti-cytokine/anti-cytokine receptor therapies are more prominent than the studies of the other two groups. Anti-cytokine antibodies/anti-cytokine receptor antibodies for clinical use can be applied for patients who did not respond to standard treatments. For traditional medicinal herbs, anti-asthmatic bioactive compounds derived from medicinal herbs can be divided into five classes: alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyphenols, and terpenoids. However, the exact pathways targeted by these natural compounds need to be clarified. Using relevant knowledge to develop more comprehensive strategies may provide appropriate treatment for patients with asthma in the future.
Chemical Durability of Thermal Insulating Materials in Hall-Héroult Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Luneng Raymond , Bertel Søren N. , Mikkelsen Jørgen , Ratvik Arne Petter , Grande Tor
Published: July 2019

The most common thermal insulating materials used in the cathode lining in aluminum electrolysis cells are Moler (diatomaceous earth), calcium silicate, or vermiculite based materials. The thermal insulation layer is critical for the overall thermal stability of the cell and is vulnerable to volatile species, such as sodium vapor, that may penetrate through the carbon cathode and refractory layer. Here, we present an investigation of the chemical degradation of typical thermal insulating materials by exposure to sodium vapor in a laboratory test. Changes in microstructure and chemical and mineralogical composition of the exposed materials were characterized by electronic microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The materials possess different reaction patterns, ranging from deformation by creep to formation of a glassy layer reducing further sodium penetration. The results from the laboratory test were compared with chemical reactions with sodium predicted by computational thermodynamics and discussed with respect to relevant ternary phase diagrams.
7,8-dimethoxycoumarin Attenuates the Expression of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2/MCP-1 in TNF-α-Treated HaCaT Cells by Potentially Targeting the NF-κB and MAPK Pathways
Authors: Lee Nari , Chung You Chul , Kang Choon Il , Park Sung-Min , Hyun Chang-Gu
Published: July 2019

7,8-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC, C11H10O4), a natural coumarin compound, is present in Citrus plants including Citrus decumana and grapefruit. It is known to have protective effects on the kidneys against Cisplatin and ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the underlying mechanisms of its inhibitory effects on skin inflammation have not been investigated in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is known to be one of the main causative agents of skin inflammation. It induces pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by activating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of DMC on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in TNF-α-treated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Pretreatment with DMC inhibited TNF-α-treated cytokines (interleukin 6; IL-6) and chemokines (IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). In addition, DMC significantly inhibited TNF-α-treated NF-κB activation and phosphorylation of MAPKs, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These results suggest that DMC may elicit an anti-inflammatory response by suppressing TNF-α-treated activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in keratinocytes. Hence, it might be a useful therapeutic drug against skin inflammatory diseases.
A Tunable NIR Filter with Sphere Phase Liquid Crystal
Authors: Sun Changli , Lu Jiangang
Published: July 2019

A near-infrared (NIR) filter with sphere phase liquid crystal (SPLC) is proposed, which shows a low operating electric field and large temperature-gradient modulations. The central wavelength of the Bragg reflection can be thermally tuned from 1580 nm to 1324 nm with a temperature-gradient of 42.7 nm/K. Meanwhile, the central wavelength can be electrically tuned over 76 nm within a low operating electric field of 0.3 V/μm. Thus, the SPLC filter may achieve a wavelength variation of 256 nm by thermal modulation and 76 nm by electrical modulation. The SPLC filter shows great potential applications in optical communication devices.
A Vulnerability Analysis of Coral Reefs in Coastal Ecotourism Areas for Conservation Management
Authors: Riniwati Harsuko , Harahab Nuddin , Abidin Zainal
Published: July 2019

Coral reef ecosystems provide many ecological, economic, and social benefits. Despite their numerous functions, coral reefs are in a vulnerable state due to the effects of human activities. The condition of coral reefs has decreased in many parts of the world. Therefore, coral reef examinations need to be carried out continuously in order to formulate management strategies that can reduce their vulnerability over time. This study aims to analyze the vulnerability index of coral reefs, the sensitivity of coral reefs to the causes of vulnerability, and the adaptive capacity to anticipate vulnerability. The primary data are the perceptions of respondents’ who filled out a prepared questionnaire which included eight dimensions: information on the environmental conditions, fishing ports, fishing areas, coastline settlements, tourism management, tourism attractions, socio-economic conditions and population, and aquaculture. The data were analyzed using multidimensional scaling (MDS). The results of the analysis revealed that fishing ports, fishing areas, and environmental condition are high vulnerability indexes which cause damage to coral reefs. The highest coral reef vulnerability sensitivity was found to be triggered by the distance from fishing areas and the distance from fishing vessel channels. An inverse relationship between vulnerability and adaptive capacity was shown. Hence distance from fishing areas and distance from fishing vessel channels are the attributes that have low adaptive capacity.
Phylogenetic Signal of Indels and the Neoavian Radiation
Authors: Houde Peter , Braun Edward L. , Narula Nitish , Minjares Uriel , Mirarab Siavash
Published: July 2019

The early radiation of Neoaves has been hypothesized to be an intractable “hard polytomy”. We explore the fundamental properties of insertion/deletion alleles (indels), an under-utilized form of genomic data with the potential to help solve this. We scored >5 million indels from >7000 pan-genomic intronic and ultraconserved element (UCE) loci in 48 representatives of all neoavian orders. We found that intronic and UCE indels exhibited less homoplasy than nucleotide (nt) data. Gene trees estimated using indel data were less resolved than those estimated using nt data. Nevertheless, Accurate Species TRee Algorithm (ASTRAL) species trees estimated using indels were generally similar to nt-based ASTRAL trees, albeit with lower support. However, the power of indel gene trees became clear when we combined them with nt gene trees, including a striking result for UCEs. The individual UCE indel and nt ASTRAL trees were incongruent with each other and with the intron ASTRAL trees; however, the combined indel+nt ASTRAL tree was much more congruent with the intronic trees. Finally, combining indel and nt data for both introns and UCEs provided sufficient power to reduce the scope of the polytomy that was previously proposed for several supraordinal lineages of Neoaves.
Achieving the Full Vision of Earth Observation Data Cubes
Authors: Kopp Steve , Becker Peter , Doshi Abhijit , Wright Dawn J. , Zhang Kaixi , Xu Hong
Published: July 2019

Earth observation imagery have traditionally been expensive, difficult to find and access, and required specialized skills and software to transform imagery into actionable information. This has limited adoption by the broader science community. Changes in cost of imagery and changes in computing technology over the last decade have enabled a new approach for how to organize, analyze, and share Earth observation imagery, broadly referred to as a data cube. The vision and promise of image data cubes is to lower these hurdles and expand the user community by making analysis ready data readily accessible and providing modern approaches to more easily analyze and visualize the data, empowering a larger community of users to improve their knowledge of place and make better informed decisions. Image data cubes are large collections of temporal, multivariate datasets typically consisting of analysis ready multispectral Earth observation data. Several flavors and variations of data cubes have emerged. To simplify access for end users we developed a flexible approach supporting multiple data cube styles, referencing images in their existing structure and storage location, enabling fast access, visualization, and analysis from a wide variety of web and desktop applications. We provide here an overview of that approach and three case studies.
Reliability-Based Design Optimization of Load Sharing Systems Using SSI-Markov Models
Authors: Subramaniyan Arun Bala , Pan Rong , Du Xiaoping
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a novel single loop approach to design the components of the load sharing systems by optimally allocating the failure probabilities to each component, thereby satisfying the overall system reliability requirement. The Reliability–Based Design Optimization (RBDO) of load sharing systems is computationally intensive due to the dynamic nature of component failure probabilities, since the failure of one component will vary the failure probabilities of other working components. Many RBDO methods have been successfully utilized to design individual components, however using these methods for handling system level reliability constraints is still a challenging task. This is because of a drop in accuracy and computational efficiency, especially when considering a load sharing system, where there is dependency in failure probabilities of components. The key idea is to integrate Stress–Strength Interference (SSI) theory with discrete (or) continuous time-discrete state Markov model for the reliability assessment of system, with the states being the condition of components (working/failed). This method takes advantage of the state transition probability matrix to represent the dynamic nature of the system performance. A numerical example of a simple load sharing system with two I-Beams is presented to illustrate and evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology.
Research about the Characteristics of Chaotic Systems Based on Multi-Scale Entropy
Authors: Liu Chunyuan , Ding Lina , Ding Qun
Published: July 2019

The logistic chaotic system, as a classical complex phenomenon of nonlinear dynamic systems, has received extensive attention in the field of secure communication. It is generally believed that the characteristics of chaos are suitable for the needs of encryption systems. In this paper, a multi-scale entropy theory analysis and statistical analysis are carried out on the chaotic sequences produced by different parameters and different initial values of logistic systems. According to the simulation results, the complexity of the chaotic system represented by the logistic system is mainly decided by parameter μ. Not all characteristic parameters of the chaotic system depend on the initial values. It is possible to make a reasonable estimation and prediction of the chaotic system from a macroscopic level. A variance estimation method for the parameter μ is proposed and applied to a logistic system and to another chaotic system, which is equally effective.
A Simulation of Non-Simultaneous Ice Crushing Force for Wind Turbine Towers with Large Slopes
Authors: Zhou Li , Ding Shifeng , Song Ming , Gao Junliang , Shi Wei
Published: July 2019

When the offshore wind energy industry attempts to develop in cold regions, ice load becomes the main technological challenge for offshore wind turbine foundation design. Dynamic ice loads acting on wind turbine foundations should be calculated in a reasonable way. The scope of this study is to present a numerical model that considers the non-simultaneous ice crushing failure acting on the vertical structure of a wind turbine’s foundation. The local ice crushing force at the contact surface between the ice sheet and structure is calculated. The boundary of the ice sheet is updated at each time step based on the indentation length of the ice sheet according to its structure. Ice loads are validated against two model tests with three different structure models developed by other researchers. The time series of the ice forces derived from the simulation and model tests are compared. The proposed numerical model can capture the main trends of ice–wind turbine foundation interaction. The simulation results agree well with measured data from the model tests in terms of maximum ice force, which is a key factor for wind turbine design. The proposed model will be helpful for assisting the initial design of wind turbine foundations in cold regions.
A Composite Strategy for Harmonic Compensation in Standalone Inverter Based on Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Li Hui , Qu Yue , Lu Junwei , Li Shuang
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a harmonic compensation control with disturbance rejection function for a standalone inverter. Due to the LC type three-phase three-leg inverter is connected to nonlinear loads, low-order harmonic components appears in the inverter output current. These harmonic current generate harmonic voltage drops when flowing through the filter inductor and the feeder impedance, which causes the output voltage of the inverter distorted. In order to compensate harmonics and produce sinusoidal voltage without additional compensation devices, virtual harmonic impedance method can be added to the fundamental voltage control. Due to the compensation effect of virtual harmonic impedance are very sensitive to the fluctuation of filter inductance. Therefore, inductance variation, as a disturbance in physical system, should be considered. In this paper, linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is proposed in the fundamental voltage control loop to reduce the sensitivity of virtual harmonic impedance and decouple the model. Compared with traditional dual-loop PI control, the proposed strategy has faster dynamic response in control performance and fewer acquisition modules in engineering applications. The whole design process of virtual harmonic impedance and stability analyses of this strategy are provided. The simulation and experiment results show the good performance of the proposed strategy.
A Multi-Objective Optimization Problem for Optimal Site Selection of Wind Turbines for Reduce Losses and Improve Voltage Profile of Distribution Grids
Authors: Naderipour Amirreza , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Arabi Nowdeh Saber , Gandoman Foad H. , Hadidian Moghaddam Mohammad Jafar
Published: July 2019

In this paper, the optimal site and size selection of wind turbines (WTs) is presented considering the maximum allowable capacity constraint with the objective of loss reduction and voltage profile improvement of distribution grids based on particle swarm optimization (PSO as a multi-objective problem using weighted coefficients method. The optimal site, size, and power factor of the WTs are determined using PSO. The proposed method is implemented on 84- and 32-bus standard grids. In this study, PSO algorithm is applied to determine the size, site, and power factor of WTs considering their maximum size constraint (with constraint, variant size) and also not considering their maximum size constraint (without constraint, constant size). The simulation results showed that the PSO is effective to find the site, size, and power factor of WTs optimally in the single and multi-objective problem. The results of this method showed that the power loss is reduced more and voltage profile improved more considering WTs maximum allowable size versus not considering this constraint. Additionally, the multi-objective results showed that there is a compromise between the objectives in the multi-objective WTs site selection and the multi-objective problem solution is a more realistic and accurate approach in comparison with the single-objective problem solution.
European Union’s Last Intact Forest Landscapes are at A Value Chain Crossroad between Multiple Use and Intensified Wood Production
Authors: Jonsson Bengt Gunnar , Svensson Johan , Mikusiński Grzegorz , Manton Michael , Angelstam Per
Published: July 2019

Research Highlights: The European Union’s last large intact forest landscapes along the Scandinavian Mountain range in Sweden offer unique opportunities for conservation of biodiversity, ecological integrity and resilience. However, these forests are at a crossroad between intensified wood production aimed at bio-economy, and rural development based on multi-functional forest landscapes for future-oriented forest value chains. Background and Objectives: We (1) estimate the area of near-natural forests potentially remaining for forest harvesting and wood production, or as green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation and human well-being in rural areas, (2) review how forest and conservation policies have so far succeeded to reduce the loss of mountain forests, and (3) discuss what economic, socio-cultural and ecological values that are at stake, as well as different governance and management solutions. Materials and Methods: First, we estimated the remaining amount of intact mountain forests using (1) the Swedish National Forest Inventory, (2) protected area statistics, (3) forest harvest permit applications and actually harvested forests, (4) remote sensing wall-to-wall data on forests not subject to clear-felling since the mid-1950s, (5) mapping of productive and non-productive forestland, and (6) estimates of mean annual final felling rate. Second, we review policy documents related to the emergence of land use regulation in north Sweden, including the mountain forest border, and illustrate this with an actual case that has had significant policy implementation importance. Results: There is a clear difference between the proportions of formally protected productive forestland above the mountain forest border (52.5%) and north Sweden in general (6.3%). A total of 300,000 ha of previously not clear-felled mountain forest outside protected areas remain, which can support novel value chains that are not achievable elsewhere. Conclusions: The mountain forests in Sweden provide unique conservation values in the European Union. Since the beginning of the 1990s, policy regulations have been successful in limiting forest harvesting. Currently, however, mountain forests are a battle ground regarding intensification of forest use, including logging of forests that have never been subject to clear-felling systems vs. nature conservation and wilderness as a base for rural development. The ability of mountain municipalities to encourage sustainable rural forest landscapes must be strengthened.
Electoral Competition with Strategic Disclosure
Authors: Bizzotto Jacopo , Solow Benjamin
Published: July 2019

Recent developments in information and communication technologies allow candidates for office to engage in sophisticated messaging strategies to influence voter choice. We consider how access to different technologies influence the choice of policy platforms by candidates. We find that when candidates can target messages to specific voter groups, platforms are more likely to be inefficient. In particular, when candidates can run targeted campaigns, they commit to projects that benefit small groups even when the social cost of these projects outweigh their benefits. Our results are robust to negative advertising.
Transcriptional Analysis of the Early Ripening of ‘Kyoho’ Grape in Response to the Treatment of Riboflavin
Authors: Wang Zhen-Guang , Guo Li-Li , Ji Xiao-Ru , Yu Yi-He , Zhang Guo-Hai , Guo Da-Long
Published: July 2019

Previous study has demonstrated that the riboflavin treatment promoted the early ripening of the ‘Kyoho’ grape berry. However, the molecular mechanism causing this was unclear. In order to reveal the regulation mechanism of riboflavin treatment on grape berry development and ripening, the different berry developmental stages of the ‘Kyoho’ berry treated with 0.5 mmol/L of riboflavin was sampled for transcriptome profiling. RNA-seq revealed that 1526 and 430 genes were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, for the comparisons of the treatment to the control. TCseq analysis showed that the expression patterns of most of the genes were similar between the treatment and the control, except for some genes that were related to the chlorophyll metabolism, photosynthesis–antenna proteins, and photosynthesis, which were revealed by the enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The differentially expressed genes and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis identified some significantly differentially expressed genes and some hub genes, including up-regulation of the photosynthesis-related ELIP1 and growth and development-related GDSL; and down-regulation of the oxidative stress-related ATHSP22 and berry softening-related XTH32 and GH9B15. The results suggested that the riboflavin treatment resulted in the variations of the expression levels of these genes, and then led to the early ripening of the ‘Kyoho’ berry.
The Impact of a Community-Based Food Education Program on Nutrition-Related Knowledge in Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vasconcelos Carlos , Almeida António , Cabral Maria , Ramos Elisabete , Mendes Romeu
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a community-based food education program on nutrition-related knowledge in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants (n = 36; 65.9 ± 6.0 years old) were recruited in primary health care to a 9-month community-based lifestyle intervention program for patients with T2D and randomly assigned to an exercise program (control group; n = 16) or an exercise program plus a food education program (experimental group; n = 20). Nutrition-related knowledge was assessed through a modified version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. The increase in total nutrition-related knowledge score and sources of nutrients area score was significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. No significant changes in nutrition-related knowledge were found between groups in dietary recommendations and diet-disease relationship areas, although improvements were observed. This community-based food education program, with the use of easy to implement strategies (short-duration lectures and dual-task problem solving activities during exercise), had a positive and encouraging impact on nutrition-related knowledge in middle-aged and older patients with T2D.
The Relationship between Sound and Amenities of Transit-Oriented Developments
Authors: Yildirim Yalcin , Jones Allen Diane , Albright Amy
Published: July 2019

Experts in diverse fields have investigated sound in cities throughout the United States. This research aims to examine sound levels and determine its contributors at the transit-oriented development (TOD) station and neighborhood levels by studying selected Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail stations. A multilevel analysis was performed to model the likelihood of TOD stations and neighborhoods affecting sound levels, controlling for station amenities, socio-demographics and built environment characteristics. Sound measurements were sampled in three time intervals with 15 min sampling over weekdays and weekends at TOD and non-TOD stations by a type II SPL meter that was mounted on a small camera tripod at a height of 1.5 m, at a distance of 1.5 m from rails and curbs. The research team found that amenities, built environmental characteristics, and neighborhood features have significant implications on sound levels at both the TOD station and the neighborhood level, which affects quality of life (QoL). TOD stations that include more amenities have a greater level of significance on sound levels. Additionally, neighborhoods with a pervasive street grid configuration, public facilities, and built environment densities are significantly associated with a likelihood of high sound levels. Conversely, higher population densities and intersection densities decrease the likelihood of a high sound level environment. These patterns provide an arena for transportation, urban, and environmental planning and policymaking to generate transformative solutions and policies.
Family Communication Problems, Psychosocial Adjustment and Cyberbullying
Authors: Romero-Abrio Ana , Martínez-Ferrer Belén , Musitu-Ferrer Daniel , León-Moreno Celeste , Villarreal-González María Elena , Callejas-Jerónimo Juan Evaristo
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between family communication problems and cyberbullying, through psychosocial adjustment—psychological distress, attitude towards institutional authority, and problematic use of social networking sites—in adolescents. Random sampling by conglomerates was performed. A total of 8115 adolescents participated in the study (51.5% boys, 49.5% girls), and were aged between 11 and 16 years old (M = 13.34, SD = 1.04) and enrolled in the State of Nuevo León (Mexico). A structural equations model was developed using the Structural Equation Modeling Software (EQS). The results showed that problematic family communication is directly associated with cyberbullying, and also indirectly through the relationships of psychological distress and attitude towards transgression of social norms with the problematic use of social networking sites. The multi-group analyses also revealed gender differences in these relationships. Finally, the obtained results were discussed and their practical implications were shown.
Technology-Based Motivation Support for Seniors’ Physical Activity—A Qualitative Study on Seniors’ and Health Care Professionals’ Views
Authors: Ehn Maria , Johansson Ann-Christin , Revenäs Åsa
Published: July 2019

This paper investigates seniors’ and health care professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions on needed contributions and qualities of digital technology-based motivation support for seniors’ physical activity (PA). Seniors and HCPs expressed their views in focus groups, which were analyzed separately by inductive content analysis. Similarities and differences in seniors’ and HCPs’ views were identified through thematic analysis of qualitative results from both focus groups. This article’s main findings are that both seniors and HCPs believed digital technology should support and make PA more enjoyable in ways to strengthen seniors’ control and well-being. However, seniors emphasized support for social interaction, while HCPs also requested support for increasing seniors’ insight into PA and for facilitating their dialogue with seniors. Conclusions to be drawn are that seniors and HPCs shared overall views on digital technology’s main contributions but had different perspectives on how those contributions could be obtained. This highlights the importance of the early identification of user groups and exploration of their different needs when developing new solutions. Moreover, seniors’ and HCPs’ perceptions included aspects relevant for personal motivation, technology acceptance, and PA behavioral change according to self-determination theory, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, and behavioral change techniques for increasing PA.
Correlations between Forgetfulness and Social Participation: Community Diagnosing Indicators
Authors: Jeong Seungwon , Inoue Yusuke , Kondo Katsunori , Ide Kazushige , Miyaguni Yasuhiro , Okada Eisaku , Takeda Tokunori , Ojima Toshiyuki
Published: July 2019

We analyzed the relationships between forgetfulness and social participation, social contact, and social support by municipality to develop community diagnosing indicators. The analysis subjects included 105 municipalities that agreed to provide data for the 2013 Survey of Needs in Spheres of Daily Life in Japan (n = 338,659 people). Forgetfulness as a risk factor for dementia was used as the dependent variable. The variables of social environment factors were (1) social participation, (2) social contact, and (3) social support. The ratio of people responding that they experienced forgetfulness differed among municipalities, with a mean of 19.0% (7.1–35.6%). Higher levels of social participation, social contact, and social support were associated with lower levels of forgetfulness, even after adjusting for age and regional variables. The results of the present study suggest that it is appropriate to use forgetfulness and social participation at least a few times a year in any social activity as community diagnosing indicators. Municipalities could encourage their inhabitants to participate by developing and providing engaging social activities.
Loss of Mevalonate/Cholesterol Homeostasis in the Brain: A Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Rett Syndrome
Authors: Segatto Marco , Tonini Claudia , Pfrieger Frank W. , Trezza Viviana , Pallottini Valentina
Published: July 2019

The mevalonate (MVA)/cholesterol pathway is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development and function and consequently, any dysfunction of this fundamental metabolic pathway is likely to provoke pathologic changes in the brain. Mutations in genes directly involved in MVA/cholesterol metabolism cause a range of diseases, many of which present neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. This raises the question whether other diseases presenting similar symptoms are related albeit indirectly to the MVA/cholesterol pathway. Here, we summarized the current literature suggesting links between MVA/cholesterol dysregulation and specific diseases, namely autism spectrum disorder and Rett syndrome.
The Biological Axis of Protein Arginine Methylation and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine
Authors: Fulton Melody D. , Brown Tyler , Zheng Y. George
Published: July 2019

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) in eukaryotic cells play important roles in the regulation of functionalities of the proteome and in the tempo-spatial control of cellular processes. Most PTMs enact their regulatory functions by affecting the biochemical properties of substrate proteins such as altering structural conformation, protein–protein interaction, and protein–nucleic acid interaction. Amid various PTMs, arginine methylation is widespread in all eukaryotic organisms, from yeasts to humans. Arginine methylation in many situations can drastically or subtly affect the interactions of substrate proteins with their partnering proteins or nucleic acids, thus impacting major cellular programs. Recently, arginine methylation has become an important regulator of the formation of membrane-less organelles inside cells, a phenomenon of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS), through altering π-cation interactions. Another unique feature of arginine methylation lies in its impact on cellular physiology through its downstream amino acid product, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Accumulation of ADMA in cells and in the circulating bloodstream is connected with endothelial dysfunction and a variety of syndromes of cardiovascular diseases. Herein, we review the current knowledge and understanding of protein arginine methylation in regards to its canonical function in direct protein regulation, as well as the biological axis of protein arginine methylation and ADMA biology.
Scratching Counteracts IL-13 Signaling by Upregulating the Decoy Receptor IL-13Rα2 in Keratinocytes
Authors: Ulzii Dugarmaa , Kido-Nakahara Makiko , Nakahara Takeshi , Tsuji Gaku , Furue Kazuhisa , Hashimoto-Hachiya Akiko , Furue Masutaka
Published: July 2019

The vicious itch–scratch cycle is a cardinal feature of atopic dermatitis (AD), in which IL-13 signaling plays a dominant role. Keratinocytes express two receptors: The heterodimeric IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2. The former one transduces a functional IL-13 signal, whereas the latter IL-13Rα2 works as a nonfunctional decoy receptor. To examine whether scratch injury affects the expression of IL-4Rα, IL-13Rα1, and IL-13Rα2, we scratched confluent keratinocyte sheets and examined the expression of three IL-13 receptors using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence techniques. Scratch injuries significantly upregulated the expression of IL13RA2 in a scratch line number-dependent manner. Scratch-induced IL13RA2 upregulation was synergistically enhanced in the simultaneous presence of IL-13. In contrast, scratch injuries did not alter the expression of IL4R and IL13RA1, even in the presence of IL-13. Scratch-induced IL13RA2 expression was dependent on ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signals. The expression of IL-13Rα2 protein was indeed augmented in the scratch edge area and was also overexpressed in lichenified lesional AD skin. IL-13 inhibited the expression of involucrin, an important epidermal terminal differentiation molecule. IL-13-mediated downregulation of involucrin was attenuated in IL-13Rα2-overexpressed keratinocytes, confirming the decoy function of IL-13Rα2. Our findings indicate that scratching upregulates the expression of the IL-13 decoy receptor IL-13Rα2 and counteracts IL-13 signaling.
Dynamics and Mechanisms in the Recruitment and Transference of Histone Chaperone CIA/ASF1
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Tao Huanyu , Huang Sheng-You
Published: July 2019

The recruitment and transference of proteins through protein–protein interactions is a general process involved in various biological functions in cells. Despite the importance of this general process, the dynamic mechanism of how proteins are recruited and transferred from one interacting partner to another remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the dynamic mechanisms of recruitment and translocation of histone chaperone CIA/ASF1 for nucleosome disassembly by exploring the conformational space and the free energy profile of unbound DBD(CCG1) and CIA/ASF1-bound DBD(CCG1) systems through extensive molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that there exists three metastable conformational states for DBD(CCG1), an unbound closed state, a CIA/ASF1-bound half-open state, and an open state. The free energy landscape shows that the closed state and the half-open state are separated by a high free energy barrier, while the half-open state and the open state are connected with a moderate free energy increase. The high free energy barrier between the closed and half-open states explains why DBD(CCG1) can recruit CIA/ASF1 and remain in the binding state during the transportation. In addition, the asymmetric binding of CIA/ASF1 on DBD(CCG1) allows DBD(CCG1) to adopt the open state by moving one of its two domains, such that the exposed domain of DBD(CCG1) is able to recognize the acetylated histone H4 tails. As such, CIA/ASF1 has a chance to translocate from DBD(CCG1) to histone, which is also facilitated by the moderate energy increase from the bound half-open state to the open state of DBD(CCG1). These findings suggest that the recruitment and transference of histone chaperone CIA/ASF1 is highly favored by its interaction with DBD(CCG1) via conformational selection and asymmetric binding, which may represent a general mechanism of similar biological processes.
Interaction between Cd and Zn on Metal Accumulation, Translocation and Mineral Nutrition in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Dong Qin , Hu Shuai , Fei Ling , Liu Lijiao , Wang Zhaolong
Published: July 2019

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), an accumulator that is able to accumulate and excrete cadmium (Cd), has attracted much attention for its possible use in phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. In the present study, the interaction between Cd and Zn, and their uptake, translocation and accumulation under external Cd and Zn treatment in tall fescue were investigated. The concentrations of K, Ca, Mg in xylem sap under Cd and Zn treatment were measured to determine the level of mineral nutrients and their relationship with Cd alleviation. The result showed that Cd and Zn antagonized each other in the roots, while Cd antagonized Zn and Zn synergized Cd in the shoots of tall fescue. Compared with Cd only treatment, the concentrations of Ca, Mg and K in xylem sap increased after the addition of Zn, and they increased the most in the guttation. This result indicated that the addition of Zn facilitates the level of mineral elements to alleviate Cd toxicity, which might be used to improve the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd contaminated soils by tall fescue.
Overview of the Role of Cell Wall DUF642 Proteins in Plant Development
Authors: Cruz-Valderrama José Erik , Gómez-Maqueo Ximena , Salazar-Iribe Alexis , Zúñiga-Sánchez Esther , Hernández-Barrera Alejandra , Quezada-Rodríguez Elsa , Gamboa-deBuen Alicia
Published: July 2019

The DUF642 protein family is found exclusively in spermatophytes and is represented by 10 genes in Arabidopsis and in most of the 24 plant species analyzed to date. Even though the primary structure of DUF642 proteins is highly conserved in different spermatophyte species, studies of their expression patterns in Arabidopsis have shown that the spatial-temporal expression pattern for each gene is specific and consistent with the phenotypes of the mutant plants studied so far. Additionally, the regulation of DUF642 gene expression by hormones and environmental stimuli was specific for each gene, showing both up- and down-regulation depending of the analyzed tissue and the intensity or duration of the stimuli. These expression patterns suggest that the DUF642 genes are involved throughout the development and growth of plants. In general, changes in the expression patterns of DUF642 genes can be related to changes in pectin methyl esterase activity and/or to changes in the degree of methyl-esterified homogalacturonans during plant development in different cell types. Thus, the regulation of pectin methyl esterases mediated by DUF642 genes could contribute to the regulation of the cell wall properties during plant growth.
Overexpression of Acyl-ACP Thioesterases, CpFatB4 and CpFatB5, Induce Distinct Gene Expression Reprogramming in Developing Seeds of Brassica napus
Authors: Nam Jeong-Won , Yeon Jinouk , Jeong Jiseong , Cho Eunyoung , Kim Ho Bang , Hur Yoonkang , Lee Kyeong-Ryeol , Yi Hankuil
Published: July 2019

We examined the substrate preference of Cuphea paucipetala acyl-ACP thioesterases, CpFatB4 and CpFatB5, and gene expression changes associated with the modification of lipid composition in the seed, using Brassica napus transgenic plants overexpressing CpFatB4 or CpFatB5 under the control of a seed-specific promoter. CpFatB4 seeds contained a higher level of total saturated fatty acid (FA) content, with 4.3 times increase in 16:0 palmitic acid, whereas CpFatB5 seeds showed approximately 3% accumulation of 10:0 and 12:0 medium-chain FAs, and a small increase in other saturated FAs, resulting in higher levels of total saturated FAs. RNA-Seq analysis using entire developing pods at 8, 25, and 45 days after flowering (DAF) showed up-regulation of genes for β-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase I/II, stearoyl-ACP desaturase, oleate desaturase, and linoleate desaturase, which could increase unsaturated FAs and possibly compensate for the increase in 16:0 palmitic acid at 45 DAF in CpFatB4 transgenic plants. In CpFatB5 transgenic plants, many putative chloroplast- or mitochondria-encoded genes were identified as differentially expressed. Our results report comprehensive gene expression changes induced by alterations of seed FA composition and reveal potential targets for further genetic modifications.
Reorientation of Cortical Microtubule Arrays in the Hypocotyl of Arabidopsis thaliana Is Induced by the Cell Growth Process and Independent of Auxin Signaling
Authors: Adamowski Maciek , Li Lanxin , Friml Jiří
Published: July 2019

Cortical microtubule arrays in elongating epidermal cells in both the root and stem of plants have the propensity of dynamic reorientations that are correlated with the activation or inhibition of growth. Factors regulating plant growth, among them the hormone auxin, have been recognized as regulators of microtubule array orientations. Some previous work in the field has aimed at elucidating the causal relationship between cell growth, the signaling of auxin or other growth-regulating factors, and microtubule array reorientations, with various conclusions. Here, we revisit this problem of causality with a comprehensive set of experiments in Arabidopsis thaliana, using the now available pharmacological and genetic tools. We use isolated, auxin-depleted hypocotyls, an experimental system allowing for full control of both growth and auxin signaling. We demonstrate that reorientation of microtubules is not directly triggered by an auxin signal during growth activation. Instead, reorientation is triggered by the activation of the growth process itself and is auxin-independent in its nature. We discuss these findings in the context of previous relevant work, including that on the mechanical regulation of microtubule array orientation.
Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) in Action: Cross-Talking with Epigenetics
Authors: Yuan Xiaotian , Xu Dawei
Published: July 2019

Telomerase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as the catalytic component, is silent due to the tight repression of the TERT gene in most normal human somatic cells, whereas activated only in small subsets of cells, including stem cells, activated lymphocytes, and other highly proliferative cells. In contrast, telomerase activation via TERT induction is widespread in human malignant cells, which is a prerequisite for malignant transformation. It is well established that TERT/telomerase extends telomere length, thereby conferring sustained proliferation capacity to both normal and cancerous cells. The recent evidence has also accumulated that TERT/telomerase may participate in the physiological process and oncogenesis independently of its telomere-lengthening function. For instance, TERT is shown to interact with chromatin remodeling factors and to regulate DNA methylation, through which multiple cellular functions are attained. In the present review article, we summarize the non-canonical functions of TERT with a special emphasis on its cross-talk with epigenetics: How TERT contributes to epigenetic alterations in physiological processes and cancer, and how the aberrant epigenetics in turn facilitate TERT expression and function, eventually promoting cancer either initiation or progression or both. Finally, we briefly discuss clinical implications of the TERT-related methylation.
DMSO Reductase Family: Phylogenetics and Applications of Extremophiles
Authors: Miralles-Robledillo Jose María , Torregrosa-Crespo Javier , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María , Pire Carmen
Published: July 2019

Dimethyl sulfoxide reductases (DMSO) are molybdoenzymes widespread in all domains of life. They catalyse not only redox reactions, but also hydroxylation/hydration and oxygen transfer processes. Although literature on DMSO is abundant, the biological significance of these enzymes in anaerobic respiration and the molecular mechanisms beyond the expression of genes coding for them are still scarce. In this review, a deep revision of the literature reported on DMSO as well as the use of bioinformatics tools and free software has been developed in order to highlight the relevance of DMSO reductases on anaerobic processes connected to different biogeochemical cycles. Special emphasis has been addressed to DMSO from extremophilic organisms and their role in nitrogen cycle. Besides, an updated overview of phylogeny of DMSOs as well as potential applications of some DMSO reductases on bioremediation approaches are also described.
Utility of Whole Blood Thiamine Pyrophosphate Evaluation in TPK1-Related Diseases
Authors: Bugiardini Enrico , Pope Simon , Feichtinger René G. , Poole Olivia V. , Pittman Alan M. , Woodward Cathy E. , Heales Simon , Quinlivan Rosaline , Houlden Henry , Mayr Johannes A. , Hanna Michael G. , Pitceathly Robert D.S.
Published: July 2019

TPK1 mutations are a rare, but potentially treatable, cause of thiamine deficiency. Diagnosis is challenging given the phenotypic overlap that exists with other metabolic and neurological disorders. We report a case of TPK1-related disease presenting with Leigh-like syndrome and review the diagnostic utility of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) blood measurement. The proband, a 35-year-old male, presented at four months of age with recurrent episodes of post-infectious encephalopathy. He subsequently developed epilepsy, learning difficulties, sensorineural hearing loss, spasticity, and dysphagia. There was a positive family history for Leigh syndrome in an older brother. Plasma lactate was elevated (3.51 mmol/L) and brain MRI showed bilateral basal ganglia hyperintensities, indicative of Leigh syndrome. Histochemical and spectrophotometric analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II+III, and IV was normal. Genetic analysis of muscle mitochondrial DNA was negative. Whole exome sequencing of the proband confirmed compound heterozygous variants in TPK1: c. 426G>C (p. Leu142Phe) and c. 258+1G>A (p.?). Blood TPP levels were reduced, providing functional evidence for the deleterious effects of the variants. We highlight the clinical and bioinformatics challenges to diagnosing rare genetic disorders and the continued utility of biochemical analyses, despite major advances in DNA sequencing technology, when investigating novel, potentially disease-causing, genetic variants. Blood TPP measurement represents a fast and cost-effective diagnostic tool in TPK1-related diseases.