bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading and Deafness: State of the Evidence and Implications for Research and Practice
Authors: Trezek Beverly , Mayer Connie
Published: August 2019

Over the years, persistently low achievement levels have led scholars to question whether reading skill development is different for deaf readers. Research findings suggest that in order for deaf students to become proficient readers, they must master the same fundamental abilities that are well established for hearing learners, regardless of the degree of hearing loss or communication modality used (e.g., spoken or signed). The simple view of reading (SVR), which hypothesizes the critical role both language abilities and phonological skills play in development of reading comprehension, provides a model for understanding the reading process for a wide range of students and has the potential to shed light on the challenges deaf students have historically experienced in achieving age-appropriate outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the components of the SVR and use this conceptual model as the basis for exploring and discussing both historical and current research evidence in reading and deafness, with a particular focus on phonological skills. Recommendations for future research and practice based on the existing body of literature will also be provided.
The Recent Development of Artificial Intelligence for Smart and Sustainable Energy Systems and Applications
Authors: Lytras Miltiadis D. , Chui Kwok Tai
Published: August 2019

Human beings share the same community in which the usage of energy by fossil fuels leads to deterioration in the environment, typically global warming. When the temperature rises to the critical point and triggers the continual melting of permafrost, it can wreak havoc on the life of animals and humans. Solutions could include optimizing existing devices, systems, and platforms, as well as utilizing green energy as a replacement of non-renewable energy. In this special issue “Artificial Intelligence for Smart and Sustainable Energy Systems and Applications”, eleven (11) papers, including one review article, have been published as examples of recent developments. Guest editors also highlight other hot topics beyond the coverage of the published articles.
Torque Ripple Mitigation of T-3L Inverter Fed Open-End Doubly-Salient Permanent-Magnet Motor Drives Using Current Hysteresis Control
Authors: Liu Hongliang , Pu Shaoning , Cao Jiawei , Yang Xiaojie , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2019

A torque ripple mitigation and current hysteresis control for T-type three level (T-3L) inverter fed open-end doubly-salient permanent-magnet motor (DSPM) drives is proposed in this paper. The structure, principle, and characteristics of the DSPM are studied and analyzed and a T-3L inverter fed open-end three-phase DSPM drive configuration is proposed in this paper. Then, this paper introduces a novel commutation strategy to reduce the torque ripple during phase commutation. Furthermore, the multi-loop hysteresis current controller and DC-link voltage balancing algorithm are presented. The effectiveness of the proposed control schemes is verified by both simulation and experimental results.
Ultrasonic Guided Wave Phased Array Focusing Technology and Its Application to Defrosting Performance Improvement of Air-Source Heat Pumps
Authors: Tan Haihui , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Li , Tao Tangfei , Xu Guanghua
Published: August 2019

Previous studies have indicated that a basic frost layer negatively affects the heat-transfer efficiency and is difficult to remove using a single ultrasonic transducer. Herein, an ultrasonic phased array technology is proposed for evaporator coil defrosting. First, the dispersion curve of the guided wave in the vibration transfer plate and frosting fin is calculated, and the advance time of each ultrasonic vibrator and the ultrasonic near-field pressures under different velocities are determined through numerical calculations using the MATLAB software. Next, according to the advance time, ultrasonic array focusing is performed to remove the basic frost layer. Finally, the power consumption, heat-supply enthalpy difference, and coefficient of performance (COP) of the air-source heat pump (ASHP) unit are analysed. The theoretical analysis, numerical calculations, and experimental results consistently revealed that ultrasonic array focusing compensates for the energy dissipation and expends the effective defrosting area. Additionally, the perpendicular stress elicited by the Lamb wave and the differential transverse shear stress generated by the SH wave exceed the tensile strength and adhesion stress of the basic frost layer. The basic frost layer cracks and falls away, owing to the combination of the ultrasonic stress effect and the cavitation effect. The defrosting power consumption of the ASHP unit under ultrasonic array excitation decreases from −3.27% to 0.12%, whereas the heat-supply enthalpy difference increases from 4.47% to 10.86%. Therefore, the percentage increment of the COP is between 7.16% and 11.12%, and the power consumption of the reverse-cycle defrosting is 3–12 times that of ultrasonic array defrosting.
The Role of Household Consumers in Adopting Renewable Energy Technologies in Kenya
Authors: Kiprop Eliud , Matsui Kenichi , Maundu Nicholas
Published: August 2019

In transition to a low-carbon economy, the adoption of renewable energy (RE) technologies by energy investors, power utilities and energy consumers is critical. In developing countries like Kenya with a high rate of urbanization, this transition requires urban and rural residents’ proactive responses to using renewable energy sources. In this regard, a better understanding of residents’ perceptions about renewable energy investment, RE sources availability, climate change, environmental conservation and other factors can lead to more efficient and sustainable implementation of renewable energy policies. This study investigates the role Kenya’s household energy consumers in urban and rural areas can play in adopting renewable energy technologies. To achieve this, a questionnaire survey was administered among 250 household consumers in Nairobi County, Makueni County, and Uasin Gishu County. Our survey analysis shows that about 84% of the respondents were interested in adopting renewable energy for their entire energy consumption mostly because of solving frequent power outages and high energy cost from the grid system. This perception did not have any correlations with income levels or any other socio-economic factors we identified. Furthermore, about 72% of the respondents showed their interests in producing and selling renewable energy to the national or local grids if government subsidies were readily available. Rural residents showed strong interests in adopting renewable energy technologies, especially solar PV solutions. However, the main impediment to their investment in renewable energy was the high cost of equipment (49%) and the intermittent nature of renewable energy (27%) resources.
Multi-Objective Optimized Fuzzy Clustering for Detecting Cell Clusters from Single-Cell Expression Profiles
Authors: Mallik Saurav , Zhao Zhongming
Published: August 2019

Rapid advance in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows measurement of the expression of genes at single-cell resolution in complex disease or tissue. While many methods have been developed to detect cell clusters from the scRNA-seq data, this task currently remains a main challenge. We proposed a multi-objective optimization-based fuzzy clustering approach for detecting cell clusters from scRNA-seq data. First, we conducted initial filtering and SCnorm normalization. We considered various case studies by selecting different cluster numbers ( c l = 2 to a user-defined number), and applied fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm individually. From each case, we evaluated the scores of four cluster validity index measures, Partition Entropy ( P E ), Partition Coefficient ( P C ), Modified Partition Coefficient ( M P C ), and Fuzzy Silhouette Index ( F S I ). Next, we set the first measure as minimization objective (↓) and the remaining three as maximization objectives (↑), and then applied a multi-objective decision-making technique, TOPSIS, to identify the best optimal solution. The best optimal solution (case study) that had the highest TOPSIS score was selected as the final optimal clustering. Finally, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Limma through the comparison of expression of the samples between each resultant cluster and the remaining clusters. We applied our approach to a scRNA-seq dataset for the rare intestinal cell type in mice [GEO ID: GSE62270, 23,630 features (genes) and 288 cells]. The optimal cluster result (TOPSIS optimal score= 0.858) comprised two clusters, one with 115 cells and the other 91 cells. The evaluated scores of the four cluster validity indices, F S I , P E , P C , and M P C for the optimized fuzzy clustering were 0.482, 0.578, 0.607, and 0.215, respectively. The Limma analysis identified 1240 DEGs (cluster 1 vs. cluster 2). The top ten gene markers were Rps21, Slc5a1, Crip1, Rpl15, Rpl3, Rpl27a, Khk, Rps3a1, Aldob and Rps17. In this list, Khk (encoding ketohexokinase) is a novel marker for the rare intestinal cell type. In summary, this method is useful to detect cell clusters from scRNA-seq data.
Molecular Characterization and Expression of SPP1, LAP3 and LCORL and Their Association with Growth Traits in Sheep
Authors: La Yongfu , Zhang Xiaoxue , Li Fadi , Zhang Deyin , Li Chong , Mo Futao , Wang Weimin
Published: August 2019

The SPP1, LAP3, and LCORL are located on chromosome 6 of sheep and a domain of 36.15-38.56 Mb, which plays an essential role in tissue and embryonic growth. In this study, we cloned the complete coding sequences of SPP1 and partial coding regions of LAP3 and LCORL from Hu sheep (Gansu Province, China) and analyzed their genomic structures. The RT-qPCR showed that the three genes were expressed widely in the different tissues of Hu sheep. The SPP1 expression was significantly higher in the kidney (p < 0.01) and LAP3 expression was significantly higher in the spleen, lung, kidney, and duodenum than in the other tissues (heart, liver, rumen, muscle, fat, and ovary; p < 0.05). The LCORL was preferentially expressed in the spleen, duodenum, and lung (p < 0.05). In addition, the nucleotide substitution NM_001009224.1:c.132A>C was found in SPP1; an association analysis showed that it was associated with birth weight and yearling weight (p < 0.05), and NM_001009224.1:c.132C was the dominant allele. Two mutations XM_012179698.3:c.232C>G and XM_012179698.3:c.1154C>T were identified in LAP3. The nucleotide substitution XM_012179698.3:c.232C>G was confirmed to be associated with birth weight, 1-month weight, 3-month weight (p < 0.05), and 2-month weight (p < 0.01). The nucleotide substitution XM_012179698.3:c.1154C>T was associated with birth weight (p < 0.01), 1-month weight, and 2-month weight (p < 0.05). The LAP3 gene XM_012179698.3:c.232C>G mutation with the C allele has higher body weight than other sheep, and CC genotype individuals show higher birth weight, 1-month weight, and weaning weight than the GG genotype individuals (p < 0.05). Our results support the conclusion that the mutations on ovine SPP1 and LAP3 successfully track functional alleles that affect growth in sheep, and these genes could be used as candidate genes for improving the growth traits of sheep during breeding.
Interdisciplinary Design of Vital Infrastructure to Reduce Flood Risk in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward
Authors: Krishnan Supriya , Lin Jiabiao , Simanjuntak Johannes , Hooimeijer Fransje , Bricker Jeremy , Daniel Maayan , Yoshida Yuka
Published: August 2019

Engineering for flood resilience of dense coastal regions often neglects the resultant impact on urban design quality. Vital subsurface infrastructure such as hydraulic systems, water networks, civil construction, transport, energy supply and soil systems are especially important in shaping the urban environment and integrating resilience. However, the complexity and resource intensive nature of these engineering domains make it a challenge to incorporate them into design measures. In the process of planning, this impedes proactive collaboration between the design and engineering communities. This study presents a collaborative design engineering exercise undertaken to find spatial solutions to flood-prone Edogawa ward in Tokyo, Japan. The team included urbanists, hydraulic engineers, water resource managers, and landscape architects. Hydraulic engineering solutions were combined with spatial planning methods to deliver two alternative strategies for the chosen site. Each alternative was then evaluated for its urban design quality and effectiveness in reducing flood risk. The exercise highlighted that successful design requires comprehensive interdisciplinary collaboration to arrive at a sustainable bargain between hard and soft measures.
Urban Heritage Conservation of China’s Historic Water Towns and the Role of Professor Ruan Yisan: Nanxun, Tongli, and Wuzhen
Authors: Porfyriou Heleni
Published: August 2019

Between the 13th and the 19th century, hundreds of water towns flourished in China along the Grand Canal and to the south of the Yangtze river, the latter being the focus of this paper. Despite their long history, water towns still lack a comprehensive account of their urban history and development, yet they have become world famous as tourist destinations. Initially branded under titles such as the “Venice of the East” or the “Venice of China”, they are visited nowadays, for their own sake and not as surrogates of Venice, by millions of Chinese tourists. Focusing on the urban form and heritage of the three historic water towns of Nanxun, Tongli and Wuzhen, and on their conservation planning as promoted by Professor Ruan Yisan since the mid-1980s, the aim of this paper is twofold. On one hand, the aim is to identify and examine, through personal observation and secondary sources, the urban patterns and morphology of these places; on the other hand, to explore through his publications the impact of Professor Ruan Yisan—a (if not the) key figure -- in their conservation and tourist development. The paper’s broader aim is to contribute to a more systematic analytical approach towards the urban form of Chinese historic water towns as a basis for further research and heritage conservation planning.
Feeling Vital or Fatigued? Relations with Demands and Resources in a University Context
Authors: de Jonge Jan , Peeters Maria C.W. , Taris Toon W.
Published: August 2019

This study examines whether specific (matching) combinations of demands and resources exist in the prediction of both positive and negative outcomes (i.e., vitality and fatigue) in a university context. In addition, we test the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation (DISC) Model’s key principles in this context to study its relevance, validity, and generalizability. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 397 employees and 497 students at a Dutch university. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses among both employees and students showed matching combinations of demands and resources in the prediction of vitality and fatigue. Specifically, an increase in cognitive demands was particularly associated with more student cognitive vitality when cognitive resources were high. Furthermore, results showed that an increase in cognitive demands was related to less cognitive fatigue in both employees and students when cognitive resources were high. Findings partly confirm our hypotheses in showing the important role of matching resources in the relation between demands and vitality and fatigue in university staff and students. Our study reveals that a sustainable work environment is about maintaining a healthy balance between sufficient, matching resources and demands at work or study.
The Neuroprotective Role of Coenzyme Q10 Against Lead Acetate-Induced Neurotoxicity Is Mediated by Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Activities
Authors: S. Yousef Al Omar , A. Fahad Alkhuriji , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Metwally Dina M. , El-khadragy Manal F. , Kassab Rami B.
Published: August 2019

Heavy metal exposure, in lead (Pb) particularly, is associated with severe neuronal impairment though oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species, and antioxidants may be used to abolish these adverse effects. This study investigated the potential neuroprotective role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against lead acetate (PbAc)-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were divided into four equal groups (n = 7) and treated as follows: the control group was injected with physiological saline (0.9% NaCl); the CoQ10 group was injected with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg); PbAc group was injected with PbAc (20 mg/kg); PbAc + CoQ10 group was injected first with PbAc, and after 1 h with CoQ10. All groups were injected intraperitoneally for seven days. PbAc significantly increased cortical lipid peroxidation, nitrate/nitrite levels, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and decreased glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase activity and mRNA expression, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and homoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. PbAc also promoted the secretion of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α, inhibited interleukin-10 production, triggered the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins, and suppressed anti-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, PbAc increased the cortical levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate, and decreased the level of ATP. However, treatment with CoQ10 rescued cortical neurons from PbAc-induced neurotoxicity by restoring the balance between oxidants and antioxidants, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suppressing inflammation, inhibiting the apoptotic cascade, and modulating cortical neurotransmission and energy metabolism. Altogether, our findings indicate that CoQ10 has beneficial effects against PbAc-induced neuronal damage through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuromodulatory activities.
Low Birthweight Is Associated with Higher Risk of High Blood Pressure in Chinese Girls: Results from a National Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Wang Xijie , Dong Yanhui , Zou Zhiyong , Ma Jun , Yang Zhaogeng , Gao Di , Li Yanhui , Nguyen Minh Thien
Published: August 2019

Objective: To investigate the relationship between low birthweight (LBW) and blood pressure and to assess whether LBW leads to a higher risk of high blood pressure (HBP) by gender in Chinese students aged 6–18 years. Also, to investigate whether the association was affected by childhood obesity. Methods: Data was obtained from a baseline dataset of a national school-based program. Anthropometric parameters, including height, weight, and blood pressure, were measured, while birthweight and other characteristics were obtained from questionnaires. Stratified chi-squared tests were used to compare the prevalence of HBP between LBW and normal birthweight (NBW) groups in each age and sex category. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to estimate the HBP risks in each birthweight group. Results: Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a U-shaped relationship with increased birthweight. Compared to NBW groups, LBW girls showed a higher HBP risk, with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.64, p = 0.033), regardless of their current body mass index status, while no significant association in boys was found. Conclusions: Low birthweight is associated with higher HBP risk in adolescent girls, regardless of their childhood BMI status.
Bacterial Contamination of Children’s Toys in Rural Day Care Centres and Households in South Africa
Authors: Ledwaba Solanka Ellen , Becker Piet , Traore-Hoffman Afsatou , Potgieter Natasha
Published: August 2019

Background: Young children exhibit a high susceptibility to several diarrhoea-causing bacterial microorganisms. In this study, the prevalence of fecal contamination on children’s toys was determined using total coliform and E. coli as bacterial fecal indicators. The prevalence of diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains were used as an indication of the potential health risks. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out for 3 months in rural communities in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province of South Africa. Nonporous plastic toys (n = 137) used by children under 5 years of age in households and day care centres (DCCs) from rural villages were collected for assessment. New toys (n = 109) were provided to the households and DCCs and collected again after 4 weeks. Microbiological assessment was carried out using the Colilert® Quanti-Tray/2000 system. Diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains were identified using a published multiplex PCR protocol. Results: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions of the children in the households and DCCs were assessed. Statistical analysis was used to identify the relationship between fecal contamination of the existing and introduced toys. All the existing and introduced toy samples, both from DCCs and households, tested positive for total coliform counts and 61 existing and introduced toy samples tested positive for E. coli counts. Diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains identified included EHEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and EAEC. Conclusions: The results indicated that water, sanitation and hygiene conditions could be responsible in the contamination of children’s toys and the transmission of diarrhoea to young children.
Characteristics of PM2.5 and Black Carbon Exposure Among Subway Workers
Authors: Choi Sangjun , Park Ju-Hyun , Kim So-Yeon , Kwak Hyunseok , Kim Dongwon , Lee Kyong-Hui , Park Dong-Uk
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to assess the characteristics of exposure to both PM2.5 and black carbon (BC) among subway workers. A total of 61 subway workers, including 26, 23, and 12 subway station managers, maintenance engineers, and train drivers, respectively, were investigated in 2018. Real-time measurements of airborne PM2.5 and BC were simultaneously conducted around the breathing zones of workers. Maintenance engineers had the highest average levels of exposure to both PM2.5 and BC (PM2.5, 76 µg/m3; BC, 9.3 µg/m3), followed by train drivers (63.2 µg/m3, 5.9 µg/m3) and subway station managers (39.7 µg/m3, 2.2 µg/m3). In terms of the relationship between mass concentrations of PM2.5 and BC, train drivers demonstrated the strongest correlation (R = 0.72), indicating that the proportion of BC contained in PM2.5 is relatively steady. The average proportion of BC in PM2.5 among maintenance engineers (13.0%) was higher than that among train drivers (9.4%) and subway station managers (6.4%). Univariate and mixed effect multiple analyses demonstrated the type of task and worksite to be significant factors affecting exposure levels in maintenance engineers and subway station managers. The use of diesel engine motorcars in tunnel maintenance was found to be a key contributor to PM2.5 and BC exposure levels among subway workers.
Oral Care Experiences of Latino Parents/Caregivers with Children with Autism and with Typically Developing Children
Authors: Floríndez Lucía I. , Floríndez Daniella C. , Floríndez Francesca M. , Como Dominique H. , Pyatak Elizabeth , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes , Polido Jose C. , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: August 2019

As a result of various barriers, several pediatric populations are at risk for poor oral health, including children with disabilities and children from under-represented populations, such as Latinos. To this end, this study aimed to better understand the factors that affect the oral health experiences of 32 Latino parents/caregivers from 18 families (n = 8 with a typically developing child and n = 10 with a child with Autism). Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, each family was interviewed twice. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded thematically to identify the individual, social, systemic, and culturally rooted factors contributing to oral health disparities in the families. The three themes that arose were “Why would I want to start trouble?”: Latino parents’ dissatisfaction with dental treatments, costs, and fear of the dentist and health care providers because of their ethnic minority status as key factors inhibiting receipt of dental care; “We have to put our children first”: prioritizing the oral care activities of their children over their own individual oral care needs; and “We always keep baking soda around”: familial and cultural influences on oral care habits. Understanding the oral health beliefs and experiences of Latino parents and caregivers of children with and without autism is critical for developing targeted prevention and intervention programs and reducing oral health disparities.
Cancer Incidence Among Air Transportation Industry Workers Using the National Cohort Study of Korea
Authors: Lee Wanhyung , Kang Mo-Yeol , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: August 2019

Background: There are increasing concerns regarding increased cancer risks in professional flight attendants due to their exposure to occupational hazards that are known or suspected to be carcinogenic. In this study, we aimed to analyze various cancer risks among a cohort of Korean air transportation industry workers. Methods: We used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database from 2002 to 2015. The age-standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for all types of cancers in the aircraft transport industry workers compared to government employees and the entire employee population were calculated with adjustment for five-year age ranges via the indirect standardized method with gender stratification. Results: Leukemia (ICD-10; C91–C95) showed significantly higher SIRs (95% confidence interval (CI)) compared to the government employee group (1.86, 1.15–2.84) and the whole employee group (1.77, 1.10–2.70). Conclusion: Air transportation industry workers have an increased risk of leukemia compared to other occupational groups.
Factors Influencing the Accessibility of Maternal Health Service in Cambodia
Authors: Hwang Won Ju , Park Yeon Mi
Published: August 2019

Despite worldwide efforts, maternal and child mortality remains a major health problem in many developing countries. Cambodia’s maternal mortality rate has decreased over recent years through government efforts and support from various international development cooperation agencies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affected the accessibility of Cambodia’s maternal healthcare services. Data from maternal health service surveys conducted in Battambang, Cambodia in 2012 and 2015 were compared and analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors related to the accessibility of integrated maternal healthcare service. The travel time to health centers was found to be related to distance from the health center (ß = 0.031, p < 0.001), travel time during the rainy season (ß = 0.166, p < 0.001), and travel cost (ß = 0.001, p < 0.001), with an explanatory power of 27% (R2 = 0.274). Based on these findings, future research and policy should focus on improving accessibility to effective maternal and child healthcare services, to reduce maternal and child mortality. This study is intended to contribute to developing a multi-directional and integrated strategy for access to maternal health services in developing countries.
Biological and Biochemical Basis of the Differential Efficacy of First and Second Generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Gatto Federico , Barbieri Federica , Arvigo Marica , Thellung Stefano , Amarù Jessica , Albertelli Manuela , Ferone Diego , Florio Tullio
Published: August 2019

Endogenous somatostatin shows anti-secretory effects in both physiological and pathological settings, as well as inhibitory activity on cell growth. Since somatostatin is not suitable for clinical practice, researchers developed synthetic somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) to overcome this limitation. Currently, SRLs represent pivotal tools in the treatment algorithm of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Octreotide and lanreotide are the first-generation SRLs developed and show a preferential binding affinity to somatostatin receptor (SST) subtype 2, while pasireotide, which is a second-generation SRL, has high affinity for multiple SSTs (SST5 > SST2 > SST3 > SST1). A number of studies demonstrated that first-generation and second-generation SRLs show distinct functional properties, besides the mere receptor affinity. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to critically review the current evidence on the biological effects of SRLs in pituitary adenomas and neuroendocrine tumors, by mainly focusing on the differences between first-generation and second-generation ligands.
Different Actions of Intracellular Zinc Transporters ZIP7 and ZIP13 Are Essential for Dermal Development
Authors: Lee Mi-Gi , Bin Bum-Ho
Published: August 2019

Two mesenchymal zinc transporters, ZIP7 and ZIP13, play critical roles in dermal development. ZIP7 and ZIP13 are the closest among the conserved mammalian zinc transporters. However, whether their functions are complementary remains a controversial issue. In the present study, we found that the expression of ZIP13, but not ZIP7, is elevated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) treatment, indicating that TGF-β-mediated ZIP13 amplification is crucial for collagen production during dermal development. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed that ~26% of genes are dependent on either ZIP7 or ZIP13, which is greater than the ~17% of genes dependent on both of them. ZIP7 depletion induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mesenchymal stem cells, resulting in significant inhibition of fibrogenic differentiation. However, ZIP13 depletion does not induce ER stress. Though both ZIP7 and ZIP13 contain traditional ER signal peptides for their intracellular localization, their distributions are distinct. When ZIP7 and ZIP13 are coexpressed, their localizations are distinct; ZIP7 is located on the ER, but ZIP13 is located on both the ER and Golgi, indicating that only ZIP13 is a zinc gatekeeper on the Golgi. Our data illustrate that the different actions of ZIP7 and ZIP13 are crucial for dermal development.
Association between Advanced Glycation End Products, Soluble RAGE Receptor, and Endothelium Dysfunction, Evaluated by Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Mild and Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Gryszczyńska Bogna , Budzyń Magdalena , Begier-Krasińska Beata , Osińska Angelika , Boruczkowski Maciej , Kaczmarek Mariusz , Bukowska Alicja , Iskra Maria , Kasprzak Magdalena Paulina
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present study was to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and soluble form of receptor RAGE (sRAGE) concentrations as well as the AGEs/sRAGE ratio in mild (MH) and resistant (RH) hypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive individuals. We also evaluated the association between AGEs, sRAGE as well as AGEs/sRAGE ratio and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs). The MH group consisted of 30 patients, whereas 30 patients were classified for the RH group. The control group (C) included 25 normotensive volunteers. AGEs and sRAGE were measured using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The multicolor flow cytometry was used for analysis of CECs and CEPCs. Significantly higher levels of AGEs in RH cohort were observed as compared to C cohort. Furthermore, significantly lower sRAGE levels as well as a higher AGEs/sRAGE ratio were observed between MH and RH cohorts. Significant correlations were found in the MH cohort for sRAGE and CECs, and CEPCs. The elevation of AGEs levels suggests that oxidative modification of proteins occurs in hypertension pathogenesis. The decrease in sRAGE levels and elevation of the AGEs/sRAGE ratio in MH and RH groups may suggest that hypertensive patients are less protected against the side effects of AGEs as a consequence of an insufficient competitive role of sRAGE against the AGEs-RAGE axis. Finally, it may be concluded that the level of AGEs may be an independent predictor of the condition and function of the endothelium. Furthermore, sRAGE may be classified as a potential biomarker of inflammation and endothelium dysfunction.
Metabolomic Profiling of the Host Response of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Following Infection by Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Zeiss Dylan R. , Mhlongo Msizi I. , Tugizimana Fidele , Steenkamp Paul A. , Dubery Ian A.
Published: August 2019

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important dietary source of bioactive phytochemicals and active breeding programs constantly produce new cultivars possessing superior and desirable traits. The phytopathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, is a highly destructive bacterial disease with a high economic impact on tomato production. This study followed an untargeted metabolomic approach involving four tomato cultivars and aimed at the identification of secondary metabolites involved in plant defense after infection with R. solanacearum. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in combination with multivariate data analysis and chemometric modelling were utilized for the identification of discriminant secondary metabolites. The total of 81 statistically selected features were annotated belonging to the metabolite classes of amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, various derivatives of cinnamic acid and benzoic acids, flavonoids and steroidal glycoalkaloids. The results indicate that the phenylpropanoid pathway, represented by flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, is of prime importance in the tomato defense response. The hydroxycinnamic acids esters of quinic acid, hexoses and glucaric acids were identified as signatory biomarkers, as well as the hydroxycinnamic acid amides to polyamines and tyramine. Interestingly, the rapid and differential accumulation of putrescine, dopamine, and tyramine derivatives, along with the presence of a newly documented metabolite, feruloyl serotonin, were documented in the infected plants. Metabolite concentration variability in the different cultivar tissues point to cultivar-specific variation in the speed and manner of resource redistribution between the host tissues. These metabolic phenotypes provide insights into the differential metabolic signatures underlying the defense metabolism of the four cultivars, defining their defensive capabilities to R. solanacearum.
Genetic Ablation and Guanylyl Cyclase/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A: Impact on the Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Authors: Pandey Kailash N.
Published: August 2019

Mice bearing targeted gene mutations that affect the functions of natriuretic peptides (NPs) and natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs) have contributed important information on the pathogenesis of hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Studies of mice having both complete gene disruption and tissue-specific gene ablation have contributed to our understanding of hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. These phenomena are consistent with an oligogenic inheritance in which interactions among a few alleles may account for genetic susceptibility to hypertension, renal insufficiency, and congestive heart failure. In addition to gene knockouts conferring increased risks of hypertension, kidney disorders, and cardiovascular dysfunction, studies of gene duplications have identified mutations that protect against high blood pressure and cardiovascular events, thus generating the notion that certain alleles can confer resistance to hypertension and heart disease. This review focuses on the intriguing phenotypes of Npr1 gene disruption and gene duplication in mice, with emphasis on hypertension and cardiovascular events using mouse models carrying Npr1 gene knockout and/or gene duplication. It also describes how Npr1 gene targeting in mice has contributed to our knowledge of the roles of NPs and NPRs in dose-dependently regulating hypertension and cardiovascular events.
Embryonic Ontogeny of 5-Hydroxyindoles and 5-Methoxyindoles Synthesis Pathways in the Goose Pineal Organ
Authors: Hanuszewska Maria , Prusik Magdalena , Lewczuk Bogdan
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to characterize the embryonic ontogeny of 5-hydroxyindoles and 5-methoxyindoles synthesis pathways in the goose pineal organ. The study was performed on embryos aged 14–28 days, which have been incubated under a 12L:12D cycle. The pineal organs were collected for measurements of indole content by HPLC every 6 h on embryonic day (ED) 14, ED 16, ED 18 and ED 22 or every 2 h on ED 24, ED 26 and ED 28. The level of tryptophan showed no significant changes during development and no day-night variations. The content of 5-hydroxytryptophan increased between ED 14 and ED 26. It was significantly higher during scotophase than during photophase starting from ED 14. The serotonin content was low during the early stages of development (ED 14–ED 18) and prominently increased from ED 20. The serotonin levels also showed day-night differences; however, they were less conspicuous than those of 5-hydroxytryptophan. The changes in the level of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid were similar to those of serotonin. 5-Hydroxytryptophol was measurable from ED 18. Levels of N-acetylserotonin, which were detectable for the first time on ED 16, prominently increased between ED 22 and ED 28 and showed significant day–night differences from ED 20. Melatonin was detectable from ED 18. Like N-acetylserotonin, its content increased rapidly between ED 22 and ED 28, and from ED 20 showed diurnal variations. 5-Methoxyindole acetic acid and 5-methoxytryptophol occurred at measurable levels from ED 18 and ED 26, respectively. The obtained results showed that embryonic development of indole metabolism in the goose pineal organ starts with the beginning of serotonin synthesis. The processes of serotonin acetylation and 5-hydroxyindoles methylation were turned on later. Diurnal rhythmicity develops very early in the embryonic pineal organ of the goose when the eggs are incubated under a 12 h light: 12 h dark schedule. Two processes are responsible for generation of the diurnal rhythms of 5-hydroxyindoles and 5-methoxyindoles: (i) hydroxylation of tryptophan and (ii) acetylation of serotonin.
Structural Nanocomposite Fabrication from Self-Assembled Choline Chloride Modified Kaolinite into Poly(Methylmethacrylate)
Authors: Saha Dipti , Majumdar Mithun Kumar , Das Ajoy Kumar , Chowdhury A.M. Sarwaruddin , Ashaduzzaman Md.
Published: August 2019

Composite materials produced from indigenous nanoscale particles and synthetic polymers have created demand in the field of nanoscience and technology. Layered silicates are potential candidates for reinforcing the properties of composites. Here, we report the fabrication of nanocomposites using poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) as the matrix and the Bijoypur clay of Bangladesh known as kaolinite (200–250 nm) as the filler via solution casting. Kaolinite was first modified using choline chloride to prepare core-shell particles through a precipitation technique and was used for self-assembled nanocomposite films preparation. A series of nanocomposites films using 0, 1, 3, 5 and 10% (w/w) modified kaolinite was prepared. The neat PMMA and nanocomposite films were characterized by attenuated total reflection infra-red (ATR-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and morphology of the films were investigated using a universal testing machine (UTM), a thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nanocomposite films exhibited better mechanical properties and thermal stability than neat PMMA film. Development of such structural nanocomposite materials using naturally occurring nanoscale particles would play a crucial role in the field of materials science for packaging applications and separation technology.
Polyacrylamide Ferrogels with Ni Nanowires
Authors: Safronov Alexander P. , Stadler Bethanie J. H. , Um Joseph , Zamani Kouhpanji Mohammad Reza , Alonso Masa Javier , Galyas Andrey G. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: August 2019

Nickel magnetic nanowires (NWs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique properties, which are useful for basic studies and technological applications, for example in biomedicine. Their structure and magnetic properties were systematically studied in the recent years. In this work, Ni NWs with high aspect ratios (length/diameter ~250) were fabricated by electrodeposition into commercial anodic aluminum oxide templates. The templates were then etched and the NWs were suspended in water, where their hydrodynamic size was evaluated by dynamic light scattering. The magnetic response of these NWs as a function of an external magnetic field indicates a dominant shape anisotropy with propagation of the vortex domain wall as the main magnetization reversal process. The suspension of Ni NWs was used in the synthesis of two types of polyacrylamide ferrogels (FGs) by free radical polymerization, with weight fractions of Ni NWs in FGs of 0.036% and 0.169%. The FGs were reasonably homogeneous. The magnetic response of these FGs (hysteresis loops) indicated that the NWs are randomly oriented inside the FG, and their magnetic response remains stable after embedding.
Design of a New Chaotic System Based on Van Der Pol Oscillator and Its Encryption Application
Authors: He Jianbin , Cai Jianping
Published: August 2019

The Van der Pol oscillator is investigated by the parameter control method. This method only needs to control one parameter of the Van der Pol oscillator by a simple periodic function; then, the Van der Pol oscillator can behave chaotically from the stable limit cycle. Based on the new Van der Pol oscillator with variable parameter (VdPVP), some dynamical characteristics are discussed by numerical simulations, such as the Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagrams. The numerical results show that there exists a positive Lyapunov exponent in the VdPVP. Therefore, an encryption algorithm is designed by the pseudo-random sequences generated from the VdPVP. This simple algorithm consists of chaos scrambling and chaos XOR (exclusive-or) operation, and the statistical analyses show that it has good security and encryption effectiveness. Finally, the feasibility and validity are verified by simulation experiments of image encryption.
Characterization of Adolescent Pregnancy and Legal Abortion in Situations Involving Incest or Sexual Violence by an Unknown Aggressor
Authors: Bessa Maria Misrelma Moura , Drezett Jefferson , Adami Fernando , Araújo Sandra Dircinha Teixeira de , Bezerra Italla Maria Pinheiro , Abreu Luiz Carlos de
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives: In pregnancies resulting from incest, the adolescent maintains close family and emotional relations with the aggressor, different from what occurs when pregnancy results from sexual violence by strangers. Evidence indicates that this type of relationship with the aggressor may interfere in the dynamics of such violence and the adolescent’s access to health services. Materials and Methods: The objective of this research was to describe and correlate aspects associated with pregnancy when resulting from rape of adolescents in situations of incest; rape when perpetrated by an unknown aggressor and an abortion as allowed by law was sought. Method: A cross-sectional, epidemiological study of adolescents treated at the Pérola Byington Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil, bringing an allegation of pregnancy, resulting from sexual violence and a request for abortion as allowed by law. A total of 311 adolescents, being 134 in the “pregnancy from incest group”, and 174 in the group “pregnancies resulting from rape by a stranger” were considered under the study variables; relationships were investigated using the chi-squared test and Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The study included 137 cases (44.1%) of pregnancy resulting from incest, and 174 cases (55.9%) of pregnancy from rape by a stranger. In cases of incest, a declaration of religion (92.0%) was significantly more frequent, and the adolescents were approached in spaces considered safe or private (92.7%); the aggressor taking advantage of the adolescent’s legal condition of vulnerability as a function of age (83.3%). Cases of incest presented a lower median adolescent age and greater gestational development, with gestations being ≥ 13 weeks prevailing. Conclusion: Cases of pregnancy by incest presented indicators suggesting both proximity and relationship with the aggressor, and pregnancy at a very early age, which postponed the adolescent’s procurement of health service, and interfered negatively with abortion assistance as allowed by law.
Hemostasis-On-a-Chip: Impedance Spectroscopy Meets Microfluidics for Hemostasis Evaluation
Authors: Karimi Shadi , Farré-Lladós Josep , Mir Enrique , Escolar Ginés , Casals-Terré Jasmina
Published: August 2019

In the case of vascular injury, a complex process (of clotting) starts, involving mainly platelets and coagulation factors. This process in healthy humans is known as hemostasis, but when it is deregulated (thrombosis), it can be the cause of important cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, the aging of the population and unhealthy lifestyles increase the impact of thrombosis, and therefore there is a need for tools to provide a better understanding of the hemostasis mechanisms, as well as more cost-effective diagnosis and control devices. This study proposes a novel microflow chamber, with interchangeable biomimetic surfaces to evaluate global hemostasis, using reduced amounts of blood sample and reagents, and also a minimized time required to do the test. To validate the performance of this novel device, a study on the new oral anticoagulant Apixaban (APIX) has been performed and compared to previous conventional techniques. The test shows an excellent agreement, while the amount of the required sample has been reduced (only 100 µL is used), and the amount of reagent as well. An imprinted electrode embedded in the chamber in order to measure the impedance during the coagulation process. This approach distinguishes the impedance behavior of plasma poor in platelets (PPP) and plasma rich in platelets (PRP) for the first time.
Fluorimetric Properties of 3-Aminoflavone Biomolecule (3-AF). X-ray Crystal Structure of New Polymorph of 3-AF
Authors: Pająk Wojciech , Fabijańska Małgorzata , Wojciechowski Jakub , Wolf Wojciech M. , Kilanowicz Anna , Brzezińska Elżbieta , Ochocki Justyn
Published: August 2019

The crystal structure of the new polymorphic form of 3-aminoflavone (3-AF) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. This report presents results of fluorimetric studies on 3-AF in methanol and aquatic solvents. Based on 3D fluorescence emission spectra, optimal values for excitation (λex) and emission/analytical (λem) wavelength, the analytical concentration range as well as the range of concentration quenching for the studied compound were established. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined. The results were compared with those obtained using the standard UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometric method. The effect of acidity (pH) and the concentration of halide anions (chlorides, bromides, iodides and fluorides) on fluorescence quenching were analysed.