bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Throughput Maximization Using an SVM for Multi-Class Hypothesis-Based Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio
Authors: Jan Sana , Vu Van-Hiep , Koo Insoo
Published: March 2018

A framework of spectrum sensing with a multi-class hypothesis is proposed to maximize the achievable throughput in cognitive radio networks. The energy range of a sensing signal under the hypothesis that the primary user is absent (in a conventional two-class hypothesis) is further divided into quantized regions, whereas the hypothesis that the primary user is present is conserved. The non-radio frequency energy harvesting-equiped secondary user transmits, when the primary user is absent, with transmission power based on the hypothesis result (the energy level of the sensed signal) and the residual energy in the battery: the lower the energy of the received signal, the higher the transmission power, and vice versa. Conversely, the lower is the residual energy in the node, the lower is the transmission power. This technique increases the throughput of a secondary link by providing a higher number of transmission events, compared to the conventional two-class hypothesis. Furthermore, transmission with low power for higher energy levels in the sensed signal reduces the probability of interference with primary users if, for instance, detection was missed. The familiar machine learning algorithm known as a support vector machine (SVM) is used in a one-versus-rest approach to classify the input signal into predefined classes. The input signal to the SVM is composed of three statistical features extracted from the sensed signal and a number ranging from 0 to 100 representing the percentage of residual energy in the node’s battery. To increase the generalization of the classifier, k-fold cross-validation is utilized in the training phase. The experimental results show that an SVM with the given features performs satisfactorily for all kernels, but an SVM with a polynomial kernel outperforms linear and radial-basis function kernels in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, the proposed multi-class hypothesis achieves higher throughput compared to the conventional two-class hypothesis for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks.
Potential of TCPInSAR in Monitoring Linear Infrastructure with a Small Dataset of SAR Images: Application of the Donghai Bridge, China
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sun Qian , Hu Jun
Published: March 2018

Reliably monitoring deformation associated with linear infrastructures, such as long-span bridges, is vitally important to assess their structural health. In this paper, we attempt to employ satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to map the deformation of Donghai Bridge over a half of an annual cycle. The bridge, as the fourth longest cross-sea bridge in the world, located in the north of Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea where the featureless sea surface largely occupied the radar image raises challenges to accurately co-register the coherent points along the bridge. To tackle the issues due to co-registration and the limited number of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, we adopt the termed temporarily-coherent point (TCP) InSAR (TCPInSAR) technique to process the radar images. TCPs that are not necessarily coherent during the whole observation period can be identified within every two SAR acquisitions during the co-registration procedure based on the statistics of azimuth and range offsets. In the process, co-registration is performed only using the offsets of these TCPs, leading to improved interferometric phases and the local Delaunay triangulation is used to construct point pairs to reduce the atmospheric artifacts along the bridge. With the TCPInSAR method the deformation rate along the bridge is estimated with no need of phase unwrapping. The achieved result reveals that the Donghai Bridge suffered a line-of-sight (LOS) deformation rate up to −2.3 cm/year from January 2009 to July 2009 at the cable-stayed part, which is likely due to the thermal expansion of cables.
Cross-Cultural Perception of Spanish Synthetic Expressive Voices Among Asians
Authors: Renunathan Naidu Ganapreeta , Lebai Lutfi Syaheerah , Azazi Amal , Lorenzo-Trueba Jaime , Martinez Juan
Published: March 2018

Nonverbal cues play a vital role in contributing to how emotions are perceived, especially by outgroups. In this study, a cross-cultural perception experiment of Spanish Synthetic Expressive Voices (SEV) was conducted to investigate the perception rate among different groups of Asians towards the SEV. Ten (10) subjects from each ethnic group namely Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysians participated in this test. The subjects were required to listen to and categorize the SEV corpus which contains 260 utterances with 4 emotions (anger, happiness, sadness, and surprise) and the neutral speech in different intensities and durations. Overall, the results indicate that duration and intensity of speech plays a significant role in perception. This paper concludes that listeners’ perceptions are influenced by a speaker’s nonverbal expression and it is important that these features (duration and intensity of speech) are considered when modelling synthetic speech for artificial agents in real-time applications in a cross-cultural user environment.
ZEST: A Fast Code for Simulating Zeeman-Stark Line-Shape Functions
Authors: Gilleron Franck , Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2018

We present the ZEST code, dedicated to the calculation of line shapes broadened by Zeeman and Stark effects. As concerns the Stark effect, the model is based on the Standard Lineshape Theory in which ions are treated in the quasi-static approximation, whereas the effects of electrons are represented by weak collisions in the framework of a binary collision relaxation theory. A static magnetic field may be taken into account in the radiator Hamiltonian in the dipole approximation, which leads to additional Zeeman splitting patterns. Ion dynamics effects are implemented using the fast Frequency-Fluctuation Model. For fast calculations, the static ion microfield distribution in the plasma is evaluated using analytic fits of Monte-Carlo simulations, which depend only on the ion-ion coupling parameter and the electron-ion screening factor.
Oncolytic Adenoviruses in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Yokoda Raquel , Nagalo Bolni , Borad Mitesh
Published: March 2018

Gastrointestinal malignancies are challenging cancers with considerable economic and societal impacts on health care systems worldwide. While advances in surgical approaches have provided benefits to a proportion of patients, only modest improvements have been attained in the treatment of patients with advanced disease, resulting in limited improvement in survival rates in these patients. Oncolytic adenoviruses are being developed to address gastrointestinal malignancies. Each platform has evolved to maximize tumor-cell killing potency while minimizing toxicities. Tumor-specific bioengineered adenoviruses using chimeric promoters, prodrug convertase enzymes, lethal genes, tumor suppressor genes, and pseudo-typed capsids can provide the innovations for eventual success of oncolytic virotherapy. This article will review the developments in adenoviral platforms in the context of specific gastrointestinal cancers. From the bench to the implementation of clinical trials, this review aims to highlight advances in the field from its early days to the current state of affairs as it pertains to the application of adenoviral oncolytic therapy to gastrointestinal cancers.
Recent Scientific Progress on Developing Supported Ni Catalysts for Dry (CO2) Reforming of Methane
Authors: Seo Hyun
Published: March 2018

Two major green house gases (CO2 and CH4) can be converted into useful synthetic gas (H2 and CO) during dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction, and a lot of scientific efforts has been made to develop efficient catalysts for dry reforming of methane (DRM). Noble metal-based catalysts can effectively assist DRM reaction, however they are not economically viable. Alternatively, non-noble based catalysts have been studied so far, and supported Ni catalysts have been considered as a promising candidate for DRM catalyst. Main drawback of Ni catalysts is its catalytic instability under operating conditions of DRM (>700 °C). Recently, it has been demonstrated that the appropriate choice of metal-oxide supports can address this issue since the chemical and physical of metal-oxide supports can prevent coke formation and stabilize the small Ni nanoparticles under harsh conditions of DRM operation. This mini-review covers the recent scientific findings on the development of supported Ni catalysts for DRM reaction, including the synthetic methods of supported Ni nanoparticles with high sintering resistance.
A Comparative Study of Mn/Co Binary Metal Catalysts Supported on Two Commercial Diatomaceous Earths for Oxidation of Benzene
Authors: Tomatis Marco , Xu Honghui , Wei Chaohui , Bishop Matthew , He Jun , Wang Chengjun , Zhao Ming , Xiao Hang , Yu Huan , Behera Sailesh , Tang Bencan
Published: March 2018

Two commercial diatomaceous earths were used as supports for the preparation of Mn/Co binary metal catalysts at different metal loads (5 to 10 wt % Mn and 5 to 15 wt % Co) by incipient wetness deposition. The activity of the prepared catalysts towards the complete oxidation of benzene to CO2 and water was investigated between 100 and 400 °C. Raw supports and synthesized catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, SEM-EDS, H2-TPR, and TPD. The purification treatment of food-grade diatomite significantly affected the crystallinity of this support while reducing its specific surface area (SSA). A loss of SSA, associated with the increase in the metal load, was observed on samples prepared on natural diatomite, while the opposite trend occurred with food-grade diatomite-supported catalysts. Metal nanoparticles of around 50 nm diameter were observed on the catalysts’ surface by SEM analysis. EDS analysis confirmed the uniform deposition of the active phases on the support’s surface. A larger H2 consumption was found by TPR analysis of natural diatomite-based samples in comparison to those prepared at the same metal load on food-grade diatomite. During the catalytic oxidation experiment, over 90% conversion of benzene were achieved at a reaction temperature of 225 °C by all of the prepared samples. In addition, the formation of coke during the oxidation tests was demonstrated by TGA analysis and the soluble fraction of the produced coke was characterized by GC-MS.
Integrin Activation: Implications for Axon Regeneration
Authors: Cheah Menghon , Andrews Melissa
Published: March 2018

Integrin activation is essential for creating functional transmembrane receptors capable of inducing downstream cellular effects such as cell migration, cell spreading, neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration. Integrins are bidirectional signalling molecules that mediate their effects by ‘inside–out’ and ‘outside–in’ signalling. This review will provide a detailed overview of integrin activation focusing on intracellular activation in neurons and discussing direct implications in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration.
The Effects of the Properties of Gases on the Design of Bubble Columns Equipped with a Fine Pore Sparger
Authors: Kanaris Athanasios , Pavlidis Theodosios , Chatzidafni Ariadni , Mouza Aikaterini
Published: March 2018

This work concerns the performance of bubble columns equipped with porous sparger and investigates the effect of gas phase properties by conducting experiments with various gases (i.e., air, CO2, He) that cover a wide range of physical property values. The purpose is to investigate the validity of the design equations, which were proposed in our previous work and can predict with reasonable accuracy the transition point from homogeneous to heterogeneous regime as well as the gas holdup and the mean Sauter diameter at the homogeneous regime. Although, the correlations were checked with data obtained using different geometrical configurations and several Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids, as well as the addition of surfactants, the gas phase was always atmospheric air. The new experiments revealed that only the use of low-density gas (He) has a measurable effect on bubble column performance. More precisely, when the low-density gas (He) is employed, the transition point shifts to higher gas flow rates and the gas holdup decreases, a fact attributed to the lower momentum force exerted by the gas. In view of the new data, the proposed correlations have been slightly modified to include the effect of gas phase properties and it is found that they can predict the aforementioned quantities with an accuracy of ±15%. It has been also proved that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are an accurate means for assessing the flow characteristics inside a bubble column.
Assessment of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Implementation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Abul-Fadl Azza
Published: March 2018

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program for promoting support and protection for breastfeeding. However, its impact on malnutrition, especially in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) that are facing the turmoil of conflict and emergencies, deserves further investigation. Having said that, this paper aims to discuss the status and challenges to BFHI implementation in the EMR countries. Data on BFHI implementation, breastfeeding practices, and nutritional status were collected from countries through structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and databases. The 22 countries of the EMR were categorized as follows: 8 countries in advanced nutrition transition stage (group I), 5 countries in early nutrition transition stage (group II), 4 countries with significant undernutrition (group III), and 5 countries in complex emergency (group IV). The challenges to BFHI implementation were discussed in relation to malnutrition. BFHI was not implemented in 22.7% of EMR countries. Designated Baby-Friendly hospitals totaled 829 (group I: 78.4%, group II: 9.05%; group III: 7.36%; group: IV5.19%). Countries with advanced nutrition transition had the highest implementation of BFHI but the lowest breastfeeding continuity rates. On the other hand, poor nutritional status and emergency states were linked with low BFHI implementation and low exclusive breastfeeding rates but high continuity rates. Early initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding correlated negatively with overweight and obesity (p < 0.001). In countries with emergency states, breastfeeding continues to be the main source of nourishment. However, suboptimal breastfeeding practices prevail because of poor BFHI implementation which consequently leads to malnutrition. Political willpower and community-based initiatives are needed to promote breastfeeding and strengthen BFHI in the region.
On the Possibility of Calculating Entropy, Free Energy, and Enthalpy of Vitreous Substances
Authors: Nemilov Sergei V.
Published: March 2018

A critical analysis for the arguments in support of, and against, the traditional approach to thermodynamics of vitreous state is provided. In this approach one presumes that there is a continuous variation of the entropy in the glass-liquid transition temperature range, or a “continuous entropy approach” towards 0 K which produces a positive value of the entropy at T → 0 K. I find that arguments given against this traditional approach use a different understanding of the thermodynamics of glass transition on cooling a liquid, because it suggests a discontinuity or “entropy loss approach” in the variation of entropy in the glass-liquid transition range. That is based on: (1) an unjustifiable use of the classical Boltzmann statistics for interpreting the value of entropy at absolute zero; (2) the rejection of thermodynamic analysis of systems with broken ergodicity, even though the possibility of analogous analysis was proposed already by Gibbs; (3) the possibility of a finite change in entropy of a system without absorption or release of heat; and, (4) describing the thermodynamic properties of glasses in the framework of functions, instead of functionals. The last one is necessary because for glasses the entropy and enthalpy are not functions of the state, but functionals, as defined by Gibbs’ in his classification.
The Effect of pH and Temperature on Arachidonic Acid Production by Glycerol-Grown Mortierella alpina NRRL-A-10995
Authors: Mironov Aleksei , Nemashkalov Vitaly , Stepanova Nadezda , Kamzolova Svetlana , Rymowicz Waldemar , Morgunov Igor
Published: March 2018

Arachidonic acid (AA) has a wide range of applications in medicine, pharmacology, diet, infant nutrition, and agriculture, due to its unique biological properties. The microbiological processes involved in AA production usually require carbohydrate substrates. In this paper, we propose a method for AA production from glycerol, an inexpensive and renewable carbon substrate that is produced by the fungal strain, Mortierella alpina NRRL-A-10995. Our experimental results showed that the optimum pH values required for fungal growth and the production of lipids and AA were different and depended on the growth phase of the fungus. The AA production was shown to be extremely sensitive to acidic pH values and was completely inhibited at a pH of 3.0. The optimum temperature for AA production was 20–22 °C. Continuous cultivation of M. alpina occurred in a glycerol-containing medium, and growth limitations were implemented through the addition of nitrogen and the selection of optimal conditions (pH 6.0, 20 °C). This ensured that active AA production occurred (25.2% of lipids and 3.1% of biomass), with the product yield from the consumed glycerol being 1.6% by mass and 3.4% by energy.
Optimal Design of Demand-Responsive Feeder Transit Services with Passengers’ Multiple Time Windows and Satisfaction
Authors: Sun Bo , Wei Ming , Zhu Senlai
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming model for demand-responsive feeder transit services to assign vehicles located at different depots to pick up passengers at the demand points and transport them to the rail station. The proposed model features passengers’ one or several preferred time windows for boarding vehicles at the demand point and their expected ride time. Moreover, passenger satisfaction that was related only to expected ride time is fully accounted for in the model. The objective is to simultaneously minimize the operation costs of total mileage and maximize passenger satisfaction. As the problem is an extension of the nondeterministic polynomial problem with integration of the vehicle route problem, this study further develops an improved bat algorithm to yield meta-optimal solutions for the model in a reasonable amount of time. When this was applied to a case study in Nanjing City, China, the mileage and satisfaction of the proposed model were reduced by 1.4 km and increased by 7.1%, respectively, compared with the traditional model. Sensitivity analyses were also performed to investigate the impact of the number of designed bus routes and weights of objective functions on the model performance. Finally, a comparison of Cplex, standard bat algorithm, and group search optimizer is analyzed to verify the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Evaluation of Close-Range Photogrammetry Image Collection Methods for Estimating Tree Diameters
Authors: Mokroš Martin , Liang Xinlian , Surový Peter , Valent Peter , Čerňava Juraj , Chudý František , Tunák Daniel , Saloň Šimon , Merganič Ján
Published: March 2018

The potential of close-range photogrammetry (CRP) to compete with terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to produce dense and accurate point clouds has increased in recent years. The use of CRP for estimating tree diameter at breast height (DBH) has multiple advantages over TLS. For example, point clouds from CRP are similar to TLS, but hardware costs are significantly lower. However, a number of data collection issues need to be clarified before the use of CRP in forested areas is considered effective. In this paper we focused on different CRP data collection methods to estimate DBH. We present seven methods that differ in camera orientation, shooting mode, data collection path, and other important factors. The methods were tested on a research plot comprised of European beeches (Fagus sylvatica L.). The circle-fitting algorithm was used to estimate DBH. Four of the seven methods were capable of producing a dense point cloud. The tree detection rate varied from 49% to 81%. Estimates of DBH produced a root mean square error that varied from 4.41 cm to 5.98 cm. The most accurate method was achieved using a vertical camera orientation, stop-and-go shooting mode, and a path leading around the plot with two diagonal paths through the plot. This method also had the highest rate of tree detection (81%).
Key Hormonal Components Regulate Agronomically Important Traits in Barley
Authors: Marzec Marek , Alqudah Ahmad
Published: March 2018

The development and growth of plant organs is regulated by phytohormones, which constitute an important area of plant science. The last decade has seen a rapid increase in the unravelling of the pathways by which phytohormones exert their influence. Phytohormones function as signalling molecules that interact through a complex network to control development traits. They integrate metabolic and developmental events and regulate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress factors. As such, they influence the yield and quality of crops. Recent studies on barley have emphasised the importance of phytohormones in promoting agronomically important traits such as tillering, plant height, leaf blade area and spike/spikelet development. Understanding the mechanisms of how phytohormones interact may help to modify barley architecture and thereby improve its adaptation and yield. To achieve this goal, extensive functional validation analyses are necessary to better understand the complex dynamics of phytohormone interactions and phytohormone networks that underlie the biological processes. The present review summarises the current knowledge on the crosstalk between phytohormones and their roles in barley development. Furthermore, an overview of how phytohormone modulation may help to improve barley plant architecture is also provided.
Expression of TXNIP in Cancer Cells and Regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3: Is It Really the Vitamin D3 Upregulated Protein?
Authors: Abu el Maaty Mohamed , Almouhanna Fadi , Wölfl Stefan
Published: March 2018

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) was originally identified in HL-60 cells as the vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1, and is now known to be involved in diverse cellular processes, such as maintenance of glucose homeostasis, redox balance, and apoptosis. Besides the initial characterization, little is known about if and how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] induces TXNIP expression. We therefore screened multiple cancerous cell lines of different tissue origins, and observed induction, repression, or no change in TXNIP expression in response to 1,25(OH)2D3. In-depth analyses on HL-60 cells revealed a rapid and transient increase in TXNIP mRNA levels by 1,25(OH)2D3 (3–24 h), followed by a clear reduction at later time points. Furthermore, a strong induction in protein levels was observed only after 96 h of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Induction of TXNIP expression by 1,25(OH)2D3 was found to be dependent on the availability of glucose in the culture medium, as well as the presence of a functional glucose transport system, indicating an inter-dependence of 1,25(OH)2D3 actions and glucose-sensing mechanisms. Moreover, the inhibition of de novo protein synthesis by cycloheximide reduced TXNIP half-life in 24 h, but not in 96 h-1,25(OH)2D3-treated HL-60 cells, demonstrating a possible influence of 1,25(OH)2D3 on TXNIP stability in long-term treatment.
Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) Seed Flour and Diosgenin Preserve Endothelium-Dependent Arterial Relaxation in a Rat Model of Early-Stage Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Szabó Katalin , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Lampé Nóra , Kiss Rita , Remenyik Judit , Pesti-Asbóth Georgina , Priksz Dániel , Szilvássy Zoltán , Juhász Béla
Published: March 2018

Fenugreek is a common herb possessing several bioactive components including diosgenin. Here, dietary fenugreek seed flour and diosgenin were evaluated on a model of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by abdominal aortas isolated from rats receiving high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFHSD). 60 male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups: (i) negative control getting conventional rat feed regimen; (ii) positive control receiving HFHSD; (iii) a test group fed 2 g/kg bw/day fenugreek seed flour (containing 10 mg/kg bw/day diosgenin) + HFHSD; (iv) three test groups fed 1, 10 and 50 mg/kg bw/day diosgenin + HFHSD. Alimentary treatments were carried out for six weeks. The abdominal aortas were isolated, and 2 mm wide rings were sectioned off and mounted at a resting tension of 10 mN in organ baths containing Krebs solution (36 °C) exposed to 95% O2 and 5% CO2. After 60-min incubation, a norepinephrine concentration-response (E/c) curve was generated to determine their half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) value. After 60-min wash-out, a pre-contraction with norepinephrine EC50 was made, followed by an acetylcholine E/c curve. Plasma glutathione levels, glutathione-handling enzyme activities and blood antioxidant capacities were also determined. HFHSD significantly decreased the dilatory response to acetylcholine and increased plasma glutathione levels and these effects were significantly reversed by fenugreek seed flour, 10 and 50 mg/kg bw/day diosgenin. Both fenugreek and diosgenin treatments prevent HFHSD-induced endothelial dysfunction and redox changes. As fenugreek treatment was more effective at lower acetylcholine concentrations than diosgenin treatments, components of fenugreek other than diosgenin may contribute to the beneficial effects of dietary fenugreek seed flour.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Pre-Clinical Models for Human Melanoma Treatment: Dawn of Dogs’ Revolution for Immunotherapy
Authors: Barutello Giuseppina , Rolih Valeria , Arigoni Maddalena , Tarone Lidia , Conti Laura , Quaglino Elena , Buracco Paolo , Cavallo Federica , Riccardo Federica
Published: March 2018

Despite several therapeutic advances, malignant melanoma still remains a fatal disease for which novel and long-term curative treatments are needed. The successful development of innovative therapies strongly depends on the availability of appropriate pre-clinical models. For this purpose, several mouse models holding the promise to provide insight into molecular biology and clinical behavior of melanoma have been generated. The most relevant ones and their contribution for the advancement of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of human melanoma patients will be here summarized. However, as models, mice do not recapitulate all the features of human melanoma, thus their strengths and weaknesses need to be carefully identified and considered for the translation of the results into the human clinics. In this panorama, the concept of comparative oncology acquires a priceless value. The revolutionary importance of spontaneous canine melanoma as a translational model for the pre-clinical investigation of melanoma progression and treatment will be here discussed, with a special consideration to the development of innovative immunotherapeutic approaches.
Nanoparticle Exposure and Hormetic Dose–Responses: An Update
Authors: Iavicoli Ivo , Leso Veruscka , Fontana Luca , Calabrese Edward
Published: March 2018

The concept of hormesis, as an adaptive response of biological systems to moderate environmental challenges, has raised considerable nano-toxicological interests in view of the rapid pace of production and application of even more innovative nanomaterials and the expected increasing likelihood of environmental and human exposure to low-dose concentrations. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an update of the current knowledge concerning the biphasic dose–responses induced by nanoparticle exposure. The evidence presented confirmed and extended our previous findings, showing that hormesis is a generalized adaptive response which may be further generalized to nanoscale xenobiotic challenges. Nanoparticle physico-chemical properties emerged as possible features affecting biphasic relationships, although the molecular mechanisms underlining such influences remain to be fully understood, especially in experimental settings resembling long-term and low-dose realistic environmental exposure scenarios. Further investigation is necessary to achieve helpful information for a suitable assessment of nanomaterial risks at the low-dose range for both the ecosystem function and the human health.
Platforms for Single-Cell Collection and Analysis
Authors: Valihrach Lukas , Androvic Peter , Kubista Mikael
Published: March 2018

Single-cell analysis has become an established method to study cell heterogeneity and for rare cell characterization. Despite the high cost and technical constraints, applications are increasing every year in all fields of biology. Following the trend, there is a tremendous development of tools for single-cell analysis, especially in the RNA sequencing field. Every improvement increases sensitivity and throughput. Collecting a large amount of data also stimulates the development of new approaches for bioinformatic analysis and interpretation. However, the essential requirement for any analysis is the collection of single cells of high quality. The single-cell isolation must be fast, effective, and gentle to maintain the native expression profiles. Classical methods for single-cell isolation are micromanipulation, microdissection, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In the last decade several new and highly efficient approaches have been developed, which not just supplement but may fully replace the traditional ones. These new techniques are based on microfluidic chips, droplets, micro-well plates, and automatic collection of cells using capillaries, magnets, an electric field, or a punching probe. In this review we summarize the current methods and developments in this field. We discuss the advantages of the different commercially available platforms and their applicability, and also provide remarks on future developments.
Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Red Chinese Cabbage Alleviates Vascular Inflammation in Endothelial Cells and Apo E−/− Mice
Authors: Joo Hee , Choi Sunga , Lee Yu , Lee Eun , Park Myoung , Park Kyu , Kim Cuk-Seong , Lim Yong , Park Jong-Tae , Jeon Byeong
Published: March 2018

Anthocyanins, the most prevalent flavonoids in red/purple fruits and vegetables, are known to improve immune responses and reduce chronic disease risks. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activities of an anthocyanin-rich extract from red Chinese cabbage (ArCC) were shown based on its inhibitory effects in cultured endothelial cells and hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. ArCC treatment suppressed monocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated endothelial cells. This was validated by ArCC’s ability to downregulate the expression and transcription of endothelial adhesion molecules, determined by immunoblot and luciferase promoter assays, respectively. The regulation of adhesion molecules was accompanied by transcriptional inhibition of nuclear factor-κB, which restricted cytoplasmic localization as shown by immunocytochemistry. Administration of ArCC (150 or 300 mg/kg/day) inhibited aortic inflammation in hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, as shown by in vivo imaging. Immunohistochemistry and plasma analysis showed that the aortas from these mice exhibited markedly lower leukocyte infiltration, reduced plaque formation, and lower concentrations of blood inflammatory cytokines than those observed in the control mice. The results suggest that the consumption of anthocyanin-rich red Chinese cabbage is closely correlated with lowering the risk of vascular inflammatory diseases.
mTORC1 and Nutrient Homeostasis: The Central Role of the Lysosome
Authors: Rabanal-Ruiz Yoana , Korolchuk Viktor
Published: March 2018

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) coordinates cellular growth and metabolism with environmental inputs to ensure that cells grow only under favourable conditions. When active, mTORC1 stimulates biosynthetic pathways including protein, lipid and nucleotide synthesis and inhibits cellular catabolism through repression of the autophagic pathway, thereby promoting cell growth and proliferation. The recruitment of mTORC1 to the lysosomal surface has been shown to be essential for its activation. This finding has significantly enhanced our knowledge of mTORC1 regulation and has focused the attention of the field on the lysosome as a signalling hub which coordinates several homeostatic pathways. The intriguing localisation of mTORC1 to the cellular organelle that plays a crucial role in catabolism enables mTORC1 to feedback to autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, thus leading mTORC1 to enact precise spatial and temporal control of cell growth. This review will cover the signalling interactions which take place on the surface of lysosomes and the cross-talk which exists between mTORC1 activity and lysosomal function.
Functional Analysis of Maize Silk-Specific ZmbZIP25 Promoter
Authors: Li Wanying , Yu Dan , Yu Jingjuan , Zhu Dengyun , Zhao Qian
Published: March 2018

ZmbZIP25 (Zea mays bZIP (basic leucine zipper) transcription factor 25) is a function-unknown protein that belongs to the D group of the bZIP transcription factor family. RNA-seq data showed that the expression of ZmbZIP25 was tissue-specific in maize silks, and this specificity was confirmed by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction). In situ RNA hybridization showed that ZmbZIP25 was expressed exclusively in the xylem of maize silks. A 5′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) assay identified an adenine residue as the transcription start site of the ZmbZIP25 gene. To characterize this silk-specific promoter, we isolated and analyzed a 2450 bp (from −2083 to +367) and a 2600 bp sequence of ZmbZIP25 (from −2083 to +517, the transcription start site was denoted +1). Stable expression assays in Arabidopsis showed that the expression of the reporter gene GUS driven by the 2450 bp ZmbZIP25 5′-flanking fragment occurred exclusively in the papillae of Arabidopsis stigmas. Furthermore, transient expression assays in maize indicated that GUS and GFP expression driven by the 2450 bp ZmbZIP25 5′-flanking sequences occurred only in maize silks and not in other tissues. However, no GUS or GFP expression was driven by the 2600 bp ZmbZIP25 5′-flanking sequences in either stable or transient expression assays. A series of deletion analyses of the 2450 bp ZmbZIP25 5′-flanking sequence was performed in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, and probable elements prediction analysis revealed the possible presence of negative regulatory elements within the 161 bp region from −1117 to −957 that were responsible for the specificity of the ZmbZIP25 5′-flanking sequence.
3′-UTR Polymorphisms of MTHFR and TS Associated with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Susceptibility in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ahn Tae-Keun , Kim Jung , Kim Hyun , Park Han , Shim Jeong , Ropper Alexander , Han In , Kim Nam
Published: March 2018

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the most prominent diseases in postmenopausal women and it is increasing in prevalence with the aging population. Furthermore, osteoporosis and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) are related to mortality and decreased quality of life. Therefore, searching for biomarkers that are able to identify postmenopausal women who are at high risk of developing OVCFs is an effective strategy for improving the quality of life of patients and alleviating social and economic burdens. In this study, we investigated methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and thymidylate synthase (TS) gene polymorphisms in postmenopausal women with OVCF. We recruited 301 postmenopausal women and performed genotyping for the presence of MTHFR 2572C>A, 4869C>G and TS 1100C>T, 1170A>G. Genotyping was analyzed using the polymerization chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. MTHFR 2572C>A and TS 1100C>T were associated with the prevalence of osteoporosis (MTHFR 2572CC versus CA+AA: odd ratio [OR] adjusted age, hypertention [HTN], and diabetes mellitus [DM] = 0.49, p = 0.012) and the occurrence of OVCFs (MTHFR 2572CC versus CA+AA: OR adjusted age, HTN, and DM = 0.38, p = 0.013; TS 1100CC versus CT+TT: OR adjusted age, HTN, and DM = 0.46, p = 0.02). Our novel finding is the identification of MTHFR and TS genetic variants that decrease susceptibility to OVCFs. Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the MTHFR and TS genes are associated with susceptibility to osteoporosis and OVCFs in postmenopausal women.
Applications of Metals for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Glenske Kristina , Donkiewicz Phil , Köwitsch Alexander , Milosevic-Oljaca Nada , Rider Patrick , Rofall Sven , Franke Jörg , Jung Ole , Smeets Ralf , Schnettler Reinhard , Wenisch Sabine , Barbeck Mike
Published: March 2018

The regeneration of bone tissue is the main purpose of most therapies in dental medicine. For bone regeneration, calcium phosphate (CaP)-based substitute materials based on natural (allo- and xenografts) and synthetic origins (alloplastic materials) are applied for guiding the regeneration processes. The optimal bone substitute has to act as a substrate for bone ingrowth into a defect, as well as resorb in the time frame needed for complete regeneration up to the condition of restitution ad integrum. In this context, the modes of action of CaP-based substitute materials have been frequently investigated, where it has been shown that such materials strongly influence regenerative processes such as osteoblast growth or differentiation and also osteoclastic resorption due to different physicochemical properties of the materials. However, the material characteristics needed for the required ratio between new bone tissue formation and material degradation has not been found, until now. The addition of different substances such as collagen or growth factors and also of different cell types has already been tested but did not allow for sufficient or prompt application. Moreover, metals or metal ions are used differently as a basis or as supplement for different materials in the field of bone regeneration. Moreover, it has already been shown that different metal ions are integral components of bone tissue, playing functional roles in the physiological cellular environment as well as in the course of bone healing. The present review focuses on frequently used metals as integral parts of materials designed for bone regeneration, with the aim to provide an overview of currently existing knowledge about the effects of metals in the field of bone regeneration.
Comparative Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Potential Mechanisms of Enhanced Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Salvia Miltiorrhiza Plants Expressing AtDREB1A from Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Tao , Deng Kejun , Wang Hongbin , Zhang Lipeng , Wang Chunguo , Song Wenqin , Zhang Yong , Chen Chengbin
Published: March 2018

In our previous study, drought-resistant transgenic plants of Salvia miltiorrhiza were produced via overexpression of the transcription factor AtDREB1A. To unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning elevated drought tolerance in transgenic plants, in the present study we compared the global transcriptional profiles of wild-type (WT) and AtDREB1A-expressing transgenic plants using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Using cluster analysis, we identified 3904 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Compared with WT plants, 423 unigenes were up-regulated in pRD29A::AtDREB1A-31 before drought treatment, while 936 were down-regulated and 1580 and 1313 unigenes were up- and down-regulated after six days of drought. COG analysis revealed that the ‘signal transduction mechanisms’ category was highly enriched among these DEGs both before and after drought stress. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, DEGs associated with “ribosome”, “plant hormone signal transduction”, photosynthesis”, “plant-pathogen interaction”, “glycolysis/gluconeogenesis” and “carbon fixation” are hypothesized to perform major functions in drought resistance in AtDREB1A-expressing transgenic plants. Furthermore, the number of DEGs associated with different transcription factors increased significantly after drought stress, especially the AP2/ERF, bZIP and MYB protein families. Taken together, this study substantially expands the transcriptomic information for S. miltiorrhiza and provides valuable clues for elucidating the mechanism of AtDREB1A-mediated drought tolerance in transgenic plants.
Disease and Treatment-Related Sequelae in Patients with Complex Jugulotympanic Paraganglioma
Authors: Harati Ali , Schultheiß Rolf , Rohde Stefan , Deitmer Thomas
Published: March 2018

Background: Jugulotympanic paraganglioma (JTP) are benign, high-vascularized lesions that frequently invade the jugular foramen, temporal bone, the upper neck, and the posterior fossa cavity, resulting in a wide variety of clinical symptoms. Methods: In this retrospective study, we assess the clinical symptoms and discuss the individual multidisciplinary treatment and outcome of 22 patients with JTP. Results: In 12 patients, a hearing deficit was the presenting symptom, whereas pulsatile tinnitus and otalgia were present in six and four patients respectively. Facial nerve involvement was seen in six patients (three HB Grade 1–2 and three HB Grade 4–6). Four patients presented with lower cranial nerve impairment. Rare symptoms were ataxia caused by brainstem compression and papilledema due to cerebral sinus obstruction. A new or worsening of the preoperative facial nerve or lower cranial nerve function occurred in two and four patients respectively. Conclusion: The treatment strategy and the surgical approach for JTP should be tailored to the tumor extension and the patient’s clinical symptoms.
A Novel Approach for Modeling Surface Effects in Hydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Pusterhofer Michael , Bergmann Philipp , Summer Florian , Grün Florian , Brand Clemens
Published: March 2018

The common approach for the flow factor calculation is based on using the Reynolds equation to simulate the micro-level flow. However, for structured surfaces the fluid flow cannot be represented correctly, due to the assumptions made when deriving the Reynolds equation. In this work, a novel method using the Navier-Stokes equations for the calculation of the micro-level flow is presented and validated against results from Patir and Cheng. The three-dimensional lubrication gap was generated by a rough Gaussian random surface and a perfectly smooth moving counter surface, in order to be available for different numerical methods. The presented results illustrate similar trends for both the approaches. Additionally, the use of the Navier-Stokes equations allows for the observance of surface induced effects which cannot be resolved by the approach of Patir and Cheng. Furthermore, a numerical approach for a shear flow factor calculation with a rough moving surface is presented and validated against other simulation methods. While the validation is maintained with pressure- and temperature-independent density and viscosity, these effects will be taken into account for later research activities of textured surfaces.
Cis,exo-1,2,3,4,4a,13b-hexahydro-1,4-methano-5-isopropoxy-9H-tribenzo[b,f]azepine
Authors: Casnati Alessandra , Motti Elena , Ca’ Nicola
Published: March 2018

The title compound—cis,exo-1,2,3,4,4a,13b-hexahydro-1,4-methano-5-isopropoxy-9H-tribenzo[b,f]azepine—was synthesized in 83% isolated yield by a palladium-catalyzed one-pot strategy from 1-iodo-2-isopropoxybenzene and ortho-bromoaniline. The azepine derivative was fully characterized (FT-IR, MS, 1H and 13C-NMR, elemental analysis) and all proton and carbon signals have been completely assigned by 2D NMR experiments.
A Semi-Analytical Extraction Method for Interface and Bulk Density of States in Metal Oxide Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Wu Weijing , Zhou Lei , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Ning Honglong , Peng Junbiao
Published: March 2018

A semi-analytical extraction method of interface and bulk density of states (DOS) is proposed by using the low-frequency capacitance–voltage characteristics and current–voltage characteristics of indium zinc oxide thin-film transistors (IZO TFTs). In this work, an exponential potential distribution along the depth direction of the active layer is assumed and confirmed by numerical solution of Poisson’s equation followed by device simulation. The interface DOS is obtained as a superposition of constant deep states and exponential tail states. Moreover, it is shown that the bulk DOS may be represented by the superposition of exponential deep states and exponential tail states. The extracted values of bulk DOS and interface DOS are further verified by comparing the measured transfer and output characteristics of IZO TFTs with the simulation results by a 2D device simulator ATLAS (Silvaco). As a result, the proposed extraction method may be useful for diagnosing and characterising metal oxide TFTs since it is fast to extract interface and bulk density of states (DOS) simultaneously.
Category Maps Describe Driving Episodes Recorded with Event Data Recorders
Authors: Madokoro Hirokazu , Sato Kazuhito , Shimoi Nobuhiro
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to create driving episodes using machine-learning-based algorithms that address long-term memory (LTM) and topological mapping. This paper presents a novel episodic memory model for driving safety according to traffic scenes. The model incorporates three important features: adaptive resonance theory (ART), which learns time-series features incrementally while maintaining stability and plasticity; self-organizing maps (SOMs), which represent input data as a map with topological relations using self-mapping characteristics; and counter propagation networks (CPNs), which label category maps using input features and counter signals. Category maps represent driving episode information that includes driving contexts and facial expressions. The bursting states of respective maps produce LTM created on ART as episodic memory. For a preliminary experiment using a driving simulator (DS), we measure gazes and face orientations of drivers as their internal information to create driving episodes. Moreover, we measure cognitive distraction according to effects on facial features shown in reaction to simulated near-misses. Evaluation of the experimentally obtained results show the possibility of using recorded driving episodes with image datasets obtained using an event data recorder (EDR) with two cameras. Using category maps, we visualize driving features according to driving scenes on a public road and an expressway.