bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Dimensional ReS2/C Composite as Effective Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst
Authors: Aliaga Juan , Zepeda Trino , Araya Juan , Paraguay-Delgado Francisco , Benavente Eglantina , Alonso-Núñez Gabriel , Fuentes Sergio , González Guillermo
Published: December 2017

Single-layer, ultrasmall ReS2 nanoplates embedded in amorphous carbon were synthesized from a hydrothermal treatment involving ammonium perrhenate, thiourea, tetraoctylammonium bromide, and further annealing. The rhenium disulfide, obtained as a low dimensional carbon composite (ReS2/C), was tested in the hydrodesulfurization of light hydrocarbons, using 3-methylthiophene as the model molecule, and showed enhanced catalytic activity in comparison with a sulfide CoMo/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The ReS2/C composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The improved catalytic performance of this ReS2/C composite may be ascribed to the presence of a non-stoichiometric sulfur species (ReS2−x), the absence of stacking along the c-axis, and the ultra-small basal planes, which offer a higher proportion of structural sulfur defects at the edge of the layers, known as a critical parameter for hydrodesulfurization catalytic processes.
Challenges in Developing a Biochip for Intact Histamine Using Commercial Antibodies
Authors: Mattsson Leena , Doppler Sara , Preininger Claudia
Published: December 2017

This study describes the development and the challenges in the development of an on-chip immunoassay for histamine using commercially available antibodies. Histamine can be used as an indicator of food freshness and quality, but it is also a relevant marker in clinical diagnostics. Due to its low molecular weight, simple structure and thus low immunogenicity production of high specificity and affinity antibodies is difficult. From six commercial anti-histamine antibodies tested, only two bound the histamine free in the solution. A fluorescent on-chip immunoassay for histamine was established with a dynamic range of 8–111 µg/mL using polyclonal anti-histamine antibody H7403 from Sigma (Mendota Heights, MN, USA). The anti-histamine antibodies described and used in published literature are thoroughly reviewed and the quality of commercial antibodies and their traceability and quality issues are highlighted and extensively discussed.
Remote Access Revolution: Chemical Crystallographers Enter a New Era at Diamond Light Source Beamline I19
Authors: Johnson Natalie , Waddell Paul , Clegg William , Probert Michael
Published: December 2017

Since the inception of the use of synchrotron radiation in the structural characterisation of crystalline materials by single-crystal diffraction in the late 20th century, the field has undergone an explosion of technological developments. These cover all aspects of the experiments performed, from the construction of the storage rings and insertion devices, to the end user functionalities in the experimental hutches. Developments in automation have most frequently been driven by the macromolecular crystallography community. The drive towards greater access to ever-brighter X-ray sources has benefited the entire field. Herein, we detail the revolution that is now occurring within the chemical crystallography community, utilising many of the tools developed by their more biologically oriented colleagues, along with specialised functionalities that are tailored to the small-molecule world. We discuss the benefits of utilising the advanced features of Diamond Light Source beamline I19 in the newly developed remote access mode and the step-change in productivity that can be established as a result.
Assessment of Component Selection Strategies in Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Ibarrola-Ulzurrun Edurne , Marcello Javier , Gonzalo-Martin Consuelo
Published: December 2017

Hyperspectral imagery (HSI) integrates many continuous and narrow bands that cover different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, the main challenge is the high dimensionality of HSI data due to the ’Hughes’ phenomenon. Thus, dimensionality reduction is necessary before applying classification algorithms to obtain accurate thematic maps. We focus the study on the following feature-extraction algorithms: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), and Independent Component Analysis (ICA). After a literature survey, we have observed a lack of a comparative study on these techniques as well as accurate strategies to determine the number of components. Hence, the first objective was to compare traditional dimensionality reduction techniques (PCA, MNF, and ICA) in HSI of the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) sensor and to evaluate different strategies for selecting the most suitable number of components in the transformed space. The second objective was to determine a new dimensionality reduction approach by dividing the CASI HSI regarding the spectral regions covering the electromagnetic spectrum. The components selected from the transformed space of the different spectral regions were stacked. This stacked transformed space was evaluated to see if the proposed approach improves the final classification.
Evaluating Undergraduate Research Experiences—Development of a Self-Report Tool
Authors: Maltese Adam , Harsh Joseph , Jung Eunju
Published: December 2017

Despite many millions of dollars being spent each year to support undergraduate research experiences for students in the sciences, there has been little in the way of solid evaluation of these experiences. Recently, research has surfaced that addresses this issue and provides tools that are useful for researchers and evaluators to assess the gains students make from participation. This paper offers a new tool that can be used to measure student gains as a result of participation in these experiences. We discuss the development of the tool and use confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the quality of the tool for measuring change over time in student confidence.
Solid-Liquid Interfacial Effects on Residual Oil Distribution Utilizing Three-Dimensional Micro Network Models
Authors: Zhu Weiyao , Li Bingbing , Liu Yajing , Song Hongqing , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2017

A number of experiments on fluid flow at the micro/nano-scale have demonstrated that flow velocity obviously deviates from the classical Poiseuille’s law due to the micro forces between the wall and the fluid. Based on an oil–water two-phase network simulation model, a three-dimensional pore-scale micro network model with solid–liquid interfacial effects was established. The influences of solid–liquid interface effects including van der Waals force and wettability on the residual oil distribution and relative permeability were investigated through microscopic simulation. The effects of pore radius, pore–throat size ratio, shaping factor, and coordination number on the residual oil distribution were analyzed at the same time. The results showed that the oil recovery would be overestimated by about 4% without van der Waals force in a water-wet reservoir. The impact of van der Waals force on water-wet reservoirs was significantly obvious in contrast with oil-wet reservoirs. In addition, the residual oil distribution was significantly influenced by pore radius in water-wet reservoir, comparatively influenced by pore–throat size ratio in oil-wet reservoir. The present study illustrates the successful application of three-dimensional micro network models considering solid–liquid interfacial effects, and provides new insights for oil recovery enhancement.
Insertion of Mono- vs. Bi- vs. Trivalent Atoms in Prospective Active Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Batteries: An ab Initio Perspective
Authors: Kulish Vadym , Koch Daniel , Manzhos Sergei
Published: December 2017

Rational design of active electrode materials is important for the development of advanced lithium and post-lithium batteries. Ab initio modeling can provide mechanistic understanding of the performance of prospective materials and guide design. We review our recent comparative ab initio studies of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and aluminum interactions with different phases of several actively experimentally studied electrode materials, including monoelemental materials carbon, silicon, tin, and germanium, oxides TiO2 and VxOy as well as sulphur-based spinels MS2 (M = transition metal). These studies are unique in that they provided reliable comparisons, i.e., at the same level of theory and using the same computational parameters, among different materials and among Li, Na, K, Mg, and Al. Specifically, insertion energetics (related to the electrode voltage) and diffusion barriers (related to rate capability), as well as phononic effects, are compared. These studies facilitate identification of phases most suitable as anode or cathode for different types of batteries. We highlight the possibility of increasing the voltage, or enabling electrochemical activity, by amorphization and p-doping, of rational choice of phases of oxides to maximize the insertion potential of Li, Na, K, Mg, Al, as well as of rational choice of the optimum sulfur-based spinel for Mg and Al insertion, based on ab initio calculations. Some methodological issues are also addressed, including construction of effective localized basis sets, applications of Hubbard correction, generation of amorphous structures, and the use of a posteriori dispersion corrections.
Spray Combustion Characteristics and Soot Emission Reduction of Hydrous Ethanol Diesel Emulsion Fuel Using Color-Ratio Pyrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Tie , Ma Pengfei , Wang Bin
Published: December 2017

To elucidate the relationship between physicochemical properties, spray characteristics, and combustion performance, a series of experiments have been conducted in a constant volume vessel with injection of hydrous ethanol diesel emulsion and regular diesel. HE30 (emulsion with 30% volume fraction of 20% water-containing ethanol and 70% volume fraction of 0# diesel) is developed using Shah’s technique and regular diesel is also employed for comparison. Firstly, the physicochemical properties of two kinds of fuels are investigated. Then, the non-evaporating and evaporating spray characteristics are examined through the high-speed shadowgraphs. Finally, spray combustion experiments under different ambient oxygen concentrations are carried out, and color-ratio pyrometry (CRP) is applied to measure the flame temperature and soot concentration (KL) distributions. The results indicate that the physicochemical properties, such as density, surface tension, kinematic viscosity, cetane number, and oxygen content, have significant impact on the spray mixture formation and combustion performance. HE30 exhibits lower soot emissions than that of regular diesel. Further analysis supports the standpoint that the hydrous ethanol diesel emulsion can suppress the soot and NOx simultaneously. Therefore, the hydrous ethanol diesel emulsion has great potential to be an alternative clean energy resource.
Performance Evaluation and Durability Enhancement of FEP-Based Gas Diffusion Media for PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Latorrata Saverio , Gallo Stampino Paola , Cristiani Cinzia , Dotelli Giovanni
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, micro-porous layers (MPLs) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are commonly deposited onto gas diffusion layer (GDL) substrates starting from hydrophobic carbon-based dispersions. In this work, different quantities of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), a fluorinated copolymer proven to be superior to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for a proper water management, were used to make both GDL and MPL hydrophobic. After the identification of the optimal amount of FEP, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was also added to gas diffusion media (GDM) to reduce overall ohmic resistance of the whole device and adhesion of MPLs to GDLs. Ex-situ chemical and mechanical accelerated stress tests (ASTs) were carried out to accelerate degradation of materials aiming to assess their durability. The highest quantity of FEP in GDMs led to the best electrochemical and diffusive properties. The presence of CMC allowed reducing overall ohmic resistance due to a better electrolyte hydration. A satisfactory durability was proven since the fundamental properties related to gas diffusion medium, such as wettability, ohmic and mass transport resistances, revealed to be quasi-stable upon ASTs.
A New Model for Describing the Rheological Behavior of Heavy and Extra Heavy Crude Oils in the Presence of Nanoparticles
Authors: Taborda Esteban , Franco Camilo , Alvarado Vladimir , Cortés Farid
Published: December 2017

The present work proposes for the first time a mathematical model for describing the rheological behavior of heavy and extra-heavy crude oils in the presence of nanoparticles. This model results from the combination of two existing mathematical models. The first one applies to the rheology of pseudoplastic substances, i.e., the Herschel-Bulkley model. The second one was previously developed by our research group to model the rheology of suspensions, namely the modified Pal and Rhodes model. The proposed model is applied to heavy and extra heavy crude oils in the presence of nanoparticles, considering the effects of nanoparticles concentration and surface chemical nature, temperature, and crude oil type. All the experimental data evaluated exhibited compelling goodness of fitting, and the physical parameters in the model follow correlate well with variations in viscosity. The new model is dependent of share rate and opens new possibilities for phenomenologically understanding viscosity reduction in heavy crude by adding solid nanoparticles and favoring the scale-up in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and/or improved oil recovery (IOR) process.
Towards Efficient Energy Management of Smart Buildings Exploiting Heuristic Optimization with Real Time and Critical Peak Pricing Schemes
Authors: Aslam Sheraz , Iqbal Zafar , Javaid Nadeem , Khan Zahoor , Aurangzeb Khursheed , Haider Syed
Published: December 2017

The smart grid plays a vital role in decreasing electricity cost through Demand Side Management (DSM). Smart homes, a part of the smart grid, contribute greatly to minimizing electricity consumption cost via scheduling home appliances. However, user waiting time increases due to the scheduling of home appliances. This scheduling problem is the motivation to find an optimal solution that could minimize the electricity cost and Peak to Average Ratio (PAR) with minimum user waiting time. There are many studies on Home Energy Management (HEM) for cost minimization and peak load reduction. However, none of the systems gave sufficient attention to tackle multiple parameters (i.e., electricity cost and peak load reduction) at the same time as user waiting time was minimum for residential consumers with multiple homes. Hence, in this work, we propose an efficient HEM scheme using the well-known meta-heuristic Genetic Algorithm (GA), the recently developed Cuckoo Search Optimization Algorithm (CSOA) and the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), which can be used for electricity cost and peak load alleviation with minimum user waiting time. The integration of a smart Electricity Storage System (ESS) is also taken into account for more efficient operation of the Home Energy Management System (HEMS). Furthermore, we took the real-time electricity consumption pattern for every residence, i.e., every home has its own living pattern. The proposed scheme is implemented in a smart building; comprised of thirty smart homes (apartments), Real-Time Pricing (RTP) and Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) signals are examined in terms of electricity cost estimation for both a single smart home and a smart building. In addition, feasible regions are presented for single and multiple smart homes, which show the relationship among the electricity cost, electricity consumption and user waiting time. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme for single and multiple smart homes in terms of electricity cost and PAR minimization. Moreover, there exists a tradeoff between electricity cost and user waiting.
Integration Design and Optimization Control of a Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Electric Wheels with In-Wheel Motor
Authors: Liu Mingchun , Gu Feihong , Huang Juhua , Wang Changjiang , Cao Ming
Published: December 2017

This paper presents an integration design scheme and an optimization control strategy for electric wheels to suppress the in-wheel vibration and improve vehicle ride comfort. The in-wheel motor is considered as a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA), which is isolated from the unsprung mass by using a spring and a damper. The proposed DVA system is applicable for both the inner-rotor motor and outer-rotor motor. Parameters of the DVA system are optimized for the typical conditions, by using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, to achieve an acceptable vibration performance. Further, the DVA actuator force is controlled by using the alterable-domain-based fuzzy control method, to adaptively suppress the wheel vibration and reduce the wallop acting on the in-wheel motor (IWM) as well. In addition, a suspension actuator force is also controlled, by using the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method, to enhance the suspension performance and meanwhile improve vehicle ride comfort. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed DVA system effectively suppresses the wheel vibration and simultaneously reduces the wallop acting on the IWM. Also, the alterable-domain-based fuzzy control method performs better than the conventional ones, and the LQR-based suspension exhibits excellent performance in vehicle ride comfort.
Diffusive Uptake Rates of Volatile Organic Compounds on Standard ATD Tubes for Environmental and Workplace Applications
Authors: Jia Chunrong , Fu Xianqiang
Published: December 2017

Passive sampling for airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has gained popularity; however, diffusive uptake rates (URs) have been experimentally determined for only a small subset of VOCs. This study aims to develop empirical models that can interpolate effective URs (UReff) for a wide range of VOCs. The modelling was based on the standard automated thermal desorption (ATD) tubes packed with Tenax TA and targeted the sampling efficiency (α), defined as the ratio between the ideal UR (URideal) and UReff. Available experimentally determined URs were compiled from literature. Method detection limits were determined on a thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) system. The 8-h UReff can be modeled with retention volumes or boiling points (BPs) and the biases were within ±20%. The α for 7-day UReff can be estimated by the model: α = 0.3626 Ln(BP) − 1.2324. The 8-h and 7-day UReff values were then compiled for 75 VOCs commonly encountered in the environmental and occupational settings. The TD analytical method showed high precision, linearity and sensitivity, suitable for measuring indoor and outdoor VOCs. The approach and data presented here are anticipated to ease passive monitoring of VOCs for the general users.
scRNASeqDB: A Database for RNA-Seq Based Gene Expression Profiles in Human Single Cells
Authors: Cao Yuan , Zhu Junjie , Jia Peilin , Zhao Zhongming
Published: December 2017

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is rapidly becoming a powerful tool for high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of cell states and dynamics at the single cell level. Both the number and quality of scRNA-Seq datasets have dramatically increased recently. A database that can comprehensively collect, curate, and compare expression features of scRNA-Seq data in humans has not yet been built. Here, we present scRNASeqDB, a database that includes almost all the currently available human single cell transcriptome datasets (n = 38) covering 200 human cell lines or cell types and 13,440 samples. Our online web interface allows users to rank the expression profiles of the genes of interest across different cell types. It also provides tools to query and visualize data, including Gene Ontology and pathway annotations for differentially expressed genes between cell types or groups. The scRNASeqDB is a useful resource for single cell transcriptional studies. This database is publicly available at bioinfo.uth.edu/scrnaseqdb/.
Semi-Automatic Detection of Indigenous Settlement Features on Hispaniola through Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Sonnemann Till F. , Comer Douglas C. , Patsolic Jesse L. , Megarry William P. , Herrera Malatesta Eduardo , Hofman Corinne L.
Published: December 2017

Satellite imagery has had limited application in the analysis of pre-colonial settlement archaeology in the Caribbean; visible evidence of wooden structures perishes quickly in tropical climates. Only slight topographic modifications remain, typically associated with middens. Nonetheless, surface scatters, as well as the soil characteristics they produce, can serve as quantifiable indicators of an archaeological site, detectable by analyzing remote sensing imagery. A variety of pre-processed, very diverse data sets went through a process of image registration, with the intention to combine multispectral bands to feed two different semi-automatic direct detection algorithms: a posterior probability, and a frequentist approach. Two 5 × 5 km2 areas in the northwestern Dominican Republic with diverse environments, having sufficient imagery coverage, and a representative number of known indigenous site locations, served each for one approach. Buffers around the locations of known sites, as well as areas with no likely archaeological evidence were used as samples. The resulting maps offer quantifiable statistical outcomes of locations with similar pixel value combinations as the identified sites, indicating higher probability of archaeological evidence. These still very experimental and rather unvalidated trials, as they have not been subsequently groundtruthed, show variable potential of this method in diverse environments.
The Relationships between PM2.5 and Meteorological Factors in China: Seasonal and Regional Variations
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Yuan Qiangqiang , Li Tongwen , Shen Huanfeng , Zhang Liangpei
Published: December 2017

The interactions between PM2.5 and meteorological factors play a crucial role in air pollution analysis. However, previous studies that have researched the relationships between PM2.5 concentration and meteorological conditions have been mainly confined to a certain city or district, and the correlation over the whole of China remains unclear. Whether spatial and seasonal variations exist deserves further research. In this study, the relationships between PM2.5 concentration and meteorological factors were investigated in 68 major cities in China for a continuous period of 22 months from February 2013 to November 2014, at season, year, city, and regional scales, and the spatial and seasonal variations were analyzed. The meteorological factors were relative humidity (RH), temperature (TEM), wind speed (WS), and surface pressure (PS). We found that spatial and seasonal variations of their relationships with PM2.5 exist. Spatially, RH is positively correlated with PM2.5 concentration in north China and Urumqi, but the relationship turns to negative in other areas of China. WS is negatively correlated with PM2.5 everywhere except for Hainan Island. PS has a strong positive relationship with PM2.5 concentration in northeast China and mid-south China, and in other areas the correlation is weak. Seasonally, the positive correlation between PM2.5 concentration and RH is stronger in winter and spring. TEM has a negative relationship with PM2.5 in autumn and the opposite in winter. PS is more positively correlated with PM2.5 in autumn than in other seasons. Our study investigated the relationships between PM2.5 and meteorological factors in terms of spatial and seasonal variations, and the conclusions about the relationships between PM2.5 and meteorological factors are more comprehensive and precise than before. We suggest that the variations could be considered in PM2.5 concentration prediction and haze control to improve the prediction accuracy and policy efficiency.
Gaming Device Usage Patterns Predict Internet Gaming Disorder: Comparison across Different Gaming Device Usage Patterns
Authors: Paik Soo-Hyun , Cho Hyun , Chun Ji-Won , Jeong Jo-Eun , Kim Dai-Jin
Published: December 2017

Gaming behaviors have been significantly influenced by smartphones. This study was designed to explore gaming behaviors and clinical characteristics across different gaming device usage patterns and the role of the patterns on Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Responders of an online survey regarding smartphone and online game usage were classified by different gaming device usage patterns: (1) individuals who played only computer games; (2) individuals who played computer games more than smartphone games; (3) individuals who played computer and smartphone games evenly; (4) individuals who played smartphone games more than computer games; (5) individuals who played only smartphone games. Data on demographics, gaming-related behaviors, and scales for Internet and smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety disorder, and substance use were collected. Combined users, especially those who played computer and smartphone games evenly, had higher prevalence of IGD, depression, anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder. These subjects were more prone to develop IGD than reference group (computer only gamers) (B = 0.457, odds ratio = 1.579). Smartphone only gamers had the lowest prevalence of IGD, spent the least time and money on gaming, and showed lowest scores of Internet and smartphone addiction. Our findings suggest that gaming device usage patterns may be associated with the occurrence, course, and prognosis of IGD.
Associations between Urinary Phthalate Metabolites and Serum Anti-Müller Hormone Levels in U.S. Men Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004
Authors: Li Ningning , Li Yaqi , Meng Hao , Sun Hanqing , Wu Di
Published: December 2017

Anti-Müller hormone (AMH) plays an important role in reproductive development and has a wide potential clinical application value. Phthalates have been widely found in human living environment and have negative effects on human reproduction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between urinary phthalate metabolites and serum AMH level in the general male population. Cross-sectional analyses were performed with a population of 489 men aged more than 12 years who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States. NHANES public data (demographic and socioeconomic information, examinations, and laboratory tests) were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test and multivariable regression. Results showed that the urine concentration of mono (3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) of 12–20 age group was significantly positively correlated with serum AMH concentration in the model without any covariates (p < 0.05). In the 60-year-old group, the monomethyl phthalate (MEP), mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) concentrations were significantly correlated with serum AMH concentrations in models both with and without covariates (all p < 0.05). It could be concluded that exposure to phthalates might have negative effects on AMH level, especially in seniors. AMH could be used as a marker of exposure to phthalates in aged males. How exposure to phthalates affected AMH level and what the potential long-term health consequences of their relationship are needs more investigation.
Evaluation of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Public Service Advertisement on the Awareness and Attitude Change among Urban Population in Chongqing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Tingting , Hu Ping , Huang Hao , Wu Chengbin , Fu Zhirong , Du Lei , Xu Xianglong , Shi Zumin , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of public service advertising on the awareness and attitude of Chongqing urban citizens. The theme of the public service advertisement launched in Chongqing was chronic disease prevention and control. A self-designed questionnaire was used in an outdoor intercept survey to collect information about the perception of citizens toward the effect of the advertisement on awareness and attitude situation. Respondents had good knowledge of chronic disease (17.11 ± 3.23, total score: 23), but only 58.4% of participants thought cancer is one type of chronic disease. The awareness of cancer as a chronic disease among the group who had seen this advertisement (63.6%) was higher than that of the group who had not seen the advertisement (56.5%) (p = 0.046). The attitude of respondents was good after watching the advertisement, approximately 77.4% of respondents attempted to remind their family and friends to prevent chronic diseases, roughly. 78.2% tried to persuade their family and friends to change their unhealthy lifestyle habits, and 84.7% of participants reported that the advertising increased the possibility of their own future lifestyle change. There was minimal change of awareness of the participants who saw the advertisement. This study did not show significant differences on chronic disease related knowledge between the participants who have seen the advertisement and who have not seen the advertisement. The public service advertisement may help participants improve the attitude of future behavior change. Further researches combining the sustained intervention and support through clinical and community health programs media campaigns are needed to support public health.
Around and beyond 53BP1 Nuclear Bodies
Authors: Fernandez-Vidal Anne , Vignard Julien , Mirey Gladys
Published: December 2017

Within the nucleus, sub-nuclear domains define territories where specific functions occur. Nuclear bodies (NBs) are dynamic structures that concentrate nuclear factors and that can be observed microscopically. Recently, NBs containing the p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1), a key component of the DNA damage response, were defined. Interestingly, 53BP1 NBs are visualized during G1 phase, in daughter cells, while DNA damage was generated in mother cells and not properly processed. Unlike most NBs involved in transcriptional processes, replication has proven to be key for 53BP1 NBs, with replication stress leading to the formation of these large chromatin domains in daughter cells. In this review, we expose the composition and organization of 53BP1 NBs and focus on recent findings regarding their regulation and dynamics. We then concentrate on the importance of the replication stress, examine the relation of 53BP1 NBs with DNA damage and discuss their dysfunction.
The FKBP51 Glucocorticoid Receptor Co-Chaperone: Regulation, Function, and Implications in Health and Disease
Authors: Fries Gabriel , Gassen Nils , Rein Theo
Published: December 2017

Among the chaperones and co-chaperones regulating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 51 is the most intensely investigated across different disciplines. This review provides an update on the role of the different co-chaperones of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the regulation of GR function. The development leading to the focus on FKBP51 is outlined. Further, a survey of the vast literature on the mechanism and function of FKBP51 is provided. This includes its structure and biochemical function, its regulation on different levels—transcription, post-transcription, and post-translation—and its function in signaling pathways. The evidence portraying FKBP51 as a scaffolding protein organizing protein complexes rather than a chaperone contributing to the folding of individual proteins is collated. Finally, FKBP51’s involvement in physiology and disease is outlined, and the promising efforts in developing drugs targeting FKBP51 are discussed.
Bioconverted Orostachys japonicas Extracts Suppress Angiogenic Activity of Ms-1 Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lee Seul , Kim Jin , Lee Han-Saem , Lim Yu-Mi , So Jai-Hyun , Hahn Dongyup , Ha Yu , Nam Ju-Ock
Published: December 2017

Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (), known as Wa-song in Korea, has been reported to exert various biological effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-febrile effects. However, the anti-angiogenic effects of O. japonicus extracts remain to be investigated. In the present study, we demonstrated the anti-angiogenic effects of bioconverted O. japonicus extract (BOE) in Ms-1 mouse endothelial cells and compared them with the bioactivities of O. japonicus extract (OE). BOE, but not OE, were found to exert anti-angiogenic effects, including inhibition of cell migration, cell adhesion, tube formation of Ms-1 cells, and blood vessel formation of matrigel plug assay in vivo. Furthermore, protein levels of phosphorylated Src kinase were lower in BOE-treated cells than in OE-treated cells. Treatment with OE or BOE did not influence cell viability during the experimental period. Bioconverted extract of O. japonicus have anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and vivo, but non-bioconverted extract do not. We suggest that these observed anti-angiogenic effects are caused by the changes in the composition of bioactive compounds in the extracts as a result of biological conversion.
l-Glutamine Attenuates Apoptosis Induced by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Activating the IRE1α-XBP1 Axis in IPEC-J2: A Novel Mechanism of l-Glutamine in Promoting Intestinal Health
Authors: Jiang Qian , Chen Jiashun , Liu Shaojuan , Liu Gang , Yao Kang , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2017

Intestinal absorption and barrier malfunctions are associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the intestine. We induced ERS by exposing the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line J2 (IPEC-J2) to tunicamycin (TUNI) to explore the potential of l-glutamine to reduce ERS-induced apoptosis. Our experiments demonstrated that exposing cells to TUNI results in spontaneous ERS and encourages the upregulation of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Prolonged TUNI-induced ERS was found to increase apoptosis mediated by C/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), accompanied by GRP78 downregulation. Treatment with l-glutamine was found to promote cell proliferation within the growth medium but to have little effect in basic Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium. Finally, in the milieu of TUNI-induced ERS, l-glutamine was found to maintain a high level of GRP78, alleviate CHOP-mediated apoptosis and activate the inositol requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)-X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) axis. A specific inhibitor of the IRE1α-XBP1 axis reversed the protective effect of l-glutamine by blocking the expression of IRE1α/XBP1s. We propose that the functional effect of l-glutamine on intestinal health may be partly due to its modulation of ERS and CHOP-mediated apoptosis.
Selection on the Major Color Gene Melanocortin-1-Receptor Shaped the Evolution of the Melanocortin System Genes
Authors: Dib Linda , San-Jose Luis , Ducrest Anne-Lyse , Salamin Nicolas , Roulin Alexandre
Published: December 2017

Modular genetic systems and networks have complex evolutionary histories shaped by selection acting on single genes as well as on their integrated function within the network. However, uncovering molecular coevolution requires the detection of coevolving sites in sequences. Detailed knowledge of the functions of each gene in the system is also necessary to identify the selective agents driving coevolution. Using recently developed computational tools, we investigated the effect of positive selection on the coevolution of ten major genes in the melanocortin system, responsible for multiple physiological functions and human diseases. Substitutions driven by positive selection at the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) induced more coevolutionary changes on the system than positive selection on other genes in the system. Contrarily, selection on the highly pleiotropic POMC gene, which orchestrates the activation of the different melanocortin receptors, had the lowest coevolutionary influence. MC1R and possibly its main function, melanin pigmentation, seems to have influenced the evolution of the melanocortin system more than functions regulated by MC2-5Rs such as energy homeostasis, glucocorticoid-dependent stress and anti-inflammatory responses. Although replication in other regulatory systems is needed, this suggests that single functional aspects of a genetic network or system can be of higher importance than others in shaping coevolution among the genes that integrate it.
The Imbalance between n-6/n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review and Future Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Scaioli Eleonora , Liverani Elisa , Belluzzi Andrea
Published: December 2017

Eating habits have changed dramatically over the years, leading to an imbalance in the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in favour of n-6 PUFAs, particularly in the Western diet. Meanwhile, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing worldwide. Recent epidemiological data indicate the potential beneficial effect of n-3 PUFAs in ulcerative colitis (UC) prevention, whereas consumption of a higher ratio of n-6 PUFAs versus n-3 PUFAs has been associated with an increased UC incidence. The long-chain dietary n-3 PUFAs are the major components of n-3 fish oil and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in several chronic inflammatory disorders, being involved in the regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses. Despite experimental evidence implying biological plausibility, clinical data are still controversial, especially in Crohn’s disease. Clinical trials of fish-oil derivatives in IBD have produced mixed results, showing beneficial effects, but failing to demonstrate a clear protective effect in preventing clinical relapse. Such data are insufficient to make a recommendation for the use of n-3 PUFAs in clinical practice. Here, we present the findings of a comprehensive literature search on the role of n-3 PUFAs in IBD development and treatment, and highlight new therapeutic perspectives.
A Looking-Glass of Non-Coding RNAs in Oral Cancer
Authors: Irimie Alexandra Iulia , Braicu Cornelia , Sonea Laura , Zimta Alina Andreea , Cojocneanu-Petric Roxana , Tonchev Konstantin , Mehterov Nikolay , Diudea Diana , Buduru Smaranda , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: December 2017

Oral cancer is a multifactorial pathology and is characterized by the lack of efficient treatment and accurate diagnostic tools. This is mainly due the late diagnosis; therefore, reliable biomarkers for the timely detection of the disease and patient stratification are required. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key elements in the physiological and pathological processes of various cancers, which is also reflected in oral cancer development and progression. A better understanding of their role could give a more thorough perspective on the future treatment options for this cancer type. This review offers a glimpse into the ncRNA involvement in oral cancer, which can help the medical community tap into the world of ncRNAs and lay the ground for more powerful diagnostic, prognostic and treatment tools for oral cancer that will ultimately help build a brighter future for these patients.
Predictive and Experimental Approaches for Elucidating Protein–Protein Interactions and Quaternary Structures
Authors: Nealon John , Philomina Limcy , McGuffin Liam
Published: December 2017

The elucidation of protein–protein interactions is vital for determining the function and action of quaternary protein structures. Here, we discuss the difficulty and importance of establishing protein quaternary structure and review in vitro and in silico methods for doing so. Determining the interacting partner proteins of predicted protein structures is very time-consuming when using in vitro methods, this can be somewhat alleviated by use of predictive methods. However, developing reliably accurate predictive tools has proved to be difficult. We review the current state of the art in predictive protein interaction software and discuss the problem of scoring and therefore ranking predictions. Current community-based predictive exercises are discussed in relation to the growth of protein interaction prediction as an area within these exercises. We suggest a fusion of experimental and predictive methods that make use of sparse experimental data to determine higher resolution predicted protein interactions as being necessary to drive forward development.
Duloxetine Protects against Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain and Spinal Neuron Hyperexcitability in Rodents
Authors: Kim Woojin , Chung Yeongu , Choi Seunghwan , Min Byung-Il , Kim Sun Kwang
Published: December 2017

Oxaliplatin is a widely used chemotherapy agent, but induces serious peripheral neuropathy. Duloxetine is a dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine, and is shown to be effective against pain. However, whether and how duloxetine can attenuate oxaliplatin-induced allodynia in rodents is not clearly understood. A single injection of oxaliplatin (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; i.p.) induced a cold and mechanical allodynia, which was assessed by acetone and von Frey filament tests, respectively. When significant allodynic signs were observed, three different doses of duloxetine (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected. Administration of 30 and 60 mg/kg of duloxetine significantly reduced the allodynia, whereas 10 mg/kg did not. By using an in vivo extracellular recording method, we further confirmed that 30 mg/kg of duloxetine could significantly inhibit the hyperexcitability of spinal wide dynamic range (WDR) cells. The anti-allodynic effect of duloxetine was completely blocked by an intrathecal injection of phentolamine (non-selective α-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 20 μg), or prazosin (α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, 10 μg); however, idazoxan (α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 μg) did not block it. In conclusion, we suggest that duloxetine may have an effective protective action against oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain and spinal hyperexcitability, which is mediated by spinal α1-adrenergic receptors.
Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Where We Are Headed
Authors: Schepisi Giuseppe , Farolfi Alberto , Conteduca Vincenza , Martignano Filippo , De Lisi Delia , Ravaglia Giorgia , Rossi Lorena , Menna Cecilia , Bellia Salvatore Roberto , Barone Domenico , Gunelli Roberta , De Giorgi Ugo
Published: December 2017

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in men worldwide, and is the fifth cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, a new generation of therapies have been approved for the management of metastatic disease. Moreover, the development of new immunotherapeutic drugs has become a novel frontier for the treatment of several tumor types; to date, numerous studies have investigated their potential activity, including in prostate cancer. In this article, we discuss the role of emerging immunotherapeutic drugs in prostate cancer patients.
Neutron Imaging of Laser Melted SS316 Test Objects with Spatially Resolved Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Brooks Adam , Knapp Gerald , Yuan Jumao , Lowery Caroline , Pan Max , Cadigan Bridget , Guo Shengmin , Hussey Daniel , Butler Leslie
Published: December 2017

A novel neutron far field interferometer is explored for sub-micron porosity detection in laser sintered stainless steel alloy 316 (SS316) test objects. The results shown are images and volumes of the first quantitative neutron dark-field tomography at various autocorrelation lengths, ξ . In this preliminary work, the beam defining slits were adjusted to an uncalibrated opening of 0.5 mm horizontal and 5 cm vertical; the images are blurred along the vertical direction. In spite of the blurred attenuation images, the dark-field images reveal structural information at the micron-scale. The topics explored include: the accessible size range of defects, potentially 338 nm to 4.5 μ m, that can be imaged with the small angle scattering images; the spatial resolution of the attenuation image; the maximum sample dimensions compatible with interferometry optics and neutron attenuation; the procedure for reduction of the raw interferogram images into attenuation, differential phase contrast, and small angle scattering (dark-field) images; and the role of neutron far field interferometry in additive manufacturing to assess sub-micron porosity.
Synthesis of a Novel Polyethoxysilsesquiazane and Thermal Conversion into Ternary Silicon Oxynitride Ceramics with Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Iwase Yoshiaki , Horie Yoji , Daiko Yusuke , Honda Sawao , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: December 2017

A novel polyethoxysilsesquiazane ([EtOSi(NH)1.5]n, EtOSZ) was synthesized by ammonolysis at −78 °C of ethoxytrichlorosilane (EtOSiCl3), which was isolated by distillation as a reaction product of SiCl4 and EtOH. Attenuated total reflection-infra red (ATR-IR), 13C-, and 29Si-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses of the ammonolysis product resulted in the detection of Si–NH–Si linkage and EtO group. The simultaneous thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry analyses of the EtOSZ under helium revealed cleavage of oxygen-carbon bond of the EtO group to evolve ethylene as a main gaseous species formed in-situ, which lead to the formation at 800 °C of quaternary amorphous Si–C–N with an extremely low carbon content (1.1 wt %) when compared to the theoretical EtOSZ (25.1 wt %). Subsequent heat treatment up to 1400 °C in N2 lead to the formation of X-ray amorphous ternary Si–O–N. Further heating to 1600 °C in N2 promoted crystallization and phase partitioning to afford Si2N2O nanocrystallites identified by the XRD and TEM analyses. The thermal stability up to 1400 °C of the amorphous state achieved for the ternary Si-O-N was further studied by chemical composition analysis, as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and 29Si-NMR spectroscopic analyses, and the results were discussed aiming to develop a novel polymeric precursor for ternary amorphous Si–O–N ceramics with an enhanced thermal stability.
Geometric Structure of the Classical Lagrange-d’Alambert Principle and Its Application to Integrable Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
Authors: Prykarpatski Anatolij , Hentosh Oksana , Prykarpatsky Yarema
Published: December 2017

The classical Lagrange-d’Alembert principle had a decisive influence on formation of modern analytical mechanics which culminated in modern Hamilton and Poisson mechanics. Being mainly interested in the geometric interpretation of this principle, we devoted our review to its deep relationships to modern Lie-algebraic aspects of the integrability theory of nonlinear heavenly type dynamical systems and its so called Lax-Sato counterpart. We have also analyzed old and recent investigations of the classical M. A. Buhl problem of describing compatible linear vector field equations, its general M.G. Pfeiffer and modern Lax-Sato type special solutions. Especially we analyzed the related Lie-algebraic structures and integrability properties of a very interesting class of nonlinear dynamical systems called the dispersionless heavenly type equations, which were initiated by Plebański and later analyzed in a series of articles. As effective tools the AKS-algebraic and related R -structure schemes are used to study the orbits of the corresponding co-adjoint actions, which are intimately related to the classical Lie-Poisson structures on them. It is demonstrated that their compatibility condition coincides with the corresponding heavenly type equations under consideration. It is also shown that all these equations originate in this way and can be represented as a Lax-Sato compatibility condition for specially constructed loop vector fields on the torus. Typical examples of such heavenly type equations, demonstrating in detail their integrability via the scheme devised herein, are presented.