bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Silent Researcher Critique: A New Method for Obtaining a Critical Response to a Holographic Artwork
Authors: John Pearl
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this article is to provide a plausible answer as to whether the Z-axis of holographic space can be used to depict a chronological narrative with an affective impact. This article describes a practice-based holographic arts study in which the author created interactive artworks with family photographs taken from the late 1800s to the present day, and stacked them in chronological order within the Z-axis of holographic space. The artworks were evaluated by different audiences to determine whether the viewer could perceive the new application of holographic space, and whether the artwork had an affective impact. An art critique method used both in Higher Education settings in the UK and in professional art practice, was adapted as a research tool for use in this study and termed ‘the silent researcher critique’. The findings of the project were that audiences had a new experience when interacting with the works and were impacted emotionally by them, however only a group of experts in art and holography were able to identify and comprehend the new conceptual use of the Z-axis of holographic space. This study’s value can be measured by its offering practice-based arts researchers a novel method of obtaining valuable critical feedback from peers and by its contribution to the aesthetic development of the medium of art holography.
Fibroblasts and Their Pathological Functions in the Fibrosis of Aortic Valve Sclerosis and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Singh Savita , Torzewski Michael
Published: September 2019

Cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) are driven by inflammation induced by a variety of stimuli, including low-density lipoproteins (LDL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), infections, mechanical stress, and chemical insults. Fibrosis is the process of compensating for tissue injury caused by chronic inflammation. Fibrosis is initially beneficial and maintains extracellular homeostasis. However, in the case of AVS and atherosclerosis, persistently active resident fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) perpetually remodel the extracellular matrix under the control of autocrine and paracrine signaling from the immune cells. Myofibroblasts also produce pro-fibrotic factors, such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), angiotensin II (Ang II), and interleukin-1 (IL-1), which allow them to assist in the activation and migration of resident immune cells. Post wound repair, these cells undergo apoptosis or become senescent; however, in the presence of unresolved inflammation and persistence signaling for myofibroblast activation, the tissue homeostasis is disturbed, leading to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion, disorganized ECM, and thickening of the affected tissue. Accumulating evidence suggests that diverse mechanisms drive fibrosis in cardiovascular pathologies, and it is crucial to understand the impact and contribution of the various mechanisms for the control of fibrosis before the onset of a severe pathological consequence.
Ethanol Induction of Innate Immune Signals Across BV2 Microglia and SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Involves Induction of IL-4 and IL-13
Authors: Lawrimore Colleen J. , Coleman Leon G. , Zou Jian , Crews Fulton T.
Published: September 2019

Innate immune signaling molecules, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines and transcription factor NFκB, are increased in post-mortem human alcoholic brain and may play roles in alcohol dependence and neurodegeneration. Innate immune signaling involves microglia -neuronal signaling which while poorly understood, may impact learning and memory. To investigate mechanisms of ethanol induction of innate immune signaling within and between brain cells, we studied immortalized BV2 microglia and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma to model microglial and neuronal signaling. Cells were treated alone or in co-culture using a Transwell system, which allows transfer of soluble mediators. We determined immune signaling mRNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ethanol induced innate immune genes in both BV2 and SH-SY5Y cultured alone, with co-culture altering gene expression at baseline and following ethanol exposure. Co-culture blunted ethanol-induced high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)-TLR responses, corresponding with reduced ethanol induction of several proinflammatory NFκB target genes. In contrast, co-culture resulted in ethanol upregulation of cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in BV2 and corresponding receptors, that is, IL-4 and IL-13 receptors, in SH-SY5Y, suggesting induction of a novel signaling pathway. Co-culture reduction in HMGB1-TLR levels occurs in parallel with reduced proinflammatory gene induction and increased IL-4 and IL-13 ligands and receptors. Findings from these immortalized and tumor-derived cell lines could provide insight into microglial-neuronal interactions via release of soluble mediators in vivo.
Expression of Oncogenic Drivers in 3D Cell Culture Depends on Nuclear ATP Synthesis by NUDT5
Authors: Pickup Katherine E. , Pardow Felicitas , Carbonell-Caballero José , Lioutas Antonios , Villanueva-Cañas José Luis , Wright Roni H. G. , Beato Miguel
Published: September 2019

The growth of cancer cells as oncospheres in three-dimensional (3D) culture provides a robust cell model for understanding cancer progression, as well as for early drug discovery and validation. We have previously described a novel pathway in breast cancer cells, whereby ADP (Adenosine diphosphate)-ribose derived from hydrolysis of poly (ADP-Ribose) and pyrophosphate (PPi) are converted to ATP, catalysed by the enzyme NUDT5 (nucleotide diphosphate hydrolase type 5). Overexpression of the NUDT5 gene in breast and other cancer types is associated with poor prognosis, increased risk of recurrence and metastasis. In order to understand the role of NUDT5 in cancer cell growth, we performed phenotypic and global expression analysis in breast cancer cells grown as oncospheres. Comparison of two-dimensional (2D) versus 3D cancer cell cultures from different tissues of origin suggest that NUDT5 increases the aggressiveness of the disease via the modulation of several key driver genes, including ubiquitin specific peptidase 22 (USP22), RAB35B, focadhesin (FOCAD) and prostagladin E synthase (PTGES). NUDT5 functions as a master regulator of key oncogenic pathways and of genes involved in cell adhesion, cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance and epithelial to mesenchyme transition (EMT). Inhibiting the enzymatic activities of NUDT5 prevents oncosphere formation and precludes the activation of cancer driver genes. These findings highlight NUDT5 as an upstream regulator of tumour drivers and may provide a biomarker for cancer stratification, as well as a novel target for drug discovery for combinatorial drug regimens for the treatment of aggressive cancer types and metastasis.
The Molecular Links between Cell Death and Inflammasome
Authors: Lee Kwang-Ho , Kang Tae-Bong
Published: September 2019

Programmed cell death pathways and inflammasome activation pathways can be genetically and functionally separated. Inflammasomes are specialized protein complexes that process pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 to bioactive forms for protection from a wide range of pathogens, as well as environmental and host-derived danger molecules. Programmed cell death has been extensively studied, and its role in the development, homeostasis, and control of infection and danger is widely appreciated. Apoptosis and the recently recognized necroptosis are the best-characterized forms of programmed death, and the interplay between them through death receptor signaling is also being studied. Moreover, growing evidence suggests that many of the signaling molecules known to regulate programmed cell death can also modulate inflammasome activation in a cell-intrinsic manner. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the current knowledge concerning the role of the signaling molecules originally associated with programmed cell death in the activation of inflammasome and IL-1β processing.
An Autocrine Wnt5a Loop Promotes NF-κB Pathway Activation and Cytokine/Chemokine Secretion in Melanoma
Authors: Barbero Gastón , Castro María Victoria , Villanueva María Belén , Quezada María Josefina , Fernández Natalia Brenda , DeMorrow Sharon , Lopez-Bergami Pablo
Published: September 2019

Wnt5a signaling has been implicated in the progression of cancer by regulating multiple cellular processes, largely migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. Since Wnt5a signaling has also been involved in inflammatory processes in infectious and inflammatory diseases, we addressed the role of Wnt5a in regulating NF-κB, a pivotal mediator of inflammatory responses, in the context of cancer. The treatment of melanoma cells with Wnt5a induced phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit p65 as well as IKK phosphorylation and IκB degradation. By using cDNA overexpression, RNA interference, and dominant negative mutants we determined that ROR1, Dvl2, and Akt (from the Wnt5a pathway) and TRAF2 and RIP (from the NF-κB pathway) are required for the Wnt5a/NF-κB crosstalk. Wnt5a also induced p65 nuclear translocation and increased NF-κB activity as evidenced by reporter assays and a NF-κB-specific upregulation of RelB, Bcl-2, and Cyclin D1. Further, stimulation of melanoma cells with Wnt5a increased the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, and IL-6 soluble receptor, MCP-1, and TNF soluble receptor I. The inhibition of endogenous Wnt5a demonstrated that an autocrine Wnt5a loop is a major regulator of the NF-κB pathway in melanoma. Taken together, these results indicate that Wnt5a activates the NF-κB pathway and has an immunomodulatory effect on melanoma through the secretion of cytokines and chemokines.
New Rat Model of Advanced NASH Mimicking Pathophysiological Features and Transcriptomic Signature of The Human Disease
Authors: Maeso-Díaz Raquel , Boyer-Diaz Zoe , Lozano Juan José , Ortega-Ribera Martí , Peralta Carmen , Bosch Jaime , Gracia-Sancho Jordi
Published: September 2019

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major cause of chronic liver disease. However, most available animal models fail to reflect the whole spectrum of the disease. Liver fibrosis and portal hypertension are the strongest prognostic markers in advanced NASH. We herein aimed at developing a new model of NASH in male rats, obtained using a multi-hit protocol that combines the administration of a high fat and high-cholesterol diet with CCl4 and phenobarbital. Following this protocol, rats showed the full characteristics of advanced human NASH after 10 weeks and NASH with cirrhosis by 24 weeks. Specifically, our NASH rats exhibited: steatosis and metabolic syndrome, lipotoxicity, hepatocellular ballooning necrosis, inflammation and importantly, marked hepatic fibrosis and significant portal hypertension. Furthermore, a whole transcriptomic analysis of liver tissue from our rat model using next generation sequencing was compared with human NASH and illustrated the similarity of this pre-clinical model with the human disease. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that NASH animals shared a relevant number of central pathways involved in NASH pathophysiology, such as those related with cell death, as well as inflammatory or matrix remodeling. The present study defines a pre-clinical model of moderate and advanced NASH that mimics the human disease, including pathophysiologic characteristics and transcriptomic signature.
Computing Spatiotemporal Accessibility to Urban Opportunities: A Reliable Space-Time Prism Approach in Uncertain Urban Networks
Authors: Sahebgharani Alireza , Mohammadi Mahmoud , Haghshenas Hossein
Published: September 2019

Space-time prism (STP) is a comprehensive and powerful model for computing accessibility to urban opportunities. Despite other types of accessibility measures, STP models capture spatial and temporal dimensions in a unified framework. Classical STPs assume that travel time in street networks is a deterministic and fixed variable. However, this assumption is in contradiction with the uncertain nature of travel time taking place due to fluctuations and traffic congestion. In addition, travel time in street networks mostly follows non-normal probability distributions which are not modeled in the structure of classical STPs. Neglecting travel time uncertainty and disregarding different types of probability distributions cause unrealistic accessibility values in STP-based metrics. In this way, this paper proposes a spatiotemporal accessibility model by extending classical STPs to non-normal stochastic urban networks and blending this modified STP with the attractiveness of urban opportunities. The elaborated model was applied on the city of Isfahan to assess the accessibility of its traffic analysis zones (TAZs) to Kowsar discount retail markets. A significant difference was found between the results of accessibility values in normally and non-normally distributed networks. In addition, the results show that the northern TAZs had larger accessibility level compared to the southern ones.
Crystal Structure of NADPH-Dependent Methylglyoxal Reductase Gre2 from Candida Albicans
Authors: Nguyen Giang Thu , Kim Shinae , Jin Hyeonseok , Cho Dong-Hyung , Chun Hang-Suk , Kim Woo-Keun , Chang Jeong Ho
Published: September 2019

Gre2 is a key enzyme in the methylglyoxal detoxification pathway; it uses NADPH or NADH as an electron donor to reduce the cytotoxic methylglyoxal to lactaldehyde. This enzyme is a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily whose members catalyze this type of reaction with a broad range of substrates. To elucidate the structural features, we determined the crystal structures of the NADPH-dependent methylglyoxal reductase Gre2 from Candida albicans (CaGre2) for both the apo-form and NADPH-complexed form at resolutions of 2.8 and 3.02 Å, respectively. The CaGre2 structure is composed of two distinct domains: the N-terminal cofactor-binding domain and the C-terminal substrate-binding domain. Extensive comparison of CaGre2 with its homologous structures reveals conformational changes in α12 and β3′ of the NADPH-complex forms. This study may provide insights into the structural and functional variation of SDR family proteins.
On the Forecast Combination Puzzle
Authors: Qian Wei , Rolling Craig A. , Cheng Gang , Yang Yuhong
Published: September 2019

It is often reported in the forecast combination literature that a simple average of candidate forecasts is more robust than sophisticated combining methods. This phenomenon is usually referred to as the “forecast combination puzzle”. Motivated by this puzzle, we explore its possible explanations, including high variance in estimating the target optimal weights (estimation error), invalid weighting formulas, and model/candidate screening before combination. We show that the existing understanding of the puzzle should be complemented by the distinction of different forecast combination scenarios known as combining for adaptation and combining for improvement. Applying combining methods without considering the underlying scenario can itself cause the puzzle. Based on our new understandings, both simulations and real data evaluations are conducted to illustrate the causes of the puzzle. We further propose a multi-level AFTER strategy that can integrate the strengths of different combining methods and adapt intelligently to the underlying scenario. In particular, by treating the simple average as a candidate forecast, the proposed strategy is shown to reduce the heavy cost of estimation error and, to a large extent, mitigate the puzzle.
Spectrum Occupancy Measurements and Analysis in 2.4 GHz WLAN
Authors: Cheema Adnan Ahmad , Salous Sana
Published: September 2019

High time resolution spectrum occupancy measurements and analysis are presented for 2.4 GHz WLAN signals. A custom-designed wideband sensing engine records the received power of signals, and its performance is presented to select the decision threshold required to define the channel state (busy/idle). Two sets of measurements are presented where data were collected using an omni-directional and directional antenna in an indoor environment. Statistics of the idle time windows in the 2.4 GHz WLAN are analyzed using a wider set of distributions, which require fewer parameters to compute and are more practical for implementation compared to the widely-used phase type or Gaussian mixture distributions. For the omni-directional antenna, it was found that the lognormal and gamma distributions can be used to model the behavior of the idle time windows under different network traffic loads. In addition, the measurements show that the low time resolution and angle of arrival affect the statistics of the idle time windows.
State of Charge Estimation for Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Temperature-Dependent Second-Order RC Model
Authors: Xu Yidan , Hu Minghui , Fu Chunyun , Cao Kaibin , Su Zhong , Yang Zhong
Published: September 2019

Accurate estimation of battery state of charge (SOC) is of great significance for extending battery life, improving battery utilization, and ensuring battery safety. Aiming to improve the accuracy of SOC estimation, in this paper, a temperature-dependent second-order RC equivalent circuit model is established for lithium-ion batteries, based on the battery electrical characteristics at different ambient temperatures. Then, a dual Kalman filter algorithm is proposed to estimate the battery SOC, using the proposed equivalent circuit model. The SOC estimation results are compared with the SOC value obtained from experiments, and the estimation errors under different temperature conditions are found to be within ±0.4%. These results prove that the proposed SOC estimation algorithm, based on a temperature-dependent second-order RC equivalent circuit model, provides accurate SOC estimation performance with high temperature adaptability and robustness.
1H NMR-Based Metabolomics and Lipid Analyses Revealed the Effect of Dietary Replacement of Microbial Extracts or Mussel Meal with Fish Meal to Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Wagner Liane , Gómez-Requeni Pedro , Moazzami Ali A. , Lundh Torbjörn , Vidakovic Aleksandar , Langeland Markus , Kiessling Anders , Pickova Jana
Published: September 2019

The effects of replacing 40% of dietary fish meal (FM) in a reference diet (REF) with either mussel meal (MM), zygomycete fungi (ZYG), extracted baker’s yeast (EY), or non-extracted baker’s yeast (NY) on the lipid and metabolic profile of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) were investigated. After a 14-week feeding trial, liver and muscle tissues were collected for lipid (lipid content, lipid class, fatty acid composition) and 1H NMR-based metabolomics analyses (aqueous and chloroform phases). Lipid analyses showed that fish fed ZYG diet had lower liver lipid content and thereby 10% higher level of docosahexaenoic acid compared with REF. Metabolomics analyses showed that on the one hand fish fed NY diet affected liver metabolites (2–3 fold higher concentrations of e.g., n,n-dimethylglycine and betaine) compared with REF, while, on the other hand, the muscle metabolic fingerprint was mainly affected by EY. In general, affected metabolites (e.g., alanine, anserine, betaine, hydroxyproline, isoleucine, malonate, n,n-dimethylglycine, proline, succinate, and valine) in fish fed test diets suggested that the test meal ingredients caused mainly a response in muscle metabolism. Fish metabolism was least affected by MM, which suggests that it may be suitable to replace fish meal in Arctic charr diets.
An Introduction to Particle Acceleration in Shearing Flows
Authors: Rieger Frank
Published: September 2019

Shear flows are ubiquitously present in space and astrophysical plasmas. This paper highlights the central idea of the non-thermal acceleration of charged particles in shearing flows and reviews some of the recent developments. Topics include the acceleration of charged particles by microscopic instabilities in collisionless relativistic shear flows, Fermi-type particle acceleration in macroscopic, gradual and non-gradual shear flows, as well as shear particle acceleration by large-scale velocity turbulence. When put in the context of jetted astrophysical sources such as Active Galactic Nuclei, the results illustrate a variety of means beyond conventional diffusive shock acceleration by which power-law like particle distributions might be generated. This suggests that relativistic shear flows can account for efficient in-situ acceleration of energetic electrons and be of relevance for the production of extreme cosmic rays.
Twenty-Five Years Experience on RET Genetic Screening on Hereditary MTC: An Update on The Prevalence of Germline RET Mutations
Authors: Elisei Rossella , Tacito Alessia , Ramone Teresa , Ciampi Raffaele , Bottici Valeria , Cappagli Virginia , Viola David , Matrone Antonio , Lorusso Loredana , Valerio Laura , Giani Carlotta , Campopiano Cristina , Prete Alessandro , Agate Laura , Molinaro Eleonora , Romei Cristina
Published: September 2019

Background: Pathogenic germline mutations affecting the RET proto-oncogene underlie the development of hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of germline RET mutations in a large series of MTC, collected over the last 25 years, and to reappraise their clinical significance. Methods: We performed RET genetic screening in 2031 Italian subjects: patients who presented with sporadic (n = 1264) or hereditary (n = 117) MTC, plus 650 relatives. Results: A RET germline mutation was found in 115/117 (98.3%) hereditary and in 78/1264 (6.2%) apparently sporadic cases: in total, 42 distinct germline variants were found. The V804M mutation was the most prevalent in our cohort, especially in cases that presented as sporadic, while mutations affecting cysteine residues were the most frequent in the group of clinically hereditary cases. All M918T mutations were “de novo” and exclusively associated with MEN2B. Several variants of unknown significance (VUS) were also found. Conclusions: a) RET genetic screening is informative in both hereditary and sporadic MTC; b) the prevalence of different mutations varies with V804M being the most frequent; c) the association genotype–phenotype is confirmed; d) by RET screening, some VUS can be found but their pathogenic role must be demonstrated before screening the family.
Small Scale Rainfall Partitioning in a European Beech Forest Ecosystem Reveals Heterogeneity of Leaf Area Index and Its Connectivity to Hydro-and Atmosphere
Authors: Frischbier Nico , Tiebel Katharina , Tischer Alexander , Wagner Sven
Published: September 2019

(1) Background: Leaf area index (LAI) is an essential structural property of plant canopies and is functionally related to fluxes of energy, water, carbon, and light in ecosystems; coupling the biosphere to the geo-, hydro-, and atmosphere. There is an increasing need for more accurate and traceable measurements among several spatial scales of investigation and modelling. We hypothesize that the spatial variability of LAI at the scale of crown sections of a single European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) tree in a highly structured, mixed European beech-Norway spruce stand can be determined by simultaneous records of precipitation; (2) Methods: Spatially explicit measurements of throughfall were conducted repeatedly below beech and in forest gaps for rain events in leafed and in leafless periods. Subsequent analysis with a new regression approach resulted in estimating leaf and twig water storage capacities (SCleaf/twig) at point level independent of within-crown lateral flow mechanisms. Inverse modelling was used to estimate spatial litterfall (n = 99) distribution and litter production (mass, area, numbers) for single trees, as a function of diameter at breast height; (3) Results: As revealed by a linear mixed-effects model, SCleaf at the center of a beech canopies amounts to 4.9 mm in average and significantly decreases in the direction of the crown edges to an average value of 1.1 mm. Based on diameter-sensitive prediction of litter production, specific leaf area wetting capacity amounts to 0.260 l·m−2. A linear within-canopy dynamic of LAI was found with a mean of 17.6 m2·m−2 in the center and 4.0 m2·m−2 at the edges; and (4) Conclusions: The application of the method provided plausible results and can be extended to further throughfall datasets and tree species. Unravelling the causes and magnitude of spatial- and temporal heterogeneity of forest ecosystem properties contribute to overall progress in geosciences by improving the understanding how the biosphere relates to the hydro- and atmosphere.
Periodicity in Volcanic Gas Plumes: A Review and Analysis
Authors: Pering Tom D. , Ilanko Tehnuka , Liu Emma J.
Published: September 2019

Persistent non-explosive passive degassing is a common characteristic of active volcanoes. Distinct periodic components in measurable parameters of gas release have been widely identified over timescales ranging from seconds to months. The development and implementation of high temporal resolution gas measurement techniques now enables the robust quantification of high frequency processes operating on timescales comparable to those detectable in geophysical datasets. This review presents an overview of the current state of understanding regarding periodic volcanic degassing, and evaluates the methods available for detecting periodicity, e.g., autocorrelation, variations of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and the continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Periodicities in volcanic degassing from published studies were summarised and statistically analysed together with analyses of literature-derived datasets where periodicity had not previously been investigated. Finally, an overview of current knowledge on drivers of periodicity was presented and discussed in the framework of four main generating categories, including: (1) non-volcanic (e.g., atmospheric or tidally generated); (2) gas-driven, shallow conduit processes; (3) magma movement, intermediate to shallow storage zone; and (4) deep magmatic processes.
Mitochondrial Carriers for Aspartate, Glutamate and Other Amino Acids: A Review
Authors: Monné Magnus , Vozza Angelo , Lasorsa Francesco Massimo , Porcelli Vito , Palmieri Ferdinando
Published: September 2019

Members of the mitochondrial carrier (MC) protein family transport various molecules across the mitochondrial inner membrane to interlink steps of metabolic pathways and biochemical processes that take place in different compartments; i.e., are localized partly inside and outside the mitochondrial matrix. MC substrates consist of metabolites, inorganic anions (such as phosphate and sulfate), nucleotides, cofactors and amino acids. These compounds have been identified by in vitro transport assays based on the uptake of radioactively labeled substrates into liposomes reconstituted with recombinant purified MCs. By using this approach, 18 human, plant and yeast MCs for amino acids have been characterized and shown to transport aspartate, glutamate, ornithine, arginine, lysine, histidine, citrulline and glycine with varying substrate specificities, kinetics, influences of the pH gradient, and capacities for the antiport and uniport mode of transport. Aside from providing amino acids for mitochondrial translation, the transport reactions catalyzed by these MCs are crucial in energy, nitrogen, nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. In this review we dissect the transport properties, phylogeny, regulation and expression levels in different tissues of MCs for amino acids, and summarize the main structural aspects known until now about MCs. The effects of their disease-causing mutations and manipulation of their expression levels in cells are also considered as clues for understanding their physiological functions.
Correction: First Principles Study of the Vibrational and Thermal Properties of Sn-Based Type II Clathrates CsxSn136 (0 ≤ x ≤ 24) and Rb24Ga24Sn112. Inorganics 2019, 7, 74
Authors: Zahid Hadeel , Xue Dong , Myles Charles W.
Published: September 2019

Dong Xue and his Ph [...]
Twenty-five Years of Research Experience with the Sterile Insect Technique and Area-Wide Management of Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), in Canada
Authors: Thistlewood Howard M. A. , Judd Gary J. R.
Published: September 2019

The advent of novel genetic methods has led to renewed interest in the sterile insect technique (SIT) for management of insect pests, owing to applications in mass rearing and in the production of sterile offspring without use of irradiation. An area-wide management programme for codling moth, Cydia pomonella, has employed the SIT and other management practices over a large area (3395 to 7331 ha) of orchards and neighbouring urban, public, or First Nations lands in British Columbia, Canada, for 25 years. This project is the first to employ the SIT for C. pomonella, and the longest-running application of area-wide techniques for its control, anywhere. It was derived from basic research and applied trials from the 1960s onwards. Many biological challenges were overcome, and lessons learnt, in transferring from small- to large-scale applications of mass rearing and the SIT, with particular regard to Lepidoptera. Research has proven essential to identifying, if not resolving, issues that threaten the implementation and success of any such programme. The major challenges encountered, and the resulting research, are reviewed, as well as future directions. Recommendations are given for application of the SIT as part of any area-wide management programme for C. pomonella.
Externally Heated Hollow Cathode Arc Plasma Source for Experiments in Plasma Wakefield Acceleration
Authors: Roussel Ryan , Andonian Gerard , Hansel Claire , Lawler Gerard , Lynn Walter , Majernik Nathan , Robles River , Sanwalka Kunal , Wisniewski Eric , Rosenzweig James
Published: September 2019

An externally heated, hollow cathode arc source was recommissioned at UCLA for use in experiments to drive plasma wakefields with shaped beams at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator. The hollow cathode arc source provides a robust plasma column with a density in the 10 13 – 10 14 cm − 3 range while external heating of the cathode allows the plasma arc regime to be accessed with applied voltages down to 20 V. Overall source operating principals are described, along with time-resolved plasma current measurements and plasma density characterization with the use of a triple Langumir probe. The results show that relevant plasma densities that match facility beam parameters are readily achievable.
Vascular Patterns in Retinitis Pigmentosa on Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Romano Francesco , Albertini Giorgia , Aragona Emanuela , Bandello Francesco , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio
Published: September 2019

Background: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) represents a retinal dystrophy with an extremely complex pathogenesis further worsened by the impairment of the retinal vascular supply. The main goal of this study was to identify different vascular patterns in RP, by means of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: A total of 32 RP patients (16 males, 50%; mean age 45.93 ± 11.4) and 32 healthy age-matched controls (16 males, 50%; age 42.8 ± 11.2). High resolution OCT and OCTA images were obtained from all participants. Several quantitative parameters were extracted both from structural OCT and OCTA images. A post-hoc analysis assessed the relationship between the quantitative OCTA parameters adopted and the following measures: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Results: Mean LogMAR BCVA was 0.24 ± 0.32 for RP patients and 0.0 ± 0.0 for controls (p < 0.01). CMT, choroidal thickness and RNFL were statistically different between RP and controls (p < 0.01). OCTA parameters showed strong alterations of the retinal vascular network in RP (all p < 0.01). Several statistically significant correlations were also found. Furthermore, a vessel tortuosity cut-off of 4.80 and a vessel rarefaction cut-off of 0.62 enabled the RP cohort to be divided into two significantly different sub-groups in terms of BCVA, RNFL and CMT. Conclusions: Quantitative OCTA parameters help identify vascular abnormalities in RP, separating two different vascular patterns.
Decreased Blood Asprosin in Hyperglycemic Menopausal Women as a Result of Whole-Body Cryotherapy Regardless of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wiecek Magdalena , Szymura Jadwiga , Sproull Justyna , Szygula Zbigniew
Published: September 2019

Endocrine dysfunction often occurs in metabolic syndrome (MetS), resulting in hyperglycemia and atherogenic blood lipid profile disorders. Asprosin is a newly discovered glucose-regulating hormone. The study aim was to determine whether the application of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) affects asprosin and selected adipocytokines as well as insulin resistance in menopausal women with metabolic disorders. A total of 37 menopausal women were exposed to 20 WBC (−130 °C, 3 min). Blood glucose, asprosin, irisin, leptin, adiponectin, and insulin were measured before and after 20 WBC treatments, after which a homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. The results were analyzed in the MetS group compared to the controls (CON) without MetS, and in the hyperglycemic (HG) group compared to the normoglycemic group (NG). After 20 WBC, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in asprosin concentration was found in the MetS, HG, and CON groups, and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in glucose concentration was noted in the HG group. Changes in asprosin concentration positively correlated with changes in glucose concentration. Asprosin concentration before WBC correlated positively with metabolic disorder risk factor levels, and the change in asprosin concentration after 20 WBC correlated negatively with metabolic disorder risk factor levels: fasting glucose, AIP, and the leptin/adiponectin index. Research indicates the possibility of using WBC in supporting metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and insulin resistance.
Effect of Low-Dose Aspirin on Soluble FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1/Placental Growth Factor (sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio) in Pregnancies at High Risk for the Development of Preeclampsia
Authors: Mayer-Pickel Karoline , Kolovetsiou-Kreiner Vassiliki , Stern Christina , Münzker Julia , Eberhard Katharina , Trajanoski Slave , Lakovschek Ioana-Claudia , Ulrich Daniela , Csapo Bence , Lang Uwe , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Cervar-Zivkovic Mila
Published: September 2019

Background: Soluble FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) have been reported to be highly predictive several weeks before the onset of preeclampsia. Objective: To investigate longitudinal changes of serum levels sFlt-1 and PlGF in pregnant women at high risk for the development of preeclampsia and to reveal an impact of aspirin on maternal serum concentrations of sFlt-1 and PlGF. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study in 394 women with various risk factors for the development of preeclampsia (chronic hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome/APS or systemic lupus erythematosus/SLE, thrombophilia, women with a history of preeclampsia, pathologic first trimester screening for preeclampsia) and 68 healthy women. Serum levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured prospectively at 4-week intervals (from gestational weeks 12 until postpartum). Results: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher in women with an adverse obstetric outcome compared to women with a normal pregnancy, starting between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. There was no effect of aspirin on sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with chronic hypertension, APS/SLE, thrombophilia and controls. The use of aspirin showed a trend towards an improvement of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy and a significant effect on the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with a pathologic first trimester screening for preeclampsia. Conclusions: Our findings reveal an impact of aspirin on sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with a pathologic first trimester screening for preeclampsia, strongly supporting its prophylactic use.
Correlation between Choriocapillaris Density and Retinal Sensitivity in Stargardt Disease
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Senatore Alfonso , Di Antonio Luca , Di Nicola Marta , Marchioni Michele , Perna Fabiana , Amore Filippo , Borrelli Enrico , De Nicola Chiara , Carpineto Paolo , Toto Lisa
Published: September 2019

The aim of this work was to characterize the choriocapillaris (CC) in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD) using the swept source widefield optical coherence tomography angiography (SS WF OCTA) and to compare CC perfusion density to retinal sensitivity, analyzed using microperimetry (MP). This cross-sectional study included 9 patients (18 eyes) with STGD and central CC atrophy (stage 3 STGD). The CC was analyzed using SS WF OCTA and areas of different CC impairment were quantified and correlated with retinal sensitivity analyzed using MP. The main outcome measures were the percent perfused choriocapillaris area (PPCA), retinal sensitivity, and correlation between PPCA and retinal sensitivity. Seventeen eyes of 9 patients suffering from stage 3 STGD were analyzed. SS WF OCTA revealed a vascular rarefaction in central atrophic zones and a near atrophy halo of choriocapillaris impairment. In all eyes were noticed a central atrophy (CA) area with absolute absence of CC that corresponded to 0 dB points at MP, a near atrophy (NA) zone of PPCA impairment that included points with decreased sensitivity at MP and a distant from atrophy (DA) zone with higher PPCA and retinal sensitivity values. The mean difference of PPCA and retinal sensitivity between NA and CA and DA and CA was statistical significantly different (p < 0.01), the latter showing higher values. A direct relationship between PPCA and retinal sensitivity was found (p < 0.001). Choriocapillaris damage evaluated using SS WF OCTA correlates with MP, these data suggest that CC impairment may be a predictor of retinal function in patients with STGD.
Characterization of Bacteria and Inducible Phages in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Pacífico Cátia , Hilbert Miriam , Sofka Dmitrij , Dinhopl Nora , Pap Ildiko-Julia , Aspöck Christoph , Hilbert Friederike
Published: September 2019

Intensive care units (ICUs) are critical locations for the transmission of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Bacteria may develop a synergistic relationship with bacteriophages and more effectively resist various stresses, enabling them to persist despite disinfection and antimicrobial treatment. We collected 77 environmental samples from the surroundings of 12 patients with infection/colonizations by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus or Klebsiella spp. in an ICU in Austria. Surface swabs were tested for lytic phages and bacterial isolates for mitomycin C-inducible prophages. No lytic bacteriophages were detected, but S. aureus was isolated from the surroundings of all patients. About 85% of the colonies isolated from surface samples were resistant to antimicrobials, with 94% of them multidrug resistant. Two inducible temperate bacteriophages—myovirus vB_EcoM_P5 and siphovirus vB_SauS_P9—were recovered from two clinical isolates. Staphylococci phage vB_SauS_P9 lysed S. aureus isolates from the surface swabs collected from the surroundings of three patients. No transductants were obtained on propagation in phage-sensitive antimicrobial-resistant isolates. The two phages were sensitive to 0.25% (v/v) of the disinfectant TPH Protect, which eliminated viable phages after 15 min. Coliphage vB_EcoM_P5 was inactivated at 70 °C and staphylococci phage vB_SauS_P9 at 60 °C after 60 min.
Internationalization, Strategic Slack Resources, and Firm Performance: The Case Study of Vietnamese Enterprises
Authors: Nguyen Phuong V. , Huynh Hien Thi Ngoc , Trieu Hoa Doan Xuan , Tran Khoa T.
Published: September 2019

The study attempted to fill a gap in the research on international business by providing fresh evidence of the effect of the degree of internationalization on firm performance and the influence of organizational slack on this relationship. By applying a fixed-effects model to data from 569,767 Vietnamese enterprises from 2007 to 2015, a significant W-shaped linkage between internationalization and firm performance was revealed. Importantly, the results also emphasized the importance of three types of slack in the first stage of the internationalization process: absorbed slack human resources, other absorbed slack resources, and unabsorbed slack resources.
Estimation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate’s Water Permeability Coefficient as Earth Construction Material with the Application of an Analytical Method
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Dzięcioł Justyna , Głuchowski Andrzej
Published: September 2019

Creating models based on empirical data and their statistical measurements have been used for a long time in the economic sciences. Increasingly, these methods are used in the technical sciences, such as construction and geotechnical engineering. This allows for reducing the costs of geotechnical research at the design stage. This article presents the research carried out on Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) material with is reclaimed crushed concrete rubble. Permeability tests were carried out using the constant head method. Tests were conducted on blends of RCA with the following particle size ranges: 0.02–16 mm, 0.05–16 mm, 0.1–16 mm, and 0.2–16 mm. The gradients used during the tests were between 0.2 to 0.83, which corresponds to gradients encountered in earth construction and are below the critical gradient. Directly from the tests, the flux velocity for the range of tested gradients were calculated based on filtered water volume measurements. The values of the permeability coefficient (k) were then recalculated. Finally, statistical methods were used to determine which physical parameters of the tested material affect the permeability coefficient. The physical parameters selected from the statistical analysis were used to create a model describing the phenomenon. The model can be used to determine the permeability coefficient for a mixed RCA material. The article ends with conclusions and proposals concerning the use of models and the limits of their applicability.
Single-Piece All-Solid-State Potential Ion-Selective Electrodes Integrated with Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for Neutral 2,4-Dichlorophenol Assessment
Authors: Ezzat Samar , A. Ahmed Mona , E. Amr Abd El-Galil , A. Al-Omar Mohamed , H. Kamel Ayman , Khalifa Nagy M.
Published: September 2019

A novel single-piece all-solid-state ion-selective electrode (SC/ISE) based on carbon-screen printed is introduced. Polyaniline (PANI) is dissolved in a membrane cocktail that contains the same components used for making a conventional ion-selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix membrane. The membrane, having the PANI, is directly drop-casted on a carbon substrate (screen-printed-carbon electrode). PANI was added to act as an intermediary between the substrate and the membrane for the charge transfer process. Under non-equilibrium sensing mechanism, the sensors revealed high sensitivity towards 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) over the linearity range 0.47 to 13 µM and a detection limit 0.13 µm. The selectivity was measured by the modified separate solution method (MSSM) and showed good selectivity towards 2,4-DCP over the most commonly studied ions. All measurements were done in 30 mm Tris buffer solution at a pH 5.0. Using constant-current chronopotentiometry, the potential drift for the proposed electrodes was checked. Improvement in the potential stability of the SPE was observed after the addition of PANI in the sensing membrane as compared to the corresponding coated-wire electrode (membrane without PANI). The applicability of the sensor has been checked by measuring 2,4-DCP in different water samples and the results were compared with the standard HPLC method.
Microstructure and Properties of PZT Films with Different PbO Content—Ionic Mechanism of Built-In Fields Formation
Authors: Mukhin Nikolay , Chigirev Dmitry , Bakhchova Liubov , Tumarkin Andrey
Published: September 2019

Experimental studies were conducted on the effects of lead oxide on the microstructure and the ferroelectric properties of lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) films obtained by the method of radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering of a ceramic PZT target and PbO2 powder with subsequent heat treatment. It is shown that the change in ferroelectric properties of polycrystalline PZT films is attributable to their heterophase structure with impurities of lead oxide. It is also shown that, even in the original stoichiometric PZT film, under certain conditions (temperature above 580 °C, duration greater than 70 min), impurities of lead oxide may be formed. The presence of a sublayer of lead oxide leads to a denser formation of crystallization centers of the perovskite phase, resulting in a reduction of the grain size as well as the emergence of a charge on the lower interface. The formation of the perovskite structure under high-temperature annealing is accompanied by the diffusion of lead into the surface of the film. Also shown is the effect of the lead ions segregation on the formation of the self-polarized state of thin PZT films.
Low-Entropy Stochastic Processes for Generating k-Distributed and Normal Sequences, and the Relationship of These Processes with Random Number Generators †
Authors: Ryabko Boris
Published: September 2019

An infinite sequence

x
1

x
2

…

of letters from some alphabet

{
0
,
1
,

…
,
b
−
1
}

,

b
≥
2

, is called k-distributed (

k
≥
1

) if any k-letter block of successive digits appears with the frequency

b

−
k

in the long run. The sequence is called normal (or ∞-distributed) if it is k-distributed for any

k
≥
1

. We describe two classes of low-entropy processes that with probability 1 generate either k-distributed sequences or ∞-distributed sequences. Then, we show how those processes can be used for building random number generators whose outputs are either k-distributed or ∞-distributed. Thus, these generators have statistical properties that are mathematically proven.
On the Grain Growth Kinetics of a Low Density Steel
Authors: Field Daniel M. , Limmer Krista R. , Hornbuckle Billy C.
Published: September 2019

The grain growth kinetics of an age-hardenable Fe-Mn-Al-C steel were investigated. Kinetics of grain growth were determined between 1173 and 1348 K (900–1075 °C) to obtain a range of grain sizes from 30 to 475 μm. It was found that grain growth was negligible at 1173 K (900 °C) for times up to 15 h. The activation energy for grain growth was found to be 467 kJ/mol. The hardness and mean linear intercept (L3) were correlated to follow a traditional Hall-Petch relationship. Tensile properties of the alloy were determined after various solution treatments performed for 2 h followed by water quenching. Tensile strength increased from 810 to 960 MPa and ductility was reduced from 80 to 60% as the grain size decreased from 200 μm to 30 μm as grain coarsening was mitigated by lowering the solution treatment temperature.